It’s Sunday!

December 7th, 2014 dsisler

 

It’s hard to believe that today is the second Sunday of Advent. This year will be over before you know it! I pray that today you will take the time to recall the moments leading up to the birth of Jesus and remind yourself that God sent Him for you!

 

For my Sunday repeated blog today, I’m sharing “R” from my Blogging from A to Z in April of 2013. I pray that it will touch your heart. May God bless you abundantly today!

 

Rummikub – Blogging from A to Z

 

I’m addicted to this game. It’s actually a game that I’m pretty good at. I love sitting around the table with the tiles scattered about. I love the interaction. I love the strategy. I love the game.

 

CCBut I don’t get to play Rummikub this way very often. So I’ve chosen to play this game online. There is still sitting around a table (a virtual table) and there are still tiles, but they are very organized. And newbie Rummikub players are often shown how the game is supposed to “look.” There can be interaction, but I really like the strategy of my game, so I generally keep quiet.

 

I really enjoy the fact that I can play this particular game with people from all over the world. There is no language barrier. It’s numerical. So I might play against a person from Canada, Australia, and Greece all at the same time. We are worlds apart, but right there together playing this simple game that really has no purpose except entertainment.

 

There are some elements of this gaming thing that reminds me of my spiritual life. Typically, I am very organized about how I study the Bible. If I’m writing something specific, like a blog or a Bible study, I spend time reading a section of Scripture and allow God to work on me as to what it means. Then I am able to move in the direction of writing. Whether it’s coming up with questions or just writing about the passage.

 

Then there is the fact that I am a Christian and how many there are across this globe who also make the same claim. And because we have a common factor, we are connected. We may not be able to speak the same language, but because Jesus is our Savior, we speak His universal language. Love. Grace. Forgiveness. Hope. I love being part of God’s Church!

 

This fact can be traced back to the first century Church who were scattered due to persecution in Jerusalem. And wherever they went, they took Jesus with them. They shared His message with others. They lived the Christian life in their communities. And because of their efforts and God’s Hand, the Church grew by amazing numbers. Regardless of the persecution that followed, Jesus’ Name continued to be preached. People followed.

 

And why do you suppose this is the case?

 

I believe it’s because of the message. His message. I could spend days sharing His complete message, but let’s just look at his I am statements from the Gospel of John and we’ll get a very good idea of what His message was and is.

 

Jesus said:

 

“I am the Bread of Life” – John 6:35

Jesus said that anyone who comes to Him and believes in Him would never be hungry or thirsty. Jesus brings spiritual refreshment to our parched souls.

 

“I am the Light of the world” – John 9:5

Jesus said He would give light to those living in darkness. Jesus brings spiritual light to dark souls.

 

“I am the Gate for the sheep” – John 10:7

Jesus said He was the entrance to the Kingdom of heaven and will provide protection against those who would do harm to His sheep. Jesus brings spiritual entry and protection for our wandering souls.

 

“I am the Good Shepherd” – John 10:11

Jesus said that He would lay down His life for His sheep. Jesus brings spiritual redemption to our unsaved souls.

 

“I am the Resurrection and the Life” – John 11:25

Jesus said that He would provide life to those who believe in Him and that life will be eternal! Jesus brings spiritual life to our dead souls.

 

“I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life” – John 14:6

Jesus said that He was the only way to the Father. Jesus is the only way. Jesus is the only truth. Jesus is the only life. Jesus brings spiritual direction, truth, and life to our out-of-control souls.

 

“I am the True Vine” – John 15:1

Jesus said the He would provide all that is needed for us to grow and produce abundant fruit as long as we remain in Him and love Him. Jesus brings spiritual completion to our weary souls.

 

Can you understand why Jesus’ message was so exciting in the first century? Can you understand why it is relevant for our lives today? It’s the same message for a world that is still dark. He has so much to offer. It’s up to us to accept it.

 

Will you accept Jesus as your Savior today? Will you accept Him as everything you could ever want, wish for or hope for? If so, I’d love to talk to you. Send me a message so we can begin the dialogue.

 

I don’t have the opportunity to play Rummikub nearly as often as I’d like. But when I can catch a quick game, I certainly don’t pass up the opportunity. What do you enjoy doing in your spare time? Reading? Playing a game? Chatting with a friend?

 

Whatever you find yourself doing in your spare time, I pray that it’s all for God’s glory. Because that is what we are to do every day of our lives.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

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Joy, Unspeakable Joy

December 6th, 2014 dsisler

 

The word “joy” has always been special to me. I grew up being reminded of this word when my parents used my full name. Donna Joy. Occasionally my dad still calls me by my first and middle name…but not because I’m in trouble. It still sounds good.

 

JoI passed the name Joy to my daughter. Her name is Bethany Joy. And she liked it so much she shared it with her daughter, my granddaughter, Joy Marie. Of all the names in our family, I never thought that Joy would be the name that would continue through multiple generations.

