This is Important

September 25th, 2013 dsisler

Last night I took a color challenge. The goal was to place a long line of similar colors in the order that created a flow from one color to another. Like from blue to green. Or purple to brown. There were at least 40 blocks to put into this order.

 

The idea was that we all have some form of color blindness and as we get older, it gets a little worse. Their point was that we need to be able to see these slight variations in order to choose the right items to wear or use as décor in our homes.

 

I feel a little silly even admitting that I took fifteen minutes of my evening to take this challenge for a few reasons. First, I didn’t do so well. So looks like I have a mild form of color blindness. Perhaps that’s why the walls in my office aren’t the exact match to the color in the curtains.

 

Second, I can pick out the primary colors and the colors that I like. I think that is sufficient.

 

Third, there were more important things I could have done besides this color challenge. I chose to waste my time, knowing that there was no way I could possibly pass this test. Silly.

 

Yes, there are more important ways to spend my time. Jesus spoke these words when asked what the most important commandment was. “The most important one is this: Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. The second is this: Love your neighbor as yourself. There is no commandment greater than these.” (Mark 12:29-31 – NIV)

 

So what is important? My daily encounters. Encounters with God, family, friends, and strangers.

 

God

First and foremost, my daily encounter with God must top my list. If I do not spend time with Him, learning from His Word and communicating with Him, the rest of the encounters might as well be tossed into the trash can. I can guarantee that my personal relationship with God and how intimate I am with Him determines how I react to every other encounter throughout my day.

 

David knew how important this element was. In Psalm 73:25-26 (NIV) David cried out to God with these words. “Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” What words to live by!

 

Family

My interaction with my family must be important as well. My family must see and know the good in me. But sometimes I can get bogged down with a project or consumed by another element and my family gets the worst of me. How I long to rid my life of this inconsistency. Praising God and cursing man with the same tongue (James 3:10).

 

It is only with God’s strength and wisdom that I can be the woman of noble character that Solomon wrote about in Proverbs 31. With God, I can be a wife worth far more than rubies. With God, I can speak with wisdom and faithful instruction. With God, I am called blessed by my children. With God, I have a chance to be His imitator and live a life of love among my loved ones.

 

Friends

Friendship is so precious. My “girlfriend” time is so valuable to me. But sometimes, if we are not careful, ugliness can join in the conversation. Gossip, idle talk, boasting, and busybodiness just might make it to the table. But we can see from Scripture what our conversations should include.

 

Colossians 4:6 (NIV) says, “Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.” Full of grace. That means for everyone and everything that is discussed with friends. Don’t allow Satan to ruin something beautiful in friendships. Ask God to be in the middle of those gatherings. It will make a difference.

 

Strangers

And then there are the strangers I encounter. How am I to engage with them? In Matthew 25:35, 40 (NIV), Jesus said, “For I was hungry ad you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in…I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.” We are to treat strangers like we would treat Jesus.

 

In Hebrews 13:2 (NIV), we see more information about strangers. “Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it.” You never know who you might be speaking to. Use words of kindness, gentleness, graciousness regardless of who you encounter.

 

These daily encounters are important in my life. Not that I have achieved these goals. But I try. I remember Paul’s words in Philippians when I miss the mark. “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)

 

My day is just beginning and so far I’m off to a good start, but it is only 7:00 a.m. I have a long way to go. However, being on this journey with Jesus makes the days so much sweeter. It makes me so much sweeter. And in turn, makes my encounters so much sweeter. I pray you can say the same.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

 

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It’s Happening!

September 24th, 2013 dsisler

I must say, in the midst of all the destruction that I’ve seen over the past 10 days or so, I have seen some beauty.

 

I’ve seen beauty in people who work side-by-side with strangers to help strangers with the clean-up efforts.

 

I’ve seen beauty in laughter.

 

I’ve seen beauty in ordinary people going above and beyond to bring isolated people and animals to safety.

 

I’ve seen the beauty of sharing of a kind word or a word of hope.

 

I’ve seen beauty in gratitude.

 

And this morning, I’ve seen the beauty of this state. The mountains received a dusting of snow last night and at the break of day, all the beauty in the great Rocky Mountains became crystal clear.

 

Yes, there is still beauty in all of this ugliness of flood.

 

During times of crises, trials, and devastation, we have the opportunity to see beauty. It may be glimpses or quick snippets, but there is beauty when we take the time to look for it.

 

In the book of Isaiah, Isaiah shared words from God that have helped many get through difficult times. It gives hope to those who feel they are in hopeless situations. It provides comfort for those who are grieving. It sets prisoners free. It restores the broken soul.

 

Today I offer these words of hope from Isaiah. Perhaps they are exactly what you need. Encouragement. Hope. Peace. Love. Release. Promise. Restoration. Just know that all of this is possible through God. He is the One who will provide. He will create beauty from ashes.

