So Good

July 17th, 2016 dsisler

 

It is so good to be here this morning with you. I am also looking forward to worshiping with Rocky this morning too! I pray that you have found your special place in a local congregation. It’s so good that God created us to live in community with one another.

 

Today’s repeat blog post is about a rock. Enjoy!

 

I Think it’s a Rock

 

Petrified Wood 2My daughter Candace is a rock collector. She’s been picking up and pocketing rocks since she was 3 years old. I can’t even begin to tell you how many times her rock collection has been moved, but it’s been plenty. I must admit though, she has a pretty cool assortment.

 

When we built our home nine years ago, I didn’t have grandchildren, but I knew that I wanted pretty rocks about so that they could enjoy them as much as their Aunt Candy. There are little pockets about our home where rocks abound.

 

These areas bring great delight to my grandson, Percy. Upon their arrival to our house, he immediately goes to a rock bed and picks up a treasure. He brings it into the house and we talk about it a little. It then is placed in a little bowl that has become his “collection.” (this is exactly what Candace did.)

 

Last weekend, Candace and Percy were looking at his rocks when Candace noticed a unique stone. It didn’t look like a typical rock from our rock beds, but like something of real value. This was their conversation.

 

Candace: “I think this is petrified wood!”

Percy: “I think it’s a rock.”

 

Now, while I don’t believe Candace was trying to lead Percy astray, I think we can find some spiritual application in this conversation.

 

I have said it before and I will say it again. Study the Bible. Know what God’s Word says. Discern for yourself what Scripture is saying. There may, no, there will come a time when you need to know the Bible. Here’s why.

 

False teachers will show up. The Bible is filled with warnings about such teachers. This is a short list of these warnings. Romans 16:17; 2 Peter 2:1-3; 1 John 4:1-3; Matthew 7:15-20; 1 Timothy 4:1-5; and 1 Timothy 6:20-21. Unless you know Scripture, you won’t be able to recognize false teaching.

 

Colossians 2:8 warns that we are not to be taken “captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy.” And Paul urges us to “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15 – NIV) The only way to do either of these is to know God’s Word.

 

In a world of electronics, a physical Bible may not be needed. But I would also urge you to grab a Bible and know it. Know where specific books can be found. Memorize their order. That is part of “presenting ourselves” to God and to others. I would also encourage you to carry your Bible to church. Yes, the Scripture is probably going to be on the screen, but knowing that I’ve read it for myself in my own Bible makes a difference to me. It helps me to know that what is being taught in the message falls in line with God’s Word.

 

Let’s prepare ourselves now for those false teachers who show up and try to pull us away from God’s truth. Know God’s Word. Live God’s Word. Use God’s Word correctly.

 

I also think there is another way to look at this conversation between Candace and Percy. Candace knows rocks. She has looked at and studied rocks for years. Percy on the other hand has just begun his journey with geology. In this particular situation, I would call Candace a well-studied student and is able to speak into what this rock is. Percy? Well he’s just beginning and to him, it’s a rock, when in reality, there is something deeper to consider.

 

When you find a biblical scholar that you can trust and believe, believe it. After discernment, you will find those who know what God’s Word really says and you’ll be able to learn much from them. I have had so many of these scholars in my life and they have been my mentors. I pray that you are able to find a few of them on your spiritual journey.

 

I don’t know if this rock is petrified wood or not. To me, I think it’s a rock. But what I do know is that God’s Word holds life for me and each day I present myself to God as one prepared to handle God’s Word correctly. Would you care to join me?

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

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Home…a Beautiful Place

July 16th, 2016 dsisler

Good morning folks!

 

1340158443410I’m home. I slept in my own bed last night and it was pretty awesome. I’m not going to write much today…still very groggy from the events of this past week, but wanted to share just a little.

 

That baby Liam has grabbed hold of his Baba’s heart and it was very difficult to leave him. I’m so thankful that I was able to help out as I did with my son and his precious family. This experience has drawn me closer to all of them and I feel like they really are part of our family. Oh how I love them all. I’ll share more about this as time goes on.

 

My heart breaks for people of France who are once again mourning the loss of so many lives lost in this senseless tragedy. Praying for these folks. I’d like to offer this article about mourning written by a good friend. I pray you find some comfort and encouragement by clicking here.

 

Closer to home, there is a wild fire terrorizing our beautiful mountains again. I pray for those who are on the front lines and working to contain this blaze. I also pray for those who have been misplaced and for those who have lost everything.

 

This is part of life. Joy and sadness. Bliss and tragedy. Good times and bad times. But in the midst of it all, we know that God is with us. He is comforting us in ways that this world cannot understand. But as we draw closer to Him, we find in Him everything that we need.

 

Have a blessed Saturday and I’ll see you soon!

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

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A Twist

July 13th, 2016 dsisler

Hey folks,

 

There have been some complications in my travel to Ohio to see my new grand baby, Liam. My daughter-in-law has been in the hospital since Sunday evening, so I’ve stuck around to help with Liam.

 

For now, this will be my only post until I am back in beautiful Colorado. I miss you all and have much to tell you, but until then…

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

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Baby Liam – Day 5

July 12th, 2016 dsisler

 

One final repeated blog post and then I should be back, ready to share lots of exciting news with you. Have a blessed day!

 

Dead Leaves

 

???????????????????????????????I’m in the process of yet another transformation in my office at home. I’ve had a beach mural on the wall for about seven years. I’ve decided it’s time for it to come down. However, parts of it will still be visible through windows and a screen door.

