Worship

June 20th, 2012 dsisler

I love to worship God. I love to praise Him for who He is and for what He has done in my life. I love to be in His presence to adore the One who dramatically changed me forever. The good news? We have the opportunity to worship God all day long, every day. It isn’t reserved for Saturday evening or Sunday morning.
As a matter of fact, Romans 12:1 tells us, “Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship.” Our daily lives are to be our worship!
I also love attending a worship service. My home church is pretty large. A mega-church. Not one of the largest in the country by any means, but still a mega-church.
While I was on staff for nearly six years, I learned the ins and outs, the mechanics of putting together a worship service at LifeBridge Christian Church. I believe because of that, I enjoy it so much more. I know the time and effort the team must expend each week for our worship services to be as they are.
One of my new, favorite worship songs is of course, by Chris Tomlin. And just a note, I believe God has poured out so much talent into this one person. He writes just the right words. He puts them together in a way that gives great meaning for our worship. I ask God’s continued blessing upon Mr. Tomlin and the work he does for God’s Kingdom! I would also ask that for every Christian song writer. These men and women use their talents to spread the Gospel. It might just be the only way someone will hear the message.
Favorite worship song…yes, it would have to be “All My Fountains.” It’s taken from the passage in Psalm 87:7 (NIV), “As they make music they will sing, ‘All my fountains are in you.’”
Everything in our lives must come from God. Everything.
All My Fountains

This dry and desert land, I tell myself, “Keep walking on.”
Hear something up ahead, water falling like a song.
An everlasting stream, your river carries me home.
Let it flow, let it flow.

A flood for my soul, a well that never will run dry.
I’ve rambled on my own, never believing I would find.
An everlasting stream, your river carries me home.
Let it flow, let it flow.

Open the heavens, come Living Water;
All my fountains are in You.
You’re strong like a river, your love is running through;
All my fountains are in You.

Come on, and rain down on us, rain down on us, Lord.[i]

I know what it’s like to be in a dry and desert land. Both physically and spiritually. It is difficult to breath. It is difficult move. But when the relief comes. When the rains fall. When my soul is back in line with God’s Word, I know in that moment that there is nothing of value outside of God’s will.
The refreshment. The restoration. The renewing. It all comes from God. All my fountains must be in God. Must come from God.
What fountains are you chasing today? I pray that you will seek The Fountain of Living Water. I pray that you will make Him the center of your life. There you will find all that you’ve been looking for.
Come Living Water!
Grace and peace be yours in abundance,
Donna

[i] All My Fountains, Chris Tomlin, Passion 2011, Album: “Passion: Here For You” Copyright 2011, sixtepsrecords/Sparrow Records
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Hot or Cold?

June 19th, 2012 dsisler

We have seen some extreme weather over the past few years. It isn’t unusual for our state to see snow in October, but last year we experienced cold temperatures along with the snow that hung around for a while. I’ve mentioned before that our water feature froze early and was shut down for most of the winter.
Now we are experiencing hot temperatures. The official high in Denver yesterday was 100° degrees and it was near that the day before. The hot climate is making fighting our wildfires very difficult.
Although there are many who believe these extremes are worrisome and we are on a path of destruction, I am not going to discuss that issue. I am not an expert on the behaviors of our planet. I cannot speak to that topic.
What I can speak to is spiritual destruction. The church at Laodicea in Revelation 3:14-22 was a group of people who had chosen an easy path. They had made the decision to be lukewarm. And I’ll tell you now, the Amen (Jesus) was not happy with their lifestyle.
Laodicea was a wealthy city. Laodicea produced a glossy black wool that was used to make cloaks. There was a medical school in Laodicea the specialized in eye salve. Combined with the hot springs nearby, this city was bustling. Laodicea had great wealth.
Material wealth does not equal spiritual wealth. And that is exactly what the Amen found in Laodicea. A church that was neither hot nor cold. They were lukewarm.
Early in this section of Scripture, the Amen shares His issue. “I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm—neither not nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth.” (Revelation 3:15-16 – NIV)
I can’t help but wonder how the Amen views my life. Am I lukewarm? Do I profess to be a Christian, but don’t live up His expectations? How close am I to being spit from His mouth? My friends, these are serious questions. These are questions I must answer truthfully. Honestly. My spiritual well-being depends upon it.
If our decision is not to be spit from the Amen’s mouth, then what must we do? How shall we fix this spiritual issue? I think we can look at the other churches who were blessed and honored by the Amen’s words to see what He praised them for.
The church in Ephesus (Revelation 2:1-7)
Worked hard, persevered, did not tolerate wicked men, tested false teachers, endured hardships for Jesus’ name, and did not grow weary.
The church in Smyrna (Revelation 28-11)
Found riches in affliction and poverty, withstood lies, and suffered, but were faithful.
The church in Pergamum (Revelation 2:12-17)
Remained true to Jesus’ name and did not renounce their faith.
The church in Thyatira (Revelation 2:18-29)
Filled with love, faith, service, and perseverance.
The church in Sardis (Revelation 3:1-6)
Little faith remained with the majority of this church, but a few had not soiled their clothes. This remnant would walk with Jesus, wearing white, and were worthy.
The church in Philadelphia (Revelation 3:7-13)
Kept the Word, did not deny Jesus’ name, kept the commands, and endured patiently.
While there were some things Jesus held against the churches, Jesus saw good and value within. These are the characteristics Jesus wants to see in our lives. By following the examples given, we too are able to overcome.
Jesus chose to discipline the church at Laodicea. His desire was and is that all come to know Him and accept Him as Savior. Their spiritual awakening was a great witness to their peers and for future generations.
The riches this church would receive from the Amen were true treasures. Gold refined in the fire. White clothes to wear. Salve to put on their eyes. Once they possessed these riches, their lives would be changed. They would become rich. They would be able to cover their shameful nakedness. They would be able to see.
The Amen is knocking on the door of our hearts. We determine whether the door is opened or not. We determine if the Amen will join us for a meal. Jesus has promised victory to those who choose to be hot over being lukewarm. Phew! I think it’s getting hot!
Grace and peace be yours in abundance,
Donna
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Taste Test

