Labels

September 20th, 2014 dsisler

 

We’ve been hearing messages from the Book of Ephesians on Sunday morning at church. We’re learning that sometimes we place labels on ourselves that are false and what glorious labels we have received from God. It’s been a great message series.

 

???????????????????????????????In March of this year, I made the decision to lead the study “Me, Myself and Lies” by Jennifer Rothschild. This particular study was a life-changer for me several years ago, so I wondered if it might not make a difference in another woman’s life. I believe I was right. There are 17 of us going through this study. And it just so happens, this week we are looking at labels.

 

While there are too many to list here, I’d like to share some of Mrs. Rothschild’s truthful labels she points us toward in her study. Perhaps you may not believe some of these labels. Maybe one or two may resonate with you, but you just don’t believe the rest. Well, if you think that, you need a thought closet makeover!

 

I am a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17)

I am gifted with power, love and a sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7)

I am chosen to be fruitful (John 15:16)

I am secure (Romans 6:18; Romans 8:1)

I am spiritually alive (Ephesians 2:5)

I am God’s workmanship (Ephesians 2:10)

I am welcome in God’s presence (Ephesians 2:18; Hebrews 4:14-16)

I am sheltered and protected in God (Colossians 3:3)

I am God’s treasure (1 Peter 2:9-10)

I am being transformed (2 Corinthians 3:18)

I am a friend of God (John 15:15)

I am God’s delight (Zephaniah 3:17)[i]

 

I am so thankful for the labels I have through Jesus Christ. Without Him, I would be anything but the list above.

 

But here is the bigger truth. Each of these labels belongs to you in Christ Jesus. There is no reason to feel otherwise. We must not listen to the father of lies (John 8:44). We must listen to our Father’s truth. And this is just a partial list!

 

Today, let’s walk confidently in God’s truth. Let’s believe what He says and grasp the message He tells us. What labels will you believe?

 

Grace and truth be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

[i] “Me, Myself, and Lies,” Jennifer Rothschild, LifeWay Press, 2008, page 36.

Share

Text Messages

September 19th, 2014 dsisler

 

I have learned to write down everything that is important enough for me to remember. In the past, there were sticky notes all over my computer or desk to remind me of what needed to be done. How things have changed.

 

sunsetAt work, I use Evernote to keep track of what needs to be done. The great part about this tool is that I can share folders. I keep each bullet point updated and Shan is able to see what I’m doing as well as stay in the know. It’s been a great tool for our working relationship.

 

There are also virtual sticky notes to place on computers and there’s even an app for cell phones. I haven’t found them to be as useful, but still they are a good reminder of those quick things that need attention.

 

But there are times when I hear something or want to write something down while away from my computer or paper and pen, I pull out my trusty cell phone and send myself a text message.

 

I ran through some of the text messages to myself. Here are a few of the snippets I found that don’t make any sense.

 

  • “Can’t do it on line because they need the rocket.” (What does that really mean???)
  • “I got a pencil army is on my always buy mine.” (auto spelling really got this one wrong…it was supposed to say The God of angel armies is always by my side…close.)
  • “Morning new morning his new every morning Julie com with the Donnie the best part of waking up.” (I have no idea what this is supposed to mean)
  • “Nature box save.”

 

Some of my texts are practical.

 

  • “Ended work at 12:45.”
  • “Pretzel mix, coffee filters, tea bags, steak, marinade, potatoes, string cheese, measuring cup.” (what a grocery list!)
  • “Lumber Lock and Lucas Slick Mist Wax.” (must have been gift ideas)
  • “6:30 Rachel Twisted Scissors” (reminder of a hair appointment…I guess I didn’t think I could put it on my calendar???)

 

Some I thought I would use in writing along the way.

 

  • “Light, reflection, refraction, prism, convex, and concave.”
  • “Beware of…well, just beware.”
  • “Growth comes from continuous effort. – Ford sign”
  • “Won’t stain when you miss our mouth. – Rock Water”
  • “I must exchange whispers with God before shouts with the world. -Lysa TerKeurst”

 

And then there are song titles to use.

 

  • “God so Loved the World”
  • “Glorious One”
  • “Jesus, Lover of my Soul”
  • “Oceans”

 

And let’s not forget the verses of Scripture that I needed to be reminded of.

