What Next?

February 7th, 2014 dsisler

What is the date? February 7, right? Well as usual, time has flown by and now I’m in a bit of a jam. So I’m hoping you, my readers will be able to help.

 

DSC02392mYou see, I lead two groups of ladies in Bible study. One group will be finishing up our current study in three weeks. I have no idea what we’re going to study next, but this Wednesday evening I need to have some options for them.

 

The other group of ladies will probably be in a different group next fall, but the leadership team is asking us to give them our Bible study options for the fall within the next three weeks.

 

So you see, I need some Bible study ideas! So tell me, what have you studied recently that has made an impact upon your life?

 

I am not the first person to say “what next?” There are plenty of biblical characters who asked God that question.

 

As Noah, his family and a brood of animals floated upon the waters of the flood, I’m sure they asked one another and God on several occasions, “What next?”

 

I’m sure as Elijah waited on the Lord to show up, he asked “What next?” After the great and powerful wind, the earthquake and the fire, Elijah was thrilled to hear God’s whisper.

 

King David most probably asked God the question. After Goliath, after being anointed as king, after the death of his son, after repentance. “What next?”

 

All of Israel waited patiently after the last words of the Old Testament were spoken. For 400 years they asked, “What next?”

 

John the Baptizer proclaimed what God had in mind, but still the people asked “What next?”

 

Jesus shared God’s message with Israel and some asked “What next?”

 

After Jesus’ death, His believers, His true followers asked, “What next?”

 

On the day of Pentecost, Peter was asked by the crowd, “What next?”

 

And I believe all of humanity asked “What next?” in waiting for the Gentiles to hear the Gospel.

 

The answer to all of the questions is the same. God. He is what’s next.

 

Maybe you’re asking the same question. “What’s next?”

 

If you are an unbeliever, then your next step is to accept Jesus as your Savior.

 

If you are a believer, then your next step will always take you deeper into God’s Word, deeper in your faith, deeper in your relationship with God, deeper in your desire to follow Him and do as He asks. There will always be a “What’s next.” It’s what keeps us growing.

 

And here’s the thing. I also believe God is asking us the same question. “What’s next?” “Where are you willing to go with Me?” “What are you willing to do with Me?” “Who are you willing to love with Me?” “When?”

 

Yes, we need to continue to ask ourselves “What’s next?” And when God shares His plan, be prepared to answer.

 

What’s next?

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

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Love, Love, Love

February 6th, 2014 dsisler

I heard of a great tool to teach my grandchildren about love recently. It’s from Family Life Today. It can be used for several purposes, but its main goal is to teach about love as we head into Valentine’s Day.

 

KIT17803I heard about it on their program, was intrigued, looked it up and purchased it. I’m so glad that I did because it’s exactly what I thought it would be.

 

Today I’m going to share something about each one of the cards. Let’s learn about love!

 

The center heart is taken from 1 John 4:19. “We love because He first loved us.” These words are to be the center of love. It is the center heart. It’s where our love comes from. This realization is cause to rejoice. “May you grow together in the wonder of being loved unconditionally by God and learn to give love generously to others.”

 

The remaining hearts use the love chapter, 1 Corinthians 13 as their scriptural source.

 

One heart says “Love is patient” and inside it says, “Love chooses self-control.” And “Love does not retaliate.” And “Love is willing to wait calmly.” Aren’t these great phrases to teach our children about being patient and how it fits into love?

 

One heart says “Love is kind.” Inside it lets us know that “Love is inviting, sympathetic, and warm to all people.” “Love sees. It feels compassion and acts.” These simple phrases helps us understand how love is kind.

 

“Love does not envy.” On the inside of this card are some interesting phrases. “Love is content, trusting God each day.” And then there’s “Jealousy blocks out love by turning your eyes on yourself and what you don’t have.” What great words to help understand this concept.

 

One heart tells us, “Love does not boast,” and inside we see “Love trusts that God sees all and believes he will reward fairly.” “Boasting thinks your way is the best way.” And then it ends with “Words matter.”

 

“Love is not arrogant” is on the next heart. “Love shows honor and respect to others” is listed inside. As well as, “Love knows everyone’s story is important.” These are good words for adults to hear.

 

And then, “Love is not rude.” “Love does not treat people roughly.” “Love does not use bad manners but is gracious.” Do your children or grandchildren need to learn this concept? I know mine could use a dose of this one.

 

“Love does not insist on its own way.” On the inside of this card we read, “Love looks for and listens to the needs of others.” And this is good. “Love is directed by the golden rule.” A great way to teach about treating others as you’d like to be treated!

 

And guess what, there are still eight more cards to go! These cards are filled with examples and biblical references and prayers and resources. I cannot wait to read every bit of writing on them.

 

I heard an interview with Barbara Rainey who wrote these cards and she said it took her a while to put them together. I now know why. These are filled with wonderful ideas and I’m sure will be a blessing to my family by learning about love through the next few weeks and months.

 

I don’t usually promote products here, but this is one that I’d suggest for any parent or grandparent who finds difficulty with how their children love others. Let’s face it; we all could use a little help every now and then.

