The Bible

December 27th, 2014 dsisler

My family loves Christmas. We always have and we’ve passed that love down to our kids and grandkids. Since we’ve grown, we decided several years ago to exchange names at Thanksgiving and then buy gifts for the name of the person each received.

 

???????????????????????????????This year, we decided to give books for this exchange and so far I haven’t heard any complaints. My gift this year was from my future sister-in-law (thank you Gail!). I got a new Bible. Oh, not just any old Bible, but the one I wanted. I’ve read The Voice on line and have been intrigued by the translation.

 

On the front cover, this version boasts these words. “Guaranteed for life.” As I looked into it, it seems that indeed once registered, this Bible can be replaced or repaired during my lifetime. There is a list of tips and guidelines for the care of this new Bible, but the folks at Thomas Nelson want their Bibles to last a while.

 

Of course I knew that’s what “guaranteed for life” meant, but I also knew the other guarantee that accompanies every Bible. Abundant life and eternal life.

 

King David knew the abundant life found through God. Take a look at his words from Psalm 52:8 (The Voice). “But my life is abundant—like a lush olive tree cared for at the house of the one True God. I put my trust in His kind love forever and ever; it will never fail.”

 

In John 10:10 (The Voice), Jesus said, “I came to give life with joy and abundance.”

 

Later in the Book of John and as a supplement to the text, the authors of The Voice give us this insight to John 21:12. “It is the reality that through Jesus believers can have abundant life, a full and meaningful life, here and now through faith.”

 

And there are plenty of passages that show us the way to eternal life through Jesus Christ. Luke 19:29-30 (The Voice) says, “I’m telling you the truth: there is nobody who leaves his house of wife or siblings or parents or children for the sake of the kingdom of God who will not receive more than he has given up—much more—in this age and in the age to come. He will receive eternal life.”

 

John 3:16-17 (The Voice) is probably spinning around in your head. “For God expressed His love for the world in this way: He gave His only Son so that whoever believes in Him will not face everlasting destruction, but will have everlasting life. Here’s the point. God didn’t send His Son into the world to judge it; instead, He is here to rescue a world headed toward certain destruction.”

 

Romans 6:22-23 (The Voice) offers these words. “But now that you have been emancipated from the death grip of sin and are God’s slave, you have a different sort of life, a growing holiness. The outcome of that life is eternal life. The payoff for a life of sin is death, but God is offering us a free gift—eternal life through our Lord Jesus, the Anointed One, the Liberating King.”

 

For further reading about eternal life, take a look at 1 John 1:1-2; 1 John 2:25; 1 John 5:11-12; and 1 John 5:11-12 (or maybe read the whole book of 1 John).

 

Guaranteed life. That’s what faith in Jesus is all about. When we follow Jesus as our Lord and Savior, we are given this free gift. Life. Abundant life. Eternal life.

 

This gift from God is available for anyone who is willing to place their trust and faith in Jesus. Have you accepted this gift? If not, maybe today is the perfect day to be filled with life. Look for Jesus. Accept the life He offers. The guarantee is beyond measure.

 

As a follower of Jesus, are you living the abundant life Jesus has offered? I pray that you are living life to the fullest through Jesus. I pray that you are not letting days slip by without being filled by Jesus’ presence and words. I will have to say it again, the gift of abundant life Jesus offers carries a guarantee beyond measure.

 

The New Year is just a few days away. If you are in need of a resolution, why not make a commitment to spend more time in God’s Word? Another guarantee is that what you read within its pages are life-transforming. Make it a good year by allowing Scripture to change you.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

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All I Know About Christmas

December 26th, 2014 dsisler

 

I have a wall hanging in my living room. It stays on the wall all year long, even though it speaks of Christmas. This is what it says.

 

“All I know about Christmas I learned from Jesus.”

 

JoYou see I have a tendency to get pretty caught up in the trappings of the earthly meaning of Christmas. This plaque hangs where I can see it every day to remind myself what Christmas is all about.

 

So what have I learned from Jesus? I’m going to share twelve, but there are plenty more. Perhaps you can add to this list or make your own list.

 

#1 Be Open to Learning

I shared several passages in the past that show the importance of being open to learning. Here they are again if you need to be reminded.

 

“Show me your ways, O Lord, teach me your paths; guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.” (Psalm 25:4-5 – NIV)

 

“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.” (Micah 4:2 – NIV)

 

#2 Remain in Him

Jesus reminds us over and over that He will never leave us. The lesson we are to learn is to remain in Him.

 

“Remain in me, and I will remain in you.” (John 15:4a – NIV)

 

#3 Jesus is Truth

As Jesus teaches us, we find truth in Him. As we know the truth, we are set free.

