A Promise is a Promise

December 14th, 2013 dsisler

Promises are important. Keeping promises are even more important. I don’t think anyone can say otherwise. Promises we make to our children and grandchildren show our integrity when we fulfill them.

 

In the beginning, as God made promises to Abraham and Jacob, He proved over and over that He would keep the promises made.

 

The promise of a son. The promise of land. The promise of great nations. The promise of wealth. These were all fulfilled within the lifetimes of these men. But the promise of the Messiah would take generations before fulfillment.

 

SAMSUNGIn the book, “A Newcomer’s Guide to the Bible,” the author has this to say about God’s promises.

 

“Just because what He promises seems impossible, that does not preclude it from happening.”[i]

 

The promises God made to these men far exceeded their imaginations. Some were quite possibly outrageous to them. But in the midst of their disbelief, God fulfilled the promises and kept His promises to each of them.

 

Another statement that caught my eye says this about trust and faith.

 

“To truly trust God, we must be willing to maintain our trust even when what He says exceeds our comprehension. That is the essence of faith.”[ii]

 

We sometimes struggle with the same feelings that Abraham and Jacob felt. We disbelieve the promises of God. Surely He doesn’t intend to bless me in such a way because of my sinful behavior.

 

But guess what? He does! So what are some of the promises God has given to us? Let’s look at just a few.

 

2 Peter 1:3-4 (NIV) reminds us of God’s promises. “His 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.”

 

All that we need spiritually is provided to us through God. Through God’s Holy Spirit we are able to live good lives and escape the evil one’s snares.

 

Philippians 4:19 (NIV) assures us of God’s provision. “And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.”

 

With this promise, we are able to offer all of our concerns to God. It is His desire to be engaged in each part of our lives. As we share our needs with Him, He will meet them.

 

Which leads me to Matthew 11:28-29 (NIV). “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.”

 

He wants to carry our burdens for us. And with that comes the promise of rest.

 

In 2 Corinthians 12:9 (NIV), we are promised grace…all-sufficient grace and strength. “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”

 

What powerful words for believers! In all times, in all situations, day in and day out, God is all we need. His grace is all we need.

 

You and I know there are many more promises in God’s Word for us. When we take the time to search for them, we can rejoice in the fact that He loves us more than we could possibly imagine. He wants us to receive His promises.

 

Of course at this time of year I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the greatest fulfilled promise of all…Jesus. How thankful we should be because of God’s integrity in fulfilling His promises.

 

Today I ask that you take the time to thank God for His fulfilled promises in your life. I pray that you’ll never take them for granted and that He would continually receive the glory for all that you’ve received.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna


[i] A Newcomer’s Guide to the Bible, Michael C. Armour, College Press Publishing Company, Joplin, MO, 1999, p. 49

[ii] A Newcomer’s Guide to the Bible, Michael C. Armour, College Press Publishing Company, Joplin, MO, 1999, p. 49

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Oh, to be Fat!

December 13th, 2013 dsisler

Just in the past few days, one of my online “friends” posted that she was fat. Now I’ve only seen pictures of her, but physically she is not fat, so I was intrigued.

 

DSC02392mShe went on to quote a verse of Scripture about being fat because she trusted in the Lord. What a great way to get someone’s attention! Use the King James Version of a familiar passage that tells us how to be fat.

 

I wondered what other characteristics or traits might make me “fat,” so I headed to biblegateway.com and found a few more examples. So here are the few I chose to share and their counterpart in a modern version. Enjoy!

 

“Those that be planted in the house of the Lord shall flourish in the courts of our God. They shall still bring forth fruit in old age; they shall be fat and flourishing; to shew that the Lord is upright: he is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in him.” (Psalm 92:13-15 – KJV)

 

“Planted in the house of the Lord, they will flourish in the courts of our God. They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green, proclaiming, ‘The Lord is upright; he is my Rock, and there is no wickedness in him.” (Psalm 92:13-15 – NIV)

 

While the words may seem different, notice that the word flourish has remained. We will flourish when we are firmly rooted with God and call upon Him as our Rock. I guess I’m fat too.

