A Forgiving Heart

January 28th, 2014 dsisler

Perhaps you’ve seen the little chart that shows how you can save money through the year by putting aside the dollar amount that correlates to the week number. If you follow the chart, by the end of the year, you could have saved a total of $1,378.00.

 

7f72c0e2b542ed18f1b82e3982eada3aIt’s pretty amazing that you can put just a little away each week and have something that substantial at the end of the year.

 

Here’s the problem I face. I get paid once a month. So I have to refigure the amount to add each month. And while right now when there are smaller amounts of money going into the “pot,” at some point, I’m going to have to start contributing larger amounts of money to make up the savings total.

 

So I wondered if there might be a better solution for me.

 

I divided $1,378.00 by 52 weeks to come up with $26.50. That’s what I would need to put into my “pot” each week to save the same amount. But it still didn’t help. I don’t get paid every week.

 

So I divided $1,378.00 by 12 months to come up with $114.80. That’s what I need to put into my savings “pot” each month in order to save the total amount. It actually seems doable this way instead of by the chart. Toward the end of the year the amount going into the “pot” is over$200 a month. My method seems to be a much better way to accomplish this savings plan.

 

However, my issue now is that I’m coming up on February and I only have $16 saved. I’m $98 short. So I’m already behind.

 

This week in one of my Bible studies, we’ve been studying about unforgiveness. What I’ve come to learn this week is that when we chose to be unforgiving, we cause a great deal of pain for ourselves and for others. We come up short. We find ourselves behind. And we hurt those around us.

 

In the parable of the unmerciful servant in Matthew 18, Jesus clearly tells us that we are to show mercy to those who ask. We are to forgive others as our Father has forgiven us. And we also see in this parable that we are to be looking out for our brothers and sisters when injustices are done to them.

 

Sometimes I come up short on the forgiving part. It’s easy to hold a grudge. It’s easy to just ignore the issue. It’s easy to simply ignore the person. But God’s ways are so different. If we aren’t careful, we will fall into the prison of unforgiveness and there we will be bound by that unforgiveness.

 

This has been a good week of lessons for me. I’m thankful that God doesn’t turn His back on me when I fail Him. I’m thankful that God seeks me when I need to ask for His forgiveness. I’m thankful that God forgives me and remembers my sin no more. And that is exactly how He expects me to treat others.

 

Matthew 18:35 (NIV) says it this way. “This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother from your heart.” Genuine, heart-felt forgiveness. That’s what God expects from those who claim to love Him. When we truly love God, we are able to forgive as He forgives.

 

I’m not too far into the year that I can’t take care of my savings plan deficit. The same can be said of forgiveness. With God’s help, we are able to be pretty remarkable people.

 

I pray that you won’t allow unforgiveness to rule your heart. Offer your heart to God and let Him do the work for you. Soon you’ll understand the meaning of forgiveness and will able to pass it out like candy. And to be honest, there is nothing like a forgiving heart.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

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“I’ve Just Seen Jesus” – Monday Musical Moments

January 27th, 2014 dsisler

There have been some outstanding musicians and vocalists who have devoted their lives to presenting the Gospel in musical form. To these musicians I am grateful. I am able to worship God is such a blessed way because of their love of God and talents.

 

0005030206R-849x565Today’s melody was heard as a duet between Sandi Patty and Larnelle Harris. And it doesn’t get more powerful than these two singing about the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Recounting the moments when Jesus’ beloved disciples realized He was dead as well as the miraculous moment they knew He was alive again. It’s simply exhilarating to listen to this song.

 

“I’ve Just Seen Jesus” has been around awhile, but the message is ageless. For us today, the message is the same. When we really see Jesus, our lives will never be the same.

 

So today, I encourage you to listen to the song first. You can do so by clicking here. Then read through the words. Yes, when we allow these words and Jesus to penetrate our hearts, nothing else matters except Him. I pray that you believe it and live it.

 

“I’ve Just Seen Jesus”

 

We knew he was dead
“It is finished,” he said
We had watched as his life ebbed away
Then we all stood around
Till the guards took him down
Joseph begged for his body that day

It was late afternoon
When we got to the tomb
Wrapped his body and sealed up the grave
So I know how you feel
His death was so real
But please listen and hear what I say

I’ve just seen Jesus
I tell you he’s alive
I’ve just seen Jesus
Our precious Lord alive
And I knew, he really saw me too
As if till now, I’d never lived
All that I’d done before
Won’t matter anymore
I’ve just seen Jesus
And I’ll never be the same again

It was his voice she first heard
Those kind gentle words
Asking what was her reason for tears
And I sobbed in despair
My Lord is not there
He said, “Child! It is I, I am here!”

