Gone Again – Vegas Respite Day 2

May 6th, 2015 dsisler

 

Yes, I’m in Las Vegas. I can’t wait to share all of my experiences with you, but until I return to my beautiful state of Colorado, I will be sharing some older blog posts with you. And since the conference I’m attending is work-related, the blog repeats are also work-related.

 

SE AsiaI pray that you see God’s glory today!

 

A Job Interview

 

I am going on a job interview this morning. I’ve applied for hundreds of jobs over the past two years and to be honest, I’m pretty weary of the whole process. However, when I am called for an interview, I get excited. Not that I’ll get the job. If my track record for interviews continues, I will not get it.

 

What I like about job interviews is it allows me to reflect upon my life and see how I’ve lived through my work place and work ethics. It gives me the opportunity to see how I’ve grown in all areas of my life, not just my work skills.

 

One particular area I know that has grown is sharing my faith and my beliefs during a job interview. In years past, I never mentioned my faith during the process. Not that I was ashamed of it, but there never seemed to be occasion to mention it.

 

But what I’ve come to realize is that the interviewer isn’t going to bring it up. If I want to talk about God and how He leads me through my day, I must be the one to initiate it. And I have.

 

My interviewer today sent a list of questions to answer before I even showed up. Of course, two of the questions asked how I might deal with an angry client. You know, someone who isn’t getting what they want fast enough. It’s a pretty typical question.

 

My response? I am a Christian. I rely on God’s Spirit to lead and guide me through situations such as this.

 

I’m not sure how this will go over in this particular job. A hospital setting in a liberal city, but I do know it’s what God would want me to say and how He wants me to live.

 

I cannot separate my faith from other areas of my life. It’s who I am. I am a child of the King at home, at work, at the mall, at the voting station and at a baseball game. And not only am I a child of the King, the King sits on the throne of my heart. I cannot compromise my faith or my beliefs depending upon the situation I’m in. It must be all or nothing. It’s what Jesus asks of us.

 

Jesus told His disciples in John 14 about the gift of the Holy Spirit He would send to help them after He left. He said, “I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever—the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you.” (John 14:16-18 – NIV)

 

God’s Spirit, the Holy Spirit, the Counselor, the Comforter, the Breath of the Almighty, the Spirit of Truth, the Spirit of Counsel and Might, the Spirit of Grace and Supplications, the Spirit of Wisdom and Revelation, this is the Spirit with me and in me.

 

Without God’s Spirit I wouldn’t care about others. A job would be a job. But with God’s Spirit, I am able to show compassion to those who may seem unworthy by others’ standards. With God’s Spirit, I can be a reflection of Jesus to those I connect with.

 

So today, I won’t apologize for who I am or to whom I belong. I’m a Christian and God’s Spirit leads and guides me in each situation. Oh, how thankful I am for God’s Spirit. Can you say the same?

 

How does God’s Spirit lead you through your day? Do you utilize this precious gift as much as you should? What Name of the Holy Spirit mentioned earlier is most impactful to you?

 

Why not drop me a line? I’d love to hear what you have to say about God’s Spirit.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

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Gone Again – Vegas Respite Day 1

May 5th, 2015 dsisler

 

I am excited to say that I will be attending a conference for a few days in Las Vegas! I’ve never been to Las Vegas. I’m not sure what to expect. I’ve heard the good and the bad. I’ve received advice. People have told me what to expect, but until I experience for myself, I will never really know.

 

SE AsiaThat’s the way it is with Jesus. You can hear all the stories. You can read what the Bible says about Him. You can be told what to expect. But until you make the decision to experience Jesus for yourself, you will never know what it’s really like to be forgiven, redeemed, loved, a child of the King, accepted, filled with the Spirit and so much more. Why not take that important step toward Jesus today?

 

The conference I’m heading to is work-related. A group of Senior Administrative Assistants will be gathering to talk about our jobs. But since I’ll be pretty busy over the next few days, I’ll be re-posting some older blogs. And since my time away is work-related, my repeat blog posts will be about work as well. I pray that you will have a blessed week. I will miss you!

 

Work

 

I was helping Mom go through a few boxes this week and in the process found a plaque with this saying:

 

“It sure does make a day long when you get to work on time.”

 

I laughed when I read it and wondered how many people I know think this way. As I thought about my own work history, I believe I’ve tried to give my all in every position, but in reality I’m sure there were times when I didn’t give 100%.

