Gather Together

August 25th, 2013 dsisler

I am excited to worship with my new church family this morning. We will gather together in fellowship, we will sing praises to our heavenly Father, we will humble ourselves before Him during the Lord’s Supper, we will honor Him with our financial gifts, and we will listen intently as His message is spoken.

 

I pray that you feel the same excitement.

 

Today I want to share a post about listening and hearing God’s voice, but also about His voice specifically. I was reminded after re-reading this post that I wanted to do a study on God’s voice. Maybe I’ll have to do that soon.

 

Have a wonderful Lord’s Day!

 

Psst!

 

I have a special way to call my granddaughter Joy. When she hears “psst,” she knows I want to talk to her.

 

My grandson Percy has learned that when I say “psst, psst,” I want to get his attention.

 

It doesn’t matter where Joy or Percy are in the house, they seem to hear my voice and they stop what they are doing to see what I want.

 

I found a passage of Scripture that tells us about God’s voice. Let’s see what Psalm 29 (NIRV) describes.

 

Praise

The first section of this Psalm tells us that we are to praise God. We are to worship the Lord because of His beauty and holiness.

 

“Praise the Lord, you mighty angels.
Praise the Lord for his glory and strength.
Praise the Lord for the glory that belongs to him.
Worship the Lord because of his beauty and holiness.”

 

Praise is more than just singing worship songs on Sunday mornings. We are to praise God with our entire lives. With everything that we do. With each word that we speak. With each thought we think.

 

God’s Voice

The second section of this Psalm gives a description of God’s voice. Notice how powerful and mighty it is.

 

“The voice of the Lord is heard over the waters.
The God of glory thunders.
The Lord thunders over the mighty waters.

The voice of the Lord is powerful.

The voice of the Lord is majestic.
The voice of the Lord breaks the cedar trees.
The Lord breaks the cedars of Lebanon into pieces.
He makes the mountains of Lebanon skip like a calf.
He makes Mount Hermon jump like a young wild ox.”
The voice of the Lord strikes
with flashes of lightning.
The voice of the Lord shakes the desert.
The Lord shakes the Desert of Kadesh.
The voice of the Lord twists the oak trees.
It strips the forests bare.
And in his temple everyone cries out, “Glory!”

I’ve never done a study on the voice of God. I’ve studied His names. I’ve studied His attributes. I’ve studied His commands. What I do know is that we are to know God’s voice. When we hear His voice we are to respond. Respond with repentance, resistance to temptation, obedience, a good deed, or being still to name a few.

 

This section clearly shows the power in God’s voice. Like that of a thunderstorm with bolts of lightning. Storm chasers run toward thunderous weather. That’s how we should approach God’s voice. Run toward it. Embrace it. Understand it. Know it.

 

The Lord

Finally this passage concludes with what the Lord does. What His role in His creation is.

 

“The Lord on his throne rules over the flood.
The Lord rules from his throne as King forever.
The Lord gives strength to his people.
The Lord blesses his people with peace.”

 

The Lord. Not just the Lord of the world or the universe, but the Lord of my life is described above. When He is King forever in my heart, He rules, He gives strength, and He blesses me with peace. Why wouldn’t I want God to be my Lord? That is exactly what I need when I face trials and temptations.

 

I am amazed that Joy and Percy respond to my voice the way they do. My quiet “psst” breaks through all the noise. It breaks through the concentration on a game or activity. It breaks through a television program.

 

Do you hear God’s voice? He’s saying, “psst?”

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

 

PS (or should I say “psst”?) – We’ve had a new addition to our family since I wrote this post. Leslieanna Grace joined us seven months ago and she is already learning that when she hears “psst, psst, psst” that someone would like her attention.

 

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S.O.A.P.

August 24th, 2013 dsisler

I am going to try something different this fall when it comes to my personal time with God. I found a great blog (goodmorninggirls.org) with an online Bible study that I’ve joined. We are getting ready to begin next week and I look forward to learning more about God’s Word through this medium.

 

In the preparation for this study to begin, I receive a daily email about what to expect and how to be ready when we do begin. This is an excerpt from an email I received this past week. I thought you might enjoy reading it.

