So Many Choices

May 16th, 2014 dsisler

We all must make choices every day. Some are easy and can be made without much hesitation. Like “what color shall I wear today” or “do I want salad or a sandwich for lunch?”

 

August 2004 Trip2 018mSome decisions are difficult or that require time to make a decision. Like “what car shall I buy” or “what community do we want to live in?”

 

We each face choices in our day-to-day living. They are part of life.

 

We find in Deuteronomy that Israel had a choice to make. Moses thought it was an easy choice. But he also knew it had to be their choice. So he shared all the pros and cons of this important decision.

 

Moses and the priests called Israel together and said, “Be silent, O Israel, and listen! You have now become the people of the Lord your God. Obey the Lord your God and follow his command and decrees that I give you today.” (Deuteronomy 27:9-10 – NIV)

 

There is a lot in these verses, but what I’d like to show is that Israel had already been chosen by God. Now it was their turn to make a choice.

 

After quite a long speech on blessings and curses, the renewal of the covenant, and prosperity in the Lord, Moses gets to the main point. In Deuteronomy 30:11-20, Moses lays it all out for them. He makes a great case for God.

 

Moses believes it is an easy decision to make and says so. “Now what I am commanding you today is not too difficult for you or beyond your reach.” (Deuteronomy 30:11 – NIV) Moses goes on to say that they don’t have to go to heaven to find it. They don’t have to cross the sea to get it.

 

“No, the word is very near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart so you may obey it.” (Deuteronomy 30:14 – NIV) I love this verse for it is exactly the same for us on this side of the cross. God’s Word is within us. In our hearts and should be on our tongues. And the reason? So that we may know it and obey.

 

Moses then tells them they have a choice. Life and prosperity or death and destruction.

 

This great leader of God enlightened Israel of the consequences of disobedience and the blessings of obedience. For Moses, there wasn’t a decision to be made. He had already chosen to follow God. Israel needed to do the same.

 

One final swaying argument for God and Moses would hand the leadership role over to Joshua.

 

“This day I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live and that you may love the Lord your God, listen to his voice, and hold fast to him. For the Lord is your life, and he will give you many years in the land he swore to give to your fathers, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.” (Deuteronomy 30:19-20 – NIV)

 

I can hear the great crowd cheering after Moses’ convincing words. They are inspiring words. Words that called Israel to action. Israel was all in at this point.

 

Oh, we know that Israel made bad decisions throughout their history in the Old Testament, but at this point, they chose God. They chose blessings. They chose prosperity. They chose life.

 

Do Moses’ words call you to action? Are they enough to convince you to love God, listen to His voice, and hold fast to Him? Are you willing to accept God as your life?

 

As a Christ-follower, I must ask myself a few questions as well. Am I thrilled that God’s Word is very near? Are God’s commands in my heart? Are they on my lips? Do I listen to God’s voice? Do I hold fast to Him?

 

I’ll say it like Moses did. It’s not a difficult decision. Choose life!

 

As you go through your day today, I know you will face a choice or two. Some may be even more difficult than mentioned above. If so, please ask for God’s help. He will be happy to weigh in on the situation. And God will also be happy that you invited Him in to your decision process.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

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Spiritual Growth and Acts 2

May 15th, 2014 dsisler

I have read through Acts 2:42-47 dozens of times through my lifetime. It’s one of those great passages that give us insight into the early Church. We read in this passage what they did. We find examples of what we should be doing. We see a wonderful picture of the Church as Christ instructed.

 

IMAG1501What I have never done however, is look at this passage as a way to gauge spiritual growth. The points listed in this section of Scripture show us how the early Church grew spiritually. I believe we can use these same points to determine if we are growing as well. Let’s take a look at these verses.

 

In verse 42, we see the early believers devoted themselves to four things. When we devote ourselves to these same four things, we will see spiritual growth in our lives.

 

Apostles Teaching

The early Church didn’t have a New Testament, so they had to depend upon what the apostles taught. And what did they teach? Jesus’ words. His teachings. All that we find in our New Testament.

 

So when we devote ourselves to God’s Word and learning what God has to say to me each day, spiritual growth will occur.

 

Fellowship/Community

I am truly blessed to be able to go to work each day and connect with fellow believers of Christ. I know how important that is. Community was important in New Testament days and it is just as important today.

 

When I am committed to being with my fellow believers in corporate worship, spiritual growth happens.

 

Breaking of Bread

As part of our worship service, the Lord’s Supper is observed. When I accept the cup of Christ each week, I am making a commitment to Him. I accept Him in my life over and over.

