The Obvious

June 11th, 2013 dsisler

Summer feels like it has arrived in Colorado. With temperatures rising to near 100° today, it is going to be hot. In preparation for summer, last week I purchased a pool for the grandkids to enjoy at my house, but I didn’t pay attention to all the details on the box.

 

I only looked at the height of the pool. I wanted to make sure it was deep enough for Joy to enjoy as well as something Percy and even Leslieanna could splash around in.

 

I unrolled the pool in the family room and at that point Joy said, “Maybe you should blow it up outside…it might not fit through the door.”

 

Wise words from a youngster.

 

Outside, I was surprised that I was not able to blow it up on my own. So I brought out the small shop vacuum and filled the tubes of the lining with air. Then I began to fill it with water. An hour later, there was about two inches of water in the pool.

 

I realized my mistake and decided to take the pool back and find a smaller one.

 

As Mason (my husband) and I discussed it later that evening, he asked if I had seen the 160 inches marking on the box. I told him I wasn’t concerned about that, just the height.

 

I also mentioned that if I had been paying attention, I would have noticed how many people were in the pool on the front picture. That would have given me an idea of just how big this pool really was.

 

I also reminded him of the money exchange fiasco in South Korea last fall…I do tend to have difficulty with numbers.

 

It was clearly obvious that the pool was pretty large. It was clearly obvious that it was going to take a lot of water to fill it. It was clearly obvious that this pool was meant for several adults to enjoy. It was clearly obvious that I ignored all of the above for one small detail.

 

King David found himself in a similar scenario (2 Samuel 11). It was spring and all the kings were at war. Except David. The Israelite army was in battle against their enemies. Their leader however, had chosen to stay in the palace.

 

Bathsheba belonged to someone else. David ignored this important detail. David engaged Bathsheba in an affair which was clearly against God’s precepts. David initiated the death of Bathsheba’s husband. Again, clearly against God’s commands.

 

King David made choices without taking into account the consequences of those choices. David chose to ignore the obvious for his own gratification.

 

And yet, God considered David to be a man after his own heart (1 Samuel 13:13-14).

 

So how does this account help me in my Christian journey? I too ignore the obvious. The lists of sinful behaviors in Scripture are abundant. I still mess up and sin.

 

But God loves me anyway (Romans 5:8). God chooses to forgive my sinful nature (1 John 1:9) because I too, am a woman after His own heart (Psalm 16:2; Acts 13:22). I am one of His chosen (Colossians 3:12-17). I am a daughter of the King. God has created beauty from ashes in my life. I am clothed in garments of praise. I am a display of God’s splendor (Isaiah 61:3).

 

God overlooks the obvious in my life and only looks at my heart (1 Samuel 16:7). When my heart is in line with God’s will and His ways, I am a woman after His own heart.

 

What does God see when He looks at your heart? Is your heart filled with love for others? Is your heart filled with integrity? Is your heart teachable? Is your heart seeking God’s ways and His will? Is your heart repentant? Is God’s presence obvious to those around you because He is the Ruler of your heart?

 

Maybe it’s time to rid our lives of the obvious sin that separates us from our heavenly Father. Maybe it’s time to offer our hearts to Him to become women and men who are fully devoted to His Kingdom. Maybe it’s time for God’s will to replace our will in our lives.

I am thankful for a God who is willing to overlook the obvious flaws in my life. I am also thankful for a God who is also willing to create something beautiful out of those obvious flaws. Isn’t it about time for you to allow Him to do His great work in your life as well?

 

I did much better with the second purchase of a pool. It is just big enough for the slide to add some aquatic fun and there is space for all three grandkids. Oh what fun we will have this summer!

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

 

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Lessons from a Child

June 10th, 2013 dsisler

In preparation for our Vacation Bible School program at church, I bought a Bible for my granddaughter last week. She is six years old and reads very well, so I felt she would be able to read and understand the early reader’s version of the book I love so dearly. I also found a pink and brown Bible cover to make it a bit easier to carry.

 

I didn’t know how she would react, but she was filled with enthusiasm and could not wait to start reading it. She was also filled with questions.

 

She asked if it was a chapter book. I explained that it was and how unique the Bible was because of the different books found within the pages.

 

She asked where to start. I explained that she could start anywhere, but I mentioned that it would be good to start with the beginning of Genesis (to learn the biblical account of creation), but then go to the New Testament to read of God’s love.

 

After this discussion, she looked at me and said, “I’ll need lots of paper.” I asked why. “When I read a chapter book, I write down the main characters and what happens in each chapter.” Yes, she would indeed need lots of paper.

 

I was thrilled to see her excitement to read my beloved book. Through the week, I would find her hidden away searching the pages of her new Bible. Even now, thinking of those precious moments cause my heart to leap for joy. I pray that she will continue on her faith journey and learn how to live a good life (1 Peter 2:12) through God’s Word.

 

My question for each of us would have to be, “Do you still find excitement in reading God’s Word?”

