The Enemy

October 10th, 2014 dsisler

 

I’ve been studying the parables of Jesus with a few ladies each week. We just finished the parable of the sower and in the last section of the study, our author reminded us through Scripture of how the enemy works. How he attacks. The strategies he uses to pull us away from God.

 

???????????????????????????????I thought it might be a good reminder for you as well, so I’d like to share her thoughts on some of his evil strategies.

 

He leads us astray. 2 Corinthians 11:3(NIV) says, “I am afraid that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent’s cunning, your minds may somehow be led astray from your sincere and pure devotion to Christ.”

 

He masquerades and gets others to do the same. We find these words in 2 Corinthians 11:13-15 (NIV). “For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, masquerading as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. It is not surprising, then, if his servants masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will be what their actions deserve.”

 

He torments through thorns in our flesh. “To keep me from becoming conceited because of these surpassingly great revelations, there was given me a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me.” (2 Corinthians 12:7 – NIV)

 

He tempts. 1 Thessalonians 3:5 (NIV) says, “For this reason, when I could stand it no longer, I sent to find out about your faith. I was afraid that in some way the tempter might have tempted you and our efforts might have been useless.”

 

He accuses. John wrote these words in Revelation 12:10 (NIV). “Now have come the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God, and the authority of his Christ. For the accuser of our brothers, who accuses them before our God day and night, has been hurled down.”

 

We know that the ruler of the world will morph into whatever he needs to in order to get our attention. But when we know what he’s up to, I believe we can be better prepared to battle against him. So what are some tools we can use to defeat this fiend?

 

First we have God’s Spirit who is with us to guide, counsel, convict and help us to see the devil’s schemes for what they are. Listen.

 

We have the weapons given in Ephesians 6:13-18. The belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, fittings of readiness that comes from the gospel of peace, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, the sword of the Spirit and prayer.

 

And while we know the enemy is prowling about like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour (1 Peter 5:8), please know that our powerful God is up to something as well. 1 Peter 3:12a (NIV) tells us that “the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their prayer.” And 2 Chronicles 16:9a (NIV) says “For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him.”

 

God is looking out for you. He cares for you. It’s His desire to strengthen you. And He hears your prayers.

 

If you feel the enemy closing in, turn to the One who is “able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us.” (Ephesians 3:20 NIV)

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

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Don’t You Dare Give Up

October 9th, 2014 dsisler

 

I have never watched Dancing with the Stars until this season. And to be honest, I record the show and fast-forward until I reach the portion of the show when Michael Waltrip dances. Michael Waltrip is my favorite NASCAR driver for many reasons. He’s funny. He knows racing. He is an entertaining personality.

 

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Michael after winning the truck race in 2011…Mom and I were there!

This week the challenge was to share about their most memorable year and create a dance from that time. For Michael, he talked about winning the Daytona 500 in 2001. It was a big deal. Every driver wants to win that race. But that same day, Dale Earnhart hit a wall and died. Michael mentioned that he went from the highest high to the lowest low in 30 minutes.

 

Knowing Michael’s history as I do, I knew there was much more to it than just a fellow driver dying. The one who believed in him, mentored him, and given him the opportunity to drive had died. It was a big deal. I also knew that Michael had started 463 NASCAR Cup races before getting to victory lane.

 

You might be able to say a lot about Michael Waltrip, but you can’t call him a quitter.

 

There are several passages of Scripture that we might be able to hold close to our hearts when we feel like giving up. When the cares of this world are nearly crushing. Or perhaps when we have just grown tired of trying. There is great encouragement to be found in God’s Word, so let’s look at His solution.

