The View from My Window

November 4th, 2014 dsisler

 

???????????????????????????????Each day as I enter my office, I am blessed with a beautiful view of the mountains. Sometimes I see the Rocky Mountains in all their majesty. Sometimes they are hidden behind clouds or fog. At times they are rocky and jagged, while on some occasions they are covered in snow.

 

Regardless of how this mountain range appears to me, they have not changed. Even when I can’t see them, they are still there. Each day they may seem different, but in actuality, they are unchanged.

 

???????????????????????????????I can say the same about God.

 

Have you ever felt that God is distant or unseen? I know I have. But what I’ve come to realize is that I’ve managed to place myself in God’s position which makes it really hard to see God in those moments.

 

???????????????????????????????But here’s something really cool that I’ve come to realize about God. Remember all those Names of God I’ve talked about in the past? Perhaps we can consider these Names to be like the changing landscape of the mountains. One day I may need provision, so I pray to God my Provider. The next day I may find myself immersed in loneliness, so I pray to Immanuel, God with us. Or what about when I’m under attack, I can pray to God, the Shield who is about me to protect me.

 

You see, God’s beautiful Names are available to us when we need Him to show up in our lives. Take a look at this list to see which Name you are attracted to today.

 

Abba, Father (Galatians 4:6). Deliverer (Psalm 70:5). Father of Mercies (2 Corinthians 1:3). God of peace (Hebrews 13:20-21). Guide (Psalm 48:14). Keeper (Psalm 121:5). Light (Psalm 27:1). Refuge (Deuteronomy 33:27). Shield (Psalm 5:12). Strength (Exodus 15:2).

 

He is Almighty God (Genesis 17:1). Dwelling place (Psalm 90:1). Fountain of living waters (Jeremiah 2:13). God of all comfort (2 Corinthians 1:3). The God who sees (Genesis 16:13). Husband (Jeremiah 31:31-32). Judge (Psalm 75:7). Lawgiver (Isaiah 33:22). The Lord who heals (Exodus 15:26). Portion (Psalm 119:57). Redeemer (Isaiah 54:8). Shade (Psalm 121:5). Strong tower (Proverbs 18:10).

 

He is the Ancient of days (Daniel 7:9). Everlasting God (Genesis 21:33). Father of lights (James 1:17). Fortress (Jeremiah 16:19). God of salvation (Habakkuk 3:17-18). Hiding place (Psalm 32:7). King (1 Samuel 12:12). Lord of righteousness (Jeremiah 23:6). Most upright (Isaiah 26:7). Potter (Isaiah 64:8). Rock (1 Samuel 2:2). Savior (Isaiah 45:21). Shepherd (Psalm 23:1). Song (Isaiah 12:2).[i]

 

Like my beautiful Colorado Rocky Mountains, my big, wonderful God remains steadfast and faithful. Just as I look out my window and see the mountains each day, I am able to look into the window of my heart and view God’s goodness and majesty. What a mighty God I serve!

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

[i] The Names of God, George W. Knight, Barbour Publishing, 2009.

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“‘Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus” – Monday Musical Musings

November 3rd, 2014 dsisler

 

While I’m at work, I listen to music. Sometimes I pull out my IPod, but most of the time I listen to the stations I’ve created on Pandora. I have stations that include Lawrence Welk, Disney Songs, and Eagles radio. Now some of these I don’t listen to at work, but when I’m at home (with the grandkids).

 

IMAG1492But I have more stations like Gaither music, Heritage Singers, Hillsong Music, and Worship and Praise radio. Depending on my mood, I listen to the style of music that soothes my soul.

 

I do have a few Christmas stations as well, but if you know me at all you already knew that.

 

I heard an arrangement of ‘Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus” a couple of weeks ago. It was updated, but not to the point that it was overwhelmed by the music. And I loved it! I also found that he has an entire album of hymns that are just beautiful with their accompaniment. Way to go Jadon (you’ll understand as you keep reading)!

