God’s Lists

August 13th, 2012 dsisler

I’m a list maker. I make to-do lists. I make grocery lists. I make don’t forget lists. I make topic-writing lists. I make Bible verse lists. When I worked outside my home, I used lists to keep myself organized and on top of projects. My life is more efficient when I have a list (or lists).

I have a drawer full of “list” pads of paper. Some have seasonal designs and others I was drawn to because of the color. If I find this type of pad with “joy” on it, I’ll buy it regardless of its color. I enjoy finding and purchasing list pads.
I have two running lists going right now for upcoming trips. These lists contain items such as: phone charger, seat belt clip, sunglasses, extra keys, camera, etc. You know, the items that in all likelihood would be left behind unless they are written down.
The first trip is still two weeks off, but the list has been going for over a week now.
As you look through the Bible, you’ll find quite a few lists. God, I believe, is a list maker. Not for His sake, but for ours. Some are extensive lists, while others are just a couple of items. They are lists just the same.
God begins and ends the Bible with lists. In Genesis (Genesis 1:1-27) with the listing of events of creation to Revelation (Revelation 22:1-6) with the description of the River of Life. And there are plenty of lists in between.
There are lists of how we are to live in this world. The Ten Commandments are probably the most famous of them all and can be found in Exodus 20:3-17. And there are others. Galatians 6:1-5; Ephesians 4:1-6; and Colossians 3:12-14 to name a few.
There are plenty of lists which name sins that God will not tolerate and the things we are to remove from our lives. The seven sins that God detests can be found in Proverbs 6:16-19. A few other lists include Matthew 15:19; Galatians 5:19-21; and Ephesians 5:3-4.
There are lists of genealogies. Jesus’ can be found in Matthew 1:1-16 and Luke 3:23-37.
Jesus spoke of the Beatitudes in Matthew 5:3-11.
Lists of spiritual gifts are located in Romans 12:6-8; 1 Corinthians 12:7-11; and Ephesians 4:11-13.
And then there are listings of God’s attributes that we are strive to put into our lives. Like love. These characteristics can be found in 1 Corinthians 13:4-8. Like faith. Biblical examples of faithful people can be found in Hebrews 11:1-40. Like nobility. The great “virtuous woman” passage is found in Proverbs 31:10-31.
Yes, there are lists upon lists in God’s Word. These are just a sampling. Do you have a favorite list in the Bible? If so, let me know what it is. I’d love to hear from you.
I’m certain on one of these trips I will forget something. Regardless of my preparation and planning, I’ll miss at least one important item. My forgetfulness, however, will not stop me from making lists. My forgetfulness only fuels my desire to make yet another list. Just so I won’t forget a thing.
Grace and peace be yours in abundance,
Donna
P.S. – I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but if your mouse hovers over a Scripture reference on my blog site, the Bible passage will appear. I thought this blog post might be the perfect time to mention it.
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Always Protects

August 12th, 2012 dsisler

My family enjoys a version of jalapeño poppers that are baked. My husband faithfully cleans the peppers, I fill them with a mixture of cream cheese, shredded cheese, and bacon, and then they are baked in the oven. These delicious little appetizers make my mouth water at the thought.

We completed the preparation of these poppers for dinner last night. We were using the grill for hamburgers, so we decided to grill the poppers instead of baking them. They were even better!
When the poppers were ready to be removed from the grill, my husband grabbed a few pot holders from the kitchen drawer and carried the hot tray inside. As he made his way to the kitchen he mentioned that his hands were getting hot. He set the popper laden tray down, but the pot holders would not pull away from the tray. They had melted from the heat of the tray.

 It became clear that the grill tray held much more heat than a normal baking sheet that is designed for an oven. It also became clear that standard household potholders were not the right protection against such heat.
As Christians, we must be aware of the spiritual protection that is available for us. Satan knows our weaknesses and how to draw us out from our protection. We must be wise to remain within the boundaries of our spiritual protection.
David certainly knew about God’s protection and asked for it frequently. In Psalm 5:11 (NIV), David rejoiced in God’s refuge.“But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you.”We can rejoice in God’s protection as well, because we love His name!
Another passage in which David praised God for protection is Psalm 32:7 (NIV). He says, “You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance.” When we hide from our enemies within the shelter of God’s protection, we will be delivered.
We read in Psalm 31:28 (NIV) that when we act justly and are faithful, God protects and is faithful to us. “For the Lord loves the just and will not forsake his faithful ones. They will be protected forever, but the offspring of the wicked will be cut off.”
In Psalm 40:11 (NIV), David says, “Do not withhold your mercy from me, O Lord; may your love and your truth always protect me.” God’s love and truth always protect. What a promise!
So how can we utilize God’s protection to its fullest? Ephesians 6:16 tells us that “In addition to all of this [putting on the Armor of God], take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.” A shield protects its bearer from oncoming blows. That is exactly what our faith is to do. Provide protection for us against our enemy.
We can pray for protection as Jesus did for His disciples in John 17:11 and 15 (NIV). “I will remain in the world no longer, but they are still in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, protect them by the power of your name—the name you gave me—so that they may be one was we are one…My prayer is not that you take them out of the world, but that you protect them from the evil one.”
We can know that God’s love and truth will always protect us. (Psalm 40:11)
I want to mention one more passage that David wrote. Psalm 91. You’ll recognize it as soon as you begin reading. David was in need of protection and found a secure place with God.
“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.’” (Psalm 91:1-2 – NIV)
Do you feel the need for God’s protection today? Is Satan on the prowl? Is Satan ready to pounce? If so, look to these passages and use them in your prayer time with God. Ask God to be your protection. Take up your shield of faith. Head into battle knowing that Satan’s flaming arrows have no effect upon you. You will be victorious.
Grace and peace be yours in abundance,
Donna
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Life Lessons

