Calvary

March 29th, 2013 dsisler

The location: A rocky hillside outside of Jerusalem.

 

The characters: Criminals, Roman soldiers, scoffers, mourners, Satan, Jesus.

 

The plot: Destroy God’s plan to save mankind.

 

The scene: Crowds of people gather to witness the death of criminals. Men who had gone against the law. Two against the laws of man. One against the laws of God. At least this is what the crowd believes.

 

Other occurrences: Darkness covers the land for three hours; an earthquake; rocks are split in two; tombs break open; the curtain of the temple is torn in two from top to bottom.

The truth: Mary, Jesus’ mother, knew for certain this was God’s Son. A few of Jesus’ followers stood nearby and believed that Jesus was God’s Son. Upon seeing all that had occurred, a Roman Centurion confesses, “Surely this man was the Son of God!” Jesus commits His spirit to His Father.

 

Our truth: Jesus Christ was and is the Son of God. The One who took our sin that day and bore it so that we might have forgiveness of that sin. Without Calvary, we would not have hope, salvation, or eternal life.

 

“Surely he took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows,

yet we considered him stricken by God, smitten by him, and afflicted.

But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities;

the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed.”

(Isaiah 53:4-5)

 

If you’d like to read the whole account of Jesus’ crucifixion, death, and burial, you can find it in the following passages.

Matthew 27:32-61

Mark 15:21-47

Luke 23:26-56

John 19:16-42

 

We, as Christians, know this isn’t the end of the story. Victory prevails come Sunday morning. This day, Good Friday, is our day to remember what Jesus was willing to do for us. And I for certain can say, “by His wounds I am healed.”

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

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Remember

March 28th, 2013 dsisler

Two years ago, Mom and I spent a week in Daytona together. On one of those days, Mom and I went to the Holy Land Experience in Orlando. It was amazing. Our first “experience” was in the upper room.

 

A character playing the role of Jesus entered the room and spoke. He shared some of the teachings of Jesus and then led us in a special service. The special service we know as The Lord’s Supper or Communion.

 

I was drawn back in time and thought of the events that took place.

 

The upper room was prepared. 13 Jewish men sat at the table to observe the Passover Feast. To remember the events of that night long ago when the Hebrew Nation was released from slavery and allowed to leave Egypt for the first time in 400 years.

 

In the midst of the meal, Jesus instituted a special observance. The Lord’s Supper…His Supper.

 

This initial Supper is recorded in three of the four gospels. Matthew 26, Mark 14, and Luke 22 give us the details of the meal and the context where Jesus first shared in this symbolic meal.

 

Jesus took the bread, gave thanks and broke it. He then gave it to His disciples. “Take and eat; this is my body.” Then in the same way He took the cup, gave thanks, and gave it to the disciples. “Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.”

 

In all accounts, Jesus tells the disciples that He would not eat or drink of this new covenant until He was with them in His Father’s kingdom, at the great wedding banquet.

 

There is one other location in Scripture where we find the account of the Lord’s Supper. It is in 1 Corinthians 11:20-34. The gospel of Luke and the 1 Corinthians passage give us six more words. “Do this in remembrance of Me.” Perhaps you’ve seen these words on the front of a Communion Table at the front of a local church. They are a reminder that we are to do this…in remembrance of what Jesus did for us.

 

A few other mentions of this remembrance can be found. They show us different names for this observance. Let’s see what they say.

 

Acts 2:42. “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.” Here we see it called breaking of bread.

 

Acts 20:7. “On the first day of the week we came together to break bread.” In this passage, the Lord’s Supper is mentioned as to break bread.

 

1 Corinthians 10:16-17; 21. “Is not the cup of thanksgiving for which we give thanks a participation in the blood of Christ? And is not the bread that we break a participation in the body of Christ? Because there is one loaf, we, who are many, are one body, for we all partake of the one loaf. You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons too; you cannot have a part in both the Lord’s table and the table of demons.” The Lord’s table is yet another reference.

