Defeated

September 6th, 2013 dsisler

I haven’t felt great the past few weeks and I really thought it was fall seasonal allergies. My eyes have been more watery. My nose a little drippy. My voice a little raspy. I have a nasal spray that I use faithfully because I don’t want allergies to get in the way of life. But perhaps I’ve been using it far too long because my symptoms are much worse than they’ve been in the past.

 

However, this morning I think I may a cold on top of my seasonal allergies! Oh this aggravates me. I have too many things to do! I’m heading to my office this morning to finally paint and hang curtains. If I have to stop every three minutes to wipe my nose I’ll never get it done!

 

We have a big weekend ahead. Two gatherings tomorrow to enjoy with my husband and then vision Sunday at our Frederick campus. These are all important events and I need to feel my best. But it doesn’t look like that is going to be the case.

 

I simply don’t have time to be sick! I have managed to stay healthy for over a year. I’ve been around sick people, but have kept my hands washed and their germs off of me. But it didn’t work this time.

 

Why? Why this time? I’m not really sure, but with the start of a new job and all that goes with that and the combination of seasonal allergies, I guess the smallest germ attacked my system. It broke through all the defenses I worked so hard to build up. Defeat. Yes, this morning I feel defeated.

 

This cold reminds me of times when I’ve allowed my spiritual defenses to drop. It’s during those times that Satan knows exactly how to jump all over me and bring me down. When I’m too busy to spend quality time with God. When I’m so tired that I don’t want to spend quality time with God. Even when I’m sick, when my brain isn’t up to par because of medication to spend quality time with God. That’s when Satan attacks. When I am not at my best.

 

Unfortunately, these times are more frequent than I’d like. So Satan has plenty of opportunity to attack. But surely there is something I can do to prevent it, or to help ward off his attacks. Right? Yes! Ephesians 6:10-18 gives us the perfect weapons to “extinguish the flaming arrows of the evil one.” (Ephesians 6:16)

 

First, we are called to “be strong in the Lord and his mighty power” and to “put on the full armor of God.” Without God’s strength and armor, we would be defenseless against Satan.

 

Then we are to put on:

The Belt of Truth

The Breastplate of Righteousness

Feet Fitted with Readiness

The Shield of Faith

The Helmet of Salvation

The Sword of the Spirit

 

With these tools and the understanding of how to use them, we can stand firm, be alert, and pray. I am so thankful for the tools that God gives us to prepare for battle! Don’t underestimate what God can do through you wearing His armor! So don’t allow your busyness, tiredness, or illness keep you from seeking God’s truths. Keep on keeping on. Stand firm. The battle belongs to God!

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

 

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Would You Like a Drink?

September 5th, 2013 dsisler

One of my favorite elements in our backyard is the water fall. I enjoy sitting on the deck in the morning, drinking a cup of coffee, listening to the birds, watching the sunrise, and hearing the sound of water flowing.

 

Early last winter, the water froze, the pump stopped, and Mason unplugged it. This happens most winters, but it was very early and we didn’t realize it had stopped, so we weren’t sure the pump was going to work come spring. To be honest, we weren’t surprised when it didn’t start when we plugged it in earlier this spring.

 

Mason did a little work on it, and then found out it was still under warranty. We received a brand new pump. The water fall is flowing smoothly now.

 

This made me very happy, because the sound of a water fall is very soothing to me. It brings joy to my heart when I wake up in the night and hear it. There’s just something about water that brings a smile to my face.

 

I guess it’ only natural that the Living Water brings a smile to my soul. That Jesus can also bring joy to my heart when I’m awake in the night. And He soothes the pressures of this life with His refreshing presence.

 

Isaiah alludes to the future hope found in Jesus in Isaiah 12:3 (NIV). “With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation.” Through Jesus, the Water, we gain salvation from this deep well.

 

Isaiah also tells us in Isaiah 55:1a (NIV), “Come all you who are thirsty, come to the waters.” Those who are spiritually thirsty are to come to the waters. For the folks living in the Old Testament age, those waters were God. For those living during the New Testament time and later, it would be Jesus.

 

Jesus also called the spiritually thirsty to come to Him. In John 4:13-14 (NIV), Jesus says to the woman at the well, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.”

 

And in John 7:37 (NIV), “on the last and greatest day of the Feast, Jesus said in a loud voice, ‘If anyone is thirsty let him come to me and drink.’”

 

And this concept is reiterated one last time in Revelation 22:17 (NIV). “The Spirit and the bride say, ‘Come!’ And let him who hears say, ‘Come!’ Whoever is thirsty, let him come; and whoever wishes, let him take the free gift of the water of life.”

