Break #2 – Blogging A to Z

April 13th, 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. I pray that you’ll enjoy these pieces as much this time as you did the first.

 

Thanks for stopping by…it’s such a pleasure to see your smiling face!

 

Trolls

 

My Ford Escape has yet another problem that my husband cannot fix. It needs to head into the shop and so, after eight years and 174,000+ miles, we’ve decided that perhaps we need something a little newer and more reliable.

 

IMAG0282I saw this car…what do you think? Should it be on the top of my shopping list? If you can’t tell, there are trolls plastered all over this car.

 

I have never enjoyed car shopping. I love to look at cars, but please don’t ask me to go and search a lot filled with hundreds of cars to find the perfect one. And as if that isn’t enough, my husband brought me a whole magazine filled with information about cars to look through and choose one I liked. UGH!

 

I do the same thing with greeting cards. I’m overwhelmed by the sheer number and I can’t focus on what I need exactly. So I usually choose the first one I pick up (unless the verse is completely off base). Unfortunately, my husband has gotten some pretty strange cards from me through the years. Some a little more feminine than they should have been. But it’s thought, isn’t it?

 

Had I been sitting at Jesus’ feet during His dissertations on the “lost” articles, I’m not so sure I would have enjoyed those parables. You know the lost sheep and the lost coin in Luke 15? My mind would have gone to the fact that I don’t like looking for items and perhaps He would have lost me.

 

But then He would have captured my attention when He spoke of the lost son. I can relate to that. Not in my physical life, but in my spiritual life. I would have understood the importance of restoration. I would have been drawn to the fact that one lost is too many. I would have rejoiced over the return of the son.

 

I would have found joy in the fact that the Father waited and accepted the son upon his return.

 

Like the son, I’ve wandered. Gone spiritually where I should never have stepped. Spent some time in the bondage of sin. Found myself lost in the pleasures of this world.

 

But also like the son, when I “came to my senses,” (Luke 15:17) I returned to the Father who welcomed me home with open arms. He has forgiven and forgotten my past transgressions. His grace and love have covered me. And I heard my Father say, “we had to celebrate and be glad, because this sister of yours was dead and is alive again; she was lost and is found.” (Luke 15:32 – NIV)

 

Oh friend, there is no reason to live in a lost state. Our Father in heaven is waiting with open arms to welcome you. He is ready to share His grace and love with you. God’s forgiveness runs deeper than any of us could ever imagine. Is it time to accept it?

 

And to my Christian friends, if there is sin in your life that seems to have burdened your heart, why not run home? Your Father is waiting for you as well. Accept His forgiveness and grace and you too will come to know the Father’s celebration of your life.

 

Of course I’m reminded of a song. One that you’ll recognize and will able to sing without the benefit of music. Chris Tomlin’s version is perhaps overused, but it still carries the message of finding freedom in Christ and the joy of being found. I can never get enough of God’s grace…can you?

 

“Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone)”

 

Amazing grace
How sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me
I once was lost, but now I’m found
Was blind, but now I see
‘Twas grace that taught my heart to fear
And grace my fears relieved
How precious did that grace appear
The hour I first believed

Chorus:
My chains are gone
I’ve been set free
My God, my Savior has ransomed me
And like a flood His mercy reigns
Unending love, Amazing grace

The Lord has promised good to me
His word my hope secures
He will my shield and portion be
As long as life endures

The earth shall soon dissolve like snow
The sun forbear to shine
But God, Who called me here below
Will be forever mine
Will be forever mine
You are forever mine[i]

 

If you’d like to listen to this song, you can click here.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna


[i] Words and Music by John Newton, John P. Rees, and Edwin Othello Excell. Arrangement and additional chorus by Chris Tomlin and Louis Giglio. Amazing Grace, Public Domain. Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone), 2006.

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“K” – Blogging A to Z

April 12th, 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

 

King

 

freedigitalphotos.net

freedigitalphotos.net

Why is it that things always look better on the other side? The grass is always greener on the other side of the fence. The neighbors never have any troubles. Other countries seem to have figured out the important issues.

 

As humans, we typically compare the way things are in our life with someone or something else. But generally, it is a really bad thing to do. If a little digging were done, I can almost completely guarantee that things or people aren’t as perfect as they seem.

