Break #1 – Blogging A to Z

April 6th, 2014 dsisler

I am blogging through the alphabet in April. Each day of the month corresponds with a letter of the alphabet, but on Sunday’s, there is a reprieve from this structure. We are able to write anything we like.

 

So as usual, I will share a post from the past. One that I really enjoyed writing or one that I need to read on that particular day. I pray that you’ll enjoy these pieces as much this time as you did the first.

 

Thanks for stopping by…it’s such a pleasure to see your smiling face!

 

This is the Day!

 

“This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” (Psalm 118:24 – NIV)

 

DSC02214mThis verse from the Book of Psalm is very familiar and probably one of the verses you have memorized. A good number of songs have been written using this verse and that has led to its popularization.

 

But do you know what the context of this verse is? Do you know why King David wrote these words? Why did David feel compelled to write such words? Let’s look at Psalm 118:24 within the entire chapter to see what was going on.

 

This Psalm begins and ends with the same words. “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.” (Psalm 118:1, 29 – NIV) And everything between these two verses is what David was thankful to God for and what he found reason to rejoice.

 

So what do we find between the verses?

 

David was thankful in times of anguish. In his anguish, David called to God and God answered. And because God was with him, there was no reason to be afraid. God was his Helper during this time and David was triumphant! (Psalm 118:5-7)

 

David was thankful to have God as his refuge. David knew that man would fail him, but that God never would. So David trusted in God and in the Name of the Lord. (Psalm 118:8-12)

 

David was thankful for the help and strength God provided to him. God was David’s salvation and he knew it. (Psalm 118:13-14)

 

David was thankful as he recounted the mighty things God had done in the past and for what He would do in the future. (Psalm 118:15-16)

 

David was thankful during God’s discipline. David recognized his sinful nature and accepted God’s words in order to learn from his mistakes. David also recognized that God’s words led to life. (Psalm 118:17-18)

 

David was thankful for his salvation. He knew that it was only through God that salvation was possible. In this section, David mentions the gate of righteousness and passing through that gate. Yes, this is great reason to be thankful. (Psalm 118:19-21)

 

David was thankful in the day for all that God had done. For all that He had accomplished. For what Israel had become in its present and for what it would be in the future. “The stone the builders rejected has become the capstone; the Lord has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes. This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” (Psalm 118:22-24 – NIV)

 

David was thankful. For God’s salvation, His leadership, His success, His Name, and His light. David was thankful that God was his God and because God was who He was (and is and is to come), David praised and exalted God. (Psalm 118:25-28)

 

So you see this single verse holds great meaning. We must rejoice in the day because God shows up to help us with any and all situations we face that day.

 

Whether we find ourselves facing trials, temptations, sin, enemies, victory, discipline, or anguish, God is with us. He will never leave us.

 

The Message paraphrases our key verse this way. “This is the very day God acted—let’s celebrate and be festive!” (Psalm 118:24) God is acting. He is working. He is doing. All the more reason to celebrate and be festive!

 

“This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.”

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

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“E” – Blogging A to Z

April 5th, 2014 dsisler

During the month of April, I’ve chosen to blog through the alphabet. Each day I will use a letter to share a Name of the Lord that begins with that letter based on Proverbs 18:10 and the fact that there is strength in the Lord’s Name. I pray you’ll be blessed and that you’ll stop by often.

“The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.”

Proverbs 18:10 – NIV

 

Everlasting/Eternal God

 

In our world of quick fixes and disposable items, it’s difficult for us to understand the word everlasting. If you were to listen to scientists, they’ll tell you mankind is but speck on the existence charts, but that still doesn’t encompass everlasting.

 

IMAG1501Perhaps some synonyms may help to understand this word. Eternal. Endless. Ceaseless. Perpetual. Undying. Unending. Interminable. Never-ending. Maybe it gives us a better understanding of what everlasting is, but it doesn’t help us to understand what it encompasses.

 

One of the names given to God is Everlasting God or El Olam, the God who has no beginning or end. We find this term in Genesis 21:33 (NIV) after a treaty was signed between Abraham and Abimelech. “Abraham planted a tamarisk tree in Beersheba, and there he called upon the name of the Lord, the Eternal God.”

 

Jesus was also given this name. We know Jesus as the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. And in the well-known Isaiah prophecy regarding the Messiah, we see these words. “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6 – NIV)

 

Jesus is given the name, Everlasting Father. While it is difficult to understand all the workings between the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, we know they each have certain functions, however, they are completely God. So by addressing Jesus as Everlasting Father, we acknowledge that He is indeed God. See John 10:30 for Jesus’ words on this matter.

 

It only seems natural then that God’s Spirit is also eternal. We see these words in Hebrew 9:14 (NIV). “How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the Eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God!”

