Walking and Talking

May 11th, 2012 dsisler

I have been separated from my husband for nearly three weeks while I’ve been caring for my Mom. I miss him like crazy, but it has reminded us of our early marriage.
After we were married, we lived in two different states for 18 months. We knew our communications skills had to be perfected if our marriage was going to make it. We managed to work through those 18 months.
For a change, I decided to call my husband two evenings ago as I walked around Mom’s neighborhood. I was able to see beautiful flowers in bloom. Trees with fruit beginning their growth process. People doing yard work. Dogs running in back yards. All while conversing with my husband.
Walking and talking isn’t new. God has been doing since the creation of the world.
Genesis 3:8 tells us, “Then the man and his wife heard the sound of the Lord God as he was walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and they hid from the Lord God among the trees of the garden.” God walked and talked with Adam and Eve, perhaps on a daily basis.
God also walked with Israel. Leviticus 26:11 says, “I will walk among you and be your God, and you will be my people.” God’s desire was to be among Israel, and He found that walking and talking was the best way to achieve that.
Jesus spent 33 years walking and talking with people. The Gospels are filled with such accounts. Being in Jesus’ presence must have been exhilarating. Oh for just a moment, sitting at His feet, listening to His teaching. That would have been glorious.
Just as people in Scripture walked with God and Jesus, we are called to walk with God. And there are ways in which we are to walk. Let’s see what God’s Word has to say about our walk.
We are to walk in all His ways. Deuteronomy 5:33; 10:12; 11:22; and 26:17 basically say the same thing. Listen to Deuteronomy 10:12-13. “And now, O Israel, what does the Lord your God ask of you but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in all his ways, to love him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and to observe the Lord’s commands and decrees that I am giving you today for your own good.” There is quite a bit in this short passage, but walking in all God’s ways is right in the middle of it. We must learn His ways. That is the key.
We are to walk in the light. Psalm 89:15 tells us, “Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim you, who walk in the light of your presence, O Lord.” And Isaiah 2:5 says, “Come, O house of Jacob, let us walk in the light of the Lord.” As we journey through this life, God’s light can illuminate the path and make it easier to navigate. I have stumbled enough; I want to walk in His light.
We are to walk in freedom. “I will walk about in freedom, for I have sought out your precepts.” (Psalm 119:45) Under the New Covenant, we know what it is like to be free. Free from the laws and rituals of Old Testament living. We can rejoice knowing that we are walking in freedom!
We are to walk humbly. “He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” (Micah 6:8) Humility can be difficult, but as we draw closer to God and learn His ways, this characteristic will begin to bloom and grow.
We are to walk in obedience and in love. 2 John 6 says, “And this is love: that we walk in obedience to his commands. As you have heard from the beginning, his command is that you walk in love.” Living a life of obedience is our way of showing God that we are walking side by side with Him. Living a life of love is our way of showing others that we are walking side by side with Him.
I certainly love to walk and I know I will take more walks around Mom’s neighborhood before I head for home. My prayer is that I and those I walk with (Mason or Mom) will follow God’s precepts. That we will seek Him in all our ways. And that we do it all in love.
Grace and peace be yours in abundance,
Donna
Share

Like A Tree

May 10th, 2012 dsisler

I found this fallen tree in the mountains last summer. I was intrigued by its position and condition. I had never seen a tree like this.

