September 22

September 22nd, 2012 dsisler

“Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, equipyou with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.” (Hebrews 13:20-21 – ESV)

Please pray with me that God will continue to equip me for the journey He has set before me.

Praise God with me for the seen and unseen results of His equipping.
Grace and peace be yours in abundance,
Donna
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Ready For a Change?

September 21st, 2012 dsisler

Today is the last day you’ll be hearing from me…at least until October 7th. I will be unavailable, but I have a blog post ready to post every day while I am away. My very good friend, Lori will be posting, sharing on Facebook, Tweeting and replying to comments while I’m gone. I leave you all in very good hands.

(I think I have a small glimpse into the Apostle Paul’s life as he left those new Christians years ago…I know it was a difficult thing for him. He trained the leaders, he gave them ample material, the tools were all in place. He had done all he could. These people were his babies…babies in Christ. He wanted them to be cared for as if he were there doing the caring himself. In the end, he trusted God to oversee their spiritual growth. Yes, it must have been difficult.)
While I’m away, each post will feature a Biblical benediction, the bestowment of a blessing. I was amazed at how many there actually are! After the benediction, there will be some prayer requests and some praises. Please lift these requests up to our heavenly Father and praise Him for all He has done and will do.
I was reminded this week that I am not the only one leaving the country this week. There are others heading off on service trips too. My cousin and her daughter will be going to Haiti on Saturday. Please keep them and many others who are willing to give of themselves in prayer. May God exponentially bless human efforts as we share His Gospel with others around the world.
As I head out on this SE Asia journey, I cannot help but praise and thank God for the many blessings He has bestowed upon me and our team. The prayer and financial support has been overwhelming. Thank you to each and every person who has and who will be praying for us while we are on this trip. You are a precious member of our team.
I have been pulling verses of Scripture to carry with me and I wanted to share some of my favorites with you in closing.
“Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you.” (Psalm 9:10 – NIV)
“The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge. He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.” (Psalm 18:2 – NIV)
“My heart is stirred by a noble theme as I recite my verses for the king; my tongue is the pen f a skillful writer.” (Psalm 45:1 – NIV)
“You open your hand and satisfy the desire of every living thing.” (Psalm 145:16 – NIV)
“I will sing of the Lord’s great love forever; with my mouth I will make your faithfulness known through all generations. I will declare that your love stands firm forever, that you established your faithfulness in heaven itself.” (Psalm 89:1-2 – NIV)
I cannot wait to return. To share a story or two of how God worked through me. Of how He changed my heart. But until then, “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 15:13 – NIV)
Grace and peace be yours in abundance,
Donna
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Flexible

September 20th, 2012 dsisler

I received an email yesterday that there was a change to our flight itinerary. Not a big one, just another ten minutes added to the layover in one of the cities. I’ve heard that flexibility is the number one rule of travel. And so it begins.

James has the right perspective on planning and flexibility. In his discourse on boasting about tomorrow, James says, “Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow…instead, you ought to say, ‘If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and so this or that.’” (James 4:14a, 15 – NIV) If we use this terminology, flexibility will be connected to God’s will and it will be God’s plan.
Paul learned of flexibility when he and his team were heading in one direction and their travel plans were changed because of a vision. A man in Macedonia pleaded for Paul to come to his country. (Acts 16:6-10) Paul and his companions got ready at once to leave for Macedonia. They received a lesson in flexibility.
Of course we know that Jonah also received a lesson in flexibility when he ran from God. Spending three days and three nights inside the great fish allowed Jonah to figure out that God’s plans will always take precedence over his own.
The one thing that we cannot be flexible in, however, is our message. Our message must be God’s message and it must not be tainted by our own thinking. Scripture is pretty clear and in plain words shares a simple message.
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” (John 3:16-17 – NIV)
That is the message. Oh, there is more to the message like how to be saved and what to do once we are saved, but this is where it all begins. This is how salvation comes to the lost. Through Jesus Christ. Remember Jonah only had five words (in his language) that lead an entire city to God. That is simplicity intertwined with flexibility!
When speaking to the Colossians, Paul asks them to pray for him. To pray specifically for him. “And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should.” (Colossians 4:2-4 – NIV)
This is my prayer daily. That God’s message is spoken clearly through me. That God would open a door for me to be able to share this message with someone. I think that is being flexible for God to work through me.
I am certain this little change in our itinerary is not the last. But it’s all good. God has a plan. He’s gone before us and has prepared the way for us. I will continue to be flexible in His hands so that I might be an instrument in His Kingdom.
How flexible are you?
Grace and peace be yours in abundance,
Donna
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Wisdom

