A Little Deeper

September 4th, 2013 dsisler

I know it will eventually happen. The temperatures will drop. The season will change. We will feel like autumn has arrived.

 

But not quite yet. Looks like we will have another week in the 90 degree area.

 

Fall brings a lot of excitement to my life in many ways, but for certain one of them is the buildup for November and National Novel Writers Month or National Non-Fiction Writers Month. I’ve tried the novel writing and last year I tried the non-fiction challenge. I must admit I love a challenge, but sometimes writing can be difficult.

 

I found a comical chart entitled “why I’m not getting any writing done on my so-called novel.” It went through an array of issues or problems including mind wandering, time wasting, forgetfulness, distractions, and decisions to name a few. I could relate to some of them.

 

Sometimes it seems like whatever we want to do we don’t get around to it. And what we shouldn’t do gets pushed out front on more occasions than we’d like to admit (Romans 7:15). It can be disappointing when over and over again we seem to get nothing done.

 

We can blame this on a lot of things, but it really comes down to the fact that we will do what we want to do. When our minds are made up and we are determined to do it, we do it.

 

This is the determination we must have when it comes to our spiritual lives.

 

You know those mornings when you’re running a bit behind, or when nothing seems to be going as it should, or maybe you didn’t sleep well the night before and your first thought may be to skip prayer and Bible reading. I think you know what I’m going to say.

 

Don’t even think it! Dig a little deeper. Find that extra little something within you to follow through with your dedicated time with God. It will make a difference in your day.

 

So today I offer you words of encouragement to help you find that extra boost to be with God. Don’t give up. Don’t put it aside. Keep going. Keep reading and praying. Do it because you want to. After a while you’ll wonder how you ever thought you could live without it.

 

“I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.” (Psalm 119:11 – NIV)

 

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.” (Psalm 119:105 – NIV

 

“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” (Matthew 6:33 – NIV)

 

“Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.” (John 14:4 – NIV)

 

“I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:14 – NIV)

 

“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17 – NIV)

 

“Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” (James 1:22 – NIV)

 

There are so many benefits to spending time with God and knowing what His Word says. I can assure you that as you take the time to read God’s Word, communicate with God through prayer, and ask for guidance through God’s Spirit, you will be encouraged, uplifted, and renewed to face your day. Don’t ever believe it’s not necessary or that you don’t have the time. It will be a big mistake.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

 

If you’d like to leave a comment, please click here.

Share

He Forgot

September 3rd, 2013 dsisler

I heard a news story yesterday of a ship captain running his 260 foot vessel aground in the Farne Islands. In an attempt to sail from Scotland to Belgium, he admitted that he forgot England sat between the two countries.

 

Picture: Alan Hewitt

This was not this captain’s only mistake (although forgetting England is the most memorable). He chose to use an unapproved chart plotter. An important watch alarm was switched off. And apparently the first mate had fallen asleep and didn’t see the lighthouse.

 

I believe we can find some spiritual lessons in this captain’s mistakes. Let’s take a look at them.

 

We are forgetful people. It’s been that way since the beginning of time. But I often wonder how the children of Israel seemed to forget God so easily. He was in their midst. He performed miracles right before their eyes. He was like the large land mass of England before them and yet they would forget His precepts. They would forget His teachings. They would forget Him.

 

I must say that I have done the same in my life. I know what God says in His Word and yet I forget it. Not all of it, just some of the parts I don’t particularly like on certain days. Like gossiping. Or maybe that verse about thinking on whatever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, praiseworthy, or excellent (Philippians 4:8). Or living at peace with everyone as long as it’s up to me (Hebrews 12:14).

 

God’s Word is before me each and every day. It’s what I face when I sit down to my computer. God’s Word cannot be forgotten. I’ve chosen to hold it in my heart and meditate on His Words. No, we cannot forget God. We just choose to ignore Him.

 

Another mistake this captain made was using an unapproved chart plotter. In our spiritual lives this can take many forms. We may find ourselves following a false teacher. Or reading materials that do not fall in line with God’s Word. Or maybe reading your horoscope for the day and believing there is no harm.

