Brrrr

March 2nd, 2014 dsisler

We’ve had a couple of days of very cold weather with a little snow. I know I shouldn’t complain, there are places in the US that have been hit much harder, but I really don’t like this weather.

 

IMAG1492But tomorrow starts the warm up, and according to our local meteorologist, we can expect 65° temperatures by the end of this week.

 

Today I am thankful for the promise of Spring. With that promise comes new birth and new life.

 

There are plenty of promises that we as Christians can hold on to. So since it’s Sunday, let’s take a look at an older blog post about the hymn, “Standing on the Promises.”

 

“Standing on the Promises” – Musical Musings in March

 

Do you remember that old hymn? I certainly do. However, as I sang it in years past, I am certain that I never fully understood the whole message. I probably didn’t really sing the words of this hymn. The message that not only does God keep His promises, but we can stand firm in knowing that He keeps His promises. Take a look at these lyrics.

 

“Standing on the Promises”

 

Standing on the promises of Christ my King,
through eternal ages let his praises ring;
glory in the highest, I will shout and sing,
standing on the promises of God.

 

Standing on the promises that cannot fail,
when the howling storms of doubt and fear assail,
by the living Word of God I shall prevail,
standing on the promises of God.

Standing on the promises of Christ the Lord,
bound to him eternally by love’s strong cord,
overcoming daily with the Spirit’s sword,
standing on the promises of God.

Standing on the promises I cannot fall,
listening every moment to the Spirit’s call,
resting in my Savior as my all in all,
standing on the promises of God.

Refrain:
Standing, standing,
standing on the promises of Christ my Savior;
standing, standing,
I’m standing on the promises of God.[i]

 

Wow! What powerful words! Is there a line that speaks to you today? There were a few for me.

 

I’m working through a Bible study on prayer walking and at one point the author reminded me, “What God promises, He performs.”[ii] I don’t know about you, but I know there have been some of God’s promises that I’ve simply overlooked. Perhaps even ignored. But why? Why would we possibly do that?

 

Because if we ask for His promises to be fulfilled within us, then it’s time for us to go to work. We must do something with that fulfilled promise and that something means giving of ourselves.

 

Just think of what I’ve missed! Maybe you’ve missed it too! So today let me offer a few of the ideas from the short two pages of this book on God’s promises. See if you come to a different understanding as I have.

 

According to 2 Peter 1:3-4, we know God has given us promises. “His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.”

 

Yes, promises, but this verse points out that they are great and precious.

 

So what are some of the promises we’ve missed along the way or haven’t completely accepted? Let’s look at a few.

 

“If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” (2 Chronicles 7:14 – NIV)

 

“Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart.” (Psalm 37:4 – NIV)

 

“Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall.” (Psalm 55:22 – NIV)

 

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.” (Psalm 119:105 – NIV)

 

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:5-6 – NIV)

 

“Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” (Lamentations 3:22-23 – NIV)

 

“The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord.” (Lamentations 3:25-26 – NIV)

 

“Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10 – NIV)

 

“But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.” (John 14:26 – NIV)

 

“And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.” (2 Corinthians 9:8 – NIV)

 

“Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” (Hebrews 4:16 – NIV)

 

“If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.” (James 1:5 – NIV)

 

There are plenty more where these came from…if you think you need more, just open God’s Word and allow Him to show them to you. You’ll be amazed.

 

Now, take a look at this paragraph from Randy Sprinkle.

 

“Prayer according to His promises is not only prayer according to His will, it is also already-being-answered prayer. As followers of Jesus, every promise to us carries an assured yes as we ask in faith (2 Corinthians 1:20).”[iii]

 

When we pray God’s promises, we are assured of a “yes.” How thrilling it is to receive His promises!

 

Promises made in this world sometimes disappoint, but God’s promises are always kept. Are always sure. Are always true. They are never disappointing.

 

Why not sing this beautiful hymn this morning? You can listen to a version by clicking here.

 

Are you standing on God’s promises today?