 

Coming to terms with my sin each week is another step to spiritual growth.

 

Prayer

Communion with God through prayer is yet another way we can commit to God and an area where we can see spiritual development. The early Church was devoted to this spiritual discipline and we should be just as committed.

 

When I am in communion with God through prayer on a regular basis, I see spiritual growth within my own life.

 

After this verse, we see other ways the early Church grew spiritually. Take a look at the rest of the verses.

 

“Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.” (Acts 2:43-47 – NIV)

 

Giving

Regardless of who had what, everyone was taken care of. When I give regularly to my local church, I see spiritual growth in my life. When I see needs of others and share what I have with those less fortunate, I see even greater spiritual growth.

 

Spiritual eyes help me to see needs. Spiritual eyes come through spiritual growth.

 

Worship

Our early Church friends praised God with sincere and glad hearts. That is proof of spiritual growth.

 

My worship to God isn’t just the singing I do on Sunday morning. Worship happens every day, throughout the day. Worship is my life. Spiritual growth can be seen as I offer my life to God as worship.

 

Sharing

The early Church shared their stories with others and the church exploded. New believers were added daily to their number.

 

When I share my story with those who haven’t heard about Jesus, God will do some pretty remarkable things. He will provide the boldness and confidence on my part which is also part of my spiritual growth journey, but God will also work on the seed that has been planted in the heart of the hearer. Spiritual growth will begin in a new soul and the process will begin anew within them.

 

I don’t know if these were words you needed to hear today, but for me, these are vital. I see the correlation between spiritual growth and the Church. I see how my own spiritual growth can be important to the growth of God’s Church. I understand how God has combined all of the elements into the journey. And it makes me smile.

 

Maybe your spiritual journey has slowed to a near stop. If so, there’s no better time than today to jump in and follow the example of the early Church.

 

If you haven’t even thought of starting this journey, I would encourage you to reread these verses. See how spiritual growth can lead to a life of faith and a community of believers. But most of all, please understand that spiritual growth will draw you closer to God. And that’s right where He wants you to be.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

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Engaged

May 14th, 2014 dsisler

I have found it difficult to write these past few days. I then realized the reason. My personal time with God had been diminished, if not completely eliminated from my day. Oh I have had those short prayer times. I’ve heard a song or two on the radio that has brought my attention to God. I’ve attended church and worship service. I’ve even had a few conversations about God. But my one-on-one time with God has been pretty restricted.

 

DSC02389mmmmMy quick trip to Kentucky seems to still have a hold on my body. My workload at the church has needed my immediate attention. I’m tired. I’m irritable. I’m unengaging. I’ve had a bad attitude. I can use all of these as excuses for not spending time with God, but really they are just excuses. And bad ones at that!

 

So this morning in my devotion time, I started rereading a piece on leadership. What I read this morning is that as a leader, I am called to live a certain way. I am called to be engaged with God. I am called to be engaged with His Word. I am called to be engaged.

 

Take a look at some of these questions posed by this author. What is it that tends to fuel my service to God, adrenaline or intimacy?

 

In the past week, adrenaline has been fueling my service. But it’s obvious that is not what God desires. He craves intimacy with me. I should crave intimacy with Him. But how am I to find this intimacy when I’m overwhelmed by the happenings of my life, some of which include serving Him?

 

Jesus gave us the answer in John 15:1-11. We are to remain in Him. You see, when I’m too tired or weary or my attitude is in a bad place or my schedule is too busy, there’s no way I can remain in Jesus. My one-on-one time is always going to take a back seat. And boy, do I have it all wrong.

 

When I remain in Jesus, He will provide what I need. The production of fruit. The answer to prayers. And according to verse 11, joy.

 

I knew all of this. I’ve read this passage dozens of times over the past year…remember it’s become one of my favorites. But life got in the way. I got in the way. So today, it’s time to hand the reins back to the One who loves me unconditionally and say, “Let’s have a do-over.”

 

Perhaps you are in the same boat. If so, don’t let another day go by without spending some special time with God. Let Jesus know that you desire to remain in Him and then do it. Reengage. Reignite. Reenergize. And then, sit back and watch what God does through you.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

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Who Do You Influence?

May 13th, 2014 dsisler

I have been doing the social network thing for a couple of years now. I’m okay at some of them, but really horrible with others. Facebook and Pinterest I get. But Twitter? I’m just not sure how to use it. I’m certain the 25 people who follow me wonder what I’m doing. Well guess what? I am too!

 

August 2004 Trip2 018mAs a writer in my writing circles, I’ve been encouraged to utilize all aspects of social networking, however, it does take some time to connect with people daily and to understand the ins and outs of each of them.

