Transforming Words

August 14th, 2014 dsisler

 

One of my greatest joys is to teach women about God’s Word and how it relates to our daily lives. I love how God used and uses His Bible to show us the inadequacies and the successes as we go through our spiritual journey. When I can share these truths with others, I’m so blessed.

 

DSC02392mI’ve had the privilege of leading several groups of ladies in the past. What I love about these groups is their desire to go a little deeper into Scripture to find the greater value of knowing God’s message inside and out. But they’ve gone beyond knowledge. They implement these truths into their daily lives. They live out their faith. They are spiritual warriors in their own worlds.

 

While I love getting deep in God’s Word, I also love teaching those who know nothing or very little about God. I love sharing the Gospel. I love sharing God’s grace and forgiveness. I love sharing the importance of learning and studying God’s plan through His Word.

 

Several years ago, I was asked to lead a study on a wonderful book called A Newcomer’s Guide to the Bible[i]. The book is a great tool for beginners, but I found it to be inspiring for me as well. It gives a clear view of how the Bible is a complete work. How it fits together perfectly. It shows that God had a plan from the beginning and how He connected that plan throughout.

 

We really wanted to use this in our women’s Bible study program, but the problem is that a person going through the book would never have to open the Bible by reading this book. My close friend, the women’s ministry director and I took on the task of writing a companion study to go along with the book. It was the first study I’d ever written and I must say I was hooked!

 

It doesn’t matter how many times I go through this study (and I’ve done it four or five times) I always learn something new. God always directs my study time to find something different to think about. Just as He has always done in the past.

 

You see, God’s Word is very relevant for our lives today. It is living and active. And it points us to the exact place we need to be in our relationship with God.

 

Perhaps you understand what I am saying. Verses pop out that you’re certain you’ve read before, but never meant anything to you until a certain moment. Or a passage will have greater meaning depending on what is happening in our lives. That’s how God’s Word works.

 

This also validates that we must never stop studying or reading the Bible. God will always show us something as we approach our study time with an open heart and mind. Don’t ever underestimate what God will teach you when you’re an eager vessel.

 

Perhaps we read verses of Scripture like Psalm 119:105 (NIV), “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” and wonder how God is able to do this. But He does. God directs us through His Word to show us the path we are to take. And as we study Scripture, we’ll gain more insight into that path and we’ll learn to hear His voice.

 

I’d love to hear from you about this topic. Have you experienced anything I’ve mentioned today? If so, how? What new information has God shown you through your study time? Has He pointed you directly to a passage that you needed for a specific situation?

 

I can honestly say that He has for me.

 

I pray that you’re getting into God’s Word today. I pray that new insight will be shown to you because of your eager heart. I pray that God will show you exactly what He wants you to learn today.

 

God’s Word is a precious gift to us. Let’s never take it for granted. Let’s spend as much time reading the pages of this book as possible. Let’s glean potential knowledge and wisdom from its inspiring words. Let’s see what God has to say to us today!

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

 

[i] Armour, Michael C., A Newcomer’s Guide to the Bible. College Press Publishing Company, 1999.

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Be Patient and Stand Firm

August 13th, 2014 dsisler

 

Last weekend, the Ironman race was hosted in nearby Boulder, Colorado. The Ironman race is a triathlon consisting of 2.4 miles of swimming, a 112 mile bike ride and 26.2 mile marathon; this is competition and endurance at its best.

 

bike raceWhile I admire the group of people who trained and participated in this remarkable race, there are others I admire much more because of their endurance.

 

The cancer patient who continues to come to work with a smile, all the while dealing with the nausea of her treatment. The single mom who works two jobs to keep her children fed and sheltered. The dad who continues to look for work after his company files for bankruptcy. And this list could go on and on.

 

And then there are those who are suffering for their faith. They wake up each morning knowing it’s probably not going to be any better, but they hold onto to one thing. Hope. Hope that it might get better in this world, but if it doesn’t, there is victory in life after death.

 

James, the half-brother of Jesus had seen the horrors of persecution. If he wasn’t at the cross, he heard of the cruelty placed upon his brother. He knew of the persecution work of Saul. Perhaps James heard Stephen’s words as the mob stoned Stephen. More than likely, James knew of the many being put to death for their faith and trust in Jesus.