 

We must be careful who and what we use as our life chart plotter. If they do not fall in line with God’s Word and His Holy Spirit, we cannot even think of following the guidelines given by these people or things. God’s Word is the only true life chart plotter. If you have questions about God’s will for your life, spend time with Him. Read His Word. Only listen to advice from those who are diligently seeking God in their own life. Don’t make the mistake of using an unapproved chart plotter.

 

An important feature of this unapproved chart plotter was apparently turned off. A watch alarm to alert the captain (or first mate) of impending danger. We have such an alert alarm in our lives.

 

God’s Spirit is within us (believers of Jesus Christ who have been baptized for the forgiveness of sin and to receive the gift of the Holy Spirit – Acts 2:38). The Holy Spirit leads and guides us through the twists and turns of this life. And when we are in tune with God and His Spirit, we will be alerted when we are in danger.

 

Now it’s up to us to accept those alerts and do something about it. But we find in 1 Corinthians 10 that when we are tempted, God will provide a way out for us.

 

 “These things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us, on whom the fulfillment of the ages has come. So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall! No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.” (1 Corinthians 10:11-13 – NIV)

 

Finally our skipper trusted his first mate to stay alert and keep watch. Does this sound familiar? Jesus trusted His closest friends to stay alert, keep watch and pray with Him. But they too fell asleep (Matthew 26:36-26).

 

Unlike the ship’s first mate, Jesus’ disciples were not asked to pray for His safety. They were to pray for themselves. For their own faith to be strengthened. Jesus knew they would be facing their largest demon and that only faithfulness to God would help them through it.

 

It’s the same with us. When we are at our most difficult moment, we must stand firm with Jesus. We must stay alert, keep watch and pray. The evil one is prowling around looking for those who lose heart and are vulnerable to his vilest schemes (1 Peter 5:8). Sticking close to Jesus is the only way I know to get out without falling into the evil trap.

 

Jesus is all that we need to make it through this life. His grace is sufficient (2 Corinthians 12:9). When we offer our weaknesses to Him, He will make us strong (2 Corinthians 12:10). Through Jesus, we can do anything (Philippians 4:13).

 

I’ve used this captain’s mistakes as an example of how these same mistakes can cause a mishap in our lives. I’m sure this captain has a lot to overcome because of what happened on this day. When people speak of him, they will refer to him as the one who forgot England.

 

I don’t want others to look at me and say, “She forgot God today.” Today I will do my best to live as a woman filled with God’s Spirit, who leads, guides, and prompts me be God’s vessel. Today I will not forget God’s precepts. Today I will not fall into the evil one’s trap. Today I will be alert, watchful and prayerful. I will not forget.

 

Will you?

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

 

To leave a comment, please click here.

Share

“One Pair of Hands” – Monday Musical Musings

September 2nd, 2013 dsisler

I think of all the days of my writing week, Monday’s are my favorite. I look forward to sharing a new gem I’ve found or and old resurrected piece. Sometimes I find it difficult to choose a song because there are so many out there. But when it’s right, it’s easy writing.

 

Music has filled my soul with joy for as long as I can remember. I recall riding in the car as a very young child with my siblings and my mom with music playing and I would sing right along with the vocalist. Mind you, I didn’t know the words or the tune, but I would sing anyway.

 

Music has been a good friend when lonely, a word of hope when discouraged, a spark when depleted, a boost when lazy, a reminder when sinful, an outlet when joyful. Music has been many things to me through the years.

 

Perhaps you feel the same way. Maybe music has been your best friend through life. If so, we are connected in more ways than we could imagine.

 

Perhaps we are connected another way. Through Jesus Christ. Like music, He too has been a wonderful friend. I could easily replace His Name in the section of music above. He fulfills all of those and so much more. For the love and grace I receive through Jesus Christ I am more than thankful.

 

Today the song I’ve chosen speaks of Jesus in the form of Creator, Healer, Savior, and Redeemer. I think you’ll enjoy this tune called “One Pair of Hands.”

