Kentucky – Day 5

May 6th, 2014 dsisler
Fireworks!

Fireworks!

I’m in Kentucky for a quick family reunion and then clearing out the remaining items of my great aunt’s home. It’s been a busy time and there hasn’t been internet access.

 

So for the next two days, you’ll be reading older posts. I pray that you will find great comfort and exactly what you need through the words on Full Measure of Joy. It’s such a pleasure to write for my Lord.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

 

The Display of His Splendor

 

Each year on the first Saturday in August, my little town hosts a celebration of music. Live bands will be playing on an outdoor stage all afternoon and into the evening. Food vendors will prepare and sell delicious festival foods. At the end of the evening, a glorious fireworks display will fill the sky.

 

Now here’s the best part. It can all be seen and heard from my back yard. I’m not kidding. It’s not close enough that I could throw a stone at it, but it’s pretty close. We can hear the music and the fireworks display is so close that we just sit on our deck and they are right above us. When we hear the first boom, we head out. No traffic problems. No crowds to dodge. It’s just me and the fam taking in a great fireworks display.

 

My daughter is bringing the grandkids up for the show tonight and she’s bringing a friend with her kids. I can’t wait for them all to be here and see how special this evening is going to be.

 

If it doesn’t rain.

 

I’m not being a “negative Nellie.” It really might rain. There’s like a 50% chance that it’s gonna rain and in Colorado, that’s a pretty good chance. How disappointing for all those kids (and adults) who are excited about seeing fireworks tonight for them to be rained out.

 

Life can be disappointing. We set high standards for ourselves and for others and because we live in a fallen world, we meet disappointment on a regular basis.

 

So today I offer some Scripture to help us with our deepest disappointments. The ones that can’t be fixed with an ice cream cone. Take a look at God’s Words for dealing with disappointment.

 

“Even my close friend, whom I trusted, he who shared my bread, has lifted up his heel against me. But you, O Lord, have mercy on me; raise me up, that I may repay them. I know that you are pleased with me, for my enemy does not triumph over me. In my integrity you uphold me and set me in your presence forever. Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, from everlasting to everlasting. Amen and Amen.” (Psalm 41:9-13 – NIV)

 

Friends may disappoint us, but we have the True Friend who will never disappoint. Allow God to lift up you and cover you with His mercy and presence. And then praise Him for who He is and for what He’s done. Disappointment will flee.

 

And we also see in Proverbs 18:24 (NIV) how God will not disappoint and that we can be dependent on God. “A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.”

 

There are other disappointing circumstances in our lives and we find in Isaiah 61 how God lifts up the brokenhearted and remains close during these disappointing times.

 

“The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion—to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor.” (Isaiah 61:1-3 – NIV)

 

Even in our most disappointing moments, God is there to give us exactly what we need.

 

And then we read Jesus’ words in the New Testament. In this passage, Jesus offers relief from disappointment through His comfort. His rest. His gentleness. His humility.

 

“Come to me, all you 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)

 

Life is still going to disappoint. There’s no getting around it. But when we find ultimate comfort in God’s arms, the disappointments won’t seem nearly as overwhelming.

 

I don’t know if there will be fireworks tonight. If there aren’t, I need to have a backup plan. But what I do know is that only God can offer complete satisfaction 100% of the time. I know I can count on Him. I know He is the One to offer complete relief from disappointments. I know I will never be disappointed in God.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

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Kentucky – Day 4

May 5th, 2014 dsisler
Big Elk Meadow

Big Elk Meadow

I’m in Kentucky for a quick family reunion and then clearing out the remaining items of my great aunt’s home. It’s been a busy time and there hasn’t been internet access.

 

So for the next three days, you’ll be reading older posts. I pray that you will find great comfort and exactly what you need through the words on Full Measure of Joy. It’s such a pleasure to write for my Lord.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

 

Now Strengthen My Hands

 

I must need to learn about hands, because in my Bible reading I came across another passage that spoke of hands. Not the way I wrote about yesterday, but in a different way.

 

Yesterday I shared several passages of what we are to do with our hands. But what I’ve discovered since then is that our hands must be strengthened for the work and only God can give the strength we need.

 

Nehemiah felt the importance of rebuilding Jerusalem’s wall while in exile in Babylon. His heart was heavy and with the king’s blessing and God’s guidance, Nehemiah set out to complete this large task.

 

There were many who opposed this and were continually on the lookout to find ways to sabotage their efforts, but this group of workers remained faithful to their task and listened intently to what Nehemiah had to say.

 

At one point, after responding to a letter, Nehemiah 6:9a (NIV) says, “They were all trying to frighten us, thinking, ‘Their hands will get too weak for the work, and it will not be completed.’”

