Memorial Day

May 27th, 2013 dsisler

Today is the day we Americans set aside to remember the men and women who fought and died in our military forces. From the Revolutionary War to the war against terrorism, those who have fallen are remembered on this particular day.

 

This day allows us to remember the bravery of those who have served in the armed forces. To reflect upon what their service meant. To ponder what might America might have looked like had these men and women neglected their call to duty. To beam with pride for our America.

 

Patriotism in our early nation meant giving of oneself for the better of the whole. Sometimes it meant loss of livelihood. Sometimes it meant death. Today, we seem to believe we are patriotic if we fly our flag. But patriotism goes much deeper than that.

 

It is who we are as Americans. It is what we believe in. It is what we are willing to do to protect our values and our families. It is knowing that fighting for what is right is better than not fighting. But most of all, it is knowing that we live in a land where we are free.

 

Unfortunately, we take all of this for granted on most days of the year.

 

One of my favorite patriotic gospel songs is ‘Statue of Liberty.’ In this song, a comparison is made between our American freedom and our freedom in Christ. Here are the lyrics to this song and if you’d like to listen and see a beautiful slide show, you can click here.

 

In New York Harbor stands a lady,
With a torch raised to the sky;
And all who see her know she stands for
Liberty for you and me.

I’m so proud to be called an American,
To be named with the brave and the free;
I will honor our flag and our trust in God,
And the Statue of Liberty.

On lonely Golgotha stood a cross,
With my Lord raised to the sky;
And all who kneel there live forever
As all the saved can testify.

I’m so glad to be called a Christian,
To be named with the ransomed and whole;
As the statue liberates the citizen,
So the cross liberates the soul.

Oh the cross is my Statue of Liberty,
It was there that my soul was set free;
Unashamed I’ll proclaim that a rugged cross
Is my Statue of Liberty![i]

 

I believe these lyrics show how our Christian faith is intertwined with our American lives. Where religious freedom meets political freedom. As a Christian, my faith must be seen in all areas of my life.

 

In Scripture we see that our spiritual freedom comes through living by God’s teachings. David knew how to be free. “I run in the path of your commands, or you have set my heart free.” (Psalm 119:32 – NIV) Isn’t this what we are all seeking? A heart set free? David shares the secret. It’s up to us to accept it.

 

Jesus also spoke of the freedom by following His teachings. “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:31b-32 – NIV) As we study and implement Jesus’ teachings, truth will become clear. It is the truth that will set us free.

 

And one more passage from 2 Corinthians 3:17 (NIV) that tells us where freedom can be found. “Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” When the Spirit of the Lord resides within us, freedom is abundant.

 

I am called to live a life that honors God because of the freedom given in America and through the cross of Christ. I cannot take either lightly. Too great a sacrifice has been given for each.

 

Revolutionary War soldiers fought with great courage for what they believed in order to establish a nation that offered freedom and liberty to its citizens. Each military member since that time has fought for that same reason.

 

Jesus gave His life so that I might know true freedom and liberty. Spiritual freedom. Everlasting liberty.

 

Today I remember both. If you have not already enjoyed Christ’s freedom, why not do so today? It will be a day to remember!

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

 

If you’d like to leave me a message, please click here to do so.

[i] Statue of Liberty, © Words & Music by Neil Enloe, 1974

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A Day to Remember

May 26th, 2013 dsisler

Good morning! It’s Sunday and the sunrise was beautiful here in Colorado. I pray that you are waking to something beautiful today.

 

And because it’s Sunday, it’s the day of the week I take a little reprieve from writing new material and post an old piece. Today’s post was written last spring.

 

I was recently asked why I write this blog every day. I gave my usual answers, but one I missed is in this piece. With missed opportunities behind, I press forward to share God’s message with you, my reader.

 

Memory Loss

 

I have had some memory issues over the past few years. Not the typical, “I wish I could remember why I walked into this room,” or “I know there was something else I needed to pick up at the grocery store.”

 

The problem I’ve had involved forgetting who family members were, confusion over common events or locations, and on occasion, not understanding words in documents. I had even decided that I would probably need to quit my job because nothing made sense. Nothing.

 

I believed I was developing dementia or even worse, Alzheimer’s, and I had just turned 50. I began having anxiety attacks if I was in a new or unfamiliar location, so eventually I stopped going places by myself. I started carrying around notebook with vital information within its pages and pictures of family members with their names.

 

A stabilizing factor in my situation was my husband. If I could talk to him when I felt an “episode” coming on, I could make it home without a full blown anxiety attack or a sense of losing control. However, I was rarely in control.

