“C” – Blogging A to Z

April 3rd, 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. 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

 

Chief Cornerstone

 

This name, given to Jesus in the Old Testament as well as one He connected to Himself, is an important name for us to consider. The main reason it is important is because of what a cornerstone is and what it represents.

 

stone-cornerstone-chiefIn ancient times, the cornerstone was the most important stone in a structure. It was used to hold two rows of stone together. The cornerstone had to be free of flaw, had to be perfected shaped, and had to be strong. Because of the importance, more time was taken to find the perfect stone as well as fit the stone for its purpose.

 

If a flawed, imperfect stone was used, it meant that the building or structure could be compromised. The building was only as solid as its cornerstone.

 

In the Book of Luke, after Jesus discussed His authority with Pharisees, He went on to tell a parable, the parable of the tenants (Luke 20:9-19). In this parable, we see the son of the landowner rejected by the tenants and killed. Of course, we know that this parable was a picture of how the nation of Israel would reject Jesus and would kill Him.

 

But during this section of Scripture, Jesus quoted a passage from Isaiah. Look at what Jesus said. “The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone.” (Luke 20:17 – NIV) Jesus was and is that Cornerstone.

 

We see other instances of Jesus as the cornerstone. Such as Ephesians 2:19-20 (NIV). “Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone.”

 

Not only do we see Jesus as the cornerstone here, but He is the Chief Cornerstone.

 

You see, when we get the cornerstone of lives right, we have a good foundation to begin building upon. When Jesus is at the center of our lives, we can add upon that to create solid, biblical views, actions and attitudes. But you can see how important it is to have the right cornerstone. Jesus is the Chief Cornerstone and that is where we begin our spiritual building.

 

Isaiah spoke of this cornerstone in Isaiah 28:16 (NIV) and Peter used this prophecy in 1 Peter 2:6. “See I lay a stone in Zion, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone for a sure foundation; the one who relies on it will never be stricken with panic.” That tested, precious, sure foundation is Jesus Christ. That is where we find stability in this crazy world.

 

We can trust Jesus as our Chief Cornerstone. He is the perfect Cornerstone to build our lives upon. King David spoke of this sure foundation in Psalm 18:2 (NIV). “The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge. He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.”

 

Perhaps you don’t feel this solid foundation beneath you. If not, the Chief Cornerstone is available to begin the building process. Jesus would love nothing more than take up residence in your heart. Why not accept Him as your Savior? I’d love to help you through that process if you’re willing.

 

Perhaps you do know Jesus as your Chief Cornerstone, but have been swayed by this crazy world. Don’t hesitate to rejoin the Rock that desires to be your foundation. Remember, He hasn’t moved.

 

I pray that today you will look to Jesus, the Chief Cornerstone as you encounter each situation. Let Him be your Rock. It won’t matter if everything around you falls apart. You’ll be standing on the Chief Cornerstone.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

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“B” – Blogging A to Z

April 2nd, 2014 dsisler

This month you will following me through the alphabet for a writing challenge that I’ve decided to be part of. Sometimes it’s nice to know that I have something in mind to write about. This month is going to be just like that.

 

Yesterday I wrote about the “A” Names of God. Abba, Father, Almighty God, and Ancient of Days. As my day progressed, I could see that my plan for the month was going to be thrown out the window. Using the verse I presented yesterday, I wondered if I could come up with a Name of the Lord for each letter of the alphabet. Guess what? I believe I can!

 

So now, I’m working toward two challenges. Blogging A to Z and finding all the names of the Lord that I can by the alphabet. So sit back and enjoy April. It’s going to be a great month!

 

“The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.” Proverbs 18:10 – NIV

 

Bread used to be much more important than it is in our world today. Bread was a staple. It was sustenance. It was sometimes all there was to eat.

 

Now days, we just run to the grocery store if we run out of bread, but in the past, it wasn’t as easy.

 

Perhaps you’ve heard of pioneers carrying yeast starters across the wilderness. Some of these starters have been “fed” for hundreds of years. Why? Because if they had this starter, they could survive. They could add a little flour to it and make bread.

