Bravery

July 24th, 2012 dsisler

Bravery. We’ve seen it throughout the year here in Colorado. Firefighters, police officers, first responders, even untrained individuals have proved to be brave during events our state has endured. It is because of bravery and quick response that many lives have been saved and rescued from the beginning of the wildfire season to the most recent movie theater attack.

I am thankful for these brave individuals who have put their own safety in jeopardy. Who are willing to do it all over again as needed. Who have stepped out of their normal sphere to show exceptional bravery. To these I express my gratitude.

Bravery, however, has been around since the beginning of time. If we were to look through God’s Word, we would see countless accounts of brave men and women who put their lives on the line for God’s Kingdom. Those who thought less of themselves and more of others.
There are some men in Scripture who are given the title of David’s Mighty Men. This group was undeniably the best of the best in David’s army. In 2 Samuel 23:24-39, 30 men are mentioned by name. In 1 Chronicles 11:26-47, an additional 16 names are listed.
However, there are three who are the bravest of the brave. These three men receive special honor in Scripture and are referred to as “The Three.” Josheb-Basshebeth, a Tahkemonite; Eleazar, son of Dodai the Ahohite; and Shammah, son of Agee the Hararite.
While there is mention of other chiefs and mighty men, these three seemed to be able to accomplish any task given by David.
They took their stand in a field against the Philistine army and won. They broke through the Philistine line to bring David water from the well near Bethlehem. They seemed to be fearless and brave in any situation.
But David knew the source of this bravery. It wasn’t by their own physical strength. It wasn’t by their own training. It wasn’t who they were or how they had been raised.
David shares this knowledge in his song of praise in 2 Samuel 22:2-4 (NIV).
“The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer;
my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge,
my shield and the horn of my salvation.
He is my stronghold, my refuge and my savior—
from violent men you save me.
I call to the Lord, who is worthy of praise,
and I am saved from my enemies.”
Yes, David knew that God was their source of bravery. David acknowledged that God was the true source of might for these men and his true Protector.
When we acknowledge that same fact, we too become brave in our day-to-day lives. It may not be what I’ve mentioned above, but it could be standing up for something that is right. Or sharing the Gospel with a person in need. Or even accepting the challenge of going on a mission trip.
Each of us must determine what bravery is in our own lives. Then we must acknowledge that God is the source of that bravery. With God, we can become the bravest of the brave for His Kingdom.
Bravery. It can be defined as having courageous endurance. Are you willing to be brave for God? How far are you willing to take that bravery? With God as the source of that bravery, I know the possibilities are endless.
Grace and peace be yours in abundance,
Donna
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Be Strong and Courageous

July 23rd, 2012 dsisler

On some days while sitting outside at my house, you’ll hear and then see a stunt pilot. The plane is close enough to see that he or she is flying upside down or sideways, performing barrel rolls, stalling the plane’s engine, or perhaps doing loops.
Each time I hear the plane, I stop whatever I’m doing and simply watch the expertise of this pilot in the sky. Sometimes the pilot will linger for 20 minutes or longer. Other times it’s a quick five minute show. Regardless of its length, the display is a welcome sight.
Like this stunt pilot, we are encouraged as Christians to live courageous lives.
We see in the Old Testament God’s heartening words to leaders of Israel. Over and over, God spoke these words. “Be strong and courageous.” Here is a list of where this phrase can be found. Deuteronomy 31:6, 31:7, 31:23; Joshua 1:7, 1:9, 1:18, 10:25; 1 Chronicles 22:13, 28:20; 2 Chronicles 32:7.
Jesus spoke similar words on one occasion. The disciples had headed to the other side of the Sea of Galilee when a storm picked up. And in the midst of water and wind, Jesus walked toward the boat.
The disciples thought Him to be a ghost, but Jesus then spoke. “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” (Matthew 14:27; Mark 6:50 – NIV).
I believe it might have been difficult to take courage in that moment, but Jesus wanted the disciples to have great faith that would pull them toward courage. After all, these men would need a deep courage before the end of their lives.
Courage is mentioned several other times in the New Testament.
Jesus appeared to the Apostle Paul in Acts 23:11 (NIV). Jesus said, “Take courage! As you have testified about me in Jerusalem, so you must testify in Rome.”
Likewise, Paul encouraged others to be courageous. In 1 Corinthians 16:13-14 (NIV), Paul tells the Corinthian Church to, “Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong. Do everything in love.”
Paul also encouraged the Philippians Christians with these words. “I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death.” (Philippians 1:20 – NIV)
The author of the book of Hebrews says to hold on to our courage. “But Christ is faithful as a son over God’s house. And we are his house, if we hold on to our courage and the hope of which we boast.” (Hebrews 3:6 – NIV)
In each of these passages, the recipient was called to an action. The action of being courageous. The ability to face any situation without fear.
These people were courageous. With God on their side, they had the ability to face their appointed tasks with undeniable courage.
You and I may not face great battles, raging storms, or persecution, but there are times where we must draw on this same courage.
Courage may simply be placing our trust into God’s hands and believing that He will bring us through whatever situation we might face. Maybe that is too simple, but I find that I can be more courageous if I live by these guidelines.
I don’t know who this pilot is and really don’t know how to find out. There are several small airstrips near my home and this pilot could be from any of them. I wish I could thank this pilot for the enjoyment I have received through the years. But until then, this is my “thank you.” Be strong and courageous. I think of you fondly.
Grace and peace be yours in abundance,
Donna
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Cell Phone Evergreen Tree Wanna Be

