Live What I Know

February 20th, 2014 dsisler

One of the Bible studies I lead is taking my group of ladies through Jesus’ parables one by one. We are learning that these parables are relevant in our lives and how we should use some of the principles we’re learning into our lives. It’s been a great study.

 

flameIn the lesson we studied this week, we looked deeply into the lives of the 10 virgins (Matthew 25:1-13) and how we are to watch and be ready for when Jesus returns. While I am anxiously waiting for that day, I know there are plenty of things for me to keep busy with until His return.

 

One of the prayers I prayed this week was that I live what I know. I’ve studied God’s Word for a lot of years. I know where to find specific passages. I’ve used this blog to post most of God’s Word over the past two years.

 

But here’s the thing. If I’m not living what the Bible says, I’m not living what I know.

 

So one of my personal exercises this week was to write down most of what the Bible has to say about what I should be doing while I’m waiting for Jesus to return. Now while I haven’t been through the Old Testament yet, the New Testament has a plethora of commands from God. Care to take a look at some of them?

 

Matthew 5, 6, and 7

Matthew 28:20-21

Matthew 28:20-21

John 15:1-17

Acts 2:38

Acts 2:42

Romans 8:5-8

Romans 12:2

Romans 12:9-21

Romans 13:8-14

1 Corinthians 11:23-29

1 Corinthians 13:1-13

2 Corinthians 4:6

Galatians 5:16-26

Galatians 6:9-10

Ephesians 2:10

Ephesians 4:17-32

Ephesians 5:1-21

Ephesians 5:22-33

Ephesians 6:1-4

Ephesians 6:10-18

Philippians 4:4-8

Colossians 1:10-12

Colossians 3:1-17

Colossians 3:18-25

Colossians 4:2-6

1 Thessalonians 4:1-12

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

2 Thessalonians 3:6-15

1 Timothy 2:1-4

1 Timothy 2:9-15

1 Timothy 4:16

2 Timothy 2:15-16

Titus 3:1-2

James 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5

1 Peter 1:13-16

1 Peter 2:13-17

1 Peter 3:1-7

1 Peter 3:8-9

1 Peter 3:15-16

1 Peter 4:7-11

1 John 2:28

1 John 3:7

1 John 3:11

1 John 4:7-8

Jude 1:20-23

 

I didn’t even get into Revelation…but I’m sure there are a few ideas that I might need to include in my life from that book as well. And I limited my perusing mostly through the Epistles…Jesus had plenty more to say about what we should do while waiting for His return. And I can’t even say that this is an exhaustive list from the books that I did scour.

 

What I’d like for you to take away is that there is plenty to occupy our minds with. Plenty of ways Jesus wants us to act while we wait for Him. So let’s do it. Let’s look at this list of things that we know and live them.

 

I pray that your prayer today is my prayer. “Help me God to live what I know.” If we’re doing all the Jesus asked of us, we’ll be ready for His return.

 

“He who testifies to these things says, ‘Yes, I am coming soon.’ Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.” (Revelation 22:20 – NIV)

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

Share

Brownies

February 19th, 2014 dsisler

Brownies. What do you think of when you hear that word? For me, most of the time I think of those delectable, delicious, fudgy goo of wonderfulness that makes my mouth smile. But with the sale of all these girl scout cookies (on every corner it seems), my mind is transported to a different place and time.

 

As a young elementary child, my family lived in a rural community in central Ohio. My dad ministered at the church that was located directly in front of the church parsonage where we lived.

 

UsMy sister and I attended the same school and rode the school bus to and from school together. One day, I rode the bus home alone. My sister stayed after school to attend an informational meeting about the girls club, the Brownies.

 

When I got off the bus and started the long walk down the driveway, I soon realized, no one was home. No car in the driveway. My brother wasn’t outside playing. My mom wasn’t in the house making dinner preparations. My dad wasn’t in his church office. I was alone.

 

For a child, this wasn’t a good situation to be in. For me, it was miserable. As a child, I was easily frightened. I could conjure up horrible scenarios in my mind if I would allow it. I wasn’t brave. I was a scaredy cat.

 

I couldn’t bring myself to sit inside the house or the church. I was alone and frightened and when my parents drove up that long driveway, they found me sitting near the edge of the church building, curled up in a little ball, crying.

 

You know, there are times when I want to do that same thing in my life today. Life has thrown me some pretty lousy balls. And if the evil one had anything to do with it, I would have curled up and given in to my wimpy side.

 

But here’s what I’ve learned through life. That the trials and sufferings I’ve gone through over the years has made me stronger. I’m less afraid of what might happen and more inclined to lean upon my mighty God. I have come to understand that James’ words to “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.” (James 1:2-3 – NIV)

 

Now while there are still things that cause me great angst and can scare the begeebers out of me, I know that God is by my side and His strength, wisdom, direction and provision will get me out of any situation.

