Without Fear

December 9th, 2014 dsisler

 

As I read through the Christmas story once again, I’m struck by the fear that our biblical friends encountered. I suspect I would have been afraid if I were in the presence of an angel as well. But in each case, the angel said, “Do not be afraid.”

 

DSCN0060I’ve been afraid and as an adult I’ve faced fear. Fear of terrorist attacks. A loved one dealing with serious illness. The death of someone I don’t know how to live without. Unemployment.

 

Perhaps you are facing a fearful situation of your own. If so, I want you to know that God knew how fear would creep into our lives. And in His all-knowing way, God offers some words of encouragement.

 

It’s hard to say how many times “fear not” or its equivalent can be found in Scripture, but there are over 100 references on this topic. God knew fear would be an issue for us and He gave us plenty of material to guide us through each step of fear.

 

On multiple occasions, Joshua was told not be afraid and trust God. He was told to be strong and courageous. God gave Joshua all he needed. Including confidence to go forward and win the battle.

 

Perhaps you are asking yourself, “Can I trust and have confidence that God is going to lead me into my own battle and that I can go without fear?” Please know that the answer is yes! God is right by your side in each battle. If I hadn’t experienced this personally, I could not be so confident.

 

David found himself fearful on occasion and in Psalm 34 he expresses his plan for overcoming fear. “I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears.” (Psalm 34:4 – NIV)

 

David also gives encouragement with his words in Psalm 27:1 (NIV). “The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid?” What do we have to fear? Only fear itself.

 

With God on our side and His Holy Spirit within us, we can live lives where fear cannot cripple us. We can live strong and courageous lives.

 

So what is my plan for conquering fear? I spend time in God’s Word. I listen to what He has to say to me about it. I spend time in conversation with God. I tell Him about my fears. What is truly making me anxious about the situation and release those fears to Him. Then again, I listen to what He has to say.

 

If you are fearful today, take heart, if you have cried out to God, He has heard you. But I would encourage you take action. I’ve listed the Scripture reference to every passage with the words “do not be afraid.” Why not take the time to read through these verses?

 

If you tend to be an anxious person, why not read one of these verses every day? When you’ve completed the list, start again.

 

I’ll be honest. Sometimes it takes more than one time to put these fears aside, but at the end of the day, I know that God is with me and because of that, “I can do all things through Him who gives me strength.” (Philippians 4:13 – NIV)

 

Genesis 15:1

Genesis 21:17

Genesis 26:24

Genesis 46:3

Exodus 14:13

Exodus 20:20

Numbers 14:9

Numbers 21:34

Deuteronomy 1:17

Deuteronomy 1:21

Deuteronomy 1:29

Deuteronomy 3:2

Deuteronomy 3:22

Deuteronomy 7:18

Deuteronomy 20:1

Deuteronomy 31:6

Deuteronomy 31:8

Joshua 1:9

Joshua 8:1

Joshua 10:8

Joshua 10:25

Joshua 11:6

Judges 6:23

1 Samuel 12:20

2 Kings 1:15

2 Kings 19:6

2 Kings 25:24

1 Chronicles 22:13

1 Chronicles 28:20

2 Chronicles 20:15

2 Chronicles 20:17

2 Chronicles 32:7

Isaiah 10:24

Isaiah 37:6

Isaiah 40:9

Isaiah 41:14

Isaiah 43:5

Isaiah 44:2

Isaiah 44:8

Isaiah 54:4

Jeremiah 1:8

Jeremiah 30:10

Jeremiah 40:9

Jeremiah 42:11

Jeremiah 46:27

Jeremiah 46:28

Ezekiel 2:6

Ezekiel 3:9

Daniel 10:12

Daniel 10:19

Joel 2:21

Joel 2:22

Zechariah 8:13

Zechariah 8:15

Matthew 1:20

Matthew 10:26

Matthew 10:28

Matthew 28:5

Matthew 28:10

Luke 1:13

Luke 1:30

Luke 2:10

Luke 12:4

Luke 12:32

John 12:15

John 14:27

Acts 18:9

Acts 27:24

Revelation 1:17

Revelation 2:10

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

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“O Come, All Ye Faithful” – Monday Musical Musings

December 8th, 2014 dsisler

 

As children, my girls loved to sing. They would sing anything and everything. Our day-to-day routines were placed to music. Oh yes, we lived in a musical world.

