Roaming

January 24th, 2013 dsisler

I must admit that yesterday had its ups and downs. I was thrilled to be sharing about my journey to SE Asia, but as the day unfolded, it wasn’t all that great.

 

People, attitudes, rushing from one place to another, and a myriad of other things can get in our way of having a good day. Especially when we have something important to do.

 

We may lose confidence in ourselves. We may not feel up to doing the important thing. We may feel insecure. And as we combine all these things, we suddenly don’t want to do what God wants us to do.

 

You see, the devil is a busy guy. His agenda is to trip us up. As we are walking down the smooth path of life, Satan is there to throw obstacles in our way. Big or small, the size doesn’t matter. If it’s on the path, we just might stumble.

 

Peter warned us of the devil in 1 Peter 5:8 (NIV). Peter knew what the devil was capable of and how he worked. “Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.”

 

This verse is almost frightening. No one wants to be devoured by a prowling lion. That’s the exact reason Peter gives other advice to go along with this bit. Be self-controlled. Be alert. As we have control of our emotions and our bodies, we have a better chance of spotting the lion before it’s too late. The same can be said of being alert.

 

But Peter goes on in this passage to share some more advice. “Resist him (the devil), standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of suffering.” (1 Peter 5:9 – NIV)

 

Resist him. The problem with this piece of advice is that the devil changes his tactics. He tempts us with bigger and brighter things. He knows where we are weakest and he attacks us there. But still, we must resist him.

 

Now my issues today may not be someone else’s exact issues, but I know I am not in the boat alone. Satan is attacking all over the world and I find strength in knowing there are other Christians who are resisting the devil’s temptations. I can do it as well.

 

Now here’s the good news. Peter then continues with an assurance that I find great comfort in knowing. “And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.” (1 Peter 5:10 – NIV)

 

God is with me through it all. But He is doing more than just being with me. He is restoring me. He is making me strong. He is making me firm. He is making me steadfast. I am only able to get through this life with God on my side.

 

It’s through my faith in God and His grace, strength, love, and forgiveness that I can wake up each day and say, “Good morning! Let’s do it!”

 

And as the devil is prowling around looking for someone to devour, God isn’t sitting idly by and watching. 2 Chronicles 16:9a (NIV) assures me, “For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him.”

 

If this verse isn’t an encouragement to you today, I don’t know what else I could share with you. God is searching for those who need strength. If that is you today, He is looking and He will provide.

 

But we also see from this verse that He doesn’t just hand it out to anyone. He is looking for those who are committed to Him. Maybe that’s where we need to start today.

 

As I read through these passages, I’m able to face today with all its troubles and temptations, knowing that I am not in the day alone. God is right beside me. Loving me and comforting me along the way. I pray that you can say the same.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

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Make a Difference

January 23rd, 2013 dsisler

Today is a special day! I have the opportunity to share with a group of ladies about my journey to SE Asia and how God continues to use me through that journey.

 

It’s been good to look back on my trip and see how God used me then and how He continues to use me now. To see the lessons I’ve learned along the way and am still learning. So here is piece of what I’ll be sharing with this group.

 

One of our goals was to increase the worldview of ourselves and the American Church.

 

My personal worldview changed beyond what I could have imagined. I’d never been outside the United States (except Canada). I didn’t know what to expect. So everything I saw, heard, tasted and learned from the beginning was a worldview changer for me.

 

My experiences in SE Asia are still kind of hodge podge. They are all jumbled together into a large picture. Maybe one day I’ll be able sort them all out and present them as individual experiences.

 

But while I am still trying to figure some of it out, here are a few things I believe that has changed for me.

 

I have brothers and sisters in Christ all over the world. They listen to K-Love radio. They read the same Bible. They are gifted in the same ways that I am gifted. And above all, Jesus loves them as He loves me.

 

I also have come to realize that Christ’s Church is persecuted around the world and that we take far too much for granted in America. When asked how the American Church could prepare for persecution, we were told to study and memorize God’s Word.

How often do you take the number of Bible’s sitting on your shelf or table for granted? Believing they will always be there? Before I went to SE Asia, I know I did this quite often.

 

Now I understand how desperate I would be without God’s Word. The solution? Memorize Scripture. Don’t allow Satan to make us believe that we cannot do this. Let’s allow God to show us how easy it is with His help.

 

I also learned how good it is to see dedicated workers in the field. Those who are willing to be persecuted for their faith. Those who know the truth and aren’t afraid to share that truth with others.

 

I have often ignored situations or turned my back on those who need to hear the Gospel. And I can share God’s love freely with those I encounter. I used to take this freedom for granted…just like so many others. But now I know how important it is to make the most of every situation. Making each one count for God.

 

In Ephesians, Paul encouraged his fellow Christians to “Be very careful then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.” (Ephesians 5:15-16 – NIV)

 

And also in Colossians, Paul says, “Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity.” (Colossians 4:5 – NIV)

 

What opportunities have you missed? I know I’ve missed plenty. But you and I woke up this morning with the possibility of new opportunities. Today we can hear Paul’s words and do as he asks. Make the most of every opportunity.

