Terms of Endearment

January 8th, 2014 dsisler

I’m sure you’ve heard them. Those endearing names one has for another. I’m reminded of a scene from Chitty Chitty Bang Bang as the Baron and Baroness Bomburst sing of their undying love toward one another. It is filled with terms of endearment such as, “my little chu-chi,” or “lovey dovey teddy bear” and together they were a “chu-chi woo-chi, oo-chi coo-chi pair.”

 

Of course these were made up words and terms for a couple who had some real bonding issues. All the while singing of their love for each other, they were trying very hard to cause some disaster to come upon the other.

 

God's WordBut I’m also sure you’ve heard real, live people, people whom you know, use terms of endearment for another. “Honey.” “Sweetheart.” “Pickle.” “Darling.” Perhaps you can think of some as well. These terms show the loved one and those around that there is a special bond between the two. It’s meaningful because there is a relationship.

 

Those who belong to God, who have a relationship with Him are also called by different terms of endearment. These terms are sometimes spoken by God, sometimes by Jesus and then other times by biblical authors. Regardless of who shared these terms, know that God meant each and every one of them. He loves us more than we can imagine and His words overflow with His great love.

 

So let’s look at some of these terms.

 

In Exodus 19:3 (NIV), Moses hears these words from God. “This is what you are to say to the house of Jacob and what you are to tell the people of Israel.” It’s a start, but later, Israel is given a new name.

 

“You are the children of the Lord your God.” (Deuteronomy 14:1 – NIV) A relationship between God and the Hebrew nation was shared with the world.

 

The beautiful analogy of Psalm 23 shows a close bond between the sheep and its shepherd. The relationship between us and God is the same.

 

In Micah 4, the term daughter is used multiple times. “Daughter of Zion” and “Daughter of Jerusalem” are the terms.

 

Then in the New Testament, we find other terms that show the growth of the relationship between God and those whom He loves.

 

We see “children of God” in Romans 8:14.

 

2 Corinthians 6:18 (NIV) says, “I will be a Father to you, and you will be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.”

 

“Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God’s people and members of God’s household.” (Ephesians 2:19 – NIV)

 

I love Ephesians 5:1 (NIV). “Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children.”

 

As Jesus and God are the Light of this world, we are also to be light. “For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light.” (Ephesians 5:8 – NIV)

 

In Colossians 3:12 (NIV), we come to understand who we are and how we are to live because of our relationship with the Father. “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.”

 

While Jesus didn’t use specific terms of endearment for the disciples who followed Him through His earthly ministry, we see a great connection between them in His prayer of John 17:6-19. He begins the section defining who He is speaking of.

 

“I have revealed you to those whom you gave me out of the world. They were yours; you gave them to me and they have obeyed your word.” (John 17:6 – NIV) I don’t know that I’ve ever heard more beautiful words. A gift from God to Jesus. His disciples.

 

Jesus continued with thoughts of protection “by the power of God’s name,” unity, full measure of Jesus’ joy, God’s word, sanctification, and truth. What a wonderful Savior we have in Jesus Christ!

 

I pray that you know just how much God loves you today. I pray that as you read Scripture today that you will see some of these terms of endearment. I pray that God’s love for you will jump off the pages and you will know that when He calls you His child, you believe it.

 

Perhaps I’ve missed your favorite term of endearment. If so, please share it with me. There’s always more room for encouragement here.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

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Blah, Blah, Blah

January 7th, 2014 dsisler

I’m tired. Have you said those words before? I know I have. As a young mother with three children 4 years and under, I was tired. But it never seemed to keep me from doing what was needed. What had to be done was complete. Anything else, well, simply didn’t.

 

yawnDuring busy times in my life, I was tired. Like gearing up for Vacation Bible School. I created, developed, and wrote VBS programs for years. But it was hard work. By the end of each VBS, I was tired.

 

I was the choir director at most of the churches we ministered to through the years. Easter and Christmas Cantatas were busy times for me. Rehearsals, building sets, making costumes, memorizing music. These elements led to being tired.

 

And then there are the times with my family. My children and grandchildren live in Colorado, but my parents, siblings, aunts, uncles, cousins, and extended family all live in Ohio. I live 1,200 miles from my family. When we are together, I want to do everything there is to do with them. I want to be in the middle of it all. When I am with my family, I am tired.

