The Ten Commandments

September 2nd, 2012 dsisler

I dropped off my Mom at the beauty salon to get her hair fixed on Friday. I ran to do some errands while she was there. I thought I would be back before she was finished, but before too long, Mom called me, but I was unable to reach the phone in time.
So I immediately returned her call. I received a message that said, “The person you are calling is not available.” I hung up and called the number again. This time I heard, “All circuits are busy.” Again I hung up and called a third time. The message I heard on my third attempt was, “The number you are calling is no longer in service.”
At that point, I gave up and went to the beauty salon to pick her up.
I don’t know about you, but I dislike getting the runaround. If you don’t have an answer for me, please do not make one up just to make yourself look good or because you can. Tell me the truth.
I think that is part of the reason I love God’s Word. God is so straight forward with all of it. He doesn’t run around the circle a few times before saying, “and by the way, you need to…”
It doesn’t get any more straightforward than the Ten Commandments. So let’s see what God has to say and how we are to live our lives.
Commandment One
“You shall no other gods before me.” (Exodus 20:3 – NIV)
Commandment Two
“You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I am, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me, but showing love to a thousand generations of those who love me and keep my commandments.” (Exodus 20:4-6 – NIV)
Commandment Three
“You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God, for the Lord will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name.” (Exodus 20: 7 – NIV)
Commandment Four
“Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is Sabbath to the Lord your God. On it you shall not do any work, neighbor you, nor your son or daughter, nor your manservant or maidservant, nor your animals, nor the alien within your gates. For in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but he rested on the seventh day. Therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy.” (Exodus 20:8-11 – NIV)
Commandment Five
“Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you.” (Exodus 20:12 – NIV)
Commandment Six
“You shall not murder.” (Exodus 20:13 – NIV)
Commandment Seven
“You shall not commit adultery.” (Exodus 20:14 – NIV)
Commandment Eight
“You shall not steal.” (Exodus 20:15 – NIV)
Commandment Nine
“You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor.” (Exodus 20:16 – NIV)
Commandment Ten
“You shall not covet your neighbor’s house. You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, or his manservant or maidservant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor.” (Exodus 20:17 – NIV)
There are plenty of other commands that God has place within the pages of His Book, but these were the first ten. And these are mentioned in the New Testament as well. By looking at these New Testament passages, you’ll find some common language from God’s original, straightforward language.
Command One
Matthew 4:10 and Matthew 22:37-38
Command Two
Acts 17:29, 1 Corinthians 10:7 and 1 John 5:21
Command Three
Mathew 15:17-20 and 1 Timothy 6:1
Command Four
Matthew 24:20; Mark 2:27-28; and Hebrews 4:1-13
Command Five
Matthew 19:19; Matthew 19:18-19; and Ephesians 6:1-3
Command Six
Matthew 15:17-20; Matthew 19:18-19; and Romans 13:9
Command Seven
Matthew 15:17-20; Matthew 19:18-19; and Romans 13:9
Command Eight
Matthew 15:17-20; Matthew 19:18-19; and Romans 13:9
Command Nine
Matthew 15:17-20; Matthew 19:18-19; Romans 13:9 and Ephesians 4:25
Command Ten
Romans 7:7; Romans 13:9 and James 1:14-15
I believe Romans 13:10 (NIV) is a great summary for this blog post. “Love does no harm to its neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.” Because of love, we have no desire to mistreat our God or our neighbor.
And we know love because we know God. 1 John 5:2-3 says that when we love God, we love His commands and His people.
God’s straightforward language should be our language. It should be the way we live our lives. I pray on this day that you will allow God’s Words to penetrate your heart. That His love would draw you to Him. You really cannot misunderstand His message.
Grace and peace be yours in abundance,
Donna
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Salesmanship 101