 

We can believe for certain that this trio were together long before the earth was created. We can believe that they created our world together (see Genesis 1:2 and John 1:1-3). We can also believe that we will spend eternity with God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit. The three-in-one have no beginning and no end. That is Everlasting God.

 

Perhaps today you feel like nothing in your life is forever or will last. Please know this. Our Everlasting, Eternal Father desires to be with you forever. It can start right now. Call upon the Name that is a strong tower. In His Name you will find everlasting security.

 

Things of this earth will pass away. Jesus warned us not to store up treasures for ourselves where moth and rust decay or thieves steal, but instead, store up treasures for ourselves in haven (Matthew 6:19-21). That treasure is eternity with Everlasting God and what a treasure it is!

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

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“D” – Blogging A to Z

April 4th, 2014 dsisler

During the month of April, I’ve chosen to blog through the alphabet. Each day I will use a letter to share a Name of the Lord that begins with that letter based on Proverbs 18:10 and the fact that there is strength in the Lord’s Name. I pray you’ll be blessed and that you’ll stop by often.

“The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.”

Proverbs 18:10 – NIV

 

Door

 

Many years ago, Mom gave me a poster. On this poster were snapshots of interesting doors in my community. Some were colorful. Some were ornate. Some were grandeur. Regardless of their size or color, each door had one purpose. A door is an opening or entryway into a building.

 

5842295571_cc95d4a30d_zIn John 10:9 (NASB), Jesus said these words. “I am the door; if anyone enters through Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture.” Jesus used the idea of a door to show that He was and is the only way to salvation. Jesus wanted those He spoke to and those who would read this passage to know that He was and is the only way to heaven. A door was the perfect analogy.

 

While some may believe there are many ways to get to heaven, Jesus clearly states in this verse that He is the only way. Good works is not the way. Church attendance is not the way. Religious practices are not the way. Unbiblical beliefs are not the way. Only Jesus Christ is the door through which salvation can be found. Jesus mentioned this again in John 14:6 (NIV) when He said, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

 

Once you’ve accepted Jesus as the Savior of your life, your heavenly Father has prepared a special gift for you. God’s Holy Spirit comes to dwell within you and Jesus’ presence is continually with you.

 

Because we’ve chosen the only Door to enter into God’s presence, we then are able to live abundant lives filled with “love, joy peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.” (Galatians 5:22-23 – NIV)

 

The Door to this abundant life is waiting for you to make the decision to enter. It’s the only way. I pray that today you will reach out, push the Door open and walk into the glorious presence of God.

 

I can guarantee that once you’re inside you will see and hear and do the most amazing things. You will be filled beyond your imagination. You will be loved more than you ever thought possible. You will be joined with God the Father, Jesus the Son and the Holy Spirit. All because you made the choice to walk through the Door.

 

I’m easily impressed by doors. But when I look at Jesus as the Door to abundant life, I’m amazed. I pray that you’ll look at Jesus as the Door. The Door to salvation, heaven and abundant life.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

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“C” – Blogging A to Z

April 3rd, 2014 dsisler

During the month of April, I’ve chosen to blog through the alphabet. Each day I will use a letter to share a Name of the Lord that begins with that letter based on Proverbs 18:10. I pray you’ll be blessed and that you’ll stop by often.

 

“The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.”

Proverbs 18:10 – NIV

 

Chief Cornerstone

 

This name, given to Jesus in the Old Testament as well as one He connected to Himself, is an important name for us to consider. The main reason it is important is because of what a cornerstone is and what it represents.

 

stone-cornerstone-chiefIn ancient times, the cornerstone was the most important stone in a structure. It was used to hold two rows of stone together. The cornerstone had to be free of flaw, had to be perfected shaped, and had to be strong. Because of the importance, more time was taken to find the perfect stone as well as fit the stone for its purpose.

 

If a flawed, imperfect stone was used, it meant that the building or structure could be compromised. The building was only as solid as its cornerstone.

 

In the Book of Luke, after Jesus discussed His authority with Pharisees, He went on to tell a parable, the parable of the tenants (Luke 20:9-19). In this parable, we see the son of the landowner rejected by the tenants and killed. Of course, we know that this parable was a picture of how the nation of Israel would reject Jesus and would kill Him.

 

But during this section of Scripture, Jesus quoted a passage from Isaiah. Look at what Jesus said. “The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone.” (Luke 20:17 – NIV) Jesus was and is that Cornerstone.

 

We see other instances of Jesus as the cornerstone. Such as Ephesians 2:19-20 (NIV). “Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone.”

 

Not only do we see Jesus as the cornerstone here, but He is the Chief Cornerstone.

 

You see, when we get the cornerstone of lives right, we have a good foundation to begin building upon. When Jesus is at the center of our lives, we can add upon that to create solid, biblical views, actions and attitudes. But you can see how important it is to have the right cornerstone. Jesus is the Chief Cornerstone and that is where we begin our spiritual building.

