What’s a devil to do?

Their God calls them
To be a light on a hill, shinning in the darkness

Their Savior desires that all will know
They are Christians by their love

What’s a devil to do
To get the focus off of Christ?

Let’s use their natural sinful tendencies
Put the focus on themselves

Unforgiveness, you sow seeds of hurt
Bitterness, you come alongside and nurse a grudge

Before long anger and resentment
Will be able to slip in unnoticed

Gossip, your assignment is to loosen tongues
May the sparks of slander spread to all who have an ear to hear

Cause them to forget that their Savior died
And has forgiven the very one they won’t forgive

Their prayers will be rendered ineffective
When they are distracted by their feelings, instead of focused on God

My fellow demons, may the saint’s love for God
And for the brethren be rendered impotent

Sow the seeds of discord
That we may soon reap the fruit of division


by Susan Wachtel
November 19, 2011


For I am afraid that when I come I may not find you as I want you to be, and you may not find me as you want me to be.  I fear that there may be discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, slander, gossip, arrogance and disorder. – 1 Corinthians 12:20

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.  Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.  And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. – Colossians 3:12-14

At the Foot of the Cross

 

It’s time to come
Lay your burdens down
At the foot of the cross

Repent
Receive forgiveness for your sins
At the foot of the cross

Be cleansed
By the precious blood of the Lamb
At the foot of the cross

Old man sin has gone
You’ve become a new creation in Christ
At the foot of the cross

Without Christ you can do nothing
With God all things are possible
At the foot of the cross


by Susan Bunts Wachtel
November 12, 2011

Michael…this is my prayer for you.

18 Inches

He says he believes

Jesus Christ is Lord

Son of God, Son of man

Yet that belief hasn’t traveled

Or made its way

18 inches into his heart

There is no desire to know God more

No hunger read His word

Or commune with God through prayer

Obedience is lacking

Holiness is not increasing

The Holy Spirit doesn’t reside within

He continues on in his sin, just like before

No conscience to bother him

Or bring about repentance

He says believes Christ is Lord

His belief hasn’t yet traveled

18 inches into his heart

Susan Bunts Wachtel

October 12, 2011

But someone will say, “You have faith, and I have works.” Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works.  You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe—and tremble!   But do you want to know, O foolish man, that faith without works is dead? – James 2:18-20

The Gospel

The Plan of the Gospel
The Grace of the Gospel
The Gift of the Gospel

The Faith of the Gospel
The Way of the Gospel
The Truth of the Gospel

The Repentance of the Gospel
The Wrath of the Gospel
The Payment of the Gospel

The Death of the Gospel
The Resurrection of the Gospel
The Satisfaction of the Gospel

The Peace of the Gospel
The Life of the Gospel
The Savior of the Gospel


by Susan Bunts Wachtel
October 1, 2011   

The Word of God

The Word of God
Creator of all things

The True Light
Rejected by His own

Receives children, born by the will of God
Those who receive and believe

The glorious Son of God
Christ Jesus full of grace and truth

by Susan Bunts Wachtel
September 18, 2011

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.  He was in the beginning with God.  All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made.  In Him was life, and the life was the light of men.  And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it. – John 1:1-5

Little Do They Know

My family laid my body to rest today
Little do they know
My soul will never find rest

I spent months fighting this wretched disease
On my death bed
Suffering day and night

They couldn’t take it any longer
Eventually they prayed
That I would suffer no more

They whispered in my ear
It’s okay, you can let go now
You are going to a better place

Little did they know
Where I would spend eternity
Now my soul will never find rest

I was never too religious
Thought that Jesus’ claim as being the only way to salvation
Absurd and narrow minded

Surely all roads lead to heaven, don’t they?
I was a good person, not perfect, but good in comparison to others
Don’t all my good works count for something?

Well, I was wrong, dead wrong
Not that it makes any difference
But I’m a believer now

If only I could send someone to warn them
Repent!  Receive Christ for the forgiveness of your sins
Lest you suffer the same fate as me

Susan Bunts Wachtel
July 18, 2011

I had started this poem on July 16, 2010, but finished it a year later.

How many times have you heard people say when a loved one has died, “Well at least they are not suffering anymore.”  While those words are meant to bring comfort, as Christians we know the truth that when an unbeliever dies their suffering has just begun and will last for eternity. 

May we be unapologetic and bold in sharing the Gospel message so that our family, friends, co-workers and even strangers may have the assurance that their sins have been forgiven and that they will be in heaven for eternity, not suffering in hell.