 

  • “Genesis 1:1.”
  • “Psalm 16:11.”
  • “Psalm 91:1.”
  • “Isaiah 43:2-3.”
  • “2 Corinthians 4:16.”

 

There are addresses, websites, phone numbers, and names. I think there are even some meeting minutes.

 

I’d like to remind you that God sends messages to you on a regular basis. We see His message in creation. We see His message in people. We see His message in music. We see His message in our own lives.

 

Most importantly we see God’s message through Scripture.

 

Maybe the message God would like for you to hear today is listed above. Maybe it isn’t. When you listen for God’s message and are open to His words, it will be the perfect message for you. There won’t be any misspellings. There won’t be grammatical errors. God’s message and His timing are perfect.

 

I can’t wait to see what God has to say to me today!

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

Share

One Nation Under God

September 18th, 2014 dsisler

 

I rarely raise political issues or concerns through my blog. And while I’m not going to discuss any particular issue, I will mention how tiring it is to watch political ads. You know the ones I’m talking about. So and so isn’t the right person because they are too something.

 

flagIt seems like these ads have been running for months…and maybe they have. But right now, I’m tired of it. I want the election to be over, but we still have 6 weeks to listen to this bashing.

 

A couple of years ago, I read a book by David Butts called, “40 Days of Prayer for America: Desperate for Change.” It’s a little book and as I pulled it of my shelf, I’ve decided it’s time to read through this gem once again.

 

Mr. Butts starts out by saying “Prayer is critical to any nation, especially a nation that proclaims a connection to God.”[i] If you believe this statement like I do, we have an obligation to pray for America.

 

My questions today: Are you praying for the leaders of our country? Are you praying for the citizen of America to return to God as a nation? Are you willing to pray? There is still time for God to do His mighty work within our country.

 

We should at least be willing to try!

 

So here are my suggestions for you. If you can get a copy of Mr. Butts’ book, do so. He will encourage you to focus on very specific areas of prayer.

 

This is just one man’s tool to pray for America. God has His own tools in Scripture to lead us in praying for our nation. Let’s begin with God’s command for Israel.

 

After the temple was complete, God appeared to Solomon and shared these words with him. “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and forgive their sin and will heal their land.” (2 Chronicles 7:14 – NIV) God is willing to heal our land, but we must do our part. Humble prayers are the perfect place to start.

 

Paul urged Timothy to pray for the “kings and all those in authority” in 1 Timothy 2:1-2 (NIV). But the reasoning behind it is also mentioned in this section of Scripture. “That we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.” I will allow Scripture to speak for itself.

 

I also believe that as we live godly and holy lives, we will be good citizens of our nation. By following God’s commands and His words, we are able to be the right kind of people America needs. People full of grace. People who show kindness to strangers and the poor. People who love their enemies.

 

And Titus 3:1-2 (NIV) adds a few more words of encouragement. “Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and to show true humility toward all men.”

 

Good countries are made up of good citizens. Titus 3:14 (NIV) adds another element. “Our people must learn to devote themselves to doing what is good, in order that they may provide for daily necessities and not live unproductive lives.”

 

I certainly am not willing to live an unproductive life. I pray that you feel the same.

 

So, what I’ve come up with is that we must humble ourselves before God, pray for our nation and leaders, and be good citizens. To be honest, this is just the skeleton. As you study Scripture, you will find other things to add to this list. And I would encourage you to do so.

 

Don’t let another day go by where America is not in your prayers. Hand it over to God. Allow Him to do mighty things with people who are willing to humble themselves before Him.

 

Let the healing begin!

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

[i] “40 Days of Prayer for America: Desperate for Change,” David Butts, PrayerShop Publishing, 2012, page 3.

Share

United States Mint

September 17th, 2014 dsisler

 

I am finally able to share a little about our visit to U. S. Mint with my Dad a few weeks back. It was a great tour. We received a real penny. And a sportscaster for our local Roots sports station was there to do a story about a special coin they were minting.

 

US MintA special coin commemorating the Baseball Hall of Fame was in production. This coin is curved and the first of its kind. One side boasts a baseball, the other side a ball glove. This unique coin was designed by a civilian and are being snatched up very quickly. There were none in the gift shop.

 

The reason I have not been able to share this with you is that I purchased one of these coins for my husband for our anniversary. He comes from a family of baseball players and two of his family members are in the Baseball Hall of Fame.