 

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Deuteronomy 31:6 – NIV)

 

“It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect. He makes my feet like the feet of a deer; he enables me to stand on the heights.” (Psalm 18:32-33 – NIV)

 

“He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” (Isaiah 40:29-31 – NIV)

 

“We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.” (2 Corinthians 4:8-9 – NIV)

 

“Let us not become weary of doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” (Galatians 6:9 – NIV)

 

“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)

 

“For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love, and of self-discipline.” (2 Timothy 1:7 – NIV)

 

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12:1-2 – NIV)

 

It’s easy to become discouraged. If you find yourself in this state today, go back through the verses above and look at the words that are in bold. These are God’s words of encouragement to you today. He is with you. He will supply the power, love and discipline you need to get up and try again. By fixing our eyes upon Jesus we are able to persevere to the end.

 

Michael Waltrip may not be the best dancer on this show, but he continues to draw the fan votes and remain on the show. Just one more reason to like Michael. He doesn’t give up.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

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These Two

October 8th, 2014 dsisler

 

My husband is my favorite photographer. He can compose a photograph unlike anyone I’ve ever known.

 

Trixie and Kelly

Trixie and Kelly

While this picture is nowhere near his best work, it still remains one of my favorite photographs. He snapped this photo of our two cats as they sat at the table, begging for whatever we might be serving for dinner.

 

Unfortunately for them, there was nothing to share. We were sitting around the table drinking coffee and chatting.

 

They sat in these same chairs many times through the years. Waiting. Hoping. Begging. Thinking they might receive their greatest desire. Food.

 

These two didn’t need any more food than they already had, but they certainly wanted it. That is the definition of greed.

 

I recall several people in Scripture who also showed greedy tendencies.

 

The Israelites had been wandering for some time. They were tired of the same food. They begged God for something new. God gave them what they wanted.

 

Numbers 11:31-34 gives the account. Starting in verse 31 we see God driving “quail in from the sea. It brought them down all around the camp to about three feet above the ground, as far as a day’s walk in any direction.”

 

The people gathered and gathered. They were greedy.

 

God burned with anger against Israel and struck them with a severe plague. Their greed and craving food caused great pain and anguish.

 

David was also found desiring something that didn’t belong to him when he saw Bathsheba. 2 Samuel 12 tells this story.

 

David and Bathsheba have a sexual encounter at David’s bidding. Bathsheba becomes pregnant. David tries to manipulate her husband and eventually must have him killed to cover his sin.

 

David is then confronted by Nathan about his green and sin. David repents, but the baby Bathsheba delivers dies.

 

David’s greed caused great pain and anguish in many lives.

 

Ananias and Sapphira’s story can be found in Acts chapter 5.

 

The couple sold a piece of land and gave a portion of the profits to the Church. However, they each told Peter that they had given the full amount of the sale.

 

In their greed, they wanted to look good among their fellow Christians and still make some money.

 

As a result of this greed, the pair fell down and died.

 

Ephesians 5:3-5 says, “But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people. Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person—such a man is an idolater—has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.”

 

There is to be no hint…of greed! Because it isn’t proper for us. The greedy person has no inheritance in God’s kingdom.

 

These are harsh words, but God knows how this sin can affect our lives. How it can destroy us. So, He simply says to stay away from it.

 

We no longer have pets of any kind. It’s kind of quiet and at times I miss having a cat or a dog around. But if I were to have a pet waiting for another morsel of food, I suspect they just might get a lesson on greed.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

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That Word

October 7th, 2014 dsisler

 

You’ve heard it before. That word. You may have heard it from your teenager, your child, a co-worker, or even your spouse. Perhaps you have used it in the past or use it on a regular basis. And, you know, the word cannot just be spoken alone. There must be rolling of eyes, perhaps a hand gesture, or even someone walking away from you.

 

WHATEVER!

 

???????????????????????????????It is a word that clearly says, “I really don’t care about what you are saying and you can’t make me care!”

 

If you are like me, it is a word that sucks every bit of life from me. Especially when it comes from someone that I love. I want to shake them and say, “Why don’t you care?” “Am I really that unimportant to you?” “You need an attitude adjustment!” Now, I may not have tons of wisdom, but I do have some. Please give me that much!

