Today I’m Thankful For…

December 17th, 2014 dsisler

 

There are days that I’m not as thankful as I should be. I take so much for granted. Big things that I consider little things.

 

???????????????????????????????I live in a beautiful home. I live in a safe neighborhood. There is food in my refrigerator and my freezer. We have reliable transportation…not just one, but three! I have a wonderful husband. My children and grandchildren are healthy. I have a job. My husband has a job.

 

This is my short list of things that I take for granted.

 

Last night I got a good dose of why I should be thankful every day for everything. I arrived home at a decent time, had to do one work-related task and then settled in to be with my family.

 

After a half hour or so, I realized it was cool in the house, so I stepped in front of the thermostat (we have one of those Nest thingees and when no one walks by it after an hour or so, it automatically drops to a lower temperature to save money). Nothing. The thermostat was directing the furnace to come on, but the furnace wasn’t responding.

 

We went to the basement and yes, the furnace had given up. It didn’t want to work any longer without some care. We walked away knowing it was going to be a cold evening.

 

However, my husband doesn’t give up that easily, he is a do-it-yourself-er and he has a technical brain that understands just about anything…after all, he is an electrical engineer. So after dinner, he scoured the internet for possible fixes and finally came to a conclusion. He believes it is a small part that doesn’t cost much. But it would have to wait until morning to be fixed.

 

So we went to bed with warmer sleeping gear, put a couple more blankets on the bed and drifted off to sleep.

 

It’s actually not too cold in the house this morning. It’s bearable. And this morning I am thankful. I had a warm bed to sleep in. There was a roof over my head last night. I even have electricity this morning. There is so much to be thankful for and I need to be grateful.

 

Today, I want to share a few verses of Scripture to remind me (and you) about being thankful. These are just what I need.

 

Psalm 28:7 (NIV) “The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song.”

 

Psalm 30:11-12 (NIV) “You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy, that my heart may sing to you and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give you thanks forever.”

 

Psalm 69:30 (NIV) “I will praise God’s name in song and glorify him with thanksgiving.”

 

Psalm 100:4 (NIV) “Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.”

 

Psalm 107:1 (NIV) “Give thanks to the Lord for he is good; his love endures forever.”

 

And listed below are a few more for good measure.

 

1 Chronicles 16:34

Psalm 9:1-2

Psalm 34:1-3

Psalm 50:23

Psalm 95:1-3

Psalm 103:1-5

Psalm 118:28

Psalm 138:1-2

Isaiah 12:4-5

Ephesians 1:3

Ephesians 5:20

Philippians 4:6

Colossians 2:7

Colossians 3:15-17

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

 

I pray that these verses will remind us all today to be thankful for the little things as well as the big things in our lives.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

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December 16 – Follow

December 16th, 2014 dsisler

 

If you recall, I created a little Advent calendar for one of my Bible study groups to help us focus more on Jesus through the month of December. The word to reflect, contemplate and meditate upon today on my little Advent calendar is “follow.”

 

DSC03935mI thought of each character who participated in the birth of Jesus. Mary and Joseph followed God’s direction and allowed the events to unfold just as the angel had said. The shepherds knew they needed to follow the sign given by the angel. And those glorious Magi followed a star from a great distance to see the Christ child.

 

There were others who followed God’s direction during these months and years. Elizabeth and Zechariah followed God’s lead in the birth of their son. John, their son, followed God throughout his life and prepared others for their following of Jesus.

 

As I looked at my own life, I could see snippets of time when I followed Jesus. My trip to SE Asia was one and the moment I started writing Full Measure of Joy was another. In these two instances, I knew for sure it was what God wanted me to do.

 

Do you ever wonder about God’s leading in your life? Do you think it is possible? Are you willing to follow God regardless of where He takes you? Let’s look at Scripture to see how God works in our lives and how we can be open to following His direction.

 

It would be wonderful if God was as visible to us as He was to Israel during their journey in the wilderness. He led them by day by a pillar of cloud and at night by a pillar of fire. (Exodus 13:20-22) But the interesting thing in these verses is that it says that “the Lord went ahead of them in” each of these pillars. He was there, but He went before them. Leading them. Directing their path.

