Heavenly Wisdom

December 5th, 2012 dsisler

I love lists. To do lists. Grocery lists. Christmas gift lists. Blog post lists. You name a list, I love it.

 

So you can imagine that I love God’s lists. His Word is filled with them. I’m sure you know some of them. The Ten Commandments in Exodus 20. The Fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5. The characteristics of love in 1 Corinthians 13. How we should live for God in 1 Peter 4. This list could go on and on. Perhaps you could share a few of your favorite lists!

 

A list that I believe I’ve overlooked can be found in James 3. James shares with his readers and with us what heavenly wisdom is like. Let’s see what he has to say.

 

This entire section of James speaks to wisdom and that we are to be wise and to show our wisdom by living a good life (James 3:13-18). And then James shares some of the characteristics of heavenly wisdom.

 

“But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.” (James 3:17 – NIV)

 

So what does heavenly wisdom look like?

 

It is pure.

Pure in nature. Pure in attitude. Pure in ambition. Pure in all ways. Of course, our human desires will be tempted to move from complete purity, so we must rely on God’s Spirit to help us with this.

 

David desired purity in his life and his prayer to God in Psalm 51:10(NIV) is one that we can use when we feel we’ve lost our balance. “Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.”

 

It is peace-loving.

Peace may not be easily found in our world. King David grew weary of those who hated peace. Perhaps you know of someone who likes to stir the pot and get feathers ruffled.

 

As we use heavenly wisdom, we pursue peace. Jesus said this of peacemakers. “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” ( Matthew 5:9 – NIV) That alone is reason enough to be peace-loving!

 

It is submissive.

You may be cringing at the word submissive. It isn’t a word that is attractive in our society. But we know from Scripture that it is a characteristic that we, as Christians, are to possess.

 

Perhaps you might think of it as willing to yield. Allow someone else to go before you.

 

On my return flight from SE Asia, we were going through security at LAX. It had been a long night, my carry-on bags were in disarray, I was trying to separate the items, and I guess I took just a little too long.

 

The woman behind me was agitated. She spoke words that were hurtful. She even knocked over one of my trays. Finally, I pulled my belongings off the conveyer belt and said, “Go ahead.”

 

Her frustration didn’t need to ruin my day.

 

Paul tells the Ephesians to “Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.” (Ephesians 5:21 – NIV) Heavenly wisdom will always be submissive…out of reverence for Christ.

 

It is full of mercy.

God has shown great mercy to those who accept Him and as we’ve seen His example, we are to show mercy. In fact, we are to be full of mercy! Dictionary.com defines mercy as “compassionate or kindly forbearance shown toward an offender, an enemy, or other person in one’s power; compassion, pity, or benevolence”

 

Mercy is not to be extended to just those we love, but also to our enemies. To those who have offended us. Because, isn’t that what God did for us?

 

“All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath. But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved.” (Ephesians 2:3-5 – NIV)

 

It is full of good fruit.

The New Testament is filled with passages about good fruit. We are to produce good fruit in our lives. Jesus even said the world would know us by our fruit.

 

Our words, our attitudes, our thoughts, our actions are to be such that others will know who we belong to. Others should have no doubt that we are Christ-followers. We are to possess God’s Fruit of the Spirit.

 

“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)

 

It is impartial.

Earlier in the book of James, he spoke of loving all people, regardless of their status in this world. Obviously, heavenly wisdom is to be this way as well.

 

Romans 2:11 tells us that God doesn’t show favoritism. Timothy was warned against showing favoritism (1 Timothy 5:21). Favoritism or impartiality will lead to the degrading of another. It simply cannot be part of God’s Kingdom.

 

It is sincere.

Again, we see verse after verse in Scripture that leads us to the truth of sincerity. If we are not sincere in our faith, our love, our hearts, or our actions toward others, our insincerity is transparent.

 

Not only should our wisdom be sincere, but this is also the way we are to approach God. Hebrews 10:22 (NIV) says, “let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water.”

 

There is certainly a lot to learn about heavenly wisdom!

 

But let’s remember that James also tells us that we are to ask God for wisdom. “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.” (James 1:5 – NIV)

 

So why not ask God for heavenly wisdom? Why allow another day to go by without His wisdom to guide you? Go ahead! Ask Him!

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

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A Second Chance

December 4th, 2012 dsisler

I was on staff at a church several years ago. It was never dull. There was always something happening. We were always busy.

 

As I walked through the lobby one day, I noticed the windows above the main doors had an outline of a bird. Clearly a bird had flown into the window and left a mark.

 

What remained was residue from the bird showing that he had been there, but that he had moved on and had survived. The bird got a second chance to continue with life.

