Where Did the Week Go?

July 21st, 2013 dsisler

Another week has passed and it’s Sunday! It’s time to get up, get ready and head off to worship. But before you go, I’ll share a little story of a planter, some plants and growth.

 

I must admit, I forgot about this planter this year and put out the old ladder that I’ve used for years…I need to remember it next year!

 

No Flowers?

 

A couple of weeks ago I wrote about purpose and re-purpose. I shared with my readers of the tool box I re-purposed and placed on my front porch. I had purchased an ivy plant, a spikey plant of some sort, and red geraniums to fill the tool box.

 

After two weeks of diligently watering these plants, the geraniums had not changed. There were no new shoots. No prospect of them flowering. I was a bit discouraged. And besides, I found no beauty in non-flowering plants!

 

So I went to the internet to do some research. What was I doing wrong (besides the usual reasons for killing plants in my home)?

 

I learned three things about geraniums.

 

1) geraniums require 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day to bloom – the plants sit in full shade all day long;

2) geraniums do not bloom in extreme temperatures – it has been near or above 100° daily since I planted them;

3) geraniums love fertilizer – I have only watered these poor plants…not a drop of fertilizer.

 

Like geraniums, we require some proper tending. Our Christian faith and walk depend upon it. If we look at the early church, we see exactly what God has provided for our spiritual nutrition.

 

Acts 2:42 (NIV) says, “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread, and to prayer.” Let’s take a look at these four elements.

 

Apostles’ Teaching

Jesus taught the apostles what He wanted them to share with believers. It was part of the commission Jesus gave to His disciples. “…teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.” (Matthew 28:20 – NIV) It was imperative that the apostles preach and teach the Gospel to new believers. Today, we have God’s Word so that we might know the full message of Jesus. Through its’ words, we are able to gain knowledge and wisdom on how we should conduct our lives.

 

Fellowship

The new believers were to be encouraged by worshiping together. Being strengthened by the number of other followers helped them when they were faced with opposition. Hebrews 10:25 (NIV) encourages us by confirming this principle. “Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”

 

Breaking of Bread

Although this could be an ordinary meal, scholars believe this to reference the Lord’s Supper. As we partake of this special meal, we remember what Jesus did for us and proclaim His gift of salvation until He returns. “The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, ‘This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.’ In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, ‘This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.’ For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.” (1 Corinthians 11:23b-26 – NIV)

 

Prayer

While the first three elements of spiritual growth have been corporate in nature, this last element is a more private exercise. When we spend time alone with God, we are able to draw near to Him. We are able to know God intimately. Scripture repeats that we are to be in prayer mode at all times. 1 Thessalonians 5:17 (NIV) says, “Pray continually.”  Through this fellowship with God, our attitude changes. Our spirits are lifted. Our burdens are given to God. We celebrate our joys  with Him.

 

As we draw closer to God using these four elements, we cannot help but grow and bloom. Our souls will receive sunshine (Jesus), the perfect climate (fellowship with believers and God), and fertilizer (Jesus’ teaching) to encourage our growth.

 

I will not profess to be an expert on geraniums at this point. I only learned how to best care for them under the circumstances.

 

I cannot move this beautiful showpiece. I cannot control the weather. I can however provide the nutrients needed to produce healthy plants. I also can purchase artificial geraniums to create the image I was looking for. And that is just what I did.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

 

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Come and See

July 20th, 2013 dsisler

I work in a little gift/book/coffee shop. Off the Shelf is filled with little treasures and it’s so much fun to visit with people and help them find the exact item they’re looking for.

 

When we receive new product, it’s like Christmas. Opening each box, each item to see what is inside. For me, it is always a surprise and very exciting to what new item we’re going to place on our shelf.

 

This week was no different. As I opened a box, it was filled with totes, bags and pouches. One was just a cute as the other. But then I came to a book bag that really had all the right ingredients to make it a great selling item.

 

 

It was called the witness back pack. In plain view for all to see were these words. He came. He died. He rose. He ascended. He’s coming back. Each phrase had a symbol to go with it as well. I thought it was a great way to share the Gospel.

 

It’s a way for others to ask questions. Questions like, “Who is ‘he?’” “Where did ‘he’ go?” “Where did ‘he’ come from?” “Why did ‘he’ come?” “When is ‘he’ coming back?”

