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Perfection!
October 31st, 2012 
dsisler Perfection. What comes to mind when you think of that word? I think there is perfection in our world. The perfect combination of flavors brings a smile to my face. I believe I’ve seen perfect sunsets. I’ve experienced perfect days.
Imperfection. What comes to mind when you think of that word? I must admit there is imperfection in our world. Computers that aren’t compatible with upgraded programs. Potholes that cause flat tires. The absence of fireflies in Colorado.
Perfection and imperfection. I believe we can look at these words through Scripture and find God’s view on them. So let’s do that. Let’s see what He has to say about perfection and imperfection.
Imperfection
We know from the Old Testament that the Hebrew nation was to provide sacrifices without blemish. They weren’t to have imperfections. (Leviticus 22:21; Numbers 19:2)
We are imperfect. If you read through all of the lists of sins we are to get rid of, you and I both know that we haven’t achieved that task yet. You’ve seen the lists. Galatians 5:19-22; Ephesians 4:22-31; Ephesians 5:3-4; Colossians 3:5-10; 2 Timothy 3:1-7; and 1 Peter 2:1. Unfortunately, some of those sins are still in my life. I am imperfect.
Perfection
Paul’s final words to in 2 Corinthians 13:11 (NIV) were, “Finally, brothers, good-by. Aim for perfection, listen to my appeal, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you.”Aim for perfection. Now that I think I can do.
Yes, we are to rid ourselves of the sins listed above, but we also have lists to show us how we are to live. Galatians 5:22-23; Galatians 6:2; Ephesians 4:23-24; 32-5:2; Philippians 2:14-16; Philippians 4:4-8; Colossians 3:12-17; Colossians 4:2; 1 Peter 1:13-16; 1 Peter 2:4-5; 1 Peter 2:12; 1 Peter 2:17; 1 Peter 4:8-11; 1 John 1:7; Jude 1:20-23.
“Aim for perfection.” Other versions of the Bible have translated this phrase a little differently. Maybe we can gain some insight from them.
“Keep things in good repair.” (The Message)
“…be made complete…” (New American Standard)
“Try to be complete.” (New Century Version)
“Aim for restoration.” (English Standard Version)
I love the ESV translation. “Aim for restoration.” It seems to help me understand that it is a work in progress. That it is a time-consuming project. Maybe even that it is a never-ending task. I must continue to work at living the way God wants me to live, because I know that it is only through Him that I am perfect.
I believe that as we remove a sin from our life, we must replace that void with something. Something good. Remove something from the imperfection list and replace it with something from the perfection list.
I also believe that I cannot do this without God and His Holy Spirit working in my life. My sinful nature is too strong for me to battle on my own. And God has given me the perfect tools to go into battle. Ephesians 6:10-18 tells us of the armor we are to take up and use. God’s armor.
Let’s strive today to live as godly men and women. Let’s utilize the tools (God’s armor and His Holy Spirit) as we head into battle. Let’s aim for perfection. Aim for restoration. Let others see Jesus through you that “…they may see your good deeds and glorify God…” (1 Peter 2:12 – NIV)
Grace and peace be yours in abundance,
Donna
Distractions
October 30th, 2012 dsisler How easily are you distracted? Distracted during a conversation or while you’re heading in a specific direction? Or what distracts you from studying God’s Word or your prayer time with Him?
I was having a conversation with a co-worker. I couldn’t tell you what the topic was, but it was one that had kept our attention for some time. Then suddenly, I saw them.
My cubicle mate had dangling earrings. They were a combination of blues, greens and a mixture of the two colors. They were large, shiny and the shape of a teardrop. It was as if I were a fish and these fishing lures were drawing me to them.
I stopped talking. I was mesmerized by their shape, color and design. If in fact I were a fish, I would have been dinner.
Oh how often I am distracted from spending time with God or helping someone in need. The unfortunate thing is that it happens daily for me. I’ll be focused on my study time and then my mind begins to wander. I’ll remember something else I wanted to do. Or I’ll read a verse of Scripture and think, “I could use that in a blog post.” Or an interruption will draw me from my study time and it then becomes more difficult to return.
The same can be said of my prayer time. I’ve learned through the years that unless I physically speak my prayers, chances are pretty good that I’ll end up being distracted by something and then my prayer time with God is disjointed.
But I know I am not alone in this dilemma. The distractions of this world and life have kept many from spending time with God and accepting what He has to offer.
Martha was one such woman. Martha and her family had a close relationship with Jesus. Apparently, close enough to make a complaint about her sister to Jesus.
Jesus was passing through town with His disciples. Martha opened her home to the group. Her sister Mary sat at Jesus’ feet, listening and learning from the Master, while Martha was busy preparing a meal and their home for their guests.
