Bible Doing

January 3rd, 2014 dsisler

I would like to share another thought from one of the books I’m reading. There is a chapter in Love Does by Bob Goff titled, “Memorizing Jesus.” This chapter of all the chapters in this book resonated with me. I understood it. I knew what the author was talking about.

 

And yet, as I read through this chapter I was in shock.

 

Daytona Beach 014mIn order to draw closer to God, the first thing Mr. Goff did was quit going to Bible study. He admits that he is a fact collector and memorizer. He’s an attorney and that is an important part of his job. But when he did the same thing in regard to God, something was missing.

 

So a group was formed and it was called “Bible doing.”

 

This is what Mr. Goff says about this group. “At our Bible doing, we read what God has to say and then focus all of our attention on what we are going to do about it. Just agreeing isn’t enough. I can’t think of a single time where Jesus asked His friends to just agree with him.”[i]

 

And here’s another idea about getting engaged from this chapter. “If you get engaged like that, you’ll be able to remember Bible verses better because you’re living them instead of just reading them.”[ii]

 

I’m not sure how this will change how I lead Bible study from this point forward, but I do know that it changes how I do Bible study personally.

 

If God’s Word doesn’t change us, affect us, touch us in some way, it’s just words. Time spent with God is meant to change us, transform us, mold us into something new. If we aren’t changed, we haven’t allowed God’s Word to penetrate our hearts.

 

In John 3, we see Jesus’ interaction with someone who was a Bible scholar and yet had not allowed God’s Word to penetrate his heart.

 

Nicodemus visited with Jesus at night. He was a Pharisee and a member of the Jewish ruling counsel and yet, he didn’t understand what Jesus was teaching.

 

And this is what Jesus said to Nicodemus. “You are Israel’s teacher, and do you not understand these things? I tell you the truth we speak of what we know and we testify to what we have seen, but still you people do not accept our testimony. I have spoken to you of earthly things and you do not believe; how then will you believe if I speak of heavenly things?” (John 3:10-12 – NIV)

 

Nicodemus knew God’s Word, perhaps even had portions of it memorized, but he hadn’t allowed God’s Word to change him. I believe it was working on him however, otherwise he wouldn’t have visited Jesus for further instruction.

 

Jesus shared the Gospel (John 3:16) in its simplest form to Nicodemus and this late night encounter made a difference in his life. He didn’t just hear the words, but he encountered the Word.

 

We too have the opportunity to encounter the Word. We can be changed by the Word. We can live the Word.

 

Jesus ended His session with Nicodemus with words that can make a difference in our lives too. “Whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what he has done has been done through God.” (John 3:21 – NIV)

 

When we come to understand the truth, we start doing. Truth is our motivator. Truth spurs us on. Truth we find in God’s Word will point us in the right direction. And everything we do must point others to God.

 

How is God working through you? What is He teaching you through His Word? Are you a doer of the Word or just a studyer? What do you need to do to make the change?

 

Like I said earlier, I do know this will change how I look at Scripture personally. God’s Word calls me to action. All I really need to do is accept the call.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna


[i] Love Does, Bob Goff, Thomas Nelson, Inc., 2012, page 199.

[ii] Love Does, Bob Goff, Thomas Nelson, Inc., 2012, page 201.

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A Look Back

January 2nd, 2014 dsisler

I have chosen to share a post I wrote last March. It is about my family heritage. And today, it’s important for me to share about my Grandparent’s generation.

 

Until yesterday, I was honored to tell people that I had two great-aunts still living. Over the past few years, I had become closer to these two ladies than ever before.

 

Aunt Lois and Aunt NormaI visited with them on the farm in Kentucky, on the ocean in Daytona Beach, even in my living room here in Colorado. It was an honor to have had such women in my life. Women who dared to go where their dreams took them and live highly fulfilled lives.

 

These two women enjoyed their time together. I recall hearing their laughter and tears. Their plans to remain safe on visits. Their walks down memory lane. The bond between the two. Their smiles. Their words. Their encouragement.

 

Aunt Norma passed away last week on December 26. Aunt Lois followed yesterday, January 1.