 

One pair of hands formed the mountains

One pair of hands formed the sea

One pair of hands made the sun and the moon

Every bird every flower every tree

One pair of hands formed the valleys

The ocean the rivers and the sand

 

Those hands are so strong so when life goes wrong

Put your faith into one pair of hands

 

One pair of hands healed the sick

One pair of hands raised the dead

One pair of hands calmed the raging storm

And thousands of people were fed

One pair of hands said I love you

And those hands were nailed to a tree

 

Those hands are so strong, so when life goes wrong,

Put your faith into one pair of hands[i]

 

If you’d like to listen to this melody, you can click here.

 

Regardless of what you’re going through today, Jesus is the One you should be running to for help. He is there with arms open wide just waiting to hear your voice. His hands are available to lift you up when it’s all going badly. So as the songwriter says, put your faith in Jesus. He is all you’ll ever need.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

 

To leave a comment, please click here.


[i] One Pair of Hands – Carroll Roberson. Words and Music by Billie Campbell and Manny Kurtz, 1970, Greenbar Music Corp and Seventh Son Music Inc.

Share

This is the Day

September 1st, 2013 dsisler

Today is a day God made. He made it so that we might join with other believers to worship and honor Him in all that we do. I look forward to being in the presence of God through corporate worship. It is His day!

 

I share an older post today as I do each Sunday that brings our focus to our physical eyes and spiritual eyes. Enjoy!

 

20/20

 

I have an eye appointment tomorrow. It’s been well over a year since my last check up and I am beginning to see (or not see) the reason for making this appointment.

 

My vision isn’t as clear as it was when I first got my glasses.

 

In years past, I’ve tried bi-focals. I need them. But as much as I’ve tried, I’ve always gone back to ask for single-vision lenses. I’ve added a pair of reading glasses to the mix. They haven’t worked well for me either. So my only option is take off my glasses to do any reading.

 

Maybe this is the year that I can make bi-focals work. I doubt it, but you never know.

 

I am fortunate. I can see fairly well without my glasses. On my last visit to my optometrist, I was told that my vision was actually getting better! But if my children or my husband were to remove their glasses, nothing would be in focus.

 

There are times that I take my vision for granted, but when things become blurry or out of focus, I realize how blessed I am to have the vision I have.

 

Our spiritual eyes can get out of focus as well. If we are not focusing on Jesus or God’s Word, we can lose sight of all that God has in store for us.

 

My dear friend, King David, spoke of such times in the book of Psalm. Psalm 119 holds a wealth of wisdom, but in reading through this chapter, I found David’s vision failing.

 

Psalm 119:82 (NIV) says, “My eyes fail, looking for your promise; I say, ‘When will you comfort me?’” And in Psalm 119:123 (NIV) David repeats the idea. “My eyes fail, looking for your salvation, looking for your righteous promise.”

 

David shares what are thought to be his devotions in Psalm 119. In this chapter, we see David in multiple situations and times of joy or despair. These two verses seem to show David during vulnerable periods.

 

Poor eye sight, used in the Old Testament, were images of failing strength, grief, or depleted hope. In these verses, David was experiencing suffering. His spiritual vision was failing. He asked that God intervene and fulfill the promises He had made.

 

But we also see a vigilant David. David who knew that God keeps the promises He makes. Psalm 119:148 (NIV) shows us this David. “My eyes stay open through the watches of the night, that I may meditate on your promises.”

 

Yes, David knew of God’s promises. He had seen some of them fulfilled in his lifetime. And what better words to think of through the night than God’s abundant promises? During these times, David’s spiritual vision was 20/20.

 

For us, we should ask God to bring our spiritual vision in line with His. Another verse in this chapter gives the perfect words to pray. “Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law.” (Psalm 119:18 – NIV)

 

God has so much to teach us. God has so much in store for us. God has so many promises yet to be fulfilled in our lives. We simply need to keep our eyes focused on Him. We must keep our eyes open to see what we are to learn. We must wait patiently for Him to do His work within us.

 

I pray that you won’t take your vision for granted. Your physical vision or your spiritual vision. Neither should we neglect the care of either. Proper nutrition, exercise, and protection are invaluable for our physical vision. The same can be said for our spiritual vision.