 

I visited my doctor, and after much discussion and tests, she came to the conclusion that I was having a type of migraine. My type of migraine. I would have certain symptoms; auras in my eyes or numbness in my hands, but usually never went completely to a headache.

 

She started me on a migraine preventer and within a week, I knew I was on the road to recovery. I remembered people’s names and understood words in documents. That pill, two times per day, was and is a life-saver for me.

 

On two occasions, I didn’t take my migraine preventer. The day after not taking this medication, a migraine started with aura and numbness. I have learned that I must never, ever forget or think that I don’t need to take that little pill. Ever.

 

I sometimes wish there were symptoms like an aura when I forget to study God’s Word or maybe numbness in my hands if I don’t spend prayer time with Him. I might be more inclined to make sure I make an effort for these important times with God if that were the case.

 

Even though I don’t have physical symptoms when I neglect God, my spiritual life is in real danger because of my lack of time with God. I must spend that time with Him on a regular basis in order for my spiritual life to be complete.

 

Spending time studying God’s Word and prayer time are just two spiritual disciplines that we must regularly have in our daily lives. Scripture clearly conveys the message that we are to be working toward spiritual maturity. Let’s look at a few to determine the importance of these activities.

 

Bible Study

An example of studying God’s Word can be found in the book of Ezra. He was “well versed in the Law of Moses.” He arrived in Jerusalem from Babylon and he had “devoted himself to the study and observance of the Law of the Lord, and to teaching its decrees and laws in Israel.” (Ezra 7:1-10 – NIV)

 

In 2 Timothy 2:15 (NIV), Timothy was told to “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.” We also should study God’s Word so that we know exactly what His Word says. We then, will be able to be like Timothy.

 

Prayer

Ephesians 6:18 (NIV) shows us that we are to “pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.”

 

Here are a few other verses to take note of that lead us to the same conclusion.  “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” (Philippians 4:6 – NIV) “Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.” (Colossians 4:2 – NIV) “The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.” (James 5:16b – NIV)

 

Spiritual Maturity

I love what James says in James 1:22 (NIV), “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” We must put all that we learn into practice, otherwise we will not grow spiritually. That is not what God wants us to be or how He wants us to live our lives. We are to do what His Word says.

 

My memory has been fully restored. Sometimes it’s even better than I could have imagined. My memory restoration is part of the reason I began writing in earnest. I feel as if God has given me a second chance to share His message with others. I do not plan to simply study His Words any longer. I plan to “do what it says!”

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

 

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Greater is He

May 25th, 2013 dsisler

Wow! I’m tired this morning. My mind is foggy. My eyes are puffy. By the way I feel this morning, you would think I stayed out late or didn’t sleep well.

 

But neither of those are the case. I went to bed at a decent time, slept well, and slept in (until 6:15 a.m.). So why do I feel like this? I’m not sure, but I can relate to how the disciples felt on Jesus’ last night on this earth before His resurrection.

 

Jesus specifically asked them to stay awake and pray. He asked them to be alert. He asked them to watch. He asked them to pray.

 

But time after time, they were found sleeping because their “eyes were heavy” (Matthew 26:43).

 

Jesus felt the urgency that night. He knew what was going to take place. He knew after this night, everything would change.

 

The disciples obviously didn’t feel the same urgency. I suspect if they knew what was about to take place, they would not have slept. They would have been alert and doing exactly as their Rabbi had requested. They may have even tried to follow Him just to be near Jesus.

 

But that wasn’t the case. After finding the disciples asleep yet again, the betrayal was in full swing and Jesus was arrested, tried, beaten, mocked, and eventually crucified.

 

I wonder how well the disciples slept after the crucifixion. Did they lie awake at night asking themselves “what if?” What if they hadn’t fallen asleep? What if they had stayed awake and prayed? What if they had been more aggressive? What if they had more faith as Jesus asked them on more than one occasion? What if?

 

But the reality was they didn’t do any of these things. Jesus put it in plain words in Matthew 26:41 (NIV). “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak.”

 

Another truth is nothing they could have done that night would have made a difference in the outcome. Jesus’ sacrifice would have taken place. It was part of God’s plan. It was God’s way of saving mankind.

 

Where the difference would have been found was in the disciples themselves. They missed an opportunity to grow spiritually because they were tired.

 

In truth, I’m no different. I allow my physical body to dictate my spiritual life. I say, “My spirit is willing, but my flesh is weak.”