I’ve just seen Jesus
I tell you he’s alive
I’ve just seen Jesus
Our precious lord alive
And I knew, he really saw me too
As if till now, I’d never lived
All that I’d done before
Won’t matter anymore
I’ve just seen Jesus
I’ve just seen Jesus
I’ve just seen Jesus
All that I’d done before
Won’t matter anymore
I’ve just seen Jesus
And I’ll never be the same again
I’ve just seen Jesus![i]

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna


[i] “I’ve Just Seen Jesus,” Gloria Gaither, Daniel Gaither, and Danny Daniels, Gaither Music, 1984.

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Psalm 66:16

January 26th, 2014 dsisler

I read through the entire chapter of Psalm 66 this morning and was yet again thrilled to be praising God with King David. However, verse 16 really touched my heart.

 

“Come and listen, all of you who fear God; let me tell you what he has done for me.” (Psalm 66:16 – NIV). It’s what I do each day. I tell you, my readers, what God has done for me.

 

Perhaps that is why I’m able to share something each day. Because God has been abundant in His gracious gifts to me. So thank you for stopping by each day and wondering what I could possibly share.

 

Today I share an older post about a cat. She was special to our family and her name was Trixie. May God bless you in some way through my words.

 

Trixie

 

There has been sadness in my household over the past few weeks. Our family cat of 16 years had to be put down. Trixie came into our lives when my children were young and experienced life with them. She was with them through several moves, graduations, first dates, breakups, first jobs, and all the ups and downs that came with puberty and young adulthood.

 

Needless to say, my adult children are missing not just a cat, but a member of our family.

 

trixieAs I thought about it, I realized that there are only a few periods of time in my life where there hasn’t been a pet of some sort in my household. We got a cross-eyed Siamese kitten that we (my Dad) named Gomer when I was very young and he lived until I was in high school. And the list can go on from there. So perhaps, I am a little sad as well.

 

The writer of Ecclesiastes says, “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven: …a time to weep and a time to laugh.” (Ecclesiastes 3:1, 4 – NIV)

 

Genesis 6:6 (NIV) tells us, “The Lord was grieved that he had made man on the earth, and his heart was filled with pain.” How this verse breaks my heart. That mankind could be so wicked that God regretted creating us.

 

When Jacob died, the people “lamented loudly and bitterly.” (Genesis 50:10 – NIV) Joseph and all of the Israelites were saddened by the loss of the patriarch of this clan. They showed their love and gratitude by their mourning.

 

Nehemiah was saddened by the condition of the walls in Jerusalem. When he entered the king’s presence, the king asked Nehemiah “why does your face look so sad when you are not ill? This can be nothing but sadness of heart.” (Nehemiah 2:2)

 

Jesus experienced sadness. At Lazarus’ tomb, Jesus wept at the loss of a very close and dear friend. “Jesus wept.” (John 11:35 – NIV)

 

After John the Baptist was beheaded, we can assume Jesus was sad because “When Jesus heard what had happened, he withdrew by boat privately to a solitary place.” (John 14:13 – NIV)

 

In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus told His disciples, “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.” (Matthew 28:26 – NIV) Jesus knew the time was coming when He would be separated from His Father because of the sin of mankind. Separation from God will bring sadness to our hearts…here on earth and for eternity.

 

The good news is that God cares when we are sad and it is His desire to help us through the pain. Psalm 34:18 (NIV) says, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” God will save us from the sadness we feel.

 

Jesus shares that spiritual joy comes to “those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” (Matthew 5:4 – NIV) Oh, to be comforted by the God of heaven; His only Son, the Messiah; and the gift God has given, the Holy Spirit.

 

It does get better. Psalm30:5b (NIV) says, “Weeping may remain for a night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.” Rejoicing will come. God has promised it. And if God promises it, He will come through and He will do it.

 

Sadness is part of life. Unfortunately events happen that cause us to be sad. And I believe if we don’t know some sadness in our lifetime, we will never be able to fully know the great joys in our lives. I also believe, we must give our sadness to God and allow Him to turn it to joy. I’ll go back to Ecclesiastes…there is a time to weep, but thankfully, there is a time for laughter.

 

Today I choose to laugh. To rejoice. To allow God’s comfort to cover me. What do you choose today?

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

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The Journey Continues

January 25th, 2014 dsisler

Our church mission team is preparing to share upcoming trips to our congregation over the next few days. My heart is stirring. The excitement of my first mission trip is bubbling. I long to run out onto that mission field again.

 

CCI liken my feelings to a volcano. Calm and still on the outside, but on the inside, there are rumblings going on. Anticipation is stirring. Until finally it all comes to the surface. Excitement is spewed. Love flows. It’s a rush to reach the ultimate end. A mission field.

 

So why should I (or you) go on a mission trip?

 

Because Jesus’ mission should be my mission. Jesus came to seek and save the lost. (Luke 19:10) Whether it is across the world, my next door neighbor or someone living within my household, my mission should be to share the Gospel with others, in word or deed. My life should be a reflection of Jesus’ ministry and mission.

 

Because the world is ready. Jesus told the disciples in Luke 10:2 (NIV), “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workings into his harvest field.” There are people who are seeking God. They know something is missing in their life, they just aren’t sure what it is. I know the missing piece. I know Him personally. So get ready world, the message of Jesus is coming!