 

“If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:31-32 – NIV)

 

#4 We Are to Love Others

Jesus showed His love for us when we didn’t deserve it (Romans 5:8). We are to follow His example and love others.

 

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” (John 13:34 – NIV)

 

#5 We Must Bear Fruit

Over and over in John 15:1-11, Jesus mentions that we are to bear fruit. This is linked with remaining in Jesus. If we remain in Him, we will produce fruit.

 

“This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.” (John 15:8 – NIV)

 

#6 All I Do is To Bring Glory to God

Jesus gave God the glory for everything He did on earth. At Jesus’ birth, God was given glory for this Gift (Luke 2:13-14). We too, must glorify God in all that we do.

 

“If I glorify myself, my glory means nothing. My Father, whom you claim as your God, is the one who glorifies me.” (John 8:54 – NIV)

 

#7 We Must Serve

Jesus did not come to be served. He came to serve. We must learn this lesson from Him.

 

“For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Mark 10:45 – NIV)

 

#8 We Must be Merciful and Compassionate

When our hearts break for what breaks Jesus’ heart, we begin to feel mercy and compassion well up within us. And as we learn this lesson, we see the great need for God’s mercy and compassion in our own lives

 

“Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.” (Matthew 5:7 – NIV)

 

#9 Share the Gospel

Jesus came to seek and save the lost. As we come to know Him more and more, we realize that we are to do the same. Oh, we can’t be saviors to those we meet, but we can introduce them to the Savior.

 

“For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost.” (Luke 19:10 – NIV)

 

“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” (Matthew 28:19 – NIV)

 

#10 Teach Others

As we learn from Jesus, we are to teach others. Share the lessons. The values. The ways of God.

 

“And teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.” (Matthew 28:20a – NIV)

 

#11 He Will Never Leave Us

Although Jesus is not physically present on this earth, He still remains. God sent His Spirit to be with us. What a wonderful gift! And Jesus is with us through every situation, heartache, trouble, joy, life, and death. Jesus is with us.

 

“And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:20b – NIV)

 

#12 Follow His Example

As we learn from Jesus, we see clearly that we are to follow His leadership in all areas of our lives.

 

“A student is not above his teacher, but everyone who is fully trained will be like his teacher.” (Luke 6:40 – NIV)

 

I know I could go on. Once I get on a roll, it’s hard to stop. But I will. I continue to learn from God’s Word. Each day I find a spiritual nugget that brings joy to my heart. The journey is so rewarding.

 

I pray that you’ll find some spiritual nuggets along the way this Christmas. Jesus is willing to be your Teacher. It’s up to you to accept your role as student.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

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Merry Christmas!

December 25th, 2014 dsisler

Barn“While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.”

Luke 2:6-7

 

Merry Christmas!

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

Mason & Donna Sisler

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Tradition

December 24th, 2014 dsisler

 

Today is Christmas Eve, and if you’re like most of the world celebrating Christmas, you have traditions. You may have already enjoyed some of these traditions, but there are probably many more coming your way in the next two days.

 

???????????????????????????????I started a tradition a couple of years ago that I am enjoying now. Once women’s Bible study ends for the semester, I allow myself to read for pleasure. But in recent years, I’ve enjoyed reading books about the birth of Jesus.

 

Several years ago I read through Francine Rivers novella’s about the women in Jesus’ lineage. Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, Bathsheba and of course, Mary. I probably could read all of these during Bible study break, but I chose to read just one. The book about Mary.

 

In “Unafraid,” Francine Rivers paints a beautiful picture of Jesus’ parents, their relationship and the events leading up to His birth. Ms. Rivers herself states, “This is a work of historical fiction. The outline of the story is provided by the Bible, and I have started with the facts provided there. Building on that foundation, I have created action, dialogue, internal motivations, and in some cases, additional characters.”[i]

 

While it is difficult to imagine the emotions that Mary experienced, I do believe Ms. Rivers got one thing right. Mary was confident of God’s words. She knew, maybe the only person who truly knew that the baby she carried was indeed the Messiah. Mary had no doubt that Jesus was God’s Son. Mary knew that God would protect her. She indeed was unafraid.

 

The second little book I’ve enjoyed reading through again is “Hugs from Heaven: The Christmas Story” by G. A. Myers. This little book takes a look at each group of people and individuals in the Christmas story. Including the angels view! It’s just a fun way to look at Jesus’ story through a fresh view.

 

In one section of the book, Ms. Myers writes of the encounter between Mary and the angel. She says, “Assurance quickly replaced her fear as she (Mary) listened intently.”[ii] Mary’s confidence was in God. There was no room for doubt.