 

I believe that when I am feeling this way, it’s an opportunity for the Holy Spirit to take over. When I acknowledge and accept His power within me, I am able to continue. I am able to grow. I am able to prove to myself that my spirit is able to overcome my body because of the One within me.

 

Perhaps this event is why John later wrote, “You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.” (1 John 4:4 – NIV)

 

With the power of the Holy Spirit, we are able to overcome all that comes with this earthly body. Even tiredness.

 

Today I am living proof. I sat down at my computer and didn’t know where I was heading with this post. And yet, 631 words later, I have a blog post. It wasn’t me. I wanted to write, “I’m tired. I’m not writing today. Grace and peace be yours in abundance.”

 

But God’s Spirit took over and because He is greater than anything that I encounter, I have shared a little something from God’s Word that might encourage you today.

 

I don’t know about you, but I think I’m ready to get this day started!

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

 

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My New Bible

May 24th, 2013 dsisler

I received a new Bible for Mother’s Day from my husband. You might think that with all the Bibles I have sitting on my shelf that one more would not be the perfect gift, but it was.

 

My new Bible is the updated version of New International Bible. The first printing of this version was in 1984. Since then, they have made a few changes to their translation of certain words, phrases or concepts. This newer version remains true to the manuscripts while allowing the modern reader a better understanding of God’s Word.

 

My new Bible is a Thinline. That means it is slender and sleek. It is lightweight (compared to my big blue study Bible that weighs nearly four pounds). It is easy to carry. It feels good in my hands. It is easy to take with me.

 

My new Bible is also large print. I love the Thinlines that I have on my shelf, but the print is so small they are unusable. I cannot read the words because they are nearly unreadable for me. The solution? Larger print! I can actually read this Bible without strain on my eyes.

 

It may seem that my 1984 version of the Bible is obsolete, but I can guarantee it is not. It is still very useful for my writing and Bible study preparation. It is always handy. It’s always sitting on my desk ready to be used. It has markings and notes and it’s not very likely that it will be going any place any time soon.

 

So here are some of my thoughts on God’s Word and the impact it has on my life and those who choose to read it and make changes in their lives because of what they read.

 

God’s Word is not obsolete

It is still a best seller. With nearly six billion copies sold world-wide, there is little doubt that any other book has sold near this amount. So why is that? Because God’s Word contains hope for the world. Jesus is that hope. It’s only through Him that we find fulfillment in this life. He is the One who offers significance. He is the One who brings us from our despair and provides life. There is nothing obsolete about hope.

 

God’s Word is timeless

The Bible has withstood the tests of time. It has survived, endured, lasted, and remained. It has been preserved, maintained, upheld and conserved by faithful servants of God. Regardless of what mankind has tried to do to God’s Word, it has survived it all and is still able to speak to those very people who tried to decimate the Bible and its message.

 

God’s Word is relevant

If you don’t believe me, read through these passages and tell me if it was written for today’s society or for the generation of 70 A.D.

 

“They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed, and depravity. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit and malice. They are gossips, slanderers, God-haters, insolent, arrogant and boastful; they invent ways of doing evil; they disobey their parents; they have no understanding, no fidelity, no love, no mercy.” (Romans 1:29-31 – NIV)

 

“The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissentions, factions, and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like.” (Galatians 5:19-21a – NIV)

 

“Do not be surprised, my brothers and sisters, if the world hates you.” (1 John 3:13 – NIV)

 

God’s Word offers all that we need

As we live as believers in this world, the Bible gives us valuable information so that we are able to withstand the troubles, temptations, and trials that come along with life. I pray that you find comfort from these words and that you will hold tightly to them as you go through your day.

 

“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” (Romans 12:2 – NIV)

 

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” (Galatians 5:22-23 – NIV)

 

“Who is it that overcomes the world? Only the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.” (1 John 5:5 – NIV)

 

Oh how I love God’s Word and what I find between its pages fills my life with such hope and joy that I cannot keep it to myself. I must share what I’ve learned through study with others. That’s one of the reasons I write this blog each day. To share a tidbit of what God has to say through the Bible.

 

I pray that you are reading God’s Word on a regular basis (daily would be wonderful!). God’s message is too valuable to leave sitting on your bookshelf or coffee table. Pick it up today. Read it. Come to love it as I do and you’ll understand why I do what I do.

 

I pray that you are also sharing what you’re learning. It may not be in written form, but in some way relaying this message to others. It might possibly be the one thing needed to change that person’s life.