 

And through answering all of these questions, the Gospel message is being shared. And as the conversation continues, the question we all love to hear will be asked. “What must I do to be saved?”

 

Throughout the Gospels and the Book of Acts we find this question being asked. The question may not be worded exactly as above, but the question is the same. “I’m lost. What do I need to do?”

 

Let’s look at some of these conversion accounts to see what the question was and the response.

 

Jesus taught a Pharisee named Nicodemus (John 3:1-21) at night. Nicodemus had all the right questions and Jesus was the answer. Jesus first made the statement, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.” (John 3:3 – NIV) Then Nicodemus asked, “How can someone be born when are old?” (John 3:4 – NIV) Jesus continued with His teaching and while we don’t know what Nicodemus decided, we know he asked the question and he got the answer.

 

While sitting by a well in Samaria, Jesus encountered a Samaritan woman (John 4:42). Through their discourse, she asked a few questions. “Where can you get this living water?” (John 4:11 – NIV) “Could this be the Messiah?” (John 4:29 – NIV) Not only did the woman believe, but many from the town believed as well.

 

Jesus healed a man of blindness if John 9:1-12. The Pharisees questioned the healed man and had could not understand why the man believed that Jesus was a prophet. After being thrown out, Jesus encountered the man again. Jesus asked, “Do you believe in the Son of Man?” (John 9:35 – NIV) Then the man asked, “Who is he, sir? Tell me so that I may believe in him.” (John 9:36 – NIV) This man believed. He knew who had healed him. It was Jesus.

 

We find similar questions and accounts in the Book of Acts.

 

This question was asked when Peter delivered his first message in Acts 2. “When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, ‘Brothers, what shall we do?’” (Acts 2:37 – NIV)

 

Philip encountered an Ethiopian and we find this question. “Philip ran up to the chariot and heard the man reading Isaiah the prophet. ‘Do you understand what you are reading?’ Philip asked. ‘How can I,’ he said, ‘unless someone explains it to me?’” (Acts 8:30 – NIV)

 

Saul asked a question when he saw Jesus. “Who are you, Lord?” (Acts 9:5 – NIV) Jesus’ response to Saul was, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. Now get up and go into the city and you will be told what you must do.” (Acts 9:5-6 – NIV)

 

Paul and Silas had been flogged severely and thrown into prison at Philippi (Acts 16:22-34). While they continued to witness through prayer and singing, an earthquake shook the prison and all the prisoners were released from their chains. The jailer was about to kill himself when Paul and Silas told him all the prisoners were accounted for. The jailer then asked a question that would change his life forever. “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” (Acts 16:30 – NIV)

 

We know that these questions were all followed by obedience to God. They accepted Jesus for who He was and for what He could do for them.

 

But there were others who asked a question and the response wasn’t positive.

 

In Matthew 19, Jesus hears a question from a rich young man. “Teacher, what good thing must I do to get eternal life?” (Matthew 19:16 – NIV) After hearing Jesus’ response, we find the young man leaving (Matthew 19:22). He was very sad because he wasn’t willing to do what Jesus had asked him to do. He chose not to accept eternal life.

 

After the miracle of feeding the 5,000 (John 6:1-15), Jesus went to the other side of the lake in His own miraculous way. But the crowd followed. When they found Him they asked this question. “What must we do to do the works God’s requires?” (John 6:28 – NIV) Jesus’ response was, “The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent.” (John 6:29 – NIV)

 

Later in this chapter we find that this group abandoned Jesus and His teaching. When Jesus’ teaching grew difficult to accept or difficult to follow, they turned back and no longer followed Him.

 

While it is difficult for me to understand walking away from Jesus, there are many who do. The only thing we can do is continue dialogue with them and pray for them. Pray that maybe someone else will come into their life who can proclaim God’s message to them.

 

This back pack is just one way that we can share the Gospel message with others. I don’t know that I will purchase one (I really do have plenty of bags already), but someone will and someone will use it to spread the Gospel and be an influence for God in their realm.