 

“The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to preach good news to the poor.

 

“He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion—to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of raise instead of a spirit of despair.

 

“They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display o his splendor.

 

“They will rebuild the ancient ruins and restore the places long devastated; they will renew the ruined cities that have been devastated for generations…

 

“I delight greatly in the Lord; my soul rejoices in my God.

 

“For he has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom adorns his head like a priest, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.

 

“For as the soil makes the sprout come up and a garden causes seeds to grow, so the Sovereign Lord will make righteousness and praise spring up before all nations.” (Isaiah 61: 1-4; 10-11 – NIV)

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

 

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“Oceans (Where Feet May Fail)” – Monday Musical Musings

September 23rd, 2013 dsisler

There will always be pieces of music that touch me in ways I can’t explain. But then there are songs that resonate with all that is within me. This particular song does that.

 

We sang it in worship yesterday and as I sang these words, I understood. I’ve been called out upon the waters. I’ve survived. My faith has deepened. But these growth spurts haven’t happened because of my doing. They occurred when I put my trust and faith in God. When I allowed Him to do the leading.

 

The song “Oceans (Where Feet May Fail)” points us to the remarkable times of lives when God asks us to do something that we couldn’t possibly do on our own. It’s during these times that we know we can do it because God is in the middle of it. When we can sing these words because we are open to His calling, He will do remarkable things through us.

 

Take a look at these words and see if you can sing them.

 

You call me out upon the waters
The great unknown where feet may fail
And there I find You in the mystery
In oceans deep
My faith will stand

 

And I will call upon Your name
And keep my eyes above the waves
When oceans rise
My soul will rest in Your embrace
For I am Yours and You are mine

 

Your grace abounds in deepest waters
Your sovereign hand
Will be my guide
Where feet may fail and fear surrounds me
You’ve never failed and You won’t start now

 

So I will call upon Your name
And keep my eyes above the waves
When oceans rise
My soul will rest in Your embrace
For I am Yours and You are mine

 

Bridge:

Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders
Let me walk upon the waters
Wherever You would call me
Take me deeper than my feet could ever wander
And my faith will be made stronger
In the presence of my Savior

 

I will call upon Your Name
Keep my eyes above the waves
My soul will rest in Your embrace
I am Yours and You are mine[i]

 

Click here if you’d like to listen to this beautiful song.

 

Take a look at the words in the bridge. Those words are powerful. When we say that we will go wherever God calls you to go, we have gone much deeper in our faith.

 

To go beyond our comfort zone. To go to a country where sharing your faith is illegal. To go to a country where Christians are being killed for their faith. To go to the home of a stranger and pull out mud-covered items. To show compassion to a person you don’t but you do because they are struggling. To love the person who is unlovely.

 

There are unknowns in each of these situations, but when we choose to follow God into these situations, we show Him that we are serious about our faith. That regardless of where He calls us, we are willing to go. Not because we have the capability, but because He is already there waiting for us.

 

Joshua and the Hebrew nation held to the promise God gave to them through Moses. “Be strong and courageous, for you must go with this people into the land that the Lord swore to their forefathers to give them, and you must divide it among them as their inheritance. The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” (Deuteronomy 31:7-8 – NIV)

 

We find a similar passage in the New Testament. Take a look at Paul’s words. “But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of him.” (2 Corinthians 2:14 – NIV)

 

When we are strong, courageous and bold enough to do as God asks, God goes before us and Jesus leads us to triumph! We will prevail. It doesn’t get any better than that.

 

Today you may face a giant. God may be calling you out on the waters. If that’s the case, hold on to the words given today. Call upon God’s Name. Rise above the waves. Find rest in God. Know that you belong to Him. And get ready to win the battle!

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

 

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[i] “Oceans (Where Feet May Fail),” Matt Crocker, Joel Houston & Salomon Ligthelm, 2013.

 

 

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Here I Am to Worship

September 22nd, 2013 dsisler

Today is the second Sunday since the floods began. It’s another day to head into communities and homes affected by this disaster. It’s also another day to praise God for who He is and for what He has done.

 

I believe these two things go hand in hand. What I do to show love to others is also part of my praise to God. He goes with me, He goes before me, He follows behind me. When my heart is humbled and my selfish attitude is removed from the equation, God is praised in the smallest act of kindness to the most visible.

 

You may not have a flood affected community to help today, but there is something you can do for someone. And when you do so to praise God, your worship goes beyond the “big room” at church. You begin to live it. You worship God with your life.

 

I pray that you will find time in your day to worship God corporately, but also to carry that worship with you throughout the day. Keep your spiritual eyes open to what He has in store for you. When you do so, He will reveal new ways to worship.

