Peaches!

August 16th, 2014 dsisler

 

Palisade peaches are notably some of the best fruit. If you don’t believe me, just take a look at what is written about them on Grand Junction, Colorado’s website.

 

peaches“Locals will tell you Palisade peaches are the best, simply because they’re ripe, sweet and loaded with chin-dripping juice. The Grand Valley’s hot days and cool nights are perfect for bringing out the natural sugars in the peaches and growing big fruit. In comparison, peaches from other areas, such as California, seem invariably dry, mealy and tart because they must be picked green to survive traveling and won’t develop any more sugar once they are picked.”

 

When my husband mentioned that we could purchase some of these delectable beauties from a gentleman at work, we decided to buy more than one or two of these little gems. We bought 10 pounds.

 

They arrived yesterday and when I opened the box I was stunned. They are HUGE! The smell is divine. As the advertisement above suggests, they are ripe and I suspect, juicy. We’ll see as I begin to work with them later today.

 

Perhaps you need a little reminder today that like these peaches, God has designed you with a purpose in mind. For peaches, they are to be eaten. For you, there are greater plans in the work.

 

I was reminded of Ephesians 2:10 yesterday in an extremely creative way. God created each of us on purpose. Not one of us is a mistake. Not one of us was a slip-up or blunder. No, God created you and me on purpose.

 

And not only has God created us on purpose, but He created us for a purpose. Maybe you don’t know what that purpose is yet, but God does. He has a plan and you are part of it.

 

“For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” (Ephesians 2:10 – NIV)

 

Take a look at this same verse from The Voice. “For we are the product of His hand, heaven’s poetry etched on lives, created in the Anointed, Jesus, to accomplish good works God arranged long ago.”

 

And one more from the Amplified Version. “For we are God’s [own] handiwork (His workmanship), recreated in Christ Jesus, [born anew] that we may do those good works which God predestined (planned beforehand) for us [taking paths which He prepared ahead of time], that we should walk in them [living the good life which He prearranged and made ready for us to live].”

 

God has created us on purpose for a purpose. You have no reason to ever doubt that.

 

You may feel however, that you haven’t reached your full potential yet, God has that covered too. Philippians 1:6 (NIV) tells you and me that “he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”

 

I have no idea what I will create with the beautiful peaches sitting in my kitchen this morning. I’m sure it will involve some jam, perhaps a peach cobbler, or even peach shortcake. What I do know is that these peaches were created for a purpose. To be eaten and enjoyed.

 

Keep in mind as you go through your day today that you too were created for a purpose. Our lives are not to be wasted. I pray that God will reveal His purpose to you today and that you will thank Him for creating you just the way you are.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

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Life!

August 15th, 2014 dsisler

 

My mind is on overload. I attended the Global Leader Summit yesterday and will join the group again today. Leaders from all walks of life from all over the globe have gathered together to be encouraged by a few outstanding leaders of our day. What an amazing conference.

 

0626091024So I’d like to share a few quotes (or ideas) from yesterday’s sessions that I believe will make a difference in my life.

 

“The grander the vision, the bigger the price tag.” –Bill Hybels

 

“What you are is God’s gift to you. What you become is your gift to God.” –Carly Fiorina

 

“What’s in your suitcase and why did you put it there?” –Susan Cain

 

“There are 2,350 verses of Scripture that talk about God’s heart for orphans, widows, the poor and aliens.” –Bryan Loritts

 

“I’m tired of hearing ‘servant leadership’ because there is no other kind.” –Patrick Lencioni

 

To be honest, there were more impressive words spoken yesterday, but each speaker shared so much information there was no way to get it all on paper. Some of these quotes may not be word-for-word, but these are the ideas.

 

How blessed we are to have a book filled with inspiring words by our leader, Jesus. If I don’t recall a specific thread of words, I can search the Bible to find it. So let me give you a few quotes for us to remember as we go through our day from Jesus. These I know I’ll get right!

 

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.” (Matthew 5:6 – NIV)

 

“Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:44 – NIV)

 

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28 – NIV)

 

“If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.” (Matthew 16:24 – NIV)

 

“Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.” (Mark 16:15-16 – NIV)

 

“Father, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come. Give us each day our daily bread. Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us. And lead us not into temptation.” (Luke 11:2-4 – NIV)

 

“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Luke 12:34 – NIV)

 

“The Spirit gives life the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you are spirit and they are life.” (John 6:63 – NIV)

 

“Feed my sheep.” (John 21:17 – NIV)

 

We may not always be able to quote Jesus word-for-word, but as we spend time in the Bible, we find that God’s Spirit reminds us of the ideas and words we’ve read. The Holy Spirit will help us to locate and even quote these precious words.