Gifted Hands

Called
Gifted
Hands used by God
An instrument of His healing

Equipped
Learned
A faithful steward
Of talents and abilities entrusted by Lord

Wisdom
Experience
Hands that bring healing
Skillfully guided by the Great Physician

by Susan Bunts Wachtel
June 4, 2011

This poem is dedicated to Dr. Tina Lin who will be performing my back surgery this morning and to Jesus Christ my Great Physician and Healer. 

Thank you to the many people who have been praying.  The Lord has been so merciful and good in answer your prayers.  I have the peace of God that passes all understanding.

Words of a Gossip

Words of a gossip
Go down with ease
Taste sweet to the hearer delighted to partake

Pride
Arrogance
Judgment abounds

Two or three gathered together
Words said in a whisper
Lest anyone else should overhear

Ugly heart
Ill intentions
Calculated and designed to raise themselves up

Beware to the one who listens
Soon you will be the topic of conversation
Your name will be bandied about in a whisper

Instead step away
Shut your mouth
Lock your ears

Know there is One who overhears it all
He knows the thoughts and intentions
Of our sinful, wicked hearts


By Susan Bunts Wachtel
June 3, 2010


Oh how I hate gossip and know its destructive force.  If find it amazing that people are so easily lured in to the conversation of a gossip.  Do they really think that the person with whom they are conversing won’t do the same thing to them at an opportune time?  If someone was gossiping about a loved one…how would they feel?  Angry, upset over the injustice and judgmental attitude from the ignorant, wicked heart?  There is nothing good about gossip! 

12 Who is the man who desires life,
         And loves many days, that he may see good?
 13 Keep your tongue from evil,
         And your lips from speaking deceit.
 14 Depart from evil and do good;
         Seek peace and pursue it.
Psalm 34: 12-14

  16 These six things the LORD hates,
      Yes, seven are an abomination to Him:
       17 A proud look,
      A lying tongue,
      Hands that shed innocent blood,
       18 A heart that devises wicked plans,
      Feet that are swift in running to evil,
       19 A false witness who speaks lies,
      And one who sows discord among brethren.
Proverbs 6:16-19

And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity. The tongue is so set among our members that it defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire by hell. For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and creature of the sea, is tamed and has been tamed by mankind. But no man can tame the tongue. It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless our God and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the similitude of God. – James 3:6-9

The Bible

Perfect
Complete
Infallible

Truth
Trustworthy
The Standard

Authoritative
Sufficient
Effect

God breathed
Inspired
Word of God

Susan Bunts Wachtel
May 28, 2011

Our Sinful Heart

Our sinful heart

Willful unbending spirit

We refuse the offer of forgiveness

Found in Christ Jesus alone

Instead we worship gods of our own making

Drink water made from our own wells

We would rather thirst again

Then receive the living water from the Savior

Susan Bunts Wachtel

May 7, 2011

Justice Not Mercy

There are crimes so horrific
My heart cries out for justice, not mercy

There are people so evil
The fires of hell don’t seem hot enough

There are hearts are so hardened and calloused
Eternity in hell doesn’t seem long enough

If Abel’s blood cried out to God
How much more so the blood of innocent babies slaughtered in the womb

Lord, I plead for justice
Both here and now and for eternity


By Susan Bunts Wachtel
February 12, 2011


The LORD said, “What have you done? Listen! Your brother’s blood cries out to me from the ground. – Genesis 4:10

After listening to Focus on the Family’s broadcast on 2/11/11, “The Value of Standing for Life”, I wanted to read the grand jury indictment for myself.  Focus shared facts from the case in Pennsylvania in which an abortion doctor had been charged with murder.  Babies from late term pregnancies were aborted, yet born alive, and they were then killed by severing their spinal cord. 

Shows like “The Value of Standing for Life” are difficult to hear.  Reading the grand jury transcript was graphic and horrific.  My mind could not begin to grasp how one doctor and his associates could commit such evil acts at a Pennsylvania abortion clinic over a period of many years.

Our liberal society twists the taking of an innocent human life and calls it “a choice”.

That’s why I was amazed to read that this doctor had actually been charged with multiple counts of murder of aborted babies who were killed outside the womb.

I am so grateful for the grand jury and their dedication to wading through the facts of this case and having wherewithal to bring criminal charges against the doctor and his associates.  I’m grateful that law enforcement and the legal system were able to shut down this abortion clinic. 

I pray that police and the legal system will be able to shut down more clinics.  I pray that this doctor and his staff will be judged by a jury of their peers and if found guilty be sentenced as severely as the law allows.

