Good

January 28th, 2015 dsisler

 

Thought I’d share a picture of our sunrise this morning. I usually don’t look toward the east when the sun is coming up. Remember my office faces west and the mountains, but this morning I just happened to glance out the east-facing window in my kitchen to see this beauty of a sunrise. I pray you will be as encouraged as I am by God’s masterpiece.

 

sunrise 1-28-15

 

I read this little poem written by John Wesley. He shared it with his congregation often so they would come to a better understanding of how they should live.

 

“Do all the good you can,

To all the people you can,

At all times you can,

In all the ways you can,

By all the means you can,

As long as ever you can.”

 

Good. God’s Word calls us to do good deed. We find that “we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” (Ephesians 2:10 – NIV) This is one of the reasons we were created…and God has some wonderful things in store for those who do good works.

 

People. Not just any people, all people. Including those we aren’t drawn to or who are our enemies. Consider these two verses. “And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” (Matthew 22:39 – NIV) “But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” (Matthew 5:44 – NIV)

 

Times. 2 Corinthians 9:8 (NIV) reminds us that “God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.” I think this sums it up. Anytime. All the time. Do good.

 

Ways. We can do good in any situation. Maybe we just need to look for the way. Galatians 6:10 (NIV) reminds us, “Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.” Let’s keep our spiritual eyes open and look for opportunities!

 

Means. Our pastor is leading us through the Book of Acts and showing how the early Church lived together in harmony. Take a look at this passage. “All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need.” (Acts 2:44-45 – NIV) Maybe we don’t need to go to this extreme (or maybe we do), but if we have the means to do good, we should be doing good.

 

Long. And finally, as long as we are able, we are to do good. Galatians 6:9 (NIV) says, “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” Keep it up. Never stop. Don’t give up.

 

What good do you need to do today? If we all did our part, just think of all the good there would be in our world. I can’t wait to see what opportunities God lays in my path today. What about you?

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

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Glory

January 27th, 2015 dsisler

 

Isn’t it exciting to know that someone is praying for you? Whether it is in your presence or in your absence, there is such comfort and joy knowing that someone, somewhere has taken the time to lift your name to God on your behalf. I have been thankful through the years for those who have prayed for me.

 

CCHow much more to know that Jesus prayed for me (and you) on that last night He spent with His disciples. John 17 records a prayer of our Lord. In this chapter we see His concern for the disciples who were in His presence, but also His concern for the believers who were yet to come…to those who would believe because of the message of Jesus.

 

There is a little line in this prayer that catches my attention whenever I read this passage. “Glory has come to me through them.” (John 17:10b – NIV) I don’t know about you, but I believe there have been times in my life when I haven’t glorified Jesus. I have failed in this, but the possibility of glorifying Jesus is encouraging to me.

 

So how can we bring glory to Jesus?

 

Romans 15:5-6 (NIV) says, “May the God gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Through unity, we bring glory to Jesus. This is not as easy as it sounds, but we see in this passage that we have been given the Spirit to help us be unified. It has suddenly become much easier to do.

 

Romans 15:8-9 tells us that we are to glorify God for His mercy. As we learn God’s truth and live our lives according to His truth, we are able to bring glory to Jesus as well.

 

We also find that we are to glorify Jesus with our own bodies. “Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a man commits are outside his body, but he who sins sexually sins against his own body. Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body.” (1 Corinthians 6:18-20 – NIV)

 

In 2 Corinthians 9:12-13 we find that as we share with others, as we obey God and as we share the gospel with others, we glorify Jesus.

 

We also see that through our good deeds we glorify Jesus. “Dear friends, I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires which war against your soul. Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.” (1 Peter 2:11-12 – NIV)

 

And finally, we glorify Jesus through suffering. “However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name.” (1 Peter 4:16 – NIV)

 

There may be more ways to glorify Jesus in Scripture, but these are enough for the day. Glorifying Jesus is just one way others will know that you are a follower of Christ. I pray that today you are able to lift the Name of Jesus up in every area of your life.

 

It’s what Jesus prayed for.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

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“Only King Forever” – Monday Musical Musings

January 26th, 2015 dsisler

 

Writing about music each Monday has proven to be a little difficult on occasion. Sometimes I can’t find a recording (or the right recording) of the song to share. Sometimes I can’t find who wrote the piece. It can be a little frustrating when I can’t find exactly what I’m looking for.