I wondered how it had fallen. What had caused its death? Why was the center hollowed out? Of course, I couldn’t give an answer for any of these questions and probably would never know.
So now my thoughts on trees moved to Scripture to see how God used trees for examples for us. Here’s a passage from Jeremiah 17:7-8.
“Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. He will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.”
We can relate the ideas in this passage with our spiritual journey. For the tree, being planted by water with a good root system is the lifeline of the tree. Without the root system that draws nourishment and water to the tree, it would not thrive, and perhaps die.
We, too, must be firmly rooted. If our root system, our foundation is not stable, we will not be able to stand up to the pressures of this world. If we are unable to reach the nourishment and the water needed, we would not be able to thrive.
Through prayer, Bible study, worship, and fellowship with other believers, we can guarantee that our root system is strong and healthy.
With our root system prepared and with the aid of the Holy Spirit, we are then ready and able to meet the troubles we encounter. Let’s see what our tree might encounter and what lessons we can learn.
1) It does not fear when heat comes.Troubles will come. Jesus said they would. But when we have a complete trust in God, we will not fear the troubles. We might even welcome them, because we mature through these struggles!
2) Its leaves are always green. Do you feel “green” today? Green represents life. As a Christian, we have abundant life and as a result of that, we should be green! Our lives should be a reflection of the abundant life given through Jesus.
3) It has no worries in a year of drought.We go through times when we feel parched. When our spiritual lives are not being filled because of circumstances or situations. It is during these times we can utilize the deep connection and trust we have in our God. There is no reason to worry during these times…God will take care of it all.
4) It never fails to bear fruit. The fruit that we bear shows that our roots are reaching the source. With the Holy Spirit living within us, we are able to strengthen the characteristics within ourselves.
The tree is able to stand up against the elements and we know the blessings we receive from trees. Fruit, shade, and visual beauty. From this illustration, we can see that reaching deep to the Living Water is where we gain our strength. We, too, are able to stand up to the elements of this world and are able to bless those we come into contact with.
As a person who places their complete trust and confidences in God, you don’t ever have to worry or fear. You can be assured that you will always feel alive and bear fruit. Like the tree planted by the water.
Grace and peace be yours in abundance,
Donna
Share

Greed

May 9th, 2012 dsisler

My husband is my favorite photographer. He can compose a photograph unlike anyone I’ve ever known.
While this is no where near his best work, it still remains one of my favorite photographs. He snapped this photo of our two cats as they sat at the table, begging for whatever we might be serving for dinner. 
Unfortunately for them, there was nothing to share. We were sitting around the table drinking coffee and chatting.
They sat in these same chairs many times through the years. Waiting. Hoping. Begging. Thinking they might receive their greatest desire. Food.
These two didn’t need any more food than they already had, but they certainly wanted it. That is the definition of greed.
I recall several people in Scripture who also showed greedy tendencies.
The Israelites had been wandering for some time. They were tired of the same food. They begged God for something new. God gave them what they wanted.
Numbers 11:31-34 gives the account. Starting in verse 31 we see God driving “quail in from the sea. It brought them down all around the camp to about three feet above the ground, as far as a day’s walk in any direction.”
The people gathered and gathered. They were greedy.
God burned with anger against Israel and struck them with a severe plague. Their greed and craving food caused great pain and anguish.
David was also found desiring something that didn’t belong to him when he saw Bathsheba. 2 Samuel 12 tells this story.
David and Bathsheba have a sexual encounter at David’s bidding. Bathsheba becomes pregnant. David tries to manipulate her husband and eventually must have him killed to cover his sin.
David is then confronted by Nathan about his green and sin. David repents, but the baby Bathsheba delivers dies.
David’s greed caused great pain and anguish in many lives.
Ananias and Sapphira’s story can be found in Acts chapter 5.
The couple sold a piece of land and gave a portion of the profits to the Church. However, they each told Peter that they had given the full amount of the sale.
In their greed, they wanted to look good among their fellow Christians and still make some money.
As a result of this greed, the pair fell down and died.
Ephesians 5:3-5 says, “But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people. Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person—such a man is an idolater—has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.”
There is to be no hint…of greed! Because it isn’t proper for us. The greed person has no inheritance in God’s kingdom.
These are harsh words, but God knows how this sin can affect our lives. How it can destroy us. So, He simply says to stay away from it.
I’m sure I’m not the only pet owner with a pair of greedy pets. I suppose the next time I find them sitting there I should explain greed to them.
Grace and peace be yours in abundance,
Donna
Share