 

I pray that as you head out into your day that you are able to recall the words of Jesus that you have read or studied. Keep them close to your heart. Allow Jesus’ words to transform. And as you have opportunity, speak them. They are life!

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

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Transforming Words

August 14th, 2014 dsisler

 

One of my greatest joys is to teach women about God’s Word and how it relates to our daily lives. I love how God used and uses His Bible to show us the inadequacies and the successes as we go through our spiritual journey. When I can share these truths with others, I’m so blessed.

 

DSC02392mI’ve had the privilege of leading several groups of ladies in the past. What I love about these groups is their desire to go a little deeper into Scripture to find the greater value of knowing God’s message inside and out. But they’ve gone beyond knowledge. They implement these truths into their daily lives. They live out their faith. They are spiritual warriors in their own worlds.

 

While I love getting deep in God’s Word, I also love teaching those who know nothing or very little about God. I love sharing the Gospel. I love sharing God’s grace and forgiveness. I love sharing the importance of learning and studying God’s plan through His Word.

 

Several years ago, I was asked to lead a study on a wonderful book called A Newcomer’s Guide to the Bible[i]. The book is a great tool for beginners, but I found it to be inspiring for me as well. It gives a clear view of how the Bible is a complete work. How it fits together perfectly. It shows that God had a plan from the beginning and how He connected that plan throughout.

 

We really wanted to use this in our women’s Bible study program, but the problem is that a person going through the book would never have to open the Bible by reading this book. My close friend, the women’s ministry director and I took on the task of writing a companion study to go along with the book. It was the first study I’d ever written and I must say I was hooked!

 

It doesn’t matter how many times I go through this study (and I’ve done it four or five times) I always learn something new. God always directs my study time to find something different to think about. Just as He has always done in the past.

 

You see, God’s Word is very relevant for our lives today. It is living and active. And it points us to the exact place we need to be in our relationship with God.

 

Perhaps you understand what I am saying. Verses pop out that you’re certain you’ve read before, but never meant anything to you until a certain moment. Or a passage will have greater meaning depending on what is happening in our lives. That’s how God’s Word works.

 

This also validates that we must never stop studying or reading the Bible. God will always show us something as we approach our study time with an open heart and mind. Don’t ever underestimate what God will teach you when you’re an eager vessel.

 

Perhaps we read verses of Scripture like Psalm 119:105 (NIV), “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” and wonder how God is able to do this. But He does. God directs us through His Word to show us the path we are to take. And as we study Scripture, we’ll gain more insight into that path and we’ll learn to hear His voice.

 

I’d love to hear from you about this topic. Have you experienced anything I’ve mentioned today? If so, how? What new information has God shown you through your study time? Has He pointed you directly to a passage that you needed for a specific situation?

 

I can honestly say that He has for me.

 

I pray that you’re getting into God’s Word today. I pray that new insight will be shown to you because of your eager heart. I pray that God will show you exactly what He wants you to learn today.

 

God’s Word is a precious gift to us. Let’s never take it for granted. Let’s spend as much time reading the pages of this book as possible. Let’s glean potential knowledge and wisdom from its inspiring words. Let’s see what God has to say to us today!

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

 

[i] Armour, Michael C., A Newcomer’s Guide to the Bible. College Press Publishing Company, 1999.

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Be Patient and Stand Firm

August 13th, 2014 dsisler

 

Last weekend, the Ironman race was hosted in nearby Boulder, Colorado. The Ironman race is a triathlon consisting of 2.4 miles of swimming, a 112 mile bike ride and 26.2 mile marathon; this is competition and endurance at its best.

 

bike raceWhile I admire the group of people who trained and participated in this remarkable race, there are others I admire much more because of their endurance.

 

The cancer patient who continues to come to work with a smile, all the while dealing with the nausea of her treatment. The single mom who works two jobs to keep her children fed and sheltered. The dad who continues to look for work after his company files for bankruptcy. And this list could go on and on.

 

And then there are those who are suffering for their faith. They wake up each morning knowing it’s probably not going to be any better, but they hold onto to one thing. Hope. Hope that it might get better in this world, but if it doesn’t, there is victory in life after death.

 

James, the half-brother of Jesus had seen the horrors of persecution. If he wasn’t at the cross, he heard of the cruelty placed upon his brother. He knew of the persecution work of Saul. Perhaps James heard Stephen’s words as the mob stoned Stephen. More than likely, James knew of the many being put to death for their faith and trust in Jesus.

 

And these are the words of comfort these persecuted believers heard from James. “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything…Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised those who love him.” (James 1:2-4; 12 – NIV)

 

Finding joy in trials may be difficult, perhaps even impossible to our human minds. But over and over in Scripture we see the spiritual blessings we receive when we rejoice in all circumstances.

