Priceless

June 30th, 2012 dsisler

My brother Billy has been visiting us this past week. We have had some memorable moments throughout the week, but the one that we will remember most was a fishing trip for my brother and my 5 1/2 year old granddaughter, Joy.
It started with preparation several days before. A fishing rod was purchased. A weight added to the end of the fishing line. Lessons on casting. Hours of practice. All of this was done before we ever got to the lake.
Joy would stand in our driveway and cast her line across the street. One time, the weight stuck in a crevice in the road. She proudly proclaimed, “I caught the road!” And at one point, a car drove by as she cast her line, and again she announced, “I caught a car!”
Finally, Friday came. It was time to take Joy fishing. Billy was so excited and could hardly wait.
The lines were prepared. And then the first cast. Joy and Billy were fishing. Side by side. Life was perfect.
Except that Joy found other things to occupy her little mind and body.
There were boats. There were birds. There were rocks. There was water.
The fishing pole and bobber were checked only when reminded.
Billy on the other hand, was perfectly content to be standing on the side of the lake with a pole in hand. Of course, having Joy there made it priceless. It was a day he will not soon forget.
God gives us little snippets of priceless advice, encouragement, or direction in His Word. Sometimes we know exactly where to go to find them. Other times, we stumble upon them and wonder why we hadn’t seen them before. Or perhaps someone shares a section of Scripture with us.
Regardless of how we find these priceless words, learning from them is more important. Adding the wisdom to our lives makes the difference.
I have several lists of “go to” Scriptures that I like to keep handy. These lists give examples of what verses would be relevant in certain situations. The list I use more than others is the “truthful labels” list. So here are a few priceless pieces of Scripture to encourage you today.
I AM a New Creation – “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!” (2 Corinthians 5:17 – NIV)
I AM Forgiven – “In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace that he lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding.” (Ephesians 1:7-8 – NIV)
I AM God’s Delight – “The Lord your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing.” (Zephaniah 3:17 – NIV)
I AM Confident – “Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 1:6- NIV)
I AM an Heir of God – “Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.” (Romans 8:17 – NIV)
I AM Assured of a Home in Heaven Forever – “But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ.” (Philippians 3:20 – NIV)
These are just a few…there are many more. Abundantly more. We simply need to be open to God’s priceless words.
This is the last day of vacation for my brother. He will be leaving this evening. But the week was filled with good times, great memories, and priceless adventures. What more could we have asked for?
Grace and peace be yours in abundance,
Donna
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Let Faith Arise

June 29th, 2012 dsisler

Have you ever complained to God? I think we can answer this question with a unanimous “yes.” Complaining comes natural to us. When something isn’t right. If something doesn’t make sense. And that’s all it takes. The complaining begins.
I read through the book of Habakkuk yesterday. I found it quite interesting that Habakkuk had a couple of complaints for God. God answered each of Habakkuk’s complaints with words of encouragement.
First Habakkuk wondered why God was allowing Israel to continue in sin without coming to the aid of the prophet. Why God had not punished Israel for her transgressions. God answered Habakkuk. God told Habakkuk that He was going to do something. Something that Habakkuk would not believe even if he were told.
God was going to allow Israel to fall to the Babylonians.
And then Habakkuk wondered why God would allow a nation even more sinful than Israel to overtake them. Again God answered Habakkuk. God told Habakkuk that Babylon itself would fall.
In the end, Israel would receive correction for sin, Babylon would no longer be a threat to Israel, and God’s people would once again be restored.
Once God has given His answers to Habakkuk’s complaints, Habakkuk praises God for who He is and for what He would accomplish. Throughout his prayer, Habakkuk showed great faith in God.
God spoke of faith to Habakkuk in chapter 2, verse 4b (NIV). “…the righteous will live by his faith…” This verse is considered the main teaching of this book. Faith is the essence of who we are as Christians.
Dr. Halley shares some insight into faith and what it means. “Faith is the ability to feel so sure of God that, no matter how dark the day, there is no doubt as to the outcome.”[i]
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.”[ii]
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.
Life isn’t fair. There will be situations that we simply don’t like. However, when we give all of our complaints to God, He will answer in His own way. Have faith that God knows what He is doing. God has a plan. God wants to implement that plan. If we are patient, He will do His best work in our lives.
Grace and peace be yours in abundance,
Donna

[i]Halley’s Bible Handbook, Dr. Henry H. Halley, 2000, Grand Rapids: Zondervan, pg.470.
[ii]Let Faith Arise, Chris Tomlin
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What? Me Tired?

