How Forgetful

August 31st, 2014 dsisler

 

Sunday has rolled around once again. I pray that you are excited to head to worship today as I am. There are so many things to be thankful for, including the fact that we are celebrating at least five baptisms this morning in our worship services. It is going to be a wonderful morning in God’s House.

 

As I share an older post this morning from my Blogging A to Z challenge in 2013, I am reminded of this prayer walking lifestyle. It used to be common place for me to pray in this manner, but I’ve gotten out of the habit. I am thankful for the reminder to praying at all times. I pray that you will find encouragement in this piece.

 

Have a wonderful day filled with God’s joy!

 

Follow Me – Blogging A to Z

 

Follow MeLast fall, as I prepared to go on a service trip to SE Asia, I read through the book Follow Me: Becoming a Lifestyle Prayerwalker by Randy Sprinkle. It is actually a Bible study, and in a few days, I will be joining a group of ladies to study this concept of following Jesus.

 

There is a story in this book that caught my attention. There was even a physical reaction to this story. Goosebumps formed on my arms. Chills ran up my spine. It truly is a moving account.

 

The story tells of a widowed Scottish minister, John Harper, traveling on the Titanic with his young daughter. When he realized there was no hope for the mighty ship, he placed his daughter in the hands of an officer and returned to second class to assist others.

 

It is noted that Mr. Harper began directing people to the lifeboats. His words were, “Women and children and the unsaved into the lifeboats first.”[i]

 

There is also evidence that while in the icy waters, Mr. Harper’s last words were “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved.”[ii] (Acts 6:31 – KJV) At least one soul was saved that night…a survivor who later told the events of an encounter with Mr. Harper and the message of salvation that was accepted.

 

But the feeling that I get is that Mr. Harper wasn’t acting this way because he was on a sinking ship. Because there was a sense of urgency. I believe that this was a lifestyle for Mr. Harper. To share the message of God’s salvation to anyone and everyone.

 

So I must ask myself this question. How often do I quote Acts 6:31 throughout my day? Are these words on my lips only during times of urgency? Do I really care about the lost of this world?

 

When I accepted the call to follow Jesus, I accepted Jesus’ mission. That mission is to seek and save the lost. Mr. Harper got it. I think I get it at times, but not all the time.

 

The thought “you’re being too hard on yourself” just ran through my mind. No I don’t think I am. That’s the evil one telling me to “Back off. There’s no reason to share that message with others today. There’s still plenty of time.”

 

It doesn’t matter if there is plenty of time. The message must be spoken. The message must be shared. I am called to speak this message to those who are lost.

 

Being a disciple of Christ requires action on my part. If we look at how the disciples reacted to Jesus’ call, we’d see some remarkable actions.

 

Peter, Andrew, James, and John left their boats and fishing nets behind to follow Jesus. (Matthew 4:18-22). There was no hesitation on their part. They didn’t know what their future with Jesus held. They just knew there was something to be done.

 

In Luke 5:27-28 we see the calling of Levi (Matthew) the tax collector. This call led Matthew to action. He left everything behind.

 

Jesus found Philip and then Philip brought his brother Nathaniel (Bartholomew) along. (John 1:43-51) Jesus’ words about Nathaniel are so interesting. “Here is a true Israelite, in whom there is nothing false.” (John 1:47 – NIV) How amazing it would be to hear those words from Jesus!

 

Each time Jesus called a disciple, His words were simple. “Follow Me.” They chose to follow Jesus. Without hesitation. Without questions. Without answers. They followed.

 

When Jesus says “Follow Me,” He asks us to be clothed in His characteristics. Follow His actions. He asks us to pick up His mission and follow through with it.

 

“Follow Me” are Jesus’ words to all of us. Whether we choose to leave everything to accept that call is what it is really about. Have you accepted the call? Are you a follower of Jesus Christ? Have you left it all behind to be a disciple of Christ?

 

I must admit, there are times when I am not the best follower. I allow my human nature to take control and push aside Jesus’ characteristics. But I also know that Jesus is loving and eager to accept me back into His circle.

 

Peter found this same acceptance after his denial of Jesus. Peter fully accepted the call on a little beach after breakfast. Peter had gone back to his old way of life, but Jesus called him once again to follow through with His mission (John 21:1-18).

 

Don’t underestimate what God can do in your life. What God can do through you. Follow Him. He will lead you in ways you’d never dream possible.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

 

[i] Sprinkle, Randy. Follow Me: Becoming a Lifestyle Prayerwalker. Alabama: New Hope Publishers, 2001. p. 22.