 

But I’m also excited that it is. Mainly because of what this tiny, three-letter word means to the Christian. Joy is one of the characteristics that we are to possess, expose, share, and enjoy. Joy should be evident in our lives, regardless of what our circumstance. It’s in these moments that others are able to look at us and notice that something is different.

 

So what is joy?

 

According to the Holman Bible Dictionary, joy is “the happy state that results from knowing and serving God.”[i]

 

Holman goes on to say, that “joy is the fruit of a right relation with God. It is not something people can create by their own efforts.” No wonder we live in a world where possessions mean so much to people. No wonder folks are searching for the next big thing. If they aren’t looking to God for their joy, they will never find it any place else.

 

King David knew that his joy was found in God. Take a look at a couple of verses from the Book of Psalm.

 

“You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasure at your right hand.” (Psalm 16:11 – NIV)

 

“The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are radiant, giving light to the eyes.” (Psalm 19:8 – NIV)

 

“Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.” (Psalm 51:12 – NIV)

 

David knew that being in God’s presence, following God’s precepts and living in God’s salvation are what brought joy to his life. Oh yes, there are plenty of passages in Psalm that take the reader into David’s joyous heart, and without this firm foundation of joy, nothing else would have mattered.

 

It’s the same for us. When we are secure in our relationship with God, when we know and follow God’s precepts, when we have accepted God’s salvation, it’s then that we can live lives filled with joy.

 

Earlier, the biblical definition of joy mentioned that it wasn’t something we could gain on our own. It was from God. In fact, it is a fruit of God’s Spirit. When we live by the Spirit, we will produce the following fruit. Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23).

 

And if you recall, Jesus mentioned in John 15 that the only way we can produce abundant fruit is by remaining in Him. And there is our tiny word again. “I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.” (John 15:11 – NIV)

 

Here’s the tough part for people to understand. Just because we have joy, Jesus’ joy within us, doesn’t mean that we won’t face trials or troubles. It doesn’t mean that we won’t or can’t be sad. But what it does mean is that when we encounter such trials our joy cannot be shaken because we have a relationship with God, Jesus and His Spirit.

 

James tells us that we are to “consider it pure joy whenever you face trials of many kinds.” (James 1:2 – NIV) Not because of the trial, but because of what it produces. Perseverance and a closer relationship with God.

 

I’ve been through many of those trials and I’ve learned that when I allow God to be at the center of my being, others can see His joy within me and they note the difference.

 

I don’t know if the name Joy will continue to be passed down through our family, but I certainly hope so. If nothing else, I pray that God will continue to see His joy flow through the lives of my family. Because He brings me such joy.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

[i] Holman Bible Dictionary, definition of joy, http://www.studylight.org/dic/hbd/view.cgi?number=T3512

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My Watch

December 5th, 2014 dsisler

I was 13 years old when my family anticipated the birth of a new child. There was much to prepare before this birth. It had been over a decade since a baby had joined the family. There were clothes to buy, diapers to prepare, bottles to ready, a crib to arrange and a multitude of miscellaneous items to have on hand.

 

Our family anticipated the birth of this little one. We were excited. We were thrilled. My younger brother prayed for a brother (two older sisters were all he could tolerate). I just wanted a baby to play with.

 

And then, the day arrived. Mom was in labor on a Sunday morning. However, Dad was the preacher. So Dad left her side to lead service and preach that morning.

 

Dad placed me by the telephone in the church office. He gave me two cards. One blue. One pink. If the call came during service, I was to hold a card up in the window at the back of the sanctuary. Blue if I had a baby brother or pink if we were bringing home a baby sister.

 

I recall the giddiness of waiting. I wanted it to happen during my time to watch and wait. It was a long hour. But the call didn’t come. The baby didn’t arrive on my watch.

 

DSC03873mI can imagine this was much the way the Israelites living during God’s silence felt. Wondering if it was the time for God to introduce His Messiah. But generation after generation, they were not the ones to see the Messiah arrive on their watch.

 

And then, God spoke. The Messiah was finally going to arrive. God’s promise would be fulfilled.

 

There were two faithful believers who God blessed with seeing the Messiah. They encountered Jesus on their watch.

 

Jewish custom took Mary, Joseph and Jesus to the temple on the eighth day after Jesus’ birth. There they met Simeon, a righteous and devout man, filled with the Holy Spirit.

 

Simeon took Jesus in his arms and praised God saying “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all people, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel.” (Luke 2:29-32 – NIV).

 

After the long wait, Simeon met Jesus. He had seen God’s salvation and it was all that he had anticipated. His life-long dream had been fulfilled. It had happened on his watch.

 

This trio also visited with a widowed prophetess, Anna. Anna worshipped in the temple night and day. Her faithfulness to prayer and worship were honored by God who allowed her to see the Messiah, the Savior of the world at the age of 84.

 

What a blessing for Anna. God honored her with the presence of the Messiah and her encounter with Jesus was all that she had been living for. In her old age, on her watch, God delivered the hope of the world.

 

Later in the day, a baby boy was born into our family. That little bundle brought such joy and love to our family.

