Barrel Furniture?

July 14th, 2012 dsisler

I love going to flea markets, or thrift shops, or garage sales, or antique shops, or any place I can search through items that others have discarded. There are a few shops nearby that are my favorites to venture through, and if I have a half hour to spare while I’m in town, I’ll swing into one of them and see what’s new.
(I wrote about worthless things just two days ago…now you know why I have so much worthlessness.)
There are certain items I just can’t seem to pass up. These items draw me to them. A pretty set of china. Old ladders. Items that would fit into my “farm house” style. What can I say, I’m a sucker.
On one of these meanderings, I turned a corner to find a table and chairs set made from barrels. The table top was round and sat on top of a barrel. Its chairs were cut from barrels and were covered with a patchwork of multicolored leather.
I was drawn to this furniture. Not because it was my style. Not because I had space anywhere in my house for it. Not even because I liked it.
I was drawn to it because my grandparents had a set exactly like it in their basement! I wondered if it could possibly be the exact set, because surely there couldn’t be more than one in this world.
Memories of my grandparents flooded my soul. Grandpa’s storytelling and Grandma’s cooking. Their laughter. Their mannerisms. Everything about them rushed into my mind at the sight of that furniture.
Isn’t it interesting how our minds work that way? We see something and we’re reminded of a place. We smell something and we’re reminded of a person. We hear something and we’re reminded of an object.
We make connections. We make associations.
And guess what? God created us that way. God wanted us to remember…remember Him. God puts people, places, and things in front of us daily so that we would be reminded of Him.
1 Chronicles 16:12 (NIV) tells us to “Remember the wonders he has done, his miracles, and the judgments he pronounced.” As we see His creation daily, we are to remember Him.
Psalm 63:6 (NIV) says, “On my bed I remember you; I think of you through the watches of the night.” When we hear the chime of a clock through the night, we are to think of God.
Isaiah 46:8 (NIV) says, “Remember this, fix it in mind, take it to heart, you rebels.” What are we to remember? That God is God. There is no other like Him. There are none like Him.
But the wonderful thing is that as God asks us to remember Him, He won’t remember our sins. Each time we sin, He isn’t reminded of our past sin.
Jeremiah 31:34 (NIV) says, “For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.” God wanted us to remember this one, so He repeated again in Hebrews 8:12.
2 Corinthians 5:19a (NIV) reminds us, “God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men’s sins against them.” God isn’t keeping tally. He isn’t keeping a book of records, because God loves us. Because God is love!
1 Corinthians 13:5b (NIV) repeats the idea. “[Love] keeps no record of wrongs.”
And if you still would like some proof of this concept, let’s look at Psalm 103:12 (NIV). “As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.” He will not be reminded of our past. He will not remember our sin.
I don’t know about you, but I thank God daily that my past is in the past. I thank God daily that my sins from today (after repentance) will not be remembered tomorrow.
I don’t know about you, but I think remembering God throughout my day is a good trade off. I’d gladly think of God than think of my past. I’d gladly think of God than think of a temptation in front of me. I’d gladly think of God just because.
What reminds you of God? How do you remember Him throughout your day? I pray that you are reminded of His grace, His peace, His love, His comfort, His joy today. Because I can guarantee, He is thinking of you!
Grace and peace be yours in abundance,
Donna
Share

1st & 2nd Peter

July 13th, 2012 dsisler

I have worked on writing a Bible study on 1 and 2 Peter off and on for several years. The ideas. The outline. A little writing. A lot of thinking. But, I’ve never completed it.
I wondered if it was time to get serious and actually start writing it. So I printed off all the pages I written up to this point. I’m amazed (again) at all that Peter had to say in these two short books.

Eight chapters filled with topics such as salvation, submission, and spiritual growth. Other topics consist of false teachers, the lawlessness of mankind, and persecution. These books also speak to hope and heaven and holiness. And then there are the special names of god, Jesus and Christ’s church.