September 19th, 2012 dsisler

I’m sure I’ve mentioned before how much I enjoy listening to God’s Word. Hearing the Scriptures allows words that I miss reading to jump out and make an impact upon my life. I hear phrases that I’m sure I’ve never read before. So I listen to what God has to say and pray for understanding, wisdom, and recall for future use.

It is no surprise when it happened again yesterday. While listening to Beth Moore recite the Book of James from memory (that in itself is an amazing pleasure), I heard phrases and words that I don’t remember reading before.

“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)
I have learned of wisdom, how to receive it, why I should want it, and who is willing to give me wisdom. But what I’ve never noticed is this list. The list of qualities wisdom possesses and then bestows upon its recipient.
So let’s break this down and learn a little more about wisdom.
Wisdom is Pure
James gives purity first place in the list. David asked that God create in him a pure heart (Psalm 51:10). Free from contamination of the world. Wisdom from God will always be pure.
Wisdom is Peace-loving
I know there are some people in this world who love to “stir the pot.” Perhaps they aren’t really trying to start a fight, but they try to cause some kind of friction. When we possess Godly wisdom, this action would never be part of our lives. Jesus spoke of peacemakers during His Sermon on the Mount. Peacemakers will be called sons of God (Matthew 5:9). I think that is a title I’d like to possess.
Wisdom is Considerate
Caring about others and how they are feeling makes this list because it is a characteristic of God. When we show kindness to others, God’s wisdom is evident. Ephesians 4:32a (NIV) tells us to “Be kind and compassionate to one another…” Being considerate was Jesus’ way of life. It should be ours as well.
Wisdom is Submissive
I know submission isn’t a popular topic and it isn’t just for women. Everyone is to submit (Romans 13:1; Ephesians 5:21; James 4:7). Being submissive in God’s wisdom shows great strength. Staying within God’s boundaries and allowing His ways to be your ways shows submission.
Wisdom is Full of Mercy
God has granted mercy to His believers. Receiving mercy leads to extending mercy. That is part of wisdom. James also says, “Mercy triumphs over judgment!” (James 2:13b – NIV) I don’t know about you, but God’s mercy that is triumphant is exactly what I seek. And when I possess God’s wisdom, I must be merciful to others just as God is merciful to me.
Wisdom is Full of Good Fruit
I don’t like fruit. I like fake fruit even more. God’s fruit, of course, is another matter. When His fruit is abundant in my life, I have allowed the Vinedresser to do His work in me (John 15:1-8). I’ve allowed His pruning, His cutting out of the non-bearing fruit branches, and have accepted His call to remain in Him. The result is an abundance of fruit and wisdom. As a side note, God doesn’t like “fake fruit” either.
Wisdom is Impartial
James speaks of this topic in his book. Favoritism in God’s Kingdom is strictly forbidden. I love the verse, “Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him?” (James 2:5 – NIV) God shows no partiality. Neither should we. Because to be honest, I’m not so sure where I would be sitting if it came down to picking and choosing in God’s kingdom.
Wisdom is Sincere
Being fake doesn’t make it in the kingdom of God. Scripture teaches that we are to be sincere (2 Corinthians 11:3), have sincere love (2 Corinthians 6:6), have sincere faith (1 Timothy 1:5), and sincere hearts (Hebrews 10:22). We are to be genuine, without pretense or hypocrisy. God’s wisdom is always sincere. It can be no other way.
God’s wisdom is amazing. But it sure doesn’t come without some sacrifice on our part. Giving up some of the worldly ideas we have accepted as truth. Allowing God’s Spirit to guide us in our words and our actions. Godly wisdom totes quite a bundle with it.
But how blessed we will be when we come to realize that wisdom from God will keep us within His will. It will keep us from falling. It will be triumphant. The giving up that is required somehow doesn’t seem so bad. It is very much worth the sacrifice.
Matthew Henry has this to say about wisdom in relation to this verse. “May the purity, peace, gentleness, teachableness, and mercy shown in all our actions, and the fruits of righteousness abounding in our lives, prove that God has bestowed upon us this excellent gift.”[i]
This excellent gift. Wisdom. It’s no wonder Solomon knew exactly what to ask for from God. How foolish we would be not to ask for this excellent gift.
James says if you have wisdom, “Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.”(James 3:13 – NIV) Wisdom is visible. Wisdom is evident. Our humble lives prove Godly wisdom dwells within us.
Have you received wisdom from God?
Grace and peace be yours in abundance,
Donna

