What Are You Thinking?

September 28th, 2014 dsisler

 

Do your thoughts ever wander? Mine certainly do. Sometimes it’s just too difficult to focus on a conversation or a task because my mind has gone somewhere else. You know, “what should we have for dinner?” or “oh, I shouldn’t have said that.”

 

IMAG0226And then there are the times when my mind wanders to where it shouldn’t. When envy or dislike enters. Not super evil thoughts, but ungodly just the same. These thoughts are the most disturbing to me.

 

2 Corinthians 10:5 (NIV) suggests that when our thoughts wander, we must “take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” Even when we know no one else will know our thoughts, we must still give them to Jesus. He must rule over our thoughts as He does our actions.

 

As we prepare our hearts for worship this morning, let’s use King David’s words as our personal prayer. “May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.” (Psalm 19:14 – NIV)

 

Today I continue with my Blogging A to Z repeats from 2013. This morning enjoy “Ingredients.”

 

Ingredients – Blogging from A to Z

 

I love to cook. I find such joy while preparing a delicious meal, whether it is for two, 200 or somewhere in between. I have confidence in my skill and in my desire to find something unique to prepare, as well as my interest in learning something new.

 

Regardless of whether I use a recipe or whip something together, there must be ingredients of some sort. Ingredients make up everything we eat.

 

Sometimes ingredients are better than others. Obviously fresh fruits and vegetables are healthier for us, so when they can be purchased in season, the end product is just more appealing. We live in a time where what we put into our bodies is much more important. Better ingredients make better food (I think I just stole that from a popular pizza joint!).

 

What “ingredients” are needed for a better relationship with God or for spiritual growth? Let’s take a look at some of these elements.

 

Bible Study

An example of studying God’s Word can be found in the book of Ezra. He was “well versed in the Law of Moses.” He arrived in Jerusalem from Babylon and he had “devoted himself to the study and observance of the Law of the Lord, and to teaching its decrees and laws in Israel.” (Ezra 7:1-10 – NIV)

 

In 2 Timothy 2:15, Timothy was told to “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.” We also should study God’s Word so that we know exactly what His Word says. We then, will be able to be like Timothy.

 

Prayer

Ephesians 6:18 (NIV) shows us that we are to “pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.”

 

Here are a few other verses to take note of that lead us to the same conclusion. “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” (Philippians 4:6 – NIV) “Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.” (Colossians 4:2 – NIV) “The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.” (James 5:16b – NIV)

 

Scripture Memorization

Psalm 119:11 (NIV) reminds me of King David’s words. “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.” Hiding Scripture in my heart keeps me on the right path. God’s path.

 

And we find that the Hebrew nation was given a similar command regarding the memorization of God’s commands. “These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts.” (Deuteronomy 6:6 – NIV)

 

You may want to consider some other “ingredients” for spiritual growth that we don’t have time to go into with this post, but you could look up the provided Scripture to see what God’s word has to say about them.

 

Worship (Psalm 95:6; Psalm 122:1, John 4:24; Romans 12:1-2)

 

Meditation (Joshua 1:8; Psalm 1:2; Psalm 19:14; Psalm 119:148)

 

Fasting (Isaiah 58; Matthew 4:1-11; Matthew 6:16-18; Acts 14:23)

 

Silence and Solitude (Job 33:32-33; Psalm 4:3-4; Habakkuk 2:20; Luke 6:12)

 

Rest (Psalm 119:165; Psalm 127:2; Isaiah 30:15; Matthew 11:28)

 

I love what James says in James 1:22 (NIV), “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” We must put all that we learn through the “ingredients” into practice, otherwise we will not grow spiritually. That is not what God wants us to be or how He wants us to live our lives. We are to do what His Word says.

 

And since I chatted earlier about loving to cook, I had to bring this passage into this piece. 1 Peter 2:2-3 (NIV) tells us that we are to crave spiritual milk, because we have tasted that Lord is good. “Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, now that you have tasted that the Lord is good.”

 

The “ingredients” listed above lead to spiritual maturity and as we mature, we crave God more and more and only want what He has to offer.

 

So let’s do a little evaluation of our lives by answering the following questions.