 

And guess what? God has a few things to say about this topic as well.

 

Ecclesiastes 5:18-19 is where we’ll start. “Then I realized that it is good and proper for a man to eat and drink, and to find satisfaction in his toilsome labor under the sun during the few days of life God has given him—for this is his lot. Moreover, when God gives any man wealth and possessions, and enables him to enjoy them, to accept his lot and be happy in his work—this is a gift of God.” I know not everyone is happy in their work. But oh how much better life is when we accept it for what it is and strive to be happy doing it.

 

Colossians 3:23-24 tells us, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.” We must put everything into our work because we should look at it as if we are working for God. We are serving Jesus!

 

“Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anyone.” (1 Thessalonians 4:11-12) There is something very satisfying about working with our hands. Knowing we can create or repair something should be part of our ambition.

 

And then in 2 Thessalonians 3:10 we see these words. “For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: ‘If a man will not work, he shall not eat.’” These words sound harsh, but they key words are “will not.” We must be willing to do what we can to make our lives better. You’ve heard it before, “Idle hands are the devil’s workshop.”[i]

 

And then there is the idea that we are to be doing good work for God. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 says, “All Scripture if God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” We need to be equipped by studying God’s Word and be ready and willing to do good works.

 

Ephesians 2:10 tells us, “We are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” God created us to do good things in our world so that we might give praise to Him.

 

I’ve been unemployed for nearly two years and am still looking for a job. I look forward to the day I can once again give my all to a position. But until that time, I will give 100% to my writing and this blog. And I will be happy!

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

[i] Author unknown

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“What Do I Know Of Holy” – Monday Musical Musings

May 4th, 2015 dsisler

 

How excited I am that it is Monday and I get to share a piece of music with you! It has been awhile! Maybe you’ve missed music as much as I have?

 

IMAG1492The song I want to share with you today is one that I heard recently and it touched my heart. The question is, “What Do I Know of Holy?”

 

What a great question! Would you care to answer this question with me?

 

What does “holy” mean? To be holy is to be distinct, separate, or in a class by itself. And what would God separate Himself from? Sin (Isaiah 59:2). Darkness (1 John 1:5). Evil (Psalm 5:4). You see, God is not just holy, His very existence is holy. Every characteristic within Him is holy. Take a look at these verses of Scripture.

 

God is Holy

Isaiah tells us that God’s name is holy (Isaiah 57:15)

John reminds us that only God is holy (Revelation 15:4)

Jesus was called the Holy One of God (Mark 1:24)

Wherever God is, it is holy (Exodus 3:5)

Moses, Miriam and Joshua tells us that God is holy (Exodus 15:11; Joshua 24:19)

There is no one holy like God (1 Samuel 2:2)

God’s arms are holy (Psalm 98:1)

God’s works are holy (Psalm 145:17)

 

You see, God is holy. Period. But what does that mean for my life?

 

We are to be Holy

These are the words given to the Israelites by God. “I am the Lord your God; consecrate yourselves and be holy, because I am holy. Do not make yourselves unclean by any creature that moves about on the ground. I am the Lord who brought you up out of Egypt to be your God; therefore be holy, because I am holy.” (Leviticus 11:44-45 – NIV)

 

Now don’t think that because this is an Old Testament passage that it doesn’t apply to us. Peter said this same thing in 1 Peter 1:15. We are called as believers of Christ to be holy. Friends, that means there is to be no hint of any sin, evil or darkness in us.

 

If you need some direction on this idea, take a look at Colossians 3:1-17. These are God’s rules for us to live holy lives.

 

There is so much more to learn about God’s holiness. As the song says, we’re just standing on the shore of the ocean when it comes to knowing about God’s holiness. But it creates the desire within me to learn more and more about God’s holiness and how much I need God’s holiness in my own life. That’s what I want to know about holy.

 

So here are the lyrics to this beautiful song. I pray that as you go through your day that you will be reminded of God’s holiness. I pray that you will allow God’s holiness to fill your heart so that you can live a holy life.

 

“What Do I Know of Holy”

 

I made You promises a thousand times

I tried to hear from Heaven

But I talked the whole time

I think I made You too small

I never feared You at all No

If You touched my face would I know You?

Looked into my eyes could I behold You?

 

CHORUS:

So what do I know of You who spoke me into motion?

Where have I even stood but the shore along Your ocean?

