Fill Your Heart with Love

November 19th, 2013 dsisler

My husband and I have recently watched two television pieces about Richard P. Feynman. Mr. Feynman was a theoretical physicist. I couldn’t tell you what that is. Even after watching four hours of documentary material about this man.

 

DSC04227But there are a few things I can tell you about him that I understood. He helped solve the issue with the explosion of the space shuttle, the Challenger. He had a great sense of humor. He loved his family. He was a genius.

 

Another thing I can tell you about him is that he did not believe there was a God. All that he was, He believed that when he died, he just died. There was nothing beyond. I pray at the end of his life he found the love of God to be his ultimate and best discovery.

 

And yet, Mr. Feynman understood love. Love for his science. Love for his family. Love for humanity. Love for knowledge. At one point, Mr. Feynman said, “Tell your son to stop trying to fill your head with science — for to fill your heart with love is enough.”

 

Yes, hearts full of love is enough.

 

Jesus’ message throughout the Gospels and the New Testament speak to this. You could probably recite with me the greatest command and the second that is like it. “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind…Love your neighbor as yourself.” (Matthew 22:37-38 – NIV)

 

But Jesus didn’t stop there, His message of love continues in Luke 6:27-28 (NIV) says, “Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.”

 

A definition of love can be found in 1 Corinthians 13 (NIV).

 

Love…

Is patient

Is kind

Does not envy

Does not boast

Is not proud

Is not rude

Is not self-seeking

Is not easily angered

Keeps no record of wrongs

Does not delight in evil

Rejoices with the truth

Always protects

Always trusts

Always hopes

Always perseveres

Love never fails

 

The Apostle Paul encourages us with these words in Ephesians 5:1-2 (NIV). “Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ love us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice.” We are called to live a life of love because God first loved us.

 

And love is not to become stagnant. We find these words in Philippians 1:9 (NIV). “And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight.” The more we love, the more love grows. Another verse that speaks of this can be found in 1 Thessalonians 3:12.

 

In 1 Timothy, Paul commanded false teachers to stop teaching false doctrine. And the root of this command was love. “The goal of this command is love, which comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.” (1 Timothy 1:5 – NIV) When we do all that we do in love that is from a pure heart, a good conscience and sincere faith, we are following Christ’s commands.

 

And we are to love and encourage others. “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.” (Hebrews 10:24 – NIV) You may want to read 1 Peter 1:22; 1 Peter 2:17; 1 Peter 3:8; 1 Peter 4:8 and 1 John 4:7.

 

You may also want to consider these passages: Romans 12:9-10; Ephesians 4:2; 5:2; Colossians 3:14; 1 John 3:1; and 1 John 4:18-19.

 

God’s love for us is to be our example of how we are to love. Recite with me John 3:16 (NIV). “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” His great love for mankind was the reason for sending Jesus. If you need more evidence of this truth, look at these passages.

 

 “But God demonstrates his own love us in this: While we were still sinners, Crhist died for us.” (Romans 5:8 – NIV)

 

“But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved.” (Ephesians 2:4-5 – NIV)

 

“This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers.” (1 John 3:16 – NIV)

 

I pray that you have a deeper understanding of God’s love for you and how we are to love others. Let’s bask in God’s love. Let’s share God’s love. Let’s fill our hearts with God’s love!

 

“And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.” (1 Corinthians 13:13 – NIV)

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

 

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“Still” – Monday Musical Musings

November 18th, 2013 dsisler

I have been listening to Pandora at work and have created a channel titled Hillsong. You can imagine the wonderful music they play all day long just for me. Of course it isn’t all Hillsong music; there are other music artists that they have lumped into this category. But I find myself in worship on more than one occasion throughout my day because of this music station.

 

0005030206R-849x565Last week I heard this song. I’m not sure how this song has gone under the radar of my blog. It’s one of my favorite worship songs and today it seems more than appropriate to share.

 

Life seems to bring uncertainty into our lives. This uncertainty picks at us and if we allow it, consumes us.