 

I was reminded that my life isn’t much different. I make my way around the world, I leave my mark, I make mistakes, I get a second chance, and then I move on.

 

How blessed we are that our God is a God of second chances.

 

We see Israel’s plight throughout the Old Testament. They were called to God’s righteousness, lived accordingly for a while, were tempted by the lure of other gods, worshiped other gods, disappointed God, repented, called again to God’s righteousness, lived accordingly for a while, and the cycle started all over again.

 

There were individuals who seemed to have the same difficulty in the Bible, but were also drawn back to God for their second chance. There was Adam and Eve, Jacob, Samson, King David, Jonah, and Peter to name a few. The Bible is filled with people who loved God, followed His plan for a while, fell into sin, repented of the sin, and then walked in fellowship with God again.

 

In fact, the last two verses of the Book of Lamentations shares the author’s concern for himself and perhaps all of humanity. “Restore us to yourself, O Lord, that we may return; renew our days as of old unless you have utterly rejected us and are angry with us beyond measure.” (Lamentations 5:21-22 – NIV)

 

This author had sinned. He knew the error of his ways. He begged for God to forgive him. He prayed that God hadn’t turned away.

 

How many times have you or I been in that exact place? In that exact moment? More times than I’d like to confess here.

 

But lovingly God forgives us. He forgets all the foolishness of our lives. He accepts us back as one of His own. He loves us as if we hadn’t sinned against Him. He is indeed the God of second chances. Not just for the biblical sinners, but also for each of us.

 

So how am I so sure about this? Because God’s Word tells us over and over that He will forgive if we repent. Read through these verses to see if you agree with me.

 

“For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.” (Psalm 103:11-12 – NIV)

 

“Who is a God like you, who pardons sin and forgives the transgression of the remnant of his inheritance?” (Micah 7:18 – NIV)

 

When Peter asked Jesus how many times to forgive another, Jesus responded, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.” (Matthew 18:22 – NIV) Jesus then continued with the parable of the unmerciful servant (Matthew 18:23-35).

 

“For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world but to save the world through him.” (John 3:17 – NIV)

 

When caught in adultery, a woman was to be stoned according to the Law of Moses. But Jesus offered a second chance to this woman in John 8:2-11.

 

“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8 – NIV)

 

“The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” (1 Peter 3:9 – NIV)

 

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9 – NIV)

 

I believe God has showed us that He is offering second chances to anyone who is willing to accept the gift. I know I am thankful each day for the new love and compassion He showers upon me (Lamentations 3:22-23).

 

A smile always crosses my face when I see the picture of this bird outline. I am reminded of how blessed I truly am to be loved by the Great King who is willing to forgive me yet again and give me a second chance.

 

Do you need a second chance? Why not come to Him? Accept the offer of a second chance (or third or fourth). He loves you and wants you to be part of His Kingdom forever. He is patiently waiting. What are you waiting for?

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

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More Than I Could Chew

December 3rd, 2012 dsisler

Do you remember my big plans for November? I failed at all of them.

 

I wrote approximately 4,000 words in my NaNoWriMo novel. Nowhere near the goal of 50,000 words.

 

I wrote 339 words for my non-fiction book. I didn’t get chapter one finished on this one!

 

Well, I did write a blog post every day through November, so I didn’t fail at every goal I set.

 

So what happened? Right after my big commitment, I needed to create two presentations on my trip to SE Asia. By the time I completed these two projects, I really felt I could never catch up, so I gave up.

 

That’s not so pleasant to admit.

 

I gave up.

 

So here I sit on December 3rd wondering why I thought I could do it all in the first place.

 

Several years ago when I first decided to try my hand at writing a novel, I was so excited. At the time, I wasn’t writing a daily blog, so it was the beginning of getting words to flow from my mind to my hands.

 

But through these years, I’ve discovered that writing a novel wasn’t as satisfying as writing my blog. I’ve lost interest in writing a novel. I’ve certainly not sold many copies of the one that is published.

 

So I’ve come to the conclusion that, while it is exciting and pleasurable to say, “I’ve written three novels,” it isn’t where God wants me to spend energy.

 

Yes, I gave up on writing something that isn’t as meaningful to me (and perhaps others), but I’ve renewed my commitment to writing about God daily. And that is exciting.

 

I’ve often wondered what it would have been like for New Testament authors as they wrote what they were told. They for certain had God’s Spirit to lead and guide them in their writings. He also helped them to remember all that Jesus had taught them. It must have been thrilling to see words form that were truly inspired by God.

