Sidetracked…Again

November 5th, 2012 dsisler

Have I mentioned lately that I have a lot going on this month? I certainly do and keep adding tasks and projects to that list of on-going objectives. I woke yesterday morning quite overwhelmed and really not certain that I could possibly get it all done in time.

But I received a good bit of encouragement from some great friends yesterday. It gave me an added boost of energy to get on the projects that need to be done today and tomorrow. Once these are off my plate, then I can get back to working on my original goals. And let’s face it, it’s only November 5th!

Sometimes we do get sidetracked by unforeseen things in our life. Whether it is good or bad, “life” has a way of getting in the way at times.

There was a couple in the New Testament who knew what being sidetracked was like. How an unforeseen incident changed their lives.
Zechariah and Elizabeth were along in years. Scripture says, “well along in years.” (Luke 1:7 – NIV) Each were descendants of Aaron and Zechariah was a priest.
I love the section of Scripture right before this statement. “Both of them were upright in the sight of God, observing all the Lord’s commandments and regulations blamelessly.” (Luke 1:6 – NIV)
I don’t know about you, but I would love to hear God say that about me. To take notice that my obedience to Him is out of my devotion and love for what He’s done in my life (yes that was a sidetrack).
So when it was Zechariah’s turn to go into the temple and burn incense, an angel appeared to him and told him of the upcoming birth of his son. Details were given on how he was to be raised, what his purpose in life would be, and then the name was given. John.
Zechariah didn’t believe it could be so, because they were “well along in years.” Now here’s my question. How could you not believe if an angel appeared to you? How could anyone possibly believe that it wasn’t going to happen? Well Zechariah didn’t believe and because of his unbelief, he was unable to speak until the baby was eight days old. That is a long time to keep silent. That, I would say, was an unforeseen incident that kept Zechariah side-tracked.
But it doesn’t stop there. Elizabeth becomes pregnant. But Elizabeth’s response to this unforeseen event was completely different than Zechariah’s. She spoke these words. “The Lord has done this for me. In these days he has shown his favor and taken away my disgrace among the people.” (Luke 1:25 – NIV) Elizabeth was thrilled. Her seclusion was a treasured sidetrack.
When John was born, we are told that Elizabeth’s neighbors and relatives “heard that the Lord had shown her great mercy, and they shared her joy.” (Luke 1:57 – NIV) I find it interesting that Zechariah wasn’t mentioned at this point. The priest who was unable to speak due to his unbelief perhaps was still sidetracked. But it didn’t take long for his belief to be revealed to his community.
When asked what they were going to name the child, Zechariah asked for a writing tablet. On this tablet he wrote, “His name is John.” (Luke 1:63 – NIV) Immediately, Zechariah was able to speak and he praised God.
Through this miracle, their neighbors and friends were filled with awe. It was all they could talk about. They knew that God had been in the middle of this event.
Elizabeth’s pregnancy was certainly an unforeseen event. I believe we can look at both Elizabeth’s and Zechariah’s reactions to find the best way for us to deal with something that can sidetrack us in our lives.
Zechariah was unbelieving. Elizabeth believed.
Zechariah questioned. Elizabeth accepted.
Zechariah lacked faith. Elizabeth proved to be faithful.
Zechariah asked for evidence. Elizabeth acknowledged her gift.
Do you see a pattern? Each loved God and were obedient to His ways, there’s no doubt about that. But they reacted to this announcement differently.
So I must ask the question, “How do you respond to unforeseen occurrences?” Do you lean more toward Zechariah’s reaction or Elizabeth’s? I think we need to be prepared for the inevitable. Life will throw us a curve ball. There’s no question about that. How we react is really what counts.
I will get through this week. I will get through this month. I can even say I will get through the unforeseen incidents that jump onto the path ahead of me. But after reading of Elizabeth’s determination to be faithful to God, I know it’s possible to go through it all in obedience, with grace, and by God’s strength.
Now I must get to work!
Grace and peace be yours in abundance,
Donna
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Keep on Casting…

November 4th, 2012 dsisler

My husband and I took his little car out for a spin yesterday. He drives it more than I ride in it (I do have my reasons). But he had been out on several errands earlier in the day, so his stereo was cranking out some tunes when he started the car. He was listening to the Imperials.