 

We too can have confidence and assurance in God’s words. There is no reason for us to live in fear. Remember, over and over in the Christmas story we hear the words, “Do not be afraid.” And we shouldn’t forget the last words the angel said to Mary. “For nothing is impossible with God.” (Luke 1:37 – NIV)

 

I pray that as you go through this Christmas Eve that you are able to find the confidence and assurance in Jesus. Not just the baby Jesus lying in a manger, but in the adult Jesus who fulfilled the role of Savior of the world. Through Jesus’ death, burial and resurrection all fear is cast out. And for that, we have reason to rejoice today.

 

Have a blessed Christmas!

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

[i] “Unafraid,” Francine Rivers, Tyndale House Publishers, 2001, introduction.

[ii] “Hugs from Heaven: The Christmas Story,” G.A. Myers with personalized Scripture by LeAnn Weiss, Howard Publishing Co., West Monroe, LA, 1999, pg. 10.

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Wrapping Station

December 23rd, 2014 dsisler

 

My office has been overtaken by my Christmas wrapping station. My son arrives later today and I wanted to keep the main floor uncluttered, so my office was the logical place.

 

???????????????????????????????A large table sits in the center of the room. There are tubes of wrapping paper, tissue paper, and boxes. A large tub holds bows of every color. And who could forget the name tags, pen, scissors, and tape? It’s all here.

 

I won’t be the only person to use this wrapping station. My husband, daughter and my son will all benefit from this localized organization. You see, I do it for them (ha, ha).

 

I wrote a piece two years ago that I’d like to share with you about gift wrapping. Enjoy!

 

Christmas Wrapping

 

I’ll admit it; I have a problem with Christmas wrapping paper. My children believe that is one thing they will receive when I’m gone. My stash of Christmas wrap.

 

I have tubs of paper. Some still in the original packaging. I’ve been known to sneak rolls of the stuff into my house and hide them from my family. I definitely have a problem.

 

I must also admit yet another problem. Each person in my family has a special color or theme for all of their Christmas gifts. So I’m always on the lookout for that special wrapping paper for that special person.

 

This is how it goes. My son’s gifts are wrapped in snowman paper. One daughter gets purple and one daughter gets blue. My son-in-law gets wrapping paper with “joy” on it. My husband Mason receives his packages in my favorite wrapping paper of the year.

 

For the grandkids, they get wrapping paper with Santa on it. My granddaughter gets red. My grandson’s favorite color is orange, so from the beginning I thought orange wrap with Santa was for him…yeah, that was a bad idea. There’s none out there. So I create my own. Solid orange wrapping paper with Santa stickers.

 

With another grandchild on the way, I’ll have to come up with yet another color combination! Maybe my method will go out the window next Christmas!

 

I read a question yesterday that piqued my interest. Who wrapped the first Christmas gift?

 

If you are like me, your first thought went to Mary. We read in Luke 2:7 (NIV), “She gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.”

 

But then I read another answer to the question. God wrapped the first Christmas gift. In the midst of the angel appearance, Mary was told “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the son of God.” (Luke 1:35 – NIV)

 

God wrapped His Gift in the womb of this young woman. Oh, I love the picture of Mary wrapping the infant Jesus in swaddling clothes. It touches my “mother’s heart” more than a Hallmark movie.

 

But how much more I love the picture of God lovingly gift-wrapping His precious Son for all of mankind to receive.

 

I must admit I can get caught up in the gift giving and wrapping of those gifts. I must continue to remind myself to focus on the Gift that was wrapped in a special package and was given so long ago.

 

Dr. Seuss may have recognized this fact and stated so in his children’s story, How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Grinch believed that if all evidence of Christmas was removed from Whoville, Christmas would not come. So the Grinch took it all away. But Christmas came in the same manner it had year after year…without the trappings of Christmas commercialization.

 

“And the Grinch, with his Grinch-feet ice cold in the snow, stood puzzling and puzzling, how could it be so? It came without ribbons. It came without tags. It came without packages, boxes or bags. And he puzzled and puzzled ’till his puzzler was sore. Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn’t before. What if Christmas, he thought, doesn’t come from a store? What if Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more.”[i]

 

Yes, Christmas does mean more than packages and bows. It means that God loved us so much that He was willing to share His precious Son with the world, because we needed a Savior.

 

It’s not too late to keep our thoughts and hearts on God’s Gift as we celebrate Christmas this year. No earthly gift could be as beautiful as the Gift God wrapped up for us on that first Christmas. I believe it’s time to unwrap our Gift!

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

[i] How the Grinch Stole Christmas! Dr. Seuss, Random House , 1957.

 

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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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