From Despair to Rejoicing

April 11th, 2012 dsisler

This semester of Bible studies are coming to a close. It is always a sad time for me. Leading women’s Bible study brings such joy, reflection, and discipline to my life.
My Tuesday night group completed “Pray with Purpose, Live with Passion” by Debbie Williams. It is a guide to show how praising God from A to Z will transform your life…my life.
It’s the second time I’ve led this study. It was much more meaningful this time around. Why? I’m not certain, but I do know that I picked up on a few ideas that I seemed to miss last time through.
One example is in the chapter on “eXalted God.” Debbie shared about Hannah from 1 Samuel chapter 1. In a state of despair, Hannah poured out her soul before the Lord. She was accused of being drunk. But she assured Eli that she was not. She was a woman who was in deep “anguish and grief.”
If you don’t recall Hannah’s story, she was married to Elkanah, who “loved her.” He gave her special attention. I would say he adored her. But for some reason, she was unable to conceive a child.
Elkanah’s other wife, Peninnah, had children and she would taunt Hannah. Year after year. Hannah would become so distraught that she would weep and wouldn’t eat. Elkanah tried so hard to bring his beloved happiness. He wanted to be all she needed. But it was never enough for Hannah. She desired a child. A son.
I’m sure Elkanah and Hannah prayed each year for this child, but year after year, Hannah would not bear that child. And Hannah would continue to live with the harshness of Peninnah. Her stinging words. Her mean actions. Her constant hurt toward Hannah.
Hannah in her deep despair poured out her soul before the Lord and when Eli understood her situation, he sent her on her way with peace and with the hope that God would answer her prayer.
Hannah “went on her way and ate something, and her face was no longer downcast.” (1 Samuel 1:18)
Now here’s the part that I missed in the Bible study. Debbie says, “She left her prayer time a changed woman, although not one circumstance in her life was changed. She was not pregnant. She still had to face the other contentious wife. Yet she was transformed by pouring out her soul to the Lord whom she exalted in worship.”[i]
How I’ve missed that in my life. Simply finding peace through God even though nothing changes that I wish would change. Finding that through it all, God is all that I need. Regardless of my circumstance.
God did provide a son to Hannah and Elkanah. Hannah dedicated Samuel to God’s purpose and Samuel became a great instrument in God’s plan. When she presented Samuel to Eli, she said, “…I give him to the Lord. For his whole life he will be given over to the Lord.” (1 Samuel 1:28)
After this presentation of Samuel, Hannah continued with her prayer to God. “My heart rejoices in the Lord; in the Lord my horn is lifted high…There is no one holy like the Lord; there is no one besides you; there is no Rock like our God.” (1 Samuel 2:1-2)
From deep despair to rejoicing…that is what God did for Hannah. And that is exactly what God can do for you and me. Pray. Allow God’s peace to infiltrate your life. Allow God’s Spirit to change your heart, even if your circumstance doesn’t. And wait. The rejoicing will come.
I pray that Hannah’s story will be an encouragement to you as she has been to me. I also pray that if your Bible study is coming to a close as mine are, that you’ll seek out another study to work through during the summer. That is exactly what I intend to do!
Grace and peace be yours in abundance,
Donna

[i] Debbie Williams, Pray with Purpose, Live with Passion (Howard Books, New York), 2006, p. 230.
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Tebow Time

April 10th, 2012 dsisler

I live near Denver, Colorado. It is Bronco’s territory. I’m not a huge football fan, however, this past season, I must say I watched more Bronco’s than in the nine years that I’ve lived here. Why? Because of Tim Tebow. It was exciting to watch him. My attention was drawn to what he was capable of on and off the field.
My granddaughter Joy followed Tebow more than I did. She was able to tell us all about his trade and new position. Well, sort of. This is what she said about his new job.
“He is in back of the quarterback at the Jets.”
Now for those of you who do not know what he is doing, he is the back-up quarterback for the New York Jets. I guess it is the same thing, at least that is what she heard.
I have admired Mr. Tebow for his strong Christian belief, but more so for his willingness to share that belief with everyone. For him, it doesn’t matter who is watching or listening. And the great thing is, people did watch and listen! People arewatching and listening!

