Mush

June 10th, 2015 dsisler

 

My mind is mush this morning. I have been awake for 90 minutes. I have done my devotions. I’ve spent time with God. I’ve been sitting at this computer for 30 minutes now and nothing. Absolutely nothing has come to me to write today.

 

I’ve had a few ideas, none of which have actually been put to paper. So I’ve decided to stop fretting. I am going to share an older post…one that was fun to write and one that I’m sure you will enjoy.

 

Have a blessed day and I’ll see you again tomorrow morning. I’m praying that God will give me something between now and then to share with you.

 

The Elevator Incident

 

Last week, my daughter Bethany took my granddaughter Joy to a local museum with two of her little friends from preschool, along with their mom. It was a great day and they enjoyed it (as usual when they are together).

 

They headed to the elevator and somehow, the kids got onto the elevator without the moms. And yes, the doors shut with the kids inside.

 

Bethany said there was silence for approximately three seconds, and then screaming. From the inside of the elevator.

 

Bethany explained to Joy where the “open door” button should be. Of course, there was no writing on that button. It was the universal symbol for “open door,” but Bethany was able to tell Joy to push that button.

 

But before that point, one of the kids pressed the “emergency” button, so now from the elevator, crying children and a phone ringing could be heard.

 

Finally, Joy got the button pressed and the doors opened. Immediately, the trio ran into their mother’s arms. Reunited, the children settled down, but I am pretty sure they will not be running ahead for a while.

 

There is nothing like being in the arms of someone who loves you. There is such comfort, peace, security, and pleasure in those moments. I know exactly how these children felt when their mother’s embraced them.

 

I enjoy feeling God’s arms around me too. Knowing that He is there to protect and comfort me just when I need it most is soothing.

 

Isaiah 40:11 (NIV) blesses us with comforting words. “He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and he carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young.” He gathers. He carries them close to His heart. He gently leads. What a tender Father we have.

 

Not only is God tender, but we also see His power. “The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms. He will drive out your enemy before you, saying ‘Destroy him!’” (Deuteronomy 33:27 – NIV) God is there to protect you against your enemies. Completely!

 

God also desires to pass that strength on to us. Psalm 18:32 (NIV)says, “It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect.” His strength is what gets me through some days. I’m so thankful to have this available to me.

 

I don’t think that I can talk about being in God’s arms without mentioning the old hymn, “Leaning on the Everlasting Arms.” That song has been tumbling around inside my head since I started writing, so here are the words.

 

What a fellowship, what a joy divine,
Leaning on the everlasting arms;
What a blessedness, what a peace is mine,
Leaning on the everlasting arms.

What have I to dread, what have I to fear,
Leaning on the everlasting arms?
I have blessed peace with my Lord so near,
Leaning on the everlasting arms.

Refrain:
Leaning, leaning, safe and secure from all alarms;
Leaning, leaning, leaning on the everlasting arms.[i]

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

[i] “Leaning on the Everlasting Arms,” Elisha A. Hoffman, pub. 1887, ref. by Anthony J. Showalter, pub. 1887, Copyright: Public Domain

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Saint

June 9th, 2015 dsisler

 

Do you remember a few weeks back I mentioned some of the books that I will be reading this summer? So far it’s going well. I’ve finished two books and I’m in the middle of three more!

 

1340158443410What I’ve liked about this plan is that each book has taken me in a different direction. Some have allowed me to see where I need improvement for my job. Some have helped me to see where my leadership skills need to be boosted. And yet others have led me to a greater understanding of where I am on my spiritual journey.

 

In one of the books I’m reading about my identity in Christ, the author continues to remind her readers of who we are in Christ. It’s easy for us to dwell on sin (past or current). Sometimes we forget that once we accept Jesus as our Savior, who we are and what defines us changes.

 

Take a look at this excerpt.

 

“If we continue to label ourselves as sinners rather than saints, we are saying our identity is based on our performance and not on the finished work of Christ on the cross. We are basing our identity on our behavior rather than our new birth, on our performance rather than our position…I am not saying that once we become a Christian we no longer sin…I am saying that our sin no longer defines who we are. I was a sinner who was saved by grace. Now I’m a saint who sometimes sins.”[i]

 

Do you love this as much as I do?

 

I Googled the definition for saint. This is what I found. “A person acknowledged as holy or virtuous and typically regarded as being in heaven after death.”[ii] I believe this is the way most people would define saint.

 

But let’s look at the biblical definition of this word. “The word ‘saint’ is derived from a Greek verb (hagiazo) whose basic meaning is ‘to set apart,’ ‘sanctify,’ or ‘make holy.’”[iii]

 

That’s it friend. Once we accept Jesus as Lord of our life, God’s Holy Spirit comes to dwell within us to begin the process of sanctification. He sets us apart and works in our lives to make us holy. That’s what being a saint is all about.