 

Jesus knew exactly how to relate this concept to people. Our desire to have our thirst quenched is essential. Both physically and spiritually.

 

Jesus offers grace to anyone who asks. He is so willing to give us “living water.” (John 4:10 – NIV)

 

So have you asked the Giver of Living Water for this gift? If not, why not? The soothing refreshment of this gift is like nothing you’ve ever known. Come! Take the free gift of the water of life.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

 

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A Little Deeper

September 4th, 2013 dsisler

I know it will eventually happen. The temperatures will drop. The season will change. We will feel like autumn has arrived.

 

But not quite yet. Looks like we will have another week in the 90 degree area.

 

Fall brings a lot of excitement to my life in many ways, but for certain one of them is the buildup for November and National Novel Writers Month or National Non-Fiction Writers Month. I’ve tried the novel writing and last year I tried the non-fiction challenge. I must admit I love a challenge, but sometimes writing can be difficult.

 

I found a comical chart entitled “why I’m not getting any writing done on my so-called novel.” It went through an array of issues or problems including mind wandering, time wasting, forgetfulness, distractions, and decisions to name a few. I could relate to some of them.

 

Sometimes it seems like whatever we want to do we don’t get around to it. And what we shouldn’t do gets pushed out front on more occasions than we’d like to admit (Romans 7:15). It can be disappointing when over and over again we seem to get nothing done.

 

We can blame this on a lot of things, but it really comes down to the fact that we will do what we want to do. When our minds are made up and we are determined to do it, we do it.

 

This is the determination we must have when it comes to our spiritual lives.

 

You know those mornings when you’re running a bit behind, or when nothing seems to be going as it should, or maybe you didn’t sleep well the night before and your first thought may be to skip prayer and Bible reading. I think you know what I’m going to say.

 

Don’t even think it! Dig a little deeper. Find that extra little something within you to follow through with your dedicated time with God. It will make a difference in your day.

 

So today I offer you words of encouragement to help you find that extra boost to be with God. Don’t give up. Don’t put it aside. Keep going. Keep reading and praying. Do it because you want to. After a while you’ll wonder how you ever thought you could live without it.

 

“I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.” (Psalm 119:11 – NIV)

 

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.” (Psalm 119:105 – NIV

 

“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” (Matthew 6:33 – NIV)

 

“Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.” (John 14:4 – NIV)

 

“I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:14 – 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)

 

“Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” (James 1:22 – NIV)

 

There are so many benefits to spending time with God and knowing what His Word says. I can assure you that as you take the time to read God’s Word, communicate with God through prayer, and ask for guidance through God’s Spirit, you will be encouraged, uplifted, and renewed to face your day. Don’t ever believe it’s not necessary or that you don’t have the time. It will be a big mistake.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

 

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He Forgot

September 3rd, 2013 dsisler

I heard a news story yesterday of a ship captain running his 260 foot vessel aground in the Farne Islands. In an attempt to sail from Scotland to Belgium, he admitted that he forgot England sat between the two countries.

 

Picture: Alan Hewitt

This was not this captain’s only mistake (although forgetting England is the most memorable). He chose to use an unapproved chart plotter. An important watch alarm was switched off. And apparently the first mate had fallen asleep and didn’t see the lighthouse.

 

I believe we can find some spiritual lessons in this captain’s mistakes. Let’s take a look at them.

 

We are forgetful people. It’s been that way since the beginning of time. But I often wonder how the children of Israel seemed to forget God so easily. He was in their midst. He performed miracles right before their eyes. He was like the large land mass of England before them and yet they would forget His precepts. They would forget His teachings. They would forget Him.

 

I must say that I have done the same in my life. I know what God says in His Word and yet I forget it. Not all of it, just some of the parts I don’t particularly like on certain days. Like gossiping. Or maybe that verse about thinking on whatever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, praiseworthy, or excellent (Philippians 4:8). Or living at peace with everyone as long as it’s up to me (Hebrews 12:14).

 

God’s Word is before me each and every day. It’s what I face when I sit down to my computer. God’s Word cannot be forgotten. I’ve chosen to hold it in my heart and meditate on His Words. No, we cannot forget God. We just choose to ignore Him.

 

Another mistake this captain made was using an unapproved chart plotter. In our spiritual lives this can take many forms. We may find ourselves following a false teacher. Or reading materials that do not fall in line with God’s Word. Or maybe reading your horoscope for the day and believing there is no harm.

 

We must be careful who and what we use as our life chart plotter. If they do not fall in line with God’s Word and His Holy Spirit, we cannot even think of following the guidelines given by these people or things. God’s Word is the only true life chart plotter. If you have questions about God’s will for your life, spend time with Him. Read His Word. Only listen to advice from those who are diligently seeking God in their own life. Don’t make the mistake of using an unapproved chart plotter.

