Just Do It

January 16th, 2014 dsisler

Both of my women’s Bible studies have started and I spend much of my early morning in God’s Word through the two studies I lead. I’ve always been impressed when teaching two studies how they align between the two. The same idea will be focused upon in each study and when I bring them both together, there is greater understanding of the idea.

 

DSC04227So if it’s happened in the past, you would think I wouldn’t be surprised when it happens. But I am. And it has.

 

This past week I read (and re-read) these two statements.

 

“The best thing to do with the Bible is to know it in the head, stow it in the heart, sow it in the world, and show it in the life.”[i]

 

“A Bible at home does us no good unless we carry God’s teachings in our hearts and apply them when we are hit with a fiery dart.”[ii]

 

Reading the Bible isn’t enough. Studying God’s Word isn’t even enough. The words we read and study must make an impact on our lives. When we allow Scripture to penetrate our hearts, we are transformed. When we are transformed, we are able to change our world.

 

James, Jesus’ half-brother and pillar of the Jerusalem church said it this way. “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” (James 1:22 – NIV)

 

Did you catch the phrase “so deceive yourselves?” Until we allow God’s Word to make an impact upon our lives, we are being deceived. Making ourselves believe we are followers of Christ without actually doing anything about it. That’s not the way we are live.

 

So how can God’s Word touch us in a way that we are compelled to make a change in our lives and to make an impact on our world? We read and listen with an open heart. A heart that is willing to allow transformation. Or as Luke 8:15 (NIV) says, “But the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop.”

 

How is your heart? Is it open to hearing and understanding all that God’s Word has in store? Is it available to listen when things are going well but doubts when troubles come? Is your heart really in it?

 

I’ve come to understand that it’s just not good enough to read God’s Word. It must reach our hearts and change us. If it doesn’t, we’re just reading another good book.

 

Jesus left us with a mission. “Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.” (Matthew 28: 19-20 – NIV) When we allow God’s Word to touch our hearts, we cannot wait to share this message with others. That’s what “living it” is all about.

 

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 28, author unknown.

[ii] “Pray with Purpose, Live with Passion,” Debbie Williams, Howard Books, 2006, page 193.

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Good Morning Lord!

January 15th, 2014 dsisler

Some days are good. Some days aren’t. I can’t really say they are bad, but some days are just more difficult than others.

 

Local Scenics0171mPeople, attitudes, rushing from one place to another, and a myriad of other things can get in our way of having a good day. Especially when we have something important to do.

 

We may lose confidence in ourselves. We may not feel up to doing the important thing. We may feel insecure. And as we combine all these things, we suddenly don’t want to do what God wants us to do.

 

You see, the evil one is a busy guy. His agenda is to trip us up. As we are walking down the smooth path of life, the devil is there to throw obstacles in our way. Big or small, the size doesn’t matter. If it’s on the path, we just might stumble.

 

Peter warned us of the evil one’s schemes in 1 Peter 5:8 (NIV). Peter knew what the devil was capable of and how he worked. “Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.”

 

This verse is almost frightening. No one wants to be devoured by a prowling lion. That’s the exact reason Peter gives other advice to go along with this bit. Be self-controlled. Be alert. As we have control of our emotions and our bodies, we have a better chance of spotting the lion before it’s too late. The same can be said of being alert.

 

But Peter goes on in this passage to share some more advice. “Resist him (the devil), standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of suffering.” (1 Peter 5:9 – NIV)

 

Resist him. The problem with this advice is that the devil changes his tactics. He tempts us with bigger and brighter things. He knows where we are weakest and he attacks us there. But still, we must resist him.

 

Now my issues today may not be someone else’s exact issues, but I know I am not in the boat alone. The evil one is attacking all over the world and I find strength in knowing there are other Christians who are resisting the devil’s temptations. I can do it as well.

 

Now here’s the good news. Peter then continues with an assurance that I find great comfort in knowing. “And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.” (1 Peter 5:10 – NIV)

 

God is with me through it all. But He is doing more than just being with me. He is restoring me. He is making me strong. He is making me firm. He is making me steadfast. I am only able to get through this life with God on my side.

 

It’s through my faith in God and His grace, strength, love, and forgiveness that I can wake up each day and say, “Good morning Lord! Let’s do it!”

 

And as the devil is prowling around looking for someone to devour, God isn’t sitting idly by and watching. 2 Chronicles 16:9a (NIV) assures me, “For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him.”

 

If this verse isn’t an encouragement to you today, I don’t know what else I could share with you. God is searching for those who need strength. If that is you today, He is looking and He will provide.

 

But we also see from this verse that He doesn’t just hand it out to anyone. He is looking for those who are committed to Him. Maybe that’s where we need to start today.