 

Regardless of the term we determine to call our special time with God, we are called to proclaim the Lord’s death until His return, be reverent, to partake in a worthy manner, to examine ourselves, and to remember. (1 Corinthians 11:26-29; Luke 22:19)

 

What a special week. The week we remember all that Christ did for us. His teachings, His actions, His love. They all point us to the cross and empty tomb. Today is no different. During that holy week, on Thursday, He met with His closest friends and celebrated the Passover meal with them. Do you consider yourself a friend of Jesus? If so, won’t you join me this coming Lord’s Day to remember?

 

If you are not a believer, there is no better time than now to accept Jesus as your Savior.

 

I was introduced to a song this past Sunday that was sung during our Communion service that touched me. I’d like to share the lyrics with you (almost reminds you of Musical Musing in March doesn’t it?).

 

Carried to the Table

Wounded and forsaken
I was shattered by the fall
Broken and forgotten
Feeling lost and all alone
Summoned by the King
Into the Master’s courts
Lifted by the Savior
And cradled in His arms

I was carried to the table
Seated where I don’t belong
Carried to the table
Swept away by His love
And I don’t see my brokenness anymore
When I’m seated at the table of the Lord
I’m carried to the table
The table of the Lord

Fighting thoughts of fear
And wondering why He called my name
Am I good enough to share this cup
This world has left me lame
Even in my weakness
The Savior called my name
In His Holy presence
I’m healed and unashamed

You carried me, my God
You carried me[i]

 

I would love for you hear this wonderful song. You can do so by clicking on this link. I pray that God will touch you today in a special way. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b61xciKbreY

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna


[i] Carried to the Table, Leeland, 2006

 

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The Final Parables

March 27th, 2013 dsisler

Yesterday I started going through some of Jesus’ teachings during the week before His crucifixion and resurrection. He had so much to say to the crowds…and to us as well. Jesus shared six parables during that week and today, we’ll be looking at them.

 

The Parable of the Two Sons (Matthew 21:28-32)

Two sons…each asked to work in the field. One said no, and then later changed his mind. One said yes, but didn’t go to the field to work at all.

 

This parable was spoken for the Jewish leaders. They had rejected Jesus and His message. But those considered sinful and unworthy by the religious leaders had a better chance of entering the Kingdom. It was an attitude thing.

 

The Parable of the Tenants (Matthew 21:33-46; Mark 12:1-12; Luke 20:9-19)

A vineyard was rented out to tenants. When the time came to collect the fruit, three servants were sent to collect and they were beaten, killed and stoned. Other servants were sent and treated in this same manner. Finally, the son of the landowner was sent. He was killed for his inheritance.

 

The servants in this parable represent Old Testament prophets and the son represents Jesus. Jesus was showing that the Jewish nation had rejected God’s Son and that the Gospel would be shared with Gentiles.

 

The Parable of the Wedding Banquet (Matthew 22:1-14)

A wedding feast is prepared. The guests are invited. But no one shows. Again the invitation is sent. But instead of simply not attending, some of the servants are mistreated and killed. Enraged, the king sent his army, destroyed the murderers and burned their city.

 

The servants were once again sent out to extend the invitation, but this time to those who were on the streets…anyone the servants found. The wedding hall was filled with guests.

 

This parable again taught that the Jewish nation would not be the only people to share in the Kingdom of God. It would be open for any who might accept the Gospel and Jesus. Those who do accept this gift must mature spiritually. Through our maturity may we show that we are God’s people.

 

The Parable of the Ten Virgins (Matthew 25:1-13)

Ten virgins with lamps and oil. Five had enough oil. Five were unprepared. When asked if the oil could be shared, they were told “no, go buy your own.” The Bridegroom arrives and escorts the five with oil into the wedding banquet. The other five were left outside, unknown by the Bridegroom.

 

This parable means one thing. That we must keep our minds on Jesus and must be ready when He comes. If you are not prepared or ready, you will not enter into the wedding feast.

 

The Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30)

One master, three servants, nine talents. One servant given five talents, one given two, and one given one. The master goes away and after a long time, he returns to settle accounts with the servants.

 

The servant with five talents gained five more. The master was pleased and said, “Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!”

 

The servant with two talents gained two more. The master repeats his message to the second servant.

 

The servant with one talent feared the master and buried the talent in the ground to keep it safe. The master was angered. He called the servant “wicked and lazy.” The servant was thrown outside into the darkness and the talent was given to the first servant.