On Easter Sunday morning, Tim Tebow spoke at Celebration Church in Texas. This is a portion of Jim Vertuno’s article about the morning.
“Tebow told them he welcomed the attention on his convictions as well as the ‘Tebowing’ prayer pose he often strikes on the field because it puts his faith and prayer in the public conversation. It’s being talked about,’ he said. ‘That’s exciting.’”[i]

Yes, that is exciting! I’ve often likened Tim Tebow to John the Baptizer. Not because of their dress or food choices, but because of their mission to tell people about Jesus! Each unashamed of the message to be spoken. Each unwilling to change that message. Regardless of the criticism.

We may not have personalities like Tim or John, but we are to be telling people about Jesus. In our own way. In our own circle. We are commanded to tell our story of how Jesus made a difference in our lives with unbelievers.
The Great Commission is mentioned in two of the Gospels. Matthew 28:18-20 says, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Mark 16:15-16 says, “Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.”
With the message that we have, why wouldn’t we want to share this good news with the lost? We might not have the platform that Tim Tebow has, but we do have some influence in our world. With our friends, family, co-workers, even the person you’re standing in the grocery store line with.
As a co-sharer of the Gospel, we hear these words from Isaiah spoken of us. “How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, ‘Your God reigns!’”
Yes, my God reigns! And I’ll shout it from the mountaintops! Thank you Tim Tebow for being such an encouragement and example to us. May each of us be the Gospel carrier God asks us to be.
Grace and peace be yours in abundance,
Donna

[i] http://mycenturylink.com/news/read.php?rip_id=%3CD9U0PDCO2%40news.ap.org%3E&ps=1013&page=1
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What?

April 9th, 2012 dsisler

Have you ever been surprised or amazed by what something you saw? I know I have.  A while back, I was driving on the highway and saw a car on top of a barrier on the side of the road. Neither the front nor the back was on the ground. It was on the barrier and it was perfectly balanced. It looked like a teeter totter. I was surprised.
I’m sure it was no different for the believers of Jesus after His resurrection.
He appeared to quite a few people. He appeared on different occasions. And slowly but surely, the believers believed. Jesus was alive!
On one such occasion, Jesus appeared to ten of the disciples. Finally after eating a piece of broiled fish, Jesus convinced these men that He was who He said He was and that He was truly alive.
Then He began speaking to them. Jesus reminded them of the words of the prophets. Of His fulfillment of their words.
And then Jesus did something wonderful. “He opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures.” (Luke 24:45)
Not only did Jesus want them to acknowledge that He was alive, but He wanted them to understand why He was alive. Their lives changed at that moment. They began to understand all that He had told them and how it was going to affect the world.
Oh, how important it is for us to understand Scriptures. To really understand. To study God’s Word. To know for ourselves that Jesus is alive.
I would urge you today, not to take my word (or any ones word for that matter) on the teachings you read on this blog. Check out my words and teachings for yourself. Do your own study of Scripture. You’ll be amazed at what God desires for you to know and understand.
Remember the verses of Scripture that I have at the top of this blog? “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)
Allow the eyes of your heart to be enlightened. Allow your heart to be changed. Allow God to work in your life. Allow His great power to work through you. And don’t be surprised by the change that it makes.
Grace and peace be yours in abundance,
Donna
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Oh Glorious Day!