 

This morning I’m tired. My husband is working a crazy shift and we’re getting up way before the crack of dawn. This is a busy week for me as well…Bible studies are starting up and I’m working longer hours to make up for time away from the office. I’m finding it difficult to keep my eyes open.

 

Jesus was tired on occasion, too. When He was tired He spent time with His Father. Over and over Jesus can be seen withdrawing from the crowd and praying through the night. It was good for Him. It brought joy to His heart.

 

Jesus also knew how to comfort those who were tired. In Matthew 11:28-30 (NIV), Jesus tells the crowd of His plan for being weary. It is one He urges us to try as well. “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

 

How wonderful that we have a Savior who cares when we are tired. How wonderful that it is His desire to take that weariness and carry our load for us.

 

So why don’t we give our weariness to Jesus? Why aren’t we willing to give it to Jesus and accept rest in return?

 

I suspect we are a little stubborn. I suspect we are a little controlling. I suspect we are a little rebellious. I suspect we are a little “whatever your reason for not giving your weariness to Jesus might be” inserted here.

 

Jesus truly wants to take our weariness and burdens. He wants us to find rest. His rest. Isn’t it time to loosen the grip on these issues? Isn’t it time to give them all to Jesus?

 

Jesus’ gentle and humble heart knows exactly what we need. Rest for our souls. And He is offering it all to us. We simply need to accept it.

 

Yes, I am tired. But with Jesus in the middle of my life and my day, I know I can make it through the most tiring of days. Oh how I look forward to what the days ahead hold. With Jesus by my side, I can handle it.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

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“Agnus Dei” – Monday Musical Musings

January 6th, 2014 dsisler

There are some songs or hymns out there are just plain difficult to sing or play. In years past, I’ve had to sing or play some of these songs and while I understand their value, I must admit I would fret over the notes to sing or play instead of worshiping God.

 

0005030206R-849x565 The song I offer today is not one of those songs. It’s simple. It’s easy. There are very few words. It’s beautiful. And for all of these reasons, I find it very easy to praise God throughout this song. It’s one of my favorites because of its simplicity.

 

In this song I find peace, comfort, strength, assurance, and rest. In this song I can praise God for all that He is in just a few words. Therefore I can sing with eyes closed and hands lifted in complete surrender to Him. It’s that simple.

 

Revelation 5:12 (NIV) is the song sung by thousands and thousands of angels around the throne as seen by John in his revelation. Their song was simple as well. “Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!”

 

The Lamb of God deserves our best, but sometimes He is best praised through simple words.

 

Today I pray that you will take the time to praise the Lamb for all that He’s done in your life for only He is worthy of our praise. I also pray that this song would be a catalyst of your praise.

 

“To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and power for ever and ever! Amen.” (Revelation 5:13-14 – NIV)

 

“Agnus Dei”

 

Alleluia
Alleluia
For the Lord God Almighty reigns

Alleluia
Alleluia
For the Lord God Almighty reigns

Alleluia
Holy
Holy are You Lord God Almighty
Worthy is the Lamb
Worthy is the Lamb

You are holy
Holy are you Lord God Almighty
Worthy is the Lamb
Worthy is the Lamb

Amen[i]

 

If you click here, you’ll find an acappella version of this song which I know you’ll enjoy.

 

Or you can click here for the more traditional Michael W. Smith version.

 

Let’s make today a great day of praise!

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna


[i] “Agnus Dei,” Words and music by Michael W. Smith, Sony/ATV Music Publishing, 1990.

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Football

January 5th, 2014 dsisler

I don’t talk about football much. Actually, the blog post you’ll read below is the only football related post I’ve shared in nearly two years. But since we are nearing the end of football season, I thought I might repost this particular one.

 

FootballYou’ll know how old this post is because of the content, but it’s still relevant. And what’s more, sharing the Gospel is never out of season or old news.

 

So today enjoy re-reading Tebow Time.

 

Tebow Time

 

I live near Denver, Colorado. It is Bronco’s territory. I’m not a huge football fan, however, this past season, I must say I watched more Bronco’s than in the nine years that I’ve lived here. Why? Because of Tim Tebow. It was exciting to watch him. My attention was drawn to what he was capable of on and off the field.

 

Up until this point, I haven’t said anything about Tim Tebow on my blog. But if you haven’t figured it out, I’m going to talk about him today.

 

My granddaughter Joy followed Tebow more than I did. She was able to tell us all about his trade and new position. Well, sort of. This is what she said about his new job.

 

“He is in back of the quarterback at the Jets.”

