A Few Words From God

May 28th, 2016 dsisler

 

It’s a cool morning here in Colorado…my toes are cold! Who would have thought I’d need to wear slippers on Memorial Day weekend? In Colorado, it’s a possibility. As a matter of fact, the heat just came on. Guess we better switch that off today. Still snowing in the mountains.

 

Today I’d like to share some of favorite Pinterest finds. I still am drawn to beautiful artwork and when it includes God’s living Words in the brushstrokes, I find it even more lovely. Have a blessed weekend and remember what Memorial Day is truly about.

 

 

Ecc3.1

 

Jer 15.16

 

John8.12

 

John15.5

 

John 16.33

 

2Cor5.7

 

Eph4.29

 

Hebrews 10.23

 

1Peter3.15

 

1 Peter4.8

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

 

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The Gate Called Beautiful

May 27th, 2016 dsisler

 

Writing from the Book of Acts again this morning and I came across the phrase, “the gate called Beautiful” in Acts 3:2. This was a gate leading into the temple and it was where Peter and John encountered a beggar.

 

the gate called beautifulAs soon as I wrote it, my thoughts went to the temple of God today. Scripture tells us that our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit and that God dwells within us. So if the entrance to the temple of God is my heart, would I or God call it beautiful?

 

On many days I believe I can say that, but then there are days when I harbor ungodly feelings or desires within my heart (the gate to God’s temple). In those moments, I cannot call the gate to the temple of God beautiful.

 

It is my greatest desire for my heart to be more Christ-like and for my heart to be called beautiful. I pray that is your desire as well. So what is it that we need to do when we find our hearts leaning toward ugliness?

 

Repent. Seek forgiveness from God, as well as a person to whom the ugliness is directed.

 

Fill the void with something beautiful. The fruit of the Spirit is a good start.

 

Ask God’s Spirit to help your heart become more beautiful each day.

 

Spend time with God. The longer you are in God’s presence, the more like Him you will become. That leads to a beautiful heart.

 

Now I am sure there are more steps to this beautiful heart process, but don’t stay where you are because you think it’s an overwhelming journey. Take the first step and then take the next step and then the next. Before you and I know it, we are on our way to having a beautiful heart that is the gate to God’s temple.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

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Acts 2

May 26th, 2016 dsisler

 

I just finished writing Acts 2. What a powerful chapter of Scripture! There were a few things that caught my attention in this passage.

 

IMAG1501First, the whole pouring of the Holy Spirit happening must have been exhilarating and frightening all at the same time. But what power they must have felt once the Holy Spirit was moving and active in their lives. Sometimes I feel like I’ve allowed the Holy Spirit to be bound within me, but when I read (and write) this passage, I realize what I’m missing. My prayer must be for the Holy Spirit to move within me as He did in Acts 2.

 

I also was captured by Peter’s message. It’s been years since I read through this message in its entirety. What a message…with such power that nearly 3,000 souls were saved that day. I pray each day that my message would be clear, but after reading Acts 2, maybe my prayer should be that my message would be as powerful as Peter’s. That it might touch hearts and minds and that others would come to know the Lord through my message.

 

And then I wondered about Peter’s quote from King David. David prophesied about Jesus approximately 1,000 years before Jesus was born. So what must he have been thinking as he penned these words? For that matter, what did each prophet feel and think and know as they wrote their prophecies of Jesus? I don’t know, but I wonder if God didn’t allow them a glimpse into the future to see what Jesus would be for all of mankind. What a blessed moment that would have been. On the other hand, perhaps each of these men may have been satisfied with trusting that God had it all covered. Either way, this message in King David’s time and throughout those 1,000 years must have brought comfort to the people of Israel.

 

I just love that God’s Word is alive and active and that I can find great encouragement from each word I read, hear or write. I find myself wanting to learn more and go deeper with each day as I write these precious words. I pray that you find this same thirst and desire and urgency to know what God’s Word has to say to you. There is wonder-working power in His Word!

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

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The Best Workplace

May 25th, 2016 dsisler

 

If you didn’t know, I work at Rocky Mountain Christian Church as executive assistant to the lead pastor as well as women’s ministry director for our Niwot campus. I have never been happier in my work. I love the people I work with, I love the mission of Rocky and I love being able to serve God in this season of my life.