 

“The soul of the sluggard desireth, and hath nothing: but the soul of the diligent shall be made fat.” (Proverbs 13:4 – KJV)

 

“The sluggard craves and gets nothing, but the desires of the diligent are fully satisfied.” (Proverbs 13:4 – NIV)

 

Whether we call it satisfied or fat, when we are diligent to God’s precepts and ways, we are filled with Him. His love, grace, joy, hope, righteousness (and so much more) fills us until there is no more room. Isn’t it fun to be okay with being fat?

 

“The light of the eyes rejoiceth the heart: and a good report maketh the bones fat.” (Proverbs 15:30 – KJV)

 

“A cheerful look brings joy to the heart, and good news gives health to the bones.” (Proverbs 15:30 – NIV)

 

We all know how it feels to receive good news and a smile…and now we can equate them with being fat! Let’s be sure to share our fattiness with others. A quick smile, a word of encouragement. It doesn’t take much to pass this goodness along.

 

“He that is of a proud heart stirreth up strife: but he that putteth his trust in the Lord shall be made fat.” (Proverbs 28:25 – KJV)

 

“A greedy man stirs up dissension, but he who trusts in the Lord will prosper.” (Proverbs 28:25 – NIV)

 

God asks us over and over through Scripture to trust in Him. That’s when we prosper and become fat. God will take care of us as we place more and more of our lives in His Hands. I want to be really fat in this area.

 

While I am not promoting the idea of becoming fat physically, I am asking that we learn to gorge ourselves in God’s goodness. To allow layers of good fat to encompass our hearts so that others would see God’s love through us.

 

I believe from these verses we can say, “I’m fat” when we put all of our trust in God, when we follow His precepts, when we are firmly rooted in God, and when we are willing to share an encouraging word.

 

Let’s say it together. “I’m fat!”

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

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The Worry Wart

December 12th, 2013 dsisler

I recently ran across a top ten list that I thought I might share with you today. It’s titled, the “Top Ten Ways to Tame Your Worry Habit.” My first thought was, “this list isn’t for me.” I don’t worry about things. It’s not in my nature to worry.

 

DSC_0944mBut then I remembered that I do worry and what I worry about. I recall conversations I’ve had. I relive moments with others. I wonder how I affected those who were around when I made wild remarks. Then I wish I hadn’t said it, done it, or acted the way I did. I go over and over that moment until I’m obsessed with it.

 

And here’s the crazy part. Some of these conversations I recall happened years ago. I can almost guarantee nobody else remembers that one remark I made. Just me.

 

It doesn’t end here either. If I need to write an email for work, I’ll rework that email for an hour. Then I’ll walk away and come back to it and rework it again. Sometimes it’s almost painful to hit the send button.

 

These are my worrying points and to be honest, they’ve caused me as much wasted time as worrying about a health issue, or my children and grandchildren, or whether there’s enough money in the bank to cover the bills.

 

Jesus knew worry would be a stumbling point for us and He spoke gentle words of encouragement to those who tend to worry. “Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” (Matthew 6:34 – NIV) Boy did He get that right!

 

So here are some practical ways for you (and I) to tame that worry habit. I pray that you’ll find something that you can implement into your life to help with this time-wasting habit. I believe I did.

 

“Top Ten Ways to Tame Your Worry Habit”[i]

 

10. “Separate toxic waste from genuine concern.” If you can do something about a situation, do it. If you cannot do something about it, it will bring you to worry if you allow it to. (Proverbs 16:3)

 

9. “Don’t worry alone.” Someone may be able to help you see something you’ve missed. Share your concern with a trusted friend. (Proverbs 27:9)

 

8. “Take care of your physical body.” When we are physically at our peak, we are able to handle the worries of the day. (1 Corinthians 6:19-20)

 

7. “Do what is right.” Don’t allow guilt to rule your life. Acknowledge mistakes. Seek forgiveness. Live above reproach. (Acts 24:16)

 

6. “Look on the bright side.” Stay positive. Think positively. Live knowing there is good to be found. Look for the good. (Ephesians 4:29; Philippians 4:8)

 

