Lessons from Scripture

May 26th, 2015 dsisler

 

I love God’s Word. I love to read it. I love to study it. I love to listen to it. I love to apply it. I love, love, love God’s Word.

 

???????????????????????????????I also love to share what God’s Word says with others. That is the main reason I write this daily blog. As God opens my eyes to specific passages of Scripture, my natural desire is to pass along that information with others.

 

What I can’t do is make the listener or reader do something with the life-lessons learned from Scripture.

 

I have finished one of my summer reading books, A Sudden Glory by Sharon Jaynes. Toward the end of the book, Ms. Jaynes draws her reader to really consider what their relationship with Jesus is all about. She asks tough questions. She asks her reader to ask themselves tough questions. Her goal is to move each reader just a little closer to Jesus.

 

Take a look at this excerpt from her book as she helps us to see that perhaps we may be a little more like the Pharisees than we first thought.

 

“You diligently study the Scriptures because you think that by them you possess eternal life. These are the Scriptures that testify about me, yet you refuse to come to me to have life.” (John 5:39-40 – NIV)

 

“Could Jesus be saying the same to me and to you? Have we been filling in the blanks of our well-laid-out Bible study books and neglecting to fill in the blanks of our empty hearts with Him?”[i]

 

I must admit, I have been guilty of this in the past. Busyness or thinking “I know this” or believing “It doesn’t apply to me” or when there’s been sin in my life. These are all reasons for not allowing God’s Word to penetrate my heart and transform.

 

Maybe you’ve been there too. Maybe this is where you are. Well I’m here to say that you don’t need to stay in this place. There is more to Bible study and we need to grasp hold of every little thing God wants us to learn from His Word.

 

There are lots of plans and ideas out there on how to do this. But I want to share my plan with you. It’s what I do with God’s Word to be sure I understand what is being said and more importantly, how it relates to my life and how it can change me.

 

Read

It’s that simple. I begin with reading the passage or chapter that I will be writing or teaching about. Here’s the thing. Years ago I heard of a preacher who would not teach or preach on a passage unless he had read it 50 times. I like that. Not that I get to do this, but I like the idea.

 

Listen

Especially if I’m working on a longer passage (like 1 and 2 Peter), I will listen to the passage. Over and over. I have the Bible on CD’s but you can listen to Scripture through the YouVersion app on your mobile device!

 

Study

This is when I really get to understand what the passage is talking about. I look at context. I look at who wrote the passage. I look at who the message was written for. I dig as deep as I can to understand the message that God gave.

 

Write It

There have been times when I’ve written out the passage. This step helps me to use all of my senses to bring God’s Word to life. Someday, I want to have the entire Bible written in my own handwriting.

 

Pray

This is an important step. Asking God to show me what He wants me to know and learn and do and share from this passage is vital.

 

Listen

I wait. This is another important step. I want God to be in the middle of my study time, so I wait for Him to show me something. Any little nugget from God has potential to be life-changing.

 

Apply

This is the fun and sometimes difficult step. These are the “aha” moments. These are the convicting moments. These are the “moving closer to Jesus” moments. These are the “she’s different” moments. These are the “I want to live an abundant life through Jesus” moments. And things begin to change. My heart begins to change. My actions begin to change. My words begin to change. My attitude begins to change. My thoughts begin to change. I change.

 

If you haven’t guessed it, this is a process and this process takes time. In the past, I used to rush through Bible study (maybe the day before), fill in the blanks quickly and without much thought, and there was no way God could work on my heart.

 

I’ve learned to take my time. I’ve learned to continually be in God’s Word to hear what He has to say about it. I’ve learned to keep my eyes and ears open. I’ve learned that it’s not race to “get through the Bible in a year.” I’ve learned to take this leisure stroll (well sometimes it’s a grueling hike up the mountain) with God through the blessed Words He has given to mankind.

 

My plan is my plan. Your plan must be your plan. If you want to dig a little deeper and live an abundant life with Jesus, what do you need to do? Slow down? Ask God to be part of it? Listen to what He has to say? Make a change in your life because of something you’ve read?

 

What do you need to do?

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

[i] A Sudden Glory, Sharon Jaynes, Multnomah Books, Colorado Springs, 2012, pg. 170.

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“All The Way My Savior Leads Me” – Monday Musical Musings

May 25th, 2015 dsisler

 

I have been on some wonderful journeys. There has been the journey of motherhood. Oh how blessed I am by these children who call me “Mom” and grandchildren who call me “Baba.” I wouldn’t have missed this journey for anything!