July 22nd, 2012 dsisler

Cell phone towers are a necessity. We like the convenience of our cell phone lives. The ability to chat with someone while on the move.
When I worked for a local church, I called my mother on that 20 minute drive on many occasions. However, there was a “dead spot” about half way. I always wondered how that was possible. But it was possible. There were no cell phone towers in that location.
Wikipedia
I have seen a few cell phone towers that were meant to look like evergreen trees. Branches extend from the trunk with needles spread from the branches. These limbs would continue to the top of the “tree.”
The only problem is that cell phone towers need to be at least 40 feet tall. Much taller than a typical evergreen tree here in Colorado. Every disguised cell phone tower I have seen overshadowed the trees surrounding the tower.
My husband has been to Phoenix for job training on multiple occasions and has mentioned that their cell phone towers are camouflaged to look like palm trees.
These disguises didn’t allow the towers to blend in with the trees, but they do make the towers a bit more attractive.
Have you seen people in disguise? Trying to make people think they are something they’re not? Living a lie? I know we all have.
Jesus called this type of person a hypocrite. There are plenty of passages where Jesus speaks about being hypocritical. Here are just a few where Jesus calls those living deceitful lives out into the open. Matthew 6:2, 5, 16; Matthew 7:1-5; Matthew 15:7-9; Matthew 23:27-28; Mark 12:13-17; Luke 13:10-17.
God’s definition of hypocrisy can be found in Isaiah 29:13. Jesus repeats this message in Matthew 15:8 (NIV). “These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me.”
That is where it all begins. Within the heart. The place that no one knows except God. We can fool others into thinking we are something we aren’t, but God will always call us out. He will not allow us to live our lives in this manner.
So how are we called to live? Authentic lives. Genuine lives. Honest lives. Trustworthy lives. Sincere lives. Holy lives.
James 1:22 (NIV) tells us, “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” In order to live a life worthy of God, we must do what Scripture tells us. Here are a few things Jesus spoke of.
According to Matthew 6:3-4, when we give to the needy, it should be done in secret. It will help to keep our hearts pure. Our motive for giving clean.
When we pray, Jesus says we are to do so in the privacy of our own homes (Matthew 6:6-13). Again for the very same reasons. God knows what we need before we begin to speak. But God wants to hear us call out to Him.
Jesus also mentions forgiveness (Matthew 6:14-15) and fasting (Matthew 6:17-8) in this same section. All of this to show us how we can live authentically in our world and within God’s Kingdom.
I can’t help but throw some James into the mix. James 1:26-27 (NIV) says, “If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless. Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.”
Our tongues will rat us out every time if our hearts are not in line with God’s teaching. If we allow our hearts to be polluted by the world, we will all short of living the holy lives God intends for us.
So my question would have to be, are you living like the cell phone evergreen tree wanna be? Or are you the real thing? I know we make mistakes. We all sin. But God is asking that we put aside the ways of this world to live for Him. It really is a matter of the heart.
I pray that you will seek God’s presence and ask for forgiveness of those things that are ugly to His sight. I pray that you’ll desire to live a more authentic Christian life where others can see Jesus through you. I pray that your motives for giving, praying and fasting would be in line with God’s.
God is patiently waiting for you to join Him on this journey. Don’t wait. Life God’s way is filled with abundance. You really do not want to miss out on any of it.
Grace and peace be yours in abundance,
Donna
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Trouble

