These Two

October 8th, 2014 dsisler

 

My husband is my favorite photographer. He can compose a photograph unlike anyone I’ve ever known.

 

Trixie and Kelly

Trixie and Kelly

While this picture is nowhere near his best work, it still remains one of my favorite photographs. He snapped this photo of our two cats as they sat at the table, begging for whatever we might be serving for dinner.

 

Unfortunately for them, there was nothing to share. We were sitting around the table drinking coffee and chatting.

 

They sat in these same chairs many times through the years. Waiting. Hoping. Begging. Thinking they might receive their greatest desire. Food.

 

These two didn’t need any more food than they already had, but they certainly wanted it. That is the definition of greed.

 

I recall several people in Scripture who also showed greedy tendencies.

 

The Israelites had been wandering for some time. They were tired of the same food. They begged God for something new. God gave them what they wanted.

 

Numbers 11:31-34 gives the account. Starting in verse 31 we see God driving “quail in from the sea. It brought them down all around the camp to about three feet above the ground, as far as a day’s walk in any direction.”

 

The people gathered and gathered. They were greedy.

 

God burned with anger against Israel and struck them with a severe plague. Their greed and craving food caused great pain and anguish.

 

David was also found desiring something that didn’t belong to him when he saw Bathsheba. 2 Samuel 12 tells this story.

 

David and Bathsheba have a sexual encounter at David’s bidding. Bathsheba becomes pregnant. David tries to manipulate her husband and eventually must have him killed to cover his sin.

 

David is then confronted by Nathan about his green and sin. David repents, but the baby Bathsheba delivers dies.

 

David’s greed caused great pain and anguish in many lives.

 

Ananias and Sapphira’s story can be found in Acts chapter 5.

 

The couple sold a piece of land and gave a portion of the profits to the Church. However, they each told Peter that they had given the full amount of the sale.

 

In their greed, they wanted to look good among their fellow Christians and still make some money.

 

As a result of this greed, the pair fell down and died.

 

Ephesians 5:3-5 says, “But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people. Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person—such a man is an idolater—has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.”

 

There is to be no hint…of greed! Because it isn’t proper for us. The greedy person has no inheritance in God’s kingdom.

 

These are harsh words, but God knows how this sin can affect our lives. How it can destroy us. So, He simply says to stay away from it.

 

We no longer have pets of any kind. It’s kind of quiet and at times I miss having a cat or a dog around. But if I were to have a pet waiting for another morsel of food, I suspect they just might get a lesson on greed.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

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That Word

October 7th, 2014 dsisler

 

You’ve heard it before. That word. You may have heard it from your teenager, your child, a co-worker, or even your spouse. Perhaps you have used it in the past or use it on a regular basis. And, you know, the word cannot just be spoken alone. There must be rolling of eyes, perhaps a hand gesture, or even someone walking away from you.

 

WHATEVER!

 

???????????????????????????????It is a word that clearly says, “I really don’t care about what you are saying and you can’t make me care!”

 

If you are like me, it is a word that sucks every bit of life from me. Especially when it comes from someone that I love. I want to shake them and say, “Why don’t you care?” “Am I really that unimportant to you?” “You need an attitude adjustment!” Now, I may not have tons of wisdom, but I do have some. Please give me that much!

 

Regardless of their reason for saying that word, my feelings get hurt, I feel as if I have no value, or it makes me angry. So how can that one little word mean so much? I believe it is because it is the final word.

 

The apostle Paul gives us an alternative use for this word that may help when we are in this situation. Philippians 4:8-9 says, “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.” Puts “whatever” into a completely different light doesn’t it?

 

When we are faced with a situation where the conversation ends with “whatever,” think about the things God wants us to think about. What is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, or praiseworthy. These thoughts will fill us with life! Abundant life! They will restore us so that we might be able to move on with our day.

 

And what does God promise? Peace. Peace in an otherwise hostile situation. Isn’t it wonderful how God knows exactly what we need? How He knew over 2,000 years ago that that one little word, “whatever,” would take on a different meaning and supplied a way for us to react to it. I can now thank God for the “whatever’s” in my life and rejoice that I can use that very same word in a positive way. Whatever!

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

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“Waiting Here for You” – Monday Musical Musings

October 6th, 2014 dsisler

 

Waiting can be so difficult. Waiting for a special person to arrive. Waiting for an event or special occasion. Waiting. UGH! And yet, in most every situation, we must wait.

 

IMAG1492There was plenty of waiting in the Scripture. Noah waited for the rains to begin after building the ark. Abraham waited for the birth of his son. The Hebrew nation waited for their release from slavery. King Darius waited all night long to see how Daniel fared against the lions.

