“T” – Blogging A to Z

April 23rd, 2014 dsisler

During the month of April, I’ve chosen to blog through the alphabet. Each day I will use a letter to share a Name of the Lord that begins with that letter based on Proverbs 18:10 and the fact that there is strength in the Lord’s Name. I pray you’ll be blessed and that you’ll stop by often.

“The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.”

Proverbs 18:10 – NIV

 

Truth

 

sunflower-image-Vintage-GraphicsFairy (2)Even if you’ve never seen the movie, you have probably heard the quote from “A Few Good Men.” A courtroom drama, this movie shows the trial of two US Marines who have murdered a fellow Marine. Take a look at this quote.

 

“Col. Nathan R. Jessep: You want answers?

Lt. Daniel Kaffee: I think I’m entitled.

Col. Nathan R. Jessep: You want answers?

Lt. Daniel Kaffee: I want the truth!

Col. Nathan R. Jessep: You can’t handle the truth!”

 

Perhaps the most quoted question about truth is asked of Jesus by Pilate at His trial. Another courtroom scene. It’s early in the morning. Pilate is tired. Emotions are running high. There is an angry mob outside Pilate’s palace. The Jewish leaders are asking Pilate to execute Jesus for His crimes. Pilate clearly wants answers, but maybe not truthful answers.  We find their dialogue in John 18:37-38 (NIV).

 

“’You are a king, then!’ said Pilate.  Jesus answered, ‘You are right in saying I am a king. In fact, for this reason I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me.’

‘What is truth?’ Pilate asked. With this he went out again to the Jews and said, ‘I find no basis for a charge against him.’”

 

Pilate heard truth in Jesus’ words and yet is not willing to stand for that truth because of the emotional turmoil going on around him and this situation. The Jewish leaders hated Jesus and they wanted him dead. That was the only truth Pilate heard that morning.

 

We hear truth every day. Sometimes we believe it for what it is. Other times we allow our emotions to blur that truth. So what is truth?

 

Jesus.

 

In John 14:6 (NIV), Jesus makes this statement. “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” Jesus is our ultimate Truth. When we know Truth, we are able to focus on His words and understand how we should live.

 

Truth is sometimes skewed in our world. What truth is for one person may not be truth for another. For those of us who know Jesus as Truth, we find this hard to believe and understand.

 

Jesus also spoke these words about truth. “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:31-32 – NIV)

 

Jesus not only is Truth, He taught truth. When we listen to Jesus’ teachings and act out truth in our lives, we find freedom. Freedom from what? The destruction that comes with sin.

 

We see untruths in our lives on a regular basis. From Photoshopped images to dishonest people. When we use Truth as our basis for living, we are able to distinguish these untruths. But more importantly, we know when we aren’t living as we should. Truth may set us free, but Truth also holds us to a higher standard.

 

Pilate was so close to Truth he could have touched it, but he missed Truth because of his disbelief. I pray that you recognize Jesus for who and what He is. Truth. When we use Jesus as our compass for truth, we are able to distinguish right from wrong. Good from evil. Holy from unholy. And in Truth we find freedom.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

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“S” – Blogging A to Z

April 22nd, 2014 dsisler

During the month of April, I’ve chosen to blog through the alphabet. Each day I will use a letter to share a Name of the Lord that begins with that letter based on Proverbs 18:10 and the fact that there is strength in the Lord’s Name. I pray you’ll be blessed and that you’ll stop by often.

“The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.”

Proverbs 18:10 – NIV

 

Shield

 

DSC02382I wrote about God as our Shield last year. I thought I would share this post today as a reminder that God is our greatest protector and in this Name of the Lord we find safety.

 

My husband and I watch the television program Blue Bloods. In one episode, a detective mentioned that in New York City they don’t call their police badge a “badge.” They call it a shield because they protect the citizens of the city.

 

While it gives me comfort knowing that there are those in this world who are willing to protect me, I know that my greatest Shield is God and that it is only through Him that I have true protection.

 

And while I may find physical protection from these men and women in blue, my God is the only one who can protect my mind, my emotions, and my heart.

 

Let’s look at a few passages of Scripture to see how God is our Shield and how we are to use our shield.

 

Abraham was promised that God would be his shield in Genesis 15:1 (NIV). “Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward.” What a promise! How wonderful that we can cling to that same promise because we find this idea throughout Scripture.

 

Moses told the Israelites of God’s shield in Deuteronomy 33:12 and 29 (NIV). “Let the beloved of the Lord rest secure in him, for he shields him all day long, and the one the Lord loves rests between his shoulders…Blessed are you, O Israel! Who is like you, a people saved by the Lord? He is your shield and helper and your glorious sword.” God loves us, therefore, we know He is our shield of protection.

