Psalm 100

November 17th, 2013 dsisler

As I begin this Lord’s Day, I read through Psalm 100. What a great chapter! There is a great deal of worship, thanksgiving, praise, and honor happening in these six short verses. I can’t help but share them with you!

 

“Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth.

Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.

Know that the Lord is God. It is he who made us, and we are his; we are the people, the sheep of his pasture.

Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.

For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.” (Psalm 100 – NIV)

 

King David certainly knew how to get to the heart of worship. I pray that you’ll be able to hide these verses in your heart and worship the Lord this morning with everything within you. It is a great Lord’s Day!

 

In keeping with my theme on Sunday’s, chapter 8 of the doll house saga is below. Enjoy and have a blessed Sunday!

 

Building a Doll House: It’s All About the Details – Chapter 8

 

From the beginning of this dollhouse project, my husband said we needed to be very careful with each piece. During the painting process, it was important that the paint didn’t drip, because that would cause it to be out of line with the rest of the pieces. During the sanding process, we had to be sure that just the right amount was sanded or it would fit.

 

Joy's Doll House 043mmmThen of course, the details of the entire project were overwhelming. The directions. The number of pieces. The step-by-step process to take all of these pieces and create one doll house from them all. It was pretty amazing.

 

Here’s the thing. If we hadn’t paid attention to the details, it would not have turned out the way it was supposed to. It would not have looked like a house. Or at least not a pleasant-looking house.

 

It’s the same with our spiritual lives. If we haven’t taken care of the details of our faith, it’s hard to say what the outcome might be. But if we follow God’s plan and pay attention to the details, the results will be exactly what God intended us to be.

 

God planned that we would be “His chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God.” (1 Peter 2:9 – NIV)

 

So how do we get to this point? What steps (details) do we need to take to become exactly what God intended us to be?

 

We must believe

There is a lot that we simply must have faith in. We must believe that God’s Word is living and active and that God breathed life into each verse. (Hebrews 4:12; 2 Timothy 3:16)

 

We must believe that Jesus is God’s Son, sent to be the Messiah, the Savior of mankind. (John 3:15-16; 1 John 5:1; 5:5; Romans 3:22)

 

We must believe that Jesus was crucified for the forgiveness of our sins and rose to life to prove victory over death. (Luke 24:46-7; 1 Thessalonians 4:14)

 

We must repent

Repentance means to turn completely around. To go the opposite direction of our original path. So for a believer, we must put to death the sinful nature in order for the spiritual nature to be visible. (Matthew 4:17; Mark 1:15; Acts 2:38; Acts 3:19)

 

We must confess

You’ve heard it before, Peter’s great confession of our Lord. “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” (Matthew 16:16 – NIV) Yes, we must proclaim it as well. (Matthew 16:16; 2 Timothy 2:19)

 

We must be baptized

Jesus teaches that baptism is part of the salvation plan and was Himself baptized. Peter preached it on the day of Pentecost. Paul also was baptized and preached baptism. (Matthew 3:13; 28:19-20; Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38; Acts 9:18; Galatians 3:27)

 

We must live

Live lives that bring honor, glory and praise to God who has freely lavished grace upon us. There are plenty of passages that lead us in this direction, but I’m just listing two here. (Galatians 5:16-26; Ephesians 2:10)

 

We must tell

If in fact we have the greatest news mankind has ever heard, why do we keep silent? Why isn’t His message on the tip of our tongues constantly? I don’t know the answer to that question, but I know that Scriptures tell me to share the Gospel. (Matthew 28:19-20; Luke 24:47)

 

These are the “details” of our spiritual lives. They each fit perfectly with the next, like a plan, and exactly as God intended. By paying attention to each of these details, we ensure that our salvation will be complete.

 

Oh, I know that we’ll mess up along the way. I know that a detail will be missed or we’ll botch it up. But please know that God can take all those mishaps, those imperfections, and turn them into a thing of beauty. That’s an added bonus of loving God. Grace.

 

If you have a question about these “details,” I’d be happy to chat with you. I do know that there is nothing like being in God’s grace.