 

Jesus’ birth brought hope, peace, joy and love to a lost world. These assurances are available to us as we place our faith and trust in Jesus. Does your world seem bleak? Do you feel like there is no hope? If so, I can point you to One who is able to make life worth living.

 

During this busy, crazy time of the year, I pray that the giddiness of the real Christmas season would grab hold of you. I pray that your excitement over the celebration of Jesus’ birth will come to the surface. I pray that your heart will be glad, that your soul will be full of joy and that your body will be at rest. I also pray that you will take the time to make these things happen!

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

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My Plants

December 4th, 2014 dsisler

 

I purchased some plants earlier this year to use outside around my water feature. I put them in nice pots and as the weather grew colder, I conditioned them to be indoors through the winter. I had been mindful of these plants since bringing them inside. I was pretty proud of myself.

 

new fountain 1After being gone 12 days and as an afterthought I asked my daughter, “Did you water my plants?” Her response? “I didn’t even know there were plants in the house.” She would have cared for them if I asked her to, but I didn’t even think about the care of these plants while I was away. If these plants survive it will be a miracle. I just don’t have that green thumb that so many people talk about.

 

Gardening is not my thing. But I do like Gardening God’s Way. I found this cute guide that I thought I would share. There were not Scripture verses with it, so I’ve added those. Let’s see what God has to say about the garden of our lives.

 

Plant three rows of peas:

  • Peace of mind (Isaiah 26:3)
  • Peace of heart (Proverbs 14:30; John 14:27)
  • Peace of soul (John 16:33)

 

Plant four rows of squash:

  • Squash gossip (Proverbs 26:20)
  • Squash indifference (1 Peter 2:1-3)
  • Squash grumbling (Philippians 2:14-16)
  • Squash selfishness (Philippians 2:3)

 

Plant four rows of lettuce:

  • Lettuce be faithful (1 Peter 4:10)
  • Lettuce be kind (Ephesians 4:32)
  • Lettuce be obedient (1 Peter 1:14-15)
  • Lettuce really love one another (1 John 4:7-8)

 

No garden without turnips:

  • Turnip for worship (Hebrews 10:25)
  • Turnip for serving (Colossians 3:23-24)
  • Turnip to help one another (Hebrews 13:16)

 

To conclude our garden we must have thyme:

  • Thyme for God (Psalm 46:10; Matthew 6:33)
  • Thyme for study (Psalm 119:11; 2 Timothy 2:15)
  • Thyme for prayer (Psalm 62:5; 1 Thessalonians 5:17)

 

My plants are okay, not thriving, but okay. But God doesn’t want our spiritual lives to be this way. He doesn’t want us to live mediocre lives (Revelation 3:16), but instead God wants us to live abundantly (John 10:10). And Jesus is just the Savior to offer this life.

 

I pray that as you go through your day that you will think about the garden of your own life. Are the rows misaligned? Are weeds encroaching on the good crop? Have you taken the time to care for your garden? What are you willing to do for a good harvest?

 

I pray that God’s Hand is upon the garden of your life and that He is the One you run to for advice and guidance. He knows what He is talking about. He’s the expert. He’s the Good Gardener. And God is just waiting for you to ask for His help.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

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God Will Take Care of You

December 3rd, 2014 dsisler

 

I am struggling this morning. My heart is heavy and my spirit is burdened. There are many things I want to share with you, but at this moment I am unable. But this is what I can tell you.

 

???????????????????????????????There are many people that I know who are grieving. Families have had to say goodbye to mothers, fathers, children and friends. Our local community is struggling to come to terms with suicide. Not just one, but three.

 

I know grief. I know my grief. It hasn’t been easy and I’ve cried and hurt and I’ve asked all of the questions and I’ve come to the conclusion that I may not know all of the answers. But what I’ve also learned is that I am not able to carry this burden alone. I must cry out to Jesus and allow Him to carry the burden.

 

If you are in the midst of the grieving process now, please know that God cares. He wants to give you comfort during this time. It may be from the kind word of a friend or it could be from His Word. For me, God’s Word brings deep comfort.

 

I’ve listed some verses of Scripture that have helped me over the past few years through my grieving process. Maybe it’s just what you need today. My favorites include:

 

“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”

(2 Corinthians 12:9 – NIV)

 

“In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33b – NIV)

 

“Be merciful to me, O Lord, for I am in distress;

my eyes grow weak with sorrow, my soul and my body with grief.”

(Psalm 31:9- NIV)

 

“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.”

(Psalm 46:1 – NIV)

 

“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.”

(Psalm 147:3 – NIV)

 

“I will turn their mourning into gladness;

I will give them comfort and joy instead of sorrow.”

(Jeremiah 31:13 – NIV)

 

“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;

And when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you.

When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned;

The flames will not set you ablaze.”

(Isaiah 43:2 – NIV)

 

Maybe someday I’ll be able to share the rest of my story. But until that day arrives, I will continue to hold tightly to Jesus’ promise of being with me, caring for me and delivering me from the pain of this world. I will cling to His Overcoming Arm and seek His Healing Hand. I pray that you too will find great comfort in the One who loves you more than anything.

 

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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