Unnamed Saints

September 14th, 2013 dsisler

About a month ago, I started reading through the Epistles. I’m only reading two chapters per day so that I can really think about the words spoken to these churches. Right now, I’m in 2 Corinthians.

 

Two verses stopped me in my tracks today. 2 Corinthians 8:18-19 (NIV). “And we are sending along with him the brother who is praised by all the churches for his service to the gospel. What is more, he was chosen by the churches to accompany us as we carry the offering, which we administer in order to honor the Lord himself and to show our eagerness to help.”

 

Paul never mentions this servant of Christ by name. Apparently there was no need. This person was known among the churches for what he was doing and therefore needed no mention.

 

And then if that were not enough, Paul goes on to continue discussion of the traveling troupe. “In addition, we are sending with them (Titus and the unnamed servant of Christ above) our brother who has often roved to us in many ways that he is zealous, and now even more so because of his great confidence in you.” (2 Corinthians 8:21 – NIV)

 

A zealous brother in Christ would be stopping by as well. But again, this no-named servant was given great praise, but not specifically called by name.

 

These two men were well known. Perhaps these little clues were all that the Corinthians believers needed to know.

 

However, do you suppose there was discussion among the Corinthian church as to who this person might be? Surely there were more than just two who fit these descriptions.

 

The obvious might be Barnabas. He was known for his encouragement of others. He was a partner with the apostle Paul. He was also known for his travel. Maybe it was Barnabas.

 

Or maybe it was Paul’s friend and companion Luke. Luke traveled with Paul to gather information for the Book of Acts. Luke was present for many miraculous acts and numerous messages shared by Paul. Imagine the stories that could have been told by Luke (oh wait, we have a 28-chapter book with much of this information).

 

We know it wasn’t Titus, he is mentioned in this passage.

 

If we look back to Acts 20:4 (NIV), we read who were traveling with Paul to take the offering gathered from the churches to Judea. I would say these two men are mentioned here.

 

“He (Paul) was accompanied by Sopater son of Pyrrhus from Berea, Aristarchus and Secundus from Thessalonica, Gaius from Derbe, Timothy also, and Tychius and Trophimus from the province of Asia.”

 

These are virtually unknown men to us, but apparently they were great leaders of the early church. These were the men who made things happen in the first century. They loved Jesus. They served Him faithfully. They were generous. They were men of integrity. They were willing to go into harm’s way. They were leaders.

 

And these men were also humble. Humble enough that their names were not mentioned in the Corinthian letter.

 

What are you known for? When others speak of you, do they need to mention your name or would they know you by your characteristics? Are you a person on integrity? Do you serve faithfully? Are you a generous giver? Are you humble?

 

I would love for my name to be missing from my tombstone and these words written instead. “She was praised by all the churches for her service to the gospel.” And when these words were read that they would know exactly who was buried there.

 

I believe this could only be achieved by offering my entire life to God for His use. Giving unselfishly of myself for the Kingdom’s cause. Allowing God to work through me to do His will. Then maybe, it might be possible.

 

Perhaps we will never know who these saints were until we meet them face to face in heaven. These are just two more I’ll have to add to my list to visit with in eternity. I cannot wait!

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

 

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Forget an Ark

September 13th, 2013 dsisler

For those of you not experiencing the Colorado flooding, I’m sure you’ve seen pictures and video of the devastation here in Colorado. It is unlike anything I’ve ever seen. There is a massive amount of water everywhere. Roads are blocked due to water running over the roads. Destruction of property and loss of life has once again hit this beautiful state I call home.

 

Our local schools were closed yesterday and today due to the flooding, so we had the option of going into the church office or not. I went. I needed to make sure my new church family could depend upon me in time of trouble. It was good, but I soon found out that there wasn’t much to do, so I went home.

 

It’s what I encountered going home that hit me. There is a little creek between my house and the church and in those short three hours, it had become a raging river that overflowed its banks and flooded the entire area as far as the eye could see. As I drove a bit further, the water was flowing over the road, and I had to turn back.

 

I had to figure my best route by where rivers were. And since I hadn’t really paid attention to said rivers, it became more difficult than I thought. There were roads I traveled where debris covered the road. Clearly, at one point water had flowed over these roadways. I must admit, by the time I arrived home an hour later, I was thankful for the safety on my journey.

 

Our house is high enough that we should be fine, but I have several friends in the nearby town of Longmont whose homes are threatened or already affected.