 

If you’d like to purchase your own set of “How Do I Love Thee?” cards, you may do so by visiting the website here. http://shop.familylife.com/p-3480-how-do-i-love-thee-valentines-kit.aspx

 

We read throughout Scripture that we are to love others. That’s part of the mission of Rocky Mountain Christian Church where I attend. Jesus’ words are pretty clear in Matthew 22:37-40 (NIV).

 

“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”

 

Yes, Jesus knew the importance of love and how it should affect our lives. He also knew that when we loved God and others, everything would fall into place.

 

The Apostle Paul understood this idea as well. After writing about love in the love chapter of the Bible, he has this to say about love. “And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.” (1 Corinthians 13:13 – NIV)

 

After glimpsing through these cards, I believe there are several concepts about love that I need to learn. I look forward to opening my heart to what God has to tell me through this tool. I pray that God’s love will touch your heart as well.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

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Just a Dreamin’

February 5th, 2014 dsisler

We are nearing the 2014 NASCAR season. Two weeks from Sunday, the Daytona 500 will kick off the official season. But until then, there will be a great deal of racing events in the Daytona area.

 

I’ve had several dreams related to NASCAR. One was to go to the Daytona 500. I can check that one off the list. My mom and I enjoyed the Daytona 500 and lots more in 2011. It was a dream come true.

 

1299890232033Another dream is to take a tour of a NASCAR shop. Most of the shops are in North Carolina, so a trip to that area would allow for multiple tours. On one of my visits to Ohio, I had a layover in Charlotte. Imagine my surprise to walk through the food court and to find a NASCAR Sprint Cup car there. Okay, so it shouldn’t have been, but it was! Jeff Gordon’s number 24 was right there. It was pretty cool.

 

There is one team whose headquarters and shop isn’t anywhere near North Carolina. The Furniture Row racing team is based in Denver, Colorado. Yes, in my neck of the woods. It would not take a lot of effort on my part to fulfill my dream of touring a race garage. However, I have yet to do so.

 

I read a quote a while back that went something like this. “Dreams remain dreams until you write them down. Then they become goals.” Why is it we allow our dreams to just remain dreams? What keeps us from realizing those dreams?

 

I don’t know that I can answer these questions for everyone, but I can answer them for myself. Fear holds me back. Disappointment lurks around every corner. Insecurities of past failures remind me of such failures. This list could go on and on.

 

And do you know who loves it when I am unable to achieve my dreams? The evil one. He just loves to mess up my plans. To throw his two cents worth into the picture. You see, fear, disappointment, and insecurity all come from him. They are not from God.

 

God’s plan is to rid my life of anything that will pull me into the pit of despair (Psalm 40:1-2). God wants me to succeed (Jeremiah 29:11-13). God wants me to have confidence (Philippians 1:4-6).

 

Oh my little dream of touring a race garage is miniscule in comparison to other life goals I have. Be a published author. Perhaps join the speaking tour. Lose weight. Share Jesus with others. Grow in my spiritual journey. Dreams? Perhaps, but now they must be goals.

 

So when I’m not sure of myself or my abilities, I can remind myself from whom I receive my confidence, strength, and talents. I can quote Scripture to keep fear and disappointment at bay. Perhaps you need something to help you as well. If so, maybe we can memorize these passages together.

 

“The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid?” (Psalm 27:1 – NIV)

 

“My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” (Psalm 73:26 – NIV)

 

“But blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him.” (Jeremiah 17:7 – NIV)

 

“No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.” (Romans 8:37 – NIV)

 

“If God is for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31b – NIV)

 

“I can do everything through him who gives me strength.” (Philippians 4:13 – NIV)

 

“For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love, and of self-discipline.” (2 Timothy 1:7 – NIV)

 

I pray that you’ll find great comfort and encouragement from these words of God. He is on our side (Psalm 118:6). He wants us to succeed (Proverbs 16:3). He has great plans for us (Ephesians 2:10).

 

I don’t know about you, but I believe I’m ready to make my dreams come true. Would you like to join me?

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

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Manage Myself

February 4th, 2014 dsisler

As you know, I’m reading a book about wisdom and the importance of asking God continually for wisdom in my life.

 

I read a quote in that book that that struck a chord with me. “We so often hear, I wish I knew how to manage my time better. Rarely do we hear, I wish I knew how to manage myself better.”[i] Yes, I believe that really is the issue.

i1035 FW0.9

 

You see, when I allow myself to daydream, or chat a tad-bit extra with a friend, or spend a too much time watching television to name a few, I do run out of the time I have available to complete the tasks given to me. It may seem like I’ve mismanaged my time, but in fact I’ve mismanaged myself.

 

As you may know, God has quite a bit to say about managing ourselves, so let’s take a look at some of these principles.

 

First, we must realize that we are not our own. When we make Jesus our personal Savior and give Him our lives, He then becomes the Lord over every aspect of my life. In reality, I’m laying down my life over and over again for Him to use for His purpose.