 

How are you sharing the Gospel message with others? Remember we are called to make disciples (Matthew 28:19-20). It’s our responsibility to share this message. I pray that God will open doors and create opportunities for each of us to do just that.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

 

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Spam, But Not Really

July 19th, 2013 dsisler

As you can imagine, I get a lot of spam (unsolicited junk mail) through this blog. They don’t make sense. They are just a bunch of jibberish.

 

But on occasion some make me laugh and so I’m going to share one with you today. This piece of spam was sent in response to my blog post, “Let’s Get a Goat.”

 

“Aside from the Finns, this all sounds reasonable to me…what would you suggest? Out of control population growth right up until Jesus comes and saves us all?”

 

No, my suggestion was that we get a goat.

 

But I do like the part about Jesus coming and saving us all. As a young adult, the thought of Jesus’ return frightened me. I was fearful that I wasn’t good enough for Him and that I wouldn’t make it through judgment without being sent to hell.

 

But as the years have progressed, my spiritual development has taken me to higher levels of understanding, and through spiritual growth, I now know that I really am not good enough…but Jesus has me covered.

 

“For it is by grace you  have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” (Ephesians 2:8-10 – NIV)

 

We see in this passage that we can’t do enough to get into heaven. We are covered by God’s grace. Jesus has already taken the punishment we deserve.

 

But there is still plenty we can do while we are waiting for Jesus’ return. I believe in this verse we see that we must continue to do good works because God has prepared them for us to do. God expects us to be busy with the tasks He has placed before us. He has prepared us for these tasks.

 

James weighed in on this topic as well. “What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them?” (James 2:14-15 – NIV)

 

According to James, faith without works is dead. “In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead…show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds.” (James 2:17-18 – NIV)

 

Am I saved? Am I going to heaven? Yes. Am I allowed to sit around and do nothing until Jesus returns? No.

 

I believe James got it right when he asked the question, “What good is it?” What good is our faith without the desire to do something with it? It’s useless. It isn’t beneficial. It’s dead.

 

Maybe today is the day you ask yourself, “What good is my faith?” If you aren’t coming up with the answers Paul and James suggest, perhaps it’s time to do something about it. Do something. Give something. Be something. And do it all for God and give Him the glory.

 

Jesus will return. Maybe today. I know I am ready and I know He will take me with Him. I pray you can say the same.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

 

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Games

July 18th, 2013 dsisler

I play a game on my phone that has captured my heart. I am not dependent upon “friends” to supply me with anything. No one else has to “build” or “harvest” or do something to make my game experience better.

 

Nothing dies if I don’t get to it in time. The quests are mostly doable. It is a mind-numbing, time-wasting, video game that is addicting.

 

I originally put it on my phone for Joy (my granddaughter) to play, but it hasn’t interested her at all. So it’s been me and the fishes for months and I am at level 25.

 

Upon realizing my addiction to this game, I’ve tried to squash the temptation of picking it up and just harvesting a little bit of algae and it has worked…for the most part. But like anything else that pulls my attention from what’s important, it may be time for me to call it quits.

 

It’s so easy to become side tracked or distracted from God’s plan for our lives. And most people start something (a game, a craft, a hobby, a relationship) thinking they can handle it and it won’t be a problem. But I’ve come to realize that nothing is as innocent as it seems in the beginning.

 

Time wasted, relationships hurt, and financial hardships are just a few of the issues caused by mindless activities. Not to mention how these seemingly small things can turn our relationship with God into mush.

 

There is nothing in this world that is worth ruining our relationship with God over. Nothing. God gave this message to the Israelites from the beginning. God shared this same message throughout Scripture. So why do we do it? Why do we let something as senseless as a video game get between me and God?

 

Because the evil one is in this world. And he is up to his old tricks. He makes us believe there isn’t a problem. He assures us that it’s harmless. He twists the truth. And we are the ones who accept his lies and fall into his trap.

 

Jesus warned those listening to Him (and us) of the capabilities of the evil one. In the parable of the sower (Matthew 13:3-23), Jesus speaks of how the evil one is able to snatch away what is sown in the hearts of those who have heard the Gospel.

 

Jesus also said there was a way to escape the evil one. In Matthew 26:41 (NIV), Jesus shared these words. “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing but the flesh is weak.” (Luke 22:40; Luke 22:46)

 

Jesus knew that prayer was one way to battle the evil one. He prayed for His disciples and for us in John 17:15 (NIV) when He said, “My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one.”

