Fruit Tree or Christmas Tree?

December 27th, 2013 dsisler

I received an email asking to help take down Christmas decorations at church this coming Sunday afternoon. I find this portion of the season the most difficult. I understand that many are not like me who would leave Christmas décor up most of the year (if my family would allow it).

 

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAI also understand that Christmas is about more than the decorations. It is about who I am because of Jesus’ birth, life, death, and resurrection. But I’m not near ready to remove the symbols of Christmas. They bring me joy and happiness. Peace and tranquility. Calm and serenity.

 

I found an interesting quote about a Christmas tree and our Christian walk that I want to share with you. “The Christian should resemble a fruit tree, not a Christmas tree! For the gaudy decorations of a Christmas tree are only tied on, wheras fruit grows on a fruit tree.”[i]

 

What I love about this statement is the truth it holds. In our Christian lives, fake fruit will always be found out. A close representation of God’s characteristics will never pass as the real thing. And yet another reason to dislike fake fruit.

 

From Romans 12 to see how we are to live a genuine, Christ-like life. A life where the fruit is real, not tied on.

 

Live sacrificially – Romans 12:1

Live humbly – Romans 12:3, 16

Live in unity – Romans 12:4-5

Live as gifted – Romans 12:6-8

Live lovingly – Romans 12:9-10

Live zealously – Romans 12:11

Live joyfully in hope – Romans 12:12

Live patiently in affliction – Romans 12:12

Live faithfully in prayer – Romans 12:12

Live generously – Romans 12:13

Live hospitably – Romans 12:13

Live harmoniously – Romans 12:16

Live fairly – Romans 12:17

Live peaceably – Romans 12:18

Live well – Romans 12:23

 

Now that is quite a list! As we fill our hearts with these words, we’re able to see how to live lives that are not fake. But we also know that without the help and guidance of the Holy Spirit, living this way would be improbable. No, impossible.

 

As we allow God’s Spirit to produce good fruit in our lives, the guidelines in Romans 12 become doable. Our desire to live in such a way grows within us. It becomes imperative that our lives are no longer considered fake, but genuine.

 

There is another verse in this chapter that will help us as well. Romans 12:2 (NIV) says, “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what god’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”

 

You see, if we live as the world lives and think as the world thinks, we will be fake. The evil one, the great deceiver, is the ruler of this world. There can be nothing genuine where he reigns. Think of his followers as those who have gaudy ornaments tied to their branches.

 

But when we are transformed into what God wants us to be, we are able to be genuine. We are genuine because our God is genuine. Then when we are transformed, our minds will be renewed. Renewed for genuineness.

 

I know eventually my Christmas décor will need to be removed. But this year, as I remove the few ornaments on my trees, I will think about how my life is to be. Genuine. Not fake. Not a life where gaudy ornaments are tied on my branches. I am to live my life as a fruit tree. With real growth and real fruit.

 

What’s happening with your fruit?

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna


[i] Quote by John R. W. Stott

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Like Jesus

December 26th, 2013 dsisler

Oh my. Are you as tired as I am this morning? Two full days have me acting like a sloth. I don’t want to move, think, or think about moving. However, there are still dishes to wash and some last bits of Christmas still remain to clean up.

 

But what these past few days have been. Friends, family, loved ones all gathering to share their love with one another. To remember the birth of Jesus and to know how much God loved us.

 

Last night before the grandbabies left, we were occupying my grandson Percy. When he is told it’s time to go, he is usually ready. He wants to leave right then and doesn’t care for anything to stop him.

 

nativityHowever, his mom wasn’t quite ready to leave, so I showed him all of my nativities (I got a new one this year by the way). I ended with a small one with lights flickering through the figures. Then my daughter took over to keep him occupied. As he pulled the three characters off their pedestal, he would say, “Baby Jesus. Mommy Jesus. Daddy Jesus.”

 

I loved hearing him talk about Jesus and maybe he’s got it a little turned around, but then I thought of how that’s the way it’s supposed to be. People are to look at us and see Jesus. We are to resemble Jesus so much so that others would only see Jesus. So that people would say, “Donna Jesus. Baba Jesus.”

