A Snowy Morning

February 22nd, 2015 dsisler

 

Good snowy morning from Colorado! We don’t have a lot of snow where we live, but apparently some areas of my state was hit pretty hard. This morning a lot of churches cancelled services. But not Rocky!

 

unnamedRocky partners will be gathering this morning for fellowship with one another as well as hearing a message from God’s Word (Acts 4). We will reflect on our lives as we partake of the Lord’s Supper and spend time in prayer (Acts 2:42). And I know that we have two baptisms scheduled to take place this morning. It is going to be great Lord’s Day.

 

Now I also know that there will be people who are unable to get out in this weather. I have family and friends all around the country who have to make this same decision today. The main thing is safety. You will be missed, but please make your own decision about getting out and traveling.

 

Whether you will be worshiping in a church building or in your living room today, as believers we are “one in heart and mind.” (Acts 4:32) A little snow cannot keep us apart as we are united in God’s Spirit.

 

Today’s repeat blog post is about keeping our eyes where they should be. Also good advice on this snowy day. Enjoy!

 

Where Are Your Eyes?

 

This week my daughter had a mishap with her vehicle. She took her eyes off the road for just a few moments and she veered to the right. Her tires hit the loose gravel; she started to skid and then over corrected. When her car came to a stop, she was in a marshy area very close to a small lake. She was pretty scared.

 

Fortunately, there was no real damage to the car or to herself. One tire needed to be fixed, but the worst part was how muddy her car was. The entire white car was covered with splashes of mud. Front to back. Side to side. Even on top.

 

Peter also had an experience where he was distracted and ultimately found that he was lacking faith. Jesus sent the disciples out onto the lake ahead while He spent time in prayer. In the middle of the night, Jesus met them somewhere on the Sea of Galilee.

 

Frightened, they cried out. Jesus told them not to be afraid because He was coming to them. Peter wasn’t so sure and asked for proof. Jesus simply said, “Come.”

 

Peter stepped out of the boat and began the journey toward Jesus. However, the waves frightened Peter. Peter took his eyes off of Jesus. Just for a moment. Suddenly, Peter began to sink and he cried out for the Master to save him.

 

Another lesson in faithlessness was taught to Peter that night. Jesus reached out to Peter and together they climbed into the boat. The wind died down and the group believed Jesus to be the Son of God. (Matthew 14:22-33)

 

Oh, how I feel that faithlessness at times. I know I should believe. I know I shouldn’t doubt. But I do. And Jesus says the same thing to me that He said to Peter. “You of little faith, why did you doubt?”

 

I too, take my eyes off of Jesus and need to be rescued by the Savior. I reach out my hand and repent for my lack of faith.

 

Good thing for me, Jesus doesn’t tire of pulling me out of the water.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

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Delight

February 21st, 2015 dsisler

 

The snow has started to fall here in Colorado. I wish I could express to you how beautiful it is. Big snowflakes slowly making their way to the ground. Delightful.

 

snowflake2As I considered the delightful snow, I thought of how God delights in us, His creation. Over and over in Scripture we see God’s delight. Zephaniah 3:17 (NIV) expresses it this way. “The Lord your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing.”

 

How refreshing! But I know that there are moments when I’m not so delightful. It’s in those moments that I need to recall what delights God. Let’s look at a few.

 

  • God delights in those who fear Him and wait for His loving-kindness (Psalm 147:11)
  • God delights in those who are just (Proverbs 11:1)
  • God delights in those who walk blamelessly (Proverbs 11:20)
  • God delights in those who are trustworthy (Proverbs 12:22)

 

What I find most appealing is that I can always find delight in God. God doesn’t have mood swings. He is delightful…all the time. Scripture points out where our delight should rest. Let’s see what we can find.

