Another Celebration

January 11th, 2014 dsisler

In my family, we continue our holiday celebrations well into January. No we don’t enjoy the Twelve Days of Christmas or observe Orthodox Christmas. We have birthday celebrations.

 

birthdayToday is my youngest granddaughter’s birthday! It’s hard to believe that our little “L” is 1. But she is and I can’t wait to have her first birthday party…princess décor and all.

 

Monday is my birthday, so we will yet again have another celebration. My husband’s birthday is later in the month, so again, we’ll pull out the old birthday hat and sing and rejoice.

 

The other family birthdays are a little more spaced through the year, but it seems once October 8 rolls around, we are in party/celebration mode for months.

 

I was asked to recall my spiritual birthday a couple of times this week. I’ve recalled that moment many times through my life, but I was asked this week to make the connection between my baptism and the place I was baptized.

 

I must admit, it showed me a significant piece. I was baptized at a small camp in Upstate New York at 10 years of age. I enjoyed camp up until then, but afterwards, I loved going to camp (and I’m not the outdoorsy kind of girl).

 

Through the years I’ve had a bond with Mountainview that I never put my finger on before. But now I know. It was (and still is) my spiritual birthplace. It’s no wonder there deep emotion about that acreage on a mountainside.

 

Perhaps you don’t have the same pull toward the place you gave your life to Jesus, but perhaps you’ve never thought of it before. About how in a specific place your life changed forever.

 

We see in the Old Testament that when a locale was special, a marker was placed to remember the place. Some were altars; some were a pile of rocks. But those specific spots were given special significance.

 

I’ve come to understand the importance of remembering specific places and what significant events happened in those places. It helps me to remember what I need to remember. A deeper relationship with Jesus. The moment I gave up a sinful act. The sharing of God’s message with another. These are just a few…there have been plenty through my life.

 

I’ve come to understand the importance of Old Testament altars. They were a place of worship. They were a place of sacrifice. They were a place of new beginnings.

 

Exactly what happens when we offer our lives to Jesus.

 

In Romans 12, Paul shares how we are to be living sacrifices. We are to place all that we are on the altar and give it to God. “I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship.” (Romans 12:1 – NIV) That is exactly what we do at the time of baptism.

 

However, it doesn’t end here. In order to live holy and pleasing lives, we need to know how to do so. Colossians 3 gives us a whole chapter of ways to live holy lives.

 

So, do you recall the place you gave your life to Jesus and were obedient to Him through baptism? How do you feel about that place? I’m sure if you think about it, you have a connection to that specific place.

 

If you haven’t given your life to Jesus, why not make the commitment today? There’s no better time to be with Jesus than the present.

 

I look forward to our little gathering later today to celebrate another first birthday. Right here in this place.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

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Clinging

January 10th, 2014 dsisler

This has been a great week. I returned to my Wednesday evening group of ladies to continue with our study on prayer. What a joy it is to share God’s Word with faithful women who love God.

 

I also sthandarted leading a new group of ladies through my local church. We meet on Thursday mornings and I was thrilled to be in their presence. I pray that as we gather each week that we will be encouraged and that our hunger and thirst for God’s message will transform our hearts.

 

The return to Bible study after a break is always thrilling to me and this week has been no different.

 

I was handed a challenge this week as well. Two different people from two different areas of my life suggested that I start an online Bible study. After the first mention, I was intrigued and figured I’d think about it. But when the suggestion came again just a few days later, I knew something was about to change.

 

I told both parties that I would pray about it. That I would allow God to point me in the direction He wanted me to go. This is a big undertaking and I know there’s much to be done before this could actually happen. I also knew that I couldn’t do it alone. God would need to be in the middle of it.

 

As usual, my early morning time with God has already brought some insight into this decision.

 

In preparation for writing material for my Wednesday night group, I read through the two chapters in the book that I will write material for this week. This particular quote popped off the page.

 

“God doesn’t call us to sit in the lowland but to rise to His high calling and purposes for our lives. To what height is God calling you?”[i]

 

Well, I think I know, but my observations didn’t end there.

 

One chapter I read through was the chapter titled, “Lord, You are the One who Upholds Me.” Through this chapter, the author quoted verse after verse of how God’s strong right arm is able to help us through any situation we face. Take a look at some of them.

 

“My soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me.” (Psalm 63:8 – NIV)

 

“Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever.” (Isaiah 9:7 – NIV)

 

“So 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)

 

And this verse was quoted several times through the chapter.

 

“For I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, ‘Do not fear; I will help you.’” (Isaiah 41:13 – NIV)

 

Regardless of whether I begin an online Bible study or not, I have been reminded of God’s ever-presence and the help that I received because He is always with me.