 

An important feature of this unapproved chart plotter was apparently turned off. A watch alarm to alert the captain (or first mate) of impending danger. We have such an alert alarm in our lives.

 

God’s Spirit is within us (believers of Jesus Christ who have been baptized for the forgiveness of sin and to receive the gift of the Holy Spirit – Acts 2:38). The Holy Spirit leads and guides us through the twists and turns of this life. And when we are in tune with God and His Spirit, we will be alerted when we are in danger.

 

Now it’s up to us to accept those alerts and do something about it. But we find in 1 Corinthians 10 that when we are tempted, God will provide a way out for us.

 

 “These things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us, on whom the fulfillment of the ages has come. So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall! No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.” (1 Corinthians 10:11-13 – NIV)

 

Finally our skipper trusted his first mate to stay alert and keep watch. Does this sound familiar? Jesus trusted His closest friends to stay alert, keep watch and pray with Him. But they too fell asleep (Matthew 26:36-26).

 

Unlike the ship’s first mate, Jesus’ disciples were not asked to pray for His safety. They were to pray for themselves. For their own faith to be strengthened. Jesus knew they would be facing their largest demon and that only faithfulness to God would help them through it.

 

It’s the same with us. When we are at our most difficult moment, we must stand firm with Jesus. We must stay alert, keep watch and pray. The evil one is prowling around looking for those who lose heart and are vulnerable to his vilest schemes (1 Peter 5:8). Sticking close to Jesus is the only way I know to get out without falling into the evil trap.

 

Jesus is all that we need to make it through this life. His grace is sufficient (2 Corinthians 12:9). When we offer our weaknesses to Him, He will make us strong (2 Corinthians 12:10). Through Jesus, we can do anything (Philippians 4:13).

 

I’ve used this captain’s mistakes as an example of how these same mistakes can cause a mishap in our lives. I’m sure this captain has a lot to overcome because of what happened on this day. When people speak of him, they will refer to him as the one who forgot England.

 

I don’t want others to look at me and say, “She forgot God today.” Today I will do my best to live as a woman filled with God’s Spirit, who leads, guides, and prompts me be God’s vessel. Today I will not forget God’s precepts. Today I will not fall into the evil one’s trap. Today I will be alert, watchful and prayerful. I will not forget.

 

Will you?

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

 

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“One Pair of Hands” – Monday Musical Musings

September 2nd, 2013 dsisler

I think of all the days of my writing week, Monday’s are my favorite. I look forward to sharing a new gem I’ve found or and old resurrected piece. Sometimes I find it difficult to choose a song because there are so many out there. But when it’s right, it’s easy writing.

 

Music has filled my soul with joy for as long as I can remember. I recall riding in the car as a very young child with my siblings and my mom with music playing and I would sing right along with the vocalist. Mind you, I didn’t know the words or the tune, but I would sing anyway.

 

Music has been a good friend when lonely, a word of hope when discouraged, a spark when depleted, a boost when lazy, a reminder when sinful, an outlet when joyful. Music has been many things to me through the years.

 

Perhaps you feel the same way. Maybe music has been your best friend through life. If so, we are connected in more ways than we could imagine.

 

Perhaps we are connected another way. Through Jesus Christ. Like music, He too has been a wonderful friend. I could easily replace His Name in the section of music above. He fulfills all of those and so much more. For the love and grace I receive through Jesus Christ I am more than thankful.

 

Today the song I’ve chosen speaks of Jesus in the form of Creator, Healer, Savior, and Redeemer. I think you’ll enjoy this tune called “One Pair of Hands.”

 

One pair of hands formed the mountains

One pair of hands formed the sea

One pair of hands made the sun and the moon

Every bird every flower every tree

One pair of hands formed the valleys

The ocean the rivers and the sand

 

Those hands are so strong so when life goes wrong

Put your faith into one pair of hands

 

One pair of hands healed the sick

One pair of hands raised the dead

One pair of hands calmed the raging storm

And thousands of people were fed

One pair of hands said I love you

And those hands were nailed to a tree

 

Those hands are so strong, so when life goes wrong,

Put your faith into one pair of hands[i]

 

If you’d like to listen to this melody, you can click here.

 

Regardless of what you’re going through today, Jesus is the One you should be running to for help. He is there with arms open wide just waiting to hear your voice. His hands are available to lift you up when it’s all going badly. So as the songwriter says, put your faith in Jesus. He is all you’ll ever need.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

 

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[i] One Pair of Hands – Carroll Roberson. Words and Music by Billie Campbell and Manny Kurtz, 1970, Greenbar Music Corp and Seventh Son Music Inc.

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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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