Martha wasn’t happy with the way Mary was behaving. And she told Jesus. “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!” (Luke 10:40b – NIV)
Jesus’ response was priceless. “Martha, Martha.”(Luke 10:41a – NIV) Now this wasn’t the end of Jesus’ response, but it tells us the message Jesus wanted to convey.
“Donna, Donna. Why are you worried about this particular thing?” “Donna, Donna. Really? You made the same mistake again?” “Donna, Donna. What were you thinking?” “Donna, Donna. Are you sure that’s what you want to do?” Yes, I can hear Jesus saying these same words to me. “Donna, Donna.” (You can insert your name here anytime you want.)
For Martha, she had been “distracted by all the preparations that had to be made.” (Luke 10:40a – NIV) And by being distracted, she missed the message.
Jesus continued with His response in Luke 10:41-42 (NIV). “Martha, Martha, you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”
Mary chose the better. Mary got the “one thing.” She chose to sit at the feet of Jesus and hear His words. To know that her life would be different because of knowing this Man. She knew in that moment that her spiritual needs far outweighed her physical needs.
What lessons to learn from Mary!
My friend and I speak of that moment on occasion. Of how I was so drawn to those earrings. To be honest, they were not something I would normally be drawn to. They weren’t a color I care for. They were not my style at all. Honestly, I rarely wear jewelry. But that didn’t matter. The distraction was there and the conversation was lost.
The distractions of our lives don’t even have to be something we like. It doesn’t have to be something we’re usually drawn toward. If we are not careful, anything can distract us from doing what we’re supposed to be doing.
Isn’t it time we realize that our spiritual desires need to take precedence over our physical desires? Isn’t it time to realize that Jesus can make all the difference in our lives? Isn’t it time that we understood the “one thing?” I say yes.
My mind must stay focused. My heart must be in tune with God. My actions must show that nothing can distract me from listening to Jesus.
I don’t like hearing the words, “Donna, Donna.” What about you? Are you willing to be undistracted? I pray that you will come to the understanding that Jesus wants us to listen and hear His message and that He is more important than any distraction.
Grace and peace be yours in abundance,
Donna
The Perfect Plan
October 29th, 2012 dsisler I am not as internet savvy as I once thought. I have been working on getting a website up since April. I purchased a domain, have the tools to design a website, and then launch said website. I haven’t been able to navigate through the website builder and have become frustrated. So I work on it a bit, then quit because it isn’t going the way I had hoped.
I was able to get an email address through this website. I love being able to use donna@fullmeasureofjoy.com. However, it doesn’t work some of the time so again, I’m frustrated that I am unable to use something (that I’m paying for by the way) as I hoped. So if you need to connect with me with a time sensitive matter, I would suggest using one of my other email addresses.
My solution? Allow a professional to do it for me…or to at least show me what I’m doing wrong so I can work on it. We’ll see how that goes.
I am thankful that there are other things that I am able to do on my own. Like study God’s Word, pray, or worship God at any point during my day.
I have been getting some “updated” Bible reading plan suggestions this week. Some of them are designed by biblical scholars while others are written by worship leaders. Some are designed for a week or two. Others are for a month.
But here’s the concept that I love. Start now. Don’t wait for the New Year to make a resolution to read God’s Word daily, because that is still 63 days away! And, you know your success rate on resolutions!
You could get a jump start now, try something new, feel successful about it this go round, and by the time the New Year gets here, you’ll be deep into God’s Word with a better understanding of His purpose for your life.
Sometimes we need a little help to get us going with something (like my website). So I’m here to offer some suggestions on how to start a reading plan. Please don’t be overwhelmed by this idea. You can do it.
And if you need further help with this, please don’t hesitate to connect with me. Post a comment here or send me an email at donnasisler@gmail.com. I’d be happy to help you get started!
Perhaps you already have YouVersion on your smart phone. If you do, you are ahead of the game, but maybe you didn’t know it! There are quite a few plans already listed through this application, but they’ve recently added some new ones. Check out these plans to see if there might be one you would use. The beauty is that you’ll receive them daily by email. Just the section you need to read. It really doesn’t get any easier than that.
Biblegateway.com also has reading plans that you can receive by email. Just sign up and you will get exactly what you ask for.
Of course, for those who would prefer opening your personal Bible, there are plans designed for that. If you Google, “Bible reading plans,” you’ll get a slew of them. Search for the one that fits your lifestyle. One that will fulfill your desire to read through the Bible in a year.
My blog usually has tons of Scripture, but since I write topically, my passages aren’t in any particular order. In my internet searching, I haven’t been able to find a blog dedicated to this purpose…perhaps another task to add to my “to do” list.
Here’s the thing. You need to start somewhere. Just you and God. No middleman. No professional. So I would encourage you to consider this idea. If you’ve never read through the Bible, why not start?
If I live to be 90 years old and read through the Bible each year, I still have the opportunity to read through God’s Word thirty-eight more times (I just told you my age didn’t I?). Remember, this is just reading, not studying. Can you imagine what God can teach me through those readings? I can’t! But I certainly would love the chance to find out.