 

Needless to say, he was thrilled with this gift and he was finally surprised! I believe I even saw a little tear in his eye.

 

Us Mint 2

Are you sometimes surprised by the gifts you’ve received from God? Just look at forgiveness for instance. Aren’t you amazed at what God has forgiven you for? I certainly am. Maybe for you it’s the peace you receive from God. Or perhaps it is grace.

 

When I am confronted by the gifts God has given, I am truly surprised and amazed that He would give as He has. God’s gifts are good and perfect as James tells us. “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” (James 1:17 – NIV)

 

So, let’s take a look at some of these good and perfect gifts.

 

Himself (Romans 8:30)

His Son (John 3:16)

His Spirit (John 15:26; John 14:17; John 14:26)

Salvation (Ephesians 2:8)

Forgiveness of sin (Hebrews 8:12)

Purification from sin (1 John 1:7)

Eternal life (John 14:2; Romans 6:23)

Wisdom (James 1:5)

Love, new name, hope (1 John 3:1-3)

Spiritual gifts to bring praise to God (1 Peter 4:10-11)

 

As I mentioned, these are just a few. What is your favorite gift from God? If it’s not listed here, let me know. I’d love to hear what good and perfect gift God has blessed you with.

 

The little coin I gave to my husband was inexpensive. It was thoughtful, but it didn’t cost me much. God paid the highest price for the gifts He lavishes upon us. Guess what? God thinks we are worth it.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

Share

Grace and Truth

September 16th, 2014 dsisler

 

If you’re like me, you’ve put your foot in your mouth at some point in your life. Sometimes untruths have spewed from my lips. At other times my words have hurt another or been plain ugly.

 

DSC00470mLet’s face it, our tongues have a way of getting us into trouble. If it were not so, I suspect James would not have written nearly a whole chapter devoted to the taming of the tongue (James 3:1-12).

 

James doesn’t mince words when he points out that we praise God this tongue of ours and yet we also say harsh things to those around us (James 3:9). Oh how this tongue of ours can get us into trouble.

 

And yet, Jesus, James’ half-brother was able to live a life that exemplified gracious words. His lips never uttered an untruth. Take a look at these passages of Scripture.

 

“All spoke well of him and were amazed at the gracious words that came from his lips. ‘Isn’t this Joseph’s son?’ they asked.” (Luke 4:22 – NIV)

 

“They were amazed at his teaching, because his message had authority.” (Luke 4:32 – NIV)

 

Grace and truth radiated from Jesus. Those who heard His message could see it and believe it. However, those whose hearts were hardened to Jesus’ truth were unable to understand His message.

 

John 1:14 (NIV) tells us, “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.” Jesus came to us filled with grace and truth. It is the very essence of who He is and what He came to earth to accomplish.

 

A few verses later, John stated “For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.” (John 1:17 – NIV) God sent Jesus to offer grace and truth to those who would believe. As we come to believe Jesus and His truth and accept His grace, we find freedom. Jesus’ truth will set us free (John 8:32).

 

If Jesus is grace and truth, then He is the standard by which we are to live.

 

Each day as we venture into this world (or sometimes before we even leave the house) our words need to be covered by Jesus’ grace and truth. Our words should be tempered by Jesus’ grace and truth. How blessed we are to have God’s Spirit within us to help us along the way.

 

Now we know there are folks who tell the truth in an unkind fashion. The Apostle Paul mentioned in Ephesians 4:15 that we are to “speak the truth in love.” Love and kindness should always accompany God’s truth. When you encounter a person who is unable to be gracious in their speech, we must remember to stick to Jesus’ standard. Speak as Jesus spoke. They may never get it, but you can and should.

 

Truth must always prevail, but grace must be truths’ companion.

 

Today, let’s make an extra effort to speak kind and gracious words. Let’s make an effort to allow only truth to flow from our lips. Today, let’s make an effort to be more like Jesus when it comes to our speech.

 

I’ll close with one more verse. Psalm 19:14 (NIV). “May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.”

 

Grace and peace (and truth) be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

Share
« Older Entries
Newer Entries »

  • Subscribe by Email

  • 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.

  • Bible Studies & Other Happenings

    Bible studies I’m currently leading:

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

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

  • Categories

  • Recent Posts

Visit Us On TwitterVisit Us On FacebookVisit Us On PinterestVisit Us On Linkedin