It warmed my heart.

As we continued listening to the album I realized that they were all songs that I really liked and I wondered why it was in his collection of music and not mine?
A particular song came on and it took me to my freshman year at Cincinnati Bible College (they’ve changed the name of this school, but I have such difficultly calling it that…sorry Cincinnati Christian University). I joined a group of people who performed with puppets and muppets. We traveled around the area, set up our big stage and equipment, and then proceeded to share God’s message through these inanimate objects.
The music we used was always fun and lively, had a great message to tell, but it also needed to have some different parts going on so that each muppet could do something different. You know, like backup singers.
The song that brought back these memories is “Bread Upon the Water.”[i]The lyrics are taken from Ecclesiastes 11:1 and Luke 6:38 and if you haven’t heard it in a while, just Google it and find yourself singing along to this tune.
Ecclesiastes 11:1 (NIV) says, “Cast your bread upon the waters, for after many days you will find it again.”
But another section of the song quotes Jesus from Luke 6:38 (NIV). Jesus said, “Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”
Oh how I wish I had been sitting at Jesus’ feet to hear these words. He wanted this crowd to get the message…give! We know Jesus shared this message on multiple occasions, but not like this. The results of our giving are immeasurable. The blessings we receive when we give go beyond anything we could ever imagine. So much so that we are unable to keep them confined. And then we need to give yet again.
There are many ways to give. We can give of our time, our talents, our money, ourselves. Maybe you can only give in one of these areas. Maybe you’re able to give in all of these areas. Whatever the case, Jesus tells us to give.
So how are you giving? Do you volunteer in your local church? If not, you need to. Your church needs you. And regardless of your talents, if your heart is in it, God will bless it. If you don’t know where to start, start by asking around and see where there is a need. I’m certain you’ll receive plenty of ideas and invitations.
I work with a team of ladies to plan women’s events for our church and the minister’s wife heads up this team. She closes each email to us with these words. “It’s a pleasure serving Jesus with you.” Yes, it is a pleasure to serve Jesus. It is my pleasure.
God wants us, urges us to give. As Christ-followers, giving is part of our spiritual DNA. We cannot deny it. We must embrace and develop this area of our lives. And then, we simply need to wait.
Keep on casting…
Grace and peace be yours in abundance,
Donna
Bread Upon the Water
Well there are people who think they’re not receiving
Anything from God at all
Oh they are shaken from their believin’
When they don’t see results they quickly fall
But don’t you waiver keep on living
In the way God wants you to
Don’t get discouraged keep on giving
Soon it will come back to you
Oh keep on working seeking the kingdom
Instead of working for your needs
Just keep on sharing the love of Jesus
You know growing comes from planting seeds
Keep on casting your bread upon the water
Soon it’s going to come back home on every wave
Keep on casting your bread upon the water
Soon it’s going to come back home on every wave

[i] © Universal Music Publishing Group, Bread Upon The Water Lyrics by Gaither Vocal Band, music composed by Grein
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3 a.m.

November 3rd, 2012 dsisler

Oh how I wish I could turn my mind off at times. You know, like at 3 a.m. when I’m wide awake and thinking of something I need or want to do? That’s when I do wonder why Mr. Sandman doesn’t show up and sprinkle some of his little dust over me so that I might fall into a deep sleep for another three hours.

But it doesn’t happen that way. The harder I try to fall back to sleep, the wider awake I become.

This morning was yet another morning when I was wide awake at 3 a.m. and I just couldn’t stop my mind from doing what it’s designed to do. Think.

