The Memory Thing

October 25th, 2014 dsisler

 

I won’t say it’s because I’m older, but my memory isn’t nearly as good as it was in my earlier years. However, I must say that my memory is much better than it was a few years back. For that, I am truly grateful.

 

Sept. 22, 2004 018Sometimes we forget the important things in this life. A birthday. An appointment. Or a person’s name. And sometimes we forget the mundane things, like taking out the trash or thawing something for dinner.

 

As I’ve grown closer to Jesus in my relationship with Him, I’ve learned to be more dependent upon the Holy Spirit to help me remember the important things. But especially I’ve learned to be more in tune with God’s Spirit when it comes to recalling the goodness of God. His Spirit helps me when I need to remember Scripture that I’ve held close to my heart. And the Holy Spirit brings to mind the things that are most important.

 

When we look through Scripture, we’ve been called to remember certain things. Let’s see what you remember.

 

“Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy.” (Exodus 20:8 – NIV) Yes, I understand as Christians we don’t keep the Sabbath, but if we think about Jesus’ teaching and heart issues, wouldn’t everyday need to be considered holy? I believe so. How do you remember to keep your days holy?

 

Nehemiah reminded the Israelites that God was with them during the rebuilding of the wall. When they faced opposition he said, “Don’t be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for you brothers, your sons and your daughters, you wives and your homes.” (Nehemiah 4:14 – NIV) What do you remember about God’s great and awesomeness?

 

When you’re wide awake in the middle of the night, what do you think about? Here’s a thought. “On my bed I remember you; I think of you through the watches of the night.” (Psalm 63:6 – NIV) Or “I remembered my songs in the night.” (Psalm 77:6 – NIV) Singing or recalling God’s goodness is a great way to get through a long night.

 

“I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes I will remember your miracles of long ago. I will meditate on all your works and consider all your mighty deeds.” (Psalm 77:11-12 – NIV) Can you remember any of God’s deeds and miracles (in Scripture or in your own life)? What work might you consider today?

 

Of course, we are to remember God’s commands and precepts throughout the day. “But from everlasting to everlasting the Lord’s love is with those who fear him, and his righteousness with their children’s children—with those who keep his covenant and remember to obey his precepts.” (Psalm 102:17-18 – NIV)

 

Isaiah had a way with words. We see beautiful prophecies of our blessed Messiah. We find hope in his words as well. But then throws in a verse like this. “Remember this, fix it in mind, take it to heart, you rebels.” (Isaiah 46:8 – NIV) Isaiah urges us to remember all that God has done for us, but sometimes we forget and return to our rebellious ways. Sometimes we simply need to see it for what it is. Let God’s Word penetrate your heart and do what it says. That’s transformation. Remember it.

 

There are other cases in Scripture of things we are to remember. Like when observing the Lord’s Supper we are to remember Jesus (1 Corinthians 11:23-29). We should remember those in prison (Hebrews 13:3). And we are to remember our leaders (Hebrews 13:7).

 

While this list isn’t exhaustive, it is a good start of the things God wants us to remember. So what are you going to remember today? I pray that God’s Spirit will bring to mind what you need to remember today.

 

But I would also urge you to work on this remembrance thing as an exercise for yourself. Let’s remember because we want to remember. Remember what God has done for you. Remember where you used to be and how far you’ve come. Remember that God’s love and grace has reached down to you. Thank God and praise Him for all the blessings He’s lavished upon you. Remember. Remember.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

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What’s the Benefit?

October 24th, 2014 dsisler

 

Maybe you’ve asked this question before. It might be worded differently, but in essence you’ve asked the question, “What’s in it for me?” Whether it’s a warranty plan or a credit card application or a grocery store club card, we want to know what our benefits are and what we get in return.

 

sunsetWe recently bought a warranty for a piece of jewelry and to be honest, we haven’t been all that impressed with the benefits of this plan. Our health insurance benefits aren’t nearly as good as they used to be. And sometimes those electronic coupons don’t transfer to my shopping card. It can be frustrating.

 

There are times in my life when the benefits just don’t measure up to the sales pitch or the expectation. The benefits of this world can be disappointing, but I know for sure that the benefits I receive from God will never fail.