 

“Each session we create a study guide that goes along with the verses we are reading, this study guide is to help you interact with God’s Word and learn to dig deeper…. slowing down to really read what God is saying to you that day.

 

Today I want to take the time and explain what the S.O.A.P. method is and WHY you should use it during your quiet time.

 

Why S.O.A.P. it?

 

It’s one thing to simply read scripture, but when you interact with it, when you learn to slow down to REALLY read it, suddenly words start popping off the page. By SOAPing your verses you are able to dig deeper into scripture and “see” more than if you simply read the verses and then went on your merry way. Let me encourage you to take the time to S.O.A.P. the daily verses and see for yourself how much more you get out of your daily reading……you’ll be amazed.

 

What does S.O.A.P. mean?

 

S– The S stands for Scripture- you physically write out the scripture……you’ll be amazed that what God will reveal to you just by taking the time to slow down and actually write out what you are reading!

 

O– The O stands for observation- what do you see in the verses that you’re reading. Who is the audience? Is there a repetition of words? What words stand out to you?

 

A– The A stands for Application- this is when God’s Word becomes personal. What is God saying to me today? How can I apply what I just read to my own personal life? What changes do I need to make? Is there an action that I need to take?

 

P– And finally P stands for Prayer. Pray God’s Word back to Him. If He has revealed something to you during this time in His Word, pray about it. Confess if He has revealed some sin that is in your life.

 

Studying God’s Word like this can take as little or as long as you have time to give. Some days it can take just 10 or 15 minutes, other days longer.”

 

If you would like to read this from this website, click here and you’ll be taken to the Good Morning Girls website.

 

This form of Bible study isn’t for everyone, it may not even be for me. But there are over 7,000 women from around the world committed to study God’s Word through this website! God is using this form of communication to spread His Gospel and to teach women how to lives godly lives.

 

I pray that you are studying God’s Word on a daily basis. Whether it’s on your own, with a group at your church or even on the internet, I urge you study the Bible in some form.

 

I look forward to studying the Book of Colossians with some new friends and learning more of what God has to say to me through this book. Let’s get studying!

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

 

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Faith, Holiness and Hope

August 23rd, 2013 dsisler

My favorite time of year is quickly approaching. Autumn temperatures, seasonal clothing, pumpkin spice, anticipation of the first frost. Yes, these thoughts bring a smile to my face, but they are not the main reason I look forward to September.

 

September means women’s Bible study is kicking off and there will be thousands of women across the globe diving into new studies. Some have been in Bible study for years while others are just starting for the first time. Regardless of what season of life they are in, they will all come before God and His Word with open hearts ready to learn.

 

It’s an odd year for me however. I’m in a new atmosphere at church and I’m still getting to know the women and will be taking a break from leading so that I can devote more time to learning my new job. I thought I would still continue to lead a group of ladies I’ve been with for several years, but the hostess has decided to take a break too. I have been given an opportunity to lead a new group of ladies and embrace that prospect with enthusiasm.

 

So you see, nothing is the same. Except that we all study the same Words. We all worship the same God. We all serve the same Savior. So it really isn’t all that different.

 

I have a book that sits on my desk all the time…okay, there are actually two. The Bible and “Pray with Purpose: Live with Passion” by Debbie Williams. I’ve mentioned it before. It’s one of my favorite books on prayer and how we can praise God through the alphabet.

 

But what I’ve not mentioned is what is on the first page of this book. You know the page with the copyright information, the ISBN, the publisher information. There is something very exciting on this page of this book.

 

The publisher if Howard Books, a division of Simon & Schuster. At the very top are these words.

 

“OUR PURPOSE AT HOWARD BOOKS IS TO:

  • Increase faith in the hearts of growing Christians
  • Inspire holiness in the lives of believers
  • Instill hope in the hearts of struggling people everywhere

BECAUSE HE’S COMING AGAIN!”

 

Wow! Wouldn’t you love to work for a company whose purpose directs everyone to Jesus? Okay, I guess I do. I am so blessed!

 

So what if this isn’t just the purpose of a company. What if it is each of our purposes? I believe it is.