 

To be honest, comparisons have been going on from the beginning of time. Eve compared herself to God and fell short. Cain compared himself Abel and committed the first murder in history. So you see, the evil one has made this a top priority in our lives…he wants us to be discontent with ourselves.

 

The people of Israel found themselves comparing their nation to others. When the prophet Samuel grew older and Samuel’s sons were not godly men, the elders of Israel requested a king. “You are old, and your sons do not walk in your ways; now appoint a king to lead us, such as all the other nations have.” (1 Samuel 8:5 – NIV)

 

Israel had compared themselves to other nations and couldn’t understand why they were kingless. They wanted to be ruled as their neighboring countries. By a king who had full authority. All rights. Unquestionable actions and words. They wanted an earthly king.

 

Samuel and God both knew this was not a good idea, but chose Saul to be the first king of Israel. In Samuel’s farewell speech, he spoke these words. “But when you saw that Nahash king of the Ammonites was moving against you, you said to me, ‘No, we want a king to rule over us’—even though the Lord your God was your King.” (1 Samuel 12:12 – NIV)

 

God was Israel’s King, but they wanted something more. They wanted a physical king to place above all men. They wanted a physical king to lead them. They wanted a physical king because everyone else had one.

 

When King David took over the throne, a “man after God’s heart” led Israel. David understood God’s work in the lives of Israel and David made certain that God was given the glory for his victories. These are just three verses in the Book of Psalm that voice David’s opinion.

 

“Listen to my cry for help, my King and my God, for to you I pray.” (Psalm 5:2 – NIV)

 

“How awesome is the Lord Most High, the great King over all the earth!” (Psalm 47:2 – NIV)

 

“For the Lord is the great God, the great King above all gods.” (Psalm 95:3 – NIV)

 

The great news is that we are able to run to this King in times of trouble as well. He will hear our cry. He rules over the whole earth. He is above all gods. You can believe it. He is the great King!

 

And here’s a little twist, we’ve been rescued and redeemed by the King of kings, Jesus Christ. “For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought  us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.” (Colossians 1:13-14 – NIV)

 

Today, let’s rejoice in our King. For what He has done and for what He will do. We can join the crowd on the day of Jesus’ triumphal entry by saying, “Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord!” (Luke 19:38 – NIV) Jesus is our King, that is His Name.

 

Perhaps you haven’t asked King Jesus to sit upon the throne of your heart. If not, why not choose Jesus to be your King today? He is like no earthly king. He is above all gods. He will hear your cry. You will never know a better King.

 

I pray that as you read these words today, you know who the King of your life is. I also pray that you will honor your King by walking in the ways of the Lord. He is our King!

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

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“J” – Blogging A to Z

April 11th, 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

 

Jesus

 

jesus_shepherdToday’s Name of the Lord seemed to be an easy one to share until I sat down at the computer to write about this Name. The Name Jesus is familiar. The Name Jesus holds so much. The Name Jesus says it all. And yet, I’m at a loss for words.

 

In the Philippians 2 passage of Paul’s description of Jesus, we find this line. “Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name.” (Philippians 2:9 – NIV) The Name is Jesus.

 

The name Jesus was a common name when Jesus was born. It is the Old Testament equivalent to Joshua and means “Jehovah is salvation.”

 

When Jesus was eight days old, He was taken to the temple to be circumcised and named. During this outing, Jesus and His earthly family met two faithful believers. Simeon was faithful and devout and the Holy Spirit was upon him.

 

Simeon took Jesus in his arms and spoke beautiful words of praise to God. Simeon knew that in this tiny babe the salvation of the world could be found. Simeon blessed Mary and Joseph as well as foretold what would occur during Jesus’ lifetime.

 

Mary and Joseph were amazed at what they heard. Oh they knew that Jesus was from God. But perhaps this was yet another sign to them that Jesus would be the One who would change their world (Luke 2:25-35).

 

On this same visit to the temple, they encountered the prophetess Anna. She had never left the temple since becoming a widow at a young age. Now, very old, she worshiped day and night, fasted and prayed.

