A Needed Break

July 20th, 2016 dsisler

 

Good morning folks! I feel pretty overwhelmed right now, so if you don’t mind, I’m going to share some older blog posts until mid-August.

 

There are many personal reasons for this decision and I would ask for you to join me in praying for my entire family.

 

Thank you for sticking with me. You’re the best!

 

“No Other Name but Jesus” – Monday Musical Musings

 

There are a few pieces of music in this world that brings everyone to their feet. The National Anthem. The Hallelujah Chorus.  Hail to the Chief. I believe the song I share today is one that should be added to this list.

 

Not because of the melody and harmonies (although it is a stunning piece). Not because of who is singing this song (even though there have been some pretty spectacular performances of this song). But because of whom this song brings people to know. Jesus. The message of this song tells us that Jesus is the only Name we need to know. It’s the only Name we need to speak. It is the only Name.

 

Acts 4:12 (NIV) tells us why the Name of Jesus is the only Name. “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.” Jesus. His is the Name by which we are saved.

 

Today I share this beautiful piece that leads me to worship each time I hear it. I’m sure you will agree, there is no other Name. Let’s magnify and praise His Name.

 

“No Other Name But Jesus”

 

Above His name there is no other name

The one who is eternally the same

There is no other name

 

The first and last, beginning and the end

He was the King who made the common man His friend

There is no other name, let every tongue proclaim

And sing the name of Jesus

 

Magnify and praise the name of Jesus

No other name but Jesus

There is power in the precious name of Jesus, Jesus

Messiah, King of Kings and Lord of Lords, Jesus

 

He created all there is with his own hands

And yet the smallest need He understands

There is no other name

 

The one who said, “I am the great I am”

And then He gave Himself, a sacrifice for man

There is no other name, let every tongue proclaim

And sing the name of Jesus

 

Magnify and praise the name of Jesus

No other name but Jesus

There is power in the precious name of Jesus, Jesus

Forever He shall reign as King of Kings, Lord of all and every living thing

From now on we’ll worship Him and praise the name of Jesus

 

Magnify and praise the name of Jesus

No other name but Jesus

There is power in the precious name of Jesus, Jesus

Forever He shall reign as King of Kings, Lord of all and every living thing

From now on we’ll worship Him and praise the name of Jesus, Jesus, Jesus[i]

 

Now, are you ready to stand and magnify the Name of Jesus with this precious group (Steve Green, John Mohr, Gary McSpadden and Bill Gaither)? If so, click here.

 

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

[i] “No Other Name But Jesus,” Songwriters: Chris Christian, Gary Michael McSpadden, and Billy Lee Smiley, New Spring Publishing Inc., Yellow House Music, and Word Music, LLC, 1997.

Share

Refresh My Heart

July 19th, 2016 dsisler

 

I am feeling a little (okay I’ll admit it, a lot) jet-lagged and tired. And as I sit here this morning, I’m wondering how my brain can possibly function well today. So I thought I’d see what God’s Word has to say about how to get over this feeling of weariness.

 

Daytona Beach 021mI read this little bit from the small letter to Philemon. “Refresh my heart in Christ.” (Philemon 1:20 – NIV) That’s exactly what I need! Refreshment within me. In my heart. So how can my heart find refreshment? Here are just a few ways.

 

Spend Time in God’s Word

God’s Word is living and active. Each day I find new and exciting thoughts that I know I’ve read before, but for some reason, that particular section had great meaning in that moment. You’ll be amazed at how God can work through His Scriptures.

 

Psalm 19:7a (NIV) says, “The law of the Lord is perfect, refreshing the soul.” God’s Word will refresh your soul! But you have to read it. You have to study it. You must spend time in it to be refreshed.

 

Rid Your Life of Sin

Sin is a killer. It is separation from God. And if we are not in God’s presence, there is no chance of refreshment.

 

Sin can sneak in and take over areas of our life before we know it. We must be diligent in asking God to reveal these areas of sin to us. Remember Psalm 139:23-24? It should be a daily prayer on our part.

 

We see in Acts 3:19 (NIV) to, “Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord.” Times of refreshment are just around the corner. It’s time to repent.

 

Rest

This may be the most difficult for us. We are so busy. There is so much to do. Especially in ministry. But God gave the example in the beginning. Genesis 2:2 (NIV) tells us that “God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work.”