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna


[i] Standing on the Promises, Words & Music: R. Kel­so Car­ter, in Prom­is­es of Per­fect Love, by John Swe­ney and Kel­so Car­ter (Phil­a­del­phia, Penn­syl­van­ia: John J. Hood, 1886

[ii] Follow Me, Randy Sprinkle, New Hope Publishers, 2001, pg. 54.

[iii] Follow Me, Randy Sprinkle, New Hope Publishers, 2001, pg. 55.

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“10,000 Reasons (Bless the Lord)” – Musical Musings in March

March 1st, 2014 dsisler

I am so excited that March has arrived! Not because it’s snowing outside (in like a lion out like a lamb doesn’t mean a thing in Colorado), again. No but because I’ve dedicated the entire month of March to music.

 

IMAG1492If you have been reading my blog for any amount of time, you know that music has always been a large part of my life. I learned how to play the piano very early by the church pianist. I taught myself how to play the guitar on a five stringed instrument (my parents bought me a full-stringed guitar once I learned how to play). I also taught myself how to play the organ.

 

I was a music major throughout college. I’ve lead choirs. I’ve been a soloist. I’ve been in an ensemble. I’ve sung in some great choirs. I’ve lead worship. I’ve played the organ or piano during many worship services.

 

I just love music.

 

I’m so thankful that God has given us music for encouragement. Through the Apostle Paul, God encourages us about what we are to do with the music we love so much. “Speak to one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Ephesians 5:19-20 – NIV)

 

Throughout the month I will be sharing some of my favorite psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs and how they have impacted my life. I pray that you’ll enjoy this month of melodies and that you will find a greater joy in music as I will.

 

Today’s melody is a newer worship song. “10,000 Reasons (Bless the Lord)” recorded by Matt Redman gives many reasons to praise God. While he doesn’t give 10,000 in the song, I know each day there are plenty of reasons to praise God.

 

If we were to go through our day today with this thought in mind, what differences would it make? Would you look at a child differently? Would you look at a meal differently? Would you look at your car differently? Would you look at your time differently? I believe you would.

 

When we thank God and praise Him for all that we have and all that we do in our day-to-day lives, our heart changes. We become grateful. We realize how blessed we truly are. And before you know it, you have 10,000 reasons to bless His holy Name.

 

So take a look at this song. Listen to the recording. Look at your day differently. And see just blessed you truly are.

 

“10,000 Reasons (Bless the Lord)”

 

Chorus:

Bless the Lord, O my soul
O my soul
Worship His holy name
Sing like never before
O my soul
I worship Your holy name

Verse 1
The sun comes up; it’s a new day dawning
It’s time to sing Your song again
Whatever may pass and whatever lies before me
Let me be singing when the evening comes

Chorus

Verse 2

You’re rich in love and You’re slow to anger
Your name is great and Your heart is kind
For all Your goodness, I will keep on singing
10,000 reasons for my heart to find

Chorus

Verse 3

And on that day when my strength is failing
The end draws near and my time has come
Still my soul will sing Your praise unending
10,000 years and then forever more

Chorus[i]

Click here to listen to Matt Redman sing this beautiful melody.

 

At the end of today, I pray I will be able to sing this song with as much enthusiasm as I did this morning. I pray that I will be singing when the evening comes. With God’s help I will be!

 

Have a blessed day!

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna


[i] “10,000 Reasons (Bless the Lord)”, Words and Music by Jonas Myrin and Matt Redman, 2011, Shout! Publishing, Said and Done Music and Thank You Music.

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It’s a Jungle Out There

February 28th, 2014 dsisler

There is store in Fairfield, Ohio called Jungle Jim’s. Some of my family live in that town, so when I visit them, I usually make a trip or two to Jungle Jim’s.

 

In this store you can find lots of unusual items. Cheese and butter from around the world. Baked goods that melt in your mouth. Fruits and vegetables that are peculiar. Fish…there’s even a fishery in the store! And on the back wall there are rows and rows of foods from individual countries. If you’re looking for the unusual, Jungle Jim’s will have it.

 

SONY DSCHowever, the most unique item in the store is their restrooms. From the outside it looks like a row of port-a-potties. But then, you open the door and enter into a real, honest to goodness restroom. But you would never know if you never entered.