 

God has taken me on a journey. My journey isn’t finished yet with SE Asia. And for that I’m thankful. I don’t want to stop being stretched until it’s time for me to see Jesus face to face. I pray that your worldview of Christians in SE Asia has changed just a bit too.

 

How can you make a difference? What can you do? Maybe you could send a card of encouragement to a missionary. Maybe you could send a gift. Maybe you could add them to your prayer time. Maybe you could open your heart now for God to prepare you to join me on the next service trip to SE Asia or another area of the world.

 

There are many ways you can make a difference. Be open to God’s leading. You never know how He will use you.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

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Just Plain Crazy!

January 22nd, 2013 dsisler

I have seen some crazy things on the roads of Colorado in the past few years. A few have had me scratching my head and saying, “How did that happen?”

 

For example, I saw a car on the median barriers. You know those large cement barriers. Like a teeter-totter. It was dangling, balanced as if a giant had come along and placed it strategically in that position. Now, how do you explain that to your spouse or your insurance company?

 

And then there was the time I saw a large moving van stopped along the highway. Smoke was streaming out the back end and flames were visible. The moving van was on fire! Again, how do you explain this situation to the people whose belongings have just burned up?

 

And last year with our dry, hot, windy weather here in Colorado, I passed by a wildfire on the highway. It was frightening as traffic passed the whipping flames not more than 10 feet from our cars. That was a memorable, yet crazy moment.

 

I’m sure if you took a moment to think about it you too, have seen some unusual happenings around you. Situations or scenes that seem very out of place and yes, even crazy.

 

I wonder if that isn’t how the local people of Jesus’ day reacted when He visited their villages. There were strange words spoken. There were strange and even crazy scenes witnessed. Jesus brought an entourage with Him that I suspect folks were leery of.

 

But the people were drawn to Jesus. They couldn’t help but sit and listen to His words. They were mesmerized by the miracles He performed. There was nearly always a crowd. But why do you suppose that is?

 

Although Jesus’ words and actions were unfamiliar to these people, His words and actions were filled with hope, love, acceptance, forgiveness, and honesty. They were exactly what they needed to hear. What they needed to see. Feel what they needed to feel.

 

As we read the accounts of Jesus’ interactions with others, we also might say something like “that’s crazy!” But to be honest, we are drawn to His words just as much as the villagers were 2,000 years ago. Because we too need the hope, love, acceptance, forgiveness and honesty that Jesus offers.

 

Crazy? Some may think so. But for me, to hear or read Jesus’ words in the Gospels fills my heart with joy. His words spoken all those years ago were spoken and recorded for me to read today. His words are just as relevant and meaningful today as they were then.

 

So as you continue through your day today, think of the craziness in your life. If you haven’t already done so, isn’t it time to give that craziness to Jesus? He would love to take it and make it into something beautiful and useful for His kingdom.

 

Just read what Jesus had to say about it. “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30 – NIV)

 

It may sound crazy, but it isn’t. It’s rational. It’s reasonable. It’s sensible. If you’re looking for hope or love or acceptance or forgiveness or honesty, Jesus is your last stop on the searching train. He offers it all to you and me.

 

Today I pray that you will stop and listen to the words Jesus is speaking. They are for you.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

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The Kingdom of the Grasshoppers

January 21st, 2013 dsisler

I’m sure you had no idea that I live in the kingdom of the grasshoppers. In fact, I’m sure you didn’t know that I am royalty.

 

As we were driving to my home a week or so ago, I was informed by my granddaughter Joy that we were getting close. I asked how she knew. She replied, “Because as we get closer to your house, there are more and more grasshoppers.”

 

Grasshoppers. Of course! Why didn’t I think of that?

 

www.acs.org

Just in case you don’t know, “grasshoppers” are the natural gas or oil pumps that line the horizon. Joy was right. As we get closer to my house from her house, “grasshoppers” appear in abundance. There are actually two within my neighborhood.

 

It was only natural that I immediately became the queen of the kingdom of the grasshoppers. An elaborate story began to form around this kingdom. Our collaborative, creative minds made the rest of the trip fly by. We were home in no time.

 

Royalty. Queenship. It was all rather fun. Until the real implications of lordship step into the real storyline.

 

We sang the hymn “I’d Rather Have Jesus” yesterday at church. It has been one of my favorite hymns through the years and it was once again a good reminder of what I should be willing to give up for Jesus. Here are some of the lyrics.

I’d rather have Jesus than silver or gold;
I’d rather be His than have riches untold;
I’d rather have Jesus than houses or lands;
I’d rather be led by His nail-pierced hand

Refrain:
Than to be the king of a vast domain
And be held in sin’s dread sway;
I’d rather have Jesus than anything
This world affords today.[i]

 

What am I willing to give up so that Jesus might be the Lord of my life? According to this song and to Scripture, I must give up the queenship of my kingdom. Not just my worldly possessions or the items that I am the “queen” over, but also the kingdom of my heart.

