“Holy Spirit” – Monday Musical Musings

September 9th, 2013 dsisler

It’s Monday! Oh what a glorious day! It’s finally cool! There is a crisp coolness to the breeze floating through my office window this morning. That fills my heart with excitement.

 

And yes, it’s back to work day, but I cannot wait to go. We had a fabulous Lord’s Day and I can’t wait to hear some of the stories to be told this morning. I pray that you are excited about being with God’s people yesterday as I was.

 

Monday also means I am able to share a wonderful tune with you! I’ve discovered just how difficult it is to only talk about music one day per week. I guess that means I’ll never run out of things to say.

 

Today’s piece is called “Holy Spirit.” In my early years as a Christian, I would have dismissed this song. I didn’t “experience” God’s Spirit working in my life and some of these lyrics would have been far too emotional for me to consider.

 

Oh how thankful I am that I’ve awakened to all that God’s Spirit is able to do within me. For without the Holy Spirit, I would still be a little hard-hearted. And God’s Word has plenty to say about being in that state (Acts 28:26-27; Ephesians 4:17-19; Hebrews 3:7-11; Hebrews 4:7).

 

God’s Spirit softens my heart to be a useable woman in God’s Kingdom. And that is exactly where God wants me to be.

 

So as you read through these lyrics and listen to this beautiful melody, allow God’s Spirit to work on your heart. What does He need to do to soften it today? Does bitterness need to be plucked out? Do hurt feelings need to be discarded? Do you harbor hatred for another? Do you feel like you’ve been discarded? Are there some small portions of your heart where sin dwells?

 

There is a much better way to live. God’s Holy Spirit will drive out all of that darkness and fill your soul with God’s glorious light. In His presence you will find freedom. Hope. Value. Release. Forgiveness. Grace.

 

“Holy Spirit”

 

There’s nothing worth more
That could ever come close
Nothing can compare
You’re our living Hope
Your presence Lord

 

I’ve tasted and seen
Of the sweetest of love
When my heart becomes free
And my shame is undone
Your presence Lord

 

Chorus
Holy Spirit You are welcome here
Come flood this place and fill the atmosphere
Your glory God is what our hearts long for
To be overcome by Your presence Lord

 

Bridge
Let us become more aware of Your presence
Let us experience the glory of Your goodness[i]

 

Click here to listen to a version of this song by a local worship team in Arvada, Colorado.

 

I pray that today you will open your heart to the fullness of God’s presence and allow His Spirit to do His work on your heart. You will never regret it.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna
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[i] Holy Spirit, ©Bryan and Katie Torwalt 2011, Jesus Culture, Worship Team from Faith Bible Chapel in Arvada, CO, Music produced by David Anderson.

 

 

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It’s a Sunshiny Day!

September 8th, 2013 dsisler

I was reminded of this Brady Bunch song this week and it’s been stuck in my head since then. But it says it like it is. It’s a great day. The sun is shining. It’s the Lord’s Day and time to worship Him.

 

It’s also our last hot day of summer. That’s what the meteorologist said last night and I’m going to hold him to it! From now on it’s supposed to be much cooler and more seasonal. I certainly am ready for it.

 

I’m feeling better…still have a little congestion and cough on occasion, but feel so much better than I did yesterday. Thanks for all those prayers!

 

Today I’d like to share a post about a camera, an Irish gal, our conversation on photography, and how it relates to our relationship with God. I pray that you’ll find some encouragement through this piece.

 

On Photography

 

On the final leg of my journey from SE Asia to Denver, I sat next to an interesting gal that I became acquainted with. She lives in Australia at the moment, but was raised in Ireland and has lived all over the world. She was going to visit friends in Boulder for three weeks where she hoped to get a little respite from caring for a seriously ill friend.

 

Moira had the window seat, but as we passed over the first mountain range, she urged me to look. The view was stunning. I pulled out my camera and took a shot of the scene. As the trip continued, Moira and I spoke on many topics and as we passed over interesting topography, she would encourage me to look. Of course, the photographer in me continued to take shots.