 

As I read through these passages, I’m able to face today with all its troubles and temptations, knowing that I am not in the day alone. God is right beside me. Loving me and comforting me along the way. I pray that you can say the same.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

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God Bless You

January 14th, 2014 dsisler

I’ve been attending a “new” church for the past few months. It’s been exciting to meet new people and to worship God in a new environment. And like all churches, they do things that are unique to that congregation.

 

1340158443410One in particular that I have never seen or heard of before is when they pass the communion trays, the usher whispers, “God bless you” to the person receiving the tray. If you are in a row where it comes from someone sitting in the pew beside you, they too whisper, “God bless you.”

 

I don’t know the history behind this particular idea in this particular church, but I do know that God’s blessings are abundant and that Scripture overflows with words of blessing from God. I want to share just a few with you.

 

As the Hebrew nation came to learn all of God’s laws and decrees, they were also promised blessings as they carefully followed all that God told them. In Deuteronomy 7 we see some of these blessings God promised to provide. An increase in their number, women would be fruitful, crops would be substantial, and their livestock would be abundant. They would be blessed more than any other nation and they would be free of every disease. All of this is they followed God’s decrees.

 

In Psalm 29:11, God promised to bless his people with strength and peace.

 

Ezekiel 34:26 (NIV) contains words from a hymn you might recognize. “I will bless them and the places surrounding my hill. I will send down showers in season; there will be showers of blessing.” The commentary in my NIV study Bible says this about this particular verse. “Blessing, the power of life promised to God’s people through Abraham is beautifully symbolized in the life-giving effects of rain.”[i] Now that is a refreshing blessing!

 

Jesus gave some special blessings in Matthew 5:3-11. He blessed the poor in spirit. He blessed those who mourn. Jesus blessed the meek and those who hunger and thirst for righteousness. He blessed the merciful. He blessed the pure in heart. Jesus blessed the peacemakers and those who are persecuted because of righteousness. The blessings these folks received are priceless against the troubles of this world. These are blessings for us to hold and claim.

 

A biblical blessing you might recognize is one found in the Book of Numbers. Aaron, Moses’ brother shared God’s words to the Israelites. They are words you may hear often and it might just be where “God bless you” came from.

 

Today I pray that you will feel blessed. That you will understand the many blessings that God is willing to lavish upon you. That you can share with others the blessings God has given you.

 

“The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.” (Numbers 6:24-26 – NIV)

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna


[i] Zondervan NIV Study Bible, Zondervan, 2002, pg. 1728.

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“There’s Within My Heart a Melody” – Monday Musical Musings

January 13th, 2014 dsisler

It’s Monday! I get to talk about music! I don’t know that I can ever express what joy that brings to my soul.

 

0005030206R-849x565Today’s musical piece is one that I’ve been singing for as long as I can remember. The melody is easy to sing. The tempo keeps it moving. The message is divine. It’s the combination that creates a beloved hymn.

 

This particular song brings a smile to my face because of all the elements within it, but the lyrics are truly what brings this song to life for me. Just read through the refrain. “Jesus, Jesus, Jesus. Sweetest name I know.”

 

Yes! When I speak the Name of Jesus I receive all that I need. Fear dissipates. Peace fills the void. Discord retreats. Harmony invades. Paths seem difficult. Footsteps guide. Grace. Rest. Shelter. Eternal life.

 

These are all mine (and yours) at the mention of His sweet Name. It’s no wonder there’s a melody within my heart.

 

So today, take a look at the lyrics and if you’d like to listen to this wonderful old hymn, there’s a link below. Enjoy. Sing. Rejoice. Praise God for the gift of His beloved Son, Jesus. The sweetest Name I know!

 

“There’s Within My Heart a Melody”

 

There’s within my heart a melody

Jesus whispers sweet and low:

Fear not, I am with thee, peace, be still,

in all of life’s ebb and flow.

 

Refrain:

Jesus, Jesus, Jesus,

sweetest name I know,

fills my every longing,

keeps me singing as I go.

 

All my life was wrecked by sin and strife,

discord filled my heart with pain;

Jesus swept across the broken strings,

stirred the slumbering chords again.

(Refrain)

 

Though sometimes he leads through waters deep,

trials fall across the way,

though sometimes the path seems rough and steep,

see his footprints all the way.

(Refrain)

 

Feasting on the riches of his grace,

resting neath his sheltering wing,

always looking on his smiling face,

that is why I shout and sing.

(Refrain)

 

Soon he’s coming back to welcome me

far beyond the starry sky;

I shall wing my flight to worlds unknown;

I shall reign with him on high.[i]

 

Click here to listen to a wonderful arrangement of this hymn.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna


[i] “There’s within My Heart a Melody,” Luther B. Bridgers, 1949, Belwin-Mills Publishing Corp.

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Today is the Day

January 12th, 2014 dsisler

Here we are, nearly two weeks into the New Year and January is nearly half over. It’s hard to believe that times flies by as quickly as it does.