 

Think of it this way. Did Paul write to the “sinners in Ephesus?” No. Paul wrote to the “saints in Ephesus.” Were these perfect people? Nope. The Ephesians were saints who sometimes sinned.

 

As a believer of Christ, that is what you and I are as well. Oh, we’ll make our mistakes and blunders. We will sin. But the beauty of being in Christ is that His perfection and righteousness covers our sin.

 

While preparing to write this blog post, I searched the NIV for New Testament references to the word “saint.” I was surprised. There were zero results. The 2011 New International Version removed the word saint from their text. Why? The word saint is derived from the Greek word. There is no word (Hebrew or Greek) for saint.

 

In the 2011 NIV, “saint” has been replaced by “God’s holy people” or another form of this phrase. It’s the same thing. Again, who we are in Christ hasn’t changed. I am still a saint (or holy one) who sometimes sins.

 

Now that we have that straightened out, I want to remind you that God loved you so much, that He sent Jesus to redeem you. When you believe in Jesus, you will not perish, but will spend eternity with God the Father, Jesus the Son and the Holy Spirit (John 3:16). Remember, God chose you to be part of His beautiful family.

 

I’ll be praying for you today.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

[i] Becoming Spiritually Beautiful, Sharon Jaynes, Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, 2007, page 45.

[ii] https://www.google.com/?gws_rd=ssl#q=definition+of+saint

[iii] http://www.biblestudytools.com/dictionary/saints/

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“Spirit of the Living God” (Sooter/Fieldes) – Monday Musical Musings

June 8th, 2015 dsisler

 

It hasn’t been that long since I shared a song with this same title. Just three weeks as a matter of fact. But we sang this version yesterday in our worship service and I was touched, yet again, by God’s Spirit through the lyrics and melody of this beautiful song.

 

IMAG1492In my early years as a Christian, I would have dismissed this song. I didn’t “feel” God’s Spirit working in my life and some of these lyrics would have been far too emotional for me to consider.

 

Oh how thankful I am that I’ve awakened to all that God’s Spirit is able to do within me. For without the Holy Spirit, I would still be a little hard-hearted. And God’s Word has plenty to say about being in that state (Ephesians 4:17-19; Hebrews 3:7-11; Hebrews 4:7).

 

God’s Spirit softens my heart to be a useable woman in God’s Kingdom. And that is exactly where God wants me to be.

 

I am also thankful to be awakened to what God’s Spirit opens my spiritual eyes to see. He has removed spiritual blindness (Matthew 13:14-15; 2 Corinthians 4:3-4) so that I am able to see His will, His work in my life and what I seek.

 

As you read through these lyrics and listen to this worship song, I pray that you will allow God’s Spirit to do His work in your heart. I pray that you will be open to the transformation that is available. I pray that you will cry out to the Spirit in your time of trouble. Then, wait. Wait to see what the Spirit of the living God is able to do in your life.

 

“Spirit of the Living God”

 
Spirit of the living God,

Spirit of the living God

We only want to hear Your voice,

We’re hanging on every word

 

Chorus:

Cause when You speak, When You move

When You do what only You can do

It changes us, it changes what we see and what we seek

When You come in the room,

When You do what only You can do

It changes us, it changes what we see and what we seek

You’re changing everything

 

Spirit of the living God,

Spirit of the living God

We’re leaning in to all you are

Everything else can wait

 

Spirit of the living God,

Spirit of the living God

Come now and breathe upon our hearts

Come now and have your way

(Chorus)

 

Bridge:

When You move, You move all our fears

When You move, You move us to tears

When You move, You move all our fears

When You move, You move us to tears

 

When You fall, We fall on our knees

When You fall, We fall at Your feet

When You fall, We fall on our knees

When You fall, We fall at Your feet[i]

 

 

Click here to listen to this beautiful worship song.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

[i] “Spirit of the Living God,” Words and Music by Jacob Sooter and Mia Fieldes, HBC Worship Music, Sony/ATV Cross Keys Publishing, Upside Down Under, 2014.

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Psalm 117

June 7th, 2015 dsisler

 

“Praise the Eternal, all nations. Raise your voices, all people. For His unfailing love is great, and it is intended for us, and His faithfulness to His promises knows no end. Praise the Eternal!” (Psalm 117 – The Voice)

 

DSC_0070Psalm 117 is only two verses long…I think I might even be able to memorize this Psalm! But what is amazing are the promises and encouragement that can be found in these few verses. Just read it again and see if you don’t agree!

 

However, if you’re looking for more, today’s repeat blog post will deliver. Have a great day and don’t forget to praise the Eternal!

 

Windshield Wiper

 

I had seen my Dad do this more times than I could possibly count. When a windshield wiper blade became crusted with snow or ice, he’d roll down the driver’s side window, wait until the wiper was near the edge, lift the wiper, and then release it.