 

I pray for those who haven’t come to know God as I do too. If you are reading this and fit into this group, please let me share more of this message with you. I would love to point you to God through His Word. Just let me know by making a comment.

 

Today, I am blessed.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

 

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When This You See…

May 23rd, 2013 dsisler

The mother of my grandchildren, my daughter Bethany, does a great job of giving thoughtful gifts. Gifts that I will treasure for the rest of my life.

 

This past Mother’s Day was no different. She showed up with a framed piece of art with handprints of the three kids. I’m sure it wasn’t easy getting the two-year old and the four-month old to cooperate, but it looks great.

 

The verse that goes with the handprints says, “Baba may hold our hands for a little while, but she will hold our hearts forever.”

 

There are other items around my house that are reminders of my grandchildren. Of course, Joy has overtaken my home with her name in many pieces of décor. Grace now has a prominent place in my living room. Percy and Archer share a photo frame that sit on top of the entertainment center.

 

There are Willow Tree figurines. Photographs. Artwork. Toys. A highchair. A baby swing. Child protective electric outlet covers.

 

All of these little reminders are in place so that I might remember my grandchildren. With my past memory issues, maybe this isn’t so far-fetched. But at this stage in my life, I certainly would never forget my babies!

 

I have a little sampler that hangs in my bathroom that says, “When this you see remember me.”

 

There is a little part of us that perhaps believes someone just might forget us. That we might fall through the cracks in another’s mind. That we might not be as unforgettable as we’d like.

 

How blessed we are that we are not far from our heavenly Father’s thoughts. And we have that assurance from Scripture.

 

In the Old Testament, we read of God remembering those He loved. Noah (Genesis 8:1), Abraham (Genesis 19:29), Rachel (Genesis 30:22), Hannah (1 Samuel 1:19), Israel (Psalm 98:3; Psalm 115:12), and King David (Psalm 119:49).

 

In the New Testament, Jesus remembered the thief on the cross (Luke 23:42-43).

 

But throughout Scripture we see glimpses of what God remembers (and doesn’t remember).

 

God remembered His covenant with Noah (Genesis 9:15-16). God remembered His covenant with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob (Exodus 2:24). God remembered the covenant He made to a thousand generations (Psalm 105:8; Psalm 105:42; Psalm 106:45). God remembered us in our low estate (Psalm 136:23). God did not remember our sin (Isaiah 43:25). God remembered to be merciful (Luke 1:54). God remembered gifts to the poor (Acts 10:31). God doesn’t remember our sin and lawless acts (Hebrews 10:17).

 

Remembrance is not a one way street however. God has asked us to remember too.

 

Remember the Sabbath (Exodus 20:8). Remember the commands of the Lord (Numbers 15:39-40). Remember the Lord your God (Deuteronomy 8:18; Nehemiah 4:14). Remember what God has done (1 Chronicles 16:12). Remember His covenant and obey His precepts (Psalm 103:18). Remember God’s ways (Isaiah 64:5). Remember this (2 Corinthians 9:6). Remember our former state (Ephesians 2:11-13). Remember hospitality and prisoners (Hebrews 13:1-3). Remember our leaders (Hebrews 13:7). Remember this (James 5:20). Remember the words of Christ and the apostles (Jude 1:17).

 

Unfortunately, our memories aren’t as good as they should be. I sometimes seem to forget God completely. It’s at those moments when I must cry out to God and ask forgiveness. Then I must make an extra effort to remember all that He has done for me. To remember where I was and that I don’t want to wind up there again.

 

There are so many things to remember, but we have a special gift from our heavenly Father to help us. As a believer, we have His Holy Spirit within us to remind us of all we’ve learned. Jesus offered these words in John 14:26 (NIV). “But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.” How blessed we are to have this wonderful gift!

 

So, how is your memory? Do you remember all that God has done for you? Do you remember to spend time with God? Do you remember to acknowledge Him throughout your day?

 

If you struggle with this, why not place strategic items around your life to remind you to think of God. For me, it may be the sampler in my bathroom that sparks my memory to praise God. It might be a verse of Scripture hung in my office. It might be a small rock in my purse that when touched prompts me to think of God. It might be an alarm set on my phone. These are just some of my ways to remember God throughout my day.

 

Yours may be completely different and I would love to hear how you remember God. Why not leave me a comment to tell me how you do so? You can leave a comment by clicking here.

 

What it boils down to is that we must try to remember God as we go about our busy lives, because He is remembering us. All the time.

 

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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