 

Today, I believe God is reminding me that I cannot take anything for granted. Especially not time. Wasted time doing meaningless things will keep me so preoccupied that I won’t have time for the important things that need doing.

 

So I believe there are some meaningless activities that I need to weed out. It’s a good time to start, at the beginning of this New Year.

 

Perhaps there is something you need to weed out as well. Perhaps you need to focus more on God than a meaningless activity. If so, let’s do this together. Let’s spend less time on a meaningless activity and more time in God’s presence (Bible reading, prayer, worship). I know by doing so that we will make the most of 2014.

 

The post I share with you today is about one of my favorite restaurants. Enjoy!

 

A Chicken Farm

 

I have a favorite restaurant here in Colorado. They serve fried chicken that is moist and juicy on the inside and crispy on the outside. There is also kidney bean salad, pickled beets, cottage cheese, coleslaw and corn fritters served family style and unlimited. And don’t forget the shops, a petting zoo, and live music throughout the week.

 

whitefencefarm.com

whitefencefarm.com

There are two problems however, I have with this restaurant. First, it is pretty far from where we live and there is really no reason to be “passing by.” It takes at least 45 minutes to get there. So a planned trip to dine on this delectable fair is a must.

 

The second problem is that they close down the restaurant for the whole month of January. With my birthday in January, my favorite restaurant is always off the list for a place to celebrate. How disappointing!

 

The good news? The restaurant is still open 11 months of the year and we make several trips during those 11 months to get our fill of this great food.

 

More good news? God doesn’t take time off from caring about you and me. He is always there when we need Him…and when we think we don’t need Him.

 

Just read through some of the promises found in Scripture to gain a deeper understanding of how God will always be there for us. He is an amazing God!

 

In the Old Testament we find God reminding His people of His dedication to them. God promised to be with them. And He always kept His promise. We can believe that when God promises to be with us, we know He will be.

 

The Hebrew nation received word of this promise as they were preparing to enter the Promised Land. Not only was God with them (Deuteronomy 31:6), but they were assured by Moses that God was going before them. “The Lord your God himself will cross over ahead of you. He will destroy these nations before you and you will take possession of their land. Joshua also will cross over ahead of you, as the Lord said.” (Deuteronomy 31:3 – NIV)

 

Joshua also received this promise as he prepared to take over leadership of this great nation. “No one will be able to stand up against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Joshua 1:5 – NIV) With God on his side, Joshua certainly had nothing to fear.

 

King David assured his son, Solomon, that just as God had been with him through his life, God would be with Solomon as he ruled Israel (1 Chronicles 28:20).

 

David also shared some of his feelings through the Book of Psalm. How God was with him each step of the way. We can be assured that God will be with us, just as He was with David.

 

God was with David as he dealt with the pain of death. In Psalm 23:4 (NIV), David shared his assurance of this fact. “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.”

 

David also assured others that God would be there continuously. Psalm 121:3-4 (NIV) says, “He will not let your foot slip—he who watches over you will not slumber; indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.”

 

In Psalm 139:7-12, David stated that he could not hide from God’s Spirit. Wherever he went, God was with him. Whatever situation he faced, God was there.

 

Isaiah proclaimed to Israel that God would be there for them in Isaiah 41. Throughout this chapter, God recounts His actions. What He had accomplished and would accomplish through Israel. And God also declared, “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)

 

In the New Testament, we see more promises of God’s presence. Jesus, speaking to His disciples, told them, “And surely I am with you always to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:20b – NIV)

 

We find in 2 Corinthians 1:3-5 that God will be with us to comfort us. Just as we have been comforted by God, we are then able to comfort others.

 

And we see in the Book of Hebrews a reminder of God’s words. “Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.’” (Hebrews 13:5 – NIV)

 

God will be with us. We never have to wait for Him to return from vacation or re-appear after a break. We can hold onto the promise that God is with us.

 

There are more Scripture about this particular promise from God. Do you have a favorite? What verse speaks to you and assures you that God is always with you? What passage do you grip tightly when everything seems to falling apart around you? I would love to hear what you have to say.

 

The restaurant, White Fence Farm, will continue to be on my “I cannot wait until February” list. Just as sure as I know that, I know that God has been and will be with me through it all.

 

He’s been with me through the rough times. He’s been with me through the rebellious times. He’s been with me through the joyous times. And He isn’t going to stop for all eternity. God is so faithful. And for His faithfulness, I’m eternally grateful.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

 

EPILOGUE: My husband and I went to White Fence Farm in December. It was the last weekend the restaurant was open before their close in January for a month. Their Christmas decorations filled each area of the restaurant, shops and waiting areas. The snow began to fall as we waited. It was very beautiful. We waited for over an hour to get our table, but the meal was well-worth the wait.

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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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