 

Maybe you feel like you’ve been given an overwhelming task. Maybe you face an illness. Maybe family issues have you underwater. Maybe financial burden is crumbling your spirit. Whatever you may be facing, please know that God is with you. His right hand is reaching out for you to grab. In His grip, you’ll find strength, comfort, ability, peace, love and so much more.

 

Today I chose to cling to God.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna


[i] “Pray with Purpose, Live with Passion,” Debbie Williams, Howard Publishing, 2006, page 201.

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XXII Olympic Winter Games

January 9th, 2014 dsisler

It is an Olympic year. In fact, the winter Olympics will begin in 29 days. Soon I will be enjoying all of the sporting events and I am able remember Olympics of the past and how they have impacted my life.

 

olympicsIt was an Olympic year when my son, Philip was two. He loved watching the “lympics” and especially the men’s gymnastics. He would imitate their movements as best he could. We had to place a mattress in the middle of the floor for his safety.

 

I was a camp counselor during the Olympics one year. I decorated our dining hall table with the Olympic theme and updated the US medal standing daily. That was no easy task without our modern technology.

 

I have been a huge fan of the Olympics through the years and have loved watching the athletic feats of these disciplined athletes. During the summer Olympics two years ago, I recall some remarkable outcomes.

 

I remember watching the men’s Road Race Cycling. I love racing and have found that I liked the bicycle racing. I didn’t understand a lot of it, but was so impressed with the efforts of each man in this race.

 

Near the end of one particular race, two men jumped out front. With each pedal, they pulled away from the pack. As the finish line came into view, these two were over 10 seconds ahead of the lead pack.

 

Rigoberto Uran of Columbia turned to see where he was in relation to the pack of cyclists behind him. In that moment, Alexandr Vinojurov of Kazakhstan began his sprint. In those short moments, Uran lost his gold medal. He was unable to catch Vinojurov.

 

How often are we guilty of this very thing? I know for me, I seem to fall into the trap of looking around instead of looking ahead at times.

 

In my spiritual life, this is costly. Temptation can lead to sin. And sin leads to death. Sometimes I look to my past. Guilt resurfaces and I feel worthless. At other times I allow my busyness to move my energy and effort from my time with God. Again, nothing good comes from any of these actions.

 

We must learn to keep our eyes on the goal. Keep focused on the finish line. Hold unswervingly to the path set before us.

 

So what are the things that keep us from focusing on our goal? The verses below will direct us.

 

Distraction

The Galatians had an understanding of how a distraction could cause failure in their race. Paul asked this question of them. “You were running a good race. Who cut in on you and kept you from obeying the truth?” (Galatians 5:7 – NIV)

 

You can ask yourself that same question if you are being distracted in your Christian walk. Once you’ve figured it out, you will be able to put the distraction behind you and continue faithfully in the race.

 

Hindrances

Sometimes the hindrances of this world and sin will cause misstep. The writer of Hebrews warns us of this possibility. “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.” (Hebrews 12:1 – NIV)

 

The good news here is that there are encouragers along our journey who are cheering us on. Gain strength from their encouragement. Be spurred on because of their inspiration. Attain your goal by leaning on their spiritual wisdom. Follow the path they have already marked. The prize at the end will be worth it all.

 

Looking Behind

One of my favorite passages is from Paul. He encourages the Philippian Church to forget the past. Look to the future. These are wonderful words of wisdom for us to remember each day as well.

 

“Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:12-14 – NIV)

 

Looking to our past will always get us into trouble. The evil one will see that as our weakness and fill us with guilt over and over. Let’s not allow that to happen. Let’s keep our eyes focused on Jesus, the goal and finish line.

 

Uran took his eyes off the finish line. He allowed his vision to be distracted by what was behind him. It cost him a gold medal.

 

There is so much more at stake for us in our spiritual walk when we take our eyes off the goal. Our eternal life is dependent upon it. Forget what is behind. Strain toward what is ahead. Press on toward the goal. Your prize is waiting!

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

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Terms of Endearment

January 8th, 2014 dsisler

I’m sure you’ve heard them. Those endearing names one has for another. I’m reminded of a scene from Chitty Chitty Bang Bang as the Baron and Baroness Bomburst sing of their undying love toward one another. It is filled with terms of endearment such as, “my little chu-chi,” or “lovey dovey teddy bear” and together they were a “chu-chi woo-chi, oo-chi coo-chi pair.”

 

Of course these were made up words and terms for a couple who had some real bonding issues. All the while singing of their love for each other, they were trying very hard to cause some disaster to come upon the other.

 

God's WordBut I’m also sure you’ve heard real, live people, people whom you know, use terms of endearment for another. “Honey.” “Sweetheart.” “Pickle.” “Darling.” Perhaps you can think of some as well. These terms show the loved one and those around that there is a special bond between the two. It’s meaningful because there is a relationship.

 

Those who belong to God, who have a relationship with Him are also called by different terms of endearment. These terms are sometimes spoken by God, sometimes by Jesus and then other times by biblical authors. Regardless of who shared these terms, know that God meant each and every one of them. He loves us more than we can imagine and His words overflow with His great love.