 

Mary and Martha waited for news that Jesus was coming to heal their brother. The disciples waited in Jerusalem for the gift of the Holy Spirit. Saul waited in Damascus for a word from Jesus after his blinding encounter. Every believer since Jesus returned to heaven has been waiting for His return.

 

Unfortunately, waiting is part of life and I suspect that it is as difficult for you as it is for me.

 

When I read the words to this song, I am drawn to the correlation between faith and waiting. Each person mentioned above would not have been able to wait without faith in what God was doing in their lives.

 

It’s the same with us. The biblical definition of faith can be found in Hebrews 11:1 (NIV). “Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.”

 

As a believer of Jesus, my hope is found in Jesus and is to one day spend eternity with Him in heaven. But I believe that’s the easy part. It’s what I don’t see that trips up my faith. Not knowing how God is working on or in a situation that causes me to stumble.

 

So what are we to do? Wait. It’s not the time to take matters into our own hands. Let’s remember that God has it. He is in control. He has a plan. Let’s allow Him to do His work and give Him praise when it’s all come to light.

 

The best news I can share this morning is that when my faith quivers, God’s faithfulness remains firm. There are plenty of passages to back up this statement if you need proof (Deuteronomy 7:9, 1 Kings 18:36-39, Isaiah 25:1, Lamentations 3:21-23, 1 Corinthians 1:9, 2 Thessalonians 3:3, 1 John 1:9).

 

As you read through these lyrics and listen to this song, let’s be determined to wait on our faithful God. We can expect great and mighty things when we do so.

 

“Waiting Here for You”

 

If faith can move the mountains
Let the mountains move
We come with expectation
Waiting here for you, I’m waiting here for you

You’re the Lord of all creation
And still you know my heart
The Author of Salvation
You’ve loved us from the start

Chorus:
Waiting here for You
With our hands lifted high in praise
And it’s You we adore
Singing Alleluia

You are everything You’ve promised
Your faithfulness is true
And we’re desperate for Your presence
All we need is You

(Chorus)

Singing Alleluia
Alleluia, singing alleluia, alleluia

(Chorus)[i]
 

Click here to listen to Christy Nockels’ version of “Waiting Here for You.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

[i] “Waiting Here for You,” Words and music by Chris Tomlin, Jesse Reeves, and Martin Smith, Worshiptogether.com, Sixsteps Music, Vamos Publishing and Curious? Music, 2011.

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Shoes

October 5th, 2014 dsisler

 

This morning I will be sharing a blog post from my A to Z challenge. The post is about a shoe collection my Mom has. I know you’ll enjoy it.

 

This morning as we head to worship, perhaps we could revisit Moses’ encounter with God in Exodus 3. Moses found himself in God’s holiness and was asked to remove his shoes (Exodus 3:5).

 

What is it you do to recognize that you are in God’s holiness? I know of people who remove their shoes during worship. That in itself is a good reminder. I don’t have an answer or even a suggestion, but I do believe God would like to acknowledge His holiness as Moses did.

 

So today, let’s be reminded that we are standing on holy ground when we worship. We are in God’s presence and that makes it holy. I can’t wait to be in His presence!

 

Have a beautiful morning of worship!

 

Just the Right Shoe

 

DSC02256I’ve collected several items through the years. As a child I collected staples…I’m not sure what that says about me. I’ve collected angel figurines, houses, farming tools, dishes, Christmas décor, and anything with the word “joy” in or on it.

 

Other people I’ve known had other collections like rocks, salt and pepper shakers, fossils, Precious Moments figurines and art work to name a few.

 

DSC02260My Mom has a few collections. Miniature oil cans, thimbles, Bybee pottery, and my favorite, Just the Right Shoe figurines by Raine.

 

These shoes are miniature replica of interesting and beautiful shoes. Some I’ve love to have in my wardrobe. The pictures are some of my favorites. But the thing is they are only the right shoe.

 

There are several passages in the book of Psalm that tell us about the right hand or right arm of God. We are reminded of the power, and the works of the right hand or arm of God. Let’s see what is said.

 

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

 

We find salvation at the right hand of God. Psalm 17:7 tells us, “Show the wonder of your great love, you who save by your right hand those who take refuge in you from their foes.”

 

We find victory at the right hand of God. “You give me your shield of victory, and your right hand sustains me; you stoop down to make me great.” (Psalm 18:35)

 

And in Psalm 44:3 we see, “It was not by their sword that they won the land, nor did their arm bring them victory; it was your right hand, your arm, and the light of your face, for you loved them.”