June 18th, 2012 dsisler

Have you ever been involved in a taste test? A couple of years ago, I qualified for some consumer taste testing. It was fun and mostly delicious. The process itself is interesting, scientific and completely anonymous.
After tasting different products a series of questions were to be answered. Some of the questions included evaluation of the color, texture, or thickness of the product. Other questions included assessment of taste or appearance.

My granddaughter Joy spent the night after one of these sessions. She wanted to taste test some food. So we set up our own little taste test for her.
Once a variety of foods were purchased and prepared, the testing began. There were some items she did not like. Some she really enjoyed and others were just okay. With Aunt Candy by her side, she found deliciousness in some of what she ate.
After it was all over, Joy had tasted some food that she had never experienced before. She is now open to trying new foods when the opportunity arises.
When we look at the book of Psalm, David takes his readers to God’s own taste test. Psalm 34:8 (NIV) says, “Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in him.”
Have you ever wondered what God’s goodness tastes like? If you have smiled when God showed in a situation, you’ve tasted His goodness. If you’ve found pure pleasure in reading God’s Word, you’ve tasted His goodness. If God working in you has brought complete satisfaction to your soul, you’ve tasted His goodness.
It is interesting that also in this past year I have done the study Made to Crave[i]by Lysa TurKeurst twice. I have tasted some wonderful tidbits in God’s Word that lead me to the conclusion that I can taste of God’s goodness when I am craving an Oreo cookie. My longing and craving can only be satisfied through God. The thing is that God made us to crave, but to crave God not food.

I find it completely comforting and wonderful that God knew exactly what I would need to find in Him. Then He spelled it out very clearly. “Taste my goodness.” It really is that simple.
When we taste of God’s goodness, we know we will love it. It will be perfect in all areas. There won’t be anything lacking. It will be exactly what we expected. Good.
So are you ready to jump in and taste God’s goodness? You will love it. You will be satisfied. You will find pure pleasure. You will develop a smile on your face. All because you were willing to “taste and see.”
Grace and peace be yours in abundance,
Donna

[i]Made to Crave, Lysa TerKeurst, 2011, Zondervan
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God’s Strength