 

Apparently Sanballat, Tobiah, Geshem and other enemies of Israel had never seen what God’s people were capable of when God was obeyed, honored and worshiped. They had not witnessed the power that God provided when Israel was faithful to Him. They were in for a surprise!

 

Nehemiah knew exactly what to do. He prayed. He prayed to His God and said, “Now strengthen my hands.” (Nehemiah 6:9b – NIV)

 

When we are going through a task that seems too much for us, we too have the opportunity to ask God for this same strength. When we are weary. When we don’t think we can go any further. When life is just a bit tougher than expected. “Now strengthen my hands.”

 

When physical ailments seem to get us down. When we don’t know what to do. When the direction of life isn’t as clear as it should be. “Now strengthen my hands.”

 

All of Israel came to realize that with God’s strength they were able to do much more than what they could do on their own. The walls around Jerusalem were rebuilt in a staggering 52 days! (Nehemiah 6:15) God indeed strengthened their hands.

 

God can be our source of strength as we go through this life. Look at these verses to see other ways God strengthens us.

 

“Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” (Nehemiah 8:10b – NIV)

 

“The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me.” (Psalm 28:7a – NIV)

 

“My soul is weary with sorrow; strengthen me according to your word.” (Psalm 119:28 – NIV)

 

“But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me…For when I am weak, then I am strong.” (2 Corinthians 12:9-10 – NIV)

 

“I pray that our of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith.” (Ephesians 3:16-17a – NIV)

 

“I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” (Philippians 4:13 – NIV)

 

“May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word.” (2 Thessalonians 2:16-17 – NIV)

 

The strength we receive through God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit is unlimited. When we ask for it, we’ll receive it. When we are open to receiving it, we’ll use it for God’s glory. When God showers us with His strength, nothing is impossible. I am so thankful for the strength I receive through God. I pray that you know this same thankfulness.

 

Maybe God isn’t asking you to build a wall today, but He has probably called you to something that you don’t feel up to or adequate. But know this, if God calls you to it, He will provide the means to accomplish it. Don’t hesitate. Allow Him to do the leading and give you the strength. He will strengthen your hands.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

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Kentucky – Day 3

May 4th, 2014 dsisler
Colorado Sunrise

Colorado Sunrise

I’m in Kentucky for a quick family reunion and then clearing out the remaining items of my great aunt’s home. It’s been a busy time and there hasn’t been internet access.

 

So for the next four days, you’ll be reading older posts. I pray that you will find great comfort and exactly what you need through the words on Full Measure of Joy. It’s such a pleasure to write for my Lord.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

 

Just What We Need

 

As I sat outside this morning, it was dreary. Overcast. No hint of sunshine. But this dreariness is not weather related. It is a smoke-filled sky that is hiding the sun from our state today.

 

With three large wildfires (and a few smaller fires) burning in Colorado, we are experiencing some ugliness that goes with living in a state filled with beauty. Low moisture, high temperatures and lightning strikes are bringing displacement, uncertainty, and insecurity to those near the burning fires.

 

So with these folks in mind, I want to offer some words of hope from God’s Word. Perhaps they will encourage more than those who live in near the wildfires of Colorado. Because we all know that “wildfire” comes in a multitude of forms. Yes, it may be the scorching flames that are destroying homes and lifestyles, but they may also be an illness, or the loss of a loved one, or perhaps moving from good friends, or difficulties with children.

 

Regardless of the situation, these “wildfires” of life have a way of disturbing our norm. And it’s in those moments when we need to find rest. Peace. Assurance. Encouragement. Love. Security. And I know for a fact that all of these can be found in the throne room of heaven. In Jesus’ tender care.

 

So today, take heart. Jesus has overcome the world (John 16:33) and all of its “wildfires.”

 

Brokenhearted

Psalm 34:15

Psalm 34:18

Psalm 147:3

 

Mourning

Psalm 30:5a

Psalm 30:11-12

John 11:35

 

Help

Psalm 28:7

Psalm 63:7

Psalm 121:1-2

Isaiah 43:2-3

 

Rest

Psalm 62:5

Psalm 91:1-2

Matthew 11:28

1 John 3:19-20

 

Hope

Psalm 62:5

Romans 8:37-39

Romans 12:12

Romans 15:13

2 Corinthians 4:7-9

1 John 4:4

 

Strength

2 Chronicles 16:9a

Psalm 28:7

Psalm 55:22

Psalm 61:2-3

Psalm 73:26

Proverbs 18:10

2 Corinthians 12:9-10

Ephesians 3:20-21

Philippians 4:13

 

Shelter

Psalm 91:1-2

Proverbs 18:10

Isaiah 25:4

 

Fear

Psalm 34:4

Luke 12:32

1 John 4:18

 

Direction

Psalm 119:105

Proverbs 3:5-6

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

 