 

God isn’t that visible today. Instead, God urges us to use His Holy Spirit and His Holy Words to guide us on the right path. Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV) says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.” Acknowledging God is the first step to understanding His leading.

 

Then we need to ask God to lead us through His wisdom and truth. Psalm 145:18 (NIV) says, “The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.”

 

We find similar instruction in Luke 11:9-10. When we ask God to lead and guide us, He will do so. Just ask.

 

After we’ve asked for guidance, we need to be open to instruction. We need to listen and accept instruction from God. “I will praise the Lord, who counsels me; even at night my heart instructs me.” (Psalm 16:7 – NIV) Psalm 32:8 reminds us that when we follow God’s counsel He will watch over us. What a blessing from God when we accept His instruction!

 

Our next step is to follow. Follow God’s lead. Isaiah 48: 17 tells us, “This is what the Lord says—your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel; ‘I am the Lord your God, who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go.’”

 

Jesus shared these words in John 16:13 (NIV). “But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come.”

 

Jesus also reminds us in John 8:12 (NIV), “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

 

When we are open to following God’s lead, we will be in the light. That light will illuminate the path, the direction, the way we should go and it will be clear.

 

The benefits of following God’s lead are a great encouragement. Isaiah put it beautifully when he said, “The Lord will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail.” (Isaiah 58:11 – NIV)

 

Who wouldn’t enjoy refreshment and satisfaction from God? I know there is nothing like it and without God’s guidance, I would feel parched. Empty. Lethargic.

 

I don’t know where God will call me next. But what I do know is that when the time comes, I must be willing to say “Yes, I will follow You.” As I wait, I am preparing myself, learning from Him and seeking God’s wisdom.

 

I really don’t know where God will call you next either. But I pray that you will also be willing to say “Yes” when the time comes.

 

And as we think about the Christmas story, let’s praise God for those who were willing to say “Yes” and follow Him without hesitation.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

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“Adore Him” – Monday Musical Musings

December 15th, 2014 dsisler

 

Last week was a pretty remarkable week. Yes, there were lots of Christmas festivities, but I also saw some friends I’ve been missing as well as met new friends along the way.

 

???????????????????????????????There were many highlights I could share…meeting Lee Strobel was way on top, assisting in the baptisms of six people who gave their lives to Christ was up there as well, and hearing the song I share with you today was especially good for me.

 

I attended a Christmas Tea on Saturday and a young woman shared this piece. I was reminded of the long journey of the Magi. They were looking for a palace which housed the new King, but instead, they were led to an ordinary home. There was no throne, no crown, nothing that would lead them to believe this was the King they were looking for.

 

But still, they bowed down. Why? Because the star they had been following stopped directly over this little home in this humble village.

 

Their intrigue led them to believe the Savior of the world had come. Their desire to seek the meaning for this star led them to meet God Himself. Their willingness to travel countless months, even years allowed their weariness to be replaced with joy upon meeting the Christ child.

 

Perhaps you are in need of a Savior. Perhaps you are looking for meaning in your life. Perhaps you are weary beyond words. If so, Jesus is exactly what you need. Your seeking will cease. Your purpose will be made clear and your weariness will be turned to joy. And I might add, you will be filled with God’s grace, you will be forgiven of all your sins, you will receive the gift of God’s Holy Spirit, and much more.

 

If you haven’t read the true story of the Magi in a while, you can read about their journey in Matthew 2:1-18.

 

“Adore Him”
 

Countless days on a journey that led so far
Endless nights they traveled to follow the star,
They did not find a palace just a humble village home
And searching for a king but finding a child no crown no throne.
 

Still they bowed down,
 

Come let us Adore Him
O come let us Adore Him
O come let us Adore Him
 

Expectation turned to mystery
For nothing was like anything they dreamed
Anticipating the royal and those honored by this world
Instead they gazed in the awestruck eyes of a lowly peasant girl.
 

