A Tornado

June 5th, 2015 dsisler

 

We had some pretty crazy weather in my neck of the woods last night. Tornadoes popped up in a few locations nearby and many of my friends to my north were affected by the extreme weather.

 

DSC02389mmmmOur tornado sirens didn’t go off last night, but some folks in nearby towns spent their evenings in safe, secure locations (that means they were in their basements). Some were without power. Homes and properties were damaged or destroyed. It was a difficult evening and perhaps even more difficult to wake this morning to see the damage in the light of day.

 

I just replaced a wall hanging in my family room with this quote. “Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass; it’s about learning to dance in the rain.” (Anonymous) I’m sure there wasn’t much dancing last night, but I think we can learn a few things from this quote.

 

During the storms of this life, we must know that God is with us and He is not going to leave us alone. There is safety and security in the arms of God our Father. There is no reason to be afraid.

 

It’s difficult to move from not being afraid to dancing. It is a big step. But when we do so, we acknowledge that God is in control and that we are living within His peace.

 

When we are in the midst of our own storms of life, it’s so good to know that they will pass. Sometimes even leaving without a trace of being there. There are affects from each life-storm, but in many cases they are good. Some may be short lived. Others long lasting. Some may take years to see the outcome, while others are immediate. Regardless of the storm, things will change. Nothing will ever be the same.

 

What matters is how we handle the storm and make it to the other side.

 

In the midst of Job’s storm of life, there is a section where God speaks to Job. There are a few verses during this monologue that speak to me.

 

“Then the Lord answered Job out of the storm.” (Job 38:1 – NIV)

 

“Then the Lord spoke to Job out of the storm.” (Job 40:6 – NIV)

 

In the midst of our life’s storms, we must listen for God’s voice. He is there. He is with you.

 

And maybe when you’ve come to know God’s peace as Job did, you too can say, “I know that you can do all things; no plan of yours can be thwarted.” (Job 42:2 – NIV) Job learned to dance in the rain of his storm.

 

For any of you who are facing a storm, tornado or not, be encouraged by these words written by the Apostle Peter. “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7 – NIV) Seek God. Look to Him. Lean on Him when it gets too difficult for you. He cares for you.

 

If you are facing a storm, I’d be happy to be praying for you during this time. Drop me a line. You can be assured I’ll pray.

 

I also ask for you to be praying for my friends in Colorado who were affected by these storms last night. There is much to do today…and we’re in for another round of crazy weather this afternoon. Stay safe wherever you are and remember, God is with you.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

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Enlighten Me

June 4th, 2015 dsisler

 

Have you ever been surprised or amazed by something you saw or experienced? I know I have. Everything from crazy driving to beautiful sunrises, I think I’ve seen it all. But today hasn’t taken me outside the walls of my home yet.

 

DSC02392mI love to sit and think of what it would be like to be a follower of Jesus. Can you imagine sitting around the fire at the end of the day and reflecting upon what was seen and heard?

 

“Can you believe Jesus touched that person with leprosy? And more amazingly, did you see the leprosy disappear?” “Oh, that’s nothing! Did you hear Jesus say that we were to love our enemies? That apparently includes Samaritans!”

 

Oh the fireside chats.

 

But then, just to be sure they were watching and paying attention, Jesus walked to the cross, died for the sins of the world, and then rose from the dead, just as He said He would.

 

After the resurrection, Jesus appeared to quite a few people on different occasions. And slowly but surely, the believers believed. Jesus was alive! And He continued to amaze and surprise them.

 

On one such occasion, Jesus appeared to ten of the disciples. Finally after eating a piece of broiled fish, Jesus convinced these men that He was who He said He was and that He was truly alive.

 

Then He began speaking to them. Jesus reminded them of the words of the prophets. Of His fulfillment of their words.

 

And then Jesus did something wonderful. “He opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures.” (Luke 24:45)

 

Not only did Jesus want them to acknowledge that He was alive, but He wanted them to understand why He was alive. Their lives changed in that moment. They began to understand all that He had told them and how it was going to affect the world.

 

Oh, how important it is for us to understand Scriptures. To really understand. To study God’s Word. To know for ourselves that Jesus is alive and what a difference that makes in our lives.

 

I would urge you today, not to take my word (or any ones word for that matter) on the teachings you read on this blog. Check out my words and teachings for yourself. Do your own study of Scripture. You’ll be amazed at what God desires for you to know and understand.

 

My prayer is the Apostle Paul’s prayer and it’s been part of my blog from day one. See it to the right? “I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which He has called you, the riches of His glorious inheritance in the saints, and His incomparably great power for us who believe.” (Ephesians 1:18-19)

 

Allow the eyes of your heart to be enlightened. Allow your heart to be changed. Allow God to work in your life. Allow His great power to work through you. And don’t be surprised by the change that it makes.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

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Praise in Motion

June 3rd, 2015 dsisler

 

I did it. Last night I joined a group of ladies at our Frederick campus and praised God in a very special way. I attended my first session of Praise in Motion and it was spectacular.

 

As worship music plays in the background, a mixture of dance and martial arts are used to draw participants into a relationship with Jesus that I’ve never experienced. We danced with Jesus. We fought the devil. We put on the full armor of God. We surrendered our cares and worries to Jesus. We allowed God’s Holy Spirit to lead and guide through the evening.

 

Now I’ll admit, it was a physical workout. I can feel tender muscles this morning that I forgot I had! But what I loved about the evening was the mental, spiritual and emotional workout that accompanied the physical.

 

Remember Jesus’ words, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind.” (Luke 10:27 – NIV) Jesus called us to love Him with everything. All of us. Every inch of our bodies are to love Jesus. I believe that’s what we, what I did last night.