 

I know you’re saying, “My work is never done!” Perhaps that is true, but you (and I) need to rest. God gave the command to the Israelites and it is something we need to consider in order to find refreshment.
“Six days do your work, but on the seventh day do not work, so that your ox and your donkey may rest, and so that the slave born in your household and the foreigner living among you may be refreshed.” (Exodus 31:17 – NIV)

 

Refresh Others

When we are a blessing to others, we will be blessed beyond anything we could have imagined.

 

Proverbs 11:25 (NIV) says, “A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.” I love this verse. Not because of the outcome, but because of something that I might be able to do. Refresh others.

 

We can have a tendency to be a little short with friends, family or strangers. Our comments may not be in line with Jesus’ teachings. Our actions may prove that we don’t belong to Him. We must be careful of how we treat others. Proverbs says we should refresh others. Have you done so today?

 

Allow God to Be in the Middle of It

God wants to help. He begs us to come to Him. God’s Word proves this over and over. But the verse I’m using is from Jeremiah 31:25 (NIV).

 

“I will refresh the weary and satisfy the faint.”

 

Are you weary? Are you unsatisfied? Are you feeling faint? Need some refreshment? Spend time with your faithful God. Reach out to God. He will refresh far beyond your comprehension. He’s just waiting for the opportunity. He is willing to refresh your soul. Why not take Him up on His offer?

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

Share

“Who Will Call Him King of Kings” – Monday Musical Musings

July 18th, 2016 dsisler

 

I’m excited to share a piece of music with you this morning! It’s an oldie, but one that will be a blessing to each of you, just as it has been to me through the years.

 

IMAG1489“Who Will Call Him King of Kings” by Sandi Patty was one of my favorites in the 90’s. You can imagine the feelings of these believers at the moment of finding an empty tomb through this song. Between the lyrics and the music, it is an awesome display of their excitement.

 

But this song takes us one step closer to believing that Jesus rose from the dead. It asks, “Who will call Jesus King of king?” “Who will call Jesus Lord of lords?” These are questions that each of us must answer every day of our lives.

 

Will I allow Jesus to be the King over all that I do today? My thoughts, my actions, my words? If I say “yes,” then I must be willing to give Him each element of my life. Will I allow Jesus to be the Lord over my day? Then again, if my answer is “yes,” then each moment of this day must be His. Each step I take must be His. Every situation I am in must be His.

 

So the question is, are you willing to call Jesus the King and Lord of your life? I pray that you will find it within you to say, “yes!”

 

“Who Will Call Him King of Kings”[i]

 

Their cold despair they’d laid Him in the tomb
The body of their Master fair
Third morning came as they returned to pray
Light was shining everywhere
But Jesus body was not there

 

And as they gazed at an empty grave
The earth around began to shake
And they were so afraid
But voices of angels filled the air
Their shouts proclaimed “He is not here”
And you could hear them say

 

Who will call Him King of kings?
And who will call Him Lord of lords?
Who will call Him Prince of Peace?
Such a Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God?
Who will call Him King?

 

Their spirits soared as fear was turned to joy
Standing there before their eyes
Jesus clothed in radiant white
And with a voice they heard before
He told them “Go and tell the world that I’m alive”
They ran as fast as feet could fly
“The Lord is rise”, was their cry
And you could hear them say

 

We will call him King of kings
We will call him Lord of lords
We will call him Prince of Peace
Such a Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God

 

We will call him King of kings
And we will call him Lord of lords
We will call him Prince of Peace
Such a Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God

 

Just like He said
He’s risen from the dead
And the people say

 

We will call Him King of kings
We will call Him Lord of lords
We will call Him Prince of Peace
Such a Wonderful Counselor

 

I will call Him King of kings
And I will call Him Lord of lords
I will call Him Prince of Peace
Such a Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God

 

I will call Him King

 

Click here to listen to Sandi Patty sing this beautiful song.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

[i] “Who Will Call Him King of Kings,” words and music by Greg Nelson, Bob Farrell and Sandi Patty, Dayspring Music, Inc., Gentle Ben Music, 1990.

Share

So Good

July 17th, 2016 dsisler

 

It is so good to be here this morning with you. I am also looking forward to worshiping with Rocky this morning too! I pray that you have found your special place in a local congregation. It’s so good that God created us to live in community with one another.

 

Today’s repeat blog post is about a rock. Enjoy!