 

Isaiah spoke of this cornerstone in Isaiah 28:16 (NIV) and Peter used this prophecy in 1 Peter 2:6. “See I lay a stone in Zion, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone for a sure foundation; the one who relies on it will never be stricken with panic.” That tested, precious, sure foundation is Jesus Christ. That is where we find stability in this crazy world.

 

We can trust Jesus as our Chief Cornerstone. He is the perfect Cornerstone to build our lives upon. King David spoke of this sure foundation in Psalm 18:2 (NIV). “The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge. He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.”

 

Perhaps you don’t feel this solid foundation beneath you. If not, the Chief Cornerstone is available to begin the building process. Jesus would love nothing more than take up residence in your heart. Why not accept Him as your Savior? I’d love to help you through that process if you’re willing.

 

Perhaps you do know Jesus as your Chief Cornerstone, but have been swayed by this crazy world. Don’t hesitate to rejoin the Rock that desires to be your foundation. Remember, He hasn’t moved.

 

I pray that today you will look to Jesus, the Chief Cornerstone as you encounter each situation. Let Him be your Rock. It won’t matter if everything around you falls apart. You’ll be standing on the Chief Cornerstone.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

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“B” – Blogging A to Z

April 2nd, 2014 dsisler

This month you will following me through the alphabet for a writing challenge that I’ve decided to be part of. Sometimes it’s nice to know that I have something in mind to write about. This month is going to be just like that.

 

Yesterday I wrote about the “A” Names of God. Abba, Father, Almighty God, and Ancient of Days. As my day progressed, I could see that my plan for the month was going to be thrown out the window. Using the verse I presented yesterday, I wondered if I could come up with a Name of the Lord for each letter of the alphabet. Guess what? I believe I can!

 

So now, I’m working toward two challenges. Blogging A to Z and finding all the names of the Lord that I can by the alphabet. So sit back and enjoy April. It’s going to be a great month!

 

“The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.” Proverbs 18:10 – NIV

 

Bread used to be much more important than it is in our world today. Bread was a staple. It was sustenance. It was sometimes all there was to eat.

 

Now days, we just run to the grocery store if we run out of bread, but in the past, it wasn’t as easy.

 

Perhaps you’ve heard of pioneers carrying yeast starters across the wilderness. Some of these starters have been “fed” for hundreds of years. Why? Because if they had this starter, they could survive. They could add a little flour to it and make bread.

 

Think of the account???????????????????? of the feeding of the 5,000 in Matthew 14:13-21. What were the foods Jesus used to feed the crowd? Fish and loaves of bread. The Israelite nation celebrated the Feast of Unleavened Bread (Exodus 13:3-10). Manna provided by God was a bread substitute while the Israelite nation wandered in the dessert (Numbers 11:6-9). In the temple, there was a place for bread as well. The Table of Shewbread (that’s what I grew up calling it) or the Bread of Presence (Exodus 25:23-30). Jesus even used bread in His example prayer for us in Matthew 6:11.

 

So when Jesus used this term to refer to Himself, the people of that time knew what He meant. In John 6, Jesus used the word bread and the image it evokes four times. Let’s look a little closer at the Name Jesus gave Himself.

 

Bread from Heaven

“I tell you the truth, it is not Moses who has given you the bread from heaven, but it is my Father who gives you the true bread from heaven.” (John 6:32 – NIV)

 

Bread of God

“For the bread of God is he who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.” (John 6:33 – NIV)

 

Bread of Life

“I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty.” (John 6:35 – NIV)

 

Living Bread

“I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever. This bread of my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.” (John 6:51 – NIV)

 

It’s clear that when Jesus used this Name for Himself, He wanted His followers (including us) to understand that it’s only through Him that we have spiritual life. Jesus is our sustenance. Jesus is the way to spiritual fullness. Through Jesus we have life. Eternal life. Abundant life.

 

Jesus also used bread analogy on the last night with His disciples. Jesus handed Judas a piece of bread just before Judas betrayed Jesus (John 13:26-27). And in Matthew 26:26 (NIV), we find these words. “While they were eating, Jesus took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to his disciples saying, ‘Take and eat; this is my body.’”

 

After Jesus spoke these words, He was betrayed, denied, beaten, mocked, tried falsely, sentenced to death, and hung on a cross to die. The Living Bread died.

 

But it is through the resurrection of Jesus that we see the eternal meaning of His bread analogies. Resurrected Jesus brings life. Resurrected Jesus provides. Resurrected Jesus satisfies.

 

Jesus, the Bread of Life is exactly what you need to make it through your day. Do you partake of this life-giving Bread on a daily basis? Do you know Jesus as your provider? Is your life in the hands of the Living Bread? If not, perhaps today is the day to call upon the Bread of Life.

 

I pray that you know all that Jesus can provide for your life.

 

I pray that you will find all your heart desires today by being in the presence of the Bread of Heaven.

 

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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