5. “Control your imagination.” There’s no reason to ask “what if?” You don’t know what might come of a situation. (Isaiah 35:3-4)

 

4. “Prepare for the unexpected.” A little extra in the bank account goes a long way to ward off the worry gremlins. If you can, save a little from each pay check for such an occasion. (Proverbs 21:20)

 

3. “Trust God.” Remember He is in control and while it may not go as we’d like, He has the plan. Trust Him. (Psalm 112:7)

 

2. “Meditate on God’s promises.” God’s Word is filled with promises and there are probably some that deal with your particular area of worry. Know what He has to say about worry and allow the Scripture to transform you. (2 Peter 1:4)

 

1. “Pray!” Surely you knew this would be the number one way to tame worry. We will find peace by giving our worries to God. Allow Him to carry the burden. He has big shoulders and a compassionate heart. Give it to God. (Colossians 4:2)

 

You’ve read these ten ways to tame worry. Perhaps you’ve even said, “yes that’s true.”  But until you actually do something to tame your worry, you’ll never be free of it. Worry will always be part of your life. Worry will be your life.

 

Why not make the decision to implement these ten ways into your life? Ask God to help you with it. And please know that God has better things for you to be doing than sitting around worrying.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna


[i] “Top Ten Ways to Tame Your Worry Habit,” adapted from “Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World” by Joanna Weaver, Waterbrook Press, 2002, pg. 47.

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The Light of the World is Jesus

December 11th, 2013 dsisler

Do you have any Advent traditions? I’ve started a couple with my grandkids. One hangs on a wall in my living room and each day a little figure is moved from one date to the next. I also found a wooden deer with drawers that I fill with candy and prizes for the little ones to open.

 

In my dream world, each day my grandchildren would gather around one of these two advent reminders and we would talk about the real meaning of Christmas. But in my real world, the grandbabies are only at my home once a week. This year the advent traditions have gone out the window. I must do better next year.

 

When my children were young, we had an Advent log. Holes were bored into a 4×4 piece of wood and candles were placed in each one. At the close of each day, a new candle was lit, we’d share a short devotion, and we would sing. By Christmas Eve, the room would be filled with great light and the Christmas season would once again come to an end. My sister and her family have continued this tradition and still visit the advent log on a daily basis.

 

My Sister's Advent Log

My Sister’s Advent Log

 

The great light that shone through the darkness of our living room was a great reminder of Jesus. As the advent log was lit, more light was revealed. The same way Jesus was revealed to the world. At first, just a tiny glimpse. Prophecies of Jesus were given to Old Testament peoples which gave them a hope. Something to long and wait for.

 

Then the light grew brighter and brighter with each prophecy, until the full illumination of Jesus was fulfilled through His birth, His life, His sacrificial death, and His resurrection.

 

Isaiah was a great proclaimer of the promised Messiah. In his writings, he spoke of such a light. “The people walking in darkness have seen a great light.” (Isaiah 9:2a – NIV) We know how dark the world can be. Without Jesus, there would be no light at all. How thankful we should be to God because He was willing to share the Light of Heaven with us here on earth.

 

Isaiah also said, “Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you.” (Isaiah 60:1 – NIV) As Jesus shines His light into our lives, we then are to shine for the world to see Him through us. Our light should not be dim, but as bright as a cloudless, summer day in Colorado. Now that is bright!

 

Jesus’ beloved disciple, John, shared his thoughts on the Great Light in John 1:9 (NIV). “The true light that gives light to every man was coming into the world.” Oh what a statement. As we look to the True Light and accept Him as our Lord and Savior, our lives are filled with His light.

 

As I sit at my desk, one of my Christmas trees is visible. It is covered with lights. I’m sure your Christmas tree is covered with lights as well. Let’s use these lights as a reminder to worship the True Light each day.

 

Let’s not walk in darkness as the world does. Let’s allow the Light to penetrate the deepest, darkest areas of our lives and fill us with His light.

 

Philip P. Bliss, a great American songwriter, wrote a song about the Light of the world. Read through these words. Hum the tune if you know it. It is a great reminder of who and what Jesus is to the world.

