And Yet Again

September 30th, 2014 dsisler

 

Mom is back in the hospital this morning with more of the same symptoms she has been experiencing for the past two months. Another angiogram is planned today. And here I sit, miles and miles away from one of my favorite people in the world feeling pretty helpless.

 

???????????????????????????????So today I need encouragement from Scripture. Reminders of God’s grace, His love, and the power that only He can provide.

 

As I sit here at my desk and look around, there are three prominent verses of Scripture that are part of my beach décor. Today they are especially powerful for me.

 

“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12:9 – NIV) This verse has given me encouragement through the years and this morning it continues. Although I am across the country from Mom, I know who is holding onto her. I know who will be her strength. I know who will provide all that I need today. My God is awesome.

 

“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever! Amen.” (Ephesians 3:20-21 – NIV) My awesome God is more than capable to take care of Mom’s situation this morning. My role is to trust Him, to allow Him to work in my life and to point others to Jesus. I can’t wait to see God’s plan unfold.

 

“This is the good life—my heart is glad, my soul is full of joy, and my body is at rest. Who could want for more? You will not abandon me to experience death and the grace or leave me to rot alone. Instead, you direct me on the path that leads to a beautiful life. As I walk with You, the pleasures are never-ending, and I know true joy and contentment.” (Psalm 16:9-11 – The Voice) Perhaps these are the verses most difficult to trust this morning. But what I do know is that living in God’s will is the good life. His path leads to a beautiful life. Everything I could possibly want comes from God. I have found abundant life through Jesus and know true joy and contentment. I know that God will not abandon me in any circumstance. He will stand and fight for me. How could these verses not encourage?

 

I also know that Mom has made my life fuller and richer and good. She’s been my biggest fan and has given until there was nothing left to give. While I wish I could be by her side this morning, Mom knows that I am living a good life here in Colorado and am following the path that God set before me.

 

So this morning I ask that your prayers would include Mom, her procedure and her recovery. I thank you in advance.

 

Perhaps you needed encouragement this morning. If so, I pray that these few words would be uplifting. Hold on to Jesus. Cling tightly to His promises. Trust Him with your struggles. And bask in His goodness. Then you can say, this is the good life!

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

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“Thrive” – Monday Musical Musing

September 29th, 2014 dsisler

 

It’s Monday morning after a week of vacation. So far, it’s been difficult to get back into my daily routine. Maybe you’re feeling the same way.

 

IMAG1492If so, let me encourage you by sharing today’s uplifting song, “Thrive.” When our day-to-day schedules and routines drain us of every ounce of energy and motivation there is a greater source we can tap into for renewal.

 

God wants more for us than just survival. He wants us to thrive! With God’s Holy Spirit within us, we are able to do just that.

 

The Holy Spirit provides everything we need to thrive. Energy. Strength. Encouragement. Motivation. Hope. Reminders. Truth. Counsel. Peace. Guidance. And this is just the beginning.

 

When we are in the midst of this worn and weary land, God’s Spirit will flow through us and renew our spirits. As we ask for God’s Spirit to be at work in our lives, His presence becomes evident.

 

Galatians 5:22-23 (NIV) tells us how the Spirit shows up in our lives. “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” These characteristics flourish when God’s Spirit is at work.

 

So today if you’re struggling with getting into your routine as I am, why not rely on God’s Spirit to lead you to thrive? Why not allow God’s Spirit to transform your spirit to be more in line with God’s plan to thrive? Why not run to the Living Water who wants the best for your life? I believe it’s a great day to thrive!

 

“Thrive”

 

Here in this worn and weary land
Where many a dream has died
Like a tree planted by the water
We never will run dry

So living water flowing through
God we thirst for more of You
Fill our hearts and flood our souls
With one desire

 

Chorus:

Just to know You and
To make You known
We lift Your name on High
Shine like the sun make darkness run and hide
We know we were made for so much more
Than ordinary lives
It’s time for us to more than just survive
We were made to thrive

 

Into Your word we’re digging deep
To know our Father’s heart
Into the world we’re reaching out
To show them who You are

So living water flowing through
God we thirst for more of You
Fill our hearts and flood our souls
With one desire

(Chorus)

 

Joy Unspeakable, Faith Unsinkable, Love Unstoppable, Anything is possible
Joy Unspeakable, Faith Unsinkable, Love Unstoppable, Anything is possible

(Chorus)[i]
 

Casting Crowns version of this song is available for your listening pleasure by clicking here.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

[i] “Thrive,” Words and Music by Mark Hall and Matthew West, My Refuge Music, 2013.

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What Are You Thinking?

September 28th, 2014 dsisler

 

Do your thoughts ever wander? Mine certainly do. Sometimes it’s just too difficult to focus on a conversation or a task because my mind has gone somewhere else. You know, “what should we have for dinner?” or “oh, I shouldn’t have said that.”

 

IMAG0226And then there are the times when my mind wanders to where it shouldn’t. When envy or dislike enters. Not super evil thoughts, but ungodly just the same. These thoughts are the most disturbing to me.