I know as a Christian I should be concerned for this man’s soul and pray for his salvation.  After reading about the crimes he committed, the best I can do is committing him to the Lord’s will. God alone is holy, righteous and just.  He alone can bring true justice both here and now and in eternity.

While I’m grateful for law enforcement and the court system in our nation, the true victory in abortion will only come by changing the hearts and mind of men and women through salvation in Christ Jesus. 

Chris’ Prayer

Oh Lord, You have burdened my heart for the lost
My heart breaks at the thought
Of their eternal separation from Your presence

Sin has a tight and powerful grip
Apart from you gracious work of salvation in us
Our eternal destination is sealed

I pray for stony hearts to be turned to flesh
For You to open their eyes so they will see their own sin
Cause them to cry out to You in repentance

A love so great that it moved You
To send Your own Son to die in our stead
A love so powerful sin loses its grip and we are set free


By Susan Bunts Wachtel
February 6, 2011

Dedicated to those who continue to pray for the lost, family, friends, associates, our nation’s leaders and even our enemies. 

Lavish Thanksgiving

O Lord
For abundant blessings
I give You thanks and praise

For the comfort of Your Presence
The gift of Your Son
Your Holy Spirit within

For the Bible where truth resides
The gifts of prayer and praise
Freedom to worship with Your saints

For the gift of salvation
Amazing grace which You lavished on me
Through Jesus Christ my Lord

Susan Bunts Wachtel
November 19, 2010

I am grateful for so many things this Thanksgiving Day 2010.  First and foremost I am thankful for my God and Savior Jesus Christ, the gift of salvation and God’s grace lavished on me through His marvelous incomprehensible plan.  I’m grateful that God has sealed me with the Holy Spirit of promise. 

I am grateful to live in a country where I am able to exercise my freedom to read the Bible, worship with the saints, share the Gospel message and pray.

I’m thankful to God for His provisions to my husband Chris and me…for family and friends, good health, a home, jobs, our beloved pets and so much more. 

This year it seems more imperative that I give thanks to God for His abundant blessings.  I’m mindful that it’s not because I deserve anything.  Rather than focusing on the gifts, may I focus on the Giver.  While everything else may fade away or be taken…my relationship with my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ can never be taken.  I am firmly held in the grasp of His hand. 

What about you?  What are you giving thanks for this Thanksgiving Day and to Whom?

Happy Thanksgiving!

Cutting Pain

Each day she put on the mask of a smile
To hide the pain she bears

But if you look deeper
Her dark eyes reflect a bruised soul

Her pain is well disguised
Hope has all but disappeared

As she picks up the razor blade she reasons
Perhaps an outward cut will relieve the inner pain

Somehow a visible scar generates more compassion
Than the emotional wounds within

With each cut her inward pain is given a voice
If only someone will listen to her cry

Susan Bunts Wachtel
November 17, 2010

Dedicated to those who are hurting, whose cries for help have gone unheeded. 

He heals the brokenhearted
And binds up their wounds.

Psalm 147:3

Slave

I am a slave of Christ
Once on the slave market of sin

I was ransomed
By my Master’s own blood

Formerly held captive by sin
I’ve been set free to obedience

Chosen and purchased by the Master
I am not my own

He is the Sovereign Lord
My will conformed to His

I am a slave of Christ
Doulos now considered His friend


By Susan Bunts Wachtel
November 6, 2010

One

Though near or far
Present or absent
We are one
Knitted together in the body of Christ
 
United in our worship of God
Hungering to know Him through His word
Desirous to love Him more
Eager to obey Him quickly and completely
 
Susan Bunts Wachtel
October 7, 2010

Gossip

The words of a gossip should never be trusted
Today they are tearing someone else down
Tomorrow in front of a different audience
You will be the topic of conversation
 
Words spoken in a whisper
Are seldom shared face to face
The person held in judgment
Is never there to offer a defense
 
In the heart of the one listening
There is a nudge
A twinge of their conscience
The knowledge that gossiping is wrong
 
However any objection
Or the courage to speak up is stilled
As the listening audience
Is invited to join in the sin
 

By Susan Bunts Wachtel
September 16, 2010

Dead Man Walking

He speaks of living according to his own free will
Yet he is walking in conformity to this world

Controlled by sin, deceived by satan
A son of disobedience

He lives according to the lust of his flesh
Follows every sinful desire of his wicked heart