 

We also see from Jesus’ example of resisting temptation that reciting Scripture is a great way to walk away (Matthew 4:1-11).

 

Our dear friends Paul and James weigh in on this subject as well. Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians 10:12-13 (NIV), “So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall! No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. 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 endure it.”

 

What a promise! When I feel like I’m over my head, God will be there to help me get out of the situation. Of course, this only works if I want it and if I’m looking for an escape route.

 

And in James1:13-15 (NIV), Jesus’ half-brother provides information about what can happen if we don’t take that escape route. “When tempted, no one should say, ‘God is tempting me.’ For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.”

 

No beating around the bush here. When we flirt with temptation from the evil one we open the door to sin. And according to James (and Jesus, and Paul, and every other Bible book writer) sin leads to spiritual death.

 

So my little fish game that gobbles my time is leading me down a path of destruction. Oh there are much bigger things in my life that have the capability to do the same thing and now that I am more aware of the whole temptation thing (and it is in writing), I am compelled to look at each activity and weigh it against the health of my soul.

 

The good news is that God has provided a way out. I can delete the game. I’ve walked away from other games in the past and I can do the same with this one. I can choose to use that regained time in better ways. For greater purposes. And that is exactly what God calls me to do.

 

So today, the little fishies will be deleted from my phone. Instead of a few minutes throughout the day harvesting algae, I will pull up my Bible app and read a chapter from God’s Word. A much smarter decision.

 

What temptation is the evil one placing before you? While we seem to place labels to temptation, they are all the same in God’s eyes. If it takes you away from God’s presence, it is wrong.

 

So today, I ask that you join me in seeking those things that pull you away from God. The evil desires that entice us from His presence. And once you’ve identified it, set a course to remove it. Ask God’s forgiveness, His protection, His guidance, His grace to cover you through the process. Then you too can say, “Away from me, Satan!” (Matthew 4:10 – NIV)

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

 

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Decisions, Decisions

July 17th, 2013 dsisler

Making decisions can sometimes be difficult, especially when it is a decision where it will make a major impact in your life. There have been times when I’ve made these decisions without consulting God. Somehow, most of those decisions were the right ones and something good came from it.

 

It’s only been in the past ten years or so that I have really sought God’s counsel on decision making. I think the difference that comes with seeking God during these times is the peace that comes with the decision.

 

Several years ago, I was making a huge decision. I decided to take a day and spend it in the mountains chatting with God. I found a lovely spot. The scenery was amazing. The weather perfect. With Bible in hand, I sat on a bench, telling God all about the decision to be made.

 

I flipped to the concordance of my Bible to search for verses about mountains…I chose to read Micah 4:2. “Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob. He will teach us his ways, so that we may walk in his paths.” It was a great verse to start with.

 

Allowing God to teach me something was a good step. Knowing that walking in His path would be the result was even better. I knew I needed Him to point me down the right path.

 

Then I read the entire chapter of Micah 4. It’s interesting that the section starting in verse 6 is titled, “The Lord’s Plan.” Could I possibly have found a better passage to read during this decision making excursion? I don’t think so. And I also don’t think it was by accident that I turned to this passage.

 

There were several verses that led me to believe that my decision was an easy one. Yes, there would be some major changes in my life, but I knew God was leading me in that direction.

 

There is one other verse in this chapter that I have held on to throughout these past few years. Micah 4:10b – “…for now you must leave the city to camp in the open field. You will go to Babylon; there you will be rescued. There the Lord will redeem you out of the hand of your enemies.”

 

This verse tells me that I must get out of my comfort zone to share the Gospel with anyone and everyone who will listen. It may even be that I am to leave the security that I am so accustomed to. But for certain, the Lord will be with me through it all.

 

Maybe this particular chapter will mean nothing to you. Maybe it’s just a chapter in the Old Testament that has no relevance in your life. For me, it was a turning point. A time when I asked God and He answered me. I do believe I can still repeat Micah 4:2. Will you join me? Are you willing to learn what He has to teach?

 

“Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob. He will teach us his ways, so that we may walk in his paths.”

 

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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