Give Thanks

November 20th, 2012 dsisler

Thanksgiving. Just a single word, but holds such meaning.

It stirs up memories for me. Memories of sharing this holiday with family, friends, and loved ones. Memories of the abundance of food. Memoires of laughter. Memories.

It also causes me to stop and realize just how blessed I truly am. And with that realization, I thank God for those blessings. Blessings of family, friends and loved ones. Blessings of abundance of food. Blessings of laughter. Blessings.
I am also reminded of the spiritual blessings I’ve received from God. Grace. Forgiveness. Love. Acceptance. Encouragement. Guidance. Peace. Jesus. I could keep going.
With all of these blessings, it only stands to reason that we must be thankful to God for His rich, abundant blessings. If we miss doing so, we’ve missed a huge element of Thanksgiving.
Max Lucado said, “Gratitude comes from having the right perspective.”[i]
So, what should our perspective of gratitude be?
I believe we must acknowledge where every blessing comes from. Each one is from God. “Every good action and every perfect gift is from God. These good gifts come down from the Creator of the sun, moon, and the stars, who does not change like their shifting shadows.” (James 1:17 – NCV)
As we’ve made this acknowledgement, we then use our thankfulness to enjoy these blessings. We understand the importance of not taking our blessings for granted. We know that without our gracious Father we would be stuck in the quagmire of selfishness.
So let’s look at just a few of the blessings God has lavished upon us and why we should be thankful.
We are to be thankful that His love just keeps going. It never gives up on us. Ever! “Thank the Lord because he is good. His love continues forever.” (Psalm 107:1 – NCV)
We are to be thankful for victory! As we are led to victory in Jesus, God is able to use us for His mighty purpose. “But thanks be to God, who always leads us in victory through Christ. God uses us to spread his knowledge everywhere like a sweet-smelling perfume.” (2 Corinthians 2:14 – NCV)
We are to be thankful for stability in God’s Kingdom. When everything around us may be shifting or even sinking, God’s Kingdom stands firm! “So let us be thankful, because we have a kingdom that cannot be shaken.” (Hebrews 12:28a – NCV)
We are to be thankful for God. Our praise should come from grateful hearts and His Name should always be our lips. “So through Jesus let us always offer to God our sacrifice of praise, coming from lips that speak his name.” (Hebrews 13:15 – NCV)
We are to be thankful all the time. This passage tells us how to do so. “As you received Christ Jesus the Lord, go continue to live in him. Keep your roots deep in him and have your lives built on him. Be strong in the faith, just as you were taught, and always be thankful.” (Colossians 2:6-7 – NCV) We are to continue living in Jesus, keep our roots deep, build our lives on Jesus, and be strong in our faith. This is the path to thankfulness.
We are to be thankful by sharing with others. This passage speaks to singing, but it also shows that we are to encourage one another through instruction. When we are firm in Christ’s teaching, wisdom will flow from us, like little musical notes. “Let the teaching of Christ live in you richly. Use all wisdom to teach and instruct each other by singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with thankfulness in your hearts to God.”(Colossians 3:16 – NCV)
How is your perspective? Is your thankfulness directed toward God for the blessings He has poured out upon you? Are you willing to show your gratitude as mentioned in this post?
I pray that as you continue through this busy week that you’ll take the time to ponder the raised questions and Scripture. Let’s lift joyful voices of thanksgiving to God this week. Then let’s make it a practice for each day of our lives.
Grace and peace be yours in abundance,
Donna

[i]The Inspirational Study Bible, Max Lucado, Word Publishing, 1995
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National Gumdrop Day

November 19th, 2012 dsisler

I bet you didn’t know that there was such a thing! Well guess what? There is! It is always on February 15 and can you imagine the flavors and the colors that go along with that day? Personally, I don’t like gumdrops. I don’t care for the flavors. Which is a story in itself.

 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gumdrop

 

Over the past year, I’ve tried to lose weight…so I’ve changed how I comment on certain foods. In the past I’ve said, “I don’t like fruits and vegetables.” Now I say, “Fruits and vegetables are good.” I’m learning. But gumdrops are fake fruit. I still don’t like fake fruit, like Kool Aid, popsicles, etc. Now I can get back to gumdrops.