 

There’s a passage in the Book of Psalms that caught my attention this week. King David was thinking of the benefits he received from God and put pen to paper so that we might remember these benefits. Let’s take a look at this passage.

 

“Praise the Lord, O my soul; all my inmost being praise his holy name. Praise the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits—who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, who satisfies your desires with good things so that that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.” (Psalm 103:1-5 – NIV)

 

Did you catch those benefits? I hope not! Let’s look at these benefits individually.

 

God forgives all your sins

The key word here is all. Not just the little sins, but the big ones as well. If you still need convincing, here are a few more verses to consider. Psalm 103:12; Isaiah 43:25-26; Micah 7:18-19; and 1 John 1:9.

 

God heals all your diseases

This one is a little more difficult to believe because we all know people who have not been healed. There are passages that show God’s desire to heal us of our diseases. Take a look at Psalm 41:3; Isaiah 53:4-5; James 5:14; and 1 Peter 2:24.

 

However, we know that God chose not to heal Paul of his “thorn in the flesh.” Why? So that he wouldn’t become conceited and so that he would become more trusting in God’s grace (2 Corinthians 12:7-9). When we realize that God’s grace is enough, we come to understand that that benefit far outweighs healing.

 

God redeems your life from the pit

Oh that dreaded pit. The place we go to get covered in the muck and grime of sin. This benefit of God shows that He is not willing to leave us in that state. He wants us to come out of that pit of despair so that we might enjoy the benefit of hope and salvation.

 

Psalm 40:2 (NIV) says, “He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand.” If you seemed to have missed this benefit, why not ask God to help you out of that pit?

 

God crowns you with love and compassion

God’s love and compassion are more wonderful than I can express. The prophet Jeremiah spoke of God’s compassion in Lamentation 3:21-23 (NIV). “Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”

 

This benefit is never ending. There’s no expiration date. And you can receive as much as you need on a daily basis. God is faithful to provide love and compassion. Every. Single. Day!

 

God satisfies your desires with good things

In a world where satisfaction is difficult to find, I know the One who is able to satisfy beyond my wildest imagination. Here are a few passages to consider. Psalm 63:1-5; Psalm 90:40; Luke 11:11-13; John 4:4-26; and James 1:17.

 

Good things. Not the good things of this life, but the good things of our souls. Our spiritual satisfaction can be found only through God, His Son, and the gift of the Holy Spirit. We may find satisfaction in some of the good things of our world, but it can never replace the spiritual satisfaction we find in our Heavenly Father.

 

God renews

This benefit is so uplifting. When I am at the end of my rope, God gives the added strength to continue. To keep going. Isaiah 40:30-31 speak to being renewed to run and soar. Psalm 23:3 tells us that God restores our souls. Romans 12:2 reminds us to renew our minds through God’s transformation. 2 Corinthians 4:16 points to our inner renewal even though our outward bodies are falling apart.

 

The benefits found in these short verses are encouraging. When things don’t seem to be going as we would like, maybe it’s a good idea to think, to remember the benefits God has blessed us with.

 

Above all, I pray that you are praising God for all that comes into your life. Praise is yet another benefit we’ve received from the Father above. Let’s not allow our day to go by without thanking Him for the many benefits He has given. Let’s praise His holy Name!

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

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1,003, Nope Make That 1,004

October 23rd, 2014 dsisler

 

I don’t know how I missed it, but since the beginning of Full Measure of Joy in January of 2012, I have posted 1,003 blog posts (before today’s post)! I am amazed that God has blessed me with this much stuff to talk about. But what it really tells me is that I can write about God’s Word, His blessings and promises and His grace a lot. And I’m not nearly done.

 

FMOJ BlogspotI wrote a special blog post when I reached my 60th posting. So in reading through it, I wanted to share my thoughts from “back in the day.” You’ll notice that not much has changed since March of 2012, except that I’m a little older and a little closer to my own 60th.

 

I have learned a lot about blogging and social media through the years, but what I have continued to learn is that God really does want to be in relationship with me and that He wants to spend time with me. I pray that you have come to this realization. If not, why not make the day you enter that relationship with Him?