 

However, God has asked us to share our uncertainty with Him. He tells us over and over throughout Scripture to give Him all that causes anxiety within us. Take a look at these passages.

 

“Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall.” (Psalm 55:22 – NIV)

 

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

 

“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7 – NIV)

 

And the message of “Still” is when we face the storms of this life, we are to offer it to God and wait. Wait for Him to work out the situation and work within us to be closer to Him.

 

God’s protection and security will help in this world of uncertainty. We simply need to be willing to give all of our anxiety to Him.

 

So today, here are the lyrics to “Still.” I pray that they will touch you as they do me.

 

“Still”

 

Hide me now
Under your wings
Cover me
Within your mighty hands

 

When the ocean rise and thunders roar
I will soar with you above the storm
Father you are King over the flood
I will be still and know you are God

 

Find rest my soul
In Christ alone
Know His power
In quietness and trust

 

When the ocean rise and thunders roar
I will soar with you above the storm
Father you are King over the flood
I will be still and know you are God[i]

 

If you would like to listen to this song, you can do so by clicking here.

 

I pray that the uncertainty of your day will be less disconcerting as you make the decision to share your life with God. The storms and floods may not go away, but when we acknowledge that God is in control and trust Him with our lives, we are then able to find rest in the midst of turmoil.

 

“And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:7 – NIV)

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

 

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[i] “Still,” written by Reuben Morgan, 2003, on the Hillsong album Hope.

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Psalm 100

November 17th, 2013 dsisler

As I begin this Lord’s Day, I read through Psalm 100. What a great chapter! There is a great deal of worship, thanksgiving, praise, and honor happening in these six short verses. I can’t help but share them with you!

 

“Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth.

Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.

Know that the Lord is God. It is he who made us, and we are his; we are the people, the sheep of his pasture.

Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.

For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.” (Psalm 100 – NIV)

 

King David certainly knew how to get to the heart of worship. I pray that you’ll be able to hide these verses in your heart and worship the Lord this morning with everything within you. It is a great Lord’s Day!

 

In keeping with my theme on Sunday’s, chapter 8 of the doll house saga is below. Enjoy and have a blessed Sunday!

 

Building a Doll House: It’s All About the Details – Chapter 8

 

From the beginning of this dollhouse project, my husband said we needed to be very careful with each piece. During the painting process, it was important that the paint didn’t drip, because that would cause it to be out of line with the rest of the pieces. During the sanding process, we had to be sure that just the right amount was sanded or it would fit.

 

Joy's Doll House 043mmmThen of course, the details of the entire project were overwhelming. The directions. The number of pieces. The step-by-step process to take all of these pieces and create one doll house from them all. It was pretty amazing.

 

Here’s the thing. If we hadn’t paid attention to the details, it would not have turned out the way it was supposed to. It would not have looked like a house. Or at least not a pleasant-looking house.

 

It’s the same with our spiritual lives. If we haven’t taken care of the details of our faith, it’s hard to say what the outcome might be. But if we follow God’s plan and pay attention to the details, the results will be exactly what God intended us to be.

 

God planned that we would be “His chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God.” (1 Peter 2:9 – NIV)

 

So how do we get to this point? What steps (details) do we need to take to become exactly what God intended us to be?

 

We must believe

There is a lot that we simply must have faith in. We must believe that God’s Word is living and active and that God breathed life into each verse. (Hebrews 4:12; 2 Timothy 3:16)

 

We must believe that Jesus is God’s Son, sent to be the Messiah, the Savior of mankind. (John 3:15-16; 1 John 5:1; 5:5; Romans 3:22)

 

We must believe that Jesus was crucified for the forgiveness of our sins and rose to life to prove victory over death. (Luke 24:46-7; 1 Thessalonians 4:14)

 

We must repent

Repentance means to turn completely around. To go the opposite direction of our original path. So for a believer, we must put to death the sinful nature in order for the spiritual nature to be visible. (Matthew 4:17; Mark 1:15; Acts 2:38; Acts 3:19)

 