 

They are together again and they’ve joined the rest of their siblings. I am certain all of heaven is a buzz with the arrival of Norma and Lois. And they are all laughing and singing together yet again.

 

Round Robin

 

I am the fourth grandchild of Carrice and Madeline on my Mother’s side of the family. While my birth may have been ordinary, I was born into an extraordinary family. A family who always welcomed and lived out true hospitality. A family where each person was different, yet in that uniqueness brought unity. A family where music, laughter, inspiration, tales of “growing up” and walks to the river were available in abundance. A family that was a family.

 

My grandfather, Grandpa Rich as we knew him, was born second of seven siblings. They were raised on a beautiful farm near Irvine, Kentucky; their father the school master, their mother a homemaker. Through the years the Richardson children remained close. Even as they went their separate ways as adults, there were reunions at the family farm where memories were remembered and made.

 

Keeping in touch with family in our electronic age is fast and simple. Facebook, Twitter, text messaging, and Skype have reduced the miles to mere inches. Mail delivery from days to seconds.

 

However, my Grandfather and his siblings used a form of communication that is of the past. It was called the Round Robin. A large envelope would arrive. Inside would be news, stories, adventures, and photos of each sibling and their family. After reading the contents, each sibling would remove the last items they placed in the envelope and would replace them with the most recent news from their family. The envelope was on its way to the next sibling. The anticipation, waiting for the next Round Robin, was exciting. What would the postman bring today?

 

Letters. Isn’t it wonderful to receive a letter in the mail. A real, paper letter with a stamp on the envelope? It is of the past, for certain, but what a treasure we have lost through the use of the electronic gadgets of today.

 

Paul speaks of a letter in 2 Corinthians 3. The image that Paul wants to convey is so interesting to me. He mentions that the believers in Corinth were his letter of recommendation, written on his heart. Then he goes on to mention a few more things about this group of believers.

 

  • They were a letter from Christ (v. 3) – by their actions, they showed to whom they belonged—Christ.
  • Known and read by everybody (v. 2) – their transformed lives could be seen by anyone who came in contact with them.
  • Not written with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God (v. 3) – ink fades, but what lived within them remained forever.
  • Written not on tablets of stone, but on tablets of human hearts (v. 3) – a contrast between the old covenant and the new covenant.

 

I pray that you will look at yourself as a letter from Christ. I pray that others might look at you and see that you belong to Him. I pray that your transformed life might point others to Jesus through the writings on your heart.

 

There is no longer a Round Robin within my family. It’s long gone. But the connection is stronger than ever. It is the family bond that will never loosen its grip on the Richardson clan. A family that is a family.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

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HAPPY NEW YEAR!

January 1st, 2014 dsisler

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It’s the beginning of a new year. 2013 has gone and overnight we rang in 2014. What opportunities await us as we begin this New Year!

 

I read a quote on Pinterest yesterday that caught my eye. As a writer it was appealing to me. “Tomorrow is the first blank page of a 365 page book. Write a good one.” – 2014 –

 

How exciting! A blank book to be filled. If given the opportunity, what would you fill this book with? Memories? Adventure? Love? Hope? Anticipation? Rebellion? Regret?

 

There certainly are plenty of possibilities. Some good, some not so much. But we each have the same opportunity to make something of this year. So just what would you fill all of those blank pages with?

 

Let me share how I’d like to fill my book.

 

With God’s Strength

“For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him.” (2 Chronicles 16:9a – NIV)

 

With Successful Plans

“May he give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed.” (Psalm 20:4 – NIV)

 

With God’s Abundance

“You crown the year with your bounty, and your carts overflow with abundance.” (Psalm 65:11 – NIV)

 

With Trust in the Lord

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and h will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:5-6 – NIV)

 

With Hope

“There is surely a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off.” (Proverbs 23:18 – NIV)

 

With Compassion

“Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” (Lamentations 3:22-23 – NIV)

 

With a New Attitude

“You were taught with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.” (Ephesians 4:22-24 – NIV)

 

With Good Work

“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.” (Philippians 1:6 – NIV)

 

With a Bad Memory

“But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:13b-14 – NIV)

 

With Prayer for World Missions

“All over the world this gospel is bearing fruit and growing, just as it has been doing among you since the day you heart it and understood God’s grace in all its truth.” (Colossians 1:6b – NIV)

 

With Peace

“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.” (Colossians 3:15 – NIV)

 

With Friends

“We always thank God for all of you, mentioning you in our prayers. We continually remember your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Thessalonians 1:2-3 – NIV)

 

With God’s Promises

“His (God’s) divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.” (2 Peter 1:3-4 – NIV)

 

This is just the beginning…there are still many more pages to fill in my book this year. I look forward to learning, understanding, and applying much more of what God has in store for me in 2014.

