Harvest Apple

October 15th, 2013 dsisler

My husband and I have a favorite restaurant we enjoy visiting for breakfast. It’s a local place and their food is so good. We drive a little further to get there. We wait a little longer to sit down to breakfast. But if we aren’t in a hurry, it is worth the wait.

 

BreakfastSomewhere along the line, we heard that restaurant menus have more germs and bacteria on them than anything else in a restaurant. So after ordering our food, we head into wash our hands.

 

At this particular restaurant, you might find me going to the restroom on more than one occasion. I seem to be drawn to that little room at the back of the hallway. Not because I need to use the facilities, but because they have the best smelling deodorizer.

 

I asked on one visit and was told the scent is harvest apple. Well that seemed to make sense. You see, I was reminded of earlier periods in my life. Of heading to the apple orchards and picking apples. Of driving through the Adirondack Mountains to view the beauty of autumn. Of the scent of apples (in any shape or form) baking.

 

Yes, I am reminded of harvest and apples and autumn when I walk into that bathroom.

 

Isn’t it interesting how our minds work that way? We see something and we’re reminded of a place. We smell something and we’re reminded of a person. We hear something and we’re reminded of an object.

 

We make connections. We make associations.

 

And guess what? God created us that way. God wanted us to remember…remember Him. God puts people, places, and things in front of us daily so that we would be reminded of Him.

 

1 Chronicles 16:12 (NIV) tells us to “Remember the wonders he has done, his miracles, and the judgments he pronounced.” As we see His creation daily, we are to remember Him.

 

Psalm 63:6 (NIV) says, “On my bed I remember you; I think of you through the watches of the night.” When we hear the chime of a clock through the night, we are to think of God.

 

Isaiah 46:8 (NIV) says, “Remember this, fix it in mind, take it to heart, you rebels.” What are we to remember? That God is God. There is no other like Him. There are none like Him.

 

But the wonderful thing is that as God asks us to remember Him, He won’t remember our sins. Each time we sin, He isn’t reminded of our past sin.

 

Jeremiah 31:34 (NIV) says, “For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.” God wanted us to remember this one, so He repeated again in Hebrews 8:12.

 

2 Corinthians 5:19a (NIV) reminds us, “God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men’s sins against them.” God isn’t keeping tally. He isn’t keeping a book of records, because God loves us. Because God is love!

 

1 Corinthians 13:5b (NIV) repeats the idea. “[Love] keeps no record of wrongs.”

 

And if you still would like some proof of this concept, let’s look at Psalm 103:12 (NIV). “As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.” He will not be reminded of our past. He will not remember our sin.

 

I don’t know about you, but I thank God daily that my past is in the past. I thank God daily that my sins from today (after repentance) will not be remembered tomorrow.

 

I don’t know about you, but I think remembering God throughout my day is a good trade off. I’d gladly think of God than think of my past. I’d gladly think of God than think of a temptation in front of me. I’d gladly think of God just because.

 

What reminds you of God? How do you remember Him throughout your day? I pray that you are reminded of His grace, His peace, His love, His comfort, His joy today. Because I can guarantee, He is thinking of you!

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

 

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“Kings and Queens” – Monday Musical Musings

October 14th, 2013 dsisler

We had a pretty awesome worship service yesterday. It revolved around children, but not our children. It was child sponsorship Sunday.

 

tiaraMy church is partnering with Mission of Hope in Kenya as well as Compassion and Stadia in Ecuador to change the lives children in those areas. With these partnerships, we pray that 200 children will be sponsored by our church.

 

The passage that was used in yesterday’s service is Mark 10:13-16 (NVI). Jesus cared about children. This passage tells us that He even “took the children in his arms.” This was Jesus showing love to the least.

 

I found it interesting that just this week I mentioned that we have within us the Spirit of sonship or adoption (Romans 8:15). Obviously these sponsorships are not adoptions, but because we know Christ’s love, we are to love others. We have the Spirit within us to move us in that direction. Child sponsorship is an easy way to do so.

 

Our worship leader ended the service with a song that I share with you today. My eyes teared up as the words “boys become kings, girls will be queens” was sung. Yes, these children who live in the slums of our world will be kings and queens in God’s Kingdom.

 

However, in God’s Kingdom, it doesn’t matter what age you are when you come to Christ. Each of us become heir to the riches of God’s Kingdom when we accept Jesus as our Savior. That’s showing love to the least.

 

So today, I share “Kings and Queens” by Audio Adrenaline. What a blessing we can be to those less fortunate.