This child of wrath
Is dead in his trespasses and sin

Thought he thinks he’s alive
He’s a dead man walking


by Susan Bunts Wachtel
September 23, 2010

And you were dead in your trespasses and sins, in which you formerly walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, of the spirit that is now working in the sons of disobedience. Among them we too all formerly lived in the lusts of our flesh, indulging the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, even as the rest.  – Ephesians 2:1-3

Follow Me

It’s not always an easy choice
When I hear God’s command
“Follow Me”
 
Further instructions are given only after I obey
No itinerary is laid out except the next step
“Follow Me”
 
The past bids me to stay
Attachments cause me to waver when I hear
“Follow Me”
 
Will I trust the One who calls
Or will I put others before God’s bid
“Follow Me”
 
Obedience is the key
Walking in His will the reward when He calls
“Follow Me”
 
 
By Susan Bunts Wachtel
September 20, 2010
 
Dedicated to those who have heard God’s call to “Follow Me”. 
 

Thy Word

Thy Word
Brings peace to my restless heart
Comfort to my hurting soul
Joy in the midst of sorrow
Lifts my head when I am downcast
Fosters courage when I am fearful
Strengthens me when I am weak
Instills confidence when I feel uncertain
Dispenses mercy when I deserve judgment
Gives grace to help me endure
Builds my faith when I am tempted to doubt
Brought life when I was dead in my sins
Is truth in a world filled with lies
 

by Susan Bunts Wachtel
September 2, 2010

Watered Down Gospel

It’s a watered down gospel
Fit for the consumer

Methodology replaces theology
Polls determine what message is preached

Truth is couched in entertainment
To make it more palatable

The offense of the cross
Has strategically been removed

No mention of sin
Nor the need for repentance

Biblical faith is abandoned
In exchange for having ears tickled

Emotions are stirred
But lives are not transformed

Large numbers the reflection of God’s blessing
Popularity the measure of success

Focused on the breadth of ministry
They have forsaken the depth

by Susan Bunts Wachtel
August 26, 2010   

Of No Consequence

Irrelevant
Inconsequential
Of no eternal value

Distraction
Dissipation
Entertained by nothing that matters

Insignificant
Trivial
Time wasted on the unimportant

Squandered
Misused
On that which is of no consequence
 
Susan Bunts Wachtel
August 25, 2010

It’s so easy to waste time and pay attention on that which holds no value.  How important it is for us to be mindful that one day we will give an account for every thought, word and deed.  Am I approaching each day with eternal vision…or walking by sight focused only on today?

Rise Up?

Will God’s chosen people
Once again rise up and stand strong
Defend themselves against their foe

Will they blow out the match
Which is poised and ready to light the fuse
On a weapon certain to bring great destruction

Will they turn a deaf ear
To criticism from a nation
Once considered a friend

Will they believe their enemy
Take them at their word
That if they have their way…Israel is doomed

A mad man does as he pleases
And the world just stands by and watches
What will it take for them to rise up and stand

Susan Bunts Wachtel
August 18, 2010

"I will make you into a great nation
and I will bless you;
I will make your name great,
and you will be a blessing.

I will bless those who bless you,
and whoever curses you I will curse;
and all peoples on earth
will be blessed through you."

Genesis 12:2-4
 

Under the Radar

Disobedience here
O rebellious and fallen one
 
I have a deliciously bad report
About the saints who are the apple of our Enemy’s eye
 
While they will never join us in hell
We are able to render them powerless to an unbelieving world
 
They stand in their pews and sing loudly
About the wonder working power of the blood of the Lamb
 
They pray that God will forgive their trespasses
As they forgive those who trespass against them
 
All the while they hold on to unforgiveness in their heart
I especially relish their unforgiveness towards another saint
 
They read their scriptures
Assured that God remembers their sins no more
 
Yet they have a tally sheet of the sins committed against them
Their memories are like a steal trap
 
Their Father in heaven has put their sins
As far as the east is from the west
 
But they hold offenses close to their heart
Ponder them daily to justify their disobedience
 
My favorite is the saint who thinks they have forgiven
Yet refuses to fellowship with one whom they will spend eternity with
 
God tells His saints
That the world will know they are Christians by their love
 
God reminds them if they love Him
They will obey His commandments
 
Yet somehow the sin of unforgiveness
Slips under the radar
 
The command to forgive
Is easily pushed aside as they nurse an old wound
 
As such…unforgiveness is a marvelous tool
To render the saints witness ineffective
 
Well I’m off now…back to work
As I seek to steal their joy and peace
 
 
Susan Bunts Wachtel
August 11, 2010