 

And also Psalm 45:4. “In your majesty ride forth victoriously in behalf of truth, humility and righteousness; let your right hand display awesome deeds.”

 

We find stability at the right hand of God. Psalm 63:8 says, “My soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me.”

 

And Psalm 73:23 reminds us, “Yet I am always with you, you hold me by my right hand.”

 

In Psalm 139:9-10 we see, “If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.”

 

We find amazement of mighty works at the right hand of God. Psalm 98:1 says, “Sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done marvelous things; his right hand and his holy arm have worked salvation for him.”

 

“Shouts of joy and victory resound in the tents of the righteous; ‘The Lord’s right hand has done mighty things!’” (Psalm 118:15)

 

I think I’d like to sit a while at God’s right hand. To see and hear and feel and know all that He can accomplish single handedly.

 

It has been fun, as Mom’s friends and family, to add to her shoe collection. Shoes that remind us of something or someone. Shoes to commemorate a special group of people. Shoes that are whimsical or beautiful. But in the end, they are just for pleasure. They are pretty little things for everyone to gaze upon.

 

God’s right arm is not like that. It is useful. It has purpose. Are you within the comfort of His right arm? If not, why not? Wrapped inside, you’ll find everything you could ever hope for.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

 

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Stop What You’re Doing

October 4th, 2014 dsisler

 

My husband Mason is a photographer. Over the past few weeks we’ve been able to get into the mountains and view the beautiful colors of the aspen trees. They have been exceptionally gorgeous this year.

 

???????????????????????????????Mason has a habit of seeing something that catches his eye and he says, “stop.” Since I am the one driving 99% of the time, it’s up to me to get him where he wants to be.

 

Sometimes it’s possible. Other times it’s more difficult to find a turn off and get back to where he actually saw the great scene.

 

Perhaps you’ve encountered something similar with your day-to-day living.

 

There are times that we need to stop what we are doing, sometimes right in the middle of it. Words of discouragement flowing from our mouths. Improper thoughts. Actions that simply are not very Christ-like. In the moments we are caught up in sin, we must stop. Get away from the situation and head toward God.

 

In Scripture, we find some examples of when we are to stop. Let’s see what God has to say.

 

The first thing we must stop is sinning. Isaiah 1:16b-17a and 1 Corinthians 15:34a share the same thought. “Stop doing wrong, learn to do right.” (NIV) “Come back to your senses as you ought, and stop sinning.” (NIV)

 

Let’s remember, if we are going to remove a behavior from our lives, we must replace it with something else. Isaiah says to learn to do right. Fill the void with good as you stop doing wrong.

 

1 Corinthians 14:20 (NIV) reminds us to “Stop thinking like children. In regard to evil be infants, but in your thinking be adults.” We need to grow up and stop acting like children when it comes to our spiritual lives! We need to put aside evil, sinful thoughts and get into God’s Word. Get to the “meat” and become spiritual adults. Learn what God has to say about all areas of your life. Then you will stop thinking like a child.

 

Then there are a few things we are to do in relation to others. Romans 14:13 (NIV) says to stop judging. “Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in your brother’s way.”

 

Judging. It’s something we’re good at. But God clearly states that it’s not our job. Our job is to keep others from stumbling by making sure our lives are following the path God has laid before us. Another great example of what we are to fill the emptiness with. God’s love for others.

 

And in John 6:43 (NIV), Jesus was speaking to a group of Jews, but His words speak to me. “Stop grumbling among yourselves.” I find myself falling into this trap over and over. Grumbling. Complaining. Believing that I could do better. Hah!

 

Perhaps I could do better, but guess what? I wasn’t asked to do it! Someone with more qualifications, more abilities, more anything was asked. My role is to support. Lift up. Encourage. Not grumble.

 

Finally I’d like to look at a verse that brings everything into perspective. In the book of Job, God’s faithful and eloquent servant, Elihu, presents God’s case to Job. Over and over, Elihu brings Job to an understanding of God’s goodness.

 

In Job 37:14 (NIV), Elihu asks Job to “Stop and consider God’s wonders.” When we adopt this view of life, we too, will not be able to contain the joy, love, or hope within us. These qualities, God’s qualities will flow from us.

 

God’s wonders. They are boundless. They are limitless. They are amazing.

 

I encourage you to stop. Right now. Stop and spend some time praising God for who He is. For what He has done. For what He is preparing to do. Then inquire what He desires for you. What He is asking you to do.

 

He might reply with “stop.” Stop sinning. Stop thinking like a child. Stop judging. Stop grumbling. Stop and consider. Stop.

 

Stop. Get out of the situation, way of thinking, or busyness of life. And then, run to God.

 

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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