September 1st, 2012 dsisler

I stopped to get gas yesterday at an unfamiliar station. I pulled up to a pump, got out of my car, and proceeded with the usual routine with credit card in hand. A young attendant approached and said, “This is a full service pump. The price is $3.94 with a credit card.” I thought that was okay, so I said, “Okay, that’s fine.”
He looked at me and said, “Are you sure?”
“Yes,” I said, “it is cheaper than any prices I’ve seen.”
“Well,” the attendant began, “if you purchase with cash the price is $3.88 a gallon. If you get gas from that pump (pointing to the pump at the other island), you’ll pay $3.88. And if you go up to that station (the attendant pointed up the road to a nearby gas station), you’ll pay $3.79 per gallon.”
I don’t believe this young gas station attendant had received the training on salesmanship.
But I wondered how things would be if Satan had missed Salesmanship 101. If so, he might ask if we were sure we wanted to engage in certain activities. He might explain the consequences of some of our actions. He might be a little less encouraging of selfish behavior.
But alas, not only has Satan excelled in Salesmanship 101, but has passed 201, 301, and 401 with flying colors. I would even say, he wrote the syllabus for each of these courses.
Peter tells us about Satan and his tactics. “Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” (1 Peter 5:8 – NIV) Satan is slinking around, waiting for his next victim. Waiting for someone to show some form of weakness. Then he will pounce. Peter’s advice is to be self-controlled and alert.
But then Peter goes on to share a couple other ways to put Satan in his place. “Resist him [Satan], standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings.” (1 Peter 5:9 – NIV) Our faith will give us the strength to resist Satan.
Satan will do his best to lead us to sin. He will tempt us with his best vices. He will lead us astray. He will do all that he can to keep us from following God’s path.
The good news is that God is working just as diligently to keep us from falling. Paul mentions temptation in 1 Corinthians. And this passage shares some great news about temptation.
“If you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall! No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.” (1 Corinthians 10:12-13 – NIV)
God loves us so much that He will always provide a way out of temptation for us.
Jude 1:24-25 (NIV) confirms this truth. “To him who is able to keep you from falling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy—to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power, and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forever more! Amen.”
Satan knows exactly how to tempt us. He knows our weaknesses. God will provide assistance, but it is up to us to keep from falling into temptation. According to Jesus, prayer is a key element to standing firm against temptation. Consider these passages. Matthew 26:41; Mark 14:38; Luke 22:40; and Luke 22:46.
For more information on how Jesus dealt with temptation, you can read about His journey in the wilderness in Matthew 4 or Mark 1.
And here are a few other passages to consider when thinking of temptation. Matthew 6:13; Galatians 6:1; 1 Timothy 6:9-10; Hebrews 2:18; Hebrews 4:15; James 1:13-14.
I didn’t purchase gas from the first station I pulled into yesterday. I was warned. I heeded the warning. I removed myself from a possibly harmful scenario (harmful to my wallet).
I should remember this occasion the next time I am tempted. Think of the possibilities instead of the obvious. Look for a way out instead of being stuck in the moment.
With God on my side and the tools I need to resist him, I’m positive Satan will not be able to convince me that his conniving schemes are worth the consequences of sin. I pray the same for you.
Grace and peace be yours in abundance,
Donna
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A Wedding Celebration

August 31st, 2012 dsisler

My family is celebrating today. Celebrating the marriage of my oldest nephew Brandon to his lovely Heidi. By the end of today, they will be united. They will be Mr. and Mrs. They will be a wedded couple.
Congratulations Brandon and Heidi! May God bless your marriage abundantly!

I am reminded of several wedding feasts in Scripture. The wedding feast of Cana where Jesus performed His first miracle (John 2:1-11). Jesus taught through a parable about a wedding feast (Matthew 22:1-14). Another parable of a wedding situation can be found in the parable of the ten virgins (Matthew 25:1-13). And don’t forget the first marriage ceremony in Scripture performed by God (Genesis 2:21-25).

But the greatest wedding celebration is between the Bridegroom (Jesus) and His Bride (the Church). We see glimpses of this glorious relationship throughout Scripture and how precious it is in God’s sight.
In a section of Scripture regarding marriage, Paul shares this thought with the Ephesian Church.
“Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless.”(Ephesians 5:25-27 – NIV)
Jesus mentioned this relationship in Matthew 9:15 (NIV) when He said, “How can the guests of the bridegroom mourn while he is with them? The time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them; then they will fast.” Jesus knew the time would come when He would no longer be among the people. Longing for the bridegroom would occur then.
And once again in Revelation 19:7-9 there is reference to the Bridegroom. I love the words in verse 9 (NIV). “Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb!” We are all invited, but we must accept the invitation to join the wedding celebration at the wedding supper.
Have you accepted your invitation? Your RSVP is eagerly awaited.
In this world of disposable marriages, I am thankful that my Bridegroom is not willing to toss me out because of the sin in my life. That my rebellion is not grounds for “irreconcilable differences.” Jesus loves me and although I miss the mark, He continues to cover me with His grace through it.
Yes, today is a time of celebration. For a new marriage and for a rekindling of an old relationship. A time to remember my precious relationship with Jesus. A time to celebrate the wonder of it all.  How are you celebrating today?
Grace and peace be yours in abundance,
Donna
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Different