 

And these are the words of comfort these persecuted believers heard from James. “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything…Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised those who love him.” (James 1:2-4; 12 – NIV)

 

Finding joy in trials may be difficult, perhaps even impossible to our human minds. But over and over in Scripture we see the spiritual blessings we receive when we rejoice in all circumstances.

 

Perhaps the Apostle Paul encouraged the persecuted because of the persecution he himself had inflicted upon believers of Christ. We find these words of encouragement in Romans 5:3-4; Romans 8:35-39; 1 Corinthians 9:24-27; 2 Corinthians 4:8-10; Galatians 6:9; Philippians 3:14; Philippians 4:13; 2 Timothy 2:3; and 2 Timothy 4:1-5, 7. Paul understood hardship and trial. But he also understood that through God, endurance is possible.

 

We can find more encouraging words from the writer of Hebrews. “You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised.” (Hebrews 10:36 – NIV)

 

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12:1-2 – NIV)

 

Crossing the finish line is the ultimate goal of any race. It’s no different for the believer. The only difference is that with eyes fixed upon Jesus, we are able to run the race well. We are able to put off the hindrances. We are able to hit the marks.

 

I don’t know what trials you may be facing today. I pray that you will find encouragement in Scripture and know to “be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near.” (James 5:8 – NIV)

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

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New

August 12th, 2014 dsisler

 

We are in the throes of August. Back-to-school traditions are in full swing and some schools have already started. Fall programming at churches are ready to begin. The thought of cooler weather lingers on everyone’s minds. Life is about to change.

 

IMAG0226August has always been a special month for me. My oldest child was born on August 21. My second child was born three years later on August 23. As you can imagine, August birthdays and back-to-school shopping were nearly always combined.

 

August also means that women’s Bible studies all around the world are about ready to begin. Women from all walks of life will spend more time in prayer and study with Bibles in hand starting in just a few weeks. Not that these same women don’t study and pray during the summer, but there’s just something about the fall and the re-gathering of these faithful women that makes me believe the evil one isn’t as excited for August to end as we are.

 

The church I attend and where I work is gearing up for a final push this fall as well. We have our end of summer bash tomorrow night at a local water park and I know the kids are going to have a blast. The kids and students will be promoted to their new classes this Sunday. New neighborhood groups are being formed. Even our current message series is pushing our folks to something a little bigger, to a relationship with Jesus that’s a little deeper.

 

We rarely think of it this way, but August is a time of new beginnings. New studies. New grade levels at school. New teachers. New clothes. For some, new life in Christ.

 

There are plenty of passages that speak to this idea of new. King David spoke of a new song in Psalm 40:3. Isaiah heard new things from God as stated in Isaiah 48:6. God spoke through Ezekiel 36:26 and said new hearts and new spirits were to come.

 

There were new names (Daniel 1:7), new days (Zephaniah3:5), a new teaching (Mark 1:27), a new command (John 13:34), new life (Acts 5:20), a new way of the Spirit (Romans 7:6), a new covenant (1 Corinthians 11:25), new creation (Galatians 6:15), new birth (1 Peter 1:3), a new heaven and earth (2 Peter 3:13), new everything (Revelation 21:5).

 

Early in Jesus’ ministry He was asked why His disciples didn’t fast and pray as John the Baptizer’s and the Pharisees did (Matthew 9:14-17; Mark 2:18-22; Luke 5:33-39). Jesus replied with encrypted words that we now understand, but for His audience, I’m sure they wondered what bridegroom he was talking about.

 

Jesus then went on to share a parable with those around Him. “No one tears a patch from a new garment and sews it on an old one. If he does, he will have torn the new garment, and the patch from the new will not match the old. And no one pours new wine into old wineskins. If he does, the new wine will burst the skins, the wine will run out and the wineskins will be ruined. No, new wine must be poured into new wineskins. And no one after drinking old wine wants the new, for he says, ‘This old is better.’” (Luke 5:36-39 – NIV)

 

Jesus’ audience understood this parable. They used goatskin to hold wine. As fresh wine fermented, the wine would expand. As it expanded, the new goatskin would stretch. If an older skin was used, it would not expand any further than it already had, so it would eventually burst.