 

Don’t believe me? Take a look at these passages.

 

Joshua 1:3-9

Psalm 27:1

Psalm 56:3

Isaiah 41:10

Isaiah 41:13

2 Corinthians 4:7-11

Hebrews 13:5-6

1 John 4:18

 

My parents felt bad that I had been left alone. My sister wasn’t allowed to join the Brownie troop. I had issues of being alone for several years to come. But had I known then when I know now, how the situation would have been different.

 

There’s no reason to live in fear any longer. God has a solution. He has a plan. He has a way out.

 

Hold on to these passages when you are gripped with fear. Allow God’s love to cast our fear and loosen its grip on your heart. It’s only in Him that we find true bravery.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

Share

Friends

February 18th, 2014 dsisler

This may surprise you, but my main floor bathroom is still decorated. Several years ago, I decided to use snowmen as the theme in that bath so that I could leave it up a bit longer than I do Christmas décor. Since we have the chance to receive snowfall throughout the year, I thought these snowy decorations would work well into March.

 

FriendsOne special snowman figurine came from a friend. There are four snowmen holding hands around a tea light candle. At the time, I was close to three ladies and these snowmen represented us sitting around a fire. Unfortunately, time and reality have created a void around that fire, but each time I pull those figures out, I think of Lori, Ingrid and Marcy and the fun times we had.

 

This past weekend, the grandkids came for a visit. My grandson, Percy, who will be three-years-old on Saturday made note of these snowmen figures. He said, “They’re friends!” He got it. He found the message of these four inanimate objects we call snowmen. They were friends.

 

I thank God daily for the friendships He has brought into my life. Penny and Annette. Lori, Ingrid and Marcy. Nancy. These are just a few, but my friendships with them mean so much to me. Each friendship has a different meaning to me, but each are special in their own way.

 

There are a few friendships throughout Scripture that we can make note of.

 

Ruth and Naomi were “in-laws” but their relationship grew into friendship (Ruth 1:16-17).

 

David and Jonathan became friends the moment they met (1 Samuel 18:1-3).

 

Elijah and Elisha found friendship in the common bond of servanthood (2 Kings 2:2).

 

Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego formed a deeper bond in the fiery furnace (Daniel 3:19-30).

 

There was a great friendship between Jesus, Lazarus, Mary and Martha. Their relationships were like family (John 11:1-44).

 

The Apostle Paul was close friends of Aquila and Priscilla (Romans 16:3-4).

 

Paul also had a deep friendship with Timothy, whom he called “son” (Philippians 2:19-26).

 

Jesus has a desire to be our friend as well. We read in John 15:14-15 (NIV) these words of Jesus. “You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.”

 

As wonderful as earthly friendships are, my friendship with Jesus must be greater than any earthly friendship. James warned us of what friendship with world means (James 4:4).

 

I pray that you are able to find good Christian friends to help you along this journey we call life. But I also pray that your friendship with God is deeper than any you find here on earth.

 

While I call those four snowmen Donna, Marcy, Ingrid and Lori, my grandson had new names for his new friends. There is Fred and George and Fred and George. These little snowmen represent friendship to him. I look forward to the day when he meets his very own friends in real life and when he meets his ultimate friend, Jesus.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

Share

“We’ve Been Made More than Conquerors” – Monday Musical Musings

February 17th, 2014 dsisler

I’m being reminded of my college days a lot these days. A professor recently died. A movie about the life of a classmate is making its way around the States. Biblical truths have been floating to the surface of my memory due to current Bible studies. And of course, music of the day always sparks remembrances of those days.

 

Ensemble

On stage at “More Than Conquerors” convention, 1980

I was a music major at Cincinnati Bible College (now known as Cincinnati Christian University) and New York Christian Institute. I was blessed to be led by the brilliant minds of my professors to a higher level of understanding. I am thankful for each one of them.

 

One of my greatest blessings was during my time at New York Christian Institute when I traveled with the ensemble. The five (sometimes six) of us would travel around the Northeast, sing for Jesus, and share the mission of NYCI. Each member of this team holds a special place in my heart.

 

On one occasion, we headed to Hershey, Pennsylvania for the Christian convention of northeast churches. The theme for the week was “More than Conquerors.” You guessed it, our ensemble learned the song I share with you today…however, so did every other group.

 

By the time we sang our version of “We’ve Been Made More Than Conquerors,” it was pretty used up. But we had other melodies up our sleeves, so we moved along and sang our best.

 

What a pity that the repetitious message of this song didn’t make an impact that day. For if nothing else, we as Christians should hold this banner high every moment of every day. “I am a conqueror. Nay, more than conquerors! And it’s not my own doing…it’s Jesus!”

 

The evil one wants us to believe that we are defeated. That we can’t go on any longer. That we have nothing left to share. But that is his message.

 

Jesus’ message is that we are overcomers. And with Jesus by our side, we can conquer anything.

