Hand-written

November 27th, 2013 dsisler

One of my most favorite things to do is find verses of Scripture that are obscure but have an impact upon my life or myself personally. I found such a verse yet again.

 

In Deuteronomy, God gave His instruction to the people of Israel to help them be His people. From feasts to tithing to the Ten Commandments, God laid out the plan. And because of His all-knowing, there is a section in Deuteronomy 17 where God makes this statement.

 

“When you enter the land the Lord your God is giving you and have taken possession of it and settled in it, you will say, ‘Let us set a king over us like all the nations around us,’ be sure to appoint over you the king the Lord your God chooses. He must be from among your own brothers. Do not place a foreigner over you, one who is not a brother Israelite.” (Deuteronomy 17:14-15 – NIV)

 

Now isn’t that interesting? Nearly 400 years before the people of Israel begged God to choose a king for them, He said that they would do so (1 Samuel 8).

 

God also gave instruction for the chosen king. What he was to do and not do. But the part I love is found in Deuteronomy 17:18-20a (NIV).

 

“When he (the king) takes the throne of his kingdom, he is to write for himself on a scroll a copy of this law, taken from that of the priests, who are Levites. It is to be with him, and he is to read it all the days of his life so that he may learn to revere the Lord his God and follow carefully all the words of this law and these decrees and not consider himself better than his brothers and turn from the law to the right or to the left.”

 

HandwritingThe chosen king was to write out the law. All of it. Not just a portion of the law, but all of it. He was to read it, learn and follow the law all his days.

 

I can’t help but wonder if this wouldn’t be good practice for our modern-day presidents and prime ministers or kings.

 

But I do believe there is application here for me. I have found great joy, satisfaction and pleasure in writing out portions of Scripture. For instance, I don’t copy and paste Scripture into my blog writings. I write (well, I really type) God’s Word into my post so that I am forced to think about what the verse is saying.

 

When I work on a Bible study and question is asked about a particular verse, I typically write out the verse of Scripture in my notes so that I add one more element to Bible study. God’s words are flowing from my Bible, through my eyes and into my brain and out through my hand onto paper. And I might add, it doesn’t miss my heart in that process either.

 

Last year I led Beth Moore’s study on the Book of James and one of the levels of study was to write out the entire book. I had such pleasure in doing so. I found that it was therapeutic and I became closer to James through the writing of God’s Word.

 

In building the doll house for our granddaughter several years ago, I wrote a verse of Scripture in each room and then covered it with wall paper. I want my future great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren to know that their Baba loved the Bible and also loved writing it.

 

I don’t know if you’ve ever done this, but I believe if God said it and found it beneficial, then it is a practice that we might consider. It’s my greatest desire to hide God’s Word in my heart so that I am more in line with Him (Psalm 119:11). This is just one more way to do so.

 

We have a new year coming up. Perhaps it would be a good opportunity to make the commitment to write out God’s Word. Just a few verses each day and maybe start with the New Testament. What a great legacy to leave for our children and grandchildren! Our own hand-written Bible. Just a thought.

 

God took the time and worked through men to write out His Words for us so that we might know Him and love Him. I pray that God’s Word is penetrating your heart. That His message is in your thoughts. That His instructions and precepts are your guidelines for living. That’s exactly what the Bible is supposed to do.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

 

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Glorify

November 26th, 2013 dsisler

I am preparing to lead another group of ladies in Bible study that will begin in January. I’ve searched studies trying to find the perfect lessons to teach. I’ve landed on a Bible study that delves into the teachings of Jesus through parables.

 

The particular study I chose is written by an author whom I love. I’ve done two other studies she wrote and I am excited to use her material again.

 

DSC02392mAs I was looking through the two studies I’ve done, I came across the verse in John 17 when Jesus was praying for His disciples. This is one phrase He said in that section. “All I have is yours, and all you have is mine. And glory has come to me through them.” (John 17:10 – NIV)

 

The band of men that Jesus had chosen had brought glory to Him. Oh there had been the inappropriate questions, the outbursts, the missteps. But there were also brilliant statements like, “You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God.” (Matthew 16:16 – NIV) And “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We believe and know that you are the Holy One of God.” (John 6:68-69 – NIV)

 

Jesus knew there would be more blunders before it was over as well. Judas would betray Jesus (John 18:1-11). Peter would deny Christ three times (John 18:15-18; John 18:25-27). Thomas would doubt (John 20:24-29). But Jesus still believed His glory would shine through these men.

 

We find ourselves in similar situations. We want to glorify God in all that we say and do, but sometimes we mess up. The good news? Jesus still believes in us. He believes that His glory will shine through us.

 

How is this possible? Let’s take a look at a few passages that show us how we glorify Jesus.