 

IMAG1492My journey to Colorado has been pretty amazing. My journey to SE Asia was more than I could have imagined. My journey with friends and family have also brought great joy to my life.

 

And then there is my spiritual journey. It’s been one filled with spiritual highs and lows. But through every step of this journey, Jesus has been right by my side. He has been encouraging me. He has been correcting me. He has been blessing me.

 

There’s one more journey Jesus has been with me as I’ve trekked. It’s my “work” journey. Doors have opened or closed depending upon what Jesus knew I needed at each point in my life. It has been amazing.

 

Well, He’s done it again. I believe it’s pretty special that I work for Rocky Mountain Christian Church. Even more special that my job has been focused on assisting the lead pastor of this church. But another door opened and I walked through that door.

 

Starting next Monday, I will begin the next phase of my journey. I will be ministering to the women of Rocky at the Niwot campus. I will continue to care for and help Shan, but I will also be able to use the skills and passion God has given to join women on their spiritual journey as well.

 

If you know me at all, you know I already do this. I spend many hours a week studying God’s Word to share with women. I spend time throughout my day thinking and praying for specific women who are on my heart. I love being with women and helping them see what God has in store for their lives. So really, not much will change.

 

The song I decided upon today is an older hymn that has been updated. “All the Way My Savior Leads Me” reminds us that Jesus has been with us through all the journeys of this life. When we stop to recognize His presence, we are able to take the next step of the journey with confidence.

 

I pray that you are able to take the next step in your journey with the confidence that Jesus is by your side. Jesus is leading, cheering, giving and feeding all along the way. Don’t miss this part of the journey. It is crucial!

 

So have a listen. Enjoy the tune. Embrace the meaning. Feel Jesus’ presence. But above all, allow Jesus to lead and guide you on this journey we call life.

 

“All the Way My Savior Leads Me”

 

All the way my Savior leads me
Who have I to ask beside
How could I doubt His tender mercy
Who through life has been my guide

 

All the way my Savior leads me
Cheers each winding path I tread
Gives me grace for every trial
Feeds me with the living Bread

 

You lead me and keep me from falling
You carry me close to Your heart
And surely Your goodness and mercy will follow me

 

All the way my Savior leads me
O, the fullness of His love
O, the sureness of His promise
In the triumph of His blood

 

And when my spirit clothed immortal
Wings its flight to realms of day
This my song through endless ages
Jesus led me all the way
Jesus led me all the way

 

All the way my Savior leads me
All the way my Savior leads me[i]

 

Chris Tomlin will sing this beautiful song for you by clicking here.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

[i] “All the Way My Savior Leads Me,” Traditional Hymn, Arrangement and Additional Lyrics by Chris Tomlin and Matt Redman, Worshiptogether.com Songs, Sixsteps Music, 2008.

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From the Mountains

May 24th, 2015 dsisler

 

DSCN0583The rain has stopped…for today. The sunshine has returned…for today. The skies are beautiful blue…for today. But I’m determined not to think of the next day of rain that is in our forecast. I will choose to be blessed by the beauty of today.

 

As I look out my office window this morning, the mountains are visible for the first time in a week. They are covered with pure white snow. They are breathtaking this morning.

 

I’m reminded of the words of the prophet Micah. I wonder if the mountain of the Lord had become clear and visible when he wrote these words. “Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob. He will teach us his ways, so that we may walk in his paths. The law will go out from Zion, the word of the Lord from Jerusalem.” (Micah 4:2 – NIV)

 

DSCN0582Today is the Lord ’s Day and I live far from the mountain of the Lord. But I am blessed to be able to worship God in His house today. I pray that you will be blessed by this as well.

 

Today’s repeat blog post is long…for that I’m sorry. But in it you’ll find some good reminders of what God calls us to. See you tomorrow!

 

Make Every Effort

 

There are a few things in my life that take great effort on my part to complete or follow through with. For instance, math is not my thing and it takes me a while to figure out a math problem. Okay, I’ll be honest; it takes me a long time to work out a math problem. My brain is not set up that way.

 

It takes a lot of effort for me to memorize anything. Whether it’s a phone number, a name, or a verse of Scripture, it will take great concentration and continuous repetition before I get it…then it really is a question of how long that piece of information will remain in my brain. So the real question is, “Did I memorize it?”

 

I have plantar fasciitis in both feet and it takes great effort each morning just to walk. Until those tendons loosen, I am in pain and must walk slowly and carefully. This effort also requires a lot of patience!