 

Yes, music that is catchy is good, but when the lyrics to a hymn (or any song) touch a heart, that’s when a song is at its best.

 

I believe these are questions we can ask ourselves as we sing this hymn. Do I believe God’s Word? Do I believe His promises? Do I love to trust Jesus instead of myself? Have you accepted Jesus’ life and rest and joy and peace? Do you know that Jesus is with you? Do you trust Jesus?

 

If you can’t answer these questions with a “yes,” what is stopping you from trusting Jesus completely?

 

Today as you begin your day, why not take a moment to give Jesus just a little more of your heart in this area? Little by little, we give more and more of ourselves to Jesus, and as time passes, we realize that we’ve done it. We’ve learned to trust Jesus completely. Maybe that’s what you need to do today.

 

Take a look at the lyrics below and then click on the link to listen to this hymn. I pray that you’ll be touched by it as I was.

 

“‘Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus”

‘Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus,
Just to take Him at His word,
Just to rest upon His promise;
Just to know, Thus saith the Lord.

Chorus:
Jesus, Jesus, how I trust Him!
How I’ve proved Him o’er and o’er!
Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus!
Oh, for grace to trust Him more!

How I love to trust in Jesus,
Just to trust His cleansing blood.
Just in simple faith to plunge me
‘Neath the healing cleansing flood!

(Chorus)

Yes, I’ve learned to trust in Jesus,
And from sin and self to cease,
Now from Jesus simply taking
Life and rest and joy and peace.

(Chorus)

I’m so glad I learned to trust Him,
Precious Jesus, Savior, Friend,
And I know that He is with me,
He’ll be with me to the end[i]

(Chorus)

 

Click here to listen to Jadon Lavik’s version of this hymn.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

[i] “‘Tis So Sweet,” Words by Louis M. R. Stead, Music by William Kirkpatrick, Public Domain, 1882.

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It’s a Beauty

November 2nd, 2014 dsisler

 

What a beautiful sky this morning we’ve had in Colorado! The sunrise was spectacular and looking west the clouds against the blue sky were pink. It has already been a great morning!

 

unnamedThere’s more to celebrate today than just the beauty God created. Jesus is alive and today is a perfect day to honor and worship Him together with my brothers and sisters in Christ. I cannot wait! Can you?

 

Continuing with the Blogging A to Z challenge reposts, today you’ll read about neighbors. Enjoy!

 

Neighbor – Blogging from A to Z

 

Last Monday we were hit with a storm. It was called a “blizzard” and in some ways it was. There was little snow, but the winds that accompanied this storm were devastating. I wrote about this storm when the A to Z challenge letter was “H.” You can read about it here.

 

So during the storm last week, a portion of our fence blew down into the neighbor’s yard. The plan was to work on it over the weekend to repair the fence.

 

Fortunately, most of the fencing could be reused, so only two four-by-fours and some cement were needed for the repair job. As the weekend progressed, the two men worked side-by-side to complete the project. While there is still just a little more to do, the fence has been mended.

 

I’ve had some wonderful neighbors through the years and I’ve had some difficult ones. But the one thing that each of these people have in common is what my attitude toward them is to be.

 

Jesus spoke of how we are to treat our neighbors. We are to love them (Matthew 22:34-40; Mark 12:28-31). Regardless of how well we get along with them, we are to love them.

 

And then Jesus took it one step further. Our neighbor isn’t just the person or family to the right, left, or back of our homes. Our neighbor can be anyone we come in contact with.

 

Jesus’ example of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37) gave us some guidelines. Our neighbor could be someone who hates us. Our neighbor could be someone who is different from us. Our neighbor could be someone who is in need. Our neighbor could be someone who doesn’t follow our religious beliefs.

 

Our neighbor could be and should be and must be anyone we encounter.

 

Jesus’ final words to those listening to the parable of the Good Samaritan were these. “Go and do likewise.” (Luke 10:37b – NIV)

 

We are called to love our neighbors, so what does loving your neighbor look like?