[ii] Sprinkle, Randy. Follow Me: Becoming a Lifestyle Prayerwalker. Alabama: New Hope Publishers, 2001. p. 23.

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Time with Dad

August 30th, 2014 dsisler

 

Dad’s visit was amazing. It seems we filled the hours with great conversation and sites. I don’t think we could have added one more thing to this birthday trip. Let me share some of what we did.

 

  • We built a swing
  • A visit to the Yesteryear Farm Show
  • Celebrated my daughter’s 29th birthday
  • Spent time with children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren
  • Worshiped at Rocky Mountain Christian Church
  • Attempted to go to Lookout Mountain (until we realized the pro cycle challenge was just behind us…the drive was still beautiful)
  • Visited Estes Park
  • Ate lunch by the river in Estes Park
  • Drove to the top of Rocky Mountain National Park (saw lots of wild turkeys!)
  • Toured the US Mint in Denver
  • Stood in line for donuts at Voodoo Donut Shop in Denver
  • Bought an Aspen tree kit

 

Dad and Tractor

Dad learned to drive on a tractor like this.

Top of the World

On the top of the world.

 

Phew! No wonder I am tired. It seems that we wanted to fill every moment with something so we could remember this trip. There was no time to waste. If we weren’t on the road heading some place, we were in conversation. Remembering old times. Sharing dreams. Laughing. Enjoying the company.

 

When we think of our relationship with God, our heavenly Father, would you say the time spent with Him is filled to the brim as my visit with my earthly Dad? Or do you take your relationship for granted and visit with God when it’s convenient for you?

 

King David understood the importance of a close relationship with God. Psalm 63 shares some of his thoughts. “O God, you are my God, earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you, my body longs for you, in a dry and weary land where there is no water.” (Psalm 63:1 – NIV)

 

Verse one is just the beginning. David goes on to express:

 

  • God’s sanctuary
  • God’s power and glory
  • God’s love
  • God’s Name
  • God’s provision
  • God’s worth
  • God’s help
  • God’s right hand
  • God’s protection
  • God’s judgment

 

David knew God through an intimate relationship. David spent time with God. David couldn’t wait until he could be with God the next time. Of course, God felt the same way about David.

 

You know that God prefers a deeper relationship with you. He desires to spend as much time with you as possible. He longs to show you the same things that He showed David.

 

But I know what you’re saying. “I just can’t seem to find the time.” “I’m so busy.” Yes, we are busy. But we can never be too busy to build this relationship with our heavenly Father (remember David’s words in Psalm 63:3).

 

Maybe you don’t have an hour to spend with God today, but I am sure you could find 15 minutes. It’s a good start. As you begin to spend a few moments with God, you’ll realize how much more you want and you will make more time for God. Really, you will.

 

My Dad loves me a lot, but what amazes me most is that my heavenly Father loves me more. What better reason to spend time with God.

 

If your soul is searching for something to cling to, why not look to your Creator. God created you to crave Him. God created you to love Him. God created you to spend time with Him. And in that relationship, you will find everything you could possibly need.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

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What a Makeover!

August 29th, 2014 dsisler

 

I’ve been working on this office of mine for a while. It seems that each day I tweak it just a bit. Change a section of the room. Fix what I feel needs fixing. It seems like it’s never ending and will never be finished.

 

???????????????????????????????What I do like is what has happened through the transformation of this room. It’s gone from a room that looked “kitschy” and outdated to an interesting, inviting room.

 

This transformation however was not easy. Hours of hard work have gone into this change. But on this side of the makeover, it’s worth all the effort.

 

Change can some???????????????????????????????times be hard for us in life. And the change that God requires of us can be difficult from the start. But as we allow God’s Spirit to lead and guide us, the change and transformation we undergo becomes less difficult.

 

The prophet Jeremiah was given a message to tell the people of Judah in Jeremiah 7. Part of this message was for them to change. Take a look at some of God’s words.

 

“Reform your ways and your actions and I will let you live in this place.” (Jeremiah 7:3b – NIV)

 

“If you really change your ways and your actions and deal with each other justly, if you do not oppress the alien, the fatherless or the widow and do not shed innocent blood in this place, and if you do not follow other gods to your own harm, then I will let you live in this place, in the land I gave your forefathers for ever and ever.” (Jeremiah 7:5-7 – NIV)

 

God was asking for Judah to be faithful to Him. To change from their old habits and lifestyle and return to Him. That’s exactly what He asks of us.

 

At Saul’s anointing in 1 Samuel 10, King Saul heard these words of the Lord through the prophet Samuel.

