Follow Me – Blogging from A to Z (Sabbatical Post)

December 17th, 2015 dsisler

 

Last fall, as I prepared to go on a service trip to SE Asia, I read through the book Follow Me: Becoming a Lifestyle Prayerwalker by Randy Sprinkle. It is actually a Bible study, and in a few days, I will be joining a group of ladies to study this concept of following Jesus.

 

There is a story in this book that caught my attention. There was even a physical reaction to this story. Goosebumps formed on my arms. Chills ran up my spine. It truly is a moving account.

 

The story tells of a widowed Scottish minister, John Harper, traveling on the Titanic with his young daughter. When he realized there was no hope for the mighty ship, he placed his daughter in the hands of an officer and returned to second class to assist others.

 

It is noted that Mr. Harper began directing people to the lifeboats. His words were, “Women and children and the unsaved into the lifeboats first.”[i]

 

There is also evidence that while in the icy waters, Mr. Harper’s last words were “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved.”[ii] (Acts 6:31 – KJV) At least one soul was saved that night…a survivor who later told the events of an encounter with Mr. Harper and the message of salvation that was accepted.

 

But the feeling that I get is that Mr. Harper wasn’t acting this way because he was on a sinking ship. Because there was a sense of urgency. I believe that this was a lifestyle for Mr. Harper. To share the message of God’s salvation to anyone and everyone.

 

So I must ask myself this question. How often do I quote Acts 6:31 throughout my day? Are these words on my lips only during times of urgency? Do I really care about the lost of this world?

 

When I accepted the call to follow Jesus, I accepted Jesus’ mission. That mission is to seek and save the lost. Mr. Harper got it. I think I get it at times, but not all the time.

 

The thought “you’re being too hard on yourself” just ran through my mind. No I don’t think I am. That’s the devil telling me to “back off. There’s no reason to share that message with others today. There’s still plenty of time.”

 

It doesn’t matter if there is plenty of time. The message must be spoken. The message must be shared. I am called to speak this message to those who are lost.

 

Being a disciple of Christ requires action on my part. If we look at how the disciples reacted to Jesus’ call, we’d see some remarkable actions.

 

Peter, Andrew, James, and John left their boats and fishing nets behind to follow Jesus. (Matthew 4:18-22). There was no hesitation on their part. They didn’t know what their future with Jesus held. They just knew there was something to be done.

 

In Luke 5:27-28 we see the calling of Levi (Matthew) the tax collector. This call led Matthew to action. He left everything behind.

 

Jesus found Philip and then Philip brought his brother Nathaniel (Bartholomew) along. (John 1:43-51) Jesus’ words about Nathaniel are so interesting. “Here is a true Israelite, in whom there is nothing false.” (John 1:47 – NIV) How amazing it would be to hear those words from Jesus!

 

Each time Jesus called a disciple, His words were simple. “Follow Me.” They chose to follow Jesus. Without hesitation. Without questions. Without answers. They followed.

 

When Jesus says “Follow Me,” He asks us to be clothed in His characteristics. Follow His actions. He asks us to pick up His mission and follow through with it.

 

“Follow Me” are Jesus’ words to all of us. Whether we choose to leave everything to accept that call is what it is really about. Have you accepted the call? Are you a follower of Jesus Christ? Have you left it all behind to be a disciple of Christ?

 

I must admit, there are times when I am not the best follower. I allow my human nature to take control and push aside Jesus’ characteristics. But I also know that Jesus is loving and eager to accept me back into His circle.

 

Peter found this same acceptance after his denial of Jesus. Peter fully accepted the call on a little beach after breakfast. Peter had gone back to his old way of life, but Jesus called him once again to follow through with His mission (John 21:1-18).

 

Don’t underestimate what God can do in your life. What God can do through you. Follow Him. He will lead you in ways you’d never dream possible.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

[i] Sprinkle, Randy. Follow Me: Becoming a Lifestyle Prayerwalker. Alabama: New Hope Publishers, 2001. p. 22.

[ii] Sprinkle, Randy. Follow Me: Becoming a Lifestyle Prayerwalker. Alabama: New Hope Publishers, 2001. p. 23.

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The Friend I Forgot (Sabbatical Post)

December 16th, 2015 dsisler

 

I have a friend at church who is such a special lady. She is caring. She is kind. She asks great questions to start conversations. She loves studying the Bible. She is protective of our ministry staff. She prays for everyone. She makes sure everyone remembers the time change. She never misses a service or an event at church. She is forgiving. She is a valuable person who I am blessed to call my friend.