 

I’d like to suggest that we must tear down the fences.

 

In our American society, we tend to pull into our garages and close the door. We never see our neighbors in the front yards and certainly we cannot see them in our back yards because our fences are built for privacy. But does that build community? Perhaps we need to break down the physical barriers so that we can get to know our neighbors.

 

I’ve found with some of my neighbors there is also a cultural and language barrier. I cannot speak their language and they cannot speak mine. A smile or a wave is about all I can do. But is it enough? There must be a way to break down these social barriers so that I can love my neighbors.

 

I attend a large church and they’ve divided our area into neighborhoods and have placed a minister over each section. These pastors are meeting with those connected with the church and working out ways to break down some of the barriers in each neighborhood to reach others for Christ. Sounds like a great plan doesn’t it?

 

I spent some time yesterday speaking with my Neighborhood Pastor. It was a good visit and yet there are many questions still unanswered. But with get-togethers being planned, we are at least working toward the goal of loving our neighbors.

 

“Love your neighbor as yourself.” (Matthew 22:38b – NIV) How are you loving your neighbor? I’d love to hear about it.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

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Whatever You Do

November 1st, 2014 dsisler

 

I enjoy Facebook. It’s one of those places I can keep tabs on those I love and are acquainted with. I started my Facebook journey when my middle child was in college. I thought it might be a good way to keep an eye on her and see to see what she and her friends were up to. The problem? She didn’t post much on Facebook.

 

???????????????????????????????My journey then moved to enjoy family events from afar. Photos and newsfeed would be filled with what happened on a daily basis. It was a good thing and I felt closer to what was happening.

 

I’ve come a “fer piece” from a dozen friends to hundreds and I’ve also come to use Facebook as a tool to share Full Measure of Joy. But how much more could I possibly use Facebook for God? Good question.

 

Amid the posts about kids and pets, there are verses of Scripture that pop up. I love reading God’s Word in any form. It’s really special when a specific verse is particularly meaningful to me in the moment. I love how God works in that way. I’ve seen encouraging blog links or message links posted that have helped me. I’ve seen prayer requests sent through Facebook. All of these elements help us to share God with our realm of influence.

 

So I ask this question. How are you influencing your “friends” on Facebook? Are your posts uplifting and encouraging? Do you share positive words? Or are your posts filled with words or innuendos that aren’t pleasing to God?

 

I don’t know about you, but I want every element of my life to scream, “I LOVE JESUS!” That means on Facebook. And I might just take that one step further and say I work really hard to do the same thing on Pinterest. I am careful that what I post or pin would bring no disgrace to my Lord and Savior.

 

I saw that an acquaintance of mine posted a great idea this past week. It was about prayer and I might just have to reuse it. She asked her Facebook friends to share their prayer requests with her. She said they could inbox her, but if they left their prayer request or praise as a comment, others could pray as well. Then she asked that as others prayed for these folks to “like” the comment. I prayed through her prayer request list. What a great way to use Facebook for God!

 

Just to confirm that we are to live lives “worthy of the Lord and that will please him in every way” (Colossians 1:10), take a look at these verses.

 

“In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16 – NIV)

 

“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” (1 Corinthians 10:31 – NIV)

 

“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” (Colossians 3:17 – NIV)

 

These are pretty big words to live up to. Almost overwhelming. But I do know that when I allow God to be the center of my world (not me), it’s much easier. Yes, I fail. Yes, I don’t hit the mark every time. But I am trying and with God’s Spirit leading and guiding me, it is a possibility.

 

Today I pray that you make an effort to live according to God’s Word. I pray that He will be the Lord of your words, your actions, your life…and your Facebook page. Just think of the possibilities!