 

According to Jesus, His mission was to seek and save the lost (Luke 19:10), but He also gave us a mission. To make disciples (Matthew 28:19-20).

 

We are to be pointing others to Jesus all the time. Regardless of where we are, where we work, what we’re doing, Jesus must shine.

 

If each of us adopted these three ideas, implemented them into our own lives and then shared them with others, I believe we’d live in a different world.

 

Increase faith.

The Apostles asked Jesus to increase their faith. Jesus shared these words with them. “If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted and planted in the sea,’ and it will obey you.” (Luke 17:6 – NIV)

 

The Apostle Paul thanked God for the Thessalonians. Take a look at why he was thankful. “We ought always to thank God for you, brothers, and rightly so, because your faith is growing more and more, and the love every one of you has for each other is increasing.” (2 Thessalonians 1:3 – NIV)

 

When our faith increases, we are able to do far more than we could possibly imagine and through that faith, our love for others grows.

 

Inspire holiness.

We find several passages of Scripture that lead us live holy lives. Let’s take a look at just a few.

 

“Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship.” (Romans 12:1 – NIV)

 

“For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight.” (Ephesians 1:4 – NIV)

 

“But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people.” (Ephesians 5:3 – NIV)

 

And if these aren’t enough, here are a few more to consider. 1 Thessalonians 3:13; 1 Thessalonians 4:3-7; 2 Timothy 1:8-10; 2 Timothy 2:20-21; Hebrews 10:10-14; Hebrews 12:14; 1 Peter 1:15; 2 Peter 3:11.

 

Instill hope.

Where would we be without hope? Sometimes it is all we have to keep going. But God has given us a great hope. One that will help us when we are ready to give up. What a gift we can share with others.

 

Read through these two passages to see how early believers were inspired by hope.

 

“Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. But now he has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation—if you continue in your faith, established and firm, not moved from the hope held out in the gospel.” (Colossians 1:21-23a – NIV)

 

“We continually remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Thessalonians 1:3 – NIV)

 

Faith, holiness, hope. Three elements that are vital to our spiritual walk. As believers in Christ, let’s strive to increase, inspire and instill them within our own lives and then share these blessings with others.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

 

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My Calling

August 22nd, 2013 dsisler

Two weeks ago I attended worship service at the church I’ve been attending and on staff with for the past 10 years. It was to be my last worship service with this group of believers before moving over to my new job and my new church.

 

I felt peace about the move. I sought God’s guidance. I spoke with wise Christian women about the move. I knew it would be the right move for me.

 

But in the service that morning, the teaching pastor spoke to me personally. I know his sermon was written specifically for me. It was God’s way of saying, “Yes my child, this is my plan for you.”

 

The message was titled, “Calling” and in the midst of Ramin’s words, I found a surge of confidence to take on this enormous job. So today, I want to share the main points of this message and see if you might find encouragement today. If you’d like to listen this message (and I would encourage you to do so), you can click here.

 

1. Every life has a calling

Paul knew his calling was to be a teacher of the law. But Jesus had other plans for Paul. Take a look at Paul’s words from Galatians 1:13-17 (NIV).

 

“For you have heard of my previous way of life in Judaism, how intensely I persecuted the church of God and tried to destroy it. I was advancing in Judaism beyond many Jews of my own age and was extremely zealous for the traditions of my fathers. But when God, who set me apart from birth and called me by his grace, was pleased to reveal his Son in me so that I might preach him among the Gentiles, I did not consult any man, nor did I go up to Jerusalem to see those who were apostles before I was, but I went immediately to Arabia and later returned to Damascus.”

 

Paul suddenly received a new calling and he followed it. All the way to Arabia.

 

I didn’t have to go to Arabia or the far reaches of my world…I only had to cross town for my new calling. I consider myself blessed.

 

2. Every calling is a journey

Paul spoke of his journey in Philippians 3:12-14 (NIV). “Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”

 

We are all on a journey. Don’t look back. Keep moving forward. The goal is ahead of you. Reach for it. Allow God to lead you.

 

3. Every journey needs a guide

This journey is filled with joy, but there will be struggles along the way. You will get scrapes and bruises. Just keep looking to the Guide. The One who knows the Way. He will lead you to your journey’s end. Heaven.