 

What are the steps you need to take to move from infancy to Christian maturity? Are you in a weekly Bible study that draws you into God’s Word to learn more about God? Are you attending worship services on a regular basis? Do you have a spiritual mentor who can assist when you have a spiritual question? Do you crave being with God daily?

 

I pray that today you will crave God over anything else.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

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Billy Ray Visit – Day 7

September 27th, 2014 dsisler

 

My brother will be visiting this week. My husband and I have taken vacation and we plan to enjoy our time together.

 

I will be sharing an older blog post each day this week. I have found enough blog posts that mention my brother Billy Ray, so you will get to know him a little as we laugh the days away.

 

A Fish and Kayak

 

On my recent trip to Florida with my family, my brothers became pretty good at fishing in a kayak. They learned the pattern of the tides, the current of the water, and how far out into the bay they could go.

 

DSC02117On these fishing excursions, each of them caught quite a few fish. Most were too small to keep, but they were content with spending the day slowly drifting on the water.

 

The problem they encountered was that when they found fish, there was no way to anchor the kayak to that spot. Before they could get their line reset, they were beyond the location and would once again need to drift until more fish were found.

 

My brother Michael came up with a solution. There were small buoy’s, almost like large fishing bobbers, out in the bay. Michael grabbed one of them and tucked it into the kayak to keep him in that location.

 

It wasn’t long before he realized that he was not staying in one location and in fact was drifting. Not only was he drifting, but the buoy was as well.

 

I believe we can get in that same mess with our spiritual lives. If we are not careful, our minds will pull us in a direction that might not be the correct route. Here are a few verses that will help us with keeping our minds from drifting.

 

Hebrews 2:1 gives us a good piece of advice. “We must pay more careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away.” Paying attention will allow us to stay on the correct path that God has set for us to follow.

 

“You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you.” (Isaiah 26:3) Keeping our minds steadfast brings peace because of the trust we’ve placed in God.

 

And how are we to do this? Romans 12:2 gives us a guide. “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is, his good, pleasing, and perfect will.” Renewing our minds will lead to transformation.

 

And Ephesians 4:22-24 gives a little more insight. “You were taught with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.” Putting off the old self and putting on the new self is possible through the attitude of our minds. God’s righteousness and holiness will be evident through this process.

 

“The end of all things is near. Therefore, be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray.” (1 Peter 4:7) In this verse we see that being clear minded and having self control go hand in hand. By keeping these two elements in line, prayer will be the outcome.

 

And finally, for what purpose are we to prepare our minds? For action! “Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed.” (1 Peter 1:13) After we’ve set our minds right, we must get our minds ready for action. For whatever Satan might throw our way. We must be ready.

 

Perhaps you remember the old television advertisement for the UNCF, “A mind is a terrible thing to waste.” Especially when it involves your spiritual life. Use your mind. Develop your mind. Keep focused on what really matters. “Set your mind on things above, not on earthly things.” (Colossians 3:2) Quit drifting!

 

My brothers learned the fine art of fishing and kayaking in a few short days. Apparently, there is nothing that a little fishing won’t cure.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

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Billy Ray Visit – Day 6

September 26th, 2014 dsisler

 

My brother will be visiting this week. My husband and I have taken vacation and we plan to enjoy our time together.

 

I will be sharing an older blog post each day this week. I have found enough blog posts that mention my brother Billy Ray, so you will get to know him a little as we laugh the days away.

 

The Light on the Back Porch

 

Growing up in Upstate New York brought with it some great experiences and memories. Bike rides to Blueberry Hill, panning for gold, tobogganing in the snow, drives though the mountains during the autumn months, boat outings on the lakes and canals of the area, visits to apple orchards for fresh pressed apple cider, and the list could go on.

 

front porchMemories of my youth.

 

Another memory is playing baseball in the backyard with other neighborhood kids. We lived on a 3-acre lot and there was an open field at the back of the property where we had created a baseball diamond.

 

Saturday’s would come and when our chores were finished, we’d head to the baseball field with gear in hand. After rounding up our friends, a baseball game would get underway.

 

We would play for hours. We would lose track of time. We were having fun.

