His Name is Wonderful!

February 2nd, 2014 dsisler

I’m a little obsessed with God’s Name. I have two books on my shelf that give reference to every Name of God in Scripture. Any verse that talks about God’s Name finds its way into my heart and cling to it.

 

JehovahThe blog post I share with you today is about God’s Name, but there’s a verse I overlooked in the blog. In Judges 13:18, God asks Manoah the question, “Why do you ask my name?” God then goes on to describe His Name.

 

In the NIV, we see it is “beyond understanding.” The NCV says it is “too amazing for you to understand.” The Names of God Bible (I need to look into getting a copy of this version) says it’s a name that “works miracles.” The NAS translates this portion of Scripture as “wonderful.” And the Message says God’s Name is “sheer wonder.”

 

Isn’t it wonderful that we have a God who is too amazing for us to understand? That He is always going to be able to surprise us and fill our hearts with sheer wonder of Him? Yes, I praise God’s Name for all that He has done and for all that He will accomplish in the future.

 

So enjoy today’s post and as you head off to worship His wonderful Name this morning, I pray that you have this same sense of awe.

 

The Name

 

A name. It is part of what defines you. Sometimes people hear a name and say, “it fits that person.” Sometimes, not so much. When children are born, we take great lengths to find the perfect name for the child. It might be given before birth or perhaps after, but still it is not given without great deliberation.

 

My children were no different. Philip Daniel, Candace Lee, and Bethany Joy were all given with great care and thought. Each named after a person or simply because we liked a name. And each of their names can be found in the Bible…Philip and Candace in the same chapter of the book of Acts. I would assume that my parents spent time in deciding upon my name and the names of my siblings.

 

Names are important. They have been since the beginning of time. Adam took the time to name each animal God had created. The final name he gave was to Eve, his perfect mate.

 

God changed Abram’s name to Abraham and Sarai to Sarah in Genesis 17. He gave the name of Israel to Jacob in Genesis 32. And in the New Testament, we see Jesus changing the name of Simon to Peter in Matthew 16, after Peter’s confession of Christ.

 

With these new names, their lives were changed. Changed to be committed people of God. Their new names would reflect who they belonged to. The Lord.

 

Also in Scripture, we see many names for God. But I don’t want to look at the list of names; I want to discuss The Name.

 

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

 

Wow! This verse tells us that His Name is amazing and powerful. Yet sometimes we dismiss it, forget it, or ignore its power. There are other verses that lead us to this conclusion as well.

 

Psalm 8:1 – “O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth.”

Isaiah 12:4 – “Give thanks to the Lord, call on his name; make known among the nations what he has done, and proclaim that his name is exalted.”

Micah 5:4 – “He will stand and shepherd his flock in the strength of the Lord, in the majesty of the name of the Lord his God.”

Deuteronomy 28:58 – “…revere this glorious and awesome name—the Lord your God.”

 

His Name. That’s it. The Proverbs passage tells us His Name is a strong tower. That in His Name there is great strength and protection. Simply in His Name.

 

And what are we to do? We are to run to it for safety. Run. Directly to him. We see from the following passages how we are to run.

 

Psalm 119:32 – “I run in the path of your commands, for you have set my heart free.”

1 Corinthians 9:26 – “Do not run like someone running aimlessly.”

Hebrews 23:1a-2b – “Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith.”

 

The Amplified Version adds some insight into the Proverbs passage. Take a look.

 

“The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the [consistently] righteous man [upright and in right standing with God] runs into it and is safe, high [above evil] and strong.” (Proverbs 18:10)

 

The consistently righteous man knows where the power is. It is in the Name of God. He knows outside the safety of the strong tower, evil will be there to lure him into its clutches.

 

I didn’t care for my name for years and I really don’t like the song “Donna,” even though I hear it quite often from people. But through the years I’ve come to enjoy hearing my name. Especially from those who love me. I look forward to the day when Jesus calls me by name, and then writes my new name on a white stone. I wonder what that name will be?

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

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Green Light

February 1st, 2014 dsisler

Have you ever heard the phrase “green light on the tipple?” I hadn’t until yesterday. I was reading through some history of the area I live in and this phrase the title of the piece.

 

I live in an area that is called tri-towns or the carbon valley. It is made up of three smaller communities that built up about the same time. And these communities were built around coal mines.

 

tippleFor each mine, there was a tipple. This is the structure that is used to move the extracted product from the mine to the railroad cars. On top of the tipple were two lights. One red. One green. If there was work to be done in the mine, the green light was lit. If there was no work, the red light was lit.

 

I know very little about coal mining except what I’ve seen in movies and documentaries. But from what I’ve read about the area I reside, these were pretty typical coal mines. Difficult work with little pay.

 

This particular area of Colorado was rich in coal and below our communities are mine shafts a plenty. Above, the coal mine tipple has been replaced by oil wells. They are plentiful in this area. You can read my insight into the “grasshopper” invasion here.

 

Through the years, coal is created when certain elements exist together. Vegetation, animals, moisture, heat, and pressure make up these elements. When they are allowed to work together, they form the perfect combination for coal.

