“G” – Blogging A to Z

April 8th, 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

 

Great High Priest

 

There are some interesting families in this world, would you agree? Some that share great wealth from generation to generation. Some into which princes are born. And others that are known for generational feuds.

 

My family is kind of boring. There is a rumor of a murderer, but who really wants to be known as an ancestor of such a person. There is Native American blood in our family line, but we don’t follow that line in our heritage. And like many out there, we’ve followed our blood line back to the Mayflower. Nothing exciting.

 

My husband on the other hand comes from a family with some substance. Professional baseball players and umpires and Russian revolt escapees fill his family tree. And then, there are the Russian Orthodox Priests. My husband’s grandfather was a priest right here in Denver. How exciting!

 

20090924163803157_0015This is a picture of my husband’s family. The priesthood was a family affair.

 

We see this same importance to the priesthood through Scripture. When God set up the workings of the Hebrew nation with Moses, the family line of Aaron, known as the Levites would produce the priests of the tabernacle and later the temple.

 

Those whose were direct descendants of Aaron could be priests and from among that group a high priest was chosen. The remaining Levites held positions within the tabernacle/temple. This group would care for tabernacle/temple.

 

The priest’s role was to represent the people God by offering sacrifices, prayers, and praise on their behalf. Sacrifices were offered to atone for the sins of the people.

 

The high priest was the only one authorized to enter the Most Holy Place or the Holy of Holies on the Day of Atonement. The high priest wore an ephod (a garment with an attached breast plate) with twelve stones that represented the twelve tribes of Israel. This was a physical reminder that the high priest bore God’s people into His presence.

 

As we look to the New Testament, we see that the Jewish priesthood was destroyed. Jesus received the name Great High Priest and took on this role. We find this name in the Book of Hebrews. “Therefore, since we have a Great High Priest who has gone through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess.” (Hebrews 4:14 – NIV)

 

Jesus was appointed to this position by God (Hebrews 5:5, 10). Jesus had no sin (Hebrews 4:15). Jesus offered His own blood as atonement for human sin (Hebrews 9:12). And Jesus has an eternal priesthood that lives forever (Hebrews 7:24-25).

 

As Christians, we have no need for someone to be the go-between. Jesus is our Mediator, our Advocate, our Great High Priest. We are able to be in God’s presence through Jesus.

 

Perhaps today you are in need of the Great High Priest. If so, there’s no better time than the present to ask for your sins to be taken away. For your past mistakes to be removed from God’s memory. And Jesus, the Great High Priest is the One who is able to do so.

 

I didn’t grow up in a faith with a priesthood, so I don’t understand all of the importance that goes with that term. But what I do know is that Jesus fulfills everything for me. If I need a priest, Jesus fulfills that need. Jesus fills in the gap and I am made whole because of Him. And that is exactly as it should be.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

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“F” – Blogging A to Z

April 7th, 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

 

Faithful and True

 

When someone asks to describe the words faithful and true, some might share a story or two about a faithful dog. I read a story of a nameless sheepdog that lived with a sheepherder in New Mexico. This sheepdog continued to take the flock of sheep out to pasture and cared for the flock every day…even after the rancher died. When visitors discovered the man two years later, they found that that not only had the sheep survived, but that they had thrived.

 

1340158443410This faithful and true dog had proven his worth. He knew his job and he did it, without being told.

 

While we see glimpses of faithfulness and truth in our world, there seems to be more unfaithfulness and untruth. So where can we turn when we are overrun by unfaithfulness and untruth? We run to Jesus.

 

Jesus’ Name is Faithful and True

Take a look at Revelation 19:11 (NIV) “I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True. With justice he judges and makes war.”

 

When we run to this Name of the Lord, we can trust that Jesus will do what He says He’ll do and that His words hold no untruth. Jesus came to earth to fulfill a mission…to seek and save the lost (Luke 19:10). Jesus followed God’s plan to bring people into His kingdom of grace. That meant, going to the cross.