 

2 Corinthians 10:5 (NIV) suggests that when our thoughts wander, we must “take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” Even when we know no one else will know our thoughts, we must still give them to Jesus. He must rule over our thoughts as He does our actions.

 

As we prepare our hearts for worship this morning, let’s use King David’s words as our personal prayer. “May the words 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)

 

Today I continue with my Blogging A to Z repeats from 2013. This morning enjoy “Ingredients.”

 

Ingredients – Blogging from A to Z

 

I love to cook. I find such joy while preparing a delicious meal, whether it is for two, 200 or somewhere in between. I have confidence in my skill and in my desire to find something unique to prepare, as well as my interest in learning something new.

 

Regardless of whether I use a recipe or whip something together, there must be ingredients of some sort. Ingredients make up everything we eat.

 

Sometimes ingredients are better than others. Obviously fresh fruits and vegetables are healthier for us, so when they can be purchased in season, the end product is just more appealing. We live in a time where what we put into our bodies is much more important. Better ingredients make better food (I think I just stole that from a popular pizza joint!).

 

What “ingredients” are needed for a better relationship with God or for spiritual growth? Let’s take a look at some of these elements.

 

Bible Study

An example of studying God’s Word can be found in the book of Ezra. He was “well versed in the Law of Moses.” He arrived in Jerusalem from Babylon and he had “devoted himself to the study and observance of the Law of the Lord, and to teaching its decrees and laws in Israel.” (Ezra 7:1-10 – NIV)

 

In 2 Timothy 2:15, Timothy was told to “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.” We also should study God’s Word so that we know exactly what His Word says. We then, will be able to be like Timothy.

 

Prayer

Ephesians 6:18 (NIV) shows us that we are to “pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.”

 

Here are a few other verses to take note of that lead us to the same conclusion. “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” (Philippians 4:6 – NIV) “Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.” (Colossians 4:2 – NIV) “The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.” (James 5:16b – NIV)

 

Scripture Memorization

Psalm 119:11 (NIV) reminds me of King David’s words. “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.” Hiding Scripture in my heart keeps me on the right path. God’s path.

 

And we find that the Hebrew nation was given a similar command regarding the memorization of God’s commands. “These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts.” (Deuteronomy 6:6 – NIV)

 

You may want to consider some other “ingredients” for spiritual growth that we don’t have time to go into with this post, but you could look up the provided Scripture to see what God’s word has to say about them.

 

Worship (Psalm 95:6; Psalm 122:1, John 4:24; Romans 12:1-2)

 

Meditation (Joshua 1:8; Psalm 1:2; Psalm 19:14; Psalm 119:148)

 

Fasting (Isaiah 58; Matthew 4:1-11; Matthew 6:16-18; Acts 14:23)

 

Silence and Solitude (Job 33:32-33; Psalm 4:3-4; Habakkuk 2:20; Luke 6:12)

 

Rest (Psalm 119:165; Psalm 127:2; Isaiah 30:15; Matthew 11:28)

 

I love what James says in James 1:22 (NIV), “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” We must put all that we learn through the “ingredients” into practice, otherwise we will not grow spiritually. That is not what God wants us to be or how He wants us to live our lives. We are to do what His Word says.

 

And since I chatted earlier about loving to cook, I had to bring this passage into this piece. 1 Peter 2:2-3 (NIV) tells us that we are to crave spiritual milk, because we have tasted that Lord is good. “Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, now that you have tasted that the Lord is good.”

 

The “ingredients” listed above lead to spiritual maturity and as we mature, we crave God more and more and only want what He has to offer.

 

So let’s do a little evaluation of our lives by answering the following questions.

 

What are the steps you need to take to move from infancy to Christian maturity? Are you in a weekly Bible study that draws you into God’s Word to learn more about God? Are you attending worship services on a regular basis? Do you have a spiritual mentor who can assist when you have a spiritual question? Do you crave being with God daily?

 

I pray that today you will crave God over anything else.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

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Billy Ray Visit – Day 7

September 27th, 2014 dsisler

 

My brother will be visiting this week. My husband and I have taken vacation and we plan to enjoy our time together.

 

I will be sharing an older blog post each day this week. I have found enough blog posts that mention my brother Billy Ray, so you will get to know him a little as we laugh the days away.

 

A Fish and Kayak

 

On my recent trip to Florida with my family, my brothers became pretty good at fishing in a kayak. They learned the pattern of the tides, the current of the water, and how far out into the bay they could go.

 

DSC02117On these fishing excursions, each of them caught quite a few fish. Most were too small to keep, but they were content with spending the day slowly drifting on the water.

 

The problem they encountered was that when they found fish, there was no way to anchor the kayak to that spot. Before they could get their line reset, they were beyond the location and would once again need to drift until more fish were found.

 

My brother Michael came up with a solution. There were small buoy’s, almost like large fishing bobbers, out in the bay. Michael grabbed one of them and tucked it into the kayak to keep him in that location.