 

Then it would happen. My sister, my brother, or I would see it. The light on the back porch. At that moment, we knew the game was over for us. We’d gather our gear and head home. That porch light brought disappointment to us and to our fellow ball players on many occasions.

 

My dad had thought up the little system. If we were out and about and saw the porch light on, it was the signal to come home. And it worked well.

 

That light had meaning. That light contained a message. That light gave direction. That light was a beacon. That light drew us to it.

 

In our spiritual walk, we too have a light. That light is Jesus. Isaiah told of this great Light in his book. “The people living in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned.” (Isaiah 9:2)

 

John the Baptizer also told of this Light. He testified concerning the Light. “The true Light that gives light to every man was coming into the world.” (John 1:6-9)

 

And when Jesus walked onto the scene, the Light had arrived and He proclaimed it. “I am the Light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12)

 

On another occasion Jesus said, “While I am in the world, I am the Light of the world.” (John 9:5)

 

And as Jesus taught the crowds about the Light, He said, “You are going to have the light just a little while longer. Walk while you have the light, before darkness over takes you. The man who walks in the dark does not know where he is going. Put our trust in the light while you have it, so that you may become sons of light.” (John 12:35-36)

 

Once we become “sons of light,” we are called to be a light in this world. We are to reflect the Light so that others might see Jesus through us.

 

Matthew 5:14-16 says, “You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.”

 

Our light is to be visible to all we come in contact with…in order to praise God!

 

Paul shares in 2 Corinthians 4:6 a little about light. “For God, who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness,’ made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.”

 

Just as God created light in the beginning, He has placed light in our hearts. That light has meaning. That light contains a message. That light gives direction. That light is a beacon. That light draws us to it.

 

What power we have received! Romans 13:12 also tells us to “put on the armor of light.” We have this power from the Light all around…inside and outside.

 

So, what are you waiting for? The Light is here! The Light is waiting for you to shine! Don’t keep the Light under a bushel…oh no! I pray that you will “let that little light shine” for all to see and so that God would be glorified.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

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Billy Ray Visit – Day 5

September 25th, 2014 dsisler

 

My brother will be visiting this week. My husband and I have taken vacation and we plan to enjoy our time together.

 

I will be sharing an older blog post each day this week. I have found enough blog posts that mention my brother Billy Ray, so you will get to know him a little as we laugh the days away.

 

The Road I Travelled

 

As young children, our family lived in the small community of Jeffersonville, Ohio. I have such fond memories of living there, both as a child and an adult.

 

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAMy father was the minister of the Church of Christ and with growth, a church building was built and the old church building was transformed into a parsonage where our family was to live. All of this was happening about a mile outside of town.

 

Until it was time to move into the new house, we lived in a beautiful house in town. Again, more fond memories of this grand, spacious place.

 

On one occasion, my younger brother and I were thoroughly bored at the parsonage while my parents worked diligently to get everything done. So we asked Mom if we could walk home. She said “No.”

 

We begged her to let us walk home. Then she said, “Don’t you dare get on that road!”

 

To a 5 and 6 year old, that was permission. We’d just stay off the road. Walk in the ditch along the road. We could do this.

 

And our journey began.

 

A kind woman we knew stopped to see if we needed a ride and to make sure we were okay. But honestly, we were having too much fun. We were on an adventure. We were on our own. We continued our walking journey.

 

As we finally made it into the downtown area of town, walking on the sidewalk I might add, Mom drove up beside us. We knew she was mad.

 

“Get in this car. Your Dad is bringing a big stick home with him.”

 

Sometimes we do this same thing with God’s Word. We distort it to be exactly what we want it to say or mean to us. Instead of simply accepting it for what it is, we figure out how to work our way around the commands He has given us through Scripture.

 

God loves us. He wants what is best for us. So the commands He gives for us to obey have real benefits in our lives. God speaking through the prophet Isaiah said this. “I am the Lord your God, who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go. If only you had paid attention to my commands, your peace would have been like a river, your righteousness like the waves of the sea.” (Isaiah 48:17b-18 – NIV)

 

Did you notice the benefits of obeying God in this passage? Peace and righteousness.