[i]Henry, Matthew. Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible. 1997. Tennessee: Thomas Nelson, Inc. p. 1227
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Packing, Packing, and More Packing

September 18th, 2012 dsisler

I have been packing and organizing for several days now. Preparation for international travel is a bit different than domestic travel. But I have some very informed teachers and they are sharing their experiences to help me with the process.

There are now five short days until I leave with my friends for SE Asia. The preparation is nearly complete. Our hearts and minds are being equipped for the work God has prepared in advance for us to accomplish. It will soon be time to see what God’s plan has been all along.
I read the passage of Jesus sending out the seventy-two in Luke 10 again recently. As I read this passage I was stunned that I didn’t see a phrase before. “After this the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them two by two ahead of him to every town and place where he was about to go.” (Luke 10:1 – NIV) Did you catch it?
Jesus sent these disciples to prepare the towns and villages for His arrival. They went before Jesus to share a message of hope with the lost and hurting of their world. They were sharing that these towns and villages could anticipate a wonderful experience when Jesus arrived. That was what the seventy-two were sent ahead to do.
But Jesus didn’t send these men into the world without a message or without instruction. Jesus continued for fifteen more verses with these instructions. Let’s see what Jesus told them.
Jesus began His instruction with a verse you’ll recognize. “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.” (Luke 10:2 – NIV) Jesus’ first instruction was to pray that God would send willing hearts to work.
Jesus’ next instructions were for them not take anything with them or speak to people along the road. “Do not take a purse or bag or sandals; and do not greet anyone on the road.” (Luke 10:4 – NIV) I believe Jesus wanted these disciples to understand God’s provision. That when they were doing God’s work, He would provide all they needed (I have learned this lesson in mighty ways).
Jesus also wanted this group of disciples to understand the urgency of the message. Stopping along the way would only hinder the message delivery.
The passage continues with instructions like remaining in one household (Luke 10:5-7); how to treat a town that accepts them (Luke 10:8); and how to treat a town that doesn’t accept them (Luke 10-12).
Jesus also told them what to do in each town and what their message was to be. “Heal the sick who are there and tell them, ‘The kingdom of God is near you.’” (Luke 10:9 – NIV)
What a mission! What a message! What a task!
But Jesus gave these seventy-two men all authority to speak and be His spokesmen. His final words to them were, “He who listens to you listens to me; he who rejects you rejects me; but he who rejects me rejects him who sent me.” (Luke 10:16 – NIV)
Amazing things were accomplished on this journey. The men returned with joy and told Jesus stories of what had happened. Why even the demons submitted to them when Jesus’ name was spoken. What a wonderful experience!
Jesus was also full of joy. The task had been accomplished. The message had been spoken. The towns and villages were prepared for His entrance. Now the spiritual future of the world was in His hands.
Jesus didn’t need seventy-two men to prepare the way. Jesus doesn’t need me to tell His message. Jesus wants me to be His spokeswoman. He wants me to know how important it is to depend upon God for all that I need. He wants me to know the excitement of sharing the Gospel with a lost or hurting soul. He wants me see the marvelous things He will accomplish through me because I said “yes” to His call. He desires that I be filled with joy because of His salvation.
I can do all the packing and organizing I want, but He is the One preparing my heart.
I don’t know what lessons you might take away from this post, but I know what I’ve learned. That I’m being sent ahead of Jesus for a purpose. To bathe SE Asia in prayer. And through that prayer, this area will be prepared for Jesus’ entrance.
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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