 

When Jesus returns, the Name by which He will be called is Faithful and True and with that Name Jesus will judge the world. It’s in that moment that I long to hear these words, “Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you I n charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!” (Matthew 25:23 – NIV)

 

Jesus’ Character is Faithful and True

According to vocabulary.com, faithful describes someone who is reliable and consistent and true as things that are accurate, honest, and correct. Yes, these definitions describe Jesus, but so much more can be found in Him.

 

1 Thessalonians 5:23 (NIV) says, “The one who calls you is faithful and he will do it.” These twelve words pack a punch! Jesus is faithful. Jesus calls. What Jesus calls me to will be accomplished. Jesus is able to do it. Now that’s faithful.

 

Jesus also spoke truth. If you recall reading His words, Jesus said “verily” a lot. Verily means “I’m telling you the truth” or “Truly” or “Certainly.” And not only did Jesus speak truth, He was and is truth. “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6 – NIV) You can believe everything Jesus said and did.

 

Jesus is Faithful and True because God is Faithful and True

Jesus followed the example of His Father. Faithfulness and truth flow directly from God. And here are a few examples to prove it.

 

“For the word of the Lord is right and true; he is faithful in all he does.” (Psalm 33:4 – NIV)

 

“Not to us, O Lord, not to us but to your name be the glory, because of your love and faithfulness.” (Psalm 115:1 – NIV)

 

“Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” (Lamentations 3:22-23 – NIV)

 

“God, who has called you into fellowship with his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, is faithful.” (1 Corinthians 1:9 – NIV)

 

“No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.” (1 Corinthians 10:13 – NIV)

 

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9 – NIV)

 

Faithful and True. That is His Name. It is the Name to which we can run and be safe. Rejoice with me and let’s look forward to the day when our Faithful and True Savior returns!

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

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Break #1 – Blogging A to Z

April 6th, 2014 dsisler

I am blogging through the alphabet in April. 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!

 

This is the Day!

 

“This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” (Psalm 118:24 – NIV)

 

DSC02214mThis verse from the Book of Psalm is very familiar and probably one of the verses you have memorized. A good number of songs have been written using this verse and that has led to its popularization.

 

But do you know what the context of this verse is? Do you know why King David wrote these words? Why did David feel compelled to write such words? Let’s look at Psalm 118:24 within the entire chapter to see what was going on.

 

This Psalm begins and ends with the same words. “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.” (Psalm 118:1, 29 – NIV) And everything between these two verses is what David was thankful to God for and what he found reason to rejoice.

 

So what do we find between the verses?

 

David was thankful in times of anguish. In his anguish, David called to God and God answered. And because God was with him, there was no reason to be afraid. God was his Helper during this time and David was triumphant! (Psalm 118:5-7)

 

David was thankful to have God as his refuge. David knew that man would fail him, but that God never would. So David trusted in God and in the Name of the Lord. (Psalm 118:8-12)

 

David was thankful for the help and strength God provided to him. God was David’s salvation and he knew it. (Psalm 118:13-14)

 

David was thankful as he recounted the mighty things God had done in the past and for what He would do in the future. (Psalm 118:15-16)

 

David was thankful during God’s discipline. David recognized his sinful nature and accepted God’s words in order to learn from his mistakes. David also recognized that God’s words led to life. (Psalm 118:17-18)

 

David was thankful for his salvation. He knew that it was only through God that salvation was possible. In this section, David mentions the gate of righteousness and passing through that gate. Yes, this is great reason to be thankful. (Psalm 118:19-21)

 

David was thankful in the day for all that God had done. For all that He had accomplished. For what Israel had become in its present and for what it would be in the future. “The stone the builders rejected has become the capstone; the Lord has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes. This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” (Psalm 118:22-24 – NIV)

 

David was thankful. For God’s salvation, His leadership, His success, His Name, and His light. David was thankful that God was his God and because God was who He was (and is and is to come), David praised and exalted God. (Psalm 118:25-28)

 

So you see this single verse holds great meaning. We must rejoice in the day because God shows up to help us with any and all situations we face that day.

 

Whether we find ourselves facing trials, temptations, sin, enemies, victory, discipline, or anguish, God is with us. He will never leave us.

 

The Message paraphrases our key verse this way. “This is the very day God acted—let’s celebrate and be festive!” (Psalm 118:24) God is acting. He is working. He is doing. All the more reason to celebrate and be festive!