Cares/Worries

Psalm 55:22

Isaiah 43:2-3

Matthew 6:28-34

Matthew 11:28-29

Luke 12:22-31

1 Peter 1:6-7

1 Peter 5:7

 

Assurance

Deuteronomy 31:8

2 Chronicles 16:9a

Isaiah 43:2-3

Isaiah 61:1-3

Lamentations 3:22-23

Romans 8:31

Romans 8:37-39

Ephesians 3:20-21

1 John 4:4

 

Peace

Isaiah 26:3

John 14:27

John 16:33

Ephesians 2:14

Philippians 4:7

2 Thessalonians 3:16

 

If I’ve missed any, please let me know. One of my favorites listed above is Proverbs 18:10 (NIV). “The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.”

 

Regardless of what situation you are facing today, God’s Name is where you will find safety. You will find shelter in His Name. His strength can be found in His Name.

 

I also see that we are to run to Him. So what are you waiting for? There is no time like the present. Find safety. Find security. Find strength. But most of all find salvation through His Name.

 

I have found that I am a collector of pretty pictures containing God’s Word on Pinterest. If you would like to see more of my collection, click here.

May God richly bless you because you chose to be in His Word today.

 

Again I ask for prayer for those who are displaced today and for safety for those battling the wildfires in Colorado.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

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Kentucky – Day 2

May 3rd, 2014 dsisler
My kitchen

My kitchen

I’m in Kentucky for a quick family reunion and then clearing out the remaining items of my great aunt’s home. I will be super busy for the next five days and I will also be in an area where I won’t have internet access.

 

So for the next five days, you’ll be reading older posts. I pray that you will find great comfort and exactly what you need through the words on Full Measure of Joy. It’s such a pleasure to write for my Lord.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

 

The Hostess with the Mostess

 

I cooked a lot over the Thanksgiving holiday. It seemed like I was in the kitchen cooking or cleaning constantly. Of course I had a house full of people every day, so it was only natural that this was part of the hostessing.

 

Every day I would say, “I’m not going to cook tomorrow.” And then tomorrow would come and I would cook a meal, sometimes two meals. One day my son said, “I thought you weren’t going to cook today?” I just chuckled.

 

I then thought I’d have it made if I went back to work on the Monday after Thanksgiving. I would be free of cooking and cleaning.

 

I was wrong. I had volunteered to help cook our staff breakfast on that Monday morning…we started cooking at 7 am. And that evening was our staff Christmas party…I was the last person to leave after cleaning up all the mess 60+ people had created in my boss’ home.

 

Needless to say, I didn’t have a cook or clean-free day on Monday either.

 

I wonder if that wasn’t a little bit of Martha’s problem in Luke 10. Perhaps she had always been the one who cooked and cleaned in their home. If that was the case, I’m sure Martha knew that she couldn’t depend on Mary for help. But the problem was that Martha couldn’t seem to get past the issue.

 

I can hear Martha banging pans in the kitchen trying to get someone’s attention. Maybe Lazarus would come to her aid. Maybe Mary would begin to feel guilty and come to help. Maybe Jesus’ disciples would think to help. Or maybe Jesus himself would give some assistance to Martha. But Martha received none.

 

Finally, Martha had to come face-to-face with Jesus and make her complaint. She was fed up with the fact that there were many mouths to feed and no one would lift a finger to help her. She told Jesus to command Mary to help. “Tell her to help me!” (Luke 10:40 – NIV)

 

That was a bold statement.

 

Jesus, in His kind-hearted way told Martha that He would not do as she asked. Mary had chosen what was better. To sit at His feet and listen to His words.

 

The busyness of this life will draw us away from what is better. Especially at this time of year. But if we don’t nip it in the bud, we’ll miss out on the very best this season has to offer. Jesus.

 

I must admit that my above statements sound like I’m complaining. Maybe I am a little, but to be honest, serving and being hospitable is what I do. It’s what I’m made of. I thrive on being the “hostess with the mostess.”

 

But here’s the thing. When I’m busy in the kitchen am I building relationships? When I was busy at our staff Christmas party making sure all the food was in the right place and set just perfect, everyone else was mingling and engaged in conversation. I wasn’t. I believe I missed what was better.

 

It will be difficult for me to step out of that role. Perhaps that’s why Martha had difficulty. When it’s part of our make-up it’s difficult to be something else. But I believe it’s what Jesus wanted of Martha and what He wants of me. To choose what is better.

 

What is causing you to keep your distance from others? Is there something keeping you from choosing what is better? I pray that you will find a way to put it aside. I pray that you will fall at our Master’s feet and listen to what He has to say to you today. It will be worth it and nothing else is more important than that.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

 

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Kentucky – Day 1

May 2nd, 2014 dsisler
Daytona Beach

Daytona Beach

Last evening I headed to Kentucky for a quick family reunion and then clearing out the remaining items of my great aunt’s home. I will be super busy for the next six days and I will also be in an area where I won’t have internet access.