Holding her child,
 

Come let us Adore Him
O Come let us Adore Him
O Come let us Adore Him
 

The brilliant gold, the fragrant myrrh, the costly frankincense
 

Placed before Him,
 

Come let us Adore Him
O Come let us Adore Him
O Come let us Adore Him
Christ the Lord.[i]

 

Kari Jobes sings this beautiful song. Click here to listen.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

[i] “Adore Him,” Words and music by Don Poythress, Tony Wood, John Wade and Frederick Oakley, Integrity’s Hosana Music, 2009.

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It’s Gonna Be a Great Day!

December 14th, 2014 dsisler

 

Perhaps you recall this slogan from the 1980’s Kellogg’s commercial. Today it’s more than that. It is going to be a great day for several reasons. First, it’s Sunday and if you’re like me, you will be heading off to worship soon.

 

DSC_0003Secondly, we have a guest speaker this morning at Rocky Mountain Christian Church and we are very excited that Lee Strobel will be sharing his story with us. If you live in the area and know a friend or family member who has dismissed Jesus, perhaps this is a message they need to hear. Lee’s message is powerful and compelling.

 

Your local congregation may not have a guest speaker like Mr. Strobel this morning, but might I say that your local pastor has a story to tell as well. It’s Jesus’ story. And Jesus’ message is more powerful and more compelling than any man’s. So don’t hesitate to invite your loved ones to hear Jesus’ message. It will change their life.

 

This Sunday morning I share the letter “s” from my A to Z blogging challenge. I pray that you will find shelter in the arms of God today.

 

Shelter in Place – Blogging A to Z

 

This past week has brought some great tragedies as well as some great victories. For those who are struggling through the healing process in Boston, my heart and prayers are stretched your way. I cannot begin to imagine the pain and suffering you bear. For those who have lost a loved one this past week, I pray for strength and comfort as you deal with this loss.

 

As the events of last week developed, a phrase was repeated on Friday for those living in the Boston area. Shelter in place. For these communities, this phrase meant to remain inside. Keep doors locked. Not to answer the door unless it was a uniformed or well identified officer. Report any suspicious behavior.

 

While I would never suggest I understand what they were feeling, I might venture a guess. Perhaps fear. Perhaps uncertainty. Perhaps frustration. Perhaps anger. Perhaps loss of control.

 

These would be justifiable feelings during a day of violence in the streets of a city or town. And perhaps, there were even more emotions I cannot comprehend.

 

I heard this phrase during the day as I sat close to my television, my mind continued to dwell upon God and the shelter that I have in Him through the storms of my own life. I am certain I would feel many of the above emotions on a daily basis if I weren’t sheltered in His care.

 

So today, I offer some wonderful visions of being sheltered by God. I pray that you’ll find peace, comfort, safety and perhaps joy as you read through the following passages.

 

Deuteronomy 33:27a (NIV) tells us, “The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms.” In His arms we have refuge. In His arms we find protection. With God, we are in the shelter of His loving arms.

 

In Psalm 91:1-2 (NIV), David shares these words. “He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.’” This is one of my favorite verses about being sheltered. Knowing that I can trust my God in times of trouble to shelter me is very reassuring.

 

David certainly knew about God’s shelter and protection and asked for it frequently. In Psalm 5:11 (NIV), David rejoiced in God’s refuge. “But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you.” We can rejoice in God’s protection as well, because we love His name!

 

Another passage in which David praised God for protection is Psalm 32:7 (NIV). He says, “You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance.” When we hide from our enemies within the shelter of God’s protection, we will be delivered.

 

We read in Psalm 31:28 (NIV) that when we act justly and are faithful, God protects and is faithful to us. “For the Lord loves the just and will not forsake his faithful ones. They will be protected forever, but the offspring of the wicked will be cut off.” Oh and don’t forget our shelter is there for our protection forever!

 

And finally in Psalm 40:11 (NIV), David says, “Do not withhold your mercy from me, O Lord; may your love and your truth always protect me.” God’s love and truth always protect. What a promise!

 

I pray that these passages are as comforting to you as they are to me. The world we live in belongs to the evil one and that means there will be trouble here. But as we look to God, we know we are within His sheltering arms. We certainly can shelter in place with Him.