 

Being in God’s presence is a little bit like that. Some people just don’t want to open the door and enter into His goodness. Some know what’s on the other side and yet drag their feet. And then there are those who swing open the door without hesitation and enter.

 

Some of the biblical authors shared ways we can enter into God’s presence. So let’s look at them today.

 

In Psalm 100:4 (NIV), King David mentioned two ways to enter into God’s presence. “Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise.” Thanksgiving and praise are always a good start.

 

Jeremiah offered these words in Jeremiah 7:2 (NIV) “Stand at the gate of the Lord’s house and there proclaim this message: ‘Hear the word of the Lord, all you people of Judah who come through these gates to worship the Lord.’” We are to enter into God’s presence worshiping Him!

 

 

On the road to Emmaus, Jesus spoke these words to the men he traveled with. “Did not the Christ have to suffer these things and then enter into his glory?” (Luke 24:26 – NIV) I believe some days we need to enter into God’s presence so that we might see His glory.

 

In Acts 14:21-22 (NIV), Paul spoke these words. “Then they returned to Lystra, Iconium and Antioch, strengthening the disciples and encouraging them to remain true to the faith. ‘We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God,’ they said.” Hardships will always find their way into our lives. But when they lead us into the presence of God, we will find great comfort.

 

In Hebrews 4:11 (NIV), we see that we can enter into God’s rest. “Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will fall by following their example of disobedience.”

 

We see in Hebrews 10:19-22 (NIV), that we can enter into God’s presence with confidence. “Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water.”

 

Are you going through hardships? Do you need rest? Would a little thankfulness be in order today? Are you lacking confidence? Then perhaps you need to enter into God’s presence and allow Him to lavish these wonderful gifts upon you.

 

In God’s presence we are filled to over flowing. In God’s presence there is no darkness. In God’s presence there is fullness of life. In God’s presence there is everything and anything you could ever want.

 

God is calling us to enter into His presence. Are you ready to go?

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

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Back in the Day

February 27th, 2014 dsisler

I’ve recently been reminded of my age. I know how hold I am but I guess what I was reminded of is how long I’ve been doing what I’ve been doing.

 

You know, you hear of people retiring from teaching and then start all over again with another organization and soon the person has been teaching for 70 years. Or the couple who has made the Guinness World Record of being married the longest at over 85 years.

 

As a high school student, we “majored” in certain areas. I majored in music, home economics and business. Throughout my business courses, I picked up on the skills pretty quickly (except for the accounting classes…I always seemed to struggle in those). I was the fastest in my class at taking shorthand and then transcribing and typing what was dictated. I enjoyed being a secretary!

 

IBM_SelectricMy first job came when I was 16 years old. I worked 14 hours a week at the church where my Dad ministered. I had my own office. I loved using the printing press (that would later be replaced by a copying machine). The hum of my IBM Selectric type writer was beautiful. My, how things have changed.

 

Through the years I have found myself as a secretary in many areas of businesses and fields. I’ve been a secretary for Clairol (the hair coloring people), an auto workers union, a group of attorneys, for hospice, and several churches along the way.

 

I’ve managed to do a few other jobs along the way, but for the most part, I’ve been a secretary for 38 years. And for the most part, I’ve loved every minute of it.

 

I’ve worked through the years at keeping my skills up with newest and greatest equipment. As mentioned earlier, that old printing press would soon be replaced by a copying machine. That Selectric typewriter was replaced by a word processor and ultimately a computer…the computer has even changed through the years from large, bulky pieces of equipment to slender laptops!

 

Shorthand has been replaced by typing meeting minutes or notes on a laptop. Most phone calls go to a personal cell phone, not the business line. Files and folders are now located on a computer not in a drawer. Even styles of writing and editing have changed. And there are probably a few other things that have changed through the years that I’ve had to keep learning.

 

My point is that even though I have had the skills for all these years, I’ve never been able to just say, “I’m done.” I’ve had to keep working toward the next element of technology to be a viable worker in my field.