 

When Anna saw Jesus, she praised God. She knew Jesus was the salvation God has promised. Anna told everyone who would listen about Jesus and how He would be the redemption of Jerusalem (Luke 2:36-38).

 

Simeon and Anna were given the opportunity to gaze upon Jesus and as they looked upon this tiny child and spoke His Name, they knew exactly who Jesus was. The Savior of the world.

 

I suppose there is much more I could say about the Name of Jesus. But instead, I’ve decided to pull a piece of music that has been sung by hundreds of thousands, if not millions since it was released in 1959. “His Name is Wonderful” is a beautiful melody, but the lyrics are what melt the hearts of those who sing it.

 

Below you’ll find these beautiful lyrics about the Name of Jesus. Perhaps these were some of the sentiments shared by Simeon and Anna. Or even Mary or Joseph. Speaking (or singing) the Name of Jesus is so precious. What a beautiful, wonderful Name!

 

“His Name is Wonderful”

 

His name is Wonderful, His name is Wonderful,
His name is Wonderful, Jesus my Lord;
He is the mighty King, master of everything,
His name is Wonderful, Jesus, my Lord.

He’s the great Shepherd, the Rock of all ages,
Almighty God is He;
Bow down before Him, love and adore Him,
His name is Wonderful, Jesus, my Lord.[i]

 

Click here to listen to this praise song.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna


[i] “His Name is Wonderful,” Words and Music by Audrey Meier, Manna Music, Inc, 1959.

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“I” – Blogging A to Z

April 10th, 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

 

Immanuel

 

DSC03935DSC03935mWhile studying to write April blog posts on the Names of the Lord, I read this interesting fact. Throughout the pages of Scripture, there are over 100 names and titles given to Jesus. I don’t know about you, but that was exciting for me. For each situation in my life, I can be assured that there is a Name for Jesus to which I can call upon!

 

The Name I have chosen for today, Immanuel, is probably one that Jesus is most known by. And yet, it is only mentioned three times in Scripture. Two were Old Testament prophecies and one in the New Testament when Joseph was told of the coming baby.

 

What comfort Joseph must have felt when told that the baby Mary carried was God’s own Son. And that this child would be called Immanuel, “God with us.” Joseph knew from that moment on that God would be with their family. God would provide for their family. God would protect their family. Why? Because God was with them.

 

The first use of this Name of Jesus is found in the Book of Isaiah. Isaiah spoke words of prophecy to King Ahaz (king of Judah) telling him not to join forces with the coalition. Ahaz refused to listen. Isaiah urged Ahaz to ask God for a sign, but Ahaz refused. So Isaiah spoke these words.

 

“Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.” (Isaiah 7:14 – NIV)

 

Oh there is more to this prophecy, but this is the part that Ahaz needed to hear. This is the part Joseph needed to hear. This is the part each one of us needs to hear.

 

As it turned out, the coalition fell under the siege of Assyria. Judah was saved from destruction at this time. And God’s Word held true.

 

Sometimes we are tempted to join forces with others who may be able to help us, but the truth is, we have God with us. If God is with us, then who can be against us? (Romans 8:31)

 

You see, the words spoken to Ahaz hundreds of years before Jesus’ birth were not just words for this particular king at that particular time. They were spoken for all of mankind. God is with us.

 

Another interesting piece to this beautiful Name of Jesus is that Matthew begins with words of comfort and encouragement to Joseph. “The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him ‘Immanuel’—which means, ‘God with us.’” (Matthew 1:23 – NIV) These words of God were His promise that He would not leave us at any time.

 

Matthew ends with Jesus’ words of assurance that He indeed would be with us. “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:20b – NIV)

 

Recall some of the ways God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit has been with our biblical friends throughout history. God was with Adam and Eve. God was with Abraham. God was with Moses. God was with Daniel. God was with Peter. God was with Paul. God was with John.

 

In the same way, we have Immanuel. God is with us. He is with us to encourage and strengthen us. He is with us to stretch and spur us. He is with us to counsel and guide us. He is with us to help fight our battles. He is with us.