 

My 60th!

 

This is my 60th blog post. I’ve learned quite a bit about this process. I’ve even made some mistakes! I’m not certain that you will see any real change in my writing style or what my message continues to be, but you might notice the difference in the way the blog looks.

 

Apparently, most people don’t like a color background while reading. They like white with black print. My previous design went against that completely. Also, most people don’t like longer paragraphs. Short paragraphs, and even single sentences will gain attention more than a traditional paragraph.

 

But some things are not any different than the way we’ve been writing for centuries. People still like to get hooked into a blog. That first line or paragraph is the catcher. If you get their attention there, they will probably read the post.

 

And then there is the title. It must be short, unique, and one that will grab the reader’s attention.

 

So much to remember as my fingers swiftly fly across the keyboard!

 

I don’t exactly know what my audience is seeking. What those who stop by my little blog hope to find. But as I’ve said, my message will not change. The message that God loves us and He desires to be part, or all of our lives.

 

Yes, God desires and invites us into His presence. He draws us to Himself, so that we might be called His children. So that we might know that we are loved.

 

Psalm 91:1 (NIV) says, “He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.” By dwelling with God, it is understood that we are to linger, to remain for a while. He doesn’t want us to show up occasionally. He wants us to stay!

 

We also find in Psalm 16:11 (NIV) that God wants to give us joy in His presence. “You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.” We know that God is a gift-giver. This is just one more gift He desires for us. And joy can be found in His presence.

 

And in 1 John 3:18-19 (NIV) we find these words. “Dear children, let us not love with words or tongues but with actions and in truth. This then is how we know that we belong to the truth, and how we set our hearts at rest in his presence.” Yet another gift found in God’s presence is rest. Rest for our hearts.

 

As we remain in God, we have Jesus’ promise. “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:20 – NIV) We remain in God’s presence and Jesus is with us…always.

 

Many years ago I directed the choirs in several local congregations. At each location, the choir performed cantatas for Easter and Christmas each year. These were some of my favorite memories of those times. I still can recall much of the music we sang.

 

One of my favorite cantatas was “Into His Presence.” The chorus to the opening song says:

 

“We come into His presence through the mercy of His grace;

To worship at His feet and gaze upon His face.

Christ has torn the veil of sin;

Was crucified but rose again.

Justified we enter in to His presence;

The holy presence of the Lord.”[i]

 

Once I understood the idea that God desired a relationship with me and wants me to be in His presence, my world changed. Knowing that God wants me to be in His presence on a daily basis is such a blessing to me. The world may not want me, but my God does. What a privilege to worship at His feet and gaze upon His face!

 

So, happy 60th to me…blog that is.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

[i] Into His Presence, Copyright 1989 Brentwood Music, Brentwood, TN

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A Smile

October 22nd, 2014 dsisler

 

On occasion, Mason and I think about adding a dog to our household. We’ve even gone so far as to bring an adoptable dog into our home for a weekend. That didn’t turn out so well. Our home has been pet-free for two years now and most of the time we enjoy the peace and calm. But on occasion, we yearn for the companionship of a good dog.

 

20140216_130902_resized_1However, when we come across a pet shop, we always wander through to see what the critters are up to. And nearly every time, we leave with a smile on our face. I mean, really, who could resist smiling at this young pup?

 

I like to smile. Smiling’s my favorite (a quote from Buddy the Elf). I could list hundreds of things that make me smile. Ah ha moments. Children laughing. A beautiful sunrise. Snow on the mountains. A pat on the back. A joke. A baptism. That special song. Thoughts of loved ones. A gentle breeze. See I could go on and on.

 

My favorite portrayals of Jesus are those of Him smiling. I haven’t seen many, but those I recall are imprinted upon my memory. The rise of His cheeks. The lines around His eyes crinkling. A twinkle in His eye. All from a smile. I look forward to the day when I see Jesus face to face and find great joy in His smile.

 

There are passages of Scripture that speak of God smiling. We don’t find this word in all versions, but the New Living Translation seems to have chosen this word more times than some of the other traditional version. Take a look.