 

We see in this parable that Jesus brought a new way of life that could not fit into or be confined by the old religious ways. Jesus also used this moment to show how some would be reluctant to change from their old traditions and look earnestly at the message Jesus was teaching.

 

Paul later expanded on this idea of new life, new way and new attitude. In Ephesians 4, Paul said it this way. “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.” (Ephesians 4:22-24 – NIV)

 

Perhaps this is the perfect time of year to think of new beginnings. Maybe it’s the time we should think about resolutions. For me, this is an exciting time. I am rejuvenated by the possibilities of the fall.

 

I pray that you are able to jump into a small group or Bible study. I pray that if you need an attitude adjustment, need to take off the old you and put on Jesus or are ready to take a step toward Jesus that you will do so this fall. Jesus is waiting to join you on this journey.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

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“Praise the Lord” – Monday Musical Musings

August 11th, 2014 dsisler

 

I was reminded of this song last week. It was sung by The Imperials and I was taken back to my college days once again. The music, the lyrics, the truth. It seems these words are appropriate today.

 

IMAG1489Christianity has always been disliked. From the beginning, persecution seemed to follow believers of Christ. And it hasn’t changed. Why? Because the father of lies still roams this earth “like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” (1 Peter 5:8 – NIV)

 

But for those of us who believe the Father of Light, the God of creation, the Savior of the world, we too have a promise to hold to. “For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their prayer, but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.” (1 Peter 3:12 – NIV)

 

I spoke with a few persecuted Christians in SE Asia a few years ago. Their faith was remarkable. Their joy was amazing. Their praise was continuous. What an encouragement they were to me. An American Christian who has never been oppressed for my faith. So why is it that my faith and joy and praise seem to diminish in light of my little world?

 

I believe my prayer today must be for Jesus to “increase my faith!” (Luke 17:5)

 

I don’t know how or when the horrors in Iraq will end. But I would encourage my brothers and sisters in Christ that the Lord’s eyes are upon them. His ears hear their prayers and the multitude of prayers being lifted on their behalf by believers around the world. Be strong and courageous, the Lord is on your side and He is with you in every situation.

 

Perhaps it seems odd that the music I’ve chosen today speaks of praising God when we face difficult situations, but when our faith is consistent through the good times and bad times, we really are able to praise God in all circumstances.

 

“Praise the Lord”

 

When you’re up against a struggle that shatters all your dreams
And your hopes have been cruelly crushed by Satan’s manifested schemes
And you feel the urge within you to submit to earthly fears
Don’t let the faith you’re standing in, seem to disappear

 

Chorus:
Praise the Lord, He can work through those who praise Him
Praise the Lord, for our God inhabits praise
Praise the Lord, for the chains that seems to bind you
Serve only to remind you that they drop powerless behind you
When you praise Him

 

Now Satan is a liar and he wants to make us think, that we are paupers
When he knows himself we’re children of the King
So lift up the mighty shield of faith for the battle must be won
We know that Jesus Christ has risen so the work’s already done

(Chorus)[i]

 

To listen to The Imperials version of this song, click here.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

 

[i] “Praise the Lord,” Words and Music by Brown Bannister and Mike Hudson, Word Music, Inc., 1978.

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It’s a Good Day!

August 10th, 2014 dsisler

Good Sunday morning to you! I look forward to worship this morning for many reasons. We begin a new message series today called BaseCamp and we will learn how Jesus calls us to partner with Him for many reasons and why we should.

 

I also am blessed to assist in two baptisms this morning. These days are extremely good ones for me. I am excited for these two who have made the commitment to follow Jesus a little more closely.

 

I pray that you are able to find some excitement in your worship experience this Lord’s Day!

 

Today’s blog post is from the A to Z challenge in 2013 and the letter is “D.” Enjoy!

 

“Daisies, Date Palm, Dill, Dove’s Dung and Daffodils” – Blogging from A to Z

 

I love flowers. I’m not a gardener, because gardening takes work and patience. I also tend to over water or under water any plants placed in my care. Flowers really don’t have a chance with me around. So I will stop by my local florist or grocery store for all of my floral arrangements.

 

But I still love flowers. So much so, that the heroines in the novels I write are named after flowers. Peony. Crisanta. Primrose. Iris. If I hear an unusual name, I tuck it away as if it were a secret treasure that will one day be discovered.