 

We sang a song on Sunday morning called “Lay Me Down,” by Chris Tomlin. It really says what we must do. Allow God’s will and His way to rule our lives. Give up our pride, our rights, with hearts open wide and ask God to use us. That’s what it’s all about.

 

We must also realize that we cannot do this on our own. God’s Spirit is within us to help us on this journey. And what a journey it is when we fully allow God’s Spirit to join us.

 

Then it’s time to start the real work. Finding the areas of my life that aren’t up to God’s standards. If you need help with this, there are plenty of places in Scripture to find sinful acts. Let’s just look at one of them.

 

In Ephesians 4 and 5, Paul shares some unbeliever-like behaviors that should be removed from our lives so that God’s Spirit has more control over our lives. Here is what Paul has to say.

 

Put off falsehood – Ephesians 4:25

Don’t sin in your anger – Ephesians 4:26

Steal no longer – Ephesians 4:28

Get rid of unwholesome talk – Ephesians 4:29

Don’t grieve the Holy Spirit – Ephesians 4:30

Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, brawling, slander and every form of malice – Ephesians 4:31

No hint of sexual immorality – Ephesians 5:3

No obscenities, foolish talk or coarse joking – Ephesians 5:4

Idolatry – Ephesians 5:5

 

That’s quite a list! And that’s just the beginning. There are plenty of other sinful behaviors that we should consider removing from our lives.

 

Now once we’ve determined which behaviors to remove, what are we to do? Ask God’s Spirit to help in the process. We must be determined to have the self-control to do so. How blessed we are that self-control is a fruit of God’s Spirit. He is there to help us along this journey.

 

When there is a void in our lives, we must fill it. If we don’t fill these voids of removed behaviors with something positive, it will likely be filled with another undesirable behavior. So what else can we learn from Ephesians 4?

 

Speak words that are helpful and edifying – Ephesians 4:29

Be kind – Ephesians 4:32

Be compassionate – Ephesians 4:32

Forgive one another – Ephesians 4:32

Be imitators of God – Ephesians 5:1

Filled with thanksgiving – Ephesians 5:4

 

These are just a few areas where we need help managing ourselves. I’m so thankful for God’s Spirit to help along the way. To lead and guide. To spur and reign me in. To convict and encourage. However, it’s up to me to make the decision to follow His urgings. That’s where I get to manage myself.

 

I pray that your day is filled with opportunities for you. I pray that you too will be open to the Holy Spirit today to help you with managing yourself. I intend to listen intently!

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

[i] Edward R. Dayton ad Ted W. Engstrom, Strategy for Living (Glendale, CA: G/L Publications, 1978), p. 175.

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“The Power of Your Love” – Monday Musical Musings

February 3rd, 2014 dsisler

I was able to attend a fun event at the church I used to attend several weeks ago. It was an event that used to “work,” so it was nice to be able to enjoy all of the festivities.

 

0005030206R-849x565There were massages, make-overs, crafts to make and purchase, give-a-ways, a service project to work on, delicious food, and so much more. Highlights included visiting with people I hadn’t seen in a while and catching up on their lives.

 

The theme of the evening was Hawaiian in nature, so there were hula-hoop contests and hula dancing lessons. The entertainment was a group of hula dancers. I had never been able to sit and enjoy this entertainment in the past, so I was delighted to watch this troop of dancers.

 

What made it even more special was the music they danced to. It was all uplifting music and when combined with their hand gestures, made the songs much more meaningful.

 

They closed with the song I share with you today. “The Power of Your Love” came to life with each movement. It was a beautiful experience and it made my evening.

 

This hasn’t been a popular song in my experience. But the words and melody of this song have such a beautiful message. Its message is, “I can’t do it on my own…I need You, God!”

 

And oh what will happen when we speak these words to God. A changed and renewed heart. Unveiled eyes. A renewed mind. A spirit that soars with God’s Spirit. Now that sounds like fun!

 

So today, take a look at “The Power of Your Love.” Imagine those graceful dancers before you. Drink in the message. Pour out your soul. Find all that you need in God’s presence. And then wait to see what happens.

 

“The Power of Your Love”

 

Lord I come to You
Let my heart be changed, renewed
Flowing from the grace
That I’ve found in You

 

And Lord I’ve come to know
The weaknesses I see in me
Will be stripped away
By the power of Your love

 

Hold me close
Let Your love surround me
Bring me near
Draw me to Your side

 

And as I wait
I’ll rise up like the eagle
And I will soar with You
Your spirit leads me on
In the power of Your love

 

Lord unveil my eyes
Let me see You face to face
The knowledge of Your love
As You live in me

 

And Lord renew my mind
As Your will unfolds in my life
In living every day
By the power of Your love

 

Hold me close
Let Your love surround me
Bring me near
Draw me to Your side

 

And as I wait
I’ll rise up like the eagle
And I will soar with You
Your spirit leads me on
In the power of Your love[i]

 

Hillsong has done a fabulous version of this song. If you’d like to listen to it, click here.

 

Lokomaika’I A malu Nou (Grace and peace be yours in abundance),

 

Donna


[i] “The Power of Your Love,” Words and Music by Geoff Bullock, Maranatha Music, 1992.

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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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