 

These are just a few pieces of my physical life that take effort. There are some spiritual efforts that I am required to work at as well.

 

Actually the verses we will be seeing today say to “make every effort.” Do more than just try. Don’t stop working at it. Do everything in your power, then allow God’s Spirit to jump in to help. Make every effort.

 

Let’s see what they are.

 

Jesus begins our teaching today. In Luke 13, Jesus was traveling to Jerusalem, but made stops along the way in the local towns and villages. At one point, He was asked, “Lord, are only a few going to be saved?” (Luke 13:23 – NIV)

 

Jesus said to them, “Make every effort to enter through the narrow door, because many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able to.” (Luke 13:24 – NIV) The narrow door isn’t the easy door, but those who do enter, will be greatly rewarded. Make every effort to get through that narrow door!

 

Paul encourages the Roman church with these words. “Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.” (Romans 14:19 – NIV) Yes, these are difficult, but we are called to peace and edification.

 

Synonyms for edification are improvement, education, enlightenment, instruction, teaching, or learning. Are you studying God’s Word so that you are able to mutual edify someone else? This verse tells us that we are to make every effort to join in on this process. Make every effort!

 

In Ephesians 4:3 (NIV), Paul speaks of unity. “Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” Unity seems so difficult with so many personalities and occupations and cultures and just about anything that make a person who they are. But we are to keep the unity.

 

The good news? We have a Helper. The Holy Spirit. With the guidance and leadership of the Holy Spirit, this effort becomes effortless. We are able to accomplish this task because of who is within us. Make every effort.

 

“Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will fall by following their example of disobedience.” (Hebrews 4:11 – NIV) “That rest” is our salvation. Not that we gain salvation by our works, but that our faith walk should be what others to see.

 

When we allow our disobedience to overtake our spiritual lives, we are not making every effort to reach our goal. And the worst part is that we can cause others to follow along the disobedience path. Therefore, we must make every effort to enter that rest…and take as many with us as we can.

 

Another passage in Hebrews says, “Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.” (Hebrews 12:14 – NIV) Again, live in peace, but we are also called to be holy. We are to make every effort to be holy.

 

What does it mean to be holy? To consecrate, sanctify, dedicate, to be set apart. Another definition says, “to purify internally by renewing of the soul.”[i] We become holy because we have God’s presence within us. But there must be effort on our part. We must make every effort to purify ourselves of sin. God will finish what we start.

 

The last two passages are from 2 Peter. I’ve mentioned the first one recently, so let’s be reminded of Peter’s words. “For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love.” (2 Peter 1:5-7 – NIV)

 

And then there is 2 Peter 3:14 (NIV). “So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this [a new heaven and a new earth], make every effort to be found spotless, blameless, and at peace with him.” I believe we must put all of these verses into practice to find ourselves in this place. Spotless. Blameless. At peace with God. Make every effort. It is worth it.

 

Three little words, but so much work! Make every effort. Where do you feel you’re lacking effort? In what area have you become lazy? Why not make every effort today in all that you do?

 

God’s Spirit is there to help you. He will give you the strength when you are ready to give up. He will encourage you when you’re failing. He will lead you in the direction you need to go. Don’t overlook this powerful Assistant. He can make it seem effortless!

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

 

[i] Strong, Exhaustive Concordance, G37.

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My Dilemma

May 23rd, 2015 dsisler

 

I am on the search for a new hairstylist. Not such an easy task. I’m going to confess a few things here. I’m a silver-haired woman. Yes, if I didn’t put Miss Clairol to work, I would have a full head of gray. The problem is, I’m tired of coloring my hair. My husband isn’t ready for me to stop. So I’ve been trying to find a compromise.

 

Daytona Beach 021mSo far, the outcome hasn’t been what I’ve hoped for.

 

I met a lovely woman named Cindy yesterday. She offered many options for my hair color dilemma. By the time she finished, I was confused, weary and afraid to attempt anything outside the box. So I got a haircut. I knew I needed that.

 

As we conversed through the cut, we found a common bond. Jesus. She was in love Him as much as I was! By the time my hair was dry and styled, Cindy and I had discussed a wide variety of topics including her desire to go on a mission trip.

 

These were my final words to my new friend. “Allow God to help you find the right trip for you and then see what He has in store. He’s already there preparing the way for you. If God is calling you to it, He will make a way for it to happen.”

 

I shared these words with her at the register. There were three other ladies standing around and heard them as well. I don’t know what they thought God, but I knew where Cindy was. At a crossroad with God and her future.

 

Cindy and I parted ways with a hug.