 

You see, the only kingdom that I have any control over is the kingdom of my heart. I can give it away or I can hold onto it. As I loosen my grip on this kingdom and allow Jesus to reign, my heart becomes His. He becomes the King of my heart. My queenship is overthrown.

 

Peter mentioned Lordship as he penned the words of First Peter. “But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord.” (1 Peter 3:15a – NIV) Clearly, Jesus is to be placed in high prominence. He is to be Lord of the kingdom of our hearts.

 

As we read the Book of Ephesians, we come to a better understanding of this idea. “I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith.” (Ephesians 3:16-17 – NIV)

 

You see, as we offer our heart kingdom to Jesus, He gives abundantly. Riches, strength, and power.

 

We also receive peace when we allow Christ to rule our hearts. “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.” (Colossians 3:15 – NIV)

 

And there is encouragement. “May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word.” (2 Thessalonians 2:16-17 – NIV) Encouragement to continue good doing and speaking.

 

We receive much more when we offer Jesus His rightful place on the throne of our hearts. He asks us to be His people, but the benefits are weighted heavily on our part.

 

Romans 6:17 (NIV) speaks to whom our allegiance should be focused. “But thanks be to God that, though you used to be slaves to sin, you have come to obey from your heart the pattern of teaching that has now claimed your allegiance.”

 

When our hearts are in line with God’s teaching, we know exactly where our allegiance lies. We know who rules over our hearts.

 

“Than to be the king of a vast domain…” My vast domain is encapsulated within my heart.

 

Luke’s words appear to be speaking to me. “The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks.” (Luke 6:45 – NIV)

 

What is stored in my heart? Good? Or evil? The more I offer my heart to Jesus, the less evil will be stored there.

 

Mark’s words also speak to me. “Love the Lord your God with all your heart…” (Mark 12:30a – NIV) There can be no mistake with this command. Loving God with our whole heart leaves no room for evil. Complete and total Lordship. That must be our goal.

 

So, how is the kingdom of your heart? Who is the Lord and King of your heart? What are you willing to give up in order for Jesus to sit on the throne of your heart?

 

“What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, and yet forfeit his soul?” (Mark 8:36 – NIV) Jesus’ question is just as relevant today as it was when He spoke it.

 

Why not allow Jesus full access to your heart today? Give it over to Him. Nothing in this world is worth losing your soul over. Nothing.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna


[i] I’d Rather Have Jesus, Rhea F. Miller, 1922

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Home Movies

January 20th, 2013 dsisler

My husband received 22 rolls of home movies that chronicled his growing up years. He wanted to create a memorable collection of these films into one piece, so two years ago, he had the films digitized and placed into an end product that could be edited and manipulated into something that would be of value to his family.

 

After 18 months of working on this project, it is finally complete. Titles, music, and an hour and a half of enjoyable video are now available for his family’s viewing pleasure.

 

Mason and I watched his production last night. He had been watching this movie in bits and pieces throughout the past 18 months, but not from beginning to end. I too, had seen parts of it, but not in its’ entirety. So it was complete joy to sit and watch my husband and his family through his childhood.

 

My family didn’t have a movie camera as I grew up. My parents used a still camera and we have a plethora of slides from my youth. I’m certain if I were to take on a project like my husband did, it would take me just as long or longer to produce something as he did.

 

What impressed me most about the movies (besides the brilliant work my husband did) were the memories captured in those moments. Family gatherings. Christmases past. Holidays celebrated. They were all encapsulated and captured on this short video. Memories which are priceless to him and his family.

 

I wonder as we look at our spiritual journey what memories we might remember. Our early years of Sunday School and Vacation Bible School. It was during these years that we were learning the basics of Christianity. Those little lessons of how Jesus loved us and how we are to treat others.

 

Then might come the moment in time when we realize the difference between right and wrong. That moment we commit our lives to Jesus and accept Him as our Savior. This memory would include our baptism. For certain this was a memorable day!

 

And that’s when the journey really began. Each memorable day would either bring a smile or a frown to our face, depending on our actions. Would they be in line with God’s teachings or would we fall into the temptation of sin?

 

Perhaps there might be a tear or two because of willful disobedience. There probably are tears of joy as well.

 

Either way, we would recognize God’s love for us. We knew that His grace would cover the sinful desires we encountered through the years. And we could smile because of the faithful journey we’ve been on.

 

Of course there are probably heart-wrenching memories too. Perhaps moments when our prayers were answered differently than we would have liked. Moments when our tears would have filled the ocean in our desire for the request to be answered another way. But through these teachable moments, we realized that God’s grace was sufficient. He was enough.

 

Oh, there are plenty of memories. Service. Encounters. Bible study. Prayer. Teaching. Evangelizing. And the list could go on and on.

 

Or maybe the memories of your spiritual journey are nothing like this. Your memories may begin as an adult or more recent and they are just beginning. Each person’s journey is unique. The memories will be specific to each one, but they are still memories all the same.

 

And in the end, at the end of our story, all the memories will be distant and vague. All that will matter is what our Lord says to us on the day we enter into His Kingdom.

 

“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!” (Matthew 25:23 – NIV)

 

Happy memories!

 

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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