June 17th, 2012 dsisler

My right arm hurts. My doctor says I have tendonitis. All I know is that my arm hurts.
Not only is it painful, but I’ve lost strength in the arm as well. When I use it to lift something, like my grandson, or a sack of potatoes, I have great difficulty and I cry out in pain.
Ice, physical therapy, and Aleve are supposed to be the cure perhaps in a few weeks I’ll begin to feel relief. I am not happy with the idea that this could continue for weeks or perhaps months, but it looks like that is the possibility.
Because I’ve lost strength in my arm, I decided to see how God provides strength. God has chosen to share His strength with us. He wants us to be strong, but not on our own. We are to rely on Him. When we ask Him to give us strength, we are asking for more power than any weapon in our nation’s arsenal.
The writer of 2 Samuel 22:33 (NIV) puts it this way. “It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect.” With God’s strength we are able to see the direction we are to go. And I love the simple way that he puts it. “It is God.”Those are great words to add to our vocabulary.
When we seek God’s strength, we seek His face. “Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always.” (1 Chronicles 16:11 – NIV) God is willing to provide strength, but He also desires that we want Him. All of Him. So when we seek strength, remember to seek His face.
One of my favorite passages of Scripture is 2 Chronicles 16:9a (NIV). “For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him.” I envision God sitting on His throne with all-encompassing eyes. He sees it all. He searches for those who are fully committed to Him and then He provides strength. Strength for whatever that saint might need at that moment.
Nehemiah tells God’s people about God’s joy. But it was more than just joy. Joy in God was their strength. “Nehemiah said, ‘Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is sacred to or Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.’” (Nehemiah 8:10 – NIV) Joy in God is our strength as well. There is excitement in that strength. And our lives should show it.
“Even youth grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” (Isaiah 40:30-31 – NIV) What a wonderful passage to end with. We will grow tired, weary and feel like fainting, but hoping in our God brings renewed strength. Strength to carry on and walk the walk. To continue on our journey with His strength.
I have had to alter some of my patterns. Using my left arm to lift most items. Taking it slow in the morning until the muscles loosen a bit. Being very conscientious of each movement to protect my arm.
I do not, however, have to alter my reliance on God’s strength. That will never change. I thank God daily for the strength He provides and the many ways He shows up in my life.
If you need renewed strength today, seek God’s face, find joy in His presence, and fully commit to Him. You will then know strength beyond your wildest dreams.
Grace and peace be yours in abundance,
Donna
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A Networker

June 16th, 2012 dsisler

I have been doing the social network thing for a couple of years now. I’m okay at some of them, but really horrible with others. Facebook and Pinterest I get. But Twitter? I’m just not sure how to use it. I’m certain the 12 people who follow me wonder what I’m doing. Well guess what? I am too!
As a writer in my writing circles, I’ve been encouraged to utilize all aspects of social networking, however, it does take some time to connect with people daily and to understand the ins and outs of each of them.
I recently joined Klout. It is a site that tells me how much influence I have over others. Their byline is “the standard of influence.” On the first day I used this site, my score was a “3.” A “3!”
I thought I had more influence than that, but according to Klout, I didn’t.
Then yesterday I got a note from them that said my Klout rating had changed. When I viewed my stats, I found that my score had jumped to 45! And this is what was said about me.
“You are a networker. You know how to connect to the right people and share what’s important to your audience. You generously share your network to help your followers. You have a high level of engagement and an influential audience.”
Phew! I was beginning to think that perhaps I was wasting my time. And maybe in the world’s view, I am. But in God’s eyes, I’m doing exactly what He desires. Sharing the Gospel with others.
In Matthew 5, Jesus calls us the salt and light of the world. In verse 16 (NIV)  He says, “In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” We are called to be influential. But it must bring glory to God.
Timothy was encouraged by Paul to be aware of what he was teaching. It needed to be of sound doctrine. He was also encouraged to live a life where no one would be able to speak against it. And because of it, many would be saved. “Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.” (1 Timothy 4:16 – NIV)
In Titus 2:7-8 (NIV) Paul encourages Titus with a similar message. “In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us.”
I believe the idea of teaching with integrity is a valuable lesson. I may have influence, but if my message isn’t filled with integrity, seriousness, and soundness, I might as well be teaching how to catch a fish in a water puddle. I must spend quality time in God’s Word in order for my teaching to be in line with God’s teachings. I must spend quality time with God to know His message.
Then I must be able to share it in a way so that the message is clear. I love the passage in Colossians 4:2-6 (NIV). It is a prayer I use for those heading out on mission trips because it says exactly what they are going to do.
“Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should. Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders, make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.”
For myself I pray that doors would be opened and that my message is clear. And always, always, always that my message be full of grace and seasoned with salt.
From the beginning, I have felt that all of my writing (blog, Bible studies, and novels), had to be influential, but influential for God’s Kingdom. My goal is that God would always receive the glory for any accomplishments. And above all, that others would see Jesus in it all.
So if Klout thinks it is the standard of influence, I would have to beg to differ with them. God must be the standard by which determine whom and how we influence. But they did get one thing correct. I am sharing what’s important to my audience! God!
So what about you? How are you influencing people?
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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    In September 2012 I went to SE Asia on a service trip. For more information, check out preachitclearly.blogspot.com.

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