 

As we are awaiting the return of Christ, we must not play it safe. We must be serving and diligent in all areas of our Christian walk. We can also see that we are to be faithful and good stewards of what is provided to us.

 

The Parable of the Sheep and Goats (Matthew 25:31-46)

“When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his throne in heavenly glory. All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another…” The sheep to His right and the goats to His left.

 

To the sheep He says, “Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world.”

 

And the reason? They had fed Jesus when He was hungry; quenched His thirst when He was thirsty; invited Him in as a stranger; clothed Him when He was naked; took care of Him when He was sick; and visited Him in prison.

 

The sheep asked when they had done this and Jesus replied that when they gave to anyone in need they had indeed given to Jesus. The sheep were given eternal life.

 

He then turned to the goats and said, “Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.”

 

Why? They hadn’t given to Jesus as the sheep had and since they hadn’t given to anyone, they were sent to eternal punishment.

 

Oh, how Jesus wanted them (and us) to understand that showing love to others in need is so important in the Kingdom. We must not sit by and watch as our fellow Christians suffer. If we can lend aid, we should do so.

 

Now this doesn’t mean that we can “earn” our way into heaven. No, we must give and serve without expectation of any reward.

 

I mentioned yesterday that Jesus was busy. He certainly was. Busy doing Kingdom work. God’s work. I pray that these parables will offer something for you today. These words spoken nearly 2,000 years ago can have such impact on our lives. Let’s listen intently to all that Jesus has to say to us.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

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His Final Week

March 26th, 2013 dsisler

When I was in Bible college years ago, a required class for everyone was The Life of Christ. A couple of options were offered. I chose to study the final week of Christ’s life. One full semester of the final week Jesus was on this earth.

 

There is so much information in the Bible about that week. Much of the teachings of Christ that are available to us were spoken during His final week.

 

A book that has been on my shelf since college is Halley’s Bible Handbook.[i] In this book there is a great chart about the last week and Jesus’ movements. I want to share this with you.

 

The Last Week of Jesus’ Life on Earth
Saturday Jesus arrives in Bethany (John 12:1)
Sunday The Triumphal Entry. Jesus weeks over Jerusalem
Monday The fig tree cursed. Merchants thrown out of the temple
Tuesday Jesus’ last day in the temple. Judas’s bargain with the priests (or the next day?)
Wednesday Day of quiet at Bethany
Thursday Evening: the Last Supper Night: the agony in Gethsemane
Friday Trial and crucifixion
Sunday Jesus rises from the dead

 

During this final week, Jesus spent much of his time in the temple with great crowds, which included Jewish leaders. Jesus spoke with the crowds and Jesus also used the time in the temple to heal those in need of healing. So what are some of the issues Jesus talked about and shared with this group?

 

Jesus cleared the temple…again. He reminds the merchants that the temple is a house of prayer, not for buying and selling. (Matthew 21:12-17; Mark 11:12-19; Luke 19:45-48)

 

Jesus cursed a fig tree…for not having figs. The lesson He taught was that of faith. He stressed to the disciples that faith in God leads to great blessings. Faith leads to answered prayer. (Matthew 21:18-22; Mark 11:20-25; Luke 21:37-38)

 

Trying to trap Jesus, the Pharisees sent some of their students to ask Jesus a question on paying taxes. Jesus, of course sees right through this. I can almost see Him ask for a coin. Giving to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s was His answer. And that answer astonished them…it also quieted them! (Matthew 22:15-22; Mark 12:13-17; Luke 20:20-26)

 

Jesus was asked about the greatest commandment given. “Love the Lord your God with all your heat and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. The second is this: Love your neighbor as yourself. There is no commandment greater than these.” Just another reminder of how we are to live our lives. (Matthew 22:34-40; Mark 12:28-34)

 

Jesus was a people watcher! It thrills me because I enjoy watching people too! As the crowd came into the temple to place their offerings in the treasury, Jesus watched. He noticed how the rich would throw in large amounts of money. He also noticed a poor widow, giving all that she had. “Two very small copper coins.” The lesson Jesus shared with the disciples was that giving from poverty was far better than giving from wealth. It means giving all there is…sacrificial giving. (Mark 12:41-44; Luke 21:1-4)

 

This is just a short list of what Jesus had to say to those in the temple and along the road. It was the last time He would be able to teach to some in this crowd. He was intentional in His teachings. He felt a sense of urgency. He knew His life was coming to an end and Jesus wanted to share as much as possible with those willing to listen.

