Follow Me

September 17th, 2012 dsisler

I am currently reading through the book Follow Me: Becoming a Lifestyle Prayerwalker by Randy Sprinkle. It is actually a Bible study, but for now, I’m just reading through the book for preparation for my upcoming service trip. It is amazing to me that in just six days, our team will be heading to SE Asia.

There is a story in this book that caught my attention. There was even a physical reaction to this story. Goosebumps formed on my arms. Chills ran up my spine. It truly is a moving account.

The story tells of a widowed Scottish minister, John Harper, traveling on the Titanic with his young daughter. When he realized there was no hope for the mighty ship, he placed his daughter in the hands of an officer and returned to second class to assist others.
It is noted that Mr. Harper began directing people to the lifeboats. His words were, “Women and children and the unsaved into the lifeboats first.”[i]
There is also evidence that while in the icy waters, Mr. Harper’s last words were “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved.”[ii](Acts 16:31 – KJV) At least one soul was saved that night…a survivor who later told the events of an encounter with Mr. Harper and the message of salvation that was accepted.
But the feeling that I get is that Mr. Harper wasn’t acting this way because he was on a sinking ship. Because there was a sense of urgency. I believe that this was a lifestyle for Mr. Harper. To share the message of God’s salvation to anyone and everyone.
So I must ask myself this question. How often do I quote Acts 16:31 throughout my day? Are these words on my lips only during times of urgency? Do I really care about the lost of this world?
When I accepted the call to follow Jesus, I accepted Jesus’ mission. That mission is to seek and save the lost. Mr. Harper got it. I think I get it at times, but not all the time.
The thought “you’re being too hard on yourself” just ran through my mind. No I don’t think I am. That’s the devil telling me to “back off. There’s no reason to share that message with others today. There’s still plenty of time.”
It doesn’t matter if there is plenty of time. The message must be spoken. The message must be shared. I am called to speak this message to those who are lost.
Being a disciple of Christ requires action on my part. If we look at how the disciples reacted to Jesus’ call, we’d see some remarkable actions.
Peter, Andrew, James, and John left their boats and fishing nets behind to follow Jesus. (Matthew 4:18-22). There was no hesitation on their part. They didn’t know what their future with Jesus held. They just knew there was something to be done.
In Luke 5:27-28 we see the calling of Levi (Matthew) the tax collector. This call led Matthew to action. He left everything behind.
Jesus found Philip and then Philip brought his brother Nathaniel (Bartholomew) along. (John 1:43-51) Jesus’ words about Nathaniel are so interesting. “Here is a true Israelite, in whom there is nothing false.” (John 1:47 – NIV) How amazing it would be to hear those words from Jesus!
Each time Jesus called a disciple, His words were simple. “Follow Me.” They chose to follow Jesus. Without hesitation. Without questions. Without answers. They followed.
When Jesus says “Follow Me,” He asks us to be clothed in His characteristics. Follow His actions. He asks us to pick up His mission and follow through with it.
“Follow Me” are Jesus’ words to all of us. Whether we choose to leave everything to accept that call is what it is really about. Have you accepted the call? Are you a follower of Jesus Christ? Have you left it all behind to be a disciple of Christ?
I must admit, there are times when I am not the best follower. I allow my human nature to take control and push aside Jesus’ characteristics. But I also know that Jesus is loving and eager to accept me back into His circle.
Peter found this same acceptance after his denial of Jesus. Peter fully accepted the call on a little beach after breakfast. Peter had gone back to his old way of life, but Jesus called him once again to follow through with His mission (John 21:1-18).
Don’t underestimate what God can do in your life. What God can do through you. Follow Him. He will lead you in ways you’d never dream possible.
Grace and peace be yours in abundance,
Donna

[i] Sprinkle, Randy. Follow Me: Becoming a Lifestyle Prayerwalker. Alabama: New Hope Publishers, 2001. p. 22.
[ii] Sprinkle, Randy. Follow Me: Becoming a Lifestyle Prayerwalker. Alabama: New Hope Publishers, 2001. p. 23.
Share

So Forgetful

September 16th, 2012 dsisler

I forgot. He forgot. We forgot our anniversary yesterday.