 

Through Music

“So that the Gentiles may glorify God for his mercy, as it is written: ‘Therefore I will praise you among the Gentiles; I will sing hymns to your name.’” (Romans 15:9 – NIV)

 

Through our Physical Bodies

“Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a man commits are outside his body, but he who sins sexually sins against his own body. Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body.” (1 Corinthians 6:18-20 – NIV)

 

Through Service and Generosity

“This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of God’s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God. Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, men will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else.” (2 Corinthians 9:12-13 – NIV)

 

Through Living Good Lives

“Dear friends, I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul. Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.” (1 Peter 2:11-12 – NIV)

 

Through Suffering

“However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name.” (1 Peter 4:16 – NIV)

 

I would also mention that when we have a willing spirit, God will use us to glorify Himself. God will be glorified through you when your spirit is moldable. So be open to what He’s calling you to.

 

January seems like a long way off. It will be difficult to wait, but as my Dad has told me many times, “I bet you do.” Yes, I will wait for January. But in the meantime, I will be a little more focused on how God is being glorified through my life. I pray that you’ll be doing the same.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

 

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“Come Thou Fount (Glory of God)” – Monday Musical Musings

November 25th, 2013 dsisler

We are into the week of Thanksgiving now. It’s one of my favorite weeks of the year for several reasons.

 

I love to cook and this is the week I shine. I create a menu, make a shopping list, purchase the goodies, clean my house top to bottom, put up some Christmas decorations, set the table, begin prepping for the big day, and then Thanksgiving arrives.

 

I rise at the crack of dawn and begin the real task of the day…getting that meal started that will be enjoyed later in the day.

 

I set the big table in the dining room. My husband isn’t a big fan of this, so I only use my dining room table at Thanksgiving and Christmas.

 

IMAG1241This year I also played around with creating a pretty menu to place on my fridge…it’s usually my hand scribbled notes and I cross off the items I have completed. But I wanted something a bit more special this year. Take a look at the pics…which do you prefer?

 

But here’s my one dilemma about Thanksgiving. There isn’t much music that is attached to the day. “Over the River and Through the Wood” is definitely one to use on this day, but there aren’t many recordings of this tune.

 

There are a few hymns that speak to Thanksgiving, but really not enough to even make an album. I wonder why this holiday isn’t as musically decorated as some of the others.

 

Maybe it’s because our hearts and thoughts are to be elsewhere. We are to be thanking God for all that He has done for us and for what He’s done in our lives. This is a day for our gratitude to create the music for us.

 

IMAG1239I did choose one hymn that’s been re-made to share today. “Come Thou Fount” was written in 1758 and it is a hymn with an abundance of things to be thankful for. Grace, mercy, redeeming love, help, good pleasure, safety, rescue, and goodness.

 

The songwriter is thankful for the gifts from above and desires to sing praise to God with his music. But then he asks for God’s work upon his life.

 

He asks for his heart to be in tune with God’s grace. He asks to be taught the music from above. He asks for God’s guidance and safety through travel. He asks that his heart be bound to God. He asks that God would take his heart and seal it. These are such wonderful words. All words and prayers that we can ask for ourselves.

 

The one section of this song that is probably most confusing is in the second verse. “Here I raise my Ebenezer.” What does that mean?

 

This idea is taken from 1 Samuel 7:12 (NIV). “Then Samuel took a stone and set it up between Mizpah and Shen. He named it Ebenezer, saying, ‘Thus far has the Lord helped us.’” The word Ebenezer means “stone of help.” The author of this hymn raised his stone of help to God. He asked God to help him through each situation.

 

What a picture we see in these few words. Perhaps we need our own stone to raise when we need help. Of course, we could certainly just ask, but by raising a stone, we are doing something. We are reminded of something. We become engaged in the act of asking. I believe I will find my own stone and name it Ebenezer.

 

You’ll find the words to “Come Thou Fount” below and a link to listen to the updated version. I pray you will find this hymn will lead you to a life of thanksgiving.

 

Come, Thou Fount of every blessing,
Tune my heart to sing Thy grace;
Streams of mercy, never ceasing,
Call for songs of loudest praise.
Teach me some melodious sonnet,
Sung by flaming tongues above.
Praise the mount! I’m fixed upon it,
Mount of Thy redeeming love.

Here I raise my Ebenezer;
Here by Thy great help I’ve come;
And I hope, by Thy good pleasure,
Safely to arrive at home.
Jesus sought me when a stranger,
Wandering from the fold of God;
He, to rescue me from danger,
Interposed His precious blood;

God of glory, voice of thunder
Split the cedars, bring us under
Oh the shadows of your wings
You give us strength
You give us peace

O to grace how great a debtor
Daily I’m constrained to be!
Let Thy goodness, like a fetter,
Bind my wandering heart to Thee.
Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it,
Prone to leave the God I love;
Here’s my heart, O take and seal it,
Seal it for Thy courts above.[i]

 

If you’d like to hear this version of this song, you can click here to listen to it.