August 30th, 2012 dsisler

Purse shopping is discouraging. For me, this has become one of the difficult tasks of my existence. I search for the perfect size, shape, texture, and even compartments. And if this isn’t enough, I must find a purse of a color or pattern that I really like because I will live with for months, perhaps years.
I also must admit that I have returned more purses than I have kept through the years. I believe the one purchased will fit the criteria, but as soon as I place all of the purse items into the newest one I find that it really isn’t.
So, recently I went to a local department store to search for a new purse. In the midst of all that were there, I found one that I thought just might do the trick. I headed to the checkout and placed my newest prize on the counter.
The young, almost 20 year-old male cashier looked at my purchase and then to my cart. The newest purchase was a red purse. The purse in my cart was also red. He was confused and asked, “What’s the difference?”
Well of course there were many difference. The size. The shape. The strap. The compartments. The color. I knew these differences, but this young man could not understand the purpose of my purchase.
I have to ask the question, “What’s the difference in your life?” What makes you different from your cubicle mate or your co-worker? What makes you different on the ball field? What makes you different on the expressway? What makes you different in this world?
I can tell you some of the things that make me different from the world. Here are some of them.
My Lord
When I accepted Jesus as the Lord of my life, I had to turn it all over to Him. Everything. Oh there are times I take some of it back and then I mess up, but I’ve learned that it is really much better if He is Lord of all.
My Spirit
God’s Holy Spirit lives within me and because of that, I am able to live more like I should. You see on my own, I allow my sinful nature to have complete control. With God’s Spirit, I have His control.
My Outlook
Because I am a follower of Jesus, I have a beautiful home waiting for me. I have hope that one day I will spend eternity with Jesus in the heaven He has prepared. Yes, this world is not my home. But until then, I will live differently in this world.
My Mission
My mission is Jesus’ mission. To make disciples. To teach His message. To share the Gospel. When my mission is to spread God’s message (of love, grace, forgiveness, acceptance), others will see that I am different from the rest of the world.
My Attitude
As a Christian, my attitude must be like Christ’s. Humble and not self-seeking. I must have a servant attitude. I must not think more highly of myself than I should. By keeping my attitude in check, I am able to serve Jesus to the best of my ability and live differently in this world.
There is a difference. Not just in the purse I purchased, but in my life as well. There are lists of ways for us to live in God’s Word. Sections of Scripture that teach us how to live different lives. If you have a chance, read through these passages and see where you’re missing the mark. Ask God to help you with these areas so that others may see that you are different.
Galatians 5:16-26; Ephesians 4:17-5:21; Colossians 3:1-17; 1 Thessalonians 4:1-12; Titus 3:1-11; and 1 Peter 1:13-2:3.
I didn’t return the purse. I have carried it cross-country and I think it might be okay for this season of my life. For that young clerk, yes, there is a difference. I pray that he saw that difference in me.
Grace and peace be yours in abundance,
Donna
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Ups and Downs

August 29th, 2012 dsisler

My husband and I made it to Ohio! It was a long trip and there were some ups and downs along the way. Most of the ups revolved around relationships. The people I met along the way, the talking with my husband, and my conversations with God.
The downs revolved around some of the scenery. There are some pretty places across our country, but I-70 along eastern Colorado and western Kansas could use a little boost (for those of you who are from this area of our country, please extend some grace…I’m still a bit tired from that 20+ hour road trip).

I’m certain the Israelites felt some of the same feelings while wandering through the wilderness in the book of Exodus. Their relationships had the opportunity to grow, but the scenery got to be a bit monotonous.
I believe Jonah experienced a little of this as well. The chance to work on his relationship with God and people was evident and he had plenty of time to do so. But three days in the belly of a big fish was probably not his ideal location for this opportunity.
Wherever your day is taking you, I pray that you will take the time to work on the relationships in your life. Your relationship with your spouse, your children, your co-workers, or with God.
I Corinthians 13:4-8 is considered to be the love chapter of the Bible. When we begin to look at love in this way and we know that this is the way love is to be expressed in our lives, our relationships with others will get better. There will be some amazing ups!
Pay attention to the ups. Don’t get bogged down by the downs. Work on the relationships in your life and enjoy the scenery as you go! The ups and downs in life are what makes it all so special.
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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