I could go on, but I think I’ve made my point.
So it’s time. Time to bring God’s message given to Peter to paper and put my spin on it.
Are you ready for something different? A topical study of 1 and 2 Peter? I am!
During Easter week, I wrote about Peter. If you didn’t see it or if you don’t remember what I said, you can read it here. It is a good start to this series.
Peter begins each book with an introduction of who he is. He is Simon Peter. A fisherman called by Jesus to follow Him. His life was turned upside down with that call and through the years, became a faithful follower of Christ.
Peter is an apostle. An apostle is one sent. Sent on a mission. And this person has authority. Authority to complete the mission. To do anything and everything necessary to accomplish the mission in Jesus’ name.
Peter is a servant. A servant is one who does not have ownership of their own body or life. It could also be someone willing to serve his/her master. By this point in Peter’s life, he understands that he did not belong to himself. He belonged completely, totally, wholly to God and His mission.
Through the Gospels, the Book of Acts, and 1 and 2 Peter, we see a dramatic change in Peter. Before the cross, Peter was outspoken, obnoxious, and obstinate. After the cross, Peter was bold, brave, and boisterous. And what made the difference? The Holy Spirit. Peter learned to utilize the gift Jesus sent for His believers.
To whom did Peter write these books? Peter eloquently states the same group of people with multiple terms. God’s elect. Strangers in the world. The scattered. The chosen. But I believe Peter says it best in 2 Peter 1:1. “To those who through the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ have received a faith as precious as ours.”
Precious faith. Do you consider your faith precious? Do you take your faith for granted? Have you adopted your parents’, grandparents’, or spouses’ faith? Have you worked through your own beliefs? If not, this is the perfect opportunity to do so.
How would you define faith?
Hebrews 11:1 defines faith as “being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” Easton’s Bible Dictionary defines faith as: “Faith is in general the persuasion of the mind that a certain statement is true.”[i]
How does the persuasion of mind take place?
2 Corinthians 13:5 tells us to, “Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you—unless, of course, you fail the test?” Examine. Test. That’s how the persuasion of mind takes place. So let’s examine.
Write down some of your core beliefs, your own statement of faith. I’ll give you a few examples.
I believe that God is the Creator of our world and all that is in it (Genesis 1).
I believe that Jesus is God’s only Son (Mark 1:11; John 3:16).
I believe the Bible is God’s inspired and inerrant (contains no errors) Word (2 Timothy 3:16-17; Psalm 19:7-9).
These are a few of the very basics and a good place to start, but there are more to be added to this list.
After you have your list, go to God’s Word and find Scripture to back up your beliefs. I’ve given you the verses to go along with the statements above.
Here’s another idea. Get a copy of your church’s statement of faith. It might be on the church website, bulletin or perhaps in the church lobby. Read through the statements. Look up the Bible references.
Once you’ve done some homework, ask yourself these questions: Do I agree with these statements? Why or why not?
Being able to answer these questions are important to your faith. Where you place your trust. If you can answer these questions, you have a good idea of what your own beliefs are.
Faith is a personal issue. It’s also precious.
As you close today, spend some time with God. Ask Him to show you where your faith needs boosting. Ask Him to lead you on a path to greater faith in Him. I can guarantee you’ll never be sorry for deepening your faith.
Grace and peace be yours in abundance,
Donna

[i] http://www.biblegateway.com/resources/eastons-bible-dictionary/Faith
http://fullmeasureofjoy.blogspot.com/2012/04/peter.html
Share