 

0005030206R-849x565Christmas was especially wonderful for them. They would sing Christmas carols from sun up to sun down. They would fall asleep under twinkling lights in their beds with Christmas music playing in the background. They loved Christmas carols.

 

One of their favorite Christmas hymns was “O Come, All Ye Faithful.” As a matter of fact, the only time they sang a special in church was this song. I was a proud mama in that moment.

 

Each time I hear this melody, I think of my girls. I’m blessed that God has allowed us to remain close and even become friends through the years. I do miss the musical world we lived in.

 

I also love this Christmas carol because of what it calls us to do in our Christian walk. In our praise to God, we are to remain faithful. We are to be joyful through our days. And we are to live victorious lives. Jesus has allowed for us to live in such a manner and because of His sacrifice, we should do so.

 

I know however, that this world has put a damper on our joyous song. There is ugliness beyond words. There is disease, inhumanities, and sadness. All of these issues creep into our lives and we sometimes just don’t feel like being joyful and triumphant.

 

But just like the author of this Christmas tune, I’ve come to know that praise is the cure for our crushed spirits. When we allow our hearts to adore the precious Lamb of glory, we want to remain faithful, to be filled with joy and to walk through our day in victory.

 

I pray that if you are struggling with the nature of our world that you will come and adore Jesus today. Sing with the heavenly hosts and give glory to God for each victory you receive. Come with me to praise God for the precious gift He shared many years ago. Come, let us adore Jesus!

 

“O Come, All Ye Faithful”

 

O come, all ye faithful,
Joyful and triumphant,
O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem.
Come and behold Him,
Born the King of Angels!

O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him,
Christ the Lord.

Sing, choirs of angels,
Sing in exultation;
O sing, all ye bright hosts of heav’n above!
Glory to God,
All glory in the highest!

O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him,
Christ the Lord.

Yea, Lord, we greet Thee,
Born this happy morning;
Jesus, to Thee be the glory giv’n;
Word of the Father,
Now in the flesh appearing,

O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him,
Christ the Lord.[i]

 

One of my favorite musical duos is Acoustic Eidolon. Click here to listen to their beautiful version of “O Come, All Ye Faithful,” and a few other favorite Christmas hymns. Enjoy!

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

[i] “O Come, All Ye Faithful,” Words and Music by John Francis Wade, 1743.

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It’s Sunday!

December 7th, 2014 dsisler

 

It’s hard to believe that today is the second Sunday of Advent. This year will be over before you know it! I pray that today you will take the time to recall the moments leading up to the birth of Jesus and remind yourself that God sent Him for you!

 

For my Sunday repeated blog today, I’m sharing “R” from my Blogging from A to Z in April of 2013. I pray that it will touch your heart. May God bless you abundantly today!

 

Rummikub – Blogging from A to Z

 

I’m addicted to this game. It’s actually a game that I’m pretty good at. I love sitting around the table with the tiles scattered about. I love the interaction. I love the strategy. I love the game.

 

CCBut I don’t get to play Rummikub this way very often. So I’ve chosen to play this game online. There is still sitting around a table (a virtual table) and there are still tiles, but they are very organized. And newbie Rummikub players are often shown how the game is supposed to “look.” There can be interaction, but I really like the strategy of my game, so I generally keep quiet.

 

I really enjoy the fact that I can play this particular game with people from all over the world. There is no language barrier. It’s numerical. So I might play against a person from Canada, Australia, and Greece all at the same time. We are worlds apart, but right there together playing this simple game that really has no purpose except entertainment.

 

There are some elements of this gaming thing that reminds me of my spiritual life. Typically, I am very organized about how I study the Bible. If I’m writing something specific, like a blog or a Bible study, I spend time reading a section of Scripture and allow God to work on me as to what it means. Then I am able to move in the direction of writing. Whether it’s coming up with questions or just writing about the passage.

 

Then there is the fact that I am a Christian and how many there are across this globe who also make the same claim. And because we have a common factor, we are connected. We may not be able to speak the same language, but because Jesus is our Savior, we speak His universal language. Love. Grace. Forgiveness. Hope. I love being part of God’s Church!