 

ShastaDaisies7-14-05My Mom’s favorite flowers are daisies. And I must admit they bring a ray of sunshine to any room where they are displayed. Daisies bring a smile to my face. Not just because of the flower itself, but because of who loves them. Mom.

 

God apparently loves flowers too, for in the midst of all of His Creation, He created some beautiful flowers. And there are many references to flowers in Scripture, but since we are working with the letter “D” today, let’s look at a few that begin with the letter “D.”

 

First we have Date Palm or the technical name, Phoenix dactylifera. The New American Standard Version of the Bible uses this term in Exodus 15:27. “Then they came to Elim where there were twelve springs of water and seventy date palms, and they camped there beside the waters.”

 

The Hebrew nation had been released from bondage in Egypt and soon into their desert journey, they found a watering hole where the water was undrinkable. God produced fresh water from bitter water in this place to show Israel that He would care for their every need if they listened to Him.

 

This great nation then traveled on to Elim where they not only found good drinking water, but also date palms. I’m sure this would have been a grand treat in the middle of the desert.

 

The next flowering plant that can be found in Scripture is Dill (Anethum graveolens). I enjoy this fragrant, delicious herb, but I also know that it can take over an entire section of a garden if allowed.

 

In Isaiah’s section of woes, he uses a farming analogy. The farmer, at the right time, clears the land and levels it, but then he doesn’t leave it in that state. The farmer sows his crops.

 

Again from the New American Standard Bible we see that dill is one of those crops the farmer sows. “Does he not level its surface and sow dill and scatter cumin? And plant wheat in rows, barley in its place and rye within its area?” (Isaiah 28:25 – NASB)

 

In this same chapter, Isaiah goes on to remind of how different crops are treated after the harvest. “For dill is not threshed with a threshing sledge, or is the cartwheel driven over cumin; But dill is beaten out with a rod, and cumin with a club.” (Isaiah 28:27 – NASB)

 

Dill is mentioned one more time in the New American Standard Bible. Jesus spoke the word in Matthew 23:23, again in relation with woes. As Jesus spoke to the Scribes and Pharisees, He condemned them for only tithing with spices and for neglecting people. Listen to Jesus’ words.

 

“Woe to you, Scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you tithe mint and dill and cumin, and have neglected the weightier provisions of the law: justice and mercy and faithfulness; but these are the things you should have done without neglecting the others.” (Matthew 23:23 – NASB)

 

The final flowering plant I’d like to share with you is Dove’s Dung (Ornithogalum narbonense). The only place we find this term is in 2 Kings 6:25 and only in the New American Standard Bible. Other versions have chosen to translate this word as seed pods or wild onions.

 

Josephus, a Jewish historian, referred to dove’s dung as being used as a salt substitute. Apparently Dove’s Dung was a food eaten during the famine in Samaria as found in 2 Kings 6:25 and how expensive it was to purchase.

 

“There was a great famine in Samaria; and behold, they besieged it, until a donkey’s head was sold for eighty shekels of silver, and fourth of a kab of dove’s dung for five shekels of silver.” (2 Kings 6:25 – NASB)

 

I believe we can find a few lessons from these flowering plants that God has placed on this earth. See if you agree.

 

We should bask in and enjoy God’s creation.

 

We should trust God to care for us in all situations and we should listen to Him.

 

We should be mindful of the things in our lives that seem to consume us.

 

We should accept God’s “threshing” process to create Christ-like, usable people for His kingdom.

 

We should tithe in a way that is pleasing to God.

 

We should seek justice, mercy and faithfulness.

 

We should not neglect people.

 

We should be thankful for the great price Jesus paid so that we might have eternal life.

 

Who would have thought so many lessons could be learned from these three little flowering plants God created! I know I wasn’t expecting this, but I also believe that God can show up in the smallest of things in our lives and if we keep our eyes open, He will reveal Himself to us.

 

How has God revealed Himself to you today? What is He teaching you? I would love to hear from you! Why not leave a comment to share your thoughts?

 

The weather is turning spring-like here in Colorado. My daffodils are beginning to pop through the earth. It is just a matter of time before all of the flowering trees in my yard are in full blossom. It is a wonderful time of the year to acknowledge our new life in Christ. I pray that you are doing just that.

 

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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