 

cool-sheet-music-background-pq3wplniI typically Google the title of the song with “sheet music” added. 90% of the time, I find what I’m looking for. The sheet music will have the author of the song, the date it was written, as well as the publisher. This saves so much time.

 

But those illusive pieces drive me nuts. I search and search until I give up and hope that one day, someone, someplace will share this information on the internet.

 

When I do find the sheet music to these worship songs, I enjoy looking at the music. Reading through the piece. Playing the piece in my mind. Music notes on a sheet of staff paper are a beautiful piece of art.

 

Sometimes I miss playing the piano. Just to sit down and play through some of these songs would be a wonderful thing…but I haven’t played in so long, I’m afraid it would sound pretty bad.

 

Now you’re probably asking why I quit playing the piano. Well, to be honest, I wasn’t all that good at it. Obviously, the more I played the better I was, and for a while, I was pretty good, but never great. At least when there were people singing they didn’t hear my mistakes as much.

 

I also decided that I wanted to do other things…like spend more time in God’s Word and write a blog. In order to do these other interests, piano practice slowed and eventually stopped all together.

 

Thankfully, there are many other ways to enjoy music. Like writing, and singing, and listening, and enjoying music. Music brings such joy to my life. Thankfully, it hasn’t moved on. It’s very much alive in my life.

 

So today, the tune I want to share is about the King of my life. You know, music is beautiful, but nothing beats the Name of Jesus. And this song gives praise to Jesus. “Only King Forever” will get your toes tapping while speaking truth to your soul. I pray that you will be blessed by this worship song.

 

“Only King Forever”

 

Our God a firm foundation
Our rock, the only solid ground
As nations rise and fall
Kingdoms once strong now shaken
But we trust forever in Your Name
The Name of Jesus
We trust the Name of Jesus

 

Chorus:

You are the only King forever
Almighty God we lift You higher
You are the only King forever
Forevermore, You are victorious

 

Unmatched in all Your wisdom
In love and justice You will reign
And every knee will bow
We bring our expectations
Our hope is anchored in Your Name
The Name of Jesus
Oh, we trust the Name of Jesus

(Chorus)

 

We lift our banner high
We lift the Name of Jesus
From age to age You reign
Your kingdom has no end[i]
(Chorus)

 

If you’d like to listen to this beautiful praise song, click here.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

[i] “Only King Forever,” Words and Music by Steven Furtick, Chris Brown, Wade Joye and Mack Brock, Sony/ATV Tree Music Pub/Elevation Worship Pub, 2013

 

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Encouraging Words

January 25th, 2015 dsisler

 

Just want to share some encouraging words before moving into today’s blog post. “The Lord lives! Praise be to my Rock! Exalted be God, the Rock, my Savior!” (2 Samuel 22:47 – NIV) Believe it!

 

The repeated blog post I share today is from the Blogging A to Z challenge I participated in. We’re nearing the end of the alphabet…just “Y” and “Z” left. Enjoy!

 

Yesterday – Blogging A to Z

 

Yesterday I had the privilege to be part of a grand party. A close friend, sister in Christ, a spiritual daughter is getting married and we started the celebration yesterday with a bridal shower.

 

???????????????????????????????Her faithfulness to God has been amazing. She’s waited. She’s served. She’s gone. She’s done all that God has asked her to do. But God’s faithfulness is even greater and in His perfect timing, has brought a wonderful, godly man into her life.

 

Yesterday was a great day. I’m not the only one who has fond thoughts of yesterday. There have been plenty of musicians whose songs have included thoughts of what was.

 

Paul McCartney with the Beatles sang of “Yesterday.” Karen Carpenter wished for “Yesterday, Once More.” Mary Mary also sang of “Yesterday.” However, Chad and Jeremy realized that “Yesterday’s Gone.”

 

While I’ve had some pretty wonderful yesterdays, there are many yesterday’s I’d like to forget. Especially the ones where I’ve sinned against God. Those yesterday’s seem to be the ones I remember the most.

 

The Apostle Paul knew how heart wrenching “yesterday” could be. The yesterdays before he met Jesus were filled with unspeakable sins against the very One he preached of until his death.

 

Paul speaks of his yesterdays in his letter to the Philippian Church. His words allow for me to forget my past and look forward to something far greater than I could imagine.

 

“But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead. I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:13b-14 – NIV)

 

I can forget all of my yesterday’s where sin seemed more important than God. Once I ask God to forgive my sinful acts, they are forgotten by God. His grace and mercy cover me and I’m a beautiful daughter of God.