 

I mentioned this idea to my granddaughter who has considered this room “her room” since she was born. At first, she wasn’t too keen about it, but then she said, “Okay, but please don’t keep the dead leaf.”

 

I hadn’t noticed a dead leaf, so I asked her about it. She pointed out the single dead leaf on the wall. It’s pretty noticeable, but with all the other things to look at on this wall, that single dead leaf was not in my sight.

 

Maybe you’ve experienced something similar to this in your spiritual life. You believe everything is okay and that your life is in line with God’s Word. Then, the Holy Spirit points out a flaw. You are convicted of a sin that you were unaware of and suddenly, it’s so big that there’s only one thing to do. Rid your life of that sin.

 

Galatians 5:16-26 shows us a life guided by sinful nature and a life guided by the Spirit. We find in these ten verses a multitude of sinful nature characteristics that we are to eliminate from our lives. Things such as rage, sexual immorality, idolatry, selfish ambition, envy, and conceit. And if you haven’t found your “sin of choice” in my short list, you’ll probably find it in the Galatians list.

 

By contrast, the Apostle Paul also showcases the spiritual traits that are to be present in our lives. Perhaps you can rattle them off with me. Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. By replacing a sinful nature attitude with a spirit-filled attitude, we are able to live life by the Spirit. We are able to “keep in step with the Spirit.” (Galatians 5:25)

 

By making Jesus the Lord of our lives, we also make the decision to follow the guidelines of the Spirit instead of our sinful nature. Paul says it this way. “Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature.” (Galatians 5:24 – NIV)

 

Oh, I know those “dead leaves” are going to show up. But once we’ve recognized the sinful behavior, we must rid our lives of its death. And in its place, we fill the void with life. Abundant, everlasting life that only comes through Jesus Christ and His Spirit.

 

My goal is to have the dead palm leaf off my wall today. Are there any “dead leaves” that you need to rid your life of? Maybe it’s time to ask the Holy Spirit to help. That’s part of His job!

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

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Baby Liam – Day 4

July 11th, 2016 dsisler

 

I’m sure you feel like there isn’t enough time in a day…well I feel like there isn’t nearly enough time with this little one, but my time here is quickly coming to an end. I pray that you will find some encouragement from today’s repeated blog post. See you soon!

 

In His Presence

 

DSC02392mIf you’re like me, you sometimes feel like you don’t have enough time in a day. I sat in a co-worker’s office yesterday and read some phrases on his wall. One of them said, “If you don’t think you have enough time in a day, stop watching television.”

 

I love that. Because to be honest, television zaps time at the end of my day with meaningless, mindless nonsense. I justify my actions by telling myself that I’m tired or I just need to relax and unwind. But in reality, there are other ways to do that.

 

Sometimes I find myself sitting in front of the television in the morning. This is worse for me. If I start early in the day, it seems like I just can’t pull myself away from the thing. I am most aggravated at myself on these days.

 

I believe God’s answer to this dilemma is to spend time with Him. Why not read or listen to God’s Word? A little prayer time might be a good option. Or even quietly meditating on verses of Scripture that you have memorized would be better.

 

Maybe you’re not in the habit of reading the Bible or spending time in prayer with God. Or maybe you are. Either way, these spiritual disciplines (as we call them) are beneficial in several ways. Take a look.

 

Spiritual disciplines are beneficial for these reasons:

  • For our personal development
  • For material that the Holy Spirit will use
  • For encouragement of the one you disciple

You see, when we make a decision to spend time with God (through Bible reading, Bible study, prayer, quiet time, etc.), we are more likely to add what we learn into our lives. We will be better people because we have chosen to be transformed by godly characteristics.

 

I also love that the Holy Spirit will use what we learn through spiritual disciplines. Jesus told His disciples that this would happen in John 14:26 (NIV). “But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.” When my memory is at its worst, I know that God’s Spirit will help me to remember what I’ve read, studied, and learned. This truly is a gift!

 

And then what about those who look to you for spiritual guidance? Are you making disciples (Matthew 28:19-20)? If so, spiritual disciplines will help you help them. You may not be a “know-it-all,” but you will be in the know when you regularly spend time with God.

 

One of my favorite books is “Follow Me,” by Randy Sprinkle. Take a look at this quote from his book.

 

“Victory begins at the start of the day with a closed door, an open Bible, and a disciplined, responsive heart ready to turn loose anything that hinders our walk and work with God for the sake of His kingdom that day.”[i]

 

Oh how I love beginning each day with this thought in mind. When I am in tune with and focused on God from the start of the day, I am more apt to be kingdom-minded throughout the day. Isn’t that what it’s all about?

 

If you are interested in starting on this spiritual disciplines journey, start by finding a Bible reading plan that works for you. It may be on your computer, or on your phone, or you may actually use a real Bible, but try something that you know you will stick with.

 

Then set a specific time to be with God. When I started writing my blog, I wrote at different times during the day. Sometimes it worked, sometimes it didn’t. Years later, I’ve found that writing between 5 and 7 am are the best times for me to write. It will be that way with you as well. You may find that early morning is the best time to be with God, but you may find that it has to be in the evening. Just find it and stick with it. Make it an important decision and keep going.

 

Most importantly, have fun with God. He wants a relationship with you, so make it that. Change it up when it feels like you’re in a rut. Add new ways to be with God to make it interesting. Enjoy His goodness. Find pleasure in His presence. Rejoice over His love and grace. Pretty soon, it won’t feel like a discipline. It will feel like heaven.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

[i] “Follow Me,” Randy Sprinkle, New Hope Publishers, p. 38-39.

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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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