 

While we find it difficult, we understand what produces maturity in our spiritual lives. In the Book of James, James tells us to consider trials with joy. And he gives a reason for doing so. “Because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” (James 1:3-4 – NIV)

And just a few verses later, James states, “Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.” (James 1:12 – NIV)

 

We know from Jesus’ words that we will face trials. We will be put under pressure. And when we are in the midst of these trials, it’s good to have some backup to relieve some of the pressure. God’s Word can provide that encouragement. I’ve listed some passages (there are many more) below to consider memorizing or write on note cards so they are readily available for your use.

 

Proverbs 18:10

Romans 5:3

Romans 8:37-39

2 Corinthians 4:16

2 Corinthians 12:9

1 Peter 1:6, 9

1 Peter 4:12, 16, 19

1 John 4:4

 

If you are under pressure today, know it is part of the process. God is with you. He will provide backup when you need it because His Name is a strong tower. And just remember, His light is always green!

 

I enjoyed reading about my community and the history that came along with it. I wasn’t as thrilled to see the geological map of the mines below our communities. But I can’t worry about it. I won’t fret over it. I’ll just trust that God will protect all who have chosen to live in the carbon valley.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

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Whence Comes Wisdom

January 31st, 2014 dsisler

I’m adding a new book to my reading pile. It’s called God’s Wisdom for a Woman’s Life by Elizabeth George. It’s been on my shelf for a while. I’ve obviously read it in the past for there are highlighted areas throughout. But I don’t remember reading it or any of the material within its pages (must have been before my memory loss).

 

Daytona 500 004But what I do know is that I am never filled to the brim with God’s wisdom. My wisdom always seeps in and then I’m stuck with very little. So my objective is to seek God’s wisdom above my own in each area of my life.

 

I love the beginning section of this book. A mere ten pages into the book and Elizabeth is sharing what wisdom is and why it’s important to utilize God’s wisdom. And this is what she says.

 

“Wisdom is skill in living. Wisdom is the right use of knowledge. Wisdom is knowing what to do. Wisdom is the ability to see with discernment. Wisdom is the ability to view life as God perceives it. Wisdom is the God-given ability to see life with rare objectivity and to handle life with rare stability.”[i]

 

Yes, I need all of that and if I can achieve it all through God’s wisdom, then give me a double portion!

 

Wisdom however can seem illusive to some and shines brightly through others. So what makes the difference?

 

James tells us that if we desire wisdom we are to ask (James 1:5). As I’m writing this I wonder when I asked for wisdom. I’m sure I have in the past, but recently, I don’t believe I have.

 

I do ask God for insight into His Words and to be with me as I teach and write, but I don’t specifically ask for His wisdom.

 

So I wonder, is it something we need to continue to ask for?

 

I don’t know for sure, but it seems that the wisest of all men strayed from spiritual living and could have used an extra dose of wisdom. So if it can happen to Solomon, it surely could happen to me. Maybe Elizabeth will cover this in the first chapter of the book.

 

So my first step is to ask God for His wisdom. As a matter of fact, I’m going to make it part of my prayer each day (at least for a while), to see if there is a difference in how my life is going.

 

Maybe that’s the first step you need to make as well. If so, let’s do this together. God’s wisdom will make a difference in our lives. I have no doubt about it.

 

Now don’t get me wrong, I have some wisdom in my life. Age has brought me to a greater understanding of what is a wise action and what is not. But I feel like there is room for improvement. Just like other areas of my spiritual life, there is always room for improvement.

 

So today’s word is wisdom. God’s wisdom. The ability to see life through God’s eyes.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna


[i] God’s Wisdom for a Woman’s Life, Elizabeth George, Harvest House Publishers, 2003, page 10.

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C-E-L-B-R-A-T-E!

January 30th, 2014 dsisler

Today is a day for celebration. It’s my husband’s birthday and we will celebrate him. Happy birthday Mason! I love you!

 

BalloonsHowever, today is also the birthday of Full Measure of Joy. Two year ago today, I made the decision to start a blog, write something on that blog every day, and above all, point others to Jesus. What an exciting two years it’s been.

 

I also believe God isn’t finished (with me or my blog) yet. There is so much still to write. So many lives to touch. Much more of me to give. So I will continue on this journey and let God be in control of every aspect of FMOJ.

 

I thought of the verse in Philippians 1:6 (NIV) as I wondered what I would write today and I believe it is appropriate for my life as well as my blog. “Being confident in this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”

 

I am more than confident that starting Full Measure of Joy was a God thing. He urged and pushed until I gave in. He knew from the beginning what this blog would come to mean to me. He knew from the beginning that I would be able to make it happen. He had every confidence in me, because He just knows.

 

But what I am also confident in is that I could not have come on this journey without Him. I would have lost momentum. I would have given up. I would have believed it impossible. I would have thought, “I wasn’t ready.”

 

I would have been wrong.

 

God began a good work in me when I wrote that very first blog in 2012. And because I believe He is still working through me and FMOJ, He isn’t finished yet.