 

I’d also love to hear your story of grace. How your faith has been built through the years. What God’s grace means to you. Would you be willing to share?

 

In the end, the pieces of the dollhouse went together pretty well. There were a few pieces that didn’t quite fit, but a little sand paper and caulk covered a lot of mistakes. Please don’t look too closely at the dollhouse. You just might find those mistakes.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

 

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Sing-a-Long

November 16th, 2013 dsisler

Perhaps you remember the “Mama Mia” craze from several years ago. You know, the movie made using music from the singing group ABBA? I will admit I was caught up in that craze. I’ve always loved ABBA’s music, so why not the movie version?

 

Music NoteI purchased the DVD of the film and it came with “extras.” Like the DVD with a sing-a-long version of the movie.

 

One day while Mason was off to work, Candace asked if I would like to watch the movie using the sing-a-long version. Of course, I said yes. I had nothing else to do.

 

Candace disappeared while I set up the movie to watch.

 

Candace returned with two hairbrushes. I asked what they were for and she told me they were our microphones. Apparently she had done this before.

 

The first song came on and I clearly didn’t know what I was doing. She made me get up, sing into my “microphone,” and follow along with the dance moves. This proved to be difficult.

 

As each song played, I became less and less involved with the sing-a-long version. Eventually we sat on the couch and hummed the melodies. I was not a good sing-a-long partner and Candace has never asked me to “play” with her again.

 

I am reminded of the folks who encountered Jesus. Jesus asked them to “sing-a-long” with Him. He asked them to follow Him. He asked them to imitate Him.

 

Some he hand-picked to follow Him. Peter, Andrew, James, and John were chosen along the sea shore. Jesus said to them, “Come, follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” (Matthew 4:19 – NIV) These four men left their nets, their boats, and their families to join Jesus.

 

But as time moved along, some of Jesus’ followers thought His message was too difficult. “This is hard teaching. Who can accept it?” was the question in John 6:60 (NIV).

 

Jesus knew they were struggling and encouraged them. “The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you are sprit and they are life.” (John 6:63 – NIV) And yet, Jesus knew that some would not believe His words.

 

John 6:66 (NIV) tells us, “From this time many of his disciples turned back and no longer followed him.”

 

How sad. And yet, there are times we don’t want to accept Jesus’ teaching either. Perhaps it’s hard for us to understand or we just don’t want to do what Jesus said. Whatever the reason, we choose to “sit this one out.” We make the decision to disengage. We no longer want to “sing-a-long.”

 

After many left Jesus, He turned to his chosen disciples and asked them a question. “You do not want to leave too, do you?” (John 6:67 – NIV) Perhaps Jesus has asked you this same question. When you have chosen to separate yourself from the life He has asked you to live. If so, I pray that you were able to give Peter’s response to this question.

 

“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 – NIV) Yay Peter! Yay you! Yay to all who know and follow this truth. For we have nowhere else to go. Jesus is the only Way to God (John 14:6).

 

But we must realize that it’s not good enough to sit on the couch and watch. We must participate. We are invited to be imitators. “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)

 

And another passage from Jesus’ brother, “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” (James 1:22 – NIV)

 

When Jesus called us to follow Him, He didn’t call us to life of watching. We have been called to a life of doing.

 

So how is it going for you? Are you sitting on the sidelines and watching? Are you actively involved in Christ’s Church and God’s Kingdom? Have you stepped away from your faith because it was too difficult?

 

Wherever you land in this group of questions, I pray that you will ask Jesus to show where you are lacking. Let Jesus know that you are open to His words and His teachings. Then be prepared to follow His lead and go where He asks you to go.

 

I’m thankful that my spiritual life doesn’t mimic my play-acting life. While I may not know how to do the whole “sing-a-long” thing with ABBA, I do know what Jesus has called me to and I have accepted the call to follow Him. What a great life!

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

 

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Sweet Sleep

November 15th, 2013 dsisler

I am tired this morning and for those of you who know when I usually post my blog, you’re probably wondering what I’m doing and where I am?