We must confess

You’ve heard it before, Peter’s great confession of our Lord. “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” (Matthew 16:16 – NIV) Yes, we must proclaim it as well. (Matthew 16:16; 2 Timothy 2:19)

 

We must be baptized

Jesus teaches that baptism is part of the salvation plan and was Himself baptized. Peter preached it on the day of Pentecost. Paul also was baptized and preached baptism. (Matthew 3:13; 28:19-20; Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38; Acts 9:18; Galatians 3:27)

 

We must live

Live lives that bring honor, glory and praise to God who has freely lavished grace upon us. There are plenty of passages that lead us in this direction, but I’m just listing two here. (Galatians 5:16-26; Ephesians 2:10)

 

We must tell

If in fact we have the greatest news mankind has ever heard, why do we keep silent? Why isn’t His message on the tip of our tongues constantly? I don’t know the answer to that question, but I know that Scriptures tell me to share the Gospel. (Matthew 28:19-20; Luke 24:47)

 

These are the “details” of our spiritual lives. They each fit perfectly with the next, like a plan, and exactly as God intended. By paying attention to each of these details, we ensure that our salvation will be complete.

 

Oh, I know that we’ll mess up along the way. I know that a detail will be missed or we’ll botch it up. But please know that God can take all those mishaps, those imperfections, and turn them into a thing of beauty. That’s an added bonus of loving God. Grace.

 

If you have a question about these “details,” I’d be happy to chat with you. I do know that there is nothing like being in God’s grace.

 

I’d also love to hear your story of grace. How your faith has been built through the years. What God’s grace means to you. Would you be willing to share?

 

In the end, the pieces of the dollhouse went together pretty well. There were a few pieces that didn’t quite fit, but a little sand paper and caulk covered a lot of mistakes. Please don’t look too closely at the dollhouse. You just might find those mistakes.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

 

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Sing-a-Long

November 16th, 2013 dsisler

Perhaps you remember the “Mama Mia” craze from several years ago. You know, the movie made using music from the singing group ABBA? I will admit I was caught up in that craze. I’ve always loved ABBA’s music, so why not the movie version?

 

Music NoteI purchased the DVD of the film and it came with “extras.” Like the DVD with a sing-a-long version of the movie.

 

One day while Mason was off to work, Candace asked if I would like to watch the movie using the sing-a-long version. Of course, I said yes. I had nothing else to do.

 

Candace disappeared while I set up the movie to watch.

 

Candace returned with two hairbrushes. I asked what they were for and she told me they were our microphones. Apparently she had done this before.

 

The first song came on and I clearly didn’t know what I was doing. She made me get up, sing into my “microphone,” and follow along with the dance moves. This proved to be difficult.

 

As each song played, I became less and less involved with the sing-a-long version. Eventually we sat on the couch and hummed the melodies. I was not a good sing-a-long partner and Candace has never asked me to “play” with her again.

 

I am reminded of the folks who encountered Jesus. Jesus asked them to “sing-a-long” with Him. He asked them to follow Him. He asked them to imitate Him.

 

Some he hand-picked to follow Him. Peter, Andrew, James, and John were chosen along the sea shore. Jesus said to them, “Come, follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” (Matthew 4:19 – NIV) These four men left their nets, their boats, and their families to join Jesus.

 

But as time moved along, some of Jesus’ followers thought His message was too difficult. “This is hard teaching. Who can accept it?” was the question in John 6:60 (NIV).

 

Jesus knew they were struggling and encouraged them. “The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you are sprit and they are life.” (John 6:63 – NIV) And yet, Jesus knew that some would not believe His words.

 

John 6:66 (NIV) tells us, “From this time many of his disciples turned back and no longer followed him.”

 

How sad. And yet, there are times we don’t want to accept Jesus’ teaching either. Perhaps it’s hard for us to understand or we just don’t want to do what Jesus said. Whatever the reason, we choose to “sit this one out.” We make the decision to disengage. We no longer want to “sing-a-long.”