 

So on February 15, the colorful little drops of sugar should be prevalent wherever you are. I do love the colors of these confections. Bright and cheery. Bold and screaming, “Hey! Look at me! I’m a gumdrop!”
The flavors are vibrant as well. When you bite into one, that fake fruit flavor is there. I know most people love that flavor.
And of course, the texture is probably the most memorable thing. It is crunchy on the outside because of the sugar and the inside is firm jell. You know you are eating a gumdrop when you eat a gumdrop.
There’s even a song about gumdrops. “Goody, goody gumdrops. My heart is doing flip flops. See what love can do. I’m gonna shout it from the roof tops. Goody, goody gumdrops. With a girl like you.”[i]I’ll be singing that song for a while!
Regardless of whether you like gumdrops or not, they are fun. They can be used in crafts, cooking, and for snacking. They can be spiced or non-spiced. For some, they may get stuck in your teeth, for others, you might lose a tooth by eating a gumdrop.
I suspect you’re wondering what God has to teach us about gumdrops. Well here it is.
As a Christian, we may be bright and cheery and seek attention. We may be tough on the outside, but gooey on the inside. We may be spicy or plain. But regardless of what we are, we cannot be fake. We must be genuine.
So let’s look at Romans 12 to see how we are to live a genuine, Christ-like life.
Live sacrificially – Romans 12:1
Live humbly – Romans 12:3, 16
Live in unity – Romans 12:4-5
Live as gifted – Romans 12:6-8
Live lovingly – Romans 12:9-10
Live zealously – Romans 12:11
Live joyfully in hope – Romans 12:12
Live patiently in affliction – Romans 12:12
Live faithfully in prayer – Romans 12:12
Live generously – Romans 12:13
Live hospitably – Romans 12:13
Live harmoniously – Romans 12:16
Live fairly – Romans 12:17
Live peaceably – Romans 12:18
Live well – Romans 12:23
Now that is quite a list! As we fill our hearts with these words, we’re able to see how to live lives that are not fake. But we also know that without the help and guidance of the Holy Spirit, living this way would be improbable. No, impossible.
As we allow God’s Spirit to produce good fruit in our lives, the guidelines in Romans 12 become doable. Our desire to live in such a way grows within us. It becomes imperative that our lives are no longer considered fake, but genuine.
There is another verse in this chapter that will help us as well. Romans 12:2 (NIV) says, “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.”
You see, if we live as the world lives and think as the world thinks, we will be fake. Satan, the great deceiver, is the ruler of this world. There can be nothing genuine where he reigns.
But when we are transformed into what God wants us to be, we are able to be genuine. We are genuine because our God is genuine. Then when we are transformed, our minds will be renewed. Renewed for genuineness.
The next time you pick up a gumdrop, think of how God wants you to live. Not as a fake, or phony “Christian,” but as a genuine, living-life-to-the-full, Christ follower.
Grace and peace be yours in abundance,
Donna

[i]Goody, Goody Gumdrops, 1910 Fruitgum Company, 1968
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Building a Doll House: Expect Mistakes – Chapter 9

November 18th, 2012 dsisler

NOTE: If you missed Chapters 1-8 of Building a Doll House, you can find it in the column under “blog archive” to the right. 

I’ll admit it. There are mistakes in the doll house we built for our granddaughter Joy. As much as we wanted perfection, it was impossible to achieve. In fact, there are more mistakes than we’d like to admit.