 

I know I’ve taken God’s Word for granted through the years. With multiple copies of several versions on my bookshelf, it’s easy to believe that they will always be there. With free time that I sometimes use mindlessly, it’s easy to believe that there will be plenty of other opportunities to read God’s Word.

 

It is such belief that gets us (me in particular) into trouble. If I am not actively pursuing God’s message through the Bible, I am not learning. I am not growing. I am not filling my mind with God’s precepts.

 

Which brings me to another question. “What do you learn when you read the Bible?”

 

I find that when I am most open to God’s message, I learn. Even after I’ve read a section over and over, it is amazing that I can still find something new to learn. And what is even more amazing to me is that as I listen to the Bible, I hear ideas, concepts and words that I don’t read.

 

And yet another question. “Does boredom keep you from reading God’s Word?”

 

Unlike so many other activities, I don’t find reading the Bible to be a chore or mundane. As much time as I spend in this book, I never grow bored with reading its words. In fact, I find that as I read the Bible, I am spurred to do something. Love others. Transform. Practice hospitality. Rid my life of sin. Clothe myself with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Encourage others. And this list could go on.

 

Maybe it’s time for us to pull out the notebooks and start from the beginning. To read God’s Word through the eyes of a new believer or a young child. Perhaps it’s time to bring excitement into our Bible reading experience. I truly believe all that we need to know can be found in the Bible. We just have to look for it.

 

God’s Word is amazing and exciting. There is so much within the pages and regardless of how many times I read it there is still more to learn. But maybe I’m biased. After all, my heavenly Father wrote the book!

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

 

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Sunday, Sunday

June 9th, 2013 dsisler

Another glorious Lord’s Day has arrived! A day of worship, fellowship, and reflection. I pray that you will spend time with your Savior today.

 

Today I share a piece written last fall. It’s about Christmas! It’s never too early to talk about it…it’s a mere 198 days until Christmas 2013! And perhaps thinking of a cooler time will help ease the heat of summer. J

 

What? It’s Not Christmas?

 

As I was driving around town yesterday, I found myself listening to Christmas music. For some of you reading this, it is not surprising. But for the others, here is my confession. I’m a Christmas nut. I love everything about Christmas and listen to Christmas music year round. In fact, five of the six CD’s in my car are Christmas albums.

 

One of my favorite artists is Jim Brickman and he has some fabulous Christmas albums, one of which is in my car. Near the end of this album is a version of “O Holy Night.” It is a duet performed in French. It is now my favorite version of this Christmas classic.

 

As I listened, I couldn’t understand any of it except the word, Noel. But I know the words to this song in English, so I know the message of this song.

 

I realized in that moment, that God’s message is the same, regardless of the language. Yes, I’ve heard these words before, but I really understand it now.

 

Genesis 11:1-9 gives the account of why there are language barriers in the first place. A group of people desiring to reach God by building a tower was not a good idea. God caused the group to speak in different languages to confuse those doing the construction. From that point on, God’s message would need to be translated into different languages in order to be understood.

 

Can you imagine how the folks on the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2:1-13) felt when they heard God’s message in their own language for the very first time? What a thrill it must have been!

 

Even for me, an English speaking woman in the United States to be able to pick up a version of the Bible that I can read and understand should be exciting to me each time I read it. Yes, God’s Word is exciting to me, but it has never been so because it is in English!

 

The original Scriptures were not written in a language that I read. In fact, the Bible was written in three languages that I can’t read. If not for some dedicated scholars of the past, I might not be able to hold a copy of God’s Word in my hand, much less have multiple copies sitting on my shelf.

 

We can look at Philip and Ethiopian in Acts 8 to see that even if there isn’t a language barrier, understanding may not come easily. Let’s look at the passage.

 

“The Spirit told Philip, ‘Go to that chariot and stay near it.’ Then 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?’ So he invited Philip to come up and sit with him.” (Acts 8:29-31 – NIV)

 

God’s message is the same, no matter what language it is heard, read, or studied.

 

So what can we take away from this?

 

First of all, I think we can be more appreciative of the fact that we have God’s Holy Scriptures in our own language to read. Don’t take these precious words for granted. Memorize as much of it as possible. Study and understand what God’s Word has to say. Feel privileged that you have a copy of the Bible. There are others in this world who do not.

 

Second, understand that God’s message never changes. It is the same today as it was in the beginning. It is the same regardless of the language in which it is presented. Appreciate the magnitude of that message and be certain to speak it clearly.

 

Third, who do you know that needs assistance with understanding God’s Word? What role do you think God is leading you to? How can you help others understand God’s message? Don’t underestimate how God can use you in these circumstances. He is an amazing God!

 

Oh, I know that Christmas is still over three months away and there are a few holidays to celebrate between now and then. What can I say? Christmas makes me happy. Christmas music fills my heart with warmth.

