The Unseen

June 12th, 2015 dsisler

 

Years ago, I read one or two of Frank Peretti’s novels. I know for sure I read This Present Darkness and I may have read Piercing the Darkness. While I know there are lots of people who read Mr. Peretti’s work, I have to tell you, they scare me.

 

sunrise 1-28-15If you’ve been reading my blog for a while, you probably recall how my mind works. I see an image, I read a description, I hear a sound and then my mind blows it way out of proportion. I have trouble sleeping. I have nightmares. I get pretty worked up.

 

So I try really hard to follow closely to Philippians 4:8 (NIV). “Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”

 

Now I know there is spiritual warfare going on all around me. I know it. I just don’t know that I want to see it.

 

I was reminded of a situation Elisha and his servant was in from 2 Kings 6. The prophets of old were amazing men of God. They listened to God. God listened to them. They helped to defeat the enemies of Israel. There are some pretty cool accounts in the Old Testament involving the prophets of God. This is just a glimpse into their lives.

 

The king of Aram wanted to defeat Israel. At every turn however, Israel would have the upper hand. The Aramean king knew there had to be a traitor among his men, but as the men were questioned, no traitor was found. But one of the officers had heard that Elisha the prophet was able to tell the king of Israel everything that the king of Aram said, including in his private bedchamber.

 

The king of Aram found Elisha and had his army surround the city of Dothan.

 

As morning broke, Elisha’s servant went outside and saw the Aramean army surrounding the city. Frightened, he ran to Elisha and asked what they should do.

 

Elisha asked God to allow the servant to see with spiritual eyes. Once the servant could see with unveiled eyes, this is what he saw. “…he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.” (2 Kings 6:17 – NIV)

 

I wonder if this was what God’s prophets saw all the time. Were their eyes always in “spiritual eyes” mode? Did they always see the protection God provided them? Oh, it gives me goosebumps just thinking about it.

 

What if you or I could see these protectors around us as well? Would that change how we think or act or work for God? Maybe. But then again, if we could see these warriors, how might our faith be affected? If faith is the assurance of things unseen, what would be left to have faith in?

 

I don’t know the answer to any of these questions. I just know that I don’t see the warriors and protectors around me, but I know they are there. They are fighting for what is good. They are fighting for the souls of mankind. They are fighting for me.

 

Elisha must have had a sense of humor. His next move was brilliant. He prayed that God would blind the Aramean army and God did as Elisha asked. Then Elisha tells the army that he isn’t who they’re looking for. That the guy they want is in another city and that he would lead them to him.

 

Of course, Elisha takes the entire Aramean army to Samaria where the Israelite army was camped. Inside the walls of Samaria, Elisha asks for their eyes to be opened. What a frightened group of men this must have been.

 

The account ends with the Aramean army being fed and sent back to their king. The Aram attacks against Israel stopped.

 

I don’t know about you, but I’m glad to be on God’s side. Actually, I’m more than glad. I am filled with an inexpressible joy knowing that God is at work around me. I pray that you know and are filled with joy as I am.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

Share

Wedding Time

June 11th, 2015 dsisler

 

It’s June. Used to be “the” wedding month. While I still hear of weddings in June, it seems that more and more couples have moved away from that tradition and are now finding wedded bliss in other months of the year.

 

Wedding Bouquet

I do love weddings. They are fun. They are festive. They are hopeful of a bright future. Call me sentimental, but weddings make my heart smile. I know a lot of people getting married in the next year. Nieces, cousins, friends. It’s going to be a busy wedding season.

 

While I love weddings, I really love learning and thinking about the Church being the Bride of Christ. That whole idea and concept is heart-melting. Think about some of the biblical references to this beautiful picture with me.

 

We see a tiny glimpse of this idea in the Old Testament. Isaiah 54:5 (NIV) says, “For your Maker is your husband—the Lord Almighty is his name—the Holy One of Israel is your Redeemer; he is called the God of all the earth.”

 

In the parable of the ten virgins, we are reminded to be prepared when the Bridegroom returns (Matthew 25:1-13).

 

Paul makes mention that the Corinthian believers were promised to one husband, to Christ (2 Corinthians 11:2).

 

One of my favorite passages is in Ephesians 5:25-27 (NIV) “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless.”

 

In the Book of Revelation, we see that that we are to rejoice and be glad for the wedding of the Lamb has come! (Revelation 19:6-8).

 

There is one biblical reference that I’ve never equated to the Bride/Bridegroom analogy. In the past, I’ve thought of it as being unable to understand or see biblical truth. But in light of a wedding, this veil takes on a new meaning. Take a look at 2 Corinthians 3:16-18 (NIV).

 

“But whenever anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.”

 

When the veil is lifted at a wedding ceremony, the groom sees his bride in all her beauty without hindrance. But the bride also sees clearly at that moment as well.

 

When our spiritual veil is lifted, Jesus doesn’t see our past, our inadequacies, our failures. Jesus sees us without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless. Me? Jesus sees me like that? Yes He does. And Jesus sees you that way as well.

 

But here’s the coolest part. When that spiritual veil is lifted, we begin to understand God’s truth. And what happens in that moment? We are free. We are able to view ourselves as Jesus views us. We are able to use God’s Spirit to teach us and enlighten us. We have the ability to reflect God’s glory. We are open to transformation. We are radiant!

 

Wow. That’s all. Wow.

 

Are you ready for a June wedding? If you haven’t made the commitment to being Christ’s Bride, I would encourage you to consider meeting Him at the altar today. You are precious to Him. He is patiently waiting. All you need to do is say “yes.”

 

Maybe you’ve already made this commitment but are in a place where you need to renew your vows. If that’s the case, today’s a good day for that as well.

 

And if you are a faithful Bride of Christ, let’s rejoice today. The wedding celebration hasn’t ended. In Christ, there’s always something to delight in. Let’s live like it!

 

There really is something about a June wedding.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

Share

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

Share

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/

Share

“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.

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 Jacksonville, Florida.

  • 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