 

This fact can be traced back to the first century Church who were scattered due to persecution in Jerusalem. And wherever they went, they took Jesus with them. They shared His message with others. They lived the Christian life in their communities. And because of their efforts and God’s Hand, the Church grew by amazing numbers. Regardless of the persecution that followed, Jesus’ Name continued to be preached. People followed.

 

And why do you suppose this is the case?

 

I believe it’s because of the message. His message. I could spend days sharing His complete message, but let’s just look at his I am statements from the Gospel of John and we’ll get a very good idea of what His message was and is.

 

Jesus said:

 

“I am the Bread of Life” – John 6:35

Jesus said that anyone who comes to Him and believes in Him would never be hungry or thirsty. Jesus brings spiritual refreshment to our parched souls.

 

“I am the Light of the world” – John 9:5

Jesus said He would give light to those living in darkness. Jesus brings spiritual light to dark souls.

 

“I am the Gate for the sheep” – John 10:7

Jesus said He was the entrance to the Kingdom of heaven and will provide protection against those who would do harm to His sheep. Jesus brings spiritual entry and protection for our wandering souls.

 

“I am the Good Shepherd” – John 10:11

Jesus said that He would lay down His life for His sheep. Jesus brings spiritual redemption to our unsaved souls.

 

“I am the Resurrection and the Life” – John 11:25

Jesus said that He would provide life to those who believe in Him and that life will be eternal! Jesus brings spiritual life to our dead souls.

 

“I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life” – John 14:6

Jesus said that He was the only way to the Father. Jesus is the only way. Jesus is the only truth. Jesus is the only life. Jesus brings spiritual direction, truth, and life to our out-of-control souls.

 

“I am the True Vine” – John 15:1

Jesus said the He would provide all that is needed for us to grow and produce abundant fruit as long as we remain in Him and love Him. Jesus brings spiritual completion to our weary souls.

 

Can you understand why Jesus’ message was so exciting in the first century? Can you understand why it is relevant for our lives today? It’s the same message for a world that is still dark. He has so much to offer. It’s up to us to accept it.

 

Will you accept Jesus as your Savior today? Will you accept Him as everything you could ever want, wish for or hope for? If so, I’d love to talk to you. Send me a message so we can begin the dialogue.

 

I don’t have the opportunity to play Rummikub nearly as often as I’d like. But when I can catch a quick game, I certainly don’t pass up the opportunity. What do you enjoy doing in your spare time? Reading? Playing a game? Chatting with a friend?

 

Whatever you find yourself doing in your spare time, I pray that it’s all for God’s glory. Because that is what we are to do every day of our lives.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

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Joy, Unspeakable Joy

December 6th, 2014 dsisler

 

The word “joy” has always been special to me. I grew up being reminded of this word when my parents used my full name. Donna Joy. Occasionally my dad still calls me by my first and middle name…but not because I’m in trouble. It still sounds good.

 

JoI passed the name Joy to my daughter. Her name is Bethany Joy. And she liked it so much she shared it with her daughter, my granddaughter, Joy Marie. Of all the names in our family, I never thought that Joy would be the name that would continue through multiple generations.

 

But I’m also excited that it is. Mainly because of what this tiny, three-letter word means to the Christian. Joy is one of the characteristics that we are to possess, expose, share, and enjoy. Joy should be evident in our lives, regardless of what our circumstance. It’s in these moments that others are able to look at us and notice that something is different.

 

So what is joy?

 

According to the Holman Bible Dictionary, joy is “the happy state that results from knowing and serving God.”[i]

 

Holman goes on to say, that “joy is the fruit of a right relation with God. It is not something people can create by their own efforts.” No wonder we live in a world where possessions mean so much to people. No wonder folks are searching for the next big thing. If they aren’t looking to God for their joy, they will never find it any place else.

 

King David knew that his joy was found in God. Take a look at a couple of verses from the Book of Psalm.

 

“You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasure at your right hand.” (Psalm 16:11 – NIV)

 

“The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are radiant, giving light to the eyes.” (Psalm 19:8 – NIV)

 

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

 

David knew that being in God’s presence, following God’s precepts and living in God’s salvation are what brought joy to his life. Oh yes, there are plenty of passages in Psalm that take the reader into David’s joyous heart, and without this firm foundation of joy, nothing else would have mattered.

 

It’s the same for us. When we are secure in our relationship with God, when we know and follow God’s precepts, when we have accepted God’s salvation, it’s then that we can live lives filled with joy.