 

I too, must strive for the goal mentioned by Paul. Pressing on toward the prize. Striving day after day to be Christ-like and forgetting what my yesterday’s looked like.

 

Thankfully our lives are not filled with only yesterday. There is today to do our best to serve the Lord and we have a bright future in tomorrow.

 

You see, yesterday was the beginning for my dear friend and her beloved. The bridal shower is the precursor to the wedding, the main event. In a month, they will be joined in wedded bliss. Their future is ahead of them. Their tomorrow’s are yet to be lived. And what excitement and joy they experience because of what tomorrow holds.

 

It’s the same with our spiritual lives. Yesterday we blew it. Today we have the opportunity to live better. But tomorrow holds great promise.

 

There’s one more song I’d like to share with you. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to find a version for you to listen to, but the words are wonderful without music. Read through these words and I’ll meet you on the other side.

 

“Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow”

 

Yesterday He died for me, yesterday, yesterday.
Yesterday, He died for me, yesterday.
Yesterday He died for me, died for me.
This is history.

 

Today He lives for me, today, today.
Today He lives for me, today.
Today He lives for me, lives for me.
This is victory.

 

Tomorrow He comes for me, He comes, He comes.
Tomorrow He comes for me, He comes.
Tomorrow He comes for me, comes for me.
This is mystery.

 

O friend do you know Him, know Him, know Him?
O friend do you know Him, know Him?
O friend do you know Him, do you know Him?
Jesus Christ the Lord, Jesus Christ the Lord.
Jesus Christ the Lord[i].

 

Do you? If not, let me share the possibility of a beautiful future with you. He can take all of your tomorrows and turn them into something beautiful. He will create beauty from ashes. Is that what you’re looking for?

 

For those of us who are followers of Christ, let’s forget our yesterdays and live for Jesus today. Let’s anticipate our future with Him. It’s what I plan to do today.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

[i] “Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow,” Jack Wyrtzen and Don Wyrtzen, Singspiration, 1966.

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What’s Highlighted?

January 24th, 2015 dsisler

 

On occasion, I share some beautiful artwork from Pinterest. These pictures contain verses of Scripture and they allow my mind to visualize God’s Word. Another way I visualize God’s Word is by highlighting verses in my Bible.

 

DSCN0060Today, I thought I would share some of favorites…I’d love to know what verses you enjoy reading in God’s Word, so get your thinking cap on. I will ask the question at the end.

 

I find that as I read through my Bible there are verses that speak volumes. So I pull out my highlighter and mark it. I don’t use a specific color for a specific topic. I just use whatever color I pull out. Consequently, there are random colors throughout my Bible. I sure hope someone doesn’t try to figure out a pattern after I’m gone…they might go mad in the process. Here are some of my highlighted passages.

 

“And now, O Israel, what does the Lord your God ask of you but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in all his ways, to love him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and to observe the Lord’s commands and decrees that I am giving you today for your own good.” (Deuteronomy 10:12-13 – NIV)

 

“The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid: do not be discouraged.” (Deuteronomy 31:8 – NIV)

 

“Then she went her way and ate something, and her face was no longer downcast.” (1 Samuel 1:18 – NIV)

 

“I know that my Redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand upon the earth.” (Job 19:25 – NIV)

 

“I will extol the Lord at all times; his praise will always be on my lips. My soul will boast in the Lord; let the afflicted hear and rejoice. Glorify the Lord with me let us exalt his name together.” (Psalm 34:1-3 – NIV)

 

“But as for me, I will always have hope; I will praise you more and more.” (Psalm 71:14 – NIV)

 

“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.” (Zephaniah 3:17 – NIV)

 

“…We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired even of life. Indeed, in our hearts we felt the sentence of death. But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead.” (2 Corinthians 1:8-9 – NIV)

 

“Pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should.” (Colossians 4:3-4 – NIV)

 

“Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:6-7 – NIV)

 

“His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called up by his own glory and goodness.” (1 Peter 1:3 – NIV)

 

“To him who is able to keep you from falling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy—to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forever! Amen.” (Jude 1:24-25 – NIV)

 

Okay, now it’s your turn. What verses of Scripture stand out to you? What passages do you have underlined or highlighted in your Bible? Why did these verses catch your attention?

 

God’s Word is living and active and very relevant for our lives today. Let’s allow our eyes to be open to His message, let’s allow our hearts to be transformed by God’s Word and let’s share His message with the world…starting with your own sphere of influence. “May the word of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.” (Psalm 19:14 – NIV)

 

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.

  • 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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