 

Because I can. I’m reminded of Isaiah’s words in chapter 6 verse 8. “Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, ‘Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?’ And I said, ‘Here am I. Send me!’” (NIV) Someone must go, and I can, so I will speak Isaiah’s words. “Here am I. Send me.” My voice will be God’s voice. My words will be God’s words. My message will be God’s message.

 

Because God has been preparing me for this moment. Ephesians 2:10 (NIV) reminds us, “We are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” All those years in ministry, teaching and learning has led me to this moment. To believe that there is more to life beyond my tiny world of existence. God has prepared me for this opportunity. It is up to me to accept it and allow Him to work through me for His kingdom’s sake.

 

I’m not saying that I’m heading out on a mission trip any time soon. I know another trip is in my future however. Whether it’s to Kenya, Ecuador or SE Asia, God is preparing me for the next stage of my journey. And I couldn’t be happier!

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

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Scaredy Cat

January 24th, 2014 dsisler

I am a scaredy cat at heart. I don’t like to be frightened. I don’t like to put myself in situations where I can be scared. So you can imagine, I don’t like to watch movies that would pull me into that realm.

 

scaredy-catI have seen my share of horror/suspense/scary movies to last my lifetime. I’ve seen “Jaws” in the theater. Passed out at that one. I watched “House of Wax” in 3D in theaters. Super scary. I watched “The Claw” at a friend’s home…nightmares for weeks after that.

 

I babysat for a friend of a family friend. Our family friend drove me to the location. A mobile home park on the other side of town. I watched “Psycho.” First time, all by myself, in a strange place. After the movie I watched the news. There were murders taking place in a mobile home park in our town. Since I had no idea where I was, I knew I was going to be next. I’ve been scarred for life!

 

My children have known this fear I have. But they convinced me one evening to watch “Pirates of the Caribbean” with them. They promised when the scary parts came on they would tell me and I’d close my eyes. I saw a couple of those scary creatures in that movie and that was quite enough.

 

I don’t know what the draw to this type of movie is for some. I have such difficulty with it. I may not see good in this type of entertainment. However, on occasion, I might find a good quote to use. And today is one of those times.

 

Captain Jack Sparrow was a pirate in every sense of the word. But this quote showed how wise this gnarly character really was. “The problem is not the problem. The problem is your attitude about the problem.”

 

You see, we each face trouble. Trials. Tribulation. Call it what you want, they all equal the same thing. A difficulty we must go through. The difficulty isn’t the problem. Our attitude about the problem is the real issue.

 

Jesus had a few things to say about this idea.

 

At one point in Jesus’ ministry, He said these words. “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me.” (John 14:1 – NIV)

 

On another occasion, Jesus spoke words of encouragement to His disciples. He talked about worry in relation to food and clothing. “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear.” (Luke 12:22 – NIV)

 

So what are we to do with our attitudes about our problems?

 

We saw one solution above in the John 14 passage. We are to trust God with our attitude.

 

Another solution is to run to Jesus and find rest in His arms. “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28 – NIV)

 

In the Luke passage, Jesus goes on to share what we are to be thinking on instead of worrying. “But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well.” (Luke 12:31 – NIV)

 

And here are a few other passages to consider with regard to our attitudes about problems.

 

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” (Philippians 4:6 – NIV)

 

“In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials.” (1 Peter 1:6 – NIV)

 

When we get it right, what might we receive when we take our attitude out of the equation?

 

Romans 5:3-5 tells us, “We also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character hope.” Suffering develops our character. When our attitude about our suffering is pointed toward God we can also see the hope we have in Jesus.

 

We are also conquerors on the other side of trials. “In all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:37-39 – NIV)

 

We receive God’s peace when we give our worry to Him. “And the peace of God which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:7 – NIV)

 

Encouragement and strength come to us as we take our attitude out of the equation. “May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word.” (2 Thessalonians 2:16-17 – NIV)

 

Our faith is matured. “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, when you face trials of many kinds, 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 1:2-4 – NIV)

 

Others will see our faith in God and Jesus will receive the glory. “These (trials) have come so that your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.” (1 Peter 1:7 – NIV)

 

While Captain Jack Sparrow was out and about searching for pirate’s gold, the real treasure for us as Christians is to lean more upon God when we encounter a problem. Trust in what He has planned for our lives. Offer our attitudes to Him so that our faith is proven to be genuine and mature.

 

I have taken scary movies out of my life. I never watch them. I close my eyes through most commercials in October. I keep those images out of my mind. It has worked for me.

 

But I still have other fears and worries that I need to take to the Lord. When I read these passages I am convicted to give Jesus all of my worries. My attitude needs to be realigned. As I draw closer to Jesus, my soul finds peace. I pray that you will do the same.

 

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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    In September 2012 I went to SE Asia on a service trip. For more information, check out preachitclearly.blogspot.com.

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