 

Take a look at some of these passages that lead me to this conclusion.

 

“But if anyone obeys his word, God’s love is truly made complete in him. This is how we know we are in him: Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did.” (1 John 2:5-6 – NIV) That pretty much sums it up, doesn’t it? Well there’s more!

 

“We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.” (Romans 6:4 – NIV)

 

“I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” (Galatians 2:20 – NIV)

 

“You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothes yourselves with Christ.” (Galatians 3:26-27 – NIV)

 

“Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” (Ephesians 5:1-2 – NIV)

 

As I go through my day-to-day life, my prayer, my goal, my objective is to be like Christ. Oh there are times I show up, but when I can look to the Holy Spirit to help me through my day, then I can be clothed with the fruit He produces in me (Galatians 5:22-23).

 

That’s when others will look at me and know that I am different from the world. And they just might be confused by what to call me.

 

What do people call you?

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

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Merry Christmas to You!

December 25th, 2013 dsisler

It’s quiet this morning. There is still much to be done for the day in anticipation of the grandkids, family and friends to arrive later. But in this moment, it’s still quiet.

 

I love to sit in quietness. When I am home alone, I nearly always turn off all the noise in the house. No TV. No music. An occasional conversation between me and myself, but usually it’s quiet.

 

DSC03935mIt’s during these times when I have the opportunity to reflect and remember. Remember what has happened most recently, what is foremost in my mind, or reflect on my relationship with God. They are precious moments that I value and cherish.

 

This morning is no different.

 

I am thinking of last night. Christmas Eve services at Rocky Mountain Christian Church. What a blessing it was (and is) to serve this group of people. Through three services at one of our campuses, I was able to answer questions, point people in a direction, pass out candles, light candles, wish each person a Merry Christmas and give them a special gift.

 

DSC03935DSC03935Last night alone, we gave away nearly 3,500 copies of “Love Does.” Each adult and teen walked away with their special copy of this book. All of this in preparation for the author, Bob Goff to speak at Rocky in February. These are exciting times for sure.

 

The book is about how we can live the life we secretly want to live. One filled with love for God and others. It’s a reminder that love is a verb. It’s an action word and we are to be doing something if we say we love.

 

I can’t help but mention the fact that God showed us how to love. He showed us that love does when He sent Jesus to be with us. Love does send a tiny baby to fulfill a promise. Love does announce to the world that the Messiah has arrived. Love does share the kingdom message with those He comes in contact with. Love does miraculous things to point people to God. Love does go to the cross and carry the burden mankind’s sin. Love does overcome death and the grave. Love does promise to return.

 

Love does.

 

So if we say we love God, we better be loving the way God loves. “Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.” (1 John 4:7-8 – NIV)

 

So today, as you celebrate Christmas with those you love, remember Love. Think of what Love has done in your life and how He has changed you. Reflect on your relationship with Love. Be reminded that Love does. And then do likewise.

 

Because, Love does.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

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Christmas Cards

December 24th, 2013 dsisler

Christmas cards are one of my favorite elements to the celebrations at Christmas. I enjoy receiving them. I enjoy sending them.

 

MT_12-10_JNI’ve recently heard that one of my friends takes all of her Christmas cards and places them in her devotional book for the year. As she gets to a card, she spends that day thinking and praying for that specific person or family. What a great way to keep Christmas in our hearts all year long!

 

For our family, we create our own card each year. All through the year as we are out and about on photo shoots, we’re on the lookout for a special tree or a unique scene.

 

If we don’t find it out there somewhere, we search through the thousands of pictures we’ve already taken. We spend time searching for the perfect photo.

 

In the past we’ve written our own verse to go inside. Here is one example.

 

“Christmas is more than decorated trees,

And gifts placed under evergreens.

It’s more than just a holiday,

In truth it’s about a tiny babe.”

 

I didn’t say it was good verse writing. But it was an attempt each year to create something special for family and friends.