 

And the Old Testament authors must have felt the same way. Reading the history of Israel penned by their own hands must have been exhilarating.

 

Now I would never profess to have the same gifts that the authors of Scripture possessed, because God’s Word is the infallible word of God. He chose specific men to write what He wanted mankind to know about Him, His created world, His plan of salvation, and our eternity with Him. But I do believe God leads me in the direction He desires my writings to go.

 

Another large and important part of my writing revolves around God’s Word. I spend time reading the Bible and searching for the right Scripture to validate my writing. If it isn’t in God’s Word, I won’t write about it.

 

And then there is the idea that we are to live out what we read in Scripture and obey all that we’ve learned. We can gain all the knowledge in the Bible, but if we do not put it into practice, we are a like a resounding gong or clanging cymbal (1 Corinthians 13:1).

 

I want to share some passages about God’s written Word. I pray that you’ll be inspired by His words. That you’ll have a deep desire to read it, study it, live it, proclaim it, and share it with others. It has become my greatest joy to do so.

 

 

We Must Know and Obey God’s Word

Joshua shared this message with the Israelites. He knew the power of God’s Word. “Do not let this Book of Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.” (Joshua 1:8 – NIV)

 

Jesus also had something to say about obedience. “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it.” (Luke 11:28 – NIV)

 

Jesus Fulfilled God’s Word

All of the Old Testament prophecies about Jesus were fulfilled by and through Him. His words to the disciples show this truth. “This is what I told you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets, and the Psalms.” (Luke 24:44 – NIV)

 

God’s Word Leads to Salvation

I love these verses, because it leads us to understand that the Bible is God’s way of showing us life. Where our life comes from. Jesus. “Jesus did many other miraculous signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book. But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.” (John 20:30-31 – NIV)

 

God’s Word Changes Us

When we know God’s Word, we cannot help but do what the Bible says. These verses show that God’s Word is working on us. “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17 – NIV)

 

God’s Word is Our Weapon

As we are attacked spiritually, we can pick up God’s Word and use it against the forces of evil! “Take the helmet of salvation and sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” (Ephesians 6:17 – NIV)

 

“For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword…” (Hebrews 4:12a – NIV)

 

The written word is powerful. It can be used for good or for evil. My goal is to use my writing for God’s use. For His purpose. For His glory. If I ever miss that mark, I pray that God will bring someone into my life to show me the error of my ways.

 

Perhaps November wasn’t as unsuccessful as I once thought. For while I didn’t reach all of my goals, I believe I completed the most important task I set before myself. To share God’s Word with others.

 

How are you sharing God’s message?

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

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Not on Monday

December 2nd, 2012 dsisler

My daughter is 34 weeks pregnant. Soon, there will be another little Storm running through the house.

 

As the time has approached, discussion with my oldest grandchild, Joy has been initiated. Topics of what to expect, how it would all work out, when it could happen. You know the types of things young children are interested in knowing.

 

At the end of one discussion, Joy said, “Mommy, can you make sure she isn’t born on a Monday?”

 

The innocence of childhood is priceless!

 

There are some things in life that we simply do not have control over. We must release our hold on these areas of our lives and allow them to happen as they will.

 

But there are those who struggle with letting go. We call them “control freaks.” Every detail must be attended to. Regardless of how minuscule it might be, a control freak must at least put a finger on it to make it their own.

 

And what about the times when that just isn’t possible? How are we to deal with those situations? Let’s see what God has to say about it.

 

Pray About It

There are many passages that teach us to pray about everything. God wants to hear about it all. Including the small stuff. So don’t hesitate to share it all with Him. Remember He cares for you!

 

“And 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.” (Ephesians 6:18 – NIV)

 

“Is any one of you in trouble? He should pray…The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.” (James 5:13a, 16b)

 

And even if we don’t know what to pray, God has supplied His Spirit to help with that. “In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express.” (Romans 8:26 – NIV)

 

Give It to Him

This may be the most difficult step to take. Giving it to Him and not taking it back! But God wants to carry your burdens. Your concerns. Your problems. Even the things you have no control over. He wants them all. His Word tells us so.

 

“Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall.” (Psalm 55:22 – NIV)

 

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28 – NIV)

 

“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7 – NIV)

 

After we give any issue to God, we must trust Him with their care. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:5-6 – NIV)

 

Don’t Worry About It

I hear you all screaming. “Ha! Easy for you to say!” I know. Worrying is so natural for us. But Scripture clearly tells us not to worry.

 

“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than clothes?” (Matthew 6:25 – NIV)

 

“Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?” Matthew 6:27 – NIV)

 

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7 – NIV)

 

Think About Something Else

So if we aren’t to worry, what should we be doing? Thinking about and doing something else. Here are a few ideas from Scripture.