 

With a healthy dose of Bible reading and study, prayer time, fellowship with believers, and the armor of God for protection, we can greatly improve our spiritual vision.

 

How is your vision today?

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

 

If you would like to leave a comment, please click here.

Share

A Day Trip

August 31st, 2013 dsisler

Last Saturday my husband and I thought we’d go to Rocky Mountain National Park for the day. We hadn’t been for a while, we had a free day, so off we headed. We chose our route and would drive through Estes Park to get to the entrance of the park.

 

What we failed to understand was the USA Pro Challenge Cycling Race would be in Estes Park that very day. I thought the news said that it was finished in that area. My husband misread the website. But low and behold, we were smack dab in the middle of it.

 

Roads were closed. There were thousands of people. There was a festival going along with the race. For a couple wanting to get away from it all and be “one” with nature, we hadn’t done so well.

 

We finally got to the entrance of the park and found that we weren’t the only ones heading out to see nature. Lines of cars waited to purchase a pass or show their pass to the park rangers.

 

Finally through that section, we wound our way to the top. The trip was beautiful, peaceful and for the most part people-free. No one pushed me to drive faster (which happens quite frequently). We were able to take our time and enjoy God’s creation.

 

When it was time to head back to reality, we thought we would take the other exit and go to our favorite restaurant in Estes Park. When we got to the fork, we were told that entrance/exit was closed due to the race. So we left the way we came.

 

Back in Estes, we found even more roads closed. The race was nearing this little mountain village and all traffic was stopped. We were stuck. With no place to go. So we found a parking spot and sat.

 

It wasn’t long before we realized the bike race would be passing just a few feet in front of where we were. A crowd had gathered, some in unusual outfits. Cow bells were ringing. We figured we might as well join the excitement.

 

Mason grabbed his camera and we joined this exuberant group of people.

 

It wasn’t long before the lead pack flew by (and I mean flew by). This was a fast race. Remember I’ve been to Daytona. Those cars are fast, but they have an engine! I have no idea how fast these men were going on their slim bicycles with thin tires, but neither Mason nor I got pictures of that group.

 

We were ready for the second pack though and got some great pictures of them along with all of the team cars with extra bike parts that followed.

 

The excitement was contagious. I was cheering and waving my hands just like the rest of the crowd. But I felt like an outsider. These people had intentionally showed up in this specific place to cheer on this group of athletes. I was in the wrong place at the wrong time.

 

As we walked back to our car, I heard a little girl say to her mother, “Is it over? We waited all that time for that?” She was disappointed.

 

We may find excitement along the way in this life. We certainly will be disappointed. But one thing I can guarantee, when it’s over, we will not be disappointed.

 

God has prepared a beautiful ending to this life. Eternity with Him in heaven.

 

Jesus encouraged believers by sharing glimpses of heaven with them. Let’s look at a few of the things He said about it.

 

“Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” (Matthew 5:11-12 – NIV)

 

“But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust to not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matthew 6:20-21 – NIV)

 

“I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 18:3-4 – NIV)

 

“I tell you the truth, it is not Moses who has given you the bread from heaven, but it is my Father who gives you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is he who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world…I am the bread that came down from heaven” (John 6:32-33, 41 – NIV)

 

“Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.” (John 14:1-3 – NIV)

 

Heaven will not disappoint. The wait will be worth the destination. We will be in the right place at the right time.

 

Would you like to join me? I’d be happy to show you the way. Just ask!

 

The day in Estes Park ended with Mason and me at our favorite restaurant, off the main path and far away from the celebrations happening down town. We had the dining room to ourselves. It was peaceful. It was quiet. It was what we had in mind for the day.

 

But I must admit, we encountered something that we didn’t expect and we were not disappointed. It was a good day on the mountain.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

 

If you would like to leave a comment, please click here.

Share
« Older Entries
Newer Entries »

  • Subscribe by Email

  • About Me

    "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.

  • Bible Studies & Other Happenings

    Bible studies I’m currently leading:

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

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

  • Categories

  • Recent Posts

Visit Us On TwitterVisit Us On FacebookVisit Us On PinterestVisit Us On Linkedin