 

At one point, I asked if she had a camera to take a photo or two. And she answered with an interesting comment. “I have given up on cameras and rely only on my eye and my memory for scenes. In the past when I took pictures I was always disappointed. They were never as beautiful as the real thing.”

 

I had mixed feelings about this comment. Yes, in years past, I’ve had some pretty lousy cameras and the shots taken with those were truly unacceptable. I believe some might even accuse me of purchasing a “cheap” camera.

 

But I also know that with my husband’s professional cameras and lenses, he can take some pretty great shots. They may not be 100% as beautiful as the original scene, but they are pretty close.

 

I would have to say it is the quality of the camera that makes the difference.

 

So here are a few thoughts from my two-hour journey with Moira.

 

If we rely on a “cheap” relationship with God, we will be disappointed. Not because God didn’t keep His promises or His end of the bargain, but because you didn’t do your part. God wants 100% of you. Not just the pieces and parts you want to give Him. The places and areas that are least important to you, so they are easy to give Him. No, He wants it all. And that means even the hard parts. The places of your heart that you aren’t quite ready to hand over. He wants them, too.

 

By “upgrading” our relationship with God, we can guarantee fulfillment. Complete beauty. In John 10:10b (NIV), Jesus said, “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” God wants us to have full lives and that is only achieved by giving 100% of ourselves to Jesus. You will never regret having done so.

 

And I believe the last thing I learned from Moira’s statement is that we will always have a better understanding of something when we see it, read it, believe it for ourselves. When we rely on someone else for our understanding of Scripture, it will never be as beautiful as when we study it for ourselves. Our own spiritual “eyes” will allow us to see God’s perfect, complete beauty as we spend time with Him.

 

Moira has gone back to Australia to care for her friend. I would ask for prayers for this dear care-giver. Her desire to help a friend in need is indeed inspiring. Please pray for strength, comfort, and peace for Moira.

 

I would also ask for prayers for her friend. I’ve managed to forget her name, but God knows who she is. Please pray the same things for Moira’s friend. Strength, comfort, and peace. And if it would glorify God, that she might be healed of this horrible disease.

 

How are your spiritual eyes? Are they focused on God? Is He blurred due to your lack of attention? If so, why not take this opportunity to “upgrade” your relationship with Him. Let Him show you the sights in His Word. Let Him guide you to a better understanding of full life. Don’t miss it! It’s beautiful!

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

 

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Misery

September 7th, 2013 dsisler

The cold I spoke of yesterday has turned into a miserable head cold, combined with seasonal allergies. I did paint my office yesterday (so happy that’s done), but I fell asleep as soon as I got home and have slept off and on since then.

 

So today, I ask that you accept my apology for not writing any more than this. Between the headache, the pressure in my sinuses, and the fever, I know this is about all that I can pull out of this brain.

 

I offer this benediction and may it encourage you today. “The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.” (Numbers 6:24-26 – ESV)

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

 

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Defeated

September 6th, 2013 dsisler

I haven’t felt great the past few weeks and I really thought it was fall seasonal allergies. My eyes have been more watery. My nose a little drippy. My voice a little raspy. I have a nasal spray that I use faithfully because I don’t want allergies to get in the way of life. But perhaps I’ve been using it far too long because my symptoms are much worse than they’ve been in the past.

 

However, this morning I think I may a cold on top of my seasonal allergies! Oh this aggravates me. I have too many things to do! I’m heading to my office this morning to finally paint and hang curtains. If I have to stop every three minutes to wipe my nose I’ll never get it done!

 

We have a big weekend ahead. Two gatherings tomorrow to enjoy with my husband and then vision Sunday at our Frederick campus. These are all important events and I need to feel my best. But it doesn’t look like that is going to be the case.

 

I simply don’t have time to be sick! I have managed to stay healthy for over a year. I’ve been around sick people, but have kept my hands washed and their germs off of me. But it didn’t work this time.