 

And no matter what language we say it in, Merry Christmas [Melkin Yelidet Beaal (Ethiopian), Joyeux Noel (French), Fröhliche Weihnachten (German), Buone Feste Natalizie (Italian), Sung Tan Chuk Ha (Korean), Wesolych Swiat Bozego Narodzenia (Polish), Pozdrevlyayu s prazdnikom Rozhdestva is Novim Godom (Russian), Feliz Navidad (Spanish).[i]] means Merry Christmas.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

 

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[i] http://www.santas.net/howmerrychristmasissaid.htm

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Neighborly

June 8th, 2013 dsisler

What does it mean to be a neighbor?

 

I know what Jesus said, “Love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22:39 – NIV), but what does that look like?

 

I’ve been praying for my neighbors, but what I’ve come to know is that I know nothing about my neighbors and that I haven’t been as good at this neighborly thing as I should.

 

We’ve been battling feral cats and kittens in our yard. They originated from a neighbor two doors down. I’ve become quite emotional about these animals and have tried to stay calm while speaking to the family about the cats. Our conversations have only been about the cat situation and that’s as far as it’s gone.

 

We have an acquaintance relationship with our neighbor to the other side. We chat when we’re out doing yard work. It was their yard our fence fell into this past winter. We have had some conversations with them through the years, but not enough to know all that was going on. We found out last night that Mrs. M passed away this past Tuesday. I saw Mr. M three times yesterday and didn’t connect with him at all because of the running around I was involved with. All the while, he was hurting and I missed it.

 

I could provide all kinds of excuses. But none of them are good. Each simply points to the acknowledgement that I am too preoccupied. Too busy. Too involved in my own life that I have missed opportunities to show Jesus’ love to my immediate neighbors.

 

So I’ll go back to my original question. What does it mean to be a neighbor? How do you connect with those who live 20 feet from your home? How are you showing Jesus’ love to the people who live on the other side of that privacy fence running down either side of your house? What actions are you taking to let your neighbors know that you know the answer to all of life’s tough questions and that you believe in a God who is able to mend all the brokenness in their lives?

 

Prayer was a good start for me, but it wasn’t enough. I’ve missed opportunities to show Jesus’ love to all those who live near me, not just those who live within the walls of my home.

 

I don’t know that I have any answers today. These are my initial thoughts and now I must figure out how to make all of this right in my world. What I am certain of is that I cannot do this on my own. God must be in the middle of it and lend His hand along the way. He must prepare the way for me to go and be the neighbor that loves as I love myself.

 

How can you be a better neighbor today?

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

 

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Peonies

June 7th, 2013 dsisler

I love poppies…red to be exact. And a faithful gardener in my neighborhood has created a little area I pass each day that is full of red poppy blooms! What a beautiful treat!

 

I also love peonies. I have one plant in my yard and I’m thankful that I don’t have to be a faithful gardener to produce some beautiful blooms on said plant. Well, maybe if I were a little more faithful, I’d have even more blooms, but that’s besides the fact.

 

I do enjoy flowers, but I’m not as dependable when it comes to watering, caring or even willing to put more effort into this plant. It’s a good thing I’m not this way in other areas of my life.

 

My marriage. My work skills. My relationship with my children and grandchildren. The upkeep of my home. My spiritual life. In each of these areas, if I were as dependable as I am with my peony plant, these would all fall to pieces and they would be in ruin.

 

But I also know what is important. My peony plant brings joy to my heart when I see the blooms, but it doesn’t really have an effect on my day-to-day life. However, my relationships, my skills, my home, and my spiritual life are elements of my life that cannot be ignored or neglected.

 

So each day I must grow. Sometimes the growth is barely noticeable and other days I grow in enormous ways. But if I do not grow, I become stagnant. And in the worst case scenario, a little bit of me dies from neglect. I don’t know that any of the above mentioned areas of my life are so insignificant that I would be willing to allow that. So I’m determined to grow!

 

I’ve spoken of Jesus’ message in John 15 on numerous occasions. Jesus encourages us to grow. To produce fruit. To remain in Him. His words are nourishment to the soul and as we come to understand His words, we understand that we must grow.

 

In Romans 7:4 (NIV), Paul also encourages us to bear fruit. “So, my brothers, you also died to the law through the body of Christ, that you might belong to another, to him who was raised from the dead, in order that we might bear fruit to God.”

 

We also read of growth through the Gospel. “All over the world this gospel is bearing fruit and growing, just as it has been doing among you since the day you heard it and understood God’s grace in all its truth.” (Colossians 1:6b – NIV)

 

And again in Colossians 1:10 (NIV). “And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God.”

 

We must continue to grow in knowledge and in bearing fruit. Each day we must get into God’s Word to see where growth should take place and then we must allow growth to take place. It may be difficult. It will be work. But when good fruit is produced, it is worth it all.

 

The one thing in my life that does need to die is my sinful nature. Romans 7:6 (NIV) says, “But now, by dying to what once bound us (sinful nature, sinful passions), we have been released from the law so that we serve in the new way of the Spirit, and not in the old way of the written code.”

 

Are you growing today? What steps are you taking to ensure growth? Are you learning from God’s Word today? Are you willing to put to death that which is separating you from God?

 

These are all questions each of us must ask. From the newest of Christian to the oldest, each day I must be willing to grow. In all areas of my 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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