 

Verse 1:

Little hands, shoeless feet, lonely eyes looking back at me
Will we leave behind the innocent too brief
On their own, on the run when their lives have only begun
These could be our daughters and our sons
And just like a drum I can hear their hearts beating
I know my God won’t let them be defeated
Every child has a dream to belong and be loved

Chorus:
Boys become kings, girls will be queens
Wrapped in Your majesty
When we love, when we love the least of these
Then they will be brave and free
Shout your name in victory
When we love when we love the least of these
When we love the least of these

Verse 2:

Break our hearts once again
Help us to remember when
We were only children hoping for a friend
Won’t you look around these are the lives that the world has forgotten
Waiting for doors of our hearts and our homes to open
(Chorus)

Bridge:

If not us who will be like Jesus
To the least of these
If not us tell me who will be like Jesus
Like Jesus to the least of these[i]
(Chorus)

 

If you’d like to listen to this song, please click here to watch a beautiful video of children.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

 

If you’d like to leave a comment, please click here.


[i] “Kings and Queens,” by Audio Adrenaline, on the album Kings and Queens, 2012.

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The Lord Almighty is His Name

October 13th, 2013 dsisler

What a beautiful fall morning! I look forward to the week ahead. The cooler temperatures coax me to so many of my favorite things. Sweaters (without getting too hot), hot cider, candles burning, fall décor, and so much more.

 

But before I move into the upcoming week, I must think on today. The Lord’ Day. I read this verse in the small book of Amos and it reminds me and expresses to all who are reading this who God is and why we should praise His Name.

 

“He who forms the mountains, creates the wind, and reveals his thoughts to man, he who turns dawn to darkness, and treads the high places of the earth—the Lord God Almighty is his name.” (Amos 4:13 – NIV)

 

Yes, these are reasons to praise God, but they are not the only reasons. The list of praise-worthy actions and attributes would fill multiple volumes and because of all these reasons, I will never run out of things to say about my God and Savior.

 

However, I really liked this short verse packed full of a few reasons to worship God today. I pray that you will find enough in that verse to praise Him today too.

 

Today you’ll be reading chapter 3 of Building a Doll House. What a great time we had building Joy’s dollhouse. I hope you enjoy reading about it as well.

 

Building a Doll House: The Foundation – Chapter 3

The most important portion of any building is the foundation, for without a strong, firm foundation, there could be an issue with instability. As we began the process of the dollhouse, Mason wanted this house to be used by our great-grandchildren; therefore he knew it needed to be sturdy. Glue was simply not enough. He needed to use pin nails.

 

Joy's Dollhouse Assembly 016mHowever, the pin nail air gun he had inherited from his father would not do. It didn’t have a safety latch which meant someone could get hurt. The obvious solution? Buy an updated version that would work and would be safe.

 

In our lives we too need a foundation that is strong. One that will hold up when we encounter troubles and trials. One that is built to last. One that not only uses glue, but pin nails. God plus His Holy Spirit plus His Word plus…well you get the picture. The foundation of our faith must be built upon God’s love and grace and forgiveness. Upon Jesus, “a precious cornerstone for a sure foundation.” (1 Peter 2:6 – NIV)

 

Sometimes we rely on what past generations have handed down to us. Right or wrong. What we must realize however, is that our faith must be our own. We must spend time and energy to build this faith for ourselves.

 

We knew that without a firm foundation, the dollhouse would not be able to stand up to the weight we were going to place upon it. In our lives, without the correct foundation: one that is not stable or sturdy, one that cannot withstand the storms of this life, the entire home is susceptible to collapse. Never underestimate the benefits of a firm foundation.

 

Listen to Jesus’ words from Luke 6:47-49 from The Message.

“These words I speak to you are not mere additions to your life, homeowner improvements to your standard of living. They are foundation words, words to build a life on.

 

 If you work the words into your life, you are like a smart carpenter who dug deep and laid the foundation of his house on bedrock. When the river burst its banks and crashed against the house, nothing could shake it; it was built to last. But if you just use my words in Bible studies and don’t work them into your life, you are like a dumb carpenter who built a house but skipped the foundation. When the swollen river came crashing in, it collapsed like a house of cards. It was a total loss.”

 

I pray that we will not be called a dumb carpenter…in the case of the dollhouse or in our daily lives.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

 

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Powering Through the Flood

October 12th, 2013 dsisler

My husband works in the power industry and he is one of those guys that keeps the lights on. It’s what he has done for years and he really enjoys what he does.