 

So what is my part in this journey?

 

To trust Him.

 

To believe Him.

 

To know Him.

 

To glorify Him.

 

To experience Him.

 

To honor Him.

 

To hear Him.

 

To follow Him.

 

To thank Him.

 

To proclaim Him.

 

To serve Him.

 

When I am open to where God leads me, He will use me. And He will continue to do His good work in me. It’s been a great journey and I am thankful that God called me to join Him.

 

God calls you to be open to His leading as well. Are you listening? Do you know where He wants to take you? Are you willing to go on the journey with Him?

 

I pray that you are open to God’s voice today. Don’t hesitate. Just do it. He has started a good work in you and wants to bring it to completion. Remember, He is right there with you.

 

Happy birthday Full Measure of Joy! Let’s celebrate!

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

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Increase or Decrease?

January 29th, 2014 dsisler

I live on the high altitude prairie of Colorado, just beyond the foothills of the great Colorado Rocky Mountains. 99.99% of my existence here is perfect. I love the weather, the sunshine, and the low humidity. The views are spectacular and the sunrises and sunsets are beyond beautiful.

 

DSC02214mSo you’re probably wondering what that .01% of my life here that isn’t perfect. It’s baking. Baking at high altitude gets me every time. My beloved recipes from the low lands just don’t work here. I get frustrated and I quit baking. And after several months I forget my frustrations and try it again, only to be disappointed yet again.

 

If you read the back of a cake mix, you’ll see high altitude instructions. They usually require the addition of flour or cutting the liquids or adding more liquid. It’s been 10 years since I’ve lived in Colorado and there are times I still forget to look at that little piece.

 

I’ve also purchased cookbooks to help with the whole “I can’t bake in this high altitude” situation. There is a formula for making all recipes work at high altitude. I just haven’t figured it out yet. I cannot seem to wrap my brain around it.

 

Now to add another issue into my baking dilemma, we’ve had to purchase a new oven in the last year. Well actually two new ovens because my kitchen has a double oven set up. So in one, we chose a convection oven. Fortunately, it has a convection converter. So I just punch in some numbers and it takes care of the conversion. And there’s a method to this too.

 

Meats are cooked at higher temps for less time and baked goods are baked at lower temps for the same amount of time. At least that’s what my understanding is. But then again, I could be wrong! I think I’ll be using the conversion setting for quite a while.

 

More or less? Without reading the instructions or knowing the formula, chances are pretty good it’s going to be wrong. It can get confusing, frustrating, and even demoralizing.

 

More or less? These words can be used in regard to our relationship with Jesus as well. John the baptizer knew all about this more or less thing.

 

John had been sent before Jesus to prepare the people of Israel for Jesus. He was born to be a preacher. He was given the role of starting a revival among the Jews. He was to tell anyone who listened that the Messiah would be following soon. But when the time came, when the Messiah appeared, John’s role was to introduce Jesus to the world and step back.

 

Oh, John continued to preach. John still baptized. But he was always pointing others to Jesus. Always.

 

I’m sure it was disheartening to John’s disciples when Jesus began His ministry. John had been the forerunner. He had preached to great crowds and shared the message God had given him with them. But after His baptism, Jesus began drawing the crowds. John’s crowds diminished. Jesus’ crowds augmented.

 

It’s no wonder John’s disciples approached John about the situation. “Rabbi, that man who was with you on the other side of the Jordan—the one you testified about—well, he is baptizing, and everyone is going to him.” (John 3:26 – NIV)

 

John knew his role. He had accomplished it. It was time for Jesus to take over. But John had to bring his followers to the same understanding. John reminded his disciples that he was not the Christ and had never professed to be. John then shared the analogy of attending the bridegroom and being filled with joy upon hearing the voice of the bridegroom.

 

But then, John spoke words that have great significance in our walk with Jesus.

 

“He must become greater; I must become less.”(John 3:30 – NIV) The New American Standard Version puts it this way. “He must increase, but I must decrease.”

 

More or less?

 

That is a question we must ask ourselves every day and perhaps throughout our day. Does my life reflect more of me or more of Jesus? Have I chosen the path of becoming less so that Jesus becomes greater in all that I do? Am I decreasing so that Jesus can increase?

 

I know it’s not easy. I know I get the formula wrong. I know I mess it up. But in the Kingdom of God, Jesus must be the King. Jesus must sit on the throne. And that means Jesus must rule in our hearts. His presence must increase and our sinful, human nature must decrease.

 

John continued testifying for Jesus in the remaining verses of John chapter 3. He also mentioned that Jesus, “the one who comes from above is above all.” (John 3:31 – NIV) As we place Jesus above all in our lives, He increases. This must be our goal.

 

And the reward for our decrease? Eternal life. John closes his testimony with these words. “Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God’s wrath remains on him.” (John 3:36 – NIV)

 

I am certain that I will try to bake again at some point. It’s a cycle I can’t seem to break. As I add more or less ingredients to my batter, I will remember this passage. More or less? Increase or decrease? Greater or less?

 

How will you remember to make Jesus’ presence greater in your 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.

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