Since my acceptance of the two writing challenges during November, I’ve taken on two new projects that are media driven.
Now while I am pretty good with most secretarial skills, I’m most challenged by the media driven programs. Like PowerPoint. I love it, but since I don’t use it on a regular basis, I forget some of the features and it takes me longer to do anything because of that fact.
So not only was my mind thinking of what I might write this morning, I was also thinking of the two new projects, the presentation of the two new projects, the related details that go along with the two new projects, plus the two writing challenges that I have undertaken for November.
It’s no wonder I couldn’t sleep!
So here’s my question this morning. How can I possibly be effective today with only four and a half hours of sleep?
Well, if I rely on my own abilities, I know it is impossible. I don’t believe I can be effective on my own. But, I do believe with God’s Spirit working through me, I can be effective.
Here are some Scriptures to back up this statement.
Isaiah wrote a message long ago for us to consider. “The fruit of righteousness will be peace; the effect of righteousness will be quietness and confidence forever.” (Isaiah 32:17 – NIV) When I think of effectiveness in connection to righteousness (God’s righteousness upon me), the result will be quietness and confidence. Now with that combination, I can be effective.
Paul and Barnabas were pretty effective guys. But they also knew where their effectiveness came from. God. God’s Spirit at work in them caused a great awakening among the Jews and Gentiles. Look at Acts 14:1 (NIV) to see the results. “At Iconium Paul and Barnabas went as usual into the Jewish synagogue. There they spoke so effectively that a great number of Jews and Gentiles believed.”
Paul loved visiting with his Church people. And the Church at Corinth held a special place in his heart. He had a great desire to spend some quality time with this group, so at one point he opted to skip a visit so that he could stay longer the next time…and because of an effective work in Ephesus.
“Perhaps I will stay with you awhile, or even spend the winter, so that you can help me on my journey, wherever I go. I do not want to see you now and make only a passing visit; I hope to spend some time with you, if the Lord permits. But I will stay on at Ephesus until Pentecost because a great door for effective work has opened to me, and there are many who oppose me” (1 Corinthians 16:6-9 – NIV)
On another occasion, Paul wrote these words to Philemon. “I pray that your partnership with us in the faith may be effective in deepening your understanding of every good thing we share for the sake of Christ.” (Philemon 1:4 – NIV) Paul was and is pretty good at deepening our understanding of all we have through Jesus Christ.
And then there’s the message from James about prayer. I began with righteousness and will end with righteousness. “Therefore confess your sins to each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.” (James 5:16 – NIV) Now that is what I call effective!
So what can I take from these passages?
Through God’s righteousness, I can be effective.
Through God, I can speak effectively for Him.
Through God, great doors for effective work will open.
Through God, I can effectively deepen my understanding of His goodness.
Through God’s righteousness, my prayers are effective.
I am certain that I will not be of any use at some point this afternoon. I will more than likely need to take a short nap in order to be effective. But in those moments when I feel the least effective, I know that I can lean upon God and His righteousness and I will be effective.
How effective are you today?
Grace and peace be yours in abundance,
Donna
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On Photography

November 2nd, 2012 dsisler

On the final leg of my journey from SE Asia to Denver, I sat next to an interesting gal that I became acquainted with. She lives in Australia at the moment, but was raised in Ireland and has lived all over the world. She was going to visit friends in Boulder for three weeks where she hoped to get a little respite from caring for a seriously ill friend.