 

“The Spirit of the Lord will come upon you in power, and you will be prophesy with them; and you will be changed into a different person.” (1 Samuel 10:6 – NIV)

 

That’s exactly what happens to us when we accept Jesus as our Savior! We received God’s Spirit and we become powerful through Him. And we are changed into a different person!

 

Our desires become God’s desires. Our will becomes His will. We are transformed.

 

“And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.” (2 Corinthians 3:18 – NIV)

 

As we allow His Spirit to lead us, we become more like Christ. Ever-increasing to reflect His glory. That is what change is all about.

 

But in order for this change to take place, we must allow God’s Spirit to transform us. Take a look at Paul’s words in Romans 12.

 

“Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is our spiritual act of worship. 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.” (Romans 12:1-2 – NIV)

 

As we offer our lives to God, He is able to change us from what we once were—sinners saved by grace—into people who please God and are holy like Him. And it’s through this change that we find His will.

 

The change in my beach room didn’t happen overnight. It was an on-going process for a month or so. And to be honest, I really don’t think I’m quite done. It’s the same with our spiritual lives. Change is an on-going process. The more we know about God and His character, the more we want to be just like Him.

 

If you’ve already accepted Jesus as your Savior, how are you doing on this transformation thing? I pray that you and others are noticing the change. That you are becoming more and more like your heavenly Father.

 

If you are looking for this change in your life, let me know. I’d love to point you in the direction of this change. It’s a great day for change. Why not take that first step?

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

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Just One More

August 28th, 2014 dsisler

 

Oh please forgive me. I need to repurpose an older blog post for just one more day. My Dad got off to the airport and has made it home safely. My visit with him was better than I could have imagined. There will be multiple posts to come to share how God showed up in the most wonderful ways.

 

My Mom however, went in for another angioplasty. Another stent was placed in a blocked artery and the other artery was “cleaned out.” She is resting comfortably and we are praying for another “full” recovery…remember she is supposed to come to Colorado for a visit.

 

So today, I share a piece about autumn, Women’s Bible study, and how God is described in Scripture. I pray that you will find great encouragement from this blog post. Have a blessed day!

 

Like What?

 

cornicopiaIt’s official. Fall has arrived in my neck of the woods.

 

It is officially fall when first day of school pictures are posted on Facebook.

 

It is officially fall when the windows in my home can be left open throughout the day with a cool breeze billowing in.

 

It is officially fall when my orange, yellow, red and gold décor make their way from the basement to the living room.

 

It is officially fall when I receive an email from our women’s ministry director stating what leaders will be teaching each Bible study.

 

I know technically it isn’t fall, but it is beginning to “feel” like fall.

 

When the trees begin their color change. When sweaters and shoes replace tank tops and flip flops. When anything made of pumpkin sounds delicious.

 

It feels like fall.

 

As we search Scripture, we can see some descriptions of God as being like something we are familiar with.

 

We’ll begin our search in 2 Samuel 22:3 (NIRV) where the author of this book states, “My God is my rock. I go to him for safety. He is like a shield to me. He’s the power that saves me. He’s my place of safety. I go to him for help. He’s my Savior. He saves me from those who want to hurt me.”

 

God is like a shield. His protection is provided to us against all of our enemies.

 

In the book of Psalms, we see a couple of descriptions of God. Psalm 46:7 (NIRV) says, “The Lord who rules over all is with us. The God of Jacob is like a fort to us.” Again, we see God’s protection. A fortress to surround us in times of trouble.

 

And in Psalm 121:5 (NIRV), the Psalmist shows how God provides comfort during the uncomfortable times of our life. “The Lord watches over you. The Lord is like a shade tree at your right hand.”

 

In Proverbs, we see two more pictures of what God is like. In Proverbs 3:12 (NIRV), God is described as a father. “The Lord trains those he loves. He is like a father who trains the son he is pleased with.” Because of the great love God has for us, we accept His training as we might from our earthly father.

 

And in Proverbs 18:10 (NIRV), God’s name is shown to be of great value to those who seek protection. “The name of the Lord is like a strong tower. Godly people run to it and are safe.”

 

God is described as a consuming fire several times in Scripture. As One who desires that we remain faithful to Him. The Hebrew author states it like this. “We are receiving a kingdom that can’t be shaken. So let us be thankful. Then we can worship God in a way that pleases him. We will worship him with deep respect and wonder. Our ‘God is like a fire that burns everything up.’” (Hebrews 12:28-29, referencing Deuteronomy 4:24 – NIRV)

 

The Psalmist asks the question, “Who, O God, is like you?” (Psalm 71:19b – NIV) And Jeremiah answers the question. “No one is like you, O Lord; you are great, and your name is mighty in power.” (Jeremiah 10:6 – NIV) We can try to describe God, but to be honest, God is beyond our comprehension. And also to be honest, I’m thankful for that.