 

“This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.”

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

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“E” – Blogging A to Z

April 5th, 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

 

Everlasting/Eternal God

 

In our world of quick fixes and disposable items, it’s difficult for us to understand the word everlasting. If you were to listen to scientists, they’ll tell you mankind is but speck on the existence charts, but that still doesn’t encompass everlasting.

 

IMAG1501Perhaps some synonyms may help to understand this word. Eternal. Endless. Ceaseless. Perpetual. Undying. Unending. Interminable. Never-ending. Maybe it gives us a better understanding of what everlasting is, but it doesn’t help us to understand what it encompasses.

 

One of the names given to God is Everlasting God or El Olam, the God who has no beginning or end. We find this term in Genesis 21:33 (NIV) after a treaty was signed between Abraham and Abimelech. “Abraham planted a tamarisk tree in Beersheba, and there he called upon the name of the Lord, the Eternal God.”

 

Jesus was also given this name. We know Jesus as the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. And in the well-known Isaiah prophecy regarding the Messiah, we see these words. “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6 – NIV)

 

Jesus is given the name, Everlasting Father. While it is difficult to understand all the workings between the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, we know they each have certain functions, however, they are completely God. So by addressing Jesus as Everlasting Father, we acknowledge that He is indeed God. See John 10:30 for Jesus’ words on this matter.

 

It only seems natural then that God’s Spirit is also eternal. We see these words in Hebrew 9:14 (NIV). “How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the Eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God!”

 

We can believe for certain that this trio were together long before the earth was created. We can believe that they created our world together (see Genesis 1:2 and John 1:1-3). We can also believe that we will spend eternity with God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit. The three-in-one have no beginning and no end. That is Everlasting God.

 

Perhaps today you feel like nothing in your life is forever or will last. Please know this. Our Everlasting, Eternal Father desires to be with you forever. It can start right now. Call upon the Name that is a strong tower. In His Name you will find everlasting security.

 

Things of this earth will pass away. Jesus warned us not to store up treasures for ourselves where moth and rust decay or thieves steal, but instead, store up treasures for ourselves in haven (Matthew 6:19-21). That treasure is eternity with Everlasting God and what a treasure it is!

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

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“D” – Blogging A to Z

April 4th, 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

 

Door

 

Many years ago, Mom gave me a poster. On this poster were snapshots of interesting doors in my community. Some were colorful. Some were ornate. Some were grandeur. Regardless of their size or color, each door had one purpose. A door is an opening or entryway into a building.

 

5842295571_cc95d4a30d_zIn John 10:9 (NASB), Jesus said these words. “I am the door; if anyone enters through Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture.” Jesus used the idea of a door to show that He was and is the only way to salvation. Jesus wanted those He spoke to and those who would read this passage to know that He was and is the only way to heaven. A door was the perfect analogy.

 

While some may believe there are many ways to get to heaven, Jesus clearly states in this verse that He is the only way. Good works is not the way. Church attendance is not the way. Religious practices are not the way. Unbiblical beliefs are not the way. Only Jesus Christ is the door through which salvation can be found. Jesus mentioned this again in John 14:6 (NIV) when He said, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

 

Once you’ve accepted Jesus as the Savior of your life, your heavenly Father has prepared a special gift for you. God’s Holy Spirit comes to dwell within you and Jesus’ presence is continually with you.

 

Because we’ve chosen the only Door to enter into God’s presence, we then are able to live abundant lives filled with “love, joy peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.” (Galatians 5:22-23 – NIV)

 

The Door to this abundant life is waiting for you to make the decision to enter. It’s the only way. I pray that today you will reach out, push the Door open and walk into the glorious presence of God.

 

I can guarantee that once you’re inside you will see and hear and do the most amazing things. You will be filled beyond your imagination. You will be loved more than you ever thought possible. You will be joined with God the Father, Jesus the Son and the Holy Spirit. All because you made the choice to walk through the Door.

 

I’m easily impressed by doors. But when I look at Jesus as the Door to abundant life, I’m amazed. I pray that you’ll look at Jesus as the Door. The Door to salvation, heaven and abundant life.

 

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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