 

If you are waking this morning to fear and anxiety in your life, why not give it all to God? There may be consequences, but you can have peace and be sheltered in God’s loving arms in the midst of these troubling times. You’ve tried it your way, why not try it God’s? It is worth a try.

 

For those of us who are already sheltered in God’s arms, let’s keep these verses close to our hearts. They will continue to remind us that He is sheltering us. We have no reason to fear.

 

I’m reminded of a song…perhaps you know it. “Forever Reign,”[i]

 

You are good You are good
When there’s nothing good in me
You are love You are love
On display for all to see
You are light You are light
When the darkness closes in
You are hope You are hope
You have covered all my sin

You are peace You are peace
When my fear is crippling
You are true You are true
Even in my wandering
You are joy You are joy
You’re the reason that I sing
You are life You are life
In You death has lost its sting

[Chorus]
Oh I’m running to Your arms
I’m running to Your arms
The riches of Your love
Will always be enough
Nothing compares to Your embrace
Light of the world forever reign

You are more You are more
Than my words will ever say
You are Lord You are Lord
All creation will proclaim
You are here You are here
In Your presence I’m made whole
You are God You are God
Of all else I’m letting go

[Repeat Chorus]

My heart will sing
No other Name
Jesus
Jesus

 

If you’d like to listen to this beautiful melody, click here to hear Hillsong’s version of this song.

 

Thanks for stopping by this morning.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

[i] Forever Reign, Reuben Morgan and Jason Ingram, 2010

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Aurora Borealis

December 13th, 2014 dsisler

 

Memories. Some of my memories are vivid. Some are vague and then, some don’t even exist.

 

For instance, my family tells the tale of a trip we took to the Great Smoky Mountains. It involves a picnic lunch of hot dogs, a bear eating said hot dogs and our family sitting in our green station wagon watching said bear eat our hot dogs. I don’t remember a single portion of this event. My family continues to tell me that I was there.

 

aurora-borealis-aurora-borealis-10324872-700-556Then I have a vivid memory of having seen the Aurora Borealis. So since my memory couldn’t recall a bear chasing our family, I doubted that I had indeed seen the Northern Lights. One sibling said she has never seen them, while another said that he had. My Dad confirmed however, that yes, we saw the Northern Lights on more than one occasion.

 

It is amazing how within the same family memories of an event don’t quite line up. Why? Perspective. Attitude. Impact.Not paying attention. I really don’t know how or why, but it happens.

 

So I suspect that as the disciples gathered after Jesus’ death, some of their memories didn’t line up. I wonder if they tried to recall Jesus’ teaching. I wonder if sometimes their recollection of Jesus’ words didn’t quite match another’s.

 

I do suspect they tried to recall Jesus’ words about His death. Perhaps they had some aha moments in those few days from Jesus’ death to His resurrection. At least I believe they did. And I really wonder if one of them mentioned the portion of Jesus’ teaching from John 2:19 (NIV)? “Destroy this temple, and I will raise it again in three days.”

 

While this reference could be a vague memory, what about Matthew 20:17-19 (NIV)? “We are going up to Jerusalem and the Son of Man will be betrayed to the chief priests and the teachers of the law. They will condemn him to death and will turn him over to the Gentiles to be mocked and flogged and crucified. On the third day he will be raised to life!”

 

Oh how I want to believe they remembered these words. How comforting it would have been for them if they had.

 

However, if they are like most of us, their memories raced to the times when they were not in line with Jesus’ teaching. Perhaps the moment they tried to shoo the little children away from Jesus. Or when they fell asleep instead of praying. Or the moment one of them betrayed the Son of God.

 

It’s kind of natural for us to lean toward the memories of failure instead of grace when we are at our lowest point. But if you know anything about Jesus at all, you know that He is the redeemer of our past failures. We no longer need to recall those times. Our memories should be filled with the love, comfort and salvation that we have received through Jesus Christ our Lord.

 

Today, don’t allow your memory to be filled with your past. Look to your present and future. Let’s hold tightly to the Apostle Paul’s words. “But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:13-14 – NIV)

 

Now, isn’t that a wonderful thing to remember?

 

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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