 

I pray that you will find comfort in this singular Name of Jesus. I pray that you are able to trust in this Name. I pray that you will run to this Name when you feel lonely. I pray that you will cling to Immanuel, because He has chosen to be with you.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

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“H” – Blogging A to Z

April 9th, 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

 

Holy One

 

Daytona Beach 021mThrough my study of the Names of the Lord, I haven’t found many that can cross over between God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit. Today’s Name is one of the few. So let’s look at this Name of the Lord in relation to each.

 

First, we must define holy. What does it mean? Holy “signifies to be set apart for God, to sanctify, to make a person or thing the opposite of ‘common.’”[i] Holy can be applied to a person, place or thing because it’s been made different, sacred, or special. So now let’s look at God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit in relation to the word holy.

 

Holy One – God

In Genesis 2:3, God called the seventh day holy. We find holy ground in Exodus 3:5. God’s dwelling was holy in Exodus 15:13. Mount Sinai was made holy in Exodus 19:23. The nation of Israel, its people were called to be holy in Exodus 22:31 and Exodus 31:13.

 

But here’s the difference. In all of these cases God made these people, places or things holy. God, by His very nature is holy. If we use the definition above, set apart, we can understand that God is set apart. Set apart from what? Set apart from sin. Holiness is what God is.

 

I love R. C. Sproul’s take on God’s holiness. “The Bible says that God is holy, holy, holy. Not that He is merely holy, or even holy, holy. He is holy, holy, holy. The Bible never says that God is love, love, love, or mercy, mercy, mercy, or wrath, wrath, wrath, or justice, justice, justice. It says that He is holy, holy, holy, the whole earth is full of His glory.”[ii]

 

Holiness is not one attribute of God but the totality of God. Isaiah 43:15 (NIV) says, “I am the Lord, your Holy One, Israel’s Creator, your King.” Our Lord is holy and we can find our holiness in His Name.

 

Holy One – Jesus

It’s interesting that Jesus is called by this name by an evil spirit in Mark 1. Jesus traveled to Capernaum and on the Sabbath went to the synagogue. While teaching, a man stood up and the demon within him said, “What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God!” (Mark 1:24 – NIV) Evil cannot compete with holiness. This demon knew it.

 

We also find this Name given to Jesus in Acts 3:14 (NIV). In this verse, Peter is speaking to a crowd after a beggar was healed. Peter calls Jesus by this name to contrast His holiness and the utter unholiness of Barabbas. “You disowned the Holy and Righteous One and asked that a murderer be released to you.”

 

The Holy One of heaven was given over to authorities to be killed…and a murderer was given freedom. That’s exactly what Jesus does for each one of us. He offers His holiness (separation from sin) to cover our unholiness. Yes, there is great power in the Name of the Lord.

 

Peter goes on to write more about Jesus’ holiness and how it affects our lives. In the first chapter of first Peter, these words are penned. “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. As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do for it is written: ‘Be holy, because I am holy.’” (1 Peter 1:13-16 – NIV)

 

As believers, we are called to reflect the holiness of Jesus.

 

Holy One – The Holy Spirit

Holiness is woven throughout the Name of the God’s Spirit. We refer to God’s Spirit as the Holy Spirit and this is the exciting part. God’s Holy Spirit dwells within me, which means, I am holy. Now I’m not perfect, but I am set apart from sin. I understand the difference between holiness and sin and how sin in my life will cause that separation from God.

 

1 John 2:20 (NIV) says, “You have an anointing from the Holy One, and all of you know the truth.” One duty of the Holy One is to offer wisdom to determine truth. The Holy Spirit assists us when we are faced with a falsehood. The Holy Spirit keeps us from having false thinking about Jesus. The Holy Spirit also convicts us when there is unchecked sin in our lives.

 

The Holy Spirit enables us to imitate Jesus through God’s grace.

 

The Holy One. There is so much more to this Name than can be discussed in this blog post. Please know that when you pray to the Holy One, it’s all inclusive. Also know that it’s only through God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit that we are able to be holy and live holy lives. I pray that you will find strength when you call upon this Name of the Lord.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna


[i] Holy – http://gospelhall.org/bible/bible.php?search=hagios&dict=vine&lang=greek

[ii] The Holiness of God, R.C. Sproul, Tyndale House Publishers, 1985.

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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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