How is that possible? How could we both forget such an important day? We were tired. We are each burdened by time and projects. We were overloaded.
But is that really a good excuse for forgetting our anniversary? Probably not.
I got to thinking then how often I forget about God. Do I remember God throughout the day as much as I should? Probably not.
I am not the only one who has this remembering issue. Time and time again, God expressed to the Israelites not to forget Him. To remember Him and all that He had done for them. If they had a hard time remembering God (and they saw His power and might first hand), how much more is it a possibility for me? I’d say a pretty good chance that I’ll forget God throughout my day.
So I’ve come up with a few passages to help me remember. To not forget all that God has done for me. Why not join me to see what God has to say about this topic.
God knew from the beginning how mankind would forget Him, so He gave them the task of placing tassels on the edge of their clothing to remember His commands (Numbers 15:37-41).
The purpose wasn’t for God’s ego, it was for Israel’s sake. So that they wouldn’t prostitute themselves and allow their hearts and eyes to be distracted from God. Does this sound like something that might happen to us? It most certainly does.
God expressed this again in Deuteronomy chapter 4. “Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them slip from your heart as long as you live.” (Deuteronomy 4:9 – NIV) Oh, how the words “slip from your heart” tugs at my heart. I never want that to happen!
David knew of the possibility of forgetting God. His solution? “May my tongue cling to the roof of my mouth if I do not remember you [God].” (Psalm 137:6a – NIV) These are the words of a man who knew forgetting God was not an option. How far are you willing to go to remember God and all He’s done for you?
People under the Old Testament covenant were not the only ones to forget. Jesus spoke to His disciples about this as well. Jesus had to remind the disciples of miraculous feeding of the 5,000 in Mark 8:18.
The women were reminded at Jesus’ tomb of Jesus’ words. “He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still in Galilee. ‘The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.’ Then they remembered his words.” (Luke 24:6-8 – NIV)
Jesus gave us all the command to remember something special in Luke 22:19 (NIV). His words, “Do this in remembrance of me,” are for us. To remember Jesus as we partake of the Lord’s Supper on a weekly basis. We must be reminded weekly to remember the sacrifice Jesus made for us. For me. How forgetful could I possibly get?
But there are a few things we are to forget. Isaiah mentions them in Isaiah 42:18 (NIV). “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past.” And Paul states that his past is forgotten as well. “But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead.” (Philippians 3:13b – NIV)
Forgetting our past should be easy. God has forgotten it. “As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.” (Psalm 103:12 – NIV) He remembers our sin no more.
We salvaged our anniversary. We finally remembered and all is well within the Sisler household.
My lesson? That my greatest desire is to keep God first and foremost in my mind. I don’t want my busyness in His Kingdom to keep me from remembering the King.
I will recite King David’s words again and perhaps you can join me, “These things I remember as I pour out my soul.” (Psalm 42:4a – NIV). Remember. Don’t forget. God has done wonderful, remarkable things in my life. I will not forget!
Grace and peace be yours in abundance,
Donna
Share

What? It’s Not Christmas?

September 15th, 2012 dsisler

As I was driving around town yesterday, I found myself listening to Christmas music. For some of you reading this, it is not surprising. But for the others, here is my confession. I’m a Christmas nut. I love everything about Christmas and listen to Christmas music year round. In fact, five of the six CD’s in my car are Christmas albums.