Wildfire

May 8th, 2012 dsisler

Wildfires strike in Colorado quite often. The combination of the dry climate, windy conditions, weather occurrences or sometimes careless behavior can spark a fire that spreads quickly. When the authorities issue a burn ban, there is a reason and their instructions should be followed.
Several years ago, a fire swept through an area that holds great memories for me. In the small community of Gold Hill is a small, rustic restaurant that serves a delicious six-course meal for an affordable price.
I take out of state guests, family, and close friends to this restaurant quite often, but I have been there with my brother Billy more times than any other person. It is our special time when he visits.
As usual, on a recent visit, we headed to Gold Hill. It was the first time I had been through the canyon since the fires. Tears filled my eyes as I drove through the distorted landscape. Nothing looked the same. Homes were destroyed. Trees were blackened. It was so different from previous trips.
Fire can be beneficial to forests. That is the purpose of prescribed burns. It clears out some of the underbrush and allows for new growth.
Native plants, trees, and grasses have a natural way to cope with fires. They endure the flames and heat and then regrowth begins. Some grow new leaves or needles. Some re-sprout from their roots. And some have fire resistant seeds that sprout during the fire.
After a fire, it is important to assess the damage of trees. Then check the soil for damage. Sometimes it’s necessary to prune a tree. And after all these steps are taken, it’s important to water and fertilize the tree.
Through this process land can regain its beauty and functionality. Oh it takes time, but in the end, the process and time are worth it.
In our spiritual lives, trials sweep through like a wildfire. In Scripture, we can see that through these times, we can be refined and purified.
If you have gone through a difficult situation, you can follow the same steps for restoring a forest after a wildfire.
Assess the damage of the tree. In our lives, we can see what the damage from the trial has done to us emotionally and physically. If we know what we have to work with, we can create a plan to move ahead. Spend time with God asking for His help and guidance with this process and with the work that is needed.
Assess the damage of the soil. What or who is around you? Is it a supportive or damaging environment? Would you be able to receive the needed nourishment from this environment? If these questions are not answered in a positive way, pray that God will move to change the situation for your benefit.
Prune. Examine your life. Allow the Holy Spirit to examine your life. What needs to be pruned? Anything that is contrary to God’s Word must be stripped away. Fill the void with Scripture. Allow God’s Word to comfort you through this time.
Finally, water and fertilize. Seeking God through His Word, His Spirit, His people, and His Church will help to begin the re-growth process. Gain as much godly instruction, encouragement, and guidance as possible. With God, you will become beautiful and purposeful within His kingdom once again. And to be honest, you’ll be better than ever.
1 Peter 5:10 says, “And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.”
Now that makes suffering worthwhile. God himself, restoring.
On the wall of the Gold Hill Inn are pictures of the fires. The pictures were taken outside the Inn and the fire was just up the ridge. They show just how close the fires came to this small community.
It is a reminder that we never know what might be on the other side of the mountain, but when God is on our side. It doesn’t matter. He will lead us. He will guide us. And He will restore us.
Grace and peace be yours in abundance,
Donna
Share

A Beautiful Web

May 7th, 2012 dsisler

Early one morning this past winter, I found this beautiful spider web outside my front door. Overnight, the web froze and as the sun shone through its crystals, a beautiful sight could be seen.
I love when unusual beauty is right in front of me.
As I thought of unusual beauty, I was reminded of the passage in 1 Peter where a woman’s beauty is discussed. Submission, behavior, purity, reverence, gentleness, quiet spirit, holiness, hopeful, obedience, and fearlessness are all signs of inner beauty.
“Wives, in the same way submit yourselves to your own husbands so that, if any of them do not believe the word, they may be won over without words by the behavior of their wives, when they see the purity and reverence of your lives. Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight. For this is the way the holy women of the past who put their hope in God used to adorn themselves. They submitted themselves to their own husbands, like Sarah, who obeyed Abraham and called him her lord. You are her daughters if you do what is right and do not give way to fear.” 1 Peter 3:1-6
These six verses set a high standard for women to follow. But as we work toward building these characteristics in our lives, we find great worth in God’s sight.
And not only will we find great worth in God’s sight, but our Godly lives will help to win over an unbelieving husband. Our actions do speak louder than words!
The holy women of the past who have lived their lives by these guidelines are great examples for us to follow. Sarah was the example given here, but I’m sure you know of someone like Sarah. A holy woman who has allowed the Holy Spirit to lead them through the submission process to be a beautiful woman.
So where do you think you are in this process? The process of becoming a beautiful woman in God’s eyes? Using this passage as a guideline, evaluate yourself in regard to each of these characteristics. Ask the Holy Spirit to work through you on developing each of them.
It will take some time. It is a process. But isn’t being of great worth in God’s eyes worth it? I believe so.
That frozen spider web didn’t last long. It was gone as the warmth of the day emerged. Unlike the spider web, our Godly lives can live on for generations because of the beauty that is within. I pray this can be said of me by those who follow.
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