Study to Show

November 25th, 2012 dsisler

I am studying and leading a study on the book of James by Beth Moore. I’ve been surprised. I’ve been taught. I’ve been open to learning new ideas from this small book of the Bible. And I will say, it has been a great study.

Until now. This week we have studied chapter 3. And chapter 3 verse 1 of James is one that most teachers of Scripture know. “Not many of you should presume to be teachers, my brothers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly.” (James 3:1 – NIV)

I have read and heard this verse for many years. I’ve been a teacher since I was 16 years old. I began teaching Sunday School with 4th and 5thgraders. Then just out of Bible College I began teaching women, along with children and adolescents.

I understand that teaching is not something to take lightly. Not only as I lead women in studying God’s Word, but even as I write this blog, I am teaching.So this passage is always in the back of my mind.

But in this study, I’ve learned more about this verse and I’d like to share some of what Beth Moore has to say about it.[i]

She reminds the teachers who are studying this book that there are “a handful of land mines that go with the territory.” Here are the things she shared:

The temptation to teach more than we know.
The capacity to mislead.
The capacity to be misled.
The temptation to use the platform for personal agendas or opinions.
The demand for self-discipline.
The pride and humiliation.

Oh my. Yes there are some “land mines” that go along with teaching. These will lead to disaster.But Beth Moore doesn’t stop here. She encourages those who feel led to teach to teach. To be honest, there is nothing else a teacher can do except teach.

She makes another statement that I am living proof of. “God often likes to teach the bigger lesson to the teacher.”[ii]

As I prepare to teach or lead or write, I know the extra weight I take upon myself. I know that each sentence I speak or write will be critiqued. I know that what I say must be truth.

That is why I dig into God’s Word more and more to find those truths. If it isn’t in God’s Word, I will not put it to pen or into words. I’ve had to rethink some of my own beliefs because of this very task.

I’ve found that some things that I’ve been taught in the past don’t line up with God’s way of thinking. If it doesn’t line up, it cannot be true.

I am also a firm believer that you, as a student or reading, should not take everything I say or write for complete truth. I am human. I make mistakes. I would urge you to evaluate all that is read in my blog. Study it to make certain that my words line up with God’s Word. In doing so, you’ll be growing yourself and gaining new wisdom and insight into Scripture.

Are you a teacher? I pray that you have a greater understanding of your role in light of God’s Word.

Do you sit under a teacher? I pray that you are not presuming that teacher knows all. Take the time to understand God’s Word for yourself.

Regardless of which role you are playing, know that it is God’s desire for you to hold His Scripture close to your heart, to understand what He has to say, and to obey all that God has placed within Scripture.

Psalm 119 is filled with verses to give us examples of this truth. Psalm 119:11; Psalm 119: 16; Psalm 119:28; Psalm 119:43; Psalm 119:74; Psalm 119:103; Psalm 119:105; Psalm 119:114; Psalm 119:130; and Psalm 119:161.

And although my words may not be perfect, God’s Word is flawless. “The words of the Lord are flawless, like silver refined in a furnace of clay, purified seven times.” (Psalm 12:6 – NIV) See Psalm 18:30 for further confirmation.

Psalm 33:4 (NIV) tells us “For the Word of the Lord is right and true; he is faithful in all he does.” God’s Word will not fail us. He is always right. He is always true. He is always faithful.

Today as we study, teach or listen to God’s Words being presented, keep in mind that we each have a responsibility. To know the Bible. I pray that you’ll find great joy, many blessings, and deeper devotion because you are reading and studying God’s Word.

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

Donna
[i]James: Mercy Triumphs, Beth Moore, Lifeway Press, 2011, pages 110-111.
[ii] James: Mercy Triumphs, Beth Moore, Lifeway Press, 2011, page 112.

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One Another

November 24th, 2012 dsisler

I feel as if I’m in a “list” kind of mood. In the past week, I’ve already given two this week and I’m about to do so again. So please humor me and let’s see yet another list of things that we are to do.

I was doing some research about the “one another’s” in Scripture and found far more than I imagined there would be. These are the things we are to do to one another. So I’m listing them here for you to check out as you have the time. I’m sure you will be as amazed as I was.

You’ll first see a word or a phrase and you’ll want to add “one another” to the end. Then the passages listed show where the “one another” is found in Scripture. There may be more, but these are the ones I found. If you know of any that I’ve missed, please let me know. I’d love to hear from you.

Love – John 13:34; Hebrews 13:1; 1 Peter 1:22; 1 Peter 3:8; 1 John 3:11; 1 John 3:23; 1 John 4:7; 1 John 4:11-12; 2 John 1:5
Be devoted to – Romans 12:1
Honor – Romans 12:1
Live in harmony with – Romans 12:16
Accept – Romans 15:7
Be competent to instruct – Romans 15:14
Greet – Romans 16:16
Agree with – 1 Corinthians 1:10
Encourage – 2 Corinthians 13:11; 1 Thessalonians 4:9; 1 Thessalonians 5:11; Hebrews 3:13; Hebrews 10:25
Serve – Galatians 5:13
Bear with – Ephesians 4:2
Be kind and compassionate to – Ephesians 4:32
Speaking with – Ephesians 5:19
Submit to – Ephesians 5:21
Bear with and forgive – Colossians 3:13
Teach and admonish – Colossians 3:16
Spur – Hebrews 10:24
Offer hospitality to – 1 Peter 4:9
Fellowship with – 1 John 1:7

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

Donna

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Chasing the Beep

November 23rd, 2012 dsisler

There is an annoying beep that can be heard on the main level of my house. It’s a soft beep (not a blaring smoke detector beep), inconsistent, and so far I’ve been unable to pinpoint where the beeping is coming from. Just when I think it’s not going to beep again, it does. Then it will stop for no apparent reason.