 

IMAG0226I know of one gal who reads my blog each morning before heading off to work…sorry. You’ll have to read this one on your lunch break. Others have told me they can nearly set their clock by when my blog is posted. Again, sorry. My mom knows that when I post my blog I’m up and moving (we’re on a two hour difference). She calls often after my blog is posted.

 

But I was tired this morning. So after Mason left for work, I did a little Bible study and then fell asleep.

 

This tiredness is a good thing. We had a Volunteer Appreciation Night at Rocky Mountain Christian Church last night and I was able to help out in the kitchen area. It felt like home. I was finally doing something in my new church that was familiar to me. And I worked at it with my whole heart and body.

 

So I’m a little sore and a lot tired, but it is so good to be tired when serving my King and those who love Him.

 

None the less, I have a lot to get done today and I’ll need a little help from God to get through my day.

 

If you too are tired, exhausted or weary, this morning I offer Scripture to encourage you. Scripture to help you keep going when you really feel like giving up. Scripture to lighten your burden just a bit. So take a look at God’s solution to tiredness.

 

Finding Rest in God

“Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tied and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not faint.” (Isaiah 40:28-31 – NIV)

 

“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.” (Matthew 11:28-30 – NIV)

 

Weariness

“My soul is weary with sorrow; strengthen me according to your word.” (Psalm 119:28 – NIV)

 

“I will refresh the weary and satisfy the faint.” (Jeremiah 31:25 – NIV)

 

Rest

“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.” (Psalm 91:1 – NIV)

 

“A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest.” (Proverbs 6:10 – NIV) [NOTE: I have fallen in love with this little verse!]

 

Restoration

“Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit to sustain me.” (Psalm 51:12 – NIV)

 

“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)

 

Sleep

“In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat—for he grants sleep to those he loves.” (Psalm 127:2 – NIV)

 

“When you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.” (Proverbs 3:24 – NIV)

 

I pray that as you begin your day, you know where rest can be found. If you are struggling with a weariness that is more than you can bear, run into your Father’s arms. He’s waiting to offer His rest to you.

 

Perhaps you need to plaster your work area with these verses of Scripture. Or maybe in strategic areas around your home. Or even in your car. Keep them handy. Keep reminding yourself where you can continually find strength to get through one more day, hour, or minute.

 

I also pray that you’ll know that you can lean upon God for His source of strength and His peace for restful sleep. He’s offering. Why not accept?

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

 

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Positive Answers

November 14th, 2013 dsisler

I’m leading a group of ladies in a Bible study on prayer. God has been drawing me closer to Him through several studies on prayer in recent years and yet again, I’m amazed at what God is teaching me through His Word and this group of ladies.

 

handSometimes we face difficulties in life that don’t seem to make sense or there seems to be no way out or perhaps unfair. It’s in these situations that we must learn to trust God and pour out our hearts to Him. He knows what we need in each situation and whether the answer to our request is not the desired answer, we can be assured that God does answer prayer.

 

In going through some computer files, I came across a table filled with some ways that God answers our prayers in a positive way. I don’t remember where I found it, so I can’t give credit to the person who took the time to put this chart together. But I believe it is worth sharing.

 

God Has a Positive Answer

YOU SAY

GOD SAYS

BIBLE VERSES
You say: “It’s impossible” God says: All things are possible Luke 18:27
You say: “I’m too tired” God says: I will give you rest Matthew 11:28-30
You say: “Nobody really loves me” God says: I love you John 3:16 & John 3:34
You say: “I can’t go on” God says: My grace is sufficient 2 Corinthians 12:9 & Psalm 92:15
You say: “I can’t figure things out” God says: I will direct your steps Proverbs 3:5-6
You say: “I can’t do it” God says: You can do all things Philippians 4:13
You say: “I’m not able” God says: I am able 2 Corinthians 9:8
You say: “It’s not worth it” God says: It will be worth it Romans 8:28
You say: “I can’t forgive myself” God says: I forgive you 1 John 1:9 & Romans 8:1
You say: “I can’t manage” God says: I will supply all of your needs Philippians 4:19
You say: “I’m afraid” God says: I have not given you a spirit of fear 2 Timothy 1:7
You say: “I’m always worried and frustrated God says: Cast all your cares on ME 1 Peter 5:7
You say: “I’m not smart enough” Go says: I give you wisdom 1 Corinthians 1:30
You say: “I feel all alone” God says: I will never leave you or forsake you Hebrews 13:5

 

We may not know what today will bring, but we do not have to go through it alone. God has promised that He will be with us and through His presence, we can face each situation with the confidence that He offers.