 

If I were able to put my exact words to God’s existence and being, there would be nothing to draw me to Him. I’d have Him figured out. But instead, I’m continually searching for God. For who He is and why He loves me so. I’m continually searching His Word to find something new about God.

 

What is God like to you? Is He like a Light? Is He like a Teacher? Is He like a Husband? Is He like a Father? What is God like?

 

The great news is that God wants to be all of these for you and He wants to be everything for you.

 

It feels like fall, because fall really is just around the corner. But until then, we’ll continue to see small glimpses into the upcoming season. It is a season of thanksgiving. Let’s give thanks to our God for being so likeable.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

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Visit with Dad – Day 6

August 27th, 2014 dsisler

 

While I enjoy my visit with my dad I will post some of my favorite musical musings from a while back. Enjoy your visit!

 

Wonderful Grace of Jesus – Musical Musings in March

 

MusicToday I’m taking you back to my college days. Music was all around and an impact on me, but if you were to ask other students, you’d probably hear the same. Chapel services with great hymns of our faith being sung. Christmas concerts. Choir tours. A stirring rendition of “Blessed Assurance” could even be heard in the classroom.

 

Yes, Cincinnati Bible College (now known as Cincinnati Christian University) was filled with music and musical memories for me. And the hymn I share with you today is one that rings loudly in my memory.

 

“Wonderful Grace of Jesus” isn’t just a hymn. It is a musical dance that leads partners in and out of proximity to one another. The scales run up and down. The tune heads in different directions. But when it is complete, the message is told. Jesus’ grace is wonderful!

 

You see, the value of a piece of music isn’t just in the melody, the rhythm or the harmonies. It must hold its value in the message. For if the message does not lead a soul to Christ, then it is just a song. There are some great songs in our world, but those that lead others to Christ are truly valuable.

 

So today I share “Wonderful Grace of Jesus” with you. You’ll enjoy a version of the song by clicking on this link.

 

Wonderful Grace of Jesus

 

Wonderful grace of Jesus, greater than all my sin;
How shall my tongue describe it, where shall its praise begin?
Taking away my burden, setting my spirit free,
For the wonderful grace of Jesus reaches me!

(Refrain)

 

Wonderful grace of Jesus, reaching to all the lost,
By it I have been pardoned, saved to the uttermost;
Chains have been torn asunder, giving me liberty,
For the wonderful grace of Jesus reaches me!

(Refrain)

 

Wonderful grace of Jesus, reaching the most defiled,
By its transforming power, making him God’s dear child.
Purchasing peace and heaven for all eternity;
And the wonderful grace of Jesus reaches me![i]

(Refrain)

 

Refrain:
Wonderful the matchless grace of Jesus,
Deeper than the mighty rolling sea;
Wonderful Grace, All-sufficient for me;
Broader than the scope of my transgressions,
Greater far than all my sin and shame;
O magnify the precious name of Jesus, praise His name!

 

Oh, we have so much to praise Jesus for! And grace certainly tops my list!

 

Were you able to pick out a few phrases that vividly depict Jesus’ grace? Greater than sin. Takes away burdens. Sets spirits free. Reaches the lost. Tears chains asunder. Gives liberty. Provides transforming power. Purchases peace and heaven.

 

Grace reaches me!

 

Jesus’ grace reaches you, too! Let’s see what God’s Word has to say about His grace and how it reaches us.

 

Paul shares these words with us in Ephesians 1:7-8 (NIV). “In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace that he lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding.”

 

And again Paul speaks of God’s grace in Ephesians 2:6-8 (NIV). “And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God.”

 

We see from the Hebrew writer that we have confidence in the grace Jesus provides. “Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” (Hebrews 4:16 – NIV)

 

Through Jesus’ grace we find restoration, strength, solid footing, and a firm foundation. “And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.” (1 Peter 5:10 – NIV)

 

When we are covered by Jesus’ grace, we are covered. Completely. Confidently. Covered. It’s up to you to accept His grace and allow yourself to be saturated with it.

 

Occasionally I hear this tune and I am immediately drawn back to my college days. I’m sure that will never change. But the most important thing is that this song reminds me of Jesus’ grace and I am never far from needing a good dose.

 

“Wonderful Grace of Jesus.” I pray that you are within His reach.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

 

[i] Wonderful Grace of Jesus, Haldor Lillenas, 1919

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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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