Sometimes we find ourselves doing this same thing in our lives. Searching for that “one thing” that will satisfy. Seeking the perfect “one thing” that will bring everything else into alignment. Or perhaps it’s the “next thing” that will make your life right.

When we live our lives in such a way, we are always going to be searching. Always looking. Always seeking. Always pursuing.

And sometimes in this pursuit, we miss out on the best we could have hoped for.

Let’s take a look at what God thinks is worthwhile of our pursuit. The things He believes we should be seeking.

Obviously, God wants us to look for Him. Psalm 105:3-4 (NIV) says it this way. “Glory in his name; let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice. Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always.”

And Psalm 119:2 (NIV) also says, “Blessed are they who keep his statues and seek him with all their heart.” We must seek God above all else. The rewards are amazing!

And what else should we seek? Here are a few.

“Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.” (Psalm 34:14 – NIV)

“He who seeks good finds goodwill, but evil comes to him who searches for it.” (Proverbs 11:27 – NIV)

“The Lord detests the way of the wicked but he loves those who pursue righteousness.” (Proverbs 15:9 – NIV)

“He who pursues righteousness and lovefinds life, prosperity and honor.” (Proverbs 21:21 – NIV)

“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness and all these things will be given to you as well.” (Matthew 6:33 – NIV)

“Nobody should seek his own good, but the good of others.” (1 Corinthians 10:24 – NIV)

“But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness.” (1 Timothy 6:11 – NIV)

“Flee from evil desire of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.” (2 Timothy 2:22 – NIV)

This is quite a list. Perhaps if we pursue or seek all of these things, we won’t have time to seek our selfish desires.

As we seek God first and foremost, those remaining should be easy to find. They are all qualities of God that keep directing us to Him.

The beeping has stopped…for now. Maybe we’ll never hear it again. I doubt it, but I can certainly hope. But in this moment, chasing that beep has stopped. Now I can continue to seek more productive things…God, His kingdom, and His righteousness.

What are you seeking today?

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

Donna

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Give Thanks…Again

November 22nd, 2012 dsisler

Today we celebrate Thanksgiving in America. A day to stop and think of what we have and what we are thankful for. So here’s my list.

I’m thankful for my family. Although we are separated by many miles, the bond we share is far greater than words can express.
I’m thankful for America. While it may not be perfect, it is better than most countries in the world.
I’m thankful for my local church, ministry staff, volunteers and others who make up the body of Christ.
I’m thankful for the Church around the world who are willing to sacrifice so much in order to share the Gospel with those seeking salvation.
I’m thankful for you, my blog reader. Without you, my words would simply be floating around in the great big space of the internet.
I’m thankful for the gifts and talents that I use on a daily basis to share God’s message with others.
I’m thankful for God. My Creator, Provision, and Father.
I’m thankful for the Holy Spirit. My Comforter, Counselor, and Guide.
I’m thankful for Jesus. My Redeemer, Savior, and Friend.
Today I stop to thank God for all that He’s provided for me and my family. I’m sure you will do the same today. But let’s not just be thankful on this one day. Let’s live our lives with grateful hearts.
“Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise. Give thanks to him and praise his name. For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.”(Psalm 100:4-5 – NIV)
Grace and peace be yours in abundance,
Donna
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As You Come to Him

November 21st, 2012 dsisler

Broken

Imperfect
Selfish
Rejected
Insecure
Sinful
Unproductive
Incomplete
Conformed
Enslaved
Unimportant
Lost
Grieved
Dead
If you are like me, you have felt like some of these words at some point in your life. These are words that describe some of the worst times I’ve experienced. They are not words that I’d like used to describe me at all.
But, they have. And to be honest, I’m sure some of them will be used to describe me before my life on this earth is finished.

I love the phrase, “As you come to him…” from 1 Peter 2:4a (NIV). It gives me hope that regardless of what I am like when I approach Jesus, He is there waiting for me. His arms are open wide and He is looking forward to the time we spend together.

There is so much that follows this phrase in 1 Peter and because of that I think we overlook it. Yes, I am a living stone, I am a spiritual house, I am part of a holy priesthood, and I am an offering acceptable to God through Jesus. Yes, I am all of these things (1 Peter 2:5).
But, how do I come to Him? Am I approaching Jesus with a humble heart? Am I approaching Him with a teachable spirit? Am I approaching Him as a repentant believer?
How do I approach Jesus? How do I come to Him?
How do you approach Jesus? How do you come to Him?
On the flip side, that list from above doesn’t need to remain. As we come to Jesus and accept His love and grace, these are some terms that will describe us.
Whole
Perfect
Selfless
Accepted
Secure
Graceful
Productive
Complete
Transformed
Free
Important
Found
Healed
Living
So come to Jesus. Accept what He has to offer. Allow His grace to flow from heaven and cover you.
As you come to Him…
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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