 

And of course if I’m going to continue to use “In him we live and move and have our being” (Acts 17:28 – NIV) as a life verse, this form of worship will fulfill the goal of drawing closer to Jesus as I move throughout my day.

 

I’m sure there are some that may question this form of worship. I get it. It’s not for everybody, but for a group of 14 ladies who gathered together last night, it was a special time of worship. For me, it was especially worshipful.

 

Will I be going back? You can count on it. Why? Well, I do need to move more. I need to do some physical activity to keep this body functioning well enough to serve God in ways He is preparing.

 

But more importantly, I will return because of the connection I made with God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit. I might even say there are some tender heart muscles that need to be worked on and transformed because of my spiritual workout last night.

 

As I’ve said, this form of worship may not be for you. But what I would ask is “What are you doing to use all of you to worship God?” “What physical activity are you incorporating into praising God?” If Jesus is asking us to love Him with all of our being, I believe we have to figure out how to love Him in every aspect of our lives, and that includes physically.

 

What do you think?

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

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A Name

June 2nd, 2015 dsisler

 

A name. It is part of what defines you. Sometimes people hear a name and say, “it fits that person.” Sometimes, not so much. When children are born, we take great lengths to find the perfect name for the child. It might be given before birth or perhaps after, but still it is not given without great deliberation.

 

A name that I haven’t given much thought to through the years is that of the evil one. But in my recent reading, I came across this line. “Satan’s name means, ‘one who casts something between two things to cause a separation.’”[i] I must say, his name fits him to a T!

 

How blessed we as believers are to know that the name of the evil one doesn’t have to have a hold on our lives. Why? Because God’s Name is more powerful and can help us to overcome anything that the evil one puts in our way.

 

Remember this verse? “The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.” (Proverbs 18:10 – NIV) The Name of the Lord is available for us to call upon. And I do love the many different Names of God that we can call upon for each situation of our lives.

 

As an encouragement to my Mom, I wrote verses of Scripture on silk flowers that she could hold and read. On one flower, I wrote some of the Names of God on its petals. As she needs encouragement, strength, courage, healing or comfort, she can call upon the Name that will help her through her day. Guess what? We can do the same thing!

 

When you are fearful, you can trust that God will protect you as the Guardian of your soul.

 

When you are discouraged, you can be encouraged that God is your Comforter.

 

When you need to see some wonder-working power, you can pray to our Wonderful God who is able to do the extraordinary.

 

When you feel you are slipping, you can be set upon a firm foundation by the Righteous Name of God.

 

When you feel that you are under attack, you can be assured that there is a Shield about you to protect you.

 

And when you feel alone, just remember that Immanuel is with you and will never leave you.

 

These are just a few Names of the Lord that are available to each of us. Let’s be determined to seek the Name that will provide what we need today. I know without these beautiful Names, I would struggle to make it through each day.

 

Have a great day and remember to take the Name of Jesus with you (does that remind you of a song? Me too! Click here if you want to listen to a version of this beautiful hymn.)

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

[i] Made to Crave Action Plan, Lysa TerKeurst, Zondervan, Grand Rapids, 2011, pg. 64.

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“Holy, Holy, Holy” – Monday Musical Musings

June 1st, 2015 dsisler

 

What a great day to worship Jesus! The sun is shining brightly on the Colorado Rocky Mountains. The birds are singing. It’s not raining. Yes, it’s a good day to join King David in praise of God and His unfailing love. Take a look at some of David’s words.

 

???????????????????????????????“Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days.” (Psalm 90:14 – NIV)

 

“Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul. Rescue me from my enemies, O Lord, for I hide myself in you. Teach me to do your will for you are my God; may your good Spirit lead me on level ground.” (Psalm 143:8-10 – NIV)

 

What beautiful reminders. Even when life is not perfect and we are facing troubles, we know Who will give us all we need and Who will rescue us from anyone or anything that wishes to do us harm.

 

Praising God, especially in the morning, will help set the tone for our day. So I’ve chosen a beautiful praise song to share with you today. “Holy, Holy, Holy” is a song that reminds us of God’s glory, majesty and splendor. If you live where God’s creation is vibrant and beautiful, you may not have difficulty with praising Him for His works.

 

But this song goes on to remind us that when we praise God, we are to do so with our entire being. Even to the point of falling our knees to worship. That’s the kind of worship I want to bring before my God and King today. What about you?

 

As you read through the lyrics and listen to the music of “Holy, Holy, Holy,” I pray that you will move a little deeper in your praise and worship. I pray that you will not only seek God in the morning, but throughout your day. Let’s make it a great day!

 

“Holy, Holy, Holy”

 

The earth is filled with your glory
We stand in awe of your majesty
Behold the splendor of the King
And join the angels as they sing

 
Holy, holy, holy
Is the lamb of God
Honor, praise and glory
Are yours, O Lord, forever

 
As we gaze at your beauty
We cannot help falling on our knees
We have come to adore our King
And join the angels as they sing[i]

 

Click here to listen to this beautiful song by Larry Hampton.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

[i] “Holy, Holy, Holy,” Words and Music by Larry Hampton, Mercy/Vineyard Publishing, 1994.

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    "I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which He has called you, the riches of His glorious inheritance in the saints, and His incomparably great power for us who believe." Ephesians 1:18-19


    I am a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. I lived in the beautiful state of Colorado for 20 years where I found great inspiration for my novels and devotional writings. Currently living in southwest Ohio.

    I am passionate about helping women find their way to Jesus through Bible study, teaching, speaking, inspirational writing and creative Bible journaling.

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    In September 2012 I went to SE Asia on a service trip. For more information, check out preachitclearly.blogspot.com.

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