 

“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.” (Mark 12:30 – NIV)

 

“Do not conform any longer 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)

 

“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” (Philippians 4:8 – NIV)

 

Accept It as It Comes

Jesus is our example here. He accepted God’s plan. He fulfilled God’s plan. And He did so with an accepting spirit.

 

“My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.” (Matthew 26:39 – NIV)

 

We also can see this same accepting spirit in the Apostle Paul as he shares with the Philippian Church. “I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength.” (Philippians 4:11-13 – NIV)

 

Praise God for the Result

In the end, God must be praised.

 

“But as for me, I will always have hope; I will praise you more and more.” (Psalm 71:14 – NIV)

 

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort.” (2 Corinthians 1:3 – NIV)

 

“Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (1 Thessalonians 5:18 – NIV)

 

As I continue to wait for the birth of my fourth grandchild, I will keep these steps in mind. I pray that as you go through your daily life that you might find a message here. Something that will truly bless your heart through God’s Word.

 

What a comfort to know that God wants to care for us. Why would we ever want it any other way?

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

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The True Light

December 1st, 2012 dsisler

The Christmas season has arrived. It’s December 1st and today the “open up a little door with candy inside” advent calendars begin. Christmas reading programs begin. Decorating and shopping is in full swing. Festivities and parties will keep us hopping. And families will gather.

 

Of course if you look at the advertising world, the Christmas season has been here since October!

 

When my children were young, we had an advent log. Holes were bored into a 4×4 piece of wood and candles were placed in each one. At the close of each day, a new candle was lit, we’d share a short devotion, and we would sing. By Christmas Eve, the room would be filled with great light and the Christmas season would once again come to an end. My sister and her family have continued this tradition and still visit the advent log on a daily basis.

 

The great light that shone through the darkness of our living room was a great reminder of Jesus. As the advent log was lit, more light was revealed. The same way Jesus was revealed to the world. At first, just a tiny glimpse. Prophecies of Jesus were given to Old Testament peoples which gave them a hope. Something to long and wait for.

 

Then the light grew brighter and brighter with each prophecy, until the full illumination of Jesus was fulfilled through His birth, His life, His sacrificial death, and His resurrection.

 

Isaiah was a great proclaimer of the promised Messiah. In his writings, he spoke of such a light. “The people walking in darkness have seen a great light.” (Isaiah 9:2a – NIV) We know how dark the world can be. Without Jesus, there would be no light at all. How thankful we should be to God because He was willing to share the Light of Heaven with us here on earth.

 

Isaiah also said, “Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you.” (Isaiah 60:1 – NIV) As Jesus shines His light into our lives, we then are to shine for the world to see Him through us. Our light should not be dim, but as bright as a cloudless, summer day in Colorado. Now that is bright!

 

Jesus’ beloved disciple, John, shared his thoughts on the Great Light in John 1:9 (NIV). “The true light that gives light to every man was coming into the world.” Oh what a statement. As we look to the True Light and accept Him as our Lord and Savior, our lives are filled with His light.

 

As I sit at my desk, one of my Christmas trees is visible. It is covered with lights. I’m sure your Christmas tree is covered with lights as well. Let’s use these lights as a reminder to worship the True Light each day through the month of December.

 

Let’s not walk in darkness as the world does. Let’s allow the Light to penetrate the deepest, darkest areas of our lives and fill us with His light.

 

Philip P. Bliss, a great American songwriter, wrote a song about the Light of the world. Read through these words. Hum the tune if you know it. It is a great reminder of who and what Jesus is to the world.

 

The Light of the World is Jesus

 

The whole world was lost in the darkness of sin,
The Light of the world is Jesus!
Like sunshine at noonday, His glory shone in;
The Light of the world is Jesus!

Refrain:
Come to the light, ’tis shining for thee;
Sweetly the light has dawned upon me;
Once I was blind, but now I can see:
The Light of the world is Jesus!

No darkness have we who in Jesus abide;
The Light of the world is Jesus!
We walk in the light when we follow our Guide!
The Light of the world is Jesus!

Ye dwellers in darkness with sin-blinded eyes,
The Light of the world is Jesus!
Go, wash at His bidding, and light will arise;
The Light of the world is Jesus!

No need of the sunlight in Heaven we’re told;
The Light of the world is Jesus!
The Lamb is the Light in the city of gold,
The Light of the world is Jesus![i]

 

Why not come to the Light?

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

[i] The Light of the World is Jesus, Philip P. Bliss, 1875, Public Domain

 

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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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