July 21st, 2012 dsisler

Colorado has once again been thrown into our nation’s spotlight, by the shooting of innocent men, women, and children at a movie theater. The prince of darkness has reared his ugly head once again and lives have been changed forever.
My thoughts and prayers are with all who were impacted by this tragic event. Those who will relive the nightmare over and over and those who will go on living without their loved ones.
I’m certain you’ve seen interviews or read articles on how to deal with the emotions of such events. I heard several yesterday. But for me, it all comes back to my faith in God and how He is able to give comfort in times of trouble.
We know there will be trouble in this world. Jesus said there would be. But Jesus shares hope as well. John 16:33 (NIV) says, “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.”
We can count on peace. And oh yes, Jesus has overcome the evil one. Satan may have control of this world, but he does not have victory over me or Jesus.
1 John 4:4 assures us, “You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them [spirits], because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.”
My victory is in Jesus. My faith is in God. And God’s Spirit is greater than any of this world.
I’ve chosen to pull a piece of a blog post that I wrote several weeks ago. The title of the blog post was “Let Faith Arise.” I wrote of a dark period in my life and I believe it is fitting for today. I pray that God will touch your heart through these words, through His Spirit, and through your own faith.
~~~~~
I recall a time last year that was dark for me. I complained to God. He answered. I shared my despair with Him. He answered. Unfortunately, they weren’t the answers that I wanted.
Then came the moment when I surrendered my complaints and allowed my faith to take over.
A week into this dark period, I stood in a worship service. We sang a fairly new song. These are the words to the chorus.
“I lift my hands to believe again,
You are my refuge, you are my strength.
As I pour out my heart, these things I remember;
You are faithful God forever.”[i]
In that moment, my faith in God brought me to the point where I could get through the situation.
But here’s the thing. I had to say it out loud. Sing it for others to hear. Profess that God was my refuge and my strength.
I also had to physically do something. I lifted my hands.
And then I believed again.
Oh, I have poured out my heart to God. Over and over again. But in the end, God’s faithfulness far overshadowed my complaints. God’s faithfulness stands forever. When my faith waivers, His faithfulness is rock solid.
Grace and peace be yours in abundance,
Donna

[i]Let Faith Arise, Chris Tomlin
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A Well-Watered Garden

July 20th, 2012 dsisler

We all know people who have a green thumb and can make anything grow. I’m not one of those people. I kill plants! Well actually I forget to water them. Even when they are right in front of me.
After being on staff at LifeBridge Christian Church for several years, I took the position of Hospitality Director. The lady I replaced was very kind and she presented me with a beautiful red flowering plant in a white pot. The colors were perfect, but it was a live plant. That needed to be watered.
I was so determined to make this one live. The gift giver had put so much thought into the gift. So I watered it. And remembered to water it. It received plenty of sunshine in our bright office, but it didn’t thrive.
My daughter looked at it one day and said, “Mom! There’s mold on it. You’ve over watered it!” Hmm. Overwatered? “It’s a succulent,” she continued, “it doesn’t need as much water, so you need to check the soil…” and by this point she had lost me.
The book of Isaiah was written during a stormy period in Israel’s history. Israel was under Assyian rule and Isaiah wrote messages from God to this this nation.
In Isaiah 1:30b (NIV), Israel is described as “…a garden without water.” They were a rebellious nation and had suffered. They were being punished for their rebellion.
But Isaiah continued to give Israel hope throughout the book and in Isaiah 58:11b (NIV) he assures them, “…you will be like a well-watered garden…”
Yes, if Israel was willing to put their rebellion behind them, if they were willing to stop the blaming and gossiping, if they were willing to give to those in need, if they did as God asked them, God would rescue them.
If Israel allowed God to lead them, they could once again be great. A great light would shine from Israel. Their broken lives could be repaired. Their ruined spirits could be restored. Through the Repairer and Restorer. God.
We have the choice to be one of these two gardens. If we are rebellious against God, then we can expect to be a garden without water. If we are obedient to God, then we can expect to be a well-watered garden.
Isaiah also spoke of the coming Messiah throughout this Messianic prophetic book. We know this Messiah to be Jesus. Jesus, the Living Water. “Whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him like a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” (John 4:14 – NIV)
Through Jesus we have the opportunity to be a well-watered garden, with abundant life.
Plants and gardens are green when water is present. We too can be green (spiritually healthy) when Jesus is present in our lives and when we seek out the watering holes.
The watering holes of prayer, Bible study, Bible reading, fellowship with other Christians, worship, and serving others. By continually visiting these watering holes, we will always be green and will have the Lord to guide us in all we say and do.
In retrospect, my plants have died because I didn’t think they needed anything from me in order to survive. Israel ended up under Assyrian rule because they didn’t think they needed anything from God. How wrong we both were.
Under my daughter’s care, the plant did pretty well through those summer months…then she went back to college. Eventually, the plant died and the only thing remaining was the white pot.
I’m so thankful that I am much better at tending to my spiritual life. I’m thankful that my relationship with Jesus showers Living Water upon me. I’m thankful that the “spiritual gardener” within me has a green thumb.
How are you doing with this? Are you green (spiritually)? Does the grass (your spiritual life) crunch under the footsteps of your day-to-day life? Are you parched? Are you feeling the drought of separation from God and His people?
There is an easy fix. A relationship with Jesus Christ in which you can have Living Water. And through the Living Water you will be bubbling with abundant life. Now, who wouldn’t want that?
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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