 

I joined Klout a couple of years ago during a challenge month. It is a site that tells me how much influence I have over others. Their byline is “the standard of influence.” On the first day I used this site, my score was a “3.” A “3!”

 

I thought I had more influence than that, but according to Klout, I didn’t.

 

Since that time, I’ve been all over the board. Sometimes high and sometimes low. Not long ago I received a note from their website that said my Klout rating had changed. When I viewed my stats, I found that my score had jumped to 45! And this is what was said about me.

 

“You are a networker. You know how to connect to the right people and share what’s important to your audience. You generously share your network to help your followers. You have a high level of engagement and an influential audience.”

 

Phew! I was beginning to think that perhaps I was wasting my time. And maybe in the world’s view, I am. But in God’s eyes, I’m doing exactly what He desires. Sharing the Gospel with others.

 

In Matthew 5, Jesus calls us the salt and light of the world. In verse 16 (NIV) He says, “In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” We are called to be influential. But it must bring glory to God.

 

Timothy was encouraged by Paul to be aware of what he was teaching. It needed to be of sound doctrine. He was also encouraged to live a life where no one would be able to speak against it. And because of it, many would be saved. “Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.” (1 Timothy 4:16 – NIV)

 

In Titus 2:7-8 (NIV) Paul encourages Titus with a similar message. “In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us.”

 

I believe the idea of teaching with integrity is a valuable lesson. I may have influence, but if my message isn’t filled with integrity, seriousness, and soundness, I might as well be teaching how to catch a fish in a water puddle. I must spend quality time in God’s Word in order for my teaching to be in line with God’s teachings. I must spend quality time with God to know His message.

 

Then I must be able to share it in a way so that the message is clear. I love the passage in Colossians 4:2-6 (NIV). It is a prayer I use for those heading out on mission trips because it says exactly what they are going to do.

 

“Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should. Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders, make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.”

 

For myself I pray that doors would be opened and that my message is clear. And always, always, always that my message be full of grace and seasoned with salt.

 

From the beginning, I have felt that all of my writing (blog, Bible studies, and novels), had to be influential, but influential for God’s Kingdom. My goal is that God would always receive the glory for any accomplishments. And above all, that others would see Jesus in it all.

 

So if Klout thinks it is the standard of influence, I would have to beg to differ with them. God must be the standard by which determine whom and how we influence. But they did get one thing correct. I am sharing what’s important to my audience! God!

 

So what about you? How are you influencing people?

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

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“Heavenly Sunlight” – Monday Musical Musings

May 12th, 2014 dsisler

It’s Monday morning and that means I get to talk about music! It seems like it’s been so long since I’ve shared a piece of music with you, so I’m really excited.

 

???????????????????????????????However, our weather here in Colorado has taken a turn for the worse. Snow started falling yesterday morning around 5 am and hasn’t let up much since then. It’s a heavy spring snow and not as much has stuck to the ground as has fallen, but we still have a few inches in our back yard. The bad news is that it will be overcast all day and won’t get out of the 30’s. Guess I’ll put those shorts away for a while longer.

 

Just in case you’re interested, these pictures were taken this morning from my back door.

 

???????????????????????????????So to lift my spirits, I thought I’d sing about sunlight. Heavenly sunlight to be exact. When everything seems to be grim and disappointing, I love how God’s light shines through it all. Regardless of what we face each day, we have God’s promise of His presence, His guidance, His love and His salvation. How could I possibly keep from smiling when I think of all the good that God has given?

 

I pray that if you are in need of a little boost today that this melody will hit the spot. It certainly has for me.

 

“Heavenly Sunlight”

 

Walking in sunlight all of my journey;
Over the mountains, through the deep vale;
Jesus has said, “I’ll never forsake thee,”
Promise divine that never can fail.

 

Refrain:

Heavenly sunlight, heavenly sunlight,
Flooding my soul with glory divine:
Hallelujah, I am rejoicing,
Singing His praises, Jesus is mine.

 

Shadows around me, shadows above me,
Never conceal my Savior and Guide;
He is the Light, in Him is no darkness;
Ever I’m walking close to His side.

(Refrain)

 

In the bright sunlight, ever rejoicing,
Pressing my way to mansions above;
Singing His praises gladly I’m walking,
Walking in sunlight, sunlight of love.[i]

(Refrain)

 

Of course Gaither Homecoming does a marvelous arrangement of this tune. Click here to listen.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

 

[i] “Heavenly Sunlight,” Words by Henry J. Zelley and Music by George H. Cook, Public Domain, 1899.

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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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