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

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Write on My Heart Every Word

October 31st, 2014 dsisler

 

One of the ladies in my Bible study yesterday mentioned that she has been saving little snippets of paper in a jar this whole year. On these strips she has written things she has seen that brought a smile to her face or something she noticed that she was particularly thankful for or something interesting. On New Year’s Eve she plans to open the jar and read all that she found inspirational in 2014. What a great idea!

 

I know I see plenty of things that bring a smile to my face or that I enjoy through my day. I send myself text messages, emails and notes to remind myself of such things. With a memory like mine, I must write it down.

 

One of my most favorite things to do is find verses of Scripture that are obscure but have an impact upon my life or myself personally. Here’s one that I love.

 

James handwritenIn Deuteronomy, God gave His instruction to the people of Israel to help them be His people. From feasts to tithing to the Ten Commandments, God laid out the plan. And because of His all-knowing, there is a section in Deuteronomy 17 where God makes this statement.

 

“When you enter the land the Lord your God is giving you and have taken possession of it and settled in it, you will say, ‘Let us set a king over us like all the nations around us,’ be sure to appoint over you the king the Lord your God chooses. He must be from among your own brothers. Do not place a foreigner over you, one who is not a brother Israelite.” (Deuteronomy 17:14-15 – NIV)

 

Now isn’t that interesting? Years and years before the people of Israel would beg God to choose a king for them, He said that they would do so (1 Samuel 8).

 

God also gave instruction for the chosen king. What he was to do and not do. The part I love is found in Deuteronomy 17:18-20a (NIV).

 

“When he (the king) takes the throne of his kingdom, he is to write for himself on a scroll a copy of this law, taken from that of the priests, who are Levites. It is to be with him, and he is to read it all the days of his life so that he may learn to revere the Lord his God and follow carefully all the words of this law and these decrees and not consider himself better than his brothers and turn from the law to the right or to the left.”

 

The chosen king was to write out the law. All of it. Not just a portion of the law, but all of it. He was to read it, learn and follow the law all his days.

 

I can’t help but wonder if this wouldn’t be good practice for our modern-day presidents and prime ministers or kings.

 

What I do believe is that there is application here for me. I have found great joy, satisfaction and pleasure in writing out portions of Scripture. For instance, I don’t copy and paste Scripture into my blog writings. I write (well, I really type) God’s Word into my post so that I am forced to think about what the verse is saying.

 

When I work on a Bible study and question is asked about a particular verse, I typically write out the verse of Scripture in my notes so that I add one more element to Bible study. God’s words are flowing from my Bible, through my eyes and into my brain and out through my hand onto paper. And I might add, it doesn’t miss my heart in that process either.

 

When I led Beth Moore’s study on the Book of James, one of the levels of study was to write out the entire book. I had such pleasure in doing so. I found that it was therapeutic and I became closer to James through the writing of God’s Word.

 

In building the doll house for our granddaughter several years ago, I wrote a verse of Scripture in each room and then covered it with wall paper. I want my future great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren to know that their Baba loved the Bible and also loved writing it.

 

I don’t know if you’ve ever done this, but I believe if God said it and found it beneficial, then it is a practice that we might consider. It’s my greatest desire to hide God’s Word in my heart so that I am more in line with Him (Psalm 119:11). This is just one more way to do so.

 

In thinking of the jar with snippets of paper inside, I wonder if writing an encouraging verse of Scripture each day might not be a bad thing to do. I find plenty of encouragement each day through Bible reading, Bible study, and blog writing. At the end of year, what fun it would be to read God’s Word as I put 2015 behind me.

 

And then, I really wonder if I could make the commitment to write out God’s Word. Just a few verses each day and maybe start with the New Testament. What a great legacy to leave for my children and grandchildren! Our own hand-written Bible. That would be special.

 

God took the time and worked through men to write out His Words for us so that we might know Him and love Him. I pray that God’s Word is penetrating your heart. That His message is in your thoughts. That His instructions and precepts are your guidelines for living. That’s exactly what the Bible is supposed to do.

 

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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