 

  • We delight in God because God will deliver (1 Samuel 2:1)
  • We delight in God because God’s Name is to be revered (Nehemiah 1:11)
  • We delight in God because of His law (Psalm 1:2)
  • We delight in God because of our inheritance (Psalm 16:6)
  • We delight in God because of our salvation through Him (Psalm 35:9)
  • We delight in God because His great works (Psalm 111:2)
  • We delight in God because His statutes, decrees, laws and commands are delightful (Psalm 119)
  • We delight in God because of what He has clothed us with (Isaiah 61:10-11)
  • We delight in God because we bear His Name (Jeremiah 15:16)

 

You may not find delight in the weather today, but know that you can always find delight in God, your Savior. And how blessed we are to know that He finds delight in us!

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

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Frittering

February 20th, 2015 dsisler

 

I’ve been awake quite a while this morning. I woke up and started thinking of all the things I needed to get done today and what I am anticipating.

 

???????????????????????????????To start with, we have a water leak. It’s a leak that my husband couldn’t repair, so he called a plumber. We expect him to show up around 9:00 am this morning. Who knows what this little visit will entail…cost, time without water, inconvenience, etc. But I’m on top of it and ready to get it done.

 

Next, Colorado is preparing for a big snow storm. Weather reports vary, but they all agree, the entire state is going to get slammed. Obviously, I need to get provisions in for this massive storm. Probably along with lots of other people.

 

And finally, because of this storm, we moved my grandson’s birthday party to this evening (it was scheduled for Sunday…NASCAR theme…watch the Daytona 500…lots of fun for me…and him). So I am scrambling to get that set as well. But remember, I’m shopping with lots of people and will be without water for part of my day today.

 

I guess my post about being under pressure yesterday was pretty timely!

 

I know what I want to expect and what I want to anticipate today. But with so many variables, how can I possibly believe that each step of my plan will go smoothly? I can’t.

 

Isn’t that the way life is? Everything seems to be going well. You are on the right path. You are doing the right things. And then suddenly, you are sidelined by an illness, or a death, or unexpected financial burden, or loss of a job, or a broken relationship, or, well, I think you get it.

 

It’s in these times when we must rely on God and allow Him to take our burden. Tell me, do you recall these verses?

 

“Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall.” (Psalm 55:22 – NIV)

 

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28 – NIV)

 

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” (Philippians 4:6 – NIV)

 

“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7 – NIV)

 

God doesn’t just want us to give Him our burdens and cares, but He offers some relief as well.

 

He offers peace (John 14:27; Isaiah 26:3-4).

He offers rest (Exodus 33:14; Psalm 62).

He offers strength (Isaiah 40:9; 2 Chronicles 16:9a).

He offers joy (Nehemiah 8:10; Psalm 51:12).

 

When we are faced with dashed expectations or anticipations, God is able to revive us.

 

Perhaps you are facing a serious situation today. If so, why not spend a few moments with God in His Word. Speak these truths aloud. Hold tightly to the promises. Believe that God is with you. God’s Word will bring sustenance to your life and your soul.

 

I’ve frittered several hours this morning preparing lists and making plans. Now it is time to put it all into action. I must get moving if all that is to be accomplished today is in fact done. Until tomorrow, have a wonderful day filled with God’s goodness.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

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Under Pressure

February 19th, 2015 dsisler

 

I was feeling the pressure yesterday. I had a full day and needed to get everything on my “to do” list done. At the end of my work day, there was still one pesky item to do before I could cross it off my list. But there was one step that needed to be done before I could do so.

 

???????????????????????????????So I waited. I went to Bible study with my fabulous group of ladies. I went to the “first concert” of a dear friend and her husband. I laughed. I cried. I reconnected with old friends. And then I walked in the door at home around 9:15 pm, knowing I had to finish this one task.

 

At my computer, I sent the email with important information to a pretty large group of people at church. There. It was finished. I could cross the item off my list.

 

And then, I got a text message. There was a mistake in the email. The date was wrong. My heart plummeted. Yes, there was more work to be done, but the pressure of getting this task complete led to a mistake. I don’t like to make mistakes.