June 28th, 2012 dsisler

I’m tired. Have you said those words before? I know I have. As a young mother with three children 4 years and under, I was tired. But it never seemed to keep me from doing what was needed. What had to be done was complete. Anything else, well, simply didn’t.
During busy times in my life, I was tired. Like gearing up for Vacation Bible School. I created, developed, and wrote VBS programs for years. But it was hard work. By the end of each VBS, I was tired.
I was the choir director at most of the churches we ministered to through the years. Easter and Christmas Cantatas were busy times for me. Rehearsals, building sets, making costumes, memorizing music. These elements led to being tired.
And then there are the times with my family. My children and grandchildren live in Colorado, but my parents, siblings, aunts, uncles, cousins, and extended family all live in Ohio. I live 1,200 miles from my family. When we are together, I want to do everything there is to do with them. I want to be in the middle of it all. When I am with my family, I am tired.
This morning I’m tired. My brother has been here this week and we have been on the go since his plane landed. With two grandkids in tow, it’s been a tiring week. But the thing is I wouldn’t change a thing. Being with my family is so good for me. Loving on those I love brings joy to my heart.
Jesus was tired on occasion. When He was tired He spent time with His Father. Over and over Jesus can be seen withdrawing from the crowd and praying through the night. It was good for Him. It brought joy to His heart.
Jesus also knew how to comfort those who were tired. In Matthew 11:28-30 (NIV), Jesus tells the crowd of His plan for being weary. It is one He urges us to try as well. “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
How wonderful that we have a Savior who cares when we are tired. How wonderful that it is His desire to take that weariness and carry our load for us.
So why don’t we give our weariness to Jesus? Why aren’t we willing to give it to Jesus and accept rest in return?
I suspect we are a little stubborn. I suspect we are a little controlling. I suspect we are a little rebellious. I suspect we are a little “whatever your reason for not giving your weariness to Jesus might be” inserted here.
Jesus truly wants to take our weariness and burdens. He wants us to find rest. His rest. Isn’t it time to loosen the grip on these issues? Isn’t it time to give them all to Jesus?
Jesus’ gentle and humble heart knows exactly what we need. Rest for our souls. And He is offering it all to us. We simply need to accept it.
Yes, I am tired. But with Jesus in the middle of my life and my day, I know I can make it through the most tiring of days. Oh how I look forward to what the days ahead hold. With Jesus and my family.
Grace and peace be yours in abundance,
Donna
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Colorado

June 27th, 2012 dsisler

I flew from Colorado Springs to Ohio a couple months ago. It was the first time I’d been at that airport and if truth were told, I fell in love with it.
It was small. Very little wait time at any check in point. The atmosphere was energized by the view. Many photos were taken by travelers from the very location I snapped a photo.
From the gate where I waited to depart, Pikes Peak, Garden of the Gods, and the Air Force Academy were visible. What a sight! As I sat there, I remember the amazement. Three landmarks that make Colorado impressive were right there before me.
Now, these same landmarks are threatened. Threatened by yet another wildfire burning in Colorado.
If you have watched any news over the past few weeks, you’ve seen images of the State of Colorado battling fire on many fronts. Up and down the front range, smoke is visible due to the fires. Breathing is difficult on some days.
The devastation and destruction is heart breaking. Homes lost. Possessions ruined. Dreams shattered. Although these stir emotions within us, the worst has happened. Loss of life has occurred with these fires.
Today there is a good chance of rain for this dry, parched land. I ask that you join with me in prayer today. Pray for relief. Pray for the refreshing rains (preferably without lightning) to come.
Pray for safety of those battling these fires. Some are exhausted. They have been on the front lines for weeks.
Pray for those who have lost everything. For healing. For renewed hope. For peace in this troubled time.
Yes, Colorado is a dry, parched land. Yes, we are dealing with some remarkable issues. But I also pray for those who live their lives with a parched soul. A soul thirsting for something, anything to quench the burning with us.
David knew this feeling. He shares in Psalm 143:6 (NIV), “I spread out my hands to you; my soul thirsts for you like a parched land.” As we spread our hands and reach to the God who is able to give relief, the parched soul is refreshed.
If you are in this place, I pray that you will allow our gracious Father to give you His water. The Living Water. Reach out to Him. He will wash all the dust, dirt, grime, soot away. He will cleanse you and make you whiter than snow.
But that’s not all. The Living Water will also rehydrate your soul. Revitalize your heart. Fill you with refreshment.
I know there are other areas in our country dealing with forces of nature. My prayers are with family and friends in those areas. May God’s peace be abundantly upon those areas and people.
Thank you for your prayers for my little corner of this world.
Grace and peace be yours in abundance,
Donna
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Prayer Walk – Part 3