I’ll close with some passages about God’s Word. Recognize some of the benefits you’ll receive by reading through the Bible. You will be amazed that as you begin this process how much you’ll crave and thirst for more. How your desire to be in God’s presence will deepen because you’ve read His Words. Please don’t let another day go by without hearing your heavenly Father’s message.
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.”(Psalm 119:105 – NIV)
“Jesus answered, ‘It is written: Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” (Matthew 4:4 – NIV)
“For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.” (Romans 15:4 – NIV)
“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 ever good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17 – NIV)
“For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow: it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12 – NIV)
Grace and peace be yours in abundance,
Donna
Impossible You Say?
October 28th, 2012 dsisler November is just three days away. I’ve always looked forward to November. It is the beginning of my favorite time of year. Some call it the holiday season. I call it wonderful!
Some of my favorite people were born in the month of November. My Dad, one of my Grandfathers’, and my youngest daughter all celebrate their day of birth in November. And then, of course, Thanksgiving is in November. November is a great month!
It wasn’t until several years ago that I was enlightened to the fact that November is also National Novel Writer’s Month. NaNoWriMo for short, writers are encouraged to write 50,000 words in 30 days. Since I learned of NaNoWriMo, I’ve written a novel each year. I have been awarded a “winners” badge and the bragging rights to that fact.I have once again taken a leap of faith and have decided to write yet another novel. But that isn’t all I’ve determined to do during the month of November.
While NaNoWriMo is for fictional writers, I’ve also found a group that gathers the non-fiction writers and encourages them to write a book during the month of November. There’s a book in the back of my mind for this one too.
And then of course, there is my blog. My commitment to write here on a daily basis really keeps me hopping. But I enjoy it so. I learn so much. I feel God leading me in this direction. Full Measure of Joy has become part of who I am.
Is it possible to write this much? It would mean writing nearly 3,500 words daily. In three different directions. Is it possible?
I don’t know.
It does seem that I’m trying to be an over-achiever. That I’ve determined to tackle the impossible.
But I would have to say that I’m joining forces with some of the greatest people in history. People who accepted impossible tasks, followed through, and were successful.
I’m sure you can think of the big ones in Scripture, but what about the less spoken accounts of those who were successful when placed in seeming impossible situations?
People like Leah. Her father tricked a man into marrying her. The problem? Her husband, Jacob, wanted to marry her sister Rachel. She wound up in a situation that seemed impossible. With a man who didn’t want her and who loved her sister more than her.
Such mistreatment, frustration, and loss. God, however, was with Leah. He saw that she was not loved and opened her womb. Leah bore children for Jacob. In this impossible situation, God showed up.
Leah’s account can be found in Genesis 29:14-31:55. In the end, Leah bore half of Jacob’s sons. Half of the twelve whose descendants became the twelve tribes of Judah. Now I call that successful.
And what about this man? He had been an invalid for thirty-eight years. He stayed by the Pool of Bethesda, waiting for the water to stir. But since there was no one to help him into the pool, someone else always got into the water before him.
Thirty-eight years. Knowing all of those years that it would never change. That he was destined to be lame his entire life. How disappointing. How discouraging. How impossible.
But Jesus had an encounter with this frustrated man. After telling Jesus his story, Jesus spoke words that would change his life. “Get up!” (John 5:8 – NIV) The man did so and was able to walk.
While we do not know how this man’s life was changed, we do know he had another encounter with Jesus. Jesus said to the man, “See, you are well again. Stop sinning or something worse may happen to you.” (John 5:14 – NIV)
Jesus was teaching this man that being spiritually disabled was far worse than the physical implications of his ailment. Spiritual success will always trump physical success.
This man’s Scriptural account can be found in John 5:1-15. In this impossible situation, Jesus showed up.
I don’t know how God is going to show up during the month of November, but I can guarantee He will.
I’ll be encouraged by a verse or passage of Scripture. I’ll be inspired by an exceptionally beautiful sunrise or sunset. I’ll receive a boost of energy from a new piece of information or knowledge. God will show up.
I just need to be looking for Him!
Perhaps I will miss some of the goals I’ve set for November. But it won’t be because I didn’t try. And it won’t be because I tried it on my own. There isn’t much I can do without God.
There’s an old tune I remember singing as a child. “Nothing is Impossible.” As you read through these lyrics, remember that God is going to show up during the impossible times of your life. Just keep looking for Him.
Nothing is Impossible
Nothing is impossible when you put your trust in God;
Nothing is impossible when you’re trusting in His Word.
Hearken to the voice of God to thee;
“Is there anything too hard for Me?”
Then put your trust in God alone and rest upon His Word;
For ev’rything, O, ev’rything, yes ev’rything is possible with God.[i]
Grace and peace be yours in abundance,
Donna
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