My Calling

August 22nd, 2013 dsisler

Two weeks ago I attended worship service at the church I’ve been attending and on staff with for the past 10 years. It was to be my last worship service with this group of believers before moving over to my new job and my new church.

 

I felt peace about the move. I sought God’s guidance. I spoke with wise Christian women about the move. I knew it would be the right move for me.

 

But in the service that morning, the teaching pastor spoke to me personally. I know his sermon was written specifically for me. It was God’s way of saying, “Yes my child, this is my plan for you.”

 

The message was titled, “Calling” and in the midst of Ramin’s words, I found a surge of confidence to take on this enormous job. So today, I want to share the main points of this message and see if you might find encouragement today. If you’d like to listen this message (and I would encourage you to do so), you can click here.

 

1. Every life has a calling

Paul knew his calling was to be a teacher of the law. But Jesus had other plans for Paul. Take a look at Paul’s words from Galatians 1:13-17 (NIV).

 

“For you have heard of my previous way of life in Judaism, how intensely I persecuted the church of God and tried to destroy it. I was advancing in Judaism beyond many Jews of my own age and was extremely zealous for the traditions of my fathers. But when God, who set me apart from birth and called me by his grace, was pleased to reveal his Son in me so that I might preach him among the Gentiles, I did not consult any man, nor did I go up to Jerusalem to see those who were apostles before I was, but I went immediately to Arabia and later returned to Damascus.”

 

Paul suddenly received a new calling and he followed it. All the way to Arabia.

 

I didn’t have to go to Arabia or the far reaches of my world…I only had to cross town for my new calling. I consider myself blessed.

 

2. Every calling is a journey

Paul spoke of his journey in Philippians 3:12-14 (NIV). “Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. 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.”

 

We are all on a journey. Don’t look back. Keep moving forward. The goal is ahead of you. Reach for it. Allow God to lead you.

 

3. Every journey needs a guide

This journey is filled with joy, but there will be struggles along the way. You will get scrapes and bruises. Just keep looking to the Guide. The One who knows the Way. He will lead you to your journey’s end. Heaven.

 

Through this message, Ramin shared a few more passages of Scripture. I’m listing them here for you to read as well.

 

Colossians 1:24-29 (emphasis on verse 29)

2 Corinthians 10:12-13

Acts 20:22-24

 

And then there is this little gem in 1 Corinthians 2:9 (NIV) that is such an encouragement to me and I pray it is to you. “However, as it is written: ‘No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him.’”

 

God has beautiful plans for those who love Him and are willing to follow His calling. And according to this passage, it will be more than we could have imagined.

 

For me, it’s working with Shan and being his executive assistant. God has prepared me through my life for this moment. For this time. For this job. And I am jumping in wholeheartedly to see what He is going to do with this ministry.

 

Maybe you are struggling today with what it is God has prepared for you. Don’t get discouraged. Sometimes it takes a while for it all to fall into place. But know that our heavenly Father is a loving God who wants what’s best for you. He’s working it all out for you. And in His time, He will reveal it to you.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

 

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Autumn?

August 21st, 2013 dsisler

I know…it’s only August and it’s been hot this past week in Colorado, but I am getting the itch for autumn to arrive. The cool, crisp air. A sweater to wrap around myself. The scent of apples and nutmeg wafting through my kitchen. My fall décor throughout my home. I’m ready.

 

But it’s been hot in Colorado this past week. Our hottest week of the year. We were near 100° yesterday. I’m ready for it to be over. Summer can move along and autumn can take its place.

 

I’m ready for a change…even if it the calendar doesn’t say it’s fall, I want it to feel like fall.

 

As we search Scripture, we can see some descriptions of God as being like something we are familiar with.

 

We’ll begin our search in 2 Samuel 22:3 (NIRV) where the author of this book states, “My God is my rock. I go to him for safety. He is like a shield to me. He’s the power that saves me. He’s my place of safety. I go to him for help. He’s my Savior. He saves me from those who want to hurt me.”

 

God is like a shield. His protection is provided to us against all of our enemies.

 

In the book of Psalms, we see a couple of descriptions of God. Psalm 46:7 (NIRV) says, “The Lord who rules over all is with us. The God of Jacob is like a fort to us.” Again, we see God’s protection. A fortress to surround us in times of trouble.