 

My pastor and the man I am blessed to call “boss” wrote a beautiful email to our church family and I’d like to share a portion of it with you.

 

“This is our opportunity to be the church where we live. Although it isn’t safe to all load up and drive around town offering our help, we can walk across the street to help a neighbor. If you live in an area that has been affected, this is your opportunity to get to know and care about your neighbors.

 

It is amazing how much the message from last weekend and this weekend applies to what is going on in our community right now. Let’s get out there and live it in our neighborhoods over the next days and weeks!” (Shan Moyers, Lead Pastor, Rocky Mountain Christian Church)

 

This is the perfect opportunity for us to be Christ’s Church in our communities. As we are out there among our neighbors and friends, we can share God’s message of hope with those who are so affected by these floods. We can be Jesus’ hands as we help others up from a difficult situation. And here’s the thing. This is what we are supposed to be all the time!

 

Jesus spoke these words to a group of people on a hillside over 2,000 years ago. They are a message for us as well. “You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:14-16 – NIV)

 

This is what we are about. Glorifying God by what we do here on earth. I pray that today you will find someone who you can be a light to. It doesn’t have to be in this flooded area of Colorado. It can be in your own neighborhood in your own community. Maybe you can ask God to show you who you can help today.

 

Yes, let’s get out there and live it in our neighborhoods!

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

 

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Another Day…More Rain

September 12th, 2013 dsisler

I have to talk about rain again. It’s still raining here and yesterday we had down pours throughout the day. It was difficult to believe I lived in Colorado.

 

But last night on my way home from Bible study, the weather service issued a flash flood warning for my town. Now it wasn’t the only town, but I was surprised that they mentioned my community.

 

The nearest river or tributary is 5 miles to the north and west and 7 miles to the east. I cannot think of any to the south. So I was a little surprised by the warning.

 

The flash flood warning was extended a short time later and I again wondered where a flash flood would come from.

 

Then a thought hit me. My husband Mason was at work and he was on the other side of the river. It was then I became concerned that a flood might impact my life. What if the river were too high for him to cross? Would there be another way for him to get home?

 

Suddenly there was a barrier between us that neither of us had any control over.

 

I thought of the Hebrew Nation who was told by God to cross two bodies of water. Once to escape the bondage of Egypt. And once to enter into their promised land.

 

At the crossing of the Red Sea, this group feared what was before them and what was behind them. There was nothing the Israelites could have done except trust God. He would be the one to rescue them in that moment. And He did.

 

Forty years later, this same but different group of people crossed the Jordan River at flood stage. I’m sure it would have been frightening. But God had already gone before them and when He stopped the river’s flow, they were able to cross on dry land.

 

The difference at the Jordan Crossing was that the people had a choice. There were no Egyptian chariots chasing them into the river. They could have chosen to sit tight on the water’s bank. But they chose to follow God. They were ready to make Him their God. This was a giant step for the Israelites.

 

When we come to a point in our lives where a giant, rushing river is flowing before us, we have some choices to make.

 

Are we going to wait on the river bank for the enemy to attack?

 

Are we going to wait?

 

Are we going to step into the water and trust that God will protect and save us?

 

God had given the Israelites a promise before they crossed the Jordan. Listen to what He said. “The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” (Deuteronomy 31:8 – NIV)

 

They had the promise. They knew the promise. They had lived the promise. God was before them. They could trust Him. They took that step of faith.

 

I believe we can hold to that same promise as we take our own steps in faith. God has gone before us.

 

And not only has God gone before us, but He has prepared the way. “Righteousness goes before him and prepares the way for his steps.” (Psalm 85:13 – NIV)

 

God told Joshua over and over not to be afraid. To be strong and courageous. There are times in our lives when we have to hold on to those words. We are to be strong and courageous people of God.

 

But we are to be strong and courageous in God. Our strength and courage must come from Him. He must be given the glory for the outcome of the battle.

 

Mason made it home last night, but the flash flood warning has been extended until later this morning. I don’t think we’re out of the woods yet! But I know I can face today with God’s courage and strength and because of that, I can cross those spiritual flood-stage rivers. Will you join me?

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

 

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It’s Raining, It’s Pouring

September 11th, 2013 dsisler

I have lived in Colorado for ten years now and I have to say this summer’s weather has me baffled. It hasn’t been normal. It hasn’t been usual. It’s been different and unique and perhaps what Colorado weather is supposed to be like. I don’t know.