 

Now for those of you who do not know what he is doing, he is the back-up quarterback for the New York Jets. I guess it is the same thing, at least that is what she heard.

 

I have admired Mr. Tebow for his strong Christian belief, but more so for his willingness to share that belief with everyone. For him, it doesn’t matter who is watching or listening. And the great thing is, people did watch and listen! People are watching and listening!

On Easter Sunday morning, Tim Tebow spoke at Celebration Church in Texas. This is a portion of Jim Vertuno’s article about the morning.

 

“Tebow told them he welcomed the attention on his convictions as well as the ‘Tebowing’ prayer pose he often strikes on the field because it puts his faith and prayer in the public conversation.’ It’s being talked about,’ he said. ‘That’s exciting.’”[i]

 

Yes, that is exciting! I’ve often likened Tim Tebow to John the Baptizer. Not because of their dress or food choices, but because of their mission to tell people about Jesus! Each unashamed of the message to be spoken. Each unwilling to change that message.

 

We may not have personalities like Tim or John, but we are to be telling people about Jesus. In our own way. In our own circle. We are commanded to tell our story of how Jesus made a difference in our lives with unbelievers.

 

The Great Commission is mentioned in two of the Gospels. Matthew 28:18-20 says, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

 

Mark 16:15-16 says, “Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.”

 

With the message that we have, why wouldn’t we want to share this good news with the lost? We might not have the platform that Tim Tebow has, but we do have some influence in our world. With our friends, family, co-workers, even the person you’re standing in the grocery store line with.

 

As a co-sharer of the Gospel, we hear these words from Isaiah spoken of us. “How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, ‘Your God reigns!’” (Isaiah 52:7 – NIV)

 

Yes, my God reigns! And I’ll shout it from the mountaintops! Thank you Tim Tebow for being such an encouragement and example to us. May each of us be the Gospel carrier God asks us to be.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna


[i] http://mycenturylink.com/news/read.php?rip_id=%3CD9U0PDCO2%40news.ap.org%3E&ps=1013&page=1

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Christmas Lights

January 4th, 2014 dsisler

It happened yesterday. My husband took down all of the outdoor Christmas lights. He knew we had a stream of bad weather coming in (it’s snowing pretty heavily this morning) and if he didn’t get them down yesterday while it was near 60° it would be a couple of weeks before he could get them down.

 

DSCN0035I reluctantly agreed. Although I’m a lover of Christmas lights, I understood his dilemma.

 

It didn’t take long for me to be disappointed as we turned down the road leading to our home either. We went out after dark last night and my house was bare. No lights. Nothing to draw me toward the house. I was a little sad.

 

I’m reminded of how thankful I am to have a great Light to run to. The Light of the world doesn’t come and go with the season. He doesn’t dim when the weather is bad. His light shines through the darkest of dark and leads me home to Him.

 

So today, let’s look at Jesus, the Light of world.

 

Isaiah told of this great Light in his book. “The people living in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned.” (Isaiah 9:2)

 

John the Baptizer also told of this Light. He testified concerning the Light. “The true Light that gives light to every man was coming into the world.” (John 1:6-9)

 

And when Jesus walked onto the scene, the Light had arrived and He proclaimed it. “I am the Light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12)

 

On another occasion Jesus said, “While I am in the world, I am the Light of the world.” (John 9:5)

 

And as Jesus taught the crowds about the Light, He said, “You are going to have the light just a little while longer. Walk while you have the light, before darkness over takes you. The man who walks in the dark does not know where he is going. Put our trust in the light while you have it, so that you may become sons of light.” (John 12:35-36)

 

Once we become “sons of light,” we are called to be a light in this world. We are to reflect the Light so that others might see Jesus through us.

 

Matthew 5:14-16 says, “You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.”

 

Our light is to be visible to all we come in contact with…in order to praise God!

 

Paul shares in 2 Corinthians 4:6 a little about light. “For God, who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness,’ made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.”

 

Just as God created light in the beginning, He has placed light in our hearts. That light has meaning. That light contains a message. That light gives direction. That light is a beacon. That light draws us to it.

 

What power we have received! Romans 13:12 also tells us to “put on the armor of light.” We have this power from the Light all around…inside and outside.

 

So, what are you waiting for? The Light is here! The Light is waiting for you to shine! Don’t keep the Light under a bushel…oh no! I pray that you will “let that little light shine” for all to see and so that God would be glorified.

 

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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