 

David sang songs of praise to God on multiple occasions and there are a few that show us how God is our shield. Let’s look at them.

 

In 2 Samuel 22:3 (NIV), David said, “My God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation.”

 

And in verse 31 of that same chapter he said, “As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the Lord is flawless. He is a shield for all who take refuge in him.” (2 Samuel 22:31 – NIV)

 

Then we can turn to the Book of Psalm and see David’s use of this word. Psalm 3:3 (NIV) begins this journey. “But you are a shield around me, O Lord; you bestow glory on me and lift up my head.”

 

Take a look at some of the other references in Psalm. Psalm 7:10; Psalm 18:30; Psalm 28:7; Psalm 33:20; Psalm 91:4; and Psalm 119:114.

 

We see this concept in the New Testament as well. Peter speaks of God’s power as being our shield in 1 Peter 1:5. “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade—kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is read to be revealed in the last time.” (1 Peter 1:3-5 – NIV)

 

So what are we to do with this shield?

 

Prepare the shields

In Isaiah 21:5 (NIV), the officers were told to prepare their shields for battle. “Get up, you officers, oil the shields!”

 

And in Jeremiah 46:3 (NIV), we see another call to arms. “Prepare your shields, both large and small, and march out for battle!”

 

Just as those heading into Old Testament battles prepared their shields, we too must prepare our shields. Through faith, Bible study, prayer, and meditation. Read this quote from one of my favorite books. “A Bible at home does us no good unless we carry God’s teachings in our hearts and apply them when we are hit with a fiery dart.”[i]

 

Take up the shields

After preparation, we must take up our shield. We are under God’s protection, but we must do something. We must take up the shield prepared and provided for us.

 

Paul speaks of the shield of faith in Ephesians 6:16 (NIV). “In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.”

 

This shield of faith will do us no good unless we pick it up and use it. However, when we use it in combination with God’s protective shield, the evil one is powerless against us!

 

By far, on the very tippy top of my favorite songs is Hillsong’s “Made Me Glad.” The words remind me of the protection I receive through God. So I’ll share it with you (yet again). Sing it today. Live it today. Believe it today.

 

“Made Me Glad”

 

I will bless the Lord forever
I will trust Him at all times
He has delivered me from all fear
He has set my feet upon a rock
I will not be moved
And I’ll say of the Lord

You are my Shield, my Strength
My Portion Deliverer
My Shelter, Strong tower
My very present help in time of need

Whom have I in heaven but You
There’s none I desire beside You
You have made me glad
And I’ll say of the Lord

You are my Shield, my Strength
My Portion Deliverer
My Shelter, Strong tower
My very present help in time of need[ii]

 

Click here to hear Hillsong sing this glorious song…over and over again if you like.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna


[i] Pray with Purpose, Live with Passion, Debbie Williams, Howard Books, 2006, pg. 193.

[ii] Made Me Glad, Darlene Zschech, Hillsong, 2002

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“R” – Blogging A to Z

April 21st, 2014 dsisler

During the month of April, I’ve chosen to blog through the alphabet. Each day I will use a letter to share a Name of the Lord that begins with that letter based on Proverbs 18:10 and the fact that there is strength in the Lord’s Name. I pray you’ll be blessed and that you’ll stop by often.

“The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.”

Proverbs 18:10 – NIV

 

Rabbi/Rabboni

 

IMAG0226I’ve had some wonderful teachers through my life. You can probably say the same. They are great communicators. They understand the dynamics of a classroom or setting. They change their teaching style to meet the needs of their audience. They take an interest in their students. They lead by example. These characteristics are the makings of a great teacher.

 

Perhaps these are the exact reasons Jesus was given the name Rabbi or Rabboni. The name Rabboni literally means “my great teacher.” And a Rabbi is a Jewish teacher or master. Either of these terms is appropriate for Jesus.

 

Let’s look at some of the reasons Jesus was the greatest Rabbi to ever walk this earth.

 

Jesus was a great communicator. On most occasions, we see great crowds around Jesus. That was the norm. As we read through some of Jesus’ teachings, we see the skills of a teacher who was able to share the Gospel message clearly and precisely.

 

The Apostle Paul desired to be a great communicator for God’s Kingdom. In Colossians 4:3-4 (NIV), Paul says, “Pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. Pray that I may proclaim it clearly.”

 

I believe that each of us should be able to proclaim the Gospel clearly. Maybe we should make Paul’s prayer our prayer as well.