 

Perhaps the Apostle Paul encouraged the persecuted because of the persecution he himself had inflicted upon believers of Christ. We find these words of encouragement in Romans 5:3-4; Romans 8:35-39; 1 Corinthians 9:24-27; 2 Corinthians 4:8-10; Galatians 6:9; Philippians 3:14; Philippians 4:13; 2 Timothy 2:3; and 2 Timothy 4:1-5, 7. Paul understood hardship and trial. But he also understood that through God, endurance is possible.

 

We can find more encouraging words from the writer of Hebrews. “You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised.” (Hebrews 10:36 – 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)

 

Crossing the finish line is the ultimate goal of any race. It’s no different for the believer. The only difference is that with eyes fixed upon Jesus, we are able to run the race well. We are able to put off the hindrances. We are able to hit the marks.

 

I don’t know what trials you may be facing today. I pray that you will find encouragement in Scripture and know to “be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near.” (James 5:8 – NIV)

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

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New

August 12th, 2014 dsisler

 

We are in the throes of August. Back-to-school traditions are in full swing and some schools have already started. Fall programming at churches are ready to begin. The thought of cooler weather lingers on everyone’s minds. Life is about to change.

 

IMAG0226August has always been a special month for me. My oldest child was born on August 21. My second child was born three years later on August 23. As you can imagine, August birthdays and back-to-school shopping were nearly always combined.

 

August also means that women’s Bible studies all around the world are about ready to begin. Women from all walks of life will spend more time in prayer and study with Bibles in hand starting in just a few weeks. Not that these same women don’t study and pray during the summer, but there’s just something about the fall and the re-gathering of these faithful women that makes me believe the evil one isn’t as excited for August to end as we are.

 

The church I attend and where I work is gearing up for a final push this fall as well. We have our end of summer bash tomorrow night at a local water park and I know the kids are going to have a blast. The kids and students will be promoted to their new classes this Sunday. New neighborhood groups are being formed. Even our current message series is pushing our folks to something a little bigger, to a relationship with Jesus that’s a little deeper.

 

We rarely think of it this way, but August is a time of new beginnings. New studies. New grade levels at school. New teachers. New clothes. For some, new life in Christ.

 

There are plenty of passages that speak to this idea of new. King David spoke of a new song in Psalm 40:3. Isaiah heard new things from God as stated in Isaiah 48:6. God spoke through Ezekiel 36:26 and said new hearts and new spirits were to come.

 

There were new names (Daniel 1:7), new days (Zephaniah3:5), a new teaching (Mark 1:27), a new command (John 13:34), new life (Acts 5:20), a new way of the Spirit (Romans 7:6), a new covenant (1 Corinthians 11:25), new creation (Galatians 6:15), new birth (1 Peter 1:3), a new heaven and earth (2 Peter 3:13), new everything (Revelation 21:5).

 

Early in Jesus’ ministry He was asked why His disciples didn’t fast and pray as John the Baptizer’s and the Pharisees did (Matthew 9:14-17; Mark 2:18-22; Luke 5:33-39). Jesus replied with encrypted words that we now understand, but for His audience, I’m sure they wondered what bridegroom he was talking about.

 

Jesus then went on to share a parable with those around Him. “No one tears a patch from a new garment and sews it on an old one. If he does, he will have torn the new garment, and the patch from the new will not match the old. And no one pours new wine into old wineskins. If he does, the new wine will burst the skins, the wine will run out and the wineskins will be ruined. No, new wine must be poured into new wineskins. And no one after drinking old wine wants the new, for he says, ‘This old is better.’” (Luke 5:36-39 – NIV)

 

Jesus’ audience understood this parable. They used goatskin to hold wine. As fresh wine fermented, the wine would expand. As it expanded, the new goatskin would stretch. If an older skin was used, it would not expand any further than it already had, so it would eventually burst.

 

We see in this parable that Jesus brought a new way of life that could not fit into or be confined by the old religious ways. Jesus also used this moment to show how some would be reluctant to change from their old traditions and look earnestly at the message Jesus was teaching.

 

Paul later expanded on this idea of new life, new way and new attitude. In Ephesians 4, Paul said it this way. “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.” (Ephesians 4:22-24 – NIV)

 

Perhaps this is the perfect time of year to think of new beginnings. Maybe it’s the time we should think about resolutions. For me, this is an exciting time. I am rejuvenated by the possibilities of the fall.

 

I pray that you are able to jump into a small group or Bible study. I pray that if you need an attitude adjustment, need to take off the old you and put on Jesus or are ready to take a step toward Jesus that you will do so this fall. Jesus is waiting to join you on this journey.

 

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.

  • 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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