 

Why? Why this time? I’m not really sure, but with the start of a new job and all that goes with that and the combination of seasonal allergies, I guess the smallest germ attacked my system. It broke through all the defenses I worked so hard to build up. Defeat. Yes, this morning I feel defeated.

 

This cold reminds me of times when I’ve allowed my spiritual defenses to drop. It’s during those times that Satan knows exactly how to jump all over me and bring me down. When I’m too busy to spend quality time with God. When I’m so tired that I don’t want to spend quality time with God. Even when I’m sick, when my brain isn’t up to par because of medication to spend quality time with God. That’s when Satan attacks. When I am not at my best.

 

Unfortunately, these times are more frequent than I’d like. So Satan has plenty of opportunity to attack. But surely there is something I can do to prevent it, or to help ward off his attacks. Right? Yes! Ephesians 6:10-18 gives us the perfect weapons to “extinguish the flaming arrows of the evil one.” (Ephesians 6:16)

 

First, we are called to “be strong in the Lord and his mighty power” and to “put on the full armor of God.” Without God’s strength and armor, we would be defenseless against Satan.

 

Then we are to put on:

The Belt of Truth

The Breastplate of Righteousness

Feet Fitted with Readiness

The Shield of Faith

The Helmet of Salvation

The Sword of the Spirit

 

With these tools and the understanding of how to use them, we can stand firm, be alert, and pray. I am so thankful for the tools that God gives us to prepare for battle! Don’t underestimate what God can do through you wearing His armor! So don’t allow your busyness, tiredness, or illness keep you from seeking God’s truths. Keep on keeping on. Stand firm. The battle belongs to God!

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

 

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Would You Like a Drink?

September 5th, 2013 dsisler

One of my favorite elements in our backyard is the water fall. I enjoy sitting on the deck in the morning, drinking a cup of coffee, listening to the birds, watching the sunrise, and hearing the sound of water flowing.

 

Early last winter, the water froze, the pump stopped, and Mason unplugged it. This happens most winters, but it was very early and we didn’t realize it had stopped, so we weren’t sure the pump was going to work come spring. To be honest, we weren’t surprised when it didn’t start when we plugged it in earlier this spring.

 

Mason did a little work on it, and then found out it was still under warranty. We received a brand new pump. The water fall is flowing smoothly now.

 

This made me very happy, because the sound of a water fall is very soothing to me. It brings joy to my heart when I wake up in the night and hear it. There’s just something about water that brings a smile to my face.

 

I guess it’ only natural that the Living Water brings a smile to my soul. That Jesus can also bring joy to my heart when I’m awake in the night. And He soothes the pressures of this life with His refreshing presence.

 

Isaiah alludes to the future hope found in Jesus in Isaiah 12:3 (NIV). “With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation.” Through Jesus, the Water, we gain salvation from this deep well.

 

Isaiah also tells us in Isaiah 55:1a (NIV), “Come all you who are thirsty, come to the waters.” Those who are spiritually thirsty are to come to the waters. For the folks living in the Old Testament age, those waters were God. For those living during the New Testament time and later, it would be Jesus.

 

Jesus also called the spiritually thirsty to come to Him. In John 4:13-14 (NIV), Jesus says to the woman at the well, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.”

 

And in John 7:37 (NIV), “on the last and greatest day of the Feast, Jesus said in a loud voice, ‘If anyone is thirsty let him come to me and drink.’”

 

And this concept is reiterated one last time in Revelation 22:17 (NIV). “The Spirit and the bride say, ‘Come!’ And let him who hears say, ‘Come!’ Whoever is thirsty, let him come; and whoever wishes, let him take the free gift of the water of life.”

 

Jesus knew exactly how to relate this concept to people. Our desire to have our thirst quenched is essential. Both physically and spiritually.

 

Jesus offers grace to anyone who asks. He is so willing to give us “living water.” (John 4:10 – NIV)

 

So have you asked the Giver of Living Water for this gift? If not, why not? The soothing refreshment of this gift is like nothing you’ve ever known. Come! Take the free gift of the water of life.

 

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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