 

And in Psalm 121:5 (NIRV), the Psalmist shows how God provides comfort during the uncomfortable times of our life. “The Lord watches over you. The Lord is like a shade tree at your right hand.”

 

In Proverbs, we see two more pictures of what God is like. In Proverbs 3:12 (NIRV), God is described as a father. “The Lord trains those he loves. He is like a father who trains the son he is pleased with.” Because of the great love God has for us, we accept His training as we might from our earthly father.

 

And in Proverbs 18:10 (NIRV), God’s name is shown to be of great value to those who seek protection. “The name of the Lord is like a strong tower. Godly people run to it and are safe.”

 

God is described as a consuming fire several times in Scripture. As One who desires that we remain faithful to Him. The Hebrew author states it like this. “We are receiving a kingdom that can’t be shaken. So let us be thankful. Then we can worship God in a way that pleases him. We will worship him with deep respect and wonder. Our ‘God is like a fire that burns everything up.’” (Hebrews 12:28-29, referencing Deuteronomy 4:24 – NIRV)

 

The Psalmist asks the question, “Who, O God, is like you?” (Psalm 71:19b – NIV) And Jeremiah answers the question. “No one is like you, O Lord; you are great, and your name is mighty in power.” (Jeremiah 10:6 – NIV) We can try to describe God, but to be honest, God is beyond our comprehension. And also to be honest, I’m thankful for that.

 

If I were able to put my exact words to God’s existence and being, there would be nothing to draw me to Him. I’d have Him figured out. But instead, I’m continually searching for God. For who He is and why He loves me so. I’m continually searching His Word to find something new about God.

 

What is God like to you? Is He like a Light? Is He like a Teacher? Is He like a Husband? Is He like a Father? What is God like?

 

The great news is that God wants to be all of these for you and He wants to be everything for you.

 

Autumn really is just around the corner. I simply need to be patient. Now that sure is difficult!

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

 

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In All Things…

August 20th, 2013 dsisler

There is a little note on the refrigerator at work that says, “‘And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus…’ (Colossians 3:17 – NIV) Please keep me clean.”

 

I understand that any time there are a group of people who use a refrigerator there will be messes. Even if that group is family. There are times after my grandkids leave that I look at the front of my fridge and wonder where their dirty little hands were before they touched the front of it.

 

But I think it is a good reminder for us. It doesn’t matter what we’re doing (cleaning a fridge or sharing God’s message with the lost), we are to be doing it all in the name of the Lord.

 

To go along with this idea, let’s see what else we should be doing “in all things.”

 

In 1 Corinthians 10:31 (NIV) we read these words. “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”

 

Colossians 3:17 (NIV) {the verse listed above}, says “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.”

 

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

 

And back in 1 Corinthians, Paul shares just another encouragement. “Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” (1 Corinthians 15:58b – NIV)

 

Whatever it is we do in this life, when we offer it all to Him, we can enjoy what we’re doing. And I also know that God will bless us when He is part of the plan. (“Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.” Proverbs 16:3 – NIV)

 

Two weeks ago I was a sales clerk and a barista. Today I am an executive assistant to a lead pastor. That’s a big jump by this world’s standards. But I gave my all to being a sales clerk and a barista and in return, I received some beautiful gifts. Self-confidence. Joy. Responsibility. Belief that I was needed.

 

Remember I had been out of work for nearly 3 years when I started working at Off the Shelf. I wasn’t confident in myself at all. But after six months in my little world of coffee and books, I am now prepared and ready to take on this new task.

 

To be honest, it wasn’t me or the bookstore that brought this surge of confidence to me. It was God. I had given the situation over to Him and He prepared me for something big.

 

And He is able to do the same for you.

 

“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.” (Ephesians 3:20-21 – NIV)

 

When we off all that we do to Him, He will do far more than we could imagine. He knows our potential. He knows what we are capable of. He knows us because He created us.

 

Perhaps you are feeling a little down today. Keep reminding yourself that God is working it all out. He has a plan. A good plan and in your faithfulness to Him (of doing all that is mentioned above), He will bless you far beyond what you ask for.

 

So today, I won’t just head off to be the best executive assistant I can be. Today I will do everything for God’s glory and He will make me the best executive assistant.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

 

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“Open My Eyes” – Monday Musical Musings

August 19th, 2013 dsisler

I woke up to this melody and lyric a couple of days ago. With working a lot of hours in my previous job and then transitioning into my new job, I think I’ve missed some pretty important events going on around me. This song helped me to come to the realization that my eyes need to be open at all times and that when I see something that needs my attention, I need to stop what I’m doing and take notice.