 

Jesus understood the dynamics of His setting. Israel had fallen under Roman rule. The Jewish nation was bound by Rome’s authority. Jesus came into this world under this fierce, heavy hand.

 

Jesus’ teachings brought peace into the lives of those who were living in turmoil. Take a moment to read through the Beatitudes in Matthew 6:2-12. These were gentle words in a harsh world. Or what about Matthew 5:43-48? Jesus taught the crowd to love their enemies.

 

Jesus provided hope to a people who only knew despair. How blessed we are to know that He offers that same hope to us.

 

Jesus changed His teaching style to meet the needs of His audience. I love this about Jesus. Jesus spoke in parables to help His audience understand what the Kingdom of God was like. Some understood, but many didn’t.

 

However, when Jesus wanted the message to be clear, He taught what the parables meant. These teaching moments were mainly with the disciples. Those closest to Him who would need to understand these ideas and concepts.

 

Jesus speaks to us today. Through spoken word and through God’s Word, the Bible. Oh how I pray that you are choosing to be a good student!

 

Jesus took an interest in His students. Jesus was a people lover. He called little children to sit on His lap. He asked women to sit at His feet. He encouraged His disciples. He blessed those who believed.

 

Jesus had the personal touch. Whether the person was blind, lame, poor, leprous, sick, dead, or demon possessed, Jesus was a hand’s on teacher. No one was ever too insignificant for our Lord.

 

Any teacher who desires to be great should learn this lesson from the greatest of all teachers. Make it personal. Take an interest in your students. Let them know you care. What a wonderful lesson!

 

Jesus led by example. One of Jesus’ greatest teachings is on being a servant. You’ll find reference after reference of Jesus sharing this concept. But I don’t believe the disciples understood it until Jesus showed them how to be a servant.

 

In John 13, Jesus washed the feet of His disciples. Oh, Jesus’ efforts were disrupted by Peter, but Jesus used Peter’s words as a teaching moment. Take a look at Jesus’ words.

 

“Do you understand what I have done for you? You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. I tell you the truth, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.” (John 13:12-17 – NIV)

 

Jesus’ words for His disciples are for us as well. We must follow Jesus’ example and serve one another.

 

The greatest Teacher (Rabboni) ever known has given us a syllabus. God’s Word is our text book. As good students of Jesus’ message, let’s strive to follow the teachings of Jesus. To quote my great Teacher, “you will be blessed if you do.”

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

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Break #3 – Blogging A to Z

April 20th, 2014 dsisler

Through the month of April, I am blogging through the alphabet. Each day of the month corresponds with a letter of the alphabet, but on Sunday’s, there is a reprieve from this structure. We are able to write anything we like.

 

So as usual, I will share a post from the past. One that I really enjoyed writing or one that I need to read on that particular day.

 

Since it is Easter Sunday, I’m sharing a post about last Easter. How blessed we are to sing praises to our God and King for the resurrection of His Son. Today, let’s crown Him as the rightful ruler of our hearts and lives.

 

Happy Easter!

 

“Crown Him (Majesty)”

 

This past Sunday was Easter or Resurrection Sunday. During our contemporary worship service, we sang several hymns that were uplifting and also caused more emotion than usual for me. One of the hymns we sang was “Crown Him with Many Crowns,” with Chris Tomlin’s addition to the message of this hymn.

 

How blessed to be able to sing praise to my God and King for His precious gift of salvation that I have received through His Son, Jesus Christ! And an even greater blessing is that I can sing His praise any time I wish. Not just on Sunday morning.

 

I must tell you that I just took a break to listen to this song and praised God right here at my desk in my office. Oh how glorious!

 

I might encourage you to do the same. Click here to listen to this worship song and sing praise to God in the moment.

 

Crown Him with many crowns
The Lamb upon His throne
Hark! How the heavenly anthem drowns
All music but its own;
Awake my soul and sing
Of Him who died for me
And hail Him as thy matchless King
Through all eternity.

Chorus:
Majesty, Lord of all
Let every throne before Him fall
The King of kings, O come adore
Our God who reigns forevermore.

Crown Him Lord of life
Who triumphed o’er the grave
And rose victorious in the strife
For those He came to save;
His glories now we sing
Who died and rose on high
Who died eternal life to bring
And lives that death may die.

Bridge:
All hail, Redeemer, hail
For He has died for me
His praise and glory shall not fail
Throughout eternity.[i]

 

As I was researching this song for this piece, I found that the Scriptural reference for this hymn is from Revelation 19:12 (NIV). “His eyes are like blazing fire, and on his head are many crowns. He has a name written on him that no one knows but he himself.”

