Susan's Blog

Monday, January 14, 2013

Mosaic Monday - A Day In November

Photos...For His Glory

Linking up with Mosaic Monday at Little Red House.

Saturday, January 12, 2013

1,000 Gifts - January 12, 2013

January 12, 2013

19. I’m thankful for the good health and strength to be able to clean and take care of our home.

20. I’m thankful to be able to listen to some great Bible study teachers, download their messages to my I-pod so I can listen while I’m cleaning, cooking or working. The ability to download and immediately listen is something that I couldn’t have even imagined when I was young.

21. I’m grateful for solid Bible teachers who are diligent to study so they can preach and teach the Word of God accurately. They don’t apologize for the truth in God’s Word that sometimes stings. Their aim is not to please man but knowing they will give an account to God for how they handled His Word and shepherded His people.

Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus

Active and Alive - Psalm 44:4-5

You are my King, O God

Command victories for Jacob.

Through You we will push down our enemies;

Through Your name we will trample those who rise up against us.

Psalm 44:4-5

During the last year, in my devotional time, I've started to write out scripture in my own words. I started with the book of Psalms. There are days that the scripture jumps off the page and I jot down the verses so I can go back to them. In the coming days, I want to share those verses. May the Lord strengthen and encourage your heart too.

Five Minute Friday – Dive In

May I dive into Your Word daily

Find refreshment in Your life giving Word

May I dive deep and study for a life time

Yet I will never come to the end

May I swim far and wide

Beyond my inability to see

May my soul be strengthened

My heart sustained for this arduous journey

by Susan Wachtel

January 12, 2013

Weary from the week that was, I didn’t take the time to write last night. Though I’m a day late, I did not want to miss an opportunity to participate in Lisa-Jo Baker’s Five Minute Friday writingchallenge. Head over to her website “LisaJo Baker Tales from a Gypsy Mama”. Be sure to read some of the entries from other writers. I can promise you that you will be blessed.

Thursday, January 10, 2013

One Word for 2013: Worship

Worship

I'm not one who likes to make New Year's Resolutions. But my ears perked up when I read and heard people talking about focusing on word for the year. I read about it on some one's blog and then at Bible study our teacher read a devotional from someone who did the same thing.

Our Bible study teacher, Patty Bivens said that for years she has asked the Lord what He would have her to focus on for the new year.

When I first heard it, I thought perhaps "Grace" or "Blessing" would be what the Lord would have me to focus on.

But on Tuesday night, it was if God shouted it to me, I need to focus on "Worship".

Oh come, let us worship and bow down;
Let us kneel before the Lord our Maker.

For He is our God,
And we are the people of His pasture,
And the sheep of His hand.

Psalm 95:6-7

Wednesday, January 09, 2013

1,000 Gifts - January 9, 2013

January 9, 2013

18. Reading God’s Word breathes life into my weary soul. Reading it, speaking it, praying it is what I need. It brings me hope when I feel hopeless. It shines light into my life when I feel surrounded by darkness. It brings comfort when I feel forsaken. It lifts my head so that I might gaze the Lord’s glory. It put my focus on the Lord and helps me get it off my circumstances or myself. Thank You Lord for your life giving Word!

Sunday, January 06, 2013

Les Miserables – Victor Hugo’s Classic Novel Comes to Life in Focus on the Family Radio Theatre

It was my privilege to listen to Focus on the Family’s Radio Theatre’s production of Victor Hugo’s novel Les Miserables. It’s a beautiful story of redemption when Jean Valjean’s life is changed by the grace and mercy demonstrated to him by the Bishop of Digne. His life is contrasted by the harsh man of law, Inspector Javert who doesn’t believe that criminals can change and pursues Valjean for years to bring him to justice. The memorable characters have been brought to life by some of Brittan’s finest actors. The musical score adds to the drama and suspense.

For those people who have read and love the novel, please be aware that story has been trimmed down in this adaptation for radio drama. But it is a worthy production and well worth listening to. This would be an excellent way to introduce children to classic literature and give them a desire to read the book. Focus on the Family knows how to do radio theatre.

Tyndale House Publishers provided me with a free copy of this audio drama. I was under no obligation to give a favorable review.

My Colors Will Be Clear

I am a part of the fellowship of the unashamed. I have Holy Spirit power. The die has been cast. I have stepped over the line. The decision has been made. I'm a disciple of His. I won't look back, let up, slow down, back away, or be still.

My past is redeemed, my present makes sense, my future is secure. I'm finished and done with low living, sight seeing, smooth knees, color-less dreams, tamed visions, mundane talking, "chinchy" giving and dwarfed goals.

I no longer need position, promotions, or popularity. I don't have to be right, first, tops, recognized, praised, regarded or rewarded. I now live by presence, learn by faith, walk by patience, lift by prayer, and labor by power.

My face is set, my gait is fast, my destination is heaven, my road is narrow, my way is rough, my companions few. My Guide reliable, my mission clear. I cannot be bought, compromised, detoured, lured away, turned back, deluded or delayed. I will not flinch in the face of sacrifice, hesitate in the presence of adversity, negotiate at the table of the enemy, ponder at the pool of popularity.

I won't give up, shut up, let up, until I have stayed up, stored up, prayed up, paid up, and preached up for the cause of the One that gave me life, drew the line in blood for me in the hour of my destiny.

I am one of Christ's remnant people. I belong to Him and none other. All I do to bring this life to another is done because of that blood covenant poured out for me.

I must go till He comes, give till I drop, preach till all know, and work till He stops me. I must share will all that one more might hear and be drawn from the flaming darkness that longs to consume. Reach for another, touch but one more!

Until that moment...He will have no problem in recognizing me- my colors will be clear!!!

Not only are the words inspiring but so is the man behind them. The above letter was written by a Pastor in Africa who was undergoing severe persecution. On the eve of his execution he sat down and wrote the above note.