 

It wasn’t long before he realized that he was not staying in one location and in fact was drifting. Not only was he drifting, but the buoy was as well.

 

I believe we can get in that same mess with our spiritual lives. If we are not careful, our minds will pull us in a direction that might not be the correct route. Here are a few verses that will help us with keeping our minds from drifting.

 

Hebrews 2:1 gives us a good piece of advice. “We must pay more careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away.” Paying attention will allow us to stay on the correct path that God has set for us to follow.

 

“You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you.” (Isaiah 26:3) Keeping our minds steadfast brings peace because of the trust we’ve placed in God.

 

And how are we to do this? Romans 12:2 gives us a guide. “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is, his good, pleasing, and perfect will.” Renewing our minds will lead to transformation.

 

And Ephesians 4:22-24 gives a little more insight. “You were taught with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.” Putting off the old self and putting on the new self is possible through the attitude of our minds. God’s righteousness and holiness will be evident through this process.

 

“The end of all things is near. Therefore, be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray.” (1 Peter 4:7) In this verse we see that being clear minded and having self control go hand in hand. By keeping these two elements in line, prayer will be the outcome.

 

And finally, for what purpose are we to prepare our minds? For action! “Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed.” (1 Peter 1:13) After we’ve set our minds right, we must get our minds ready for action. For whatever Satan might throw our way. We must be ready.

 

Perhaps you remember the old television advertisement for the UNCF, “A mind is a terrible thing to waste.” Especially when it involves your spiritual life. Use your mind. Develop your mind. Keep focused on what really matters. “Set your mind on things above, not on earthly things.” (Colossians 3:2) Quit drifting!

 

My brothers learned the fine art of fishing and kayaking in a few short days. Apparently, there is nothing that a little fishing won’t cure.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

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Billy Ray Visit – Day 6

September 26th, 2014 dsisler

 

My brother will be visiting this week. My husband and I have taken vacation and we plan to enjoy our time together.

 

I will be sharing an older blog post each day this week. I have found enough blog posts that mention my brother Billy Ray, so you will get to know him a little as we laugh the days away.

 

The Light on the Back Porch

 

Growing up in Upstate New York brought with it some great experiences and memories. Bike rides to Blueberry Hill, panning for gold, tobogganing in the snow, drives though the mountains during the autumn months, boat outings on the lakes and canals of the area, visits to apple orchards for fresh pressed apple cider, and the list could go on.

 

front porchMemories of my youth.

 

Another memory is playing baseball in the backyard with other neighborhood kids. We lived on a 3-acre lot and there was an open field at the back of the property where we had created a baseball diamond.

 

Saturday’s would come and when our chores were finished, we’d head to the baseball field with gear in hand. After rounding up our friends, a baseball game would get underway.

 

We would play for hours. We would lose track of time. We were having fun.

 

Then it would happen. My sister, my brother, or I would see it. The light on the back porch. At that moment, we knew the game was over for us. We’d gather our gear and head home. That porch light brought disappointment to us and to our fellow ball players on many occasions.

 

My dad had thought up the little system. If we were out and about and saw the porch light on, it was the signal to come home. And it worked well.

 

That light had meaning. That light contained a message. That light gave direction. That light was a beacon. That light drew us to it.

 

In our spiritual walk, we too have a light. That light is Jesus. Isaiah told of this great Light in his book. “The people living in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned.” (Isaiah 9:2)

 

John the Baptizer also told of this Light. He testified concerning the Light. “The true Light that gives light to every man was coming into the world.” (John 1:6-9)

 

And when Jesus walked onto the scene, the Light had arrived and He proclaimed it. “I am the Light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12)

 

On another occasion Jesus said, “While I am in the world, I am the Light of the world.” (John 9:5)

 

And as Jesus taught the crowds about the Light, He said, “You are going to have the light just a little while longer. Walk while you have the light, before darkness over takes you. The man who walks in the dark does not know where he is going. Put our trust in the light while you have it, so that you may become sons of light.” (John 12:35-36)

 

Once we become “sons of light,” we are called to be a light in this world. We are to reflect the Light so that others might see Jesus through us.

 

Matthew 5:14-16 says, “You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.”

 

Our light is to be visible to all we come in contact with…in order to praise God!

 

Paul shares in 2 Corinthians 4:6 a little about light. “For God, who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness,’ made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.”

 

Just as God created light in the beginning, He has placed light in our hearts. That light has meaning. That light contains a message. That light gives direction. That light is a beacon. That light draws us to it.

 

What power we have received! Romans 13:12 also tells us to “put on the armor of light.” We have this power from the Light all around…inside and outside.

 

So, what are you waiting for? The Light is here! The Light is waiting for you to shine! Don’t keep the Light under a bushel…oh no! I pray that you will “let that little light shine” for all to see and so that God would be glorified.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

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  • About Me

  • "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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    In September 2012 I went to SE Asia on a service trip. For more information, check out preachitclearly.blogspot.com.

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