Building a Doll House: Work – Chapter 7

July 13th, 2012 dsisler

NOTE: If you missed Chapters 1 through 6 of Building a Doll House, you can find it in the column under “blog archive” to the right.
As my husband I continued work on the doll house for our granddaughter, Joy, it became obvious that there would be some work involved. I have pictures to prove it!
Some of the work was tedious. Some seemed ridiculous. Sometimes there were multiple steps involved to get the final product. And sometimes, I simply had to wait. Yes, there was work involved.
Every piece of the dollhouse had to be put together, but only after being painted. Their suggestion was to use a sponge to apply the paint. It didn’t work. Instead, I used a faithful, proven friend. A small paintbrush and painted each piece.
For the windows, I practiced putting them together a few times with pieces flying all over, until I got the hang of it. Then glue was placed in the corners and a rubber band carefully drawn around the window frame. The windows came out perfect!
The house has not one, but two wrap around porches. There are railings along each porch and those railings had to be painted and glued together. Each spindle was painted, sanded, and then painted again before they could be glued into place. Thank goodness there was a template for this step!
The roof is covered with shingles. Before they could be placed on the roof, the shingles soaked in stain. Then they were spread out on a piece of cardboard to dry. Two or three times each day I had to “stir” the shingles to allow complete and uniform drying.
After waiting for the shingles to dry, the tedious process of gluing shingles on, one at a time, began. I learned quickly that I could only stand the slow process for short periods of time, so I would set a goal of at least finishing three rows of shingles before giving up. This took days. Actually I think it took a couple of weeks.
As I neared the last few rows, I counted shingles. I originally stained approximately 1,150 shingles. It wasn’t enough. I was going to be 3 shingles short! By checking at this point, I was able to “piece” together these few shingles from trimmed shingles and I placed them throughout the last few rows. It actually isn’t noticeable.
It’s no different with our spiritual lives. There are times that it just plain takes work. It may be tedious, involved, slow, and we may have to wait, but in the end, our lives are put together perfectly by the Creator.
I’ve memorized some Scripture this year. Some to prove that I could actually do it. Some for a Vacation Bible School skit I was involved with. But what I learned was that it is difficult for me. It is tedious work. I have to repeat it over and over. Write it over and over. But in the end, I know that those verses or passages are in my head and my heart.
And if that’s what it takes for me to memorize God’s Word, then yes, I must do it. Psalm 119:11 (NIV) reminds me of King David’s words. “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.” Hiding Scripture in my heart keeps me on the right path. God’s path.
And if the memorizing of Scripture does not change me, then I might as well be memorizing a dictionary. God’s Word is active and living and when it gets into our hearts, it will require something of us.
Our spiritual journey will require us to take multiple steps to maturity. In 2 Peter 1:5-8 (NIV), Peter shares a progression to escape the corruption of the world and participate in the divine nature. “For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Yes it is involved. Yes there are multiple steps. But the end product is so worth it! Wouldn’t we each like to be effective? Productive? If the answer is yes, then these are the steps to take. Maybe it isn’t as difficult as you first thought.
Sometimes we wait. Wait for our hearts to be softened. Wait for our hearts to be broken. And when that happens, the Holy Spirit can work through us in wondrous, exciting ways.
The Spirit of Truth will counsel (John 14:16); remind us of all we’ve learned (John 14:26); guide us into all truth (John 16:13); help in our weakness (Romans 8:26); intercede for us when we don’t know what to pray (Romans 8:26-27); and encourage (Acts 9:31).
The accomplishments are limitless with God’s Spirit at work in us.
Even though the dollhouse was a large, looming task that required a great deal of work, in the end it was truly worth every moment spent on it.
It is the same with our spiritual journey. Perhaps it seems like you’ll never be able to reach the goal. Perhaps you’re wondering if God could ever love you because of your past (or even your present situation).
Just know that any effort on your part is overshadowed by the grace that God is willing to lavish upon you. Don’t underestimate all that God has in store for you and your life.
 In the end, it is worth it all.
Grace and peace be yours in abundance,
Donna
Share

Worthless Things

July 12th, 2012 dsisler

If you are like me, there are items in your home that have been in storage for some time and that you perhaps haven’t seen for years. I, in fact, have a basement full of such items.
The items that mean the most to me are carefully stored in plastic tubs on shelves. Decorations for Christmas, autumn, and other seasons are neatly packed away. Carefully placed where I can find them.
However, the rest of my basement could use some attention. I do have it somewhat organized. For instance, I have a “baby” corner. That is where you’ll find the portable play pen, baby swing, high chair, and anything else infant related. Each time I place an item in that corner, I think it’s the last time I’ll be using it, then “surprise!” I’m a Baba again! These are the best surprises.
There is a section where the items belong to my husband. If he’s looking for something specific, he knows where he can search. The same can be said for my children. They know where their specific section is.
But, the rest of the basement is filled with items that I haven’t been able to part with…up until this point. My basement is filled with worthless things. And I sigh each time I head to the basement.
Worthless things tend to get hold of us and then we find it difficult to rid ourselves of said items. Sometimes we are overwhelmed with the abundance of worthless things and don’t know where to start in getting rid of them. Perhaps we don’t have the energy or the ability to dispose of them.
Whatever the case, these worthless things need to be thrown away or given away because of the mental energy that is expended in thinking of these things or the physical energy used to move the worthless stuff around. There is a reason they are called “worthless things.”
Scripture has a few things to say about worthless things. Let’s see what God’s Word brings to this topic.
Proverbs 11:4 (NIV) tells us, “Wealth is worthless in the day of wrath, but righteousness delivers from death.” Money is important, yes, necessary for our daily lives. And it is crucial that our attitude toward wealth stay in line with God’s Word. But in the end, on judgment day, wealth will be worthless. Money will not buy your way to eternity in God’s presence. Wealth will be worthless on that day.
“All who make idols are nothing, and the things they treasure are worthless.” (Isaiah 44:9a – NIV) You’ve heard it before, anything that we place before God in our lives is an idol. Television, internet, friends, busyness, possessions, and the list could go on and on. When we take a good look at ourselves, we are able to find those idols in our lives. These worthless “treasures” should be disposed of. They have shouldn’t have a place in our lives.
This next verse adds a consequence of having worthless idols in our lives. “Those who cling to worthless idols forfeit the grace that could be theirs.” (Jonah 2:8 – NIV) Forfeiting grace is not what I want. If these worthless idols in my life are affecting the grace God has to bestow upon me, they are truly worthless. Nothing, nothing is worth forfeiture of God’s grace!
After healing a man in Lystra, Paul and Barnabas were considered to be gods who had come to live among the people. Paul and Barnabas were so upset by the crowd’s reaction that they tore their clothing and began shouting. “Men, why are you doing this? We too are only men, human like you. We are bringing you good news, telling you to turn from these worthless things to the living God, who made heaven and earth and sea and everything in them.” (Acts 14:15 – NIV)
The worthless things in Lystra had led the people to a misunderstanding of whom and what Paul and Barnabas were. They can have the same effect on our lives if we allow the worthless things of this world to become prominent. We must turn from the worthless things to the living God. It is only through Him that we are able to find complete worth.
Now that we know what worthless things bring with them, why would we want to have anything to do with anything worthless? David knew how these things could draw him into their worthlessness and he prayed this prayer. It’s one that we can use when we are captured by anything that just doesn’t matter.
In Psalm 119:37 (NIV), David says, “Turn my eyes away from worthless things; preserve my life according to your word.”Let’s make this our prayer today. To keep our eyes focused on God and not on worthless things.
The time and energy lost by sifting through all the worthless things is indeed wasted time and energy. Perhaps this is the summer for the worthless items in my basement to be purged. But more importantly, it’s time to purge the worthless things in my spiritual life. What about you? Do you have any purging to do?
Grace and peace be yours in abundance,
Donna
Share