 

We also see from Scripture that if we love God and want to please Him, we will obey.

 

“If you love me, you will obey what I command.” (John 14:15 – NIV)

 

“This is love for God: to obey his commands. And his commands are not burdensome, for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith.” (1 John 5:3-4 – NIV)

 

“And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.” (Hebrews 11:6 – NIV)

 

And what are the benefits we see in these passages of obedience? Freedom, conquering of the world, victory, rewards and it pleases God. Benefits I believe are worthwhile.

 

I love how the writer of Hebrews tells us that God’s commands are not burdensome. Remember Jesus’ words in Matthew? “Come to me all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30 – NIV)

 

Suddenly, obedience doesn’t seem so difficult. And again, do you see benefits to obedience? Rest. When we are weary and when we are restless within our souls, Jesus provides the perfect rest.

 

On that day so long ago, my brother and I were very nervous waiting for Dad to show up “with a big stick.” When he arrived however, he didn’t have a stick.

 

Oh, I’m sure we were punished, but I certainly don’t remember it. I was just thankful that all was well once again in the Howard household.

 

I learned a valuable lesson that day about obedience. I’ve learned valuable lessons through the years about obeying God. I’m thankful that in His great love for me, that I am able to do my small part. Are you?

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

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Billy Ray Visit – Day 4

September 24th, 2014 dsisler

 

My brother will be visiting this week. My husband and I have taken vacation and we plan to enjoy our time together.

 

I will be sharing an older blog post each day this week. I have found enough blog posts that mention my brother Billy Ray, so you will get to know him a little as we laugh the days away.

 

Geocaching

 

My husband and I used to enjoy geocaching. We would seek out the perfect locations to search for the cache and we’d head off to find the treasure that another geocacher had strategically placed.

 

Colorado Rockies

Colorado Rockies

We found, too, that typically there would be a great photo op nearby as well. So for each of us, we found satisfaction in this hobby. It was something we could do together and see some beautiful scenery in Colorado.

 

My brother, Billy, came for his annual visit during this time period and we thought he might enjoy the hunt as well. We planned a couple of trips out to look for these items.

 

We even put together a cache to hide. We found the container, chose the items to place inside, and documented the hiding place of our cache. We found it to once again be a successful activity for each of us to enjoy.

 

On our final day out, we ventured into the mountains a bit more and ended up on a one lane road with the steep mountain above and below us. The problem? Another vehicle joined us on the road from the opposite direction. We were face to face with a larger SUV with very little options.

 

I pulled as far to the right as possible and the other SUV drove around us. I was thankful to hug the mountain. I surely didn’t want to drive out over the edge. Just a few hundred feet away, we stopped, found our cache and returned to our vehicle to head home.

 

It was then we knew there was a problem. An odd sound drew us from the vehicle. We changed the flat tire and began moving. Unfortunately, a second tire was flat. We had no option but to continue driving with the flat tire. There was no cell phone coverage. No one was passing our way (except a young man on a dirt bike who stopped and said, “Bummer!” Yeah, we got that).

 

We slowly made our way off the mountain. It was a long day. It took hours. Frustrating hours. Disappointing hours. But my brother coined a phrase that day that I have used a few times. “A good story is better than a good time.”

 

What does that phrase mean to you? Hopefully it isn’t your life story. Hopefully, like me, there have been a few times in your life when things didn’t go as planned and in the long run found some interesting bits of wisdom gleaned from the situation.

 

Proverbs 19:21 tells us, “Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.” I have made plans. Sometimes my plans don’t turn out the way I wanted or wished, but I know I’ve learned something each time my plans have failed.

 

My Dad has been asking me this question for as long as I can remember. “What did you learn?” If we cannot find some wisdom or lessons from our failures, we are doomed to continue to fail and make the same mistakes over and over.

 

But I think more importantly, we can ask ourselves, “How can God use this?” If our story cannot be used by God, it will not be of value. His purpose must prevail in these situations in our lives.

 

We don’t geo cache any more. It was a fad for us. But I know there will be another adventure lurking around the corner and we just might say, “A good story is better than a good time.”

 

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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