Are You fire? Are You fury?

Are You sacred? Are You beautiful?

So what do I know? What do I know of Holy?

 

I guess I thought that I had figured You out

I knew all the stories and I learned to talk about

How You were mighty to save

Those were only empty words on a page

Then I caught a glimpse of who You might be

The slightest hint of You brought me down to my knees

(CHORUS)

 

Bridge:

What do I know of Holy?

What do I know of wounds that will heal my shame?

And a God who gave life its name?

What do I know of Holy?

Of the One whom the angels praise?

All creation knows Your name

On earth and heaven above

What do I know of this love?[i]

 

If interested, click here to listen to this beautiful melody as recorded by Addison Road.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

[i] “What Do I Know of Holy,” Words and Music by Allison Rogers and Jennifer Simmons, Alli Rogers Publishing/Simple Tense Songs, 2008.

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Baptism Celebration

May 3rd, 2015 dsisler

 

Today is the day we at Rocky have been anticipating. Our annual Baptism Celebration service! This is my second year of being part of this beautiful service. My only regret today is that I am only one person. I would love to be at both campuses this morning to celebrate with each person who is giving their life to Jesus today.

 

???????????????????????????????Just so happens, today’s repeat blog post is about the plan of salvation. If you haven’t made the commitment to live with Jesus as the Lord of your life, perhaps today is the day you should make that decision. If you live in Colorado, join us today at Rocky to be part of this special day. If you live elsewhere, talk to your pastor today.

 

All the preparations have been made. Even within your heart. Don’t allow anything to stand in your way today. I’ll meet you there!

 

Pyramid

 

Do you remember the game show, $10,000 Pyramid, hosted by Dick Clark? It was a game where one team member would listen to clues from the other team member and give an answer. For example, one team member might say, “You sit on this item. It has four legs. There might be arm rests. It may be upholstered.” Then the other team member would say, “A chair.” Correct!

 

There were two elements to the show. During the first section, the giver of clues could use their hands and voice inflections to help with the description, but in the second section, their bodies had to be perfectly still and they had to speak without inflection. If during the second element either rule was broken, a buzzer would sound and they would move on.

 

Sometimes we feel like we are in this game show in life. We may not get clues, but we certainly get questions or statements. Like, “What are you going to be after school or college?” I always answered, “A high school music teacher.” If I had been on that television show, I would have heard the buzzer! I am anything but a high school music teacher…never have been and never will be.

 

Perhaps life turns serious. We may hear statements and be expected to have an answer. Like, “Your unborn child has a heart defect.” Or, “You have cancer.” How are we to respond to these statements? I’m not sure we have answers in these situations, just faith that God is in control of the situation and prayers will be answered according to His purpose.

 

And then, there are these dreaded questions. “Why do you believe there is a God?” “Can you tell me about Jesus?” “Your faith is so strong, why?” “How do I become a Christian?” Do you have an answer for this type of question?

 

I’ve heard from some that if you don’t know the theological answers to these questions, to simply tell your story. Tell them how Jesus has impacted your life and why you are different because of what He’s done. While I love this concept and think it is a start, it is just that. A start. A good start. But I believe we must be able to get into Scripture to tell others about Jesus.

 

We read in Scripture, “But make sure in your hearts that Christ is Lord. Always be ready to give an answer to anyone who asks you about the hope you have. Be ready to give the reason for it. But do it gently and with respect.” (1 Peter 3:15- NIRV) So here’s my version of the salvation plan.

 

We must believe

There is a lot that we simply must have faith in. We must believe that God’s Word is living and active and that God breathed life into each verse (Hebrews 4:12; 2 Timothy 3:16).

 

We must believe that Jesus is God’s Son, sent to be the Messiah, the Savior of mankind (John 3:15-16; 1 John 5:1; 5:5; Romans 3:22).

 

We must believe that Jesus was crucified for the forgiveness of our sins and rose to life to prove victory over death (Luke 24:46-47; 1 Thessalonians 4:14).

 

We must repent

Repentance means to turn completely around. To go the opposite direction of our original path. So for a believer, we must put to death the sinful nature in order for the spiritual nature to be visible (Matthew 4:17; Mark 1:15; Acts 2:38; Acts 3:19).

 

We must confess

You’ve heard it before, Peter’s great confession of our Lord. “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” (Matthew 16:16 – NIV) Yes, we must proclaim it as well (Matthew 16:16; 2 Timothy 2:19).