June 26th, 2012 dsisler

I have been sharing a prayer walk I wrote earlier this year over the past two days. If you missed reading Part 1 and Part 2, you can find them through the archive in the right margin of this blog. Happy praying!
Station #6 – Markers (Spiritual Rock)
Here we see markers that give us information. They are markers to show the type of plants that are growing in this park. You have seen versions of these signs in other places. In memorial parks, along the roadside to show a historical point, or to make mention of a particular person or event.
There are other markers as well. Remember the one in the TV show M.A.S.H.? It was a pole with arrows pointing to their hometowns and how far away they were. Journey markers are the roadside direction signs that show how far away you are from distant locations. Journey markers have become very popular. Not only can they be attractive and fun, but the personal stories attached are real!
The Old Testament is full of such markers. One in particular is after the Israelites crossed the Jordan into the Promised Land. God instructed 12 men to pick up 12 stones from the center of the Jordan River and build a memorial where they camped. It was to tell the story of how God led them to this particular point in their lives. A real story.
In the journey of life we have events or thoughts that mark significant times along the way.  We can choose to mark them or not, but if it tells a story, why not mark it? If someone can learn from our experience, why not share it?
Maybe it is a verse of Scripture in a frame, or a plaque that is especially important. Maybe you could write your name on a stone or perhaps something else. Something of meaning. Something special to you or the event. But then, be sure to tell the story. Share the story. With family, friends, or anyone who will listen. Mark your spiritual journey.
At this station, we will praise God for being our Spiritual Rock. Think of the three elements below in relation to this topic.
1) The hope to which he called you (that you followed markers to be where you are today);
2) The riches of his glorious inheritance (for being able to tell your story);
3) His incomparably great power (to keep you following future markers).
Station #7 – Demonstration Garden (God of New Life)
Demonstration gardens allow community residents and professionals the opportunity to see how certain plants handle the climate and environment of the area. They are wonderful tools for locals to learn techniques and maintenance procedures.
In this particular garden, there is little new growth. Nothing new is planted. There’s a broken tree limb. This garden is planned for future renovation, but right now, nothing new is growing here. It seems lifeless.
We can become that way in our spiritual lives. Where there is no new growth and we’ve turned brown and lifeless. Fortunately, we can call on the God of New Life to help us become rejuvenated.
Ezekiel 36:26 tells us, “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; and I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.” A new heart and new spirit create new energy, new desires, new tastes, and new hope.
1) The hope to which he called you (the new life you have because of God);
2) The riches of his glorious inheritance (your new life is for eternity);
3) His incomparably great power (that God is able to produce life…even from death).
Station #8 – Shelter (Everlasting Arms)
This is a basic architectural structure or building that provides cover. In parks, some may be reserved and others are available on a first come first served basis. You’ve heard of storm shelters and bomb shelters and these are there for protection. Here we can find shelter from a storm, the wind, the sun, and the cold.
ci.longmont.co.us/parks
Deuteronomy 33:27a tells us, “The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms.” In His arms we have refuge. In His arms we find protection. With God, we are in the shelter of His loving arms.
Life is so much easier within the arms of our heavenly Father. Regardless of your struggle today, run into His arms. There you will find all that you’ve been looking for.
1) The hope to which he called you (the protection you have because you are within God’s arms);
2) The riches of his glorious inheritance (the gift of eternal God);
3) His incomparably great power (His protection from all the storms of life).
I pray that these few days have helped you along the journey. That you’ll be able to read through this prayer walk when you need to step a little closer to God. I’m fortunate to be able to walk in this area whenever I want. For that I am thankful.
I pray that you bring the Potter, the Fountain of Living Water, the Branch of Righteousness, Zealous God, the Breath of the Almighty, the Spiritual Rock, the God of New Life, God with Everlasting Arms alongside in your journey. He will make it all worthwhile.
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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