 

Think of the account???????????????????? of the feeding of the 5,000 in Matthew 14:13-21. What were the foods Jesus used to feed the crowd? Fish and loaves of bread. The Israelite nation celebrated the Feast of Unleavened Bread (Exodus 13:3-10). Manna provided by God was a bread substitute while the Israelite nation wandered in the dessert (Numbers 11:6-9). In the temple, there was a place for bread as well. The Table of Shewbread (that’s what I grew up calling it) or the Bread of Presence (Exodus 25:23-30). Jesus even used bread in His example prayer for us in Matthew 6:11.

 

So when Jesus used this term to refer to Himself, the people of that time knew what He meant. In John 6, Jesus used the word bread and the image it evokes four times. Let’s look a little closer at the Name Jesus gave Himself.

 

Bread from Heaven

“I tell you the truth, it is not Moses who has given you the bread from heaven, but it is my Father who gives you the true bread from heaven.” (John 6:32 – NIV)

 

Bread of God

“For the bread of God is he who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.” (John 6:33 – NIV)

 

Bread of Life

“I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty.” (John 6:35 – NIV)

 

Living Bread

“I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever. This bread of my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.” (John 6:51 – NIV)

 

It’s clear that when Jesus used this Name for Himself, He wanted His followers (including us) to understand that it’s only through Him that we have spiritual life. Jesus is our sustenance. Jesus is the way to spiritual fullness. Through Jesus we have life. Eternal life. Abundant life.

 

Jesus also used bread analogy on the last night with His disciples. Jesus handed Judas a piece of bread just before Judas betrayed Jesus (John 13:26-27). And in Matthew 26:26 (NIV), we find these words. “While they were eating, Jesus took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to his disciples saying, ‘Take and eat; this is my body.’”

 

After Jesus spoke these words, He was betrayed, denied, beaten, mocked, tried falsely, sentenced to death, and hung on a cross to die. The Living Bread died.

 

But it is through the resurrection of Jesus that we see the eternal meaning of His bread analogies. Resurrected Jesus brings life. Resurrected Jesus provides. Resurrected Jesus satisfies.

 

Jesus, the Bread of Life is exactly what you need to make it through your day. Do you partake of this life-giving Bread on a daily basis? Do you know Jesus as your provider? Is your life in the hands of the Living Bread? If not, perhaps today is the day to call upon the Bread of Life.

 

I pray that you know all that Jesus can provide for your life.

 

I pray that you will find all your heart desires today by being in the presence of the Bread of Heaven.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

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“A” – Blogging from A-Z

April 1st, 2014 dsisler

We have actually made it to the first day of April, 2014. In some ways it is difficult to believe. And yet, the year seems like it is flying! We are already one quarter of the way through the year. There are only 267 days until Christmas. 2014 is sailing by.

 

A2Z-BADGE-0002014-small_zps8300775cIf you have been following me for a year or so, you’ll remember I joined a challenge last April called “Blogging from A-Z.” Starting with the first day of the month, we are to write about a theme or an idea or even an item beginning with the letter “A.” On April 2nd, the blog post would be connected to the letter “B.” This would continue through the month, except for Sundays. I’ve joined the challenge again this year!

 

So with my calendar ready, I’m prepared to share a theme each day in relation to a letter of the alphabet.

 

I have fallen in love with God’s name. I may quote this Scripture more than I should, but I love what it says about God’s name. “The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.” (Proverbs 18:10 – NIV)

 

Today, let’s look at God’s names that begin with the letter “A.”

 

Abba, Father

This is the name that Jesus used when He spoke to God. He used it in Matthew 6:9, John 10:15, as well as during His agonizing prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane (Luke 22:42).

 

Jesus knew God intimately and used this affectionate name when He spoke of His Father. We might relate this word to our English word, “papa.”

 

Because of Jesus’ resurrection, we have the opportunity to approach God in much the same way. We are able to cry out to the Father using the intimate name, Abba.

 

Galatians 4:6 (NIV) says, “Because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, Abba, Father.”

 

If your heart is crying out today, why not cry out to your heavenly Father. Abba. There is no other Name by which you will find His comfort, love, forgiveness and joy.

 

Almighty God

You know how it is when you believe your earthly father can do anything? Like a superhero who is able to leap small buildings, stop a speeding train, or save the world of those pesky villains? Yeah, we know what it’s like to have that kind of belief in our earthly fathers.