 

I think this just might an issue for a large mass of people, for this is not the only song that asks God to help with this situation. It may not be the first song and I know for sure it wasn’t the last, but it one of the first that I remember singing as a young person about this concept.

 

I suspect it didn’t mean near as much as it should have and certainly not as much as it does today, but whether you’re a newbie or seasoned Christian, each of us must ask God to open the eyes of our spiritual hearts so that we may learn something from Him.

 

“Open My Eyes”

 

Open my eyes, that I may see
Glimpses of truth Thou hast for me;
Place in my hands the wonderful key
That shall unclasp and set me free.

(Refrain)

 

Open my ears, that I may hear
Voices of truth Thou sendest clear;
And while the wave notes fall on my ear,
Everything false will disappear.

(Refrain)

 

Open my mouth, and let me bear,
Gladly the warm truth everywhere;
Open my heart and let me prepare
Love with Thy children thus to share.

(Refrain)

 

Refrain:

Silently now I wait for Thee,
Ready my God, Thy will to see,
Open my eyes, illumine me,
Spirit divine![i]

 

If you’d like to listen to this great hymn of our faith, you may do so by clicking here.

 

What I like about this song is that it asks each of us to do more than just opening our eyes. We also are to listen for truth. And we are to tell others of God’s truth.

 

In the refrain we see how we get to this place of enlightenment. By waiting. Silently waiting. When we are ready, God’s Spirit will open our eyes.

 

If you’re like me, however, waiting silently can be difficult. My mind tends to wander. I think of a list of things that need to be done. And sometimes, I just get up and get some of those things done. Sometimes my “quiet time” is so distracted that I haven’t heard what God wants me to hear for the day.

 

It is difficult to disengage from the world long enough to hear God, but that is exactly what we must do. When we approach God in this way, He will certainly meet us there. He will fill our open eyes, ears and mouth with exactly what we need for the day. And when meet Him, He will prepare our hearts for a day of worship, service, and evangelism.

 

How are you doing with your time with God? Are you days so filled with busyness that you just don’t have time for Him? When you do take the time, do you give God your total, 100% attention? What steps do you need to take to ensure quality time with your Redeemer?

 

I’m not just asking you these questions. These are for me as well. There is nothing, nothing more important than being with my heavenly Father each day. Now I need to work on this statement. There is nothing, nothing more important than waiting quietly for my heavenly Father to speak to me today.

 

“Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law.” (Psalm 119:18 – NIV)

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

 

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[i] “Open My Eyes,” Words and music by Clara H. Scott, in Best Hymns No. 2, by Elisha A. Hoffman and Harold F. Sayles (Chicago, Illinois: Evangelical Publishing Company, 1895)

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My Today

August 18th, 2013 dsisler

Today is a fantastic day! It’s Sunday. Yes, God’s day and the day I will worship Him with fellow believers. But today is special. I will be with a new group of believers and I am looking forward to my worship today.

 

If you will worship with the same group of people you’ve been with for a while, I pray that you are still excited to be with them today. Anytime we gather with other believers, whether new friends in Christ or weathered warriors, that we find great joy in being in God’s presence.

 

Enjoy today. Praise God today. Today let’s fill this earth with His Name above all others.

 

My Little Garden

 

I gave up gardening years ago. I just don’t enjoy it like I used to.

 

I’ve tried to raise a few vegetable plants since living in Colorado. With the dry, desert climate, my plants simply didn’t survive.

 

An AeroGarden seemed to be the perfect solution. I could grow a few plants next to my kitchen sink and I could gather the goods as needed.

 

It was the perfect solution.

 

Except that I couldn’t grow everything I wanted. It wasn’t big enough to grow large tomatoes. I could only grow a small variety. I couldn’t grow green beans. There simply wasn’t enough room.

 

It was a good solution.

 

Until the novelty wore off. After growing tomatoes, peppers, herbs, and flowers, I was finished with it. The need to grow my own produce was fulfilled. I no longer needed to use my AeroGarden.

 

How many times have you thought you found the perfect solution to a spiritual situation? I know I’ve done it plenty of times.

 

I think I know a passage of Scripture and upon studying it, find that my conclusion had been wrong.

 