20/20

July 11th, 2012 dsisler

I have an eye appointment tomorrow. It’s been well over a year since my last check up and I am beginning to see (or not see) the reason for making this appointment.
My vision isn’t as clear as it was when I first got my glasses.
In years past, I’ve tried bi-focals. I need them. But as much as I’ve tried, I’ve always gone back to ask for single-vision lenses. I’ve added a pair of reading glasses to the mix. They haven’t worked well for me either. So my only option is take off my glasses to do any reading.
Maybe this is the year that I can make bi-focals work. I doubt it, but you never know.
I am fortunate. I can see fairly well without my glasses. On my last visit to my optometrist, I was told that my vision was actually getting better! But if my children or my husband were to remove their glasses, nothing would be in focus.
There are times that I take my vision for granted, but when things become blurry or out of focus, I realize how blessed I am to have the vision I have.
Our spiritual eyes can get out of focus as well. If we are not focusing on Jesus or God’s Word, we can lose sight of all that God has in store for us.
My dear friend, King David, spoke of such times in the book of Psalm. Psalm 119 holds a wealth of wisdom, but in reading through this chapter, I found David’s vision failing.
Psalm 119:82 (NIV) says, “My eyes fail, looking for your promise; I say, ‘When will you comfort me?’” And in Psalm 119:123 (NIV) David repeats the idea. “My eyes fail, looking for your salvation, looking for your righteous promise.”
David shares what are thought to be his devotions in Psalm 119. In this chapter, we see David in multiple situations and times of joy or despair. These two verses seem to show David during vulnerable periods.
Poor eye sight, used in the Old Testament, were images of failing strength, grief, or depleted hope. In these verses, David was experiencing suffering. His spiritual vision was failing. He asked that God intervene and fulfill the promises He had made.
But we also see a vigilant David. David who knew that God keeps the promises He makes. Psalm 119:148 (NIV) shows us this David. “My eyes stay open through the watches of the night, that I may meditate on your promises.”
Yes, David knew of God’s promises. He had seen some of them fulfilled in his lifetime. And what better words to think of through the night than God’s abundant promises? During these times, David’s spiritual vision was 20/20.
For us, we should ask God to bring our spiritual vision in line with His. Another verse in this chapter gives the perfect words to pray. “Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law.” (Psalm 119:18 – NIV)
God has so much to teach us. God has so much in store for us. God has so many promises yet to be fulfilled in our lives. We simply need to keep our eyes focused on Him. We must keep our eyes open to see what we are to learn. We must wait patiently for Him to do His work within us.
I pray that you won’t take your vision for granted. Your physical vision or your spiritual vision. Neither should we neglect the care of either. Proper nutrition, exercise, and protection are invaluable for our physical vision. The same can be said for our spiritual vision.
With a healthy dose of Bible reading and study, prayer time, fellowship with believers, and the armor of God for protection, we can greatly improve our spiritual vision.
How is your vision today?
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