 

We must be baptized

Jesus teaches that baptism is part of the salvation plan and was himself baptized. Peter preached it on the day of Pentecost. Paul also was baptized and preached baptism (Matthew 3:13; 28:19-20; Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38; Acts 9:18; Galatians 3:27).

 

We must live

Live lives that bring honor, glory and praise to God who has freely lavished grace upon us. There are plenty of passages that lead us in this direction, but I’m listing two here (Galatians 5:16-26; Ephesians 2:10).

 

We must tell

If in fact we have the greatest news mankind has ever heard, why do we keep silent? Why isn’t His message on the tip of our tongues constantly? I don’t know the answer to that question, but I know that Scriptures tells me to share the Gospel (Matthew 28:19-20; Luke 24:47).

 

This is just a start…but at least you’ll be able to begin with what is here. But here’s the thing. You must make it your own. I do like the story part. Write your story. Practice telling it. Add Scripture to it and then you’ll be set and ready for the next person that asks you that hard question. You can do it. I know you can with God’s Spirit within you.

 

Believe it. Confess it. Live it. Tell it.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

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The Choice is Yours

May 2nd, 2015 dsisler

 

We all must make choices every day. Some are easy and can be made without much hesitation. Like “what color shall I wear today” or “do I want salad or a sandwich for lunch?”

 

Balloon Parade 2014 (11)Some decisions are difficult or that require time to make a decision. Like “what car shall I buy” or “what community do we want to live in?”

 

We each face choices in our day-to-day living. They are part of life.

 

We find in Deuteronomy that Israel had a choice to make. Moses thought it was an easy choice. But he also knew it had to be their choice. So he shared all the pros and cons of this important decision.

 

Moses and the priests called Israel together and said, “Be silent, O Israel, and listen! You have now become the people of the Lord your God. Obey the Lord your God and follow his command and decrees that I give you today.” (Deuteronomy 27:9-10 – NIV)

 

There is a lot in these verses, but what I’d like to show is that Israel had already been chosen by God. Now it was their turn to make a choice.

 

After quite a long speech on blessings and curses, the renewal of the covenant, and prosperity in the Lord, Moses gets to the main point. In Deuteronomy 30:11-20, Moses lays it all out for them. He makes a great case for God.

 

Moses believes it is an easy decision to make and says so. “Now what I am commanding you today is not too difficult for you or beyond your reach.” (Deuteronomy 30:11 – NIV) Moses goes on to say that they don’t have to go to heaven to find it. They don’t have to cross the sea to get it.

 

“No, the word is very near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart so you may obey it.” (Deuteronomy 30:14 – NIV) I love this verse for it is exactly the same for us on this side of the cross. God’s Word is within us. In our hearts and should be on our tongues. And the reason? So that we may know it and obey.

 

Moses then tells them they have a choice. Life and prosperity or death and destruction.

 

This great leader of God enlightened Israel of the consequences of disobedience and the blessings of obedience. For Moses, there wasn’t a decision to be made. He had already chosen to follow God. Israel needed to do the same.

 

One final swaying argument for God and then Moses would hand the leadership role over to Joshua.

 

“This day I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live and that you may love the Lord your God, listen to his voice, and hold fast to him. For the Lord is your life, and he will give you many years in the land he swore to give to your fathers, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.” (Deuteronomy 30:19-20 – NIV)

 

I can hear the great crowd cheering after Moses’ convincing words. They are inspiring words. Words that called Israel to action. Israel was all in at this point.

 

Oh, we know that Israel made bad decisions throughout their history in the Old Testament, but at this point, they chose God. They chose blessings. They chose prosperity. They chose life.

 

Do Moses’ words call you to action? Are they enough to convince you to love God, listen to His voice, and hold fast to Him? Are you willing to accept God as your life?

 

As a Christ-follower, I must ask myself a few questions as well. Am I thrilled that God’s Word is very near? Are God’s commands in my heart? Are they on my lips? Do I listen to God’s voice? Do I hold fast to Him?

 

I’ll say it like Moses did. It’s not a difficult decision. Choose abundant life!

 

As you go through your day today, I know you will face a choice or two. Some may be even more difficult than mentioned above. If so, please ask for God’s help. He will be happy to weigh in on the situation. And God will also be happy that you invited Him in to your decision process.

 

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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