 

The problem is that we grow up. We realize that our earthy fathers are human and not in fact superheroes.

 

I have some good news. My heavenly Father “is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine…” (Ephesians 3:20 – NIV) My heavenly Father is Almighty God.

 

This was the name God chose when He confirmed the covenant with Abram. “When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the Lord appeared to him and said, ‘I am God Almighty; walk before me and be blameless, I will confirm my covenant between me and you and will greatly increase your numbers.’” (Genesis 17:1-2 – NIV)

 

In this section of Scripture, God changes Abram’s name to Abraham, Sarai’s name to Sarah, and tells them that they will have a son…in their old age. Now that is almighty!

 

Some interpreters believe this name means “the All-Sufficient One” or “the All-Bountiful One.” God is not just able to bless us, He is able to bless us abundantly.

 

Perhaps today you need to be in the presence of Almighty God. If so, there’s no reason to hesitate. Call on His Name and you will be safe.

 

Ancient of Days

This Name of God is only used by Daniel in Daniel 7:13 and 22. In contrast to the earthly kings and kingdoms that would come and go, Daniel chose this term to speak of his God. Ancient of Days.

 

God has always existed and always will. Unlike humanity and this earth, the Ancient of Days is not limited by time. He will always remain the same. The only real security we have in this world is to place our trust in the Ancient of Days.

 

If you’re looking for the security of the God who is same yesterday, today and tomorrow, look no further. Ancient of Days is who you’re looking for.

 

I would love to share many more names of God, and perhaps that may be the theme of the month…we’ll see. But these are the “A” names.

 

I pray that you will come to know God in a deeper way as you think of the many ways you can turn to Him for what you need. His Name is a strong tower.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

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“Sunday School Rock” – Musical Musings in March

March 31st, 2014 dsisler

Today’s song is a blast from the past. In the 1990’s, Carman came on the scene with his unique style. Music videos were all the rage and he jumped into the mix. Some were perhaps a little hokey, but when you look past all of the wild production, you see his heart.

 

IMAG1492Carman brought music such as “I Will Serve the Lord,” “The Prayer Anthem,” “Jesus is the Lamb,” “Satan Bite the Dust,” and “Sunday School Rock.” What I love about Carman is that he introduced fun into the mix. Kids were singing his music, dancing to the beat and hearing the message of God.

 

There was a time and place for Carman’s music and I’m thankful that I’ve been able to part of that time period.

 

So today, I’m going to share one of my favorites. “Sunday School Rock” will take you back to the hand jive days, so let’s get those hands moving and sing along with Carman.

 

Why not listen to it first by clicking here?

 

“Sunday School Rock”

 

Listen up now ya’ll, I’m gonna try and reach ya
Class is now in section, pay attention to the teacher
We’re goin’ through the Book, Genesis to Revelation
I’ll teach your head how to spread salvation to the nation

 

We’ll start with the basics, a checklist for the saints
Love the Lord with all your heart and mind and soul and strength
To fear the Lord is wisdom, to serve the Lord divine
To really break it down just repeat these words of mine

 

CHORUS
I love Jesus
Yes I do
I love Jesus
How ’bout you?
I love Jesus, yes I do, I love Jesus how ‘bout you

 

Grab your pen and paper, the lesson now beings
First up Church artillery ’cause we got war with sin
God trains us through evangelists, apostles, prophets too
Pastors, teachers, five in all ’cause we got work to do

 

Discernment, tongues, interpretation, prophecy, and faith
Wisdom, knowledge, healing, miracles, yeah these are great
These gifts are like atomic bombs, they make the Word explode
But they just don’t mean nothin’ unless you know the code
That code is…

 

(CHORUS)

 

BRIDGE

The bottom line, the way to win
Is up with Jesus, down with sin
The Word is clear, easy to see
Only Christ can set you free

 

Hide the Word in your heart
When you grow you won’t depart
Grind the Devil to the ground
Sunday School is throwing down!

 

(CHORUS)[i]

 

Now, let’s share Jesus’ love with the world! I love Jesus!