 

Martha doesn’t drive, so if she needs to get to church, it isn’t uncommon for her to call. Last night was such an occasion. We had a special prayer meeting at church (which I must say was a wonderful service and very moving) and I was privileged to get to pick her up and take her.

 

As I was driving to get Martha, I remembered a time when I was to bring her to church. However, I forgot to stop by and get her. It was a Wednesday morning for Women’s Bible Study. We have a short worship service before heading to study and after the first song, the leader said, “Where’s Martha?”

 

I immediately stood up and said, “I was supposed to pick her up!” I then proceeded to hustle out of the auditorium, ran to my car, and as quickly as possible drove the mile to pick up this dear friend.

 

We can be forgetful in our day-to-day lives. It’s common. But we can also be forgetful in our spiritual lives. While this too is common, there is more at stake when we forget God.

 

But, we are in good company. David mentions in Psalm 119:93 (NIV), “I will never forget your precepts, for by them you have preserved my life.” We know there were times when David did forget God’s precepts. Even with a bold statement as this. However, we must strive to never forget God’s teachings. Holding on to them is life.

 

So let’s see what we are to remember. What we should never forget.

 

We should never forget God. In Deuteronomy 6:12 (NIV), Moses reminds the Israelites of this very thing. “Be careful that you do not forget the Lord, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery.”

 

We should never forget God’s words. Proverbs 4:5 (NIV) says, “Get wisdom, get understanding; do not forget my words or swerve from them.”

 

We should never forget to do good things. “And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.” (Hebrews 13:16 – NIV)

 

We should never forget God’s timing. Peter tells us to remember this one thing. “But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” (2 Peter 3:8-9 – NIV))

 

While God tells us that He will not remember our trespasses, God will not forget a few things. The writer of Hebrews tells us, “God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them.” (Hebrews 6:10 – NIV) God never forgets the good we do.

 

There is one thing that we must forget. I’ve mentioned it before, but I’ll mention Paul’s words again from Philippians 3:13b (NIV). “But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead.” We must forget our past and remember our future in Jesus Christ.

 

Martha didn’t let me forget for a while that I had forgotten her. She wanted my cell phone number for future reference and I gladly gave it to her. To be honest, I don’t want to forget Martha again.

 

I don’t want to miss anything that God wants me to remember either. God prompts me in ways that are just as effective as a phone call and for those reminders I’m thankful.

 

Let’s not forget today. Let’s be diligent in remembering all that God has shown us through our spiritual journey. Let’s be ready and willing to do what He reminds us to do. Let’s never forget all that He’s done for us. Because let’s face it. The alternative isn’t appealing.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

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Eagles – Blogging from A to Z (Sabbatical Post)

December 15th, 2015 dsisler

 

On Sunday afternoon, we were sitting out front of our home watching the grandkids ride their bikes. This is one of my favorite things to do because I know the weather is getting warmer and soon it will be summer and because it reminds me of how quickly time flies. My grandchildren are growing far too quickly!

 

eWe saw another amazing sight as we sat there however that took us all by surprise. Above us, just at house height, one American Bald Eagle flew by. And before we could really comprehend what we had just seen, another one flew along the same path. Two American Bald Eagles within seconds of one another. Of course, it was far too fast for anyone to pull a camera out to take a shot. But the image is in my mind. And it was very cool!

 

Since we’ve lived in Colorado, we have been able to see this great animal on several occasions. On one of those occasions, there were a large number of Bald Eagles in one location. My husband was able to take some great shots of these animals during this sighting and they are some of my favorite photos he’s ever taken.

 

These majestic animals are only found in North America and are the United States of America’s national bird. In 1782, the Bald Eagle was chosen as the emblem for America. Many symbols in America contain an image of the Bald Eagle and many artists have combined a Bald Eagle with our American Flag.

 

Bald Eagles can range in size from 30 to 37 inches with a wingspan from 72 to 90 inches. Their average weight is 10 to 14 pounds. Their eyesight is at least four times better than a person with perfect vision. Their beak has a hook at the tip that is used for tearing its food. And with their talons, they are a formidable foe. They are able to lift about 4 pounds and are a powerful and aggressive bird.

 

There are instances in Scripture where an eagle is mentioned. Some are in relation to Israel’s eating regulations. Eagles were strictly forbidden due to their unclean nature (Leviticus 11:13; and Deuteronomy 14:12).

 

On some occasions, eagles are used to show how other nations would swoop down and attack Israel (Deuteronomy 28:49; Job 9:26; Jeremiah 48:40; Jeremiah 49:22; Hosea 8:1; and Habakkuk 1:8).

 

Then we also see eagles represent swiftness (2 Samuel 1:23; Jeremiah 4:13; and Lamentations 4:19).