August 11th, 2012 dsisler

A couple of nights ago, my husband and I were enjoying a pleasant evening outside. We were checking a section of the yard that didn’t seem to be getting water from our sprinkler system, so he began fiddling with the thing.

Have you heard the phrase, “it’s all fun and games until somebody loses an eye?” Well that’s kind of what happened that night. As he was poking and prodding that stubborn sprinkler head, a piece of plastic flew up underneath the rim of Mason’s safety glasses, and hit him in the eye.

After doing everything possible, we decided a trip to the emergency room was in order. We arrived at the hospital at 10 p.m.

Apparently there had been a lot of emergencies that evening, so they placed Mason in a room that was designed for children.

The décor was obviously designed to bring joy to a young heart. I mentioned it to Mason…he liked it.

Here are a few things I learned from this moment in time.

Lesson 1: Small incidents can have a huge impact.
A tiny piece of plastic. That’s all it was. But boy did it have an impact. I am but one person on this earth in the midst of billions of people. But I can impact my world by sharing God’s love and grace with anyone I come in contact with. I may not even be able to share this message, but my attitude and my demeanor shows that I am different. That, my friend, is impact.
We must live in this world, but we must not fall into the traps of the world. We must think the way God thinks, not the way the world thinks. We must be different. Others must be able to see Jesus in our lives.
Some Scripture to consider: John 17:15-16; Romans 12:2; Galatians 2:20; and 1 Peter 1:16.
Lesson 2: Interruptions in life are inevitable.
I’ve mentioned before that I participated in a Bible study on the book of Jonah by Priscilla Shirer. Now there was interruption. My service trip to SE Asia, that is interruption. This small piece of plastic in Mason’s eye? That was an interruption. But again, how we handle that interruption is the key.
Jonah ran. Do you find yourself running from interruptions? If they are God appointed, you might as well stop running. He wants to teach you something and you best be listening.
I accepted. Is there a situation where you need to accept an interruption as part of God’s plan? If so, accept it wholeheartedly. God will bless your acceptance.
Mason gave in. He really didn’t want to go to the hospital for a whole list of reasons. But he finally said, “okay.” What if he hadn’t? Any number of things could have happened, from infection to the loss of his eye. God knows what’s best for us. Maybe it’s time to just give in.
More Scripture to consider: Jonah (only 4 chapters…an easy read); Matthew 28:18-20; Luke 19:1-10; John 14:21; and Acts 9:1-19.
Two and a half hours after arriving at the hospital, we headed home. Mason with a sore eye, tetanus shot, pain killers, and an antibiotic. Me with a better understanding of how things can turn bad so quickly. His eye is doing much better and he is beginning to feel like his normal self.
You know it’s going to happen. I must ask these questions.
What are the interruptions in your life? What interruption are you running from? What interruption have you accepted? What is your attitude about these interruptions?
You will be interrupted, I guarantee it. I pray that God will direct your decisions and attitude during these interruptions. I know for sure, there is so much to learn.
Grace and peace be yours in abundance,
Donna
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God’s Passport