 

So let’s look at some of these terms.

 

In Exodus 19:3 (NIV), Moses hears these words from God. “This is what you are to say to the house of Jacob and what you are to tell the people of Israel.” It’s a start, but later, Israel is given a new name.

 

“You are the children of the Lord your God.” (Deuteronomy 14:1 – NIV) A relationship between God and the Hebrew nation was shared with the world.

 

The beautiful analogy of Psalm 23 shows a close bond between the sheep and its shepherd. The relationship between us and God is the same.

 

In Micah 4, the term daughter is used multiple times. “Daughter of Zion” and “Daughter of Jerusalem” are the terms.

 

Then in the New Testament, we find other terms that show the growth of the relationship between God and those whom He loves.

 

We see “children of God” in Romans 8:14.

 

2 Corinthians 6:18 (NIV) says, “I will be a Father to you, and you will be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.”

 

“Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God’s people and members of God’s household.” (Ephesians 2:19 – NIV)

 

I love Ephesians 5:1 (NIV). “Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children.”

 

As Jesus and God are the Light of this world, we are also to be light. “For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light.” (Ephesians 5:8 – NIV)

 

In Colossians 3:12 (NIV), we come to understand who we are and how we are to live because of our relationship with the Father. “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.”

 

While Jesus didn’t use specific terms of endearment for the disciples who followed Him through His earthly ministry, we see a great connection between them in His prayer of John 17:6-19. He begins the section defining who He is speaking of.

 

“I have revealed you to those whom you gave me out of the world. They were yours; you gave them to me and they have obeyed your word.” (John 17:6 – NIV) I don’t know that I’ve ever heard more beautiful words. A gift from God to Jesus. His disciples.

 

Jesus continued with thoughts of protection “by the power of God’s name,” unity, full measure of Jesus’ joy, God’s word, sanctification, and truth. What a wonderful Savior we have in Jesus Christ!

 

I pray that you know just how much God loves you today. I pray that as you read Scripture today that you will see some of these terms of endearment. I pray that God’s love for you will jump off the pages and you will know that when He calls you His child, you believe it.

 

Perhaps I’ve missed your favorite term of endearment. If so, please share it with me. There’s always more room for encouragement here.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

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Blah, Blah, Blah

January 7th, 2014 dsisler

I’m tired. Have you said those words before? I know I have. As a young mother with three children 4 years and under, I was tired. But it never seemed to keep me from doing what was needed. What had to be done was complete. Anything else, well, simply didn’t.

 

yawnDuring busy times in my life, I was tired. Like gearing up for Vacation Bible School. I created, developed, and wrote VBS programs for years. But it was hard work. By the end of each VBS, I was tired.

 

I was the choir director at most of the churches we ministered to through the years. Easter and Christmas Cantatas were busy times for me. Rehearsals, building sets, making costumes, memorizing music. These elements led to being tired.

 

And then there are the times with my family. My children and grandchildren live in Colorado, but my parents, siblings, aunts, uncles, cousins, and extended family all live in Ohio. I live 1,200 miles from my family. When we are together, I want to do everything there is to do with them. I want to be in the middle of it all. When I am with my family, I am tired.

 

This morning I’m tired. My husband is working a crazy shift and we’re getting up way before the crack of dawn. This is a busy week for me as well…Bible studies are starting up and I’m working longer hours to make up for time away from the office. I’m finding it difficult to keep my eyes open.

 

Jesus was tired on occasion, too. When He was tired He spent time with His Father. Over and over Jesus can be seen withdrawing from the crowd and praying through the night. It was good for Him. It brought joy to His heart.

 

Jesus also knew how to comfort those who were tired. In Matthew 11:28-30 (NIV), Jesus tells the crowd of His plan for being weary. It is one He urges us to try as well. “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.”

 

How wonderful that we have a Savior who cares when we are tired. How wonderful that it is His desire to take that weariness and carry our load for us.

 

So why don’t we give our weariness to Jesus? Why aren’t we willing to give it to Jesus and accept rest in return?

 

I suspect we are a little stubborn. I suspect we are a little controlling. I suspect we are a little rebellious. I suspect we are a little “whatever your reason for not giving your weariness to Jesus might be” inserted here.

 

Jesus truly wants to take our weariness and burdens. He wants us to find rest. His rest. Isn’t it time to loosen the grip on these issues? Isn’t it time to give them all to Jesus?

 

Jesus’ gentle and humble heart knows exactly what we need. Rest for our souls. And He is offering it all to us. We simply need to accept it.

 

Yes, I am tired. But with Jesus in the middle of my life and my day, I know I can make it through the most tiring of days. Oh how I look forward to what the days ahead hold. With Jesus by my side, I can handle it.

 

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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