 

The older post I offer today shares my favorite Bible verses and why I love them so. I could add many more, but these are pretty good. I pray that you will take note of your own favorite verses and why you enjoy them as well. I can’t wait to hear about your favorites!

 

The Best of the Best

 

Do you have a favorite Bible verse or passage? If you are like me, you might have several. Why is it your favorite? Does it remind you of a specific time in your life? Does it remind you of something God has provided to you? Do you simply love the message? Whatever your reason, we can become attached to passage in God’s Word and whenever we hear it, we are comforted.

 

As I said earlier, I have several that I truly love. Each for a different reason, but each has a special place in my heart. Think of it like my children and grandchildren. I love them all, for different reasons, but the main reason is that they are my children and grandchildren. They are connected to me in a way that no other human is. My blood flows through them and that means we are family.

 

My first favorite is Lamentations 3:22-23. “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.” I am so thankful that each day is a new day. That all of my “mess ups” can be put behind me each morning. And there is nothing like the feeling of being loved. And not just love, great love! And because of that love, I can withstand anything the evil one wants to throw at me. But most importantly, I love these verses because it states once again, God is faithful. Even when I am not. He will greet me each morning with something new. The choice is up to me. Will I meet Him and bask in His faithfulness and love? Or will I ignore Him and throw aside the mercies and compassions He longs to give me?

 

My second favorite verse if 2 Chronicles 16:9a. “For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him.” King Asa had rejected God’s strength and relied upon treaties with another countries to keep his kingdom secure. This verse is in the middle of the account. God is looking to strengthen, but His desire is that our hearts be completely committed to Him. What alliances have I chosen instead of God’s strength? This verse is a reminder that He is searching. Now, am I that one whose heart is fully committed to Him?

 

My third favorite verse is 2 Corinthians 12:9-10. “But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” The apostle Paul asked that God take away his “thorn in his flesh,” but God had other plans. Paul was reminded by these verses that it is only through God’s strength that we are able to do anything. I too, boast that I am weak. I know that I couldn’t make it through a day without God’s strength or grace.

 

As I view it, there are many great verses and passages in God’s Word. I love them all, because I love God’s Word. But I really love specific ones because of what I have gained from my insight into the verses. And because I’ve been covered by the blood of Jesus Christ, I know what it means to be part of a family.

 

I’d love to hear from you. Tell me, what is your favorite verse and why? Click here and leave me a message.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

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Weary

September 21st, 2013 dsisler

This morning I am tired and my body hurts, but it’s a good feeling. Because of what I feel physically, I know some good was done. I spent all day yesterday at my friend’s home working on the flood mess. And I feel good.

 

We had a great crew there yesterday and great progress was made in the clean-up. All were from local churches that were specifically asked to show up at this address. They were all strangers when they arrived, but we all left as friends. Fellow workers who had the desire to help where they could.

 

The sad news is that there are hundreds of homes just like Lori’s who need the same amount of people to show up and help with the clean-up. Some have no connection to church groups. Some have no friends or families who are willing to come and help. It is those folks who need the “church” to show up and serve during this difficult time.

 

This recovery will be a long process. There is so much to be done. But we cannot stop when one home is completely restored. I was reminded of Galatians 6:9 (NIV) in relation to this clean-up. “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”

 

We cannot give up. We must continue to do good. We cannot grow weary. Why? Because of the harvest. For those who do not know Jesus as their Savior, we as God’s people can offer them the hope that He alone can provide. That’s the harvest field. It’s great. It’s big. And we must keep on sharing Jesus with all we meet.

 

Two things impressed me yesterday (okay there were many, but these two will make an impact on my life).

 

One: One of the gals who came to work yesterday was pretty amazing. She could tear out a wall, pull out a file drawer filled with water-logged documents, haul massive amounts of mud soaked carpet, and all of this with a smile.

 

In getting to know her throughout the day, we found out that she was a business and home owner in the small town of Lyons. This community was completely destroyed and were cut off from the outside world for days. She had been evacuated and was not able to return to her home or her business.

 

She was tired of sitting around, unable to do anything about her own situation, so she volunteered to go help others. I cannot even begin to list the number of lessons I learned from her. She will be in my heart and prayers and when the time comes, I will join her in rebuilding her own life.

 

Two: Another main east/west route opened up last night. While it may not seem super important, it means that I will not have an hour commute to and from work any longer. That means that I will have more time in my day to do something productive instead of sitting in my car in traffic. This is such a blessing, not only to me, but to anyone who needs to get anywhere in this small area of Colorado.

 

I promise, someday my posts will return to other things besides the flood. But for now, it’s what I’m living with and it’s where God is showing up in my life. And isn’t that what my blog has always been about?

 

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.

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