 

I pray that you will find a way to fill the pages of your book with good things this year. If you are not sure where to begin, these passages will give you direction. However, I can guarantee that God will help with all that you need. Just ask. He is always there to lend a helping hand.

 

So happy New Year! Make it a great one for the Lord!

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

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The “Be’s” of Bible Study

December 31st, 2013 dsisler

I’m off work this week and one of my goals for the week is to get ready for Bible study to resume next week. The exciting part for me is that I will be continuing with my Wednesday evening group in our study on prayer, but I will also be leading a new group in a study on the parables of Jesus.

 

DSCN0060In the study book on Jesus’ parables, there are some tips for Bible study participant on how to get the most out of doing this particular study, but I believe they are relevant to any study. I’d like to share these tips with you.

 

Be determined.

In this section, the author encourages the participant to set aside a certain time to complete the study each day.

 

Life can get crazy, but when we make the time in our busy schedules to sit at Jesus’ feet to listen to His words, we will find it to be the most important part of our day. For some, it may need to be scheduled. For others, it may be easy to add to the day. Whichever, it is something we need to make time for.

 

Philippians 4:13.

 

Be prepared.

Here, the author mentions the importance of having everything gathered as you sit down to do your study. Bible, book, journal, pen, etc.

 

There is nothing more aggravating than sitting down to do something important and something has been forgotten to complete the task. It’s no different from doing Bible study. If your materials are all at hand, it will make your time with God less stressful and you’ll be able to enjoy Him a lot more.

 

1 Peter 3:15.

 

Be inspired.

As each person begins the day of study, the author asks that the Holy Spirit be invited to the study time so that the participant would receive inspiration into what they are reading.

 

God’s Holy Spirit is within each Christian and His role is multi-faceted. One of His roles is to enlighten us as we study God’s Word. When we ask Him to join us from the beginning, He will help us to recall all that we’ve learned up that point and give us direction in our study. He is amazing and we should never believe we can do it on our own.

 

1 Corinthians 2:13.

 

Be complete.

There is a section in the Bible study book to be completed each day. It’s suggested that the participant complete each section every day.

 

In this particular study (like many these days), there is a section to complete each day of the week, but not on weekends. When we are in God’s Word each day through a Bible study, we are able to build upon what we already have completed. Taking the time to study and understand what we’re reading in God’s Word is one thing. Allowing His words to change us is another. And that takes day-to-day study and time to reflect.

 

2 Timothy 4:7.

 

Be persistent.

There may be questions the participant doesn’t know how to answer. In those cases, continue with the study. There may be some clue to the answer later in the day’s study.

 

It’s frustrating when we don’t know the answers, but by using this guideline, there may be something else in the day’s study that will help answer the question. But here’s another thing to keep in mind. You may never know the answer to the question. Some questions are unanswerable. In those cases, allow God’s Spirit to calm your spirit and accept it. But never give up. Keep going. The reward is far greater than you could ever imagine.

 

2 Timothy 2:15.

 

Be consistent.

The author’s words here are, “Don’t get discouraged.”[i] Especially if you are unable to complete a lesson, but the participant is encouraged to catch up at some point.

 

Life happens. There will be times when completing a lesson is going to be more difficult or perhaps impossible. But know that when the opportunity arises, go back and catch up on what you’ve missed. It will never be a waste of time to be in God’s Word.

 

Joshua 1:9.

 

Be honest.

This I believe is an important point. The author encourages honesty in answering questions.