 

I pray that you will have a blessed day and that you will be thankful for all that God has given.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

 

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[i] “Come Thou Fount,” Robert Robinson, 1758, Chorus addition, Zach Williams, Arrangement, Nick Duke/Adam Sams, from Your Love for Me, released 15 March 2012.

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New Every Morning

November 24th, 2013 dsisler

It’s the Sunday before Thanksgiving and we have plenty to be thankful for. Some may be struggling financially at this time, but as believers in Christ, we have more than enough to be thankful for.

 

I find it hard to say that I have favorite Bible verses because how can so many that I love be “favorites?” But I do love Scripture that reminds me of how blessed I am. So this morning, before moving on to Chapter 9 of Building a Doll House, please meditate on these words from Lamentations. They really are two of my favorites.

 

“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)

 

Building a Doll House: Expect Mistakes – Chapter 9

 

I’ll admit it. There are mistakes in the doll house we built for our granddaughter Joy. As much as we wanted perfection, it was impossible to achieve. In fact, there are more mistakes than we’d like to admit.

 

Joy's Doll House 030mBut when our first mistake occurred, we didn’t give up. If we had, the doll house would have sat unfinished very early on…I really think we encountered the first issue with the foundation.

 

We encounter similar issues in our day-to-day lives. We slip up. We create messes. Our lives are full of bloopers, goof ups, and blunders. I don’t think I can say it any other way. We make mistakes.

 

In our spiritual lives, those mistakes are called sin. According to the online Merriman-Webster dictionary, “sin is an offense against religious or moral law. It is transgression of the law of God.”[i]

 

The very basic definition of sin is when we miss the mark. As an archer might miss the bulls eye of a target or perhaps miss the target altogether. God has provided commands, laws, or precepts for us to follow. When we disobey, neglect, or omit any one of these commands from our lives, we commit sin.

 

Sin then, is anything that separates us from God.

 

Thankfully for us, God has made arrangements for us when we are outside of His will. When we miss the mark. And although God cannot tolerate sin in our lives (Habakkuk 1:13a), God has provided grace.

 

You see, just as we did not give up when we realized we made our first mistake (or 10th mistake) on the doll house, we cannot give up when we make mistakes in our spiritual lives.

 

We must admit that we’ve sinned. David understood this and what leads up to confessing sin. He had this to say about it.

 

“When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long. For day and night your hand was heavy upon me; my strength was sapped as in the heat of summer. Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, ‘I will confess my transgressions to the Lord’—and you forgave the guilt of my sin.” (Psalm 32:3-5 – NIV)

 

I’ve been there. Haven’t you? When the heaviness in my heart was so great because of sin. David knew he had to acknowledge his sin. Confess his sin to God. Then, accept God’s forgiveness. And please notice, God also forgives the guilt. Now there’s a gift to accept with open, appreciative hands.

 

In 1 John 1:9 (NIV), the apostle John makes note of this concept as well. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”

 

Another gracious gift from our heavenly Father. Purification. He will purify us when we confess our sin to Him. Because He is faithful and just.

 

We must also repent of our sin. The foundational meaning of this word is to do an about face. To turn in the opposite direction. Yes, we must confess the sin, but if we do not repent of it, we will be in bondage to that same sin again and again. There must be change. In attitude and action.

 

Paul shares this message with the Corinth church in 2 Corinthians 7. Paul’s first letter was difficult for them (2 Corinthians 7:8), but he called them to something. Repentance. “Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.” (2 Corinthians 7:10 – NIV)

 

We are called to this same action. Repent of sin that keeps us stumbling over and over.

 

And just a few more things to keep in mind. The writer of Hebrews shows us that once sin is forgiven by God, He will remember it no more. “For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.” (Hebrews 8:12 – NIV) “Their sins and lawless acts I will remember no more.” (Hebrews 10:17 – NIV)

 

After forgiveness, I must forget my sin. But we all know that guilt gets in the way of forgetting. Remember David’s words above? God forgives the guilt of the sin. We see this idea in Romans 8:1 (NIV) as well.

 

“Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” We can rid our lives of guilt when we confess and repent of sin in our lives. Jesus has taken it away.

 

And here’s another idea from John the Baptizer. In speaking to some of the Pharisees and Sadducees, John makes this statement. “Produce fruit in keeping with repentance.” (Matthew 3:9 – NIV)

 

I can’t help but think that is a statement is one for me to remember. After confession and repentance of sin, if I do not produce spiritual fruit in my life I will once again have missed the mark.

 

As we built this doll house, we didn’t give up or quit when mistakes were made. It’s the same with our spiritual lives. When we sin, it’s not a time to throw it all away. God will be there waiting to hear from us.