 

So for the next six days, you’ll be reading older posts. I pray that you will find great comfort and exactly what you need through the words on Full Measure of Joy. It’s such a pleasure to write for my Lord.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

 

Warning!

 

My new car has a system in place to warn me that I’m nearly running out of gas. Now, most cars have some sort of warning, like a little light, but the makers of my vehicle want to ensure I know when my gas tank is low.

 

At first I get a little gas pump light. This comes on when I have about 30 miles until my tank is empty.

 

If I don’t stop almost immediately, that number (30) is replaced with dashes.

 

And if I again don’t stop immediately, the bar that tells me how much gas is in my tank begins to flash.

 

This all happens within a few miles of knowing that I need gas. It hasn’t happened every time I’ve needed gas, but a few times I’ve been warned, perhaps excessively, to put gas in my tank!

 

As we look through Scripture, there are warnings for us to look at and to pay attention to. There may not be a triple warning system in place, but when God says it once, He means it. Let’s take a look at some of them.

 

What I’m going to point out here are headings above a verse or passage of Scripture, which then go on to tell of what we are to be aware of and what danger we might confront.

 

Warning against adultery

“My son, pay attention to my wisdom, listen to my words of insight, that you may maintain discretion and your lips may preserve knowledge. For the lips of an adulteress drip honey, and her speech is smoother than oil; but in the end she is bitter as gall, sharp as a double-edged sword.” (Proverbs 5:1-4 – NIV)

 

Warnings against folly

“My son, if you have put up security for your neighbor, if you have struck hands in pledge for another, if you have been trapped by what you said, ensnared b the words of your mouth, then do this, my son, to free yourself, since you have fallen into your neighbor’s hands: go and humble yourself; press your plea with your neighbor! Allow no sleep to your eyes, no slumber to your eyelids. Free yourself, like a gazelle from the hand of the hunter, like a bird from the snare of the fowler.” (Proverbs 6:1-5 – NIV)

 

Warning against hypocrisy

“Then Jesus said to the crowds and to the disciples: ‘The teachers of the law and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat. So you must obey them and do everything they tell you. But do not do what they do, for they do not practice what they preach.” (Matthew 23:1-3 – NIV; see also Mark12:38-40; Luke 12:1-12 and Luke 20:45-47)

 

Warnings from Israel’s history

“For I do not want you to be ignorant of the fact, brothers, that our forefathers were all under the cloud that they all pass through the sea…Nevertheless, God was not pleased with most of them; their bodies were scattered over the desert…These things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us, on whom the fulfillment of the ages has come.” (1 Corinthians 10:1-13 – NIV)

 

Warnings against idolatry

“Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteous and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness? What harmony is there between Christ and Belial? What does a believer have in common with an unbeliever? What agreement is there between the temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. As God has said: ‘I will live with them, and I will be their God, and they will be my people.’” (2 Corinthians 6:14-16 – NIV)

 

Warning against idleness

“In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, we command you, brothers, to keep away from every brother who is idle and does not live according to the teaching you received from us.” (2 Thessalonians 3:6 – NIV)

 

Warning to pay attention

“We must pay more careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away.” (Hebrews 2:1 – NIV)

 

Warning against unbelief

“See to it, brothers, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God.” (Hebrews 3:12 – NIV)

 

Warning against becoming spiritually stagnant

“We have much to say about this, but it is hard to explain because you are slow to learn. In fact, thought by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God’s word all over again. You need milk, not solid food! Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.”(Hebrews 5:11-14 – NIV)

 

Warning

“Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord. See to it that no one misses the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many. See that no one is sexually immoral, or is godless like Esau, who for a single meal sold his inheritance rights as the oldest son.” (Hebrews 12:14-16 – NIV)

 

Warning against Antichrists

“I am writing these things to you about those who are trying to lead you astray.” (1 John 2:18-27 – NIV)

 

Quite a few warnings listed throughout Scripture…and these are just a few. But what I see here is how urgent these messages are. We must be warned (perhaps multiple times), but then we must listen and take the warnings to heart.

 

My favorite warning is the one from Hebrews 2:1 (NIV). “We must pay more careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away.” Here we find the triple warning lights going off. “More.” “Careful.” “Attention.” Don’t miss it. What are we to “pay more careful attention” to? What we have heard or learned. And why are we to “pay more careful attention?” So that we don’t drift away.

 

There are good reasons for warnings. My car’s warning system is there for my well-being. God’s Word includes the most important warnings for spiritual living. Now it is up to us to heed the warnings. Are you willing to do so?

 

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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