 

This verse is from the section describing Christ returning as Warrior-Messiah King. Only our Warrior-Messiah King is able to wear these crowns for He is the King of kings and the Lord of lords.

 

What an image! Years ago an artist painted images of the Book of Revelation and set it to Scripture and music. I had the privilege of seeing this presentation at a national Christian convention. Those images have stayed in my mind and heart through these years.

 

kinglord

Pat Marvenko Smith, Revelation Illustrated, 1992

Her image of Jesus in this form was most breath-taking. Wouldn’t you agree? For more of her (Pat Marvenko Smith, Revelation Illustrated, 1992) images, please click here to visit her website.

 

So today, let’s praise the Warrior-Messiah King as we crown Him with many crowns. For it is only through Him that we have redemption and everlasting life. It is only through Him that we have true freedom.

 

If you do not know Jesus as your personal Savior, please don’t hesitate to contact me. I would love to share God’s message of grace with you.

 

Thank you for stopping by for my third day of the A to Z challenge through April. And as always, I’d love to hear from you!

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna


[i] Crown Him (Majesty), Chris Tomlin , Ed Cash , Matt Maher, Worship Together Music, 2012

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“Q” – Blogging A to Z

April 19th, 2014 dsisler

During the month of April, I’ve chosen to blog through the alphabet. Each day I will use a letter to share a Name of the Lord that begins with that letter based on Proverbs 18:10 and the fact that there is strength in the Lord’s Name. I pray you’ll be blessed and that you’ll stop by often.

“The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.”

Proverbs 18:10 – NIV

 

Qanna’ ‘El

 

DSC02392mI was a music major in college. That meant I sang, played the piano, sang in the choir, and attended classes that related to music. There were also required classes that everyone had to take, so those were interspersed with my music.

 

But then there were the elective hours that could be filled with whatever courses we wanted to take. My option was always an extra Bible class. I loved studying God’s Word (and still do).

 

What I chose not to take though, were Greek and Hebrew. I struggled with Spanish in middle school and high school, so I knew it wouldn’t be a good fit. Today as I study God’s Word on a deeper level, how I wish I had tried. I believe there are valuable tidbits that can be learned by going back to the original language. I must rely on others for these morsels of goodness.

 

The Name of the Lord I’ve chosen today is from the Hebrew language. Qanna’ is the Hebrew word for jealous. We all know what jealousy is don’t we? I will suggest that at one point in our lives, we have felt this jealousy bug touch us. Jealous of a schoolmate playing with another person on the playground. Jealous of an achievement of another. Perhaps jealous of another in regard to a spouse. I believe I can safely say we’ve all been jealous.

 

There are multiple verses in God’s Word that tells us that we are not to be jealous. This is just one. “The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery…jealousy…I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.” (Galatians 5:19-21 – NIV) God warns us that jealousy is not fitting behavior for His children.

 

However, we find the word qanna’ in the Old Testament a lot and some of these occurrences are in relation to God. Qanna’ ‘El. Jealous. Take a look at Exodus 34:14 (NIV).  “Do not worship any other god, for the Lord, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God.”

 

One of God’s names is Jealous. We know in the list of Ten Commandments, God says, “you shall have no other gods before me.” (Exodus 20:3 – NIV) God’s desire was that nothing would come between our relationships with Him. God was concerned for His people. He knew they would be tempted to turn to other ways of worship. As part of His loving nature, His desire was to spare Israel from the heartache of idol worship.

 

Think of it this way. You create a magnificent piece of art. You spend effort, time, and money to create the perfect piece. Wouldn’t you do anything in your power to keep it safe? I would say yes.

 

That is exactly what God has done. He created mankind in His image. He invested in mankind. He desires nothing but good for mankind.

 

Now God does expect something in return. He desires our devotion and praise to only be focused upon Him. Isaiah 42:8 (NIV) says, “I am the Lord; that is my name! I will not give my glory to another or my praise to idols.”

 

God is jealous. No, Jealous is jealous. Qanna’ is qanna’. And to be honest, I am blessed beyond words because of God’s jealous nature. He loves me. He pursues me. He wants what is best for me and He will not let me go.

 

If you don’t know the love of God as many have come to know, I pray that you will take this moment to seek Him. Allow Jesus to become the Lord of your life. Accept the Holy Spirit’s invitation to dwell in your heart. If you have questions about this, just let me know.

 

Human jealousy is ugly. God’s jealousy is beautiful. I praise Your Name, Qanna’.

 

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.

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