 

Several passages speak of the eagles great wings and how it related to past and future events (Ezekiel 17:3; Ezekiel 17:7; Revelation 12:14).

 

Ezekiel, Daniel and John captured visions that included great eagles. They each represent power (Ezekiel 1:10; Ezekiel 10:14; Daniel 7:4; Revelation 4:7).

 

I believe however, that two passages where an eagle is mentioned will be more familiar to you than any I’ve mentioned so far. In these passages, we see an eagle in relation to renewed strength.

 

“Praise the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits—

Who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases,

Who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion,

Who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.” (Psalm 103:2-5 – NIV)

 

“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 40:31 – NIV)

 

Perhaps you are running on empty today. If so, God is there waiting to renew your spirit and strength. He is able to lift you up so that you may soar.

 

You can see from these verses that God is able to do many things for us besides renewing our strength however. God forgives. God heals. God redeems. God crowns. God satisfies.

 

And what are we to do to receive these blessings? Praise the Lord. Don’t forget all the benefits we have in God. Hope in the Lord.

 

As we build our lives on this hope in God, all of those many blessings mentioned earlier are available to us. I am thankful to say that I have placed my hope in God.

 

Have you?

 

Why not take this moment to give your life over to God? Why not accept the benefits He is willing to share with you? Why not soar like an eagle? Please let me know if you have any questions. I’d be happy to help you in this process.

 

Eagles continue to amaze me. My eyes are always on the lookout for these majestic birds. I pray that I will never grow tired of watching for an eagle or take for granted that I’ve seen too many in my lifetime. I pray also that I never take God’s precious gifts for granted.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

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“Daisies, Date Palm, Dill, Dove’s Dung and Daffodils” – Blogging from A to Z (Sabbatical Post)

December 14th, 2015 dsisler

 

I love flowers. I’m not a gardener, because gardening takes work and patience. I also tend to over water or under water any plants placed in my care. Flowers really don’t have a chance with me around. So I will stop by my local florist or grocery store for all of my floral arrangements.

 

dBut I still love flowers. So much so, that the heroines in the novels I write are named after flowers. Peony. Crisanta. Primrose. Iris. If I hear an unusual name, I tuck it away as if it were a secret treasure that will one day be discovered.

 

My Mom’s favorite flowers are daisies. And I must admit they bring a ray of sunshine to any room where they are displayed. Daisies bring a smile to my face. Not just because of the flower itself, but because of who loves them. Mom.

 

God apparently loves flowers too, for in the midst of all of His Creation, He created some beautiful flowers. And there are many references to flowers in Scripture, but since we are working with the letter “D” today, let’s look at a few that begin with the letter “D.”

 

First we have Date Palm or the technical name, Phoenix dactylifera. The New American Standard Version of the Bible uses this term in Exodus 15:27. “Then they came to Elim where there were twelve springs of water and seventy date palms, and they camped there beside the waters.”

 

The Hebrew nation had been released from bondage in Egypt and soon into their desert journey, they found a watering hole where the water was undrinkable. God produced fresh water from bitter water in this place to show Israel that He would care for their every need if they listened to Him.

 

This great nation then traveled on to Elim where they not only found good drinking water, but also date palms. I’m sure this would have been a grand treat in the middle of the desert.

 

The next flowering plant that can be found in Scripture is Dill (Anethum graveolens). I enjoy this fragrant, delicious herb, but I also know that it can take over an entire section of a garden if allowed.

 

In Isaiah’s section of woes, he uses a farming analogy. The farmer, at the right time, clears the land and levels it, but then he doesn’t leave it in that state. The farmer sows his crops.

 

Again from the New American Standard Bible we see that dill is one of those crops the farmer sows. “Does he not level its surface and sow dill and scatter cumin? And plant wheat in rows, barley in its place and rye within its area?” (Isaiah 28:25 – NASB)

 

In this same chapter, Isaiah goes on to remind of how different crops are treated after the harvest. “For dill is not threshed with a threshing sledge, or is the cartwheel driven over cumin; But dill is beaten out with a rod, and cumin with a club.” (Isaiah 28:27 – NASB)

 

Dill is mentioned one more time in the New American Standard Bible. Jesus spoke the word in Matthew 23:23, again in relation with woes. As Jesus spoke to the Scribes and Pharisees, He condemned them for only tithing with spices and for neglecting people. Listen to Jesus’ words.

 

“Woe to you, Scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you tithe mint and dill and cumin, and have neglected the weightier provisions of the law: justice and mercy and faithfulness; but these are the things you should have done without neglecting the others.” (Matthew 23:23 – NASB)

 

The final flowering plant I’d like to share with you is Dove’s Dung (Ornithogalum narbonense). The only place we find this term is in 2 Kings 6:25 and only in the New American Standard Bible. Other versions have chosen to translate this word as seed pods or wild onions.