 

Through this message, Ramin shared a few more passages of Scripture. I’m listing them here for you to read as well.

 

Colossians 1:24-29 (emphasis on verse 29)

2 Corinthians 10:12-13

Acts 20:22-24

 

And then there is this little gem in 1 Corinthians 2:9 (NIV) that is such an encouragement to me and I pray it is to you. “However, as it is written: ‘No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him.’”

 

God has beautiful plans for those who love Him and are willing to follow His calling. And according to this passage, it will be more than we could have imagined.

 

For me, it’s working with Shan and being his executive assistant. God has prepared me through my life for this moment. For this time. For this job. And I am jumping in wholeheartedly to see what He is going to do with this ministry.

 

Maybe you are struggling today with what it is God has prepared for you. Don’t get discouraged. Sometimes it takes a while for it all to fall into place. But know that our heavenly Father is a loving God who wants what’s best for you. He’s working it all out for you. And in His time, He will reveal it to you.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

 

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Autumn?

August 21st, 2013 dsisler

I know…it’s only August and it’s been hot this past week in Colorado, but I am getting the itch for autumn to arrive. The cool, crisp air. A sweater to wrap around myself. The scent of apples and nutmeg wafting through my kitchen. My fall décor throughout my home. I’m ready.

 

But it’s been hot in Colorado this past week. Our hottest week of the year. We were near 100° yesterday. I’m ready for it to be over. Summer can move along and autumn can take its place.

 

I’m ready for a change…even if it the calendar doesn’t say it’s fall, I want it to feel like fall.

 

As we search Scripture, we can see some descriptions of God as being like something we are familiar with.

 

We’ll begin our search in 2 Samuel 22:3 (NIRV) where the author of this book states, “My God is my rock. I go to him for safety. He is like a shield to me. He’s the power that saves me. He’s my place of safety. I go to him for help. He’s my Savior. He saves me from those who want to hurt me.”

 

God is like a shield. His protection is provided to us against all of our enemies.

 

In the book of Psalms, we see a couple of descriptions of God. Psalm 46:7 (NIRV) says, “The Lord who rules over all is with us. The God of Jacob is like a fort to us.” Again, we see God’s protection. A fortress to surround us in times of trouble.

 

And in Psalm 121:5 (NIRV), the Psalmist shows how God provides comfort during the uncomfortable times of our life. “The Lord watches over you. The Lord is like a shade tree at your right hand.”

 

In Proverbs, we see two more pictures of what God is like. In Proverbs 3:12 (NIRV), God is described as a father. “The Lord trains those he loves. He is like a father who trains the son he is pleased with.” Because of the great love God has for us, we accept His training as we might from our earthly father.

 

And in Proverbs 18:10 (NIRV), God’s name is shown to be of great value to those who seek protection. “The name of the Lord is like a strong tower. Godly people run to it and are safe.”

 

God is described as a consuming fire several times in Scripture. As One who desires that we remain faithful to Him. The Hebrew author states it like this. “We are receiving a kingdom that can’t be shaken. So let us be thankful. Then we can worship God in a way that pleases him. We will worship him with deep respect and wonder. Our ‘God is like a fire that burns everything up.’” (Hebrews 12:28-29, referencing Deuteronomy 4:24 – NIRV)

 

The Psalmist asks the question, “Who, O God, is like you?” (Psalm 71:19b – NIV) And Jeremiah answers the question. “No one is like you, O Lord; you are great, and your name is mighty in power.” (Jeremiah 10:6 – NIV) We can try to describe God, but to be honest, God is beyond our comprehension. And also to be honest, I’m thankful for that.

 

If I were able to put my exact words to God’s existence and being, there would be nothing to draw me to Him. I’d have Him figured out. But instead, I’m continually searching for God. For who He is and why He loves me so. I’m continually searching His Word to find something new about God.

 

What is God like to you? Is He like a Light? Is He like a Teacher? Is He like a Husband? Is He like a Father? What is God like?

 

The great news is that God wants to be all of these for you and He wants to be everything for you.

 

Autumn really is just around the corner. I simply need to be patient. Now that sure is difficult!

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

 

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  • 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.

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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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