 

Earlier, the biblical definition of joy mentioned that it wasn’t something we could gain on our own. It was from God. In fact, it is a fruit of God’s Spirit. When we live by the Spirit, we will produce the following fruit. Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23).

 

And if you recall, Jesus mentioned in John 15 that the only way we can produce abundant fruit is by remaining in Him. And there is our tiny word again. “I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.” (John 15:11 – NIV)

 

Here’s the tough part for people to understand. Just because we have joy, Jesus’ joy within us, doesn’t mean that we won’t face trials or troubles. It doesn’t mean that we won’t or can’t be sad. But what it does mean is that when we encounter such trials our joy cannot be shaken because we have a relationship with God, Jesus and His Spirit.

 

James tells us that we are to “consider it pure joy whenever you face trials of many kinds.” (James 1:2 – NIV) Not because of the trial, but because of what it produces. Perseverance and a closer relationship with God.

 

I’ve been through many of those trials and I’ve learned that when I allow God to be at the center of my being, others can see His joy within me and they note the difference.

 

I don’t know if the name Joy will continue to be passed down through our family, but I certainly hope so. If nothing else, I pray that God will continue to see His joy flow through the lives of my family. Because He brings me such joy.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

[i] Holman Bible Dictionary, definition of joy, http://www.studylight.org/dic/hbd/view.cgi?number=T3512

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My Watch

December 5th, 2014 dsisler

I was 13 years old when my family anticipated the birth of a new child. There was much to prepare before this birth. It had been over a decade since a baby had joined the family. There were clothes to buy, diapers to prepare, bottles to ready, a crib to arrange and a multitude of miscellaneous items to have on hand.

 

Our family anticipated the birth of this little one. We were excited. We were thrilled. My younger brother prayed for a brother (two older sisters were all he could tolerate). I just wanted a baby to play with.

 

And then, the day arrived. Mom was in labor on a Sunday morning. However, Dad was the preacher. So Dad left her side to lead service and preach that morning.

 

Dad placed me by the telephone in the church office. He gave me two cards. One blue. One pink. If the call came during service, I was to hold a card up in the window at the back of the sanctuary. Blue if I had a baby brother or pink if we were bringing home a baby sister.

 

I recall the giddiness of waiting. I wanted it to happen during my time to watch and wait. It was a long hour. But the call didn’t come. The baby didn’t arrive on my watch.

 

DSC03873mI can imagine this was much the way the Israelites living during God’s silence felt. Wondering if it was the time for God to introduce His Messiah. But generation after generation, they were not the ones to see the Messiah arrive on their watch.

 

And then, God spoke. The Messiah was finally going to arrive. God’s promise would be fulfilled.

 

There were two faithful believers who God blessed with seeing the Messiah. They encountered Jesus on their watch.

 

Jewish custom took Mary, Joseph and Jesus to the temple on the eighth day after Jesus’ birth. There they met Simeon, a righteous and devout man, filled with the Holy Spirit.

 

Simeon took Jesus in his arms and praised God saying “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all people, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel.” (Luke 2:29-32 – NIV).

 

After the long wait, Simeon met Jesus. He had seen God’s salvation and it was all that he had anticipated. His life-long dream had been fulfilled. It had happened on his watch.

 

This trio also visited with a widowed prophetess, Anna. Anna worshipped in the temple night and day. Her faithfulness to prayer and worship were honored by God who allowed her to see the Messiah, the Savior of the world at the age of 84.

 

What a blessing for Anna. God honored her with the presence of the Messiah and her encounter with Jesus was all that she had been living for. In her old age, on her watch, God delivered the hope of the world.

 

Later in the day, a baby boy was born into our family. That little bundle brought such joy and love to our family.

 

Jesus’ birth brought hope, peace, joy and love to a lost world. These assurances are available to us as we place our faith and trust in Jesus. Does your world seem bleak? Do you feel like there is no hope? If so, I can point you to One who is able to make life worth living.

 

During this busy, crazy time of the year, I pray that the giddiness of the real Christmas season would grab hold of you. I pray that your excitement over the celebration of Jesus’ birth will come to the surface. I pray that your heart will be glad, that your soul will be full of joy and that your body will be at rest. I also pray that you will take the time to make these things happen!

 

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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