 

Numbers 6:24-26 (NLT) is probably the passage you’re recognize the most. “May the Lord bless you and protect you. May the Lord smile on you and be gracious to you. May the Lord show you h is favor and give you his peace.”

 

When Jacob returned to his homeland to see his brother Esau, he spoke these words. “And what a relief to see your friendly smile. It is like seeing the face of God!” (Genesis 33:10 – NLT) Maybe Jacob hadn’t seen God’s face, but I believe he thought God smiled.

 

King David spoke of God’s smile in Psalm 4:6 (NLT). When good is difficult to see in this world, we can follow David’s suggestion. These words should be on your lips. “Let your face smile on us, Lord.”

 

Again in Psalm 67, King David wrote these words. “May God be merciful and bless us. May his face smile with favor on us.” (Psalm 67:1 – NLT)

 

And yet one more from David. Psalm 85:11 (NLT) pronounces that “truth springs up from the earth and righteousness smiles down from heaven.”

 

While this next verse speaks of an earthly king, I believe we can see God written all over it! “When the king smiles, there is life; his favor refreshes like a spring rain.” (Proverbs 16:15 – NLT) How blessed we are when God smiles.

 

Finally, we see Daniel asking God to smile once again. “O our God, hear your servant’s prayer! Listen as I plead. For your own sake, Lord, smile again on your desolate sanctuary.” (Daniel 9:7 – NLT) Israel had forsaken God and through years of exile learned that there was no life outside of God’s will. Daniel’s prayer was not only for himself, but for all of Israel. God’s mercy was great and He smiled once again upon those who were called by His Name.

 

Perhaps you are in this land of exile. You’ve chosen to rebel against the One who has done remarkable things in your life. If that’s the case, why not repent of your rebellion and ask the Lord to smile upon you once again? Seek the refreshment and life that can only be found through the smile of the King.

 

Smiling is my favorite, especially when it’s from the Lord God Almighty. Let Your face smile upon us Lord!

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

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A Brute Beast

October 21st, 2014 dsisler

 

In my recent Bible reading, I came across these verses of Scripture. “When my heart was grieved and my spirit embittered, I was senseless and ignorant; I was a brute beast before you.” (Psalm 73:21-22 – NIV) I had to chuckle. Sometimes that’s exactly how I feel. Like a brute beast.

 

sunflower-image-Vintage-GraphicsFairy (2)I do try to keep this beast under control and unseen, but from time to time, this ungodly character shows up. And not just before God! No, this brute beast has visualized before family and friends as well. When the brute beast is present, it’s pretty ugly.

 

The poor writer of Psalm 73 seems to be struggling with some of the same things we struggle with. How do unscrupulous businesses and people become so successful? How can someone with such a cruel heart be so profitable? Why is evil so prevalent in our world? When will the wicked get their just reward?

 

If you haven’t asked similar questions, you’ve thought them. While the good people in this world do their best to keep their hearts pure, the wicked are carefree and their wealth increases. While the good people in this world do the good works God set before them, the wicked have no struggles, are prosperous, and seem to have no burdens.

 

It seems justified that this brute beast would show up in situations like this, doesn’t it?

 

Well, the psalmist doesn’t stop here. There are beautiful words that follow all of this ugliness.

 

“Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me to glory. Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. Those who are far from you will perish; you destroy all who are unfaithful to you. But as for me, it is good to be near God. I have made the Sovereign Lord my refuge; I will tell of all your deeds.” (Psalm 73:23-28 – NIV) Perhaps you recognize these words from one of my favorite worship songs, “Made Me Glad.” Click here if you’d like to listen.

 

It doesn’t matter what is happening around us in this world. God has that part covered. Our part is to draw closer to Him. To allow Him to lead and counsel. To depend upon God’s strength. To be completely satisfied in your relationship to God. To run to Him as your refuge. To share His message with others. That’s what we are to do.

 

Oh, I know that embittered beast will show its head now and again. There’s simply too much evil in the world to keep it from happening. However, I understand that this beast can be tamed by God’s Spirit. I must continually allow the Holy Spirit to transform me into a useful believer. And that is a thing of beauty.

 

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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