But when our first mistake occurred, we didn’t give up. If we had, the doll house would have sat unfinished very early on…I really think we encountered the first issue with the foundation.
We encounter similar issues in our day-to-day lives. We slip up. We create messes. Our lives are full of bloopers, goof ups, and blunders. I don’t think I can say it any other way. We make mistakes.
In our spiritual lives, those mistakes are called sin. According to the online Merriman-Webster dictionary, “sin is an offense against religious or moral law. It is transgression of the law of God.”[i]
The very basic definition of sin is when we miss the mark. As an archer might miss the bulls eye of a target or perhaps miss the target altogether. God has provided commands, laws, or precepts for us to follow. When we disobey, neglect, or omit any one of these commands from our lives, we commit sin.
Sin then, is anything that separates us from God.
Thankfully for us, God has made arrangements for us when we are outside of His will. When we miss the mark. And although God cannot tolerate sin in our lives (Habakkuk 1:13a), God has provided grace.
You see, just as we did not give up when we realized we made our first mistake (or 10th mistake) on the doll house, we cannot give up when we make mistakes in our spiritual lives.
We must admit that we’ve sinned. David understood this and what leads up to confessing sin. He had this to say about it.
“When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long. For day and night your hand was heavy upon me; my strength was sapped as in the heat of summer. Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, ‘I will confess my transgressions to the Lord’—and you forgave the guilt of my sin.” (Psalm 32:3-5 – NIV)
I’ve been there. Haven’t you? When the heaviness in my heart was so great because of sin. David knew he had to acknowledge his sin. Confess his sin to God. Then, accept God’s forgiveness. And please notice, God also forgives the guilt. Now there’s a gift to accept with open, appreciative hands.
In 1 John 1:9 (NIV), the apostle John makes note of this concept as well. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”
Another gracious gift from our heavenly Father. Purification. He will purify us when we confess our sin to Him. Because He is faithful and just.
We must also repent of our sin. The foundational meaning of this word is to do an about face. To turn in the opposite direction. Yes, we must confess the sin, but if we do not repent of it, we will be in bondage to that same sin again and again. There must be change. In attitude and action.
Paul shares this message with the Corinth church in 2 Corinthians 7. Paul’s first letter was difficult for them (2 Corinthians 7:8), but he called them to something. Repentance. “Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.” (2 Corinthians 7:10 – NIV)
We are called to this same action. Repent of sin that keeps us stumbling over and over.
And just a few more things to keep in mind. The writer of Hebrews shows us that once sin is forgiven by God, He will remember it no more. “For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.” (Hebrews 8:12 – NIV) “Their sins and lawless acts I will remember no more.” (Hebrews 10:17 – NIV)
After forgiveness, I must forget my sin. But we all know that guilt gets in the way of forgetting. Remember David’s words above? God forgives the guilt of the sin. We see this idea in Romans 8:1 (NIV) as well.
“Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” We can rid our lives of guilt when we confess and repent of sin in our lives. Jesus has taken it away.
And here’s another idea from John the Baptizer. In speaking to some of the Pharisees and Sadducess, John makes this statement. “Produce fruit in keeping with repentance.” (Matthew 3:9 – NIV)
I can’t help but think that is a statement is one for me to remember. After confession and repentance of sin, if I do not produce spiritual fruit in my life I will once again have missed the mark.
As we built this doll house, we didn’t give up or quit when mistakes were made. It’s the same with our spiritual lives. When we sin, it’s not a time to throw it all away. God will be there waiting to hear from us.
Do you need to speak to God today? Is there sin in your life that is preventing you from being near your heavenly Father? Is sin keeping you from producing fruit? Are you burdened by the weight of guilt?
If so, please run to God’s loving arms and seek His forgiveness. Follow David’s example. Lay it all out before God. Then relish in the weightlessness of forgiveness.
Grace and peace be yours in abundance,
Donna

[i] http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sin
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A Surprising Snow

November 17th, 2012 dsisler

Last weekend, my area of Colorado experienced another snow storm. The snow began to fall and it didn’t stop the whole day. We were in an area that received about 5 inches of snow. It was very beautiful.

My daughter brought the grandkids up for the day, so we stayed cozy warm inside and had lots of fun. I made a little area by the back door where they snuggled in blankets, ate popcorn and drank hot chocolate. It was the perfect day…until it was time for them to leave.

Mason and I went out to clean off their car and realized that we needed to get out the shovel and snow blower. It had really snowed.
Once Bethany and the kids were on their way, the praying began. I prayed for their safety. I prayed for their vehicle. I prayed for Bethany to be focused on her driving. I prayed.
Bethany called when she arrived home…home with no snow. Joy was so disappointed. But like I said, we were in the path of snow where we were dumped on and 30 minutes to the south, they received nothing.
I wasn’t expecting snow on this day, so I really wasn’t expecting as much snow as we received. It was a complete surprise to me.
I must say, Jesus was full of surprises too. If you look at each of the miracles He performed, there was surprise. Oh there was amazement and wonder and belief as well, but He did surprise people.
Mark 6:30-44 gives account of the feeding of the five thousand. Jesus takes five loaves and two fish, blesses them, breaks them, and then proceeds to feed the crowd with baskets of food left over.
When Jesus first meets Peter, Andrew, James, and John, they had been fishing all night long and hadn’t caught a single fish. Jesus asked them to throw their nets into the water and surprisingly, they catch an astonishing amount of fish. But then, they walked away from it all to “fish for men.” (Luke 5:1-11)
One of my favorite surprises was after the resurrection of Jesus and His encounter with Mary. She believes Him to be a gardener and asks “where the body of her Lord had been taken.” And with a single word, Jesus surprised Mary. He simply said her name. “Mary.” She immediately knew it was Jesus and nothing about her life would ever be the same. (John 20:10-18)
Those who encountered Jesus had surprising changes in their lives. Whether they were healed, raised from the dead, or forgiven of their sins, they knew something had changed. Their lives were changed by the Savior of the world.
Are you looking for God’s surprises today? Keep your eyes open. You just might be amazed by the graciousness of our heavenly Father.
Grace and peace be yours in abundance,
Donna
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Lord, Make Me Like You

November 16th, 2012 dsisler

Today I will be preparing a Thanksgiving feast for 100 people. I actually began yesterday. I roasted two turkeys at home and carved them. Today I’ll roast two more and then fix the rest of the yummies that go along with a Thanksgiving dinner.