 

What I do know is that the early summer weeks were gorgeous. Low 80’s and a little rain. It was perfect. Then in late August and early September our temperatures soared. It was blazing hot. Just last Friday we hit a high of 97°. That’s hot!

 

Now the weather has changed again. Mid to upper 70’s are in the forecast with high chances of rain each day. I think they may want to tweak their percentages. It has rained the past two days and it’s been pretty steady. And torrential in some places. Flash flooding advisories are posted for quite a bit of our state.

 

We have had some unique weather this summer, but I love how rain changes our perspective. When the first rain storm came through on Monday, I opened my office window and enjoyed the downpour. It lifted my spirit.

 

That’s exactly how it is when we allow God’s refreshing rain to pour over us. We receive a boost. Our spirits are lifted. We find the strength we need.

 

We find refreshment through different circumstances in our lives. In Acts 3:19 (NIV), Peter tells the crowd how to be refreshed. “Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord.”

 

Sometimes there is sin in our lives that keeps us from experiencing refreshment from God. Peter’s solution is to repent and turn to God. I think that’s a good solution.

 

We find refreshment through other believers. That simple word of encouragement can make all the difference to some people. Take a look at these passages to see how Paul was refreshed by others. Romans 15:32; 1 Corinthians 16:18; 2 Timothy 1:16; and Philemon 1:20.

 

We can be refreshment to others. We find in these passages that hearts were lifted by others. Refreshment was found because of what others did. We can be that same refreshment. 2 Corinthians 7:13; Philemon 1:7; and 2 Peter 1:13.

 

We know that refreshment is welcomed. Why not plan today to be refreshment? Get rid of the attitudes that scorch. Get rid of the words that burn. Bring joy and life to those you come in contact with. You may find great refreshment yourself in this little experiment.

 

But know this. The important piece of this refreshment project is that it must come from God. It must be His refreshment you offer to others. Remember that living water that the woman at the well asked Jesus for? That’s the refreshment others long for. That’s what has changed us. It’s what we have to offer.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

 

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Transformers

September 10th, 2013 dsisler

My son Philip was an avid fan of the cartoon Transformers. I can still hear the music in my mind. Hear the voice and words of Optimus Prime. Sit in amazement of the change of these vehicles into something different and useful for the battle ahead.

 

He would play with his Transformers for hours. Changing them from an ordinary object into an extraordinary object. Over and over.

 

As women’s Bible studies have restarted all across the country, the word transform has been on my mind. The first chapter of the book I will lead this year speaks to transformation. Why do you suppose this word is so important for us as we study God’s Word?

 

Because if there is no transformation, change, “bettering of ourselves,” it is wasted time.

 

Maybe you’ve heard Lisa TerKeurst say this. “We need to be more than just Bible study girls.” There must be transformation as we read and study God’s Word. We must be changed. We must become more and more like Jesus.

 

Paul mentioned transformation to the Corinthian believers. “And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.” (2 Corinthians 3:18 – NIV)

 

As we are transformed into God’s likeness, we reflect His glory. And notice that it’s an ongoing process. We are “being” transformed. That’s why continual Bible study is important. Through His own words, God will show us where we need transformation to take place.

 

Paul also mentioned transformation to the Roman believers.  “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.” (Romans 12:2 – NIV)

 

Renewed minds will move us closer to being the transformed people of God who are continually seeking God’s will for our lives. When our will is taken out of the equation, God is able to use us in mighty ways.

 

If you don’t believe me, just look at the lives of Joseph. Of Daniel. Of Mary or Joseph. Of Esther. Of Paul. These men and women allowed God’s will to permeate their lives and did what God asked of them. They were transformed by God’s Spirit and God was able to use them.

 

Maybe today you need to be transformed. Transformed from your former self into God’s glorious image. If that is the case, spend time with God. Allow Him to point you in the direction you need to move. Study His words. He will provide all that you need.

 

“His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.” (2 Peter 1:3 – NIV)

 

Perhaps you remember this line from the song for the cartoon Transformers. “More than meets the eye.” When we allow God to do His work in us, we too become more than meets the eye. We become spiritual warriors for our God. He is able to use us in ways we would never dream possible. Because by ourselves, it is impossible.

 

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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    In September 2012 I went to SE Asia on a service trip. For more information, check out preachitclearly.blogspot.com.

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