 

The wiper would be free of debris and visibility through the windshield was once more restored.

 

I was driving in near blizzard conditions. Heading to work after dropping the kids off at school. The buildup on my windshield was making it difficult to see, so I thought of my Dad’s trick.

 

I opened the window, waited for the perfect moment to grab the wiper blade, picked it up and released the blade.

 

The problem? The wiper blade released from the wiper arm and flew into a snow bank.

 

I had made my problem even worse. Now there was nothing on my vehicle to clear the windshield directly in front of the driver’s side window.

 

I slowly crept along until I came to a small auto repair shop. I had forgotten it was there. But at that moment, I was thankful for the small business.

 

I asked if they could help me, and yes, they had the wiper blade for my car. The gentleman fixed it and within minutes, I was on my way yet again.

 

I was thankful for the mechanic at the little shop. He was a master at fixing messes…at least my mess. My God can do that same thing. He is the Master at fixing the messes in our lives.

 

What does He fix?

 

He fixes our hearts

“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts.” Colossians 3:15 (NIV)

 

“May he strengthen your hearts so that you will be blameless and holy in the presence of our God and Father when our Lord Jesus comes with all his holy ones.” 1 Thessalonians 3:13 (NIV)

 

He fixes our souls

“The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes ne lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul.” Psalm 23:2-3a (NIV)

 

He fixes our lives

“I am crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” Galatians 2:20 (NIV)

 

He fixes our joy

“You love righteousness and hate wickedness; therefore God, your God, has set you above your companions by anointing you with the oil of joy.” Psalm 45:7 (NIV)

 

“Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.” Psalm 51:12 (NIV)

 

He fixes our attitude

“To be made new in the attitude of your minds.” Ephesians 4:23 (NIV)

 

“Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus.” Philippians 2:5 (NIV)

 

He fixes our broken hearts

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” Psalm 34:18 (NIV)

 

“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” Psalm 147:3 (NIV)

 

God is with us to heal us. God is with us to care for us. God is with us to strengthen us. God is with us to fix us. Allowing Him to do so will be the greatest step you’ll ever take.

 

Obviously, my Dad had mastered the “windshield wiper flick.” I certainly had not. Because I have no desire to be wiperless, I haven’t tried this since then. To be honest, I don’t know that I ever will.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

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A Faith Walk

June 6th, 2015 dsisler

 

Hmm. My mind has been working overtime this morning. I’m thinking. Processing. Switching. Rethinking.

 

IMAG1501So what is it that I’m working through this morning? Faith.

 

Let me take you to the beginning of my thought process. I have long thought and felt that Sarah was disturbed and against Abraham sacrificing their only son, Isaac. I’ve read about it. I’ve seen it pictured in movies. And so I’ve never thought about it much more than just what I’ve mentioned.

 

But recently I read a little devotional about Sarah. I met the author each day of the week to stop and ponder Sarah’s life and how she might have reacted to such things as moving to a place that even her husband didn’t know, and that she was to have a child in her old age, and that her husband was going to sacrifice her beloved child she had longed for.

 

This is the part that caught my attention. The author suggested that Sarah encouraged Abraham to follow God’s instructions and sacrifice Isaac. Why? Because her faith had grown. She came to understand that trusting God was the only way to live. If God said to do it, there was a reason for it. And maybe one reason was for faith to develop.

 

You see, Sarah had been barren for many years. And when she was well past child-bearing years, she was told that she would have a child. Of course she laughed, but just as the Lord said, Sarah brought forth a beautiful son named Isaac at the age of 90.

 

I wonder how Sarah’s faith must have grown at that point. From disbelief to complete trust in her Lord. It stands to reason that Sarah had learned to trust God through these few precious years to the point that when Abraham was asked to sacrifice Isaac, Sarah was as trusting as Abraham that God would continue to be faithful to them.

 

Of course my mind didn’t stop there. I then wondered about Mary. We know she was at the crucifixion scene when Jesus died. All of my images of her are of a mourning mother. But what if she was there to encourage Jesus to fulfill His mission? Oh, that goes against every motherly fiber in my being, but really, Mary knew Jesus. Mary knew that Jesus was God’s Beloved Son. Mary knew God had sent Jesus for a reason and that reason was to redeem mankind.

 

What if Mary were at the crucifixion scene because she believed and trusted God far more than we could imagine?

 

I find no Scriptural evidence of either of these ideas. But if their (Sarah and Mary’s) faith and trust in God developed as ours should, these scenes might have been just as I’ve mentioned.

 

Maybe it’s too much to think about on a summer Saturday morning. But I have to ask. Where do you stand in your faith walk? Are you still laughing at God’s preposterous ideas or are you at the foot of the cross believing that God is able to do anything He says? Wherever you are on this journey, I believe that God wants to take you deeper. Are you willing? I pray dear friend that you will be open to God’s direction. It’s no telling where He will take you.

 

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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