 

Regardless of their reason for saying that word, my feelings get hurt, I feel as if I have no value, or it makes me angry. So how can that one little word mean so much? I believe it is because it is the final word.

 

The apostle Paul gives us an alternative use for this word that may help when we are in this situation. Philippians 4:8-9 says, “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.” Puts “whatever” into a completely different light doesn’t it?

 

When we are faced with a situation where the conversation ends with “whatever,” think about the things God wants us to think about. What is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, or praiseworthy. These thoughts will fill us with life! Abundant life! They will restore us so that we might be able to move on with our day.

 

And what does God promise? Peace. Peace in an otherwise hostile situation. Isn’t it wonderful how God knows exactly what we need? How He knew over 2,000 years ago that that one little word, “whatever,” would take on a different meaning and supplied a way for us to react to it. I can now thank God for the “whatever’s” in my life and rejoice that I can use that very same word in a positive way. Whatever!

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

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“Waiting Here for You” – Monday Musical Musings

October 6th, 2014 dsisler

 

Waiting can be so difficult. Waiting for a special person to arrive. Waiting for an event or special occasion. Waiting. UGH! And yet, in most every situation, we must wait.

 

IMAG1492There was plenty of waiting in the Scripture. Noah waited for the rains to begin after building the ark. Abraham waited for the birth of his son. The Hebrew nation waited for their release from slavery. King Darius waited all night long to see how Daniel fared against the lions.

 

Mary and Martha waited for news that Jesus was coming to heal their brother. The disciples waited in Jerusalem for the gift of the Holy Spirit. Saul waited in Damascus for a word from Jesus after his blinding encounter. Every believer since Jesus returned to heaven has been waiting for His return.

 

Unfortunately, waiting is part of life and I suspect that it is as difficult for you as it is for me.

 

When I read the words to this song, I am drawn to the correlation between faith and waiting. Each person mentioned above would not have been able to wait without faith in what God was doing in their lives.

 

It’s the same with us. The biblical definition of faith can be found in Hebrews 11:1 (NIV). “Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.”

 

As a believer of Jesus, my hope is found in Jesus and is to one day spend eternity with Him in heaven. But I believe that’s the easy part. It’s what I don’t see that trips up my faith. Not knowing how God is working on or in a situation that causes me to stumble.

 

So what are we to do? Wait. It’s not the time to take matters into our own hands. Let’s remember that God has it. He is in control. He has a plan. Let’s allow Him to do His work and give Him praise when it’s all come to light.

 

The best news I can share this morning is that when my faith quivers, God’s faithfulness remains firm. There are plenty of passages to back up this statement if you need proof (Deuteronomy 7:9, 1 Kings 18:36-39, Isaiah 25:1, Lamentations 3:21-23, 1 Corinthians 1:9, 2 Thessalonians 3:3, 1 John 1:9).

 

As you read through these lyrics and listen to this song, let’s be determined to wait on our faithful God. We can expect great and mighty things when we do so.

 

“Waiting Here for You”

 

If faith can move the mountains
Let the mountains move
We come with expectation
Waiting here for you, I’m waiting here for you

You’re the Lord of all creation
And still you know my heart
The Author of Salvation
You’ve loved us from the start

Chorus:
Waiting here for You
With our hands lifted high in praise
And it’s You we adore
Singing Alleluia

You are everything You’ve promised
Your faithfulness is true
And we’re desperate for Your presence
All we need is You

(Chorus)

Singing Alleluia
Alleluia, singing alleluia, alleluia

(Chorus)[i]
 

Click here to listen to Christy Nockels’ version of “Waiting Here for You.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

[i] “Waiting Here for You,” Words and music by Chris Tomlin, Jesse Reeves, and Martin Smith, Worshiptogether.com, Sixsteps Music, Vamos Publishing and Curious? Music, 2011.

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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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