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna


[i] “Sunday School Rock,” by Carmelo Domenic Licciardello, aka Carman, Lehsem Music, 1993.

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March 30

March 30th, 2014 dsisler

Good morning! It’s the last Sunday of March and that means musical musings in March is coming to an end. However, with April comes another writing challenge…Blogging A to Z. Each day of the month has been given a letter of the alphabet and my writing that day will be about the letter or a word that begins with that letter. I pray that you will enjoy it as much as I do!

 

IMAG1492Today’s melody is one that I’ve fallen in love with. I don’t hear it often, but when I do, it’s a great reminder of Jesus’ sweetness and what He has done for me. Enjoy this tune, “He’s so Good to Me.”

 

“He’s so Good to Me” – Monday Musical Musings

 

Music has had such a huge impact on my life and I find myself wanting to write about a song, a composer or singing group more than a few times per year. So I’ve decided to create Monday Musical Musings. I will now dedicate Monday’s to share the ways I’ve been touched by music. I look forward to it!

 

There is a little piece of music that I’ve heard a couple of times in the past two weeks that is so enjoyable. The music is toe-tapping good. The lyrics are simple and yet hold great meaning.

 

I have found it quite difficult to find this song, the lyrics and even the person who wrote this wonderful piece. But after much searching, I’ve finally found the right lyrics, the right person who wrote it and a version you can listen to.

 

“He’s so Good to Me”

 

Oh sweet Jesus, my Lord and Savior.

He gives sight to eyes of blindness;

Caused me to see.

How I love Him.

I adore Him.

There’s no other Friend I’ve found;

Who gives grace where sin abounds

And I’m rejoicing;

He’s so good to me.

 

I am on my way to heaven;

For my sins have been forgiven.

And it’s all because my Jesus loves me;

And He’s so good to me.[i]

 

Now you’ll love this version of this song if you lived through the 1970’s. I knew several guys with suits just like this group! So now that I’ve built it up, you’ll not want to miss this one. However, if you’re like me, you’ll have this tune stuck in your head (and your heart) for a while. So click here if you want an uplifting experience.

 

As a side note, the Calvarymen Quartet was the group singing the version I heard on the radio. If you get a chance to hear their version, you’ll really be blessed.

 

There are a few reasons to rejoice as listed in this song. Let’s take a look at them.

 

Jesus – “Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his king will never end.” (Luke 1:30-33 – NIV)

 

Lord and Savior – “Therefore, my brothers, be all the more eager to make your calling and election sure. For if you do these things, you will never fall, and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” (2 Peter 1:10-11 – NIV)

 

Restoration of sight – “For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light.” (Ephesians 5:8 – NIV)

 

Friendship – “You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made know to you.” (John 15:14-15 – NIV)

 

Grace – “But he gives us more grace.” (James 4:6a – NIV)

 

Heaven – “In my Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.” (John 14:2-3 – NIV)

 

Forgiveness of sin – “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.” (Ephesians 1:7-8 – NIV)

 

Jesus loves me – “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16 – NIV)

 

Goodness – “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” (Galatians 5:22-23 – NIV)

 

If these were the only reasons we have to rejoice, we would have quite a list! However there are plenty more found in Scripture. But this is a great start. If you are searching for a reason to rejoice today, rejoice for these blessings we’ve received from God our Father, His sweet Son, and the Holy Spirit.

 

Because of the goodness we have received, we too can say, I love Jesus. I adore Jesus. He deserves nothing less. The Apostle John knew of Jesus’ goodness first hand. He mentions in 1 John 4:19 (NIV) that because He loved us, we love. “We love because he first loved us.” We are called to love others and are able to do so because of the love God gave us.

 

For sure, God has been so good to me. I pray that you know His goodness and that you can say the same. If not, maybe today is the day to accept His goodness and His gift of salvation. Then you can tell others of how good God has been to you.

 

I now have a brighter outlook on Monday’s. Sharing my love of music brings joy to my heart and a smile to my face. If you have a favorite song that you’d like me to share, please let me know. I’d be happy to do so.

 

Have a blessed Monday and let’s rejoice today for all the goodness we’ve received!

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna


[i] “He’s so Good to Me,” Lari Goss, Goss brothers Music Company, 1974

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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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