 

We’ve gotten a bit lazy. We create a card on one sheet of photo paper with just a small note. Not like the old days.

 

God sent His own Christmas card. Oh, it isn’t like anything we have ever seen before, for instead of being carried by the US Postal Service, it was carried by an angel. This was the message.

 

“Do not be afraid, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” (Luke 2:10-12 – NIV)

 

This is where the reinforcements were called in. Suddenly, the angel was accompanied by a great company of heavenly host. They all praised God and said,

 

“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.” (Luke 2:14 – NIV)

 

Now that is a Christmas card no one can top!

 

God’s message to the shepherds on the hillside is the same message God has for each of us. It is good news of great joy, for without the birth of this tiny baby there wouldn’t have been Jesus the Messiah, the Savior of the world.

 

God continued with His card sending. We have an entire book filled with His messages. They are all wrapped up neatly within the bindings of our Bibles. What a message He proclaims!

 

The Christmas cards I receive each year are placed in a prominent position in my home. They are special to me. Occasionally I will walk by and pick up each one and re-read the message enclosed.

 

I’m thankful to be able to pick up God’s Christmas card and re-read His message as well. It has become part of my daily routine.

 

Do you spend time reading God’s Word on a daily basis? It has a message specifically for you. It is filled with wonder, surprise, love stories, tenderness, miracles, gifts, hope, grace, and so much more. Regardless of what you are going through, you will find a special message from God that will touch your heart.

 

I pray that as you receive Christmas cards this year, you’ll think of the special message God sent those many years ago and have a renewed sense of wonder about the whole event.

 

Merry Christmas from my family to yours!

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

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“God with Us” – Monday Musical Musings

December 23rd, 2013 dsisler

It is Christmas Eve eve. If you haven’t felt a sense of urgency from others, you haven’t been very observant. The stores are jam-packed. Traffic is terrific (and I don’t mean it the way it is in “Oh There’s No Place like Home for the Holidays”). People are rushing to get their last minute stuff done before Christmas. It’s pretty wild out there.

 

0005030206R-849x565But as I sit in the quietness of my home, there isn’t much rushing. Oh there are things to do, but I find great joy in writing about the upcoming event. So I sit in stillness and write. I’m excited to be able to share once again about the celebration of Jesus’ birth and what it means to me.

 

The song I wish to share with you today is by Mercy Me, “God with Us.” The song begins by asking two questions. “Who are we?” “What do you see?” If we were to answer these questions, we’d note our unworthiness, unloveliness, unholiness and a few other similar words.  But God answered these questions by sending Jesus.

 

God saw great worth in His creation. We were on God’s mind from the beginning and He thought we were worth saving. Enough so that His plan for the redemption of mankind was set into motion 2000 years ago.

 

This song goes on to remind us some of what we’ve received because of God’s plan. Release. Freedom. A new song. Love. What wonderful gifts from our God.

 

But then the author urges us to give in return. But what can we give? A tiny offering…our own lives. It is nothing compared to what Jesus gave, but it is all we have. And that is exactly what God wants of you and me. He wants me. He wants you. That’s all.

 

So today as you read through these words and listen to the song, let’s remember the day and who it belongs to. Let’s recall the happenings all those years ago when a tiny baby was brought into this world. Let’s rejoice with the shepherds and angels. And then, let’s offer Jesus the gift of ourselves.

 

“God with Us”

Who are we
That You would be mindful of us
What do You see
That’s worth looking our way

We are free
In ways that we never should be
Sweet release from the grip of these chains

Like hinges straining from the weight,
My heart no longer can keep from singing

Chorus
All that is within me cries
For You alone be glorified
Emmanuel God with us
My heart sings a brand new song
The debt is paid
These chains are gone
Emmanuel God with us

Lord You know
Our hearts don’t deserve Your glory
Still You show
A love we cannot afford

Like hinges straining from the weight,
My heart no longer can keep from singing

Chorus

Such a tiny offering
Compared to Calvary
But nevertheless
We lay it at your feet.

Chorus

 

You can listen to Mercy Me sing this song by clicking here.

 

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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