I used to prepare the meals for this particular church group a couple years ago and when they asked if I might want to do so again, I was excited…but now I remember just how much work goes into preparing food for this many. But in years past, I was cooking for 200+. Today it’s just 100, so I feel very comfortable and relaxed about that part.

(I decided to use this picture with this blog post but then thought I needed to explain it. We gave my grandson, Percy, a turkey leg last Thanksgiving. He had no idea what to do with it. I think he will enjoy Thanksgiving dinner a lot more this year. But he was so cute…he still is!)
This reminded me of the different gifts and talents each of us has. It reminded me that some types of service are hands on, while others are not. It reminded me that regardless of what we are able to do, we are called to do it.
In Philippians 2, Paul tells us that Jesus was a servant. “…taking the very nature of a servant…” (Philippians 2:6-7 – NIV). Just before this passage however, Paul tells us that our “attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 2:5 – NIV)
So if we are to take on the attitude of Jesus as a servant, we must look at what He did as a servant to learn how to serve.
Jesus Had a Servant Heart
In one of Jesus’ teaching moments, He shared an important message with the disciples and mothers of two of the disciples. His message was that if you want to be great, you must be a servant. Jesus then tells them why He came to earth. “Whoever wants to be first must be your slave—just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Matthew 20:27-28 – NIV)
So we must be willing to become a slave. A servant. And always be searching for ways to serve another. It was how Jesus lived His life.
Jesus Healed the Sick
Jesus healed the sick. Both physically and spiritually. Through physical healing, Jesus opened the door to spiritual healing in many instances. But in each case, He never took the credit. God was always given the glory for the healing. A servant attitude overflows with humility.
While God is the only One who can heal, we can lead others to spiritual healing. We can serve others as we share the Gospel, teach its message, and proclaim God’s salvation to the world.
Jesus was Hospitable
Yes, when Jesus shared the last meal with His disciples, He was hospitable. He was a gracious Host. “While they were eating, Jesus took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to his disciples…”(Matthew 26:26 – NIV) Jesus served at least a portion of this meal.
Hospitality goes beyond serving meals. It is making others feel comfortable around us. Jesus’ example of hospitality leads me to believe that we are to be hospitable in our attitude.
Jesus Did Whatever was Necessary
In John 13, we see the example of Jesus washing the feet of His disciples. This simple act of service caused great turmoil. But it was yet another teaching moment. When He was finished, Jesus asked the disciples, “Do you understand what I have done for you?” (John 13:12b – NIV)
I’m sure they were confused, but He then explained the importance of serving others. “I tell you the truth, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.”(John 13:16-17 – NIV)
As believers, we know these things. Now we must do them. So what are we to do? Anything that puts others before ourselves. It may be washing feet. But it also may be raking leaves for an elderly person or mentoring an at-risk child or visiting a nursing home.
In the parable of the sheep and the goats (Matthew 26:31-46), as the King gathers all the nations, He blesses those who fed Him when He was hungry. Who offered a drink when He was thirsty. Who invited Him in as a stranger. Who clothed Him when He was naked. Who cared for Him when He was sick. Who visited Him in prison.
The righteous were confused. They had never done any of these things for the King.
He then offers these words. “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.” (Matthew 26:40 – NIV)
I believe the message here is clear. We are called to serve others. In whatever way we possibly can.
Jesus Loved
Jesus also loved with a servant heart. He was compassionate (Matthew 9:36; Matthew 14:14; Matthew 15:32; Luke 7:13). He was sorrowful (Matthew 26:37-38). He grieved (Luke 19:41; John 11:35). He knew how to love.
Oh to have Jesus’ compassion, sorrow and grief for a hurt and dying world. That is how we are to love others. By living life with them. By showing them that we care. By sharing God’s love with them.
These are my observations on serving. Perhaps there are more. I’m sure there are. But as we look into Jesus’ heart, we can see nothing but that of a servant. And that is the exact attitude we are to take upon ourselves.
How will you serve others today? Over the next week? Over the next month? I pray that you have something already set up. If not, why not connect with your local church and see what they have going on and find a place in the serving crowd. There’s always room for one more.
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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