 

I Think it’s a Rock

 

Petrified Wood 2My daughter Candace is a rock collector. She’s been picking up and pocketing rocks since she was 3 years old. I can’t even begin to tell you how many times her rock collection has been moved, but it’s been plenty. I must admit though, she has a pretty cool assortment.

 

When we built our home nine years ago, I didn’t have grandchildren, but I knew that I wanted pretty rocks about so that they could enjoy them as much as their Aunt Candy. There are little pockets about our home where rocks abound.

 

These areas bring great delight to my grandson, Percy. Upon their arrival to our house, he immediately goes to a rock bed and picks up a treasure. He brings it into the house and we talk about it a little. It then is placed in a little bowl that has become his “collection.” (this is exactly what Candace did.)

 

Last weekend, Candace and Percy were looking at his rocks when Candace noticed a unique stone. It didn’t look like a typical rock from our rock beds, but like something of real value. This was their conversation.

 

Candace: “I think this is petrified wood!”

Percy: “I think it’s a rock.”

 

Now, while I don’t believe Candace was trying to lead Percy astray, I think we can find some spiritual application in this conversation.

 

I have said it before and I will say it again. Study the Bible. Know what God’s Word says. Discern for yourself what Scripture is saying. There may, no, there will come a time when you need to know the Bible. Here’s why.

 

False teachers will show up. The Bible is filled with warnings about such teachers. This is a short list of these warnings. Romans 16:17; 2 Peter 2:1-3; 1 John 4:1-3; Matthew 7:15-20; 1 Timothy 4:1-5; and 1 Timothy 6:20-21. Unless you know Scripture, you won’t be able to recognize false teaching.

 

Colossians 2:8 warns that we are not to be taken “captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy.” And Paul urges us to “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15 – NIV) The only way to do either of these is to know God’s Word.

 

In a world of electronics, a physical Bible may not be needed. But I would also urge you to grab a Bible and know it. Know where specific books can be found. Memorize their order. That is part of “presenting ourselves” to God and to others. I would also encourage you to carry your Bible to church. Yes, the Scripture is probably going to be on the screen, but knowing that I’ve read it for myself in my own Bible makes a difference to me. It helps me to know that what is being taught in the message falls in line with God’s Word.

 

Let’s prepare ourselves now for those false teachers who show up and try to pull us away from God’s truth. Know God’s Word. Live God’s Word. Use God’s Word correctly.

 

I also think there is another way to look at this conversation between Candace and Percy. Candace knows rocks. She has looked at and studied rocks for years. Percy on the other hand has just begun his journey with geology. In this particular situation, I would call Candace a well-studied student and is able to speak into what this rock is. Percy? Well he’s just beginning and to him, it’s a rock, when in reality, there is something deeper to consider.

 

When you find a biblical scholar that you can trust and believe, believe it. After discernment, you will find those who know what God’s Word really says and you’ll be able to learn much from them. I have had so many of these scholars in my life and they have been my mentors. I pray that you are able to find a few of them on your spiritual journey.

 

I don’t know if this rock is petrified wood or not. To me, I think it’s a rock. But what I do know is that God’s Word holds life for me and each day I present myself to God as one prepared to handle God’s Word correctly. Would you care to join me?

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

Share

Home…a Beautiful Place

July 16th, 2016 dsisler

Good morning folks!

 

1340158443410I’m home. I slept in my own bed last night and it was pretty awesome. I’m not going to write much today…still very groggy from the events of this past week, but wanted to share just a little.

 

That baby Liam has grabbed hold of his Baba’s heart and it was very difficult to leave him. I’m so thankful that I was able to help out as I did with my son and his precious family. This experience has drawn me closer to all of them and I feel like they really are part of our family. Oh how I love them all. I’ll share more about this as time goes on.

 

My heart breaks for people of France who are once again mourning the loss of so many lives lost in this senseless tragedy. Praying for these folks. I’d like to offer this article about mourning written by a good friend. I pray you find some comfort and encouragement by clicking here.

 

Closer to home, there is a wild fire terrorizing our beautiful mountains again. I pray for those who are on the front lines and working to contain this blaze. I also pray for those who have been misplaced and for those who have lost everything.

 

This is part of life. Joy and sadness. Bliss and tragedy. Good times and bad times. But in the midst of it all, we know that God is with us. He is comforting us in ways that this world cannot understand. But as we draw closer to Him, we find in Him everything that we need.

 

Have a blessed Saturday and I’ll see you soon!

 

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