Moira had the window seat, but as we passed over the first mountain range, she urged me to look. The view was stunning. I pulled out my camera and took a shot of the scene. As the trip continued, Moira and I spoke on many topics and as we passed over interesting topography, she would encourage me to look. Of course, the photographer in me continued to take shots.
At one point, I asked if she had a camera to take a photo or two. And she answered with an interesting comment. “I have given up on cameras and rely only on my eye and my memory for scenes. In the past when I took pictures I was always disappointed. They were never as beautiful as the real thing.”
I had mixed feelings about this comment. Yes, in years past, I’ve had some pretty lousy cameras and the shots taken with those were truly unacceptable. I believe some might even accuse me of purchasing a “cheap” camera.
But I also know that with my husband’s professional cameras and lenses, he can take some pretty great shots. They may not be 100% as beautiful as the original scene, but they are pretty close.
I would have to say it is the quality of the camera that makes the difference.
So here are a few thoughts from my two-hour journey with Moira.
If we rely on a “cheap” relationship with God, we will be disappointed. Not because God didn’t keep His promises or His end of the bargain, but because you didn’t do your part. God wants 100% of you. Not just the pieces and parts you want to give Him. The places and areas that are least important to you, so they are easy to give Him. No, He wants it all. And that means even the hard parts. The places of your heart that you aren’t quite ready to hand over. He wants them, too.
By “upgrading” our relationship with God, we can guarantee fulfillment. Complete beauty. In John 10:10b (NIV), Jesus said, “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” God wants us to have full lives and that is only achieved by giving 100% of ourselves to Jesus. You will never regret having done so.
And I believe the last thing I learned from Moira’s statement is that we will always have a better understanding of something when we see it, read it, believe it for ourselves. When we rely on someone else for our understanding of Scripture, it will never be as beautiful as when we study it for ourselves. Our own spiritual “eyes” will allow us to see God’s perfect, complete beauty as we spend time with Him.
Moira has gone back to Australia to care for her friend. I would ask for prayers for this dear care-giver. Her desire to help a friend in need is indeed inspiring. Please pray for strength, comfort, and peace for Moira.
I would also ask for prayers for her friend. I’ve managed to forget her name, but God knows who she is. Please pray the same things for Moira’s friend. Strength, comfort, and peace. And if it would glorify God, that she might be healed of this horrible disease.
How are your spiritual eyes? Are they focused on God? Is He blurred due to your lack of attention? If so, why not take this opportunity to “upgrade” your relationship with Him. Let Him show you the sights in His Word. Let Him guide you to a better understanding of full life. Don’t miss it! It’s beautiful!
Grace and peace be yours in abundance,
Donna
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I Did It!

November 1st, 2012 dsisler

It is November 1. That means, last night was Halloween. On my way into women’s Bible study yesterday morning, I was listening to K-Love. Perhaps you heard the announcer say these words (my paraphrase).

“Whether you are for or against Halloween, here is one thing to think about. Tonight, people will knock on your door. They will be asking you for something. Begging you for something. What is the one thing you can give them?”

I knew immediately the “one thing” I could give. God’s love.
So I stopped by my local office supply store, purchased small labels and proceeded to print 450 labels. The labels read, “God love YOU! John 3:16.” I then put one label on each piece of candy.
As each child came to my home last night, I gave them a piece of God’s love.
You know that’s one of our commands. To make disciples. In Matthew 28:18-20 (NIV), Jesus said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
“Go” is usually the word people focus on. Perhaps we are to go somewhere, but last night these children came to me. So if we focus on “make disciples” we can do that anywhere, anytime. And that is what we are called to do.
Now I’m not saying that every person who received candy at my home last night will turn their lives to Jesus, but I’ve at least planted a seed. It is at least a possibility now.
Paul shared his thoughts on this in 1 Corinthians 3:6-7 (NIV). “I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow. So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow.”
So you see, I’ve done my little piece, but at least I did something. To be honest, I am ashamed that I haven’t thought to do this until now…and it wasn’t even my idea!
Since my journey to SE Asia, I’ve been more conscious of my American freedoms. Sharing God’s love with others is one of those freedoms.
I’m wondering if each person who comes to my door (you know those solicitors) shouldn’t receive this same message? I’m thinking “YES!” They are coming to me. I have something to share with them.
So what are you willing to do today to “make disciples?” I know it’s a daunting task. I know you may need to step out of your comfort zone. I know you may feel uneasy. But be assured of this. If you choose to do so, Jesus will be with you. Always. He said He would be.
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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