 

Maybe you are at a crossroad with God right now. Waiting and watching to see what God has in store for you. If so, I would encourage you with the same words I encouraged Cindy with. “God is already there preparing the way for you. If God is calling you to it, He will make a way for it to happen.”

 

Don’t believe me? Maybe you’ll believe God. He’s been doing this for a long time.

 

“The Lord your God, who is going before you, will fight for you, as he did for you in Egypt, before your very eyes, and in the desert.” (Deuteronomy 1:30-31a – NIV)

 

“The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” (Deuteronomy 31:8 – NIV)

 

“As soon as you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the balsam trees, move quickly, because that will mean the Lord has gone out in front of you to strike the Philistine army.” (2 Samuel 5:24 – NIV)

 

“I will go before you and will level the mountains; I will break down the gates of bronze and cut through bars of iron.” (Isaiah 45:2 – NIV)

 

And if going before you isn’t enough, just remember, God has your back as well.

 

“But you will not leave in haste or go in flight; for the Lord will go before you, the God of Israel will be your rear guard.” (Isaiah 52:12 – NIV)

 

Regardless of the decision you are facing, let God be part of it. Allow Him to lead you. Trust that He is already there waiting for you to show up.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

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The Unnamed Brothers

May 22nd, 2015 dsisler

 

Recently I started reading through the Epistles. These letters of encouragement to the early Church are filled with beautiful words of wisdom. What’s more, these words are more than relevant for our world today.

 

???????????????????????????????In 2 Corinthians, a few verses caught my attention. 2 Corinthians 8:18-19 (NIV). “And we are sending along with him the brother who is praised by all the churches for his service to the gospel. What is more, he was chosen by the churches to accompany us as we carry the offering, which we administer in order to honor the Lord himself and to show our eagerness to help.”

 

Paul never mentions this servant of Christ by name. Apparently there was no need. This person was known among the churches for what he was doing and therefore needed no mention.

 

And then if that were not enough, Paul goes on to continue discussion of the traveling troupe. “In addition, we are sending with them (Titus and the unnamed servant of Christ above) our brother who has often proved to us in many ways that he is zealous, and now even more so because of his great confidence in you.” (2 Corinthians 8:22 – NIV)

 

A zealous brother in Christ would be stopping by as well. But again, this no-named servant was given great praise, but not specifically called by name.

 

These two men were well known. Perhaps these little clues were all that the Corinthian believers needed to know.

 

However, do you suppose there was discussion among the Corinthian church as to whom these brothers might be? Surely there were more than just two who fit these descriptions.

 

The obvious might be Barnabas. He was known for his encouragement of others. He was a partner with the apostle Paul. He was also known for his travel. Maybe it was Barnabas.

 

Or maybe it was Paul’s friend and companion Luke. Luke traveled with Paul to gather information for the Book of Acts. Luke was present for many miraculous acts and numerous messages shared by Paul. Imagine the stories that could have been told by Luke (oh wait, we have a 28-chapter book with much of this information).

 

We know it wasn’t Titus, he is mentioned in this passage.

 

If we look back to Acts 20:4 (NIV), we read of a group who were traveling with Paul to take the offering gathered from the churches to Judea. I would say two of these men are our unnamed brothers mentioned in 1 Corinthians 8.

 

“He (Paul) was accompanied by Sopater son of Pyrrhus from Berea, Aristarchus and Secundus from Thessalonica, Gaius from Derbe, Timothy also, and Tychius and Trophimus from the province of Asia.”

 

These are virtually unknown men to us, but apparently they were great leaders of the early church. These were the men who made things happen in the first century. They loved Jesus. They served Him faithfully. They were generous. They were men of integrity. They were willing to go into harm’s way. They were leaders.

 

And these men were also humble. Humble enough that their names were not mentioned in the Corinthian letter.

 

What are you known for? When others speak of you, do they need to mention your name or would they know you by your characteristics? Are you a person on integrity? Do you serve faithfully? Are you a generous giver? Are you humble?

 

I would love for my name to be missing from my tombstone and these words written instead. “She was praised by all the churches for her service to the gospel.” And when these words were read that they would know exactly who was buried there.

 

I believe this could only be achieved by offering my entire life to God for His use. Giving unselfishly of myself for the Kingdom’s cause. Allowing God to work through me to do His will. Then maybe, it might be possible.

 

Perhaps we will never know who these saints were until we meet them face to face in heaven. These are just two more I’ll have to add to my list to visit with in eternity. I cannot wait!

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

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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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