 

I’m sure you know what I’m talking about. Sometimes in our lives, we are put under pressure. When it happens, we can struggle with everything we need to accomplish. All of our joy can be squeezed from us. Our patience is stretched to the limit. And we sometimes make some pretty big mistakes.

 

But let me assure you that God’s power is stronger than any pressure we might feel from the struggles we encounter.

 

2 Corinthians 4:7-9 says, “But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.”

 

Our lives are represented by the jars of clay. They are fragile, easily chipped and some might say breakable.

 

But through the power, the all-surpassing power of God and His Gospel, we can withstand the pressures we undergo. And we can become better because of the pressure.

 

Pressed, perplexed, persecuted, and stuck down are what we can expect to encounter. But, we have the Treasure. We can counter these encounters with the ability not to be crushed, not be in despair, not feel abandoned and not be destroyed.

 

With these words of encouragement, we can face the difficult struggles of this world with confidence and power. We can survive and be useful in God’s Kingdom because of what we have become through the pressure.

 

I re-sent the email last night with the corrected date. Today, I will have to face a group of people and admit my failure. The pressure will continue…and I still have to talk to my boss about it. But I also know that regardless of what today brings, I will not wind up in a trash heap because of the pressure.

 

I’m thankful that making it through the pressures of this life is worth it all. I’m thankful for the all-surpassing power within me to do so. Bring on the pressure…with God, I can handle it.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

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Just the Beginning

February 18th, 2015 dsisler

 

Today is the first day of Lent. This is the beginning of a 40-day period leading up to Easter. For many Christians, over the next 40 days they have made the decision to give up something.

 

???????????????????????????????Growing up, our church didn’t observe Lent, but my Catholic friends did. All I really understood about it was that they would give up candy and we would have fish for lunch every Friday. I liked fish (still do), so I liked it when Lent rolled around.

 

As I’ve grown older and wiser, I’ve come to a better understanding of what Lent is all about and how it should impact the believer.

 

During the Lent season, one is not just to give up something, but as this sacrifice is made, their relationship with Jesus is to become deeper. Over this period of time, the richness of this relationship is to become more intense. The believer is to draw closer to God.

 

Obviously, the simple act of giving up something isn’t going to deepen that relationship. Something else must be added in order for this transformation to occur. So what should be added to the life of a believer who is seeking this change in their life? Well, we should be seeking God and His will for our lives through:

 

  • Bible Reading/Study
  • Prayer
  • Scripture Memorization
  • Worship
  • Service
  • Silence and Solitude
  • Rest

 

Do you recall the words of Jesus’ half-brother James from James 4:8 (NIV)? “Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.” As we draw near to the One True God, our lives will be transformed. Our relationship with Him will be rekindled and revitalized. We will find spiritual growth.

 

Perhaps you haven’t thought about observing Lent or sacrificially giving up something during this time period. But maybe you should. What is the one thing that seems to stand between you and God? Is it an electronic device? Is it the television? Is it a person? A relationship? Would it be shopping? Or maybe it’s an attitude?

 

Friend, our enemy has one job. He will do anything and everything in his power to keep you from having a thriving relationship with God. His plan is to keep you preoccupied, busy or unengaged with God. The devil’s desire is for you to be a lukewarm Christian or a backslider. He does not want you to be bold in your faith and walk with the Lord.

 

So what are you going to do about it? Continue on with life as usual or will you make the commitment to draw closer to God? Will you allow the devil to pull you away from God or will you take a stand against his schemes?

 

I pray that you will take the time today to evaluate your spiritual journey. I pray that you will not allow this next 40 days to be like the last 40. Keep growing. Keep drawing closer. Keep on the path that God has set before you. Do not be moved. Easter is just around the corner and that is just the beginning!

 

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 Jacksonville, Florida.

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