April 8th, 2012 dsisler

It’s Sunday morning. Not just any Sunday, but Resurrection Sunday. Easter Sunday.
As a child I recall going to the cemetery on Easter morning for sunrise service. Later as an adult, Easter sunrise service was a highlight of the year. It was very meaningful and that single hour seemed more special than any other hour of service.
There are sunrise services each year at different locations here in Colorado that promise to be spectacular. Red Rocks Amphitheater hosts a service each year, as does Royal Gorge Bridge. These are always well attended.
Many mountain communities have their own services scheduled, as well as local churches. If you are looking for a sunrise service, here in Colorado or in your local community, I’m sure you can find one.
Maybe a cemetery is not the popular choice these days for sunrise service, but Easter Sunrise services certainly are.
Why do you suppose that is? For Christians, I certainly know. We see this morning as victory over death. As a reminder that Jesus rose from the dead on this day so long ago. And what a glorious day it is!
But what about unbelievers, what attracts them to these services each year? Perhaps something is missing from their life. Perhaps they are seeking peace, hope, anything.
The good news? Jesus can provide peace, hope, or anything anyone is seeking.
He is the Way, the Truth, the Life. He is the All, the Bright and Morning Star, the Guardian of our souls. He is the Prince of Peace, the Word, the Everlasting Light.
He is the Hope of Glory, the Fountain, the Living Stone. He is the Mediator, the Physician, the Advocate. He is the Bread, the Spiritual Rock, the Lamb of God.
He is the Good Shepherd, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Counselor. He is the Door, the Alpha and Omega, the Chief Cornerstone. He is the Gift from God, the Messiah, the Redeemer.
He is the Author and Finisher of our faith.
On this Easter morning, whatever it is you’re seeking, you will find in Jesus Christ. If you have any doubt, just follow the advice of the angel when speaking to the women in Matthew 28:6. “Come and see…”
Come and see what Jesus can be for you. Come and see what Jesus can do for you. You will never be the same.
For your personal reading, the Gospel accounts of the resurrection of Jesus Christ may be found in Matthew 28:1-10; Mark 16:1-11; Luke 24:1-12; and John 20:1-9.
When the secular influence is stripped away from Easter morning, all that remains is Jesus and His resurrection. Jesus fulfilling all of my needs. Jesus accepting me for who I am. Jesus my Bright and Morning Star.
As for me, I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Grace and peace be yours in abundance,
Donna
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Now What?

April 7th, 2012 dsisler

It’s the day after Jesus was crucified, died, and was buried. Now the disciples and followers waited. Waited for the day they could prepare Jesus’ body for final burial. Waited for whatever might happen next. They certainly weren’t sure what was going to take place.
If you had been a follower of Jesus, what would you have felt on that Saturday after the crucifixion?
Despair
Hopelessness
Anger
Sadness
Anxiousness
Disappointment
Helplessness
Uncertainty
Grief
Shock
Fear
Gullible
To be honest, these are all valid emotions. But how could it have come to this?
The followers of Jesus believed Jesus to be the Messiah! They believed God had sent Him to fulfill His promises! Why did God let this happen? How could He let this happen?
It was a sad day—how could they possibly know that this was part of God’s plan? How could they possibly know that Jesus would be alive the next day? How could they possibly believe that Jesus would be victorious over death?
Because they had seen it
They saw Jesus raise Lazarus from the dead (John 11:1-44). 

They saw Him bring the Widow’s son at Nain back to life (Luke 7:11-15). 

They had seen Jesus raise Jairus’s daughter from the dead (Matthew 9:18-19, 23-25; Mark 5:22-24, 38-42; Luke 8:41-42, 49-56). 

These were undeniable miracles. They knew it was possible.

Because Scripture had told them
The prophecies of the Old Testament gave them the hope that it was possible. Here are a couple of them.
Psalm 16:9-10 says, “Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest secure, because you will not abandon me to the grave, nor will you let your Holy One see decay.” And we can be assured that the believers knew this because Peter used these very verses on the Day of Pentecost while discussing the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Isaiah 53 gives a description of the suffering Savior. Verse 10-11 says, “Yet it was the Lord’s will to crush him and cause him to suffer, and though the Lord makes his life a guilt offering, he will see his offspring and prolong his days, and the will of the Lord will prosper in his hand. After the suffering of his soul, he will see the light of life and be satisfied; by his knowledge my righteous servant will justify any, and he will bear their iniquities.” Paul points to this and other Old Testament Scripture in relation to the resurrection of Jesus when he states “according to the Scriptures.” (1 Corinthians 15:4)
Because Jesus told them
On at least two occasions, Jesus said He would rise from the dead.
Matthew 20:17-19 tells us, “Now as Jesus was going up to Jerusalem, he took the twelve disciples aside and said to them, ‘We are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be betrayed to the chief priests and the teachers of the law. They will condemn him to death and will turn him over to the Gentiles to be mocked and flogged and crucified. On the third day he will be raised to life!’”
And also, John 2:19 says, “Destroy this temple and I will raise it again in three days.”
These same promises are ours today. There is no reason to feel any of the emotions listed earlier in regard to your spiritual life. We have hope. We have a future. We have the promises of God.
We also know that Jesus was alive on Sunday morning. For that, we can rejoice and be thankful.
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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