August 10th, 2012 dsisler

I received my passport in yesterday’s mail. It was very exciting. It is so beautiful! Each page has a photograph of America’s past events or unique features from our nation. My photo is one of the best ever taken of me…that made me happy. I actually have a passport!
I am one step closer to achieving my goal of making a difference in SE Asia!
A brochure from the U.S. Department of State accompanied my passport. It begins with these words. “With your U.S. passport, the world is yours!”
I understand their standpoint, and I fully intend to use this passport to see the world. But David reminds us, “The earth is the Lord’s and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it.” (Psalm 24:1 – NIV) The world belongs to God. He created it. It’s His.
God loves this world. He loves the people of this world. So much so, that He was willing to sacrifice His Son for us. “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)
However, while we are here, we are to make an impact in this world. Matthew 5:14 (NIV) says, “You are the light of the world.”Jesus tells the crowds that their “light” should shine so that others could see their good works and glorify God. We are to do the same. If the world doesn’t see God in you, it’s time to ask yourself “why not?”
We are also called to go into the world. “Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation.” (Mark 16:15 – NIV) We must preach and teach the good news to all creation. Whether it is our next door neighbor or a group of people on the other side of the world, we must go.
While we are in this world, it won’t be easy. Jesus told the disciples at one point that it wouldn’t be. John 16:33 (NIV) contains these words of Jesus. “I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” Yes we will face trials and suffering, but we too know the Overcomer. And because we know the Overcomer, we overcome this world and all its troubles.
“This is love for God: to obey his commands. And his commands are not burdensome, for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world? Only he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.” (1 John 5:3-5 – NIV)
What beautiful words! Victory is ours when we believe in Jesus Christ!
Passport – check!
Go and share (mission) – check!
Overcome – check!
Victory – check!
Financial support – [insert buzzer sound]
I do not have all the funds needed to go on my service trip. So once again, I am asking for your help. I would love to be able to add your name to my list as a supporter. As someone who feels the great burden of sharing God’s Name with those who have never heard the name Jesus.
I would also love to add your name to my prayer warrior group. Without my prayer warriors, I would not be able to consider this trip. So please let me know if you’d be willing to join me on this journey.
I have a passport. The world is mine. Watch out world, here I come!
Grace and peace be yours in abundance,
Donna
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Awake

August 9th, 2012 dsisler

I’ve always been an early riser. Like a 4 a.m. early riser. During my college days, I would wake at 4 a.m. and would study in the dorm hallway until the cafeteria opened. I was always one of the first people in the cafeteria each morning. Delicious coffee and yummy coffee cake anticipated my arrival each day.

Not much has changed. Most mornings I am able to sleep in until at least 5 a.m. But sometimes my body reverts to its original settings.
I wrote a Haiku several months ago for a blog challenge…it really tells the tale of why I wake early.
Middle of the night,
Awake and mind a-swirling.
No more sleep for me!
Once my mind starts, I’m awake. I now know that if I get up and write, my mind will be relieved of its meanderings and I might be able to get a quick nap in before the rest of the family wakes.
I am not the only person who has had this syndrome throughout history. The Bible is full of words by those who woke early.
David wrote several verses on this topic. But David also knew how God sustained his life. “And I—in righteousness I will see your face; when I awake, I will be satisfied with seeing your likeness.”(Psalm 17:15 – NIV) I wonder how many times I wake and the first thing I think of is seeing God’s likeness. It isn’t as often as it should be.
David also was awakened by fear. When his enemies surrounded him, he penned these words. “I lie awake; I have become like a bird alone on a roof.” (Psalm 102:7 – NIV) At times we feel alone and under attack as well, but God is with us. In all circumstances. In all things. God is there and will comfort, guide, and strengthen as needed.
David knew this as well. In Psalm 3:5 (NIV) David says, “I lie down and sleep; I wake again, because the Lord sustains me.”God will sustain us. Through everything. We must trust that He will do so.
Isaiah shared some beautiful words in Isaiah 50:4b (NIV). “He wakens me morning by morning, wakens my ear to listen like one being taught.” How pleasant it would be to be awakened by God’s voice instead of an alarm clock! And we are to waken with eager ears. Waiting to hear what God has to teach us.
David also reminds us that “Unless the Lord builds the house, its builders labor in vain…In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat—for he grants sleep to those he loves.”(Psalm 127: 1-2 – NIV) When God is the foundation of our lives, we are able to rest and sleep in His peace. Because of His great love, we are able to sleep through those could-be restless nights.
I can’t end this post without speaking to spiritual awakening. Whether it’s the first time you’re committing to Jesus or the 50th, our souls must be awakened to God’s Word, His plan of salvation and His wonderful grace. Please don’t miss out on this precious gift He is so willing to share with you. Make the commitment, give your life to Jesus, and stick to it.
Phillips, Craig and Dean are fantastic song writers and musicians. I could listen to their praise music for hours. One of my favorite songs Randy Phillips wrote is “Awake My Soul.”[i]I listen to this song over and over during times of change, fatigue, loneliness, or spiritual sluggishness. Here are the words.
When I close my eyes
I can see your glory
When I raise my hands
I can touch your face

When I bow my knees
I stand before you
Then Christ is formed me

When I lose myself
I reflect your image
When I break my will
Then I am whole

When I give my all
I find life everlasting
Then Christ is formed in me

Awake my soul
Prepare an entrance for your glory
And let my heart become a throne for you to dwell
And when I need your Holy Spirit more than life itself
Then Christ is formed in me

As you read through these words, allow them to pierce your heart. Allow God to awaken your soul to what He is asking of you today. Open your heart for the King of Glory to take up residence. Be transformed! You’ll want to be awake for it all.
Grace and peace be yours in abundance,
Donna

[i]Awake My Soul, Phillips, Craig, and Dean, Randy Phillips, 2004 Integrity’s Hosanna! Music
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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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