 

13237728_1309143395782328_1220318967759411168_nSometimes I can be a bit prejudiced about my workplace, so imagine how excited I was when my co-workers had the same thing to say about Rocky! Yesterday the announcement was made that Rocky has been certified as a 2016 Best Christian Workplace!

 

As I reflect upon the blessings I have because of where I work, I am reminded of Solomon’s words from Ecclesiastes 5:18-20 (NIV).

 

“Then I realized that it is good and proper for a man to eat and drink, and to find satisfaction in his toilsome labor under the sun during the few days of life God has given him—for this is his lot. Moreover, when God gives any man wealth and possessions, and enables him to enjoy them, to accept his lot and be happy in his work—this is a gift of God. He seldom reflects on the days of his life, because God keeps him occupied with gladness of heart.”

 

These are powerful words and helps us to see that this toilsome work we do should give us some enjoyment. Now I understand that not everyone works in places where I work, but if for just a moment we could take the time to reflect on the good that comes with our daily jobs, then we might find the enjoyment Solomon speaks of here.

 

But more importantly, I believe that when we are focused on and seeking God and His mission as we go through our day-to-day living, our hearts will be filled with gladness and we will view all of what we have in this life (including a job) as gifts from God. It doesn’t matter if you’re sweeping the streets or making a floral arrangement, your job is a gift from God.

 

I know there are many out there who do not have a job to go to today. For you, I pray that you will not be discouraged in the job search. If you have been doing this job search thing for a while, think outside the box. Apply for jobs that you wouldn’t normally apply for. Ask for help with your resume. Network! Spend a day seeking God through fasting and Bible direction. Keep going. God does have a plan.

 

For those of you who are seeking a job that you feel would be more fulfilling, I would suggest that you follow the same suggestions above. And please don’t forget to bring God into the middle of your search.

 

I am so thankful for my job…which really doesn’t seem like a job most days. God has blessed me abundantly and for certain I go to work each morning with gladness of heart. I pray that I will not take any of it for granted and that I will continue to keep my focus on God and see what amazing things He has in store for me and Rocky.

 

“The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.” (Numbers 6:24-26 – NIV)

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

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A Woman of Faith

May 24th, 2016 dsisler

 

My band of women who are studying about the armor of God and how to use these pieces are nearing the end of our study. It has been such a blessing to me and I’ve loved getting to know my fellow co-workers on a much deeper level.

 

DSC00374In yesterday’s session, we learned what it means to be a woman of faith. I want to share these thoughts with you from Priscilla Shirer.

 

First we must live our lives with an unwavering confidence in God and His promises. Trust. We must trust that what God said in the past and what He did in the past are examples of who He is and glimpses into His character. We can trust what God says to be true. And then we can live according to that confidence.

 

Next we must walk forward in accordance to the truth found in God’s Word. That means we must align our lives up with what God has to say about this life. We can’t pick and choose what best fits with our thinking or lifestyle or desires. We must walk in confidence in His truth. All of His truth.

 

And then we must push past doubts and fears that seem to paralyze us. As a woman of faith, these doubts and fears have no place in our lives. We must trust that God knows where He is leading us and then follow Him.

 

Now I’m not saying these are easy tasks. But what I might suggest is that you take one step closer to being a woman of faith today. Choose one area in which you can fully trust and lean upon God. And then tomorrow, add another. And the next day, yet another area. You see, becoming a woman of faith is a journey. But it’s not a lonely journey. God will be with you the whole way.

 

If you are looking for a few more practical ways to become a woman of faith, take a look at Hebrews 11, the Hall of Faith. As you read through each of these biblical heroes of faith, note how their faith was at work in their lives. And then, apply it to your own life.

 

Okay men, don’t think this is just for the ladies. This applies to your life as well. Becoming a man of faith is such a testimony to those around you. Take the challenge. Accept the task. And then, do it.

 

I’ll be praying for you today. If you have a specific prayer request, please don’t hesitate to share it. I would love to join you at the throne of God with prayers and petitions.

 

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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