 

After many left Jesus, He turned to his chosen disciples and asked them a question. “You do not want to leave too, do you?” (John 6:67 – NIV) Perhaps Jesus has asked you this same question. When you have chosen to separate yourself from the life He has asked you to live. If so, I pray that you were able to give Peter’s response to this question.

 

“Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We believe and know that you are the Holy One of God.” (John 6:68 – NIV) Yay Peter! Yay you! Yay to all who know and follow this truth. For we have nowhere else to go. Jesus is the only Way to God (John 14:6).

 

But we must realize that it’s not good enough to sit on the couch and watch. We must participate. We are invited to be imitators. “Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” (Ephesians 5:1-2 – NIV)

 

And another passage from Jesus’ brother, “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” (James 1:22 – NIV)

 

When Jesus called us to follow Him, He didn’t call us to life of watching. We have been called to a life of doing.

 

So how is it going for you? Are you sitting on the sidelines and watching? Are you actively involved in Christ’s Church and God’s Kingdom? Have you stepped away from your faith because it was too difficult?

 

Wherever you land in this group of questions, I pray that you will ask Jesus to show where you are lacking. Let Jesus know that you are open to His words and His teachings. Then be prepared to follow His lead and go where He asks you to go.

 

I’m thankful that my spiritual life doesn’t mimic my play-acting life. While I may not know how to do the whole “sing-a-long” thing with ABBA, I do know what Jesus has called me to and I have accepted the call to follow Him. What a great life!

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

 

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Sweet Sleep

November 15th, 2013 dsisler

I am tired this morning and for those of you who know when I usually post my blog, you’re probably wondering what I’m doing and where I am?

 

IMAG0226I know of one gal who reads my blog each morning before heading off to work…sorry. You’ll have to read this one on your lunch break. Others have told me they can nearly set their clock by when my blog is posted. Again, sorry. My mom knows that when I post my blog I’m up and moving (we’re on a two hour difference). She calls often after my blog is posted.

 

But I was tired this morning. So after Mason left for work, I did a little Bible study and then fell asleep.

 

This tiredness is a good thing. We had a Volunteer Appreciation Night at Rocky Mountain Christian Church last night and I was able to help out in the kitchen area. It felt like home. I was finally doing something in my new church that was familiar to me. And I worked at it with my whole heart and body.

 

So I’m a little sore and a lot tired, but it is so good to be tired when serving my King and those who love Him.

 

None the less, I have a lot to get done today and I’ll need a little help from God to get through my day.

 

If you too are tired, exhausted or weary, this morning I offer Scripture to encourage you. Scripture to help you keep going when you really feel like giving up. Scripture to lighten your burden just a bit. So take a look at God’s solution to tiredness.

 

Finding Rest in God

“Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tied and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not faint.” (Isaiah 40:28-31 – 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. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30 – NIV)

 

Weariness

“My soul is weary with sorrow; strengthen me according to your word.” (Psalm 119:28 – NIV)

 

“I will refresh the weary and satisfy the faint.” (Jeremiah 31:25 – NIV)

 

Rest

“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.” (Psalm 91:1 – NIV)

 

“A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest.” (Proverbs 6:10 – NIV) [NOTE: I have fallen in love with this little verse!]

 

Restoration

“Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit to sustain me.” (Psalm 51:12 – NIV)

 

“And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.” (1 Peter 5:10 – NIV)

 

Sleep

“In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat—for he grants sleep to those he loves.” (Psalm 127:2 – NIV)

 

“When you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.” (Proverbs 3:24 – NIV)

 

I pray that as you begin your day, you know where rest can be found. If you are struggling with a weariness that is more than you can bear, run into your Father’s arms. He’s waiting to offer His rest to you.

 

Perhaps you need to plaster your work area with these verses of Scripture. Or maybe in strategic areas around your home. Or even in your car. Keep them handy. Keep reminding yourself where you can continually find strength to get through one more day, hour, or minute.

 

I also pray that you’ll know that you can lean upon God for His source of strength and His peace for restful sleep. He’s offering. Why not accept?

 

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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