 

Last week the company he works for had a little celebration to thank their employees for all they had done through the recent floods. Through these weeks the employees went the extra mile to make sure everyone was safe. Where electric could be restored, it was done within days. For the rest, electric was restored as it became safe to do it. They really are a great team.

 

Power2One of the things my husband brought home was a t-shirt that reads, “Powering through the flood of 2013.” They most certainly did that. And I am thankful for all the work these men and women put in over the past month.

 

This company provided physical power through electric lines and allowed the people in flooded areas to see by the light they provided. We as Christians, have an inner power. A spiritual power that gives us strength, guidance, assurance, comfort, and so much more when we need it.

 

Our power is the Holy Spirit.

 

So let me just share a little about God’s Holy Spirit that He has provided. I pray that you’ll come to a better understanding of how this precious Gift from God works in our lives.

 

Perhaps the first thing you’ll recall about the Holy Spirit is that He is our Counselor. John 14:16-17a (NIV) tells us, “I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever—the Spirit of truth.” Other translations view this word as Comforter (KJV), Advocate (NIV – 2012), or Helper (NASB). Regardless of the name placed here, we know that we can rely on God’s Spirit within us to be a source of power for us.

 

We also see in this verse that God’s Spirit is also the Spirit of truth. It’s through Him that we are able to judge what truth is. In this world of lies and uncertainties, it is with great power from above that we can determine what is really true.

 

Job 33:4 (NIV) tells us that the Holy Spirit is the Breath of the Almighty. “The Spirit of God has made me; the breath of the Almighty gives me life.” We receive that same life as we allow the Holy Spirit to do His mighty work within us.

 

Nehemiah 9:20 (NIV) calls the Holy Spirit the Good Spirit who instructs.

 

In Ezekiel 36:26-27 (NIV) God gave a new spirit to move us to follow God’s decrees and help us to keep His laws.

 

We also see in Luke 1:35 (NIV), “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God.”

 

And this is one we might not think of as often, but Romans 8:15 calls God’s Spirit the Spirit of sonship or adoption.

 

And another lesser known characteristic from the Old Testament is the spirit of grace and supplication found in Zechariah 12:10. We see this same characteristic in the passage found in Romans 8:26-27 (NIV). “In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God’s will.”

 

Another powerful characteristic of God’s Spirit is found in Ephesians 1:17 (NIV). “I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better.”

 

God’s Spirit within us provides us with a great source of power that is reliable in every situation, will never grow weary of offering assistance, and can be trusted with our deepest, darkest weaknesses. With God’s Spirit, we can weather the storms of life and know that we will be better people on the other side.

 

If you are a Christian, please don’t neglect this precious Gift God gave to you. He is your greatest source of power.

 

If you haven’t received Jesus as your Savior and would like to receive this great power from above, why not connect with someone you know who can lead you to Jesus? If you don’t know of anyone, please contact me. I’d be happy to share God’s good news with you.

 

God’s Spirit has powered me through the flood on more than one occasion. For that I am thankful. And knowing that He can provide so much more than I ever imagined is a blessing as well. I pray that you have been enlightened too!

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

 

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Good Work!

October 11th, 2013 dsisler

It has been a crazy busy week. Last Friday morning I took off to work with Samaritan’s Purse. Saturday the grandkids were here all day. Sunday was worship day. Monday wasn’t too bad. Tuesday was Joy’s birthday and a little gathering. Wednesday there was Bible Study. Thursday I spoke for the women’s Bible study group at our Frederick campus. And last night we had a church gathering at a local farm.

 

handsBut this wasn’t all that I did. I worked. I fulfilled responsibilities around the house (cleaning, cooking, grocery shopping, etc.). I prepared for Bible study. I touched base with friends and family. I wrote… lot. I kissed babies and children. I engaged with some who are still living with uncertainty after the flood. And I suspect this list could go on and on.

 

Yes, I’ve been busy and yes I am tired. But it’s a good tired. I’ve given to those who have needed me to give and it’s been a worthwhile week.

 

You’ve heard the saying, “a little work never hurt anyone.” Well it’s true. So today, I’m going to share a few passages of Scripture that speak to work. Maybe you’ll find one that is exactly what you need today.

 

“For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” (Ephesians 2:10 – NIV)

 

“Speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ. Form him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.” (Ephesians 4:15-16 – NIV)

 

“In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 1:4-6 – NIV)

 

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.” (Colossians 3:23 – NIV)

 

“Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody.” (1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 – NIV)

 

“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17 – NIV)

 

Now let’s get out there and do some good work!

 

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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