 

The Light of the World is Jesus

 

The whole world was lost in the darkness of sin,
The Light of the world is Jesus!
Like sunshine at noonday, His glory shone in;
The Light of the world is Jesus!

Refrain:
Come to the light, ’tis shining for thee;
Sweetly the light has dawned upon me;
Once I was blind, but now I can see:
The Light of the world is Jesus!

No darkness have we who in Jesus abide;
The Light of the world is Jesus!
We walk in the light when we follow our Guide!
The Light of the world is Jesus!

Ye dwellers in darkness with sin-blinded eyes,
The Light of the world is Jesus!
Go, wash at His bidding, and light will arise;
The Light of the world is Jesus!

No need of the sunlight in Heaven we’re told;
The Light of the world is Jesus!
The Lamb is the Light in the city of gold,
The Light of the world is Jesus![i]

 

Why not come to the Light?

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna


[i] The Light of the World is Jesus, Philip P. Bliss, 1875, Public Domain

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Oh, Christmas Tree!

December 10th, 2013 dsisler

If you were to come to my home you would see unusual trees. There are ornaments on 1/3 of my large tree and none on the smaller one. They look incomplete. They look forgotten. They look sad.

 

But when I had the energy and desire to decorate them, I had three little ones around. My oldest granddaughter Joy loves to help decorate the tree. She places the ornaments on the tree with care and in “just-the-right-spot.”

 

However, her younger brother Percy hasn’t got the hang of it. He didn’t quite understand that an ornament hook was needed. Or that they should be hung on a branch, not thrown. Or that these delicate ornaments are fragile.

 

So when an ornament got broken, we decided the tree was decorated.

 

Now picture this. There are ornaments on the middle third of the tree. High enough where Percy couldn’t reach the most precious ones but not quite to the top…only as high as Joy could reach on the small step stool.

 

It’s my “Charlie Brown Christmas Tree” year.

 

The smaller tree is even worse. My daughter Candace put a few ornaments on it, but Percy and Leslieanna have managed to pull some of the strings of lights so they are drooping and Percy sat on one of the branches (I’m not sure what he was doing or how he did it) so that it now droops to the floor.

 

Not one “Charlie Brown Christmas Tree,” but two.

 

I must also tell you, this is a memorable Christmas. I will remember this particular year because of what my trees look like. And for this Christmas, I wouldn’t change anything.

 

Perhaps all those years ago on the first Christmas Day, Mary might have wanted things to be a bit different. As a young, first-time mother, she probably would have wanted to be where she was familiar with her surroundings. She would have wanted to be with her mother. She would have wanted to be near her family.

 

But she was off to Bethlehem for the census where Joseph’s family originated. She was surrounded by Joseph’s family, not her own. She was in an unfamiliar room where she gave birth to her first-born son, not her own. She was giving birth to a son, not her husband’s child, but God’s. Yes, I’m almost certain she would have wanted to change a few things.

 

But she was obedient to God and allowed Him to take her where He wanted. I’m sure Mary had other ideas when she spoke these words to the angel, “I am the Lord’s servant. May it be to me as you have said.” (Luke 1:38 – NIV) But she was obedient. And what a blessing she received because of her obedience.

 

Through Mary, our world received the greatest gift from God. Not what the world expected or hoped for. A bit unusual for most, but exactly what God knew mankind needed. A tiny baby.

 

As you go through the hustle and bustle of your life today, take a moment to think of that precious gift given by God to our hurting world. Remember all that God did for you personally because of His great love for you. Think of what a difference Jesus has made in your life.

 

2013 Christmas OrnamentPerhaps your life looks like the “Charlie Brown Christmas Tree.” A bit out of sorts, mismatched or unfinished. The good news is that Jesus can take what is unfinished and make it complete and whole and beautiful. All you need to do is say what Mary said. “I’m Yours. Do what you want with me.”

 

I’d like to give you something today. An ornament. A gift from me to you to remind you of God’s perfect gift to you. I pray that you will have a blessed Christmas season and that Jesus will be your focus over the next two weeks…Merry Christmas!

 

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

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