 

The message of Romans 8:37 (NIV) is heard through this song. “No, in all these things (trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword) we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.”

 

I pray you also know this passage. “You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.” (1 John 4:4 – NIV)

 

So today as you read through the lyrics of this song and listen to its melody that you will hold fast and tight to the message. You are an overcomer. You are more than a conqueror. Jesus’ blood has made it so.

 

“We’ve Been Made More than Conquerors”

 

Chorus:
We’ve been made more than conquerors
Overcomers in this life
We’ve been made victorious
Through the blood of Jesus Christ!

When troubles come knockin’ at your door
Don’t be afraid, you know it’s not like before
Don’t you give in, don’t let it bring you down
Cause you don’t have to worry anymore!

Repeat Chorus

Hold on, we’re getting stronger everyday
There’s no reason for you to go astray
Don’t go leaning to your understanding
Cause you don’t have to worry anyway![i]

 

Click here to listen to a version of this song.

 

Let’s live as conquerors today!

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna


[i] “We’ve been Made More Than Conquerors,” Words and Music by Bill and Janny Grein, 1978, Birdwing Music.

Share

Keep Yourselves in God’s Love

February 16th, 2014 dsisler

Have you ever been discouraged? If you answered “no,” you’re not being honest with yourself. This world has a way of discouraging us. It squashes our dreams, hopes, and desires. It has a way of making us feel inadequate, unloved, and unworthy. We can choose to be discouraged by the world or to be encouraged by God.

 

IMAG0313If you are in need of a little encouragement, take a look at these words from Jude. “But you, dear friends, build yourselves up in your most holy faith and pray in the Holy Spirit. Keep yourselves in God’s love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you eternal life.” (Jude 1:20-21 – NIV)

 

When we keep ourselves in God’s love, the world’s discouragement isn’t nearly as painful. The hope of our eternal life to come delivers encouragement to our aching souls. I pray that you will find great encouragement through Jude’s words today.

 

The post I offer today is an encouragement to get out of the doldrums of our spiritual lives and see how wonderful life in Jesus can be. Enjoy!

 

27 Miles

 

I heard a tag line in a car commercial that I thought was interesting. “What good is 27 miles per gallon if the miles aren’t interesting?”

 

I don’t know about you, but I’ve driven some stretches of 27 miles that have not been interesting…some, downright boring!

 

After my first visit to Colorado some ten years ago, I told my husband that there is no reason to drive east here. If you’re driving east, you can’t see the mountains and that is where the true beauty of Colorado lies.

 

I guess there are times when we need to be entertained or be visually inspired as we go through this life. But what about the times when we are on a boring stretch? What are we to do then?

 

I believe as we are on our spiritual journey we encounter the same realities. At times, we are on an interesting stretch of the journey. We may be on a learning streak or attended an uplifting conference.

 

But then we reach a section of the journey that is a little boring. Those “ho-hum” moments. We feel parched. Dry. Maybe we simply aren’t looking for ways to grow spiritually and the excitement is not visible.

 

Again, I ask the question. When we are on a boring stretch on this spiritual journey, what are we to do then?

 

Might I suggest that we make it exciting? Jump into a word study. Or perhaps find a topic you’re interested in and see how often it is mentioned in Scripture. Get into a Bible study with fellow believers.

 

And then there is the possibility of serving in some capacity. I generally find that offering my talents to others is a great way to bring excitement back into my spiritual life. And, oh the people you will meet along the way!

 

And of course, spend more time with God in prayer. Make it a conversation with Him. Don’t get bogged down on the words. Give Him your heart. Let God see you as your truest self. You will find that your spiritual journey will come back to life.

 

I still enjoy going west instead of east in Colorado. But I also know that I can only get home by heading east from just about anywhere I go here. And I also know that I am never under enthused when I see the mountains as I turn and head west. They still take my breath away and I appreciate them so much more.

 

It’s the same with my spiritual journey. I know that there are times when I’m just not where I should be in my excitement of being in God’s presence, but when I arrive, it is more glorious than I remembered. My breath is taken away and I appreciate that time so much more.

 

It can be the same for you. Is it time to head home? Why not take the time today to be in God’s presence? Ask Him to join you on your spiritual journey. Ask Him to meet you there. “Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob. He will teach us his ways, so that we may walk in his paths.” (Micah 4:2a – NIV)

 

And just to make myself clear, He isn’t the One who moved.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

Share
« Older Entries
Newer Entries »

  • Subscribe by Email

  • 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.

  • Bible Studies & Other Happenings

    Bible studies I’m currently leading:

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    In September 2012 I went to SE Asia on a service trip. For more information, check out preachitclearly.blogspot.com.

  • Categories

  • Recent Posts

Visit Us On TwitterVisit Us On FacebookVisit Us On PinterestVisit Us On Linkedin