One of my favorite artists is Jim Brickman and he has some fabulous Christmas albums, one of which is in my car. Near the end of this album is a version of “O Holy Night.” It is a duet performed in French. It is now my favorite version of this Christmas classic.
As I listened, I couldn’t understand any of it except the word, Noel. But I know the words to this song in English, so I know the message of this song.
I realized in that moment, that God’s message is the same, regardless of the language. Yes, I’ve heard these words before, but I really understand it now.
Genesis 11:1-9 gives the account of why there are language barriers in the first place. A group of people desiring to reach God by building a tower was not a good idea. God caused the group to speak in different languages to confuse those doing the construction. From that point on, God’s message would need to be translated into different languages in order to be understood.
Can you imagine how the folks on the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2:1-13) felt when they heard God’s message in their own language for the very first time? What a thrill it must have been!
Even for me, an English speaking woman in the United States to be able to pick up a version of the Bible that I can read and understand should be exciting to me each time I read it. Yes, God’s Word is exciting to me, but it has never been so because it is in English!
The original Scriptures were not written in a language that I read. In fact, the Bible was written in two languages that I can’t read. If not for some dedicated scholars of the past, I might not be able to hold a copy of God’s Word in my hand, much less have multiple copies sitting on my shelf.
We can look at Philip and Ethiopian in Acts 8 to see that even if there isn’t a language barrier, understanding may not come easily. Let’s look at the passage.
“The Spirit told Philip, ‘Go to that chariot and stay near it.’ Then Philip ran up to the chariot and heard the man reading Isaiah the prophet. ‘Do you understand what you are reading?’ Philip asked. ‘How can I,’ he said, ‘unless someone explains it to me?’ So he invited Philip to come up and sit with him.” (Acts 8:29-31 – NIV)
God’s message is the same, no matter what language it is heard, read, or studied.
So what can we take away from this?
First of all, I think we can be more appreciative of the fact that we have God’s Holy Scriptures in our own language to read. Don’t take these precious words for granted. Memorize as much of it as possible. Study and understand what God’s Word has to say. Feel privileged that you have a copy of the Bible. There are others in this world who do not.
Second, understand that God’s message never changes. It is the same today as it was in the beginning. It is the same regardless of the language in which it is presented. Appreciate the magnitude of that message and be certain to speak it clearly.
Third, who do you know that needs assistance with understanding God’s Word? What role do you think God is leading you to? How can you help others understand God’s message? Don’t underestimate how God can use you in these circumstances. He is an amazing God!
Oh, I know that Christmas is still over three months away and there are a few holidays to celebrate between now and then. What can I say? Christmas makes me happy. Christmas music fills my heart with warmth.
No matter what language we say it in, Merry Christmas [Melkin Yelidet Beaal (Ethiopian), Joyeux Noel (French), Fröhliche Weihnachten (German), Buone Feste Natalizie (Italian), Sung Tan Chuk Ha (Korean), Wesolych Swiat Bozego Narodzenia (Polish), Pozdrevlyayu s prazdnikom Rozhdestva is Novim Godom (Russian), Feliz Navidad (Spanish).[i]] means Merry Christmas.
Grace and peace be yours in abundance,
Donna

[i] http://www.santas.net/howmerrychristmasissaid.htm
Share

Like What?

September 14th, 2012 dsisler

It’s official. Fall has arrived in my neck of the woods.

It is officially fall when first day of school pictures are posted on Facebook.

It is officially fall when the windows in my home can be left open throughout the day with a cool breeze billowing in.
It is officially fall when my orange, yellow, red and gold décor make their way from the basement to the living room.
It is officially fall when I receive an email from our women’s ministry director stating what leaders will be teaching each Bible study.
I know technically it isn’t fall, but it is beginning to “feel” like fall.
When the trees begin their color change. When sweaters and shoes replace tank tops and flip flops. When anything made of pumpkin sounds delicious.
It feels like fall.
As we search Scripture, we can see some descriptions of God as being like something we are familiar with.
We’ll begin our search in 2 Samuel 22:3 (NIRV) where the author of this book states, “My God is my rock. I go to him for safety. He is like a shield to me. He’s the power that saves me. He’s my place of safety. I go to him for help. He’s my Savior. He saves me from those who want to hurt me.”
God is like a shield. His protection is provided to us against all of our enemies.
In the book of Psalms, we see a couple of descriptions of God. Psalm 46:7 (NIRV) says, “The Lord who rules over all is with us. The God of Jacob is like a fort to us.” Again, we see God’s protection. A fortress to surround us in times of trouble.
And in Psalm 121:5 (NIRV), the Psalmist shows how God provides comfort during the uncomfortable times of our life. “The Lord watches over you. The Lord is like a shade tree at your right hand.”
In Proverbs, we see two more pictures of what God is like. In Proverbs 3:12 (NIRV), God is described as a father. “The Lord trains those he loves. He is like a father who trains the son he is pleased with.” Because of the great love God has for us, we accept His training as we might from our earthly father.
And in Proverbs 18:10 (NIRV), God’s name is shown to be of great value to those who seek protection. “The name of the Lord is like a strong tower. Godly people run to it and are safe.”
God is described as a consuming fire several times in Scripture. As One who desires that we remain faithful to Him. The Hebrew author states it like this. “We are receiving a kingdom that can’t be shaken. So let us be thankful. Then we can worship God in a way that pleases him. We will worship him with deep respect and wonder. Our ‘God is like a fire that burns everything up.’” (Hebrews 12:28-29, referencing Deuteronomy 4:24 – NIRV)
The Psalmist asks the question, “Who, O God, is like you?” (Psalm 71:19b – NIV) And Jeremiah answers the question. “No one is like you, O Lord; you are great, and your name is mighty in power.” (Jeremiah 10:6 – NIV) We can try to describe God, but to be honest, God is beyond our comprehension. And also to be honest, I’m thankful for that.
If I were able to put my exact words to God’s existence and being, there would be nothing to draw me to Him. I’d have Him figured out. But instead, I’m continually searching for God. For who He is and why He loves me so. I’m continually searching His Word to find something new about God.
What is God like to you? Is He like a Light? Is He like a Teacher? Is He like a Husband? Is He like a Father? What is God like?
The great news is that God wants to be all of these for you and He wants to be everything for you.
It feels like fall. Fall really is just around the corner. But until then, we’ll continue to see small glimpses into the upcoming season. It is a season of thanksgiving. Let’s give thanks to our God for being so likeable.
Grace and peace be yours in abundance,
Donna
Share