 

Jesus’ final week. There is much to be learned from His behavior during this time. What have you learned? What are you willing to learn? Why not take the time this week to read through His final week. You’ll be amazed at all Jesus has to say.

 

Tomorrow…be ready to run through the last six parables that Jesus shared before His crucifixion. Jesus was certainly busy!

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna


[i] Henry Halley, Halley’s Bible Handbook (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2000), p. 539

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Peter

March 25th, 2013 dsisler

This week leads up to the most important event of Christianity. For us, we celebrate Easter morning to remember a particular morning many years ago. The morning Jesus Christ resurrected from the dead.

 

I plan to write more about that and other events that took place during that holy week as the week goes on, but what I’d like to concentrate on today is a person. Peter.

 

Jesus chose Peter on the banks of the Sea of Galilee. Peter was fishing with his brother Andrew when Jesus approached them and said, “Come, follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” (Matthew 4:19) These words changed Peter’s life forever.

 

We all know Peter as the outspoken disciple. The one who always asked the questions no one else was willing to pose.

 

Peter was one of the closest followers of Jesus and was nearby for several events. One was the Transfiguration (Matthew 17:1-13). He wanted to build shelters for Jesus, Moses and Elijah. But Jesus asked that nothing be discussed until after His resurrection.

 

Peter was also with Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane (Matthew 26:36-46). Jesus took Peter and the two sons of Zebadee away from the other disciples. He asked them to “keep watch.” Being tired, the trio was unable to keep their eyes open. Jesus was disappointed three times by these men.

 

Of course, these aren’t the only times Peter is mentioned in the New Testament. Here are a few others you might remember:

 

Peter asked the question about forgiveness (Matthew 18:21-35)

Peter gave his confession of Jesus (Matthew 16:13-20)

Peter walked on the water (Matthew 14:22-36)

Jesus washed Peter’s feet (John 13:1-17)

Jesus predicted Peter’s denial (Matthew 26:31-35)

Peter denied knowing Jesus (Matthew 26:69-75)

Peter ran to the empty tomb (Luke 24:12)

Jesus brought Peter back into the fold (John 21:15-19)

 

But something changed in Peter after the resurrection of Jesus. And even more so after the Day of Pentecost. If we jump ahead to the Book of Acts, we see a man who was completely changed.

 

Peter’s address to the crowd on this day was miraculous. He presented the Gospel in a clear, straight-forward manner. His message was convincing and convicting. Many believed what he had to say on that day and for many years to come.

 

So what made the difference? The Holy Spirit. Each disciple was “filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.” (Acts 2:4)

 

And this was just the beginning. A quick read through the Book of Acts will show just how much Peter did at the start of the New Testament church. If you haven’t read through it recently, I would encourage you to spend some time in this book over the next few weeks.

 

This isn’t the end of Peter. There are two letters written by him in the New Testament. 1 and 2 Peter contain some great words of encouragement to “God’s elect” who were scattered about. They are words of hope for those being persecuted and words of warning against false teachers.

 

But I believe his overall message is of grace. Peter’s life showed that through the grace of God, he was who he was and was able to do what he did.

 

Can’t that be said of all of us? We are people just like Peter, who without grace and the Holy Spirit would be useless to God’s Kingdom.

 

These are some of my thoughts on Peter. Peter the man who couldn’t keep his mouth shut. Peter the man who had such great faith in Jesus. Peter the man who became an instrument to be used for God. Peter the man who understood grace.

 

I pray that each of us would have the same understanding of God working in and through us.

 

I end each blog with these words, “Grace and peace be yours in abundance.” They are Peter’s words. Taken from his letters. 1 Peter 1:2b and 2 Peter 1:2a. They have come to be meaningful and powerful to me. Maybe you’ll come to love them as much as I have.

 

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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