 

Today you may face one of these one of these issues. If so, why not plan to look to God and His Word for the encouragement you need. Know that He does care for you and wants what is best for you. You simply need to ask Him to help you through it.

 

I’m certain God isn’t finished teaching me about prayer…I have three books about prayer on my radar to pick up and read next. Lord, teach me!

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

 

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Ain’t Nothing Like the Real Thing

November 13th, 2013 dsisler

In recent weeks, I’ve been pushed a bit to think about my authenticity. Am I living my life in secret as I do in public? Do others see me for who I really am? Which category would I fit into? That of being “real” or “fake?” Do I do what I say? Would others say I am genuine in my concern?

 

1340158443410These are all good questions and while I know I am not 100% of the time, I do strive to be authentic.

 

I read the chapter in “Love Does” that directed my thoughts toward the lifestyle of authenticity. Bob Goff states, “God is the master artist and made an original version of us, a priceless one that cost everything to create. A version that can’t and won’t be created again.”[i] If God thinks His version is pretty spectacular (and He does), that’s the version I need to share with others.

 

I’m sure you’ve met people who don’t seem to be authentic. Trying to make people think they are something they’re not?

 

Jesus had quite a bit to say about being authentic. Our hearts are to be pure. Our motives are to be honorable. Our actions are to reflect our Creator.

 

Jesus called this type of person a hypocrite. There are plenty of passages where Jesus speaks about being hypocritical. Here are just a few where Jesus calls those living deceitful lives out into the open. Matthew 6:2, 5, 16; Matthew 7:1-5; Matthew 15:7-9; Matthew 23:27-28; Mark 12:13-17; Luke 13:10-17.

 

God’s definition of hypocrisy can be found in Isaiah 29:13. Jesus repeats this message in Matthew 15:8 (NIV). “These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me.”

 

That is where it all begins. Within the heart. The place that no one knows except God. We can fool others into thinking we are something we aren’t, but God will always call us out. He will not allow us to live our lives in this manner.

 

So how are we called to live? Authentic lives. Genuine lives. Honest lives. Trustworthy lives. Sincere lives. Holy lives.

 

James 1:22 (NIV) tells us, “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” In order to live a life worthy of God, we must do what Scripture tells us. Here are a few things Jesus spoke of.

 

According to Matthew 6:3-4, when we give to the needy, it should be done in secret. It will help to keep our hearts pure. Our motive for giving clean.

 

When we pray, Jesus says we are to do so in the privacy of our own homes (Matthew 6:6-13). Again for the very same reasons. God knows what we need before we begin to speak. But God wants to hear us call out to Him.

 

Jesus also mentions forgiveness (Matthew 6:14-15) and fasting (Matthew 6:17-8) in this same section. All of this to show us how we can live authentically in our world and within God’s Kingdom.

 

And a little more from James. James 1:26-27 (NIV) says, “If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless. Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.”

 

Our tongues will rat us out every time if our hearts are not in line with God’s teaching. If we allow our hearts to be polluted by the world, we will all short of living the holy lives God intends for us.

 

So my question would have to be, are you living an authentic life? Or are you the real thing? I know we make mistakes. We all sin. But God is asking that we put aside the ways of this world to live for Him. It really is a matter of the heart.

 

I pray that you will seek God’s presence and ask for forgiveness of those things that are ugly to His sight. I pray that you’ll desire to live a more authentic Christian life where others can see Jesus through you. I pray that your motives for giving, praying and fasting would be in line with God’s.

 

God is patiently waiting for you to join Him on this journey. Don’t wait. Life God’s way is filled with abundance. You really do not want to miss out on any of it.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

 

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[i] Bob Goff, “Love Does,” (Nashville, Tennessee: Thomas Nelson, 2012), page 149.

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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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