 

I thought this portion was most important. If we are unable to look at ourselves and be honest about who we are and what we are like, we will never come to know true change. It’s only when we are honest that true transformation can occur. Take time to reflect. Don’t rush. But most of all be honest.

 

1 Timothy 4:16.

 

Be blessed.

In this section, the author encourages the reader to enjoy their study time and time with God.

 

There is nothing sweeter than being with God and when we are in His presence we will be blessed.

 

Ephesians 3:20-21.

 

Perhaps you can use these same tips in a study you are doing. Maybe you can tuck them away for just the right time. But whatever you do, please know that being in God’s Word is so important. Whether you are working through the Bible with a group or on your own, you will find great inspiration by sitting at God’s feet and learning from Him.

 

I’m excited for next week. I look forward to meeting new people and sharing God’s message with the ladies in my groups. But more than anything, I’m excited to be studying the Bible. I pray you find great joy in doing the same.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna


[i] “Live Deeply: A Study in the Parables of Jesus,” Lenya Heitzig and Penny Rose, David C. Cook, Colorado Springs, 2009, pg. 16-17.

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“I Pray on Christmas” – Monday Musical Musings

December 30th, 2013 dsisler

Can you stand one more Christmas song? I hope so, because I liked this one and wanted to share before I have to put away all that resembles Christmas like the rest of the world.

 

0005030206R-849x565However, if you know me at all, that’s not going to be for a month or so. And Christmas music? Well, that’s something I listen to year-round.

 

I like this song for several reasons. The style, the beat, the music, the rhythm, the lyrics. It’s a fun Christmas song, but it has a message as well.

 

Prayer. The entire song is a prayer. It’s a piece that shows how vulnerable we as human beings really are and that we need God.

 

I’m sure there are artists that sing this song because of some of the reasons above, but there is a call for change in this song as well. When they come to realize what they are singing, when the words touch their heart, their life is changed.

 

Now I don’t know that any musicians have been changed by this song, but if God can use a donkey (Numbers 22:21-39) to make a difference in someone’s life, surely He can use a piece of music. And I’m not really sure what Harry Connick, Jr had in mind when he wrote this tune, but I know for sure, if God can do His work through a song-writer, He will.

 

This prayer is just the beginning. Just one day of prayer. When we take time to communicate with God through prayer daily (and throughout our day), our relationship with Him grows and blossoms. We become deeply involved with God and we find great comfort in being with Him.

 

The reality is that bad things are still going to happen. Some of the sick will not get well. Some will make wrong decisions. Some will not understand. Some will wake up to problems today.

 

But when we allow God to be with us through it all, when we fall deeply in love with Him, reality isn’t nearly so bad.

 

Perhaps this song was your prayer on Christmas, but I ask that you make it your daily prayer. To bask in God’s love and to do His will. To let Him do the leading and you do the following. Ask Him to bring you understanding and wisdom to help you through today. I can guarantee, God will hear your song.

 

“I Pray on Christmas”

 

I pray on Christmas
That the Lord will see me through
I pray on Christmas
He’ll show me what to do

 

I pray on Christmas
He’ll help me understand
And I pray on Christmas
He’ll take me by the hand

 

I pray on Christmas
That the sick will soon be strong
I pray on Christmas
The Lord will hear my song

 

I pray on Christmas
That God will lead the way
And I pray on Christmas
He’ll get me through another day

 

I pray on Christmas
I pray on Christmas
I pray on Christmas
He’ll get me through another day

 

I pray on Christmas
All our problems gonna be worked out
I pray on Christmas
God’ll show us what love’s about

 

I pray on Christmas
To do Your will each day
And I pray on Christmas
That I’ll be with You in heaven someday

 

I pray on Christmas
I pray on Christmas
I pray on Christmas
He’ll get me through another day

 

I pray on Christmas
Oh, the sick will soon be strong
I pray on Christmas
The Lord will hear my song

 

I pray on Christmas
That God will lead the way
And I pray I really pray on Christmas
He’ll get me through another day
He’ll get me through another day…[i]

 

To hear Dave Barnes fun version of this Christmas song, click here.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna


[i] I Pray on Christmas, Words and Music by Harry Connick, Jr, 1993, Papa’s-June Music, Inc.

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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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