The Speedometer

September 13th, 2012 dsisler

I promised an explanation of the speedometer, so here it is.
While we were in Ohio, the speedometer on the truck stopped working. Mason did some research and replaced a sensor, then did all the things suggested to get the gauge working.

The speedometer would work for a while, giving satisfaction to this victory. But then, suddenly the hand would drop to zero. Discouragement and dismay would accompany this movement.

There were a few things we knew.
1) We had to leave for Colorado and without this particular gauge, it would be difficult to determine our speed. In traffic it wouldn’t be an issue, we could simply go with the flow, but in the middle of the night, there isn’t much traffic on I-70 and our speed wouldn’t be known.
2) Mason knew the truck speed at 2500 RPM’s was exactly 65 mph. We could use this if nothing else worked…but who wants to go 65 mph when the speed limit is 75? Not me! If we were to use the RPM’s for any other speed, it wasn’t as accurate. We could guesstimate, but it wasn’t as precise as we would have liked.
3) The cruise control worked (kind of), so if we used it while the speedometer was working, we could continue on with that speed using the cruise control. However, the cruise control won’t hold at the desired speed, so to get that speed, we have to drive faster and set the cruise, and with practice, it will land on the speed we want. Such complication!
With these pieces of knowledge, we headed out across the plains of the Midwest. Needless to say, it was an interesting trip.
We are on a spiritual journey in this life. A journey that has some issues along the way. There are “construction zones,” there are some “mechanical problems,” there are “congested areas” and “wide open spaces,” and there are “smooth travel” periods as well. In the midst of all that happens during this journey, there are a few things I know for certain. Let me share them with you.
1) The only way we can determine how our spiritual journey is going is by seeking God. He is the real gauge when it comes to how we’re doing. Following the crowd won’t do it in this case. Christianity means stepping out of the line of traffic to be used by God. When we are open to Him working through us, He will do amazing things. I know this because it’s what He is doing in my life right now.
2) Sometimes it’s easy to gain our Scriptural knowledge from what others say or write. We glean information from sermons spoken by our pastor. We read godly material and accept it as God’s truth. But in reality, we are called to search Scripture to know God’s truth (Matthew 4:4, 2 Timothy 2:15). God’s Word is accurate. Authors aren’t. If you truly want to know what God has to say, get into His Word. There is no substitute.
3) As we travel on this spiritual journey, allow God’s Holy Spirit to lead and guide. Don’t flounder around. Use what God has given to get you through this journey. And unlike the truck’s cruise control, you can depend on the Holy Spirit to keep you on the secure path. Every time.
The speedometer is still not working. We had hoped that moisture in the Ohio air was the real culprit to this mishap, but it has rained in Colorado since we’ve been home. There is no chance for drying out yet.
The good news for you is that if your life is broken, there is Someone, The One, who is willing and able to fix it. He knows the exact issue and can resolve the problem quite simply. But it is up to you to ask for His assistance.
God’s grace and forgiveness is His gift to those who desire restoration. And with these gifts, a whole new spiritual journey will begin. Why not join me on this journey. There will be “construction zones,” there will be “mechanical problems,” there will be “congested areas” and “wide open spaces,” and there will be “smooth travel” periods. Through it all, God will be by your side. And He will make the journey worth it all.
Grace and peace be yours in abundance,
Donna
Share
« Older Entries
Newer Entries »

  • Subscribe by Email

  • 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.

  • Bible Studies & Other Happenings

    Bible studies I’m currently leading:

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    In September 2012 I went to SE Asia on a service trip. For more information, check out preachitclearly.blogspot.com.

  • Categories

  • Recent Posts

Visit Us On TwitterVisit Us On FacebookVisit Us On PinterestVisit Us On Linkedin