 

Do you need to speak to God today? Is there sin in your life that is preventing you from being near your heavenly Father? Is sin keeping you from producing fruit? Are you burdened by the weight of guilt?

 

If so, please run to God’s loving arms and seek His forgiveness. Follow David’s example. Lay it all out before God. Then relish in the weightlessness of forgiveness.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

 

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[i] http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sin

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A Life of Music

November 23rd, 2013 dsisler

One of my favorite ways to pass time is by watching musicals. The Sound of Music, South Pacific, Cinderella, The Wizard of Oz, Singin’ in the Rain, Easter Parade. And this is just the beginning of my list. There are all the Disney musicals my children love.

 

DSC04312There are times when I need a good cry. It’s hard to explain, but when it’s been a while since I’ve cried, I create a situation for me to do so in order to keep from finding myself in a blubbering scene in public. So I watch Carousel. It works every time.

 

And to get my grandchildren interested in watching musicals, I have Pete’s Dragon recorded and we watch it on occasion.

 

Of course during the Christmas season, I am able to watch the best of the best musicals. White Christmas and Holiday Inn must be on my watch list.

 

My Mom will be arriving next week for Thanksgiving and stay into December. One of the activities I have planned is to go to a local dinner theater to watch their performance of White Christmas. I am so excited to see it again!

 

So why is it we love musicals so much? Because of the tunes! Catchy songs like “Good Mornin’,” “Somewhere Over the Rainbow,” “Ten Minutes Ago,” “Some Enchanted Evening,” “You’ll Never Walk Alone,” “Money, Money, Money by the Pound,” “Easter Parade,” and “White Christmas” pull us in with their melodies and rhythms.

 

It’s been true for a long time. Music has been around since the beginning. And we find a whole list of songs throughout Scripture. So let’s see what musical numbers we find in God’s Word.

 

Moses begins our journey with his song in Deuteronomy 32:1-43. He concludes this song by telling the Hebrew nation that the words within his song were more than idle words. They were life. Moses was a great motivator.

 

Moses is joined by his sister Miriam and together they sang a duet after crossing the Red Sea in Exodus 15:1-18. They praise God for His mighty works and for His reign over the earth.

 

In Judges 5:1-31, Deborah recites details of the conquest Israel fought and won with God’s assistance. Her song begins with praise and ends with devotion to God. Life is victorious when God is in it with us.

 

We see Hannah praising God in 1 Samuel 2:1-10 for the gift of a son. She was so thrilled to finally be comforted in motherhood. “My heart rejoices in the Lord; in the Lord my horn is filled high. My mouth boasts over my enemies, for I delight in your deliverance.” (1 Samuel 2:1 – NIV) We too can use these words when our needs are satisfied by God.

 

Then there is David. The young shepherd who played his harp to the sheep and to King Saul. Whose anguish, requests, repentance and praise are noted throughout the Book of Psalm.

 

But we also see a special song by David in 2 Samuel 22:1-51 after God’s deliverance. After recalling the entire experience, David praised God. “The Lord lives! Praise be to my Rock! Exalted be God, the Rock, my Savior!” (2 Samuel 22:47 – NIV)

 

Solomon is much like his father in the song writing department. Another book of songs are found in the Song of Songs. From friendship to lover, this book is filled with poetic music that shows great admiration.

 

After the birth of John the Baptizer, Zechariah’s song was filled with praise to God. But he also sang of what John’s role would be. That John would lead the way for the coming Messiah. That John would prepare the way for Him. What joy Zechariah must have felt to know that his son would do such a great thing. It’s no wonder he was singing!

 

Which leads me to our final song. Mary’s song. This young, righteous woman had just been told of her role in bringing the Messiah to the world. She was up to the task. And she couldn’t keep from singing.

 

We find her song in Luke 1:46-55. Let’s look into her heart for a moment and gain a little understanding of what she was feeling.

 

“My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant.” (Luke 1:46-47 – NIV)

 

Mary’s soul and spirit rejoiced!

 

Music has been important throughout time. And it hasn’t stopped. The great worship song writers of our time continue to share praise music with us and inspire us to live lives worthy of God’s gift of grace.

 

I believe we enter into a Christian musical during each worship service. There is music. There is a story. There is a message. There are people involved who lead us to a point where we are encouraged to make a decision. And God is in the midst of that worship musical.

 

Are you listening to God’s song? Is He calling you to something? Repentance? Service?

 

And, do you have a song? What ideas are included within your song? What message are you singing for the world to hear?

 

I do enjoy a good musical. There is just something about a great tune and meaningful lyrics that touches my soul in a way like nothing else can. I pray that you will find God’s music in your heart this Christmas and every day throughout the year.

 

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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