 

It’s no different with our spiritual lives. We’ve accepted Jesus. We know to expect His return someday, but what are we to do in the meantime? We are to prepare ourselves for that coming. We are to keep learning. We are to work in field to bring others along. There is much work to be done.

 

So let’s look at a few verses that teach us what we can do to prepare ourselves for Jesus’ return.

 

“Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 – NIV)

 

“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.” (2 Timothy 2:15 – NIV)

 

“In a large house there are articles not only of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay; some are for noble purposes and some for ignoble purposes. If a man cleanses himself from the latter, he will be an instrument for noble purposes, made holy, useful to the Maser and prepared to do any good work. Flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.” (2 Timothy 2:20-22 – NIV)

 

“Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” (James 1:22 – NIV)

 

“But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope.” (1 Peter 3:15 – NIV)

 

These are just a few things we find in Scripture that we can be working on while we wait for the Master to return. Let’s be prepared for that day. Let’s just do it.

 

I’m not a secretary any longer. I’m an assistant…even the name has changed. But to be honest, I like this change. I want to more than just a gal who types out memos. I want to make a difference in the work place.

 

I want that same thing to be true of my spiritual live. I will always want more. I will always want to grow a little bit more. I will always want to be better at what I’m doing. I’m getting ready and will be prepared when Jesus returns. Will you?

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

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Strange and Unaccustomed Paths

February 26th, 2014 dsisler

I read a quote by Florence Nightingale this week. It couldn’t have come at a more opportune time. Take a look at what this woman of Christ once said.

 

“If I could give you information of my life it would be to show how a woman of very ordinary ability has been led by God in strange and unaccustomed paths to do in His service what He has done in her. And if I could tell you all, you would see how God has done all, and I nothing. I have worked hard, very hard, that is all; and I have never refused God anything.”[i]

 

Over the past few months, God has presented opportunities for me to further my work in His Kingdom. I must admit that I’ve not jumped on board as quickly as I should, but I believe with God’s help, my feet-dragging isn’t making the large ruts once left behind.

 

I have made the decision to lead an on-line Bible study this fall. There is a great deal of preparation that I must do before the fall, but I believe it is one of the areas God has been nudging me toward.

 

I will need to write the study, figure out how to do an on-line study, pray that God will help me with all of these preparations and most of all pray that He will point others to this study so that His work can be done through me.

 

This is exciting for me. I love to share God’s Word with others. This will allow God’s message to go beyond what I could have ever imagined.

 

TimelineThe second opportunity God presented to me was a second trip to SE Asia. It would be different than the first trip, but I always believed that God wasn’t finished with me in this area of the world.

 

When this was brought up to me, I hung up the timeline I created about this journey. It was a reminder for me to pray and think about it. What I find interesting is that the timeline was never complete. It never ended. There is still plenty of area on this timeline to fill.

 

And perhaps this is the time to add more to this timeline.

 

While I am still on the fence about this second decision, I look at my life and can say the same things as Florence Nightingale. I am a woman with very ordinary abilities whom God has led in strange and unaccustomed paths to do in His service what He has done in her.

 

I know that my abilities and talents come from God. I know that He is able to do immeasurably more than I could ever dream of. I know that when I offer all that I am to Him, His message and Kingdom are furthered in ways I could never imagine. I’ve said it often; it’s amazing what God will do with a heart that is open to His calling.

 

Perhaps God is calling you to something. If so, don’t wonder if you’re capable of doing what He asks. Know that if you say “yes,” He will be right there with you. And if you say “yes,” be prepared for the journey of a lifetime. He will do amazing things.

 

The Apostle Paul understood his own weakness and that it was God who worked miraculously through him. He said it this way. “I can do everything through him who gives me strength.” (Philippians 4:13 – NIV) Everything.

 

Stay tuned for more on both of these journeys. I’m excited. I’m thrilled. I’m scared. But I know that if God is calling me to it, He’s already prepared the path (I think I’ve been saying that a lot lately as well!).

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna


[i] Live Deeply: A Study in the Parables of Jesus, Lenya Heitzig and Penny Rose, David C. Cook, 2009, page 166-167.

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  • About Me

    "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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