 

Josephus, a Jewish historian, referred to dove’s dung as being used as a salt substitute. Apparently Dove’s Dung was a food eaten during the famine in Samaria as found in 2 Kings 6:25 and how expensive it was to purchase.

 

“There was a great famine in Samaria; and behold, they besieged it, until a donkey’s head was sold for eighty shekels of silver, and fourth of a kab of dove’s dung for five shekels of silver.” (2 Kings 6:25 – NASB)

 

I believe we can find a few lessons from these flowering plants that God has placed on this earth. See if you agree.

 

We should bask in and enjoy God’s creation.

 

We should trust God to care for us in all situations and we should listen to Him.

 

We should be mindful of the things in our lives that seem to consume us.

 

We should accept God’s “threshing” process to create Christ-like, usable people for His kingdom.

 

We should tithe in a way that is pleasing to God.

 

We should seek justice, mercy and faithfulness.

 

We should not neglect people.

 

We should be thankful for the great price Jesus paid so that we might have eternal life.

 

Who would have thought so many lessons could be learned from these three little flowering plants God created! I know I wasn’t expecting this, but I also believe that God can show up in the smallest of things in our lives and if we keep our eyes open, He will reveal Himself to us.

 

How has God revealed Himself to you today? What is He teaching you? I would love to hear from you! Why not leave a comment to share your thoughts?

 

The weather is turning spring-like here in Colorado. My daffodils are beginning to pop through the earth. It is just a matter of time before all of the flowering trees in my yard are in full blossom. It is a wonderful time of the year to acknowledge our new life in Christ. I pray that you are doing just that.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

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“Crown Him (Majesty)” – Blogging from A to Z (Sabbatical Post)

December 13th, 2015 dsisler

 

This past Sunday was Easter or Resurrection Sunday. During our contemporary worship service, we sang several hymns that were uplifting and also caused more emotion than usual for me. One of the hymns we sang was “Crown Him with Many Crowns,” with Chris Tomlin’s addition to the message of this hymn.

 

CCHow blessed to be able to sing praise to my God and King for His precious gift of salvation that I have received through His Son, Jesus Christ! And an even greater blessing is that I can sing His praise any time I wish. Not just on Sunday morning.

 

I must tell you that I just took a break to listen to this song and praise God right here at my desk in my office. Oh how glorious!

 

I might encourage you to do the same. Click on this link to listen to this worship song and sing praise to God in the moment.

 

Crown Him with many crowns
The Lamb upon His throne
Hark! How the heavenly anthem drowns
All music but its own;
Awake my soul and sing
Of Him who died for me
And hail Him as thy matchless King
Through all eternity.

Chorus:
Majesty, Lord of all
Let every throne before Him fall
The King of kings, O come adore
Our God who reigns forevermore.

Crown Him Lord of life
Who triumphed o’er the grave
And rose victorious in the strife
For those He came to save;
His glories now we sing
Who died and rose on high
Who died eternal life to bring
And lives that death may die.

Bridge:
All hail, Redeemer, hail
For He has died for me
His praise and glory shall not fail
Throughout eternity.[i]

 

As I was researching this song for this piece, I found that the Scriptural reference for this hymn is from Revelation 19:12 (NIV). “His eyes are like blazing fire, and on his head are many crowns. He has a name written on him that no one knows but he himself.”

 

This verse is from the section describing Christ returning as Warrior-Messiah King. Only our Warrior-Messiah King is able to wear these crowns for He is the King of kings and the Lord of lords.

 

What an image! Years ago an artist painted images of the Book of Revelation and set it to Scripture and music. I had the privilege of seeing this presentation at a national Christian convention. Those images have stayed in my mind and heart through these years.

 

Her image of Jesus in this form was most breath-taking. Wouldn’t you agree? For more of her (Pat Marvenko Smith, Revelation Illustrated, 1992) images, please visit her website at http://revelationillustrated.com/.

 

So today, let’s praise the Warrior-Messiah King as we crown Him with many crowns. For it is only through Him that we have redemption and everlasting life. It is only through Him that we have true freedom.

 

If you do not know Jesus as your personal Savior, please don’t hesitate to contact me. I would love to share God’s message of grace with you.

 

Thank you for stopping by for my third day of the A to Z challenge through April. And as always, I’d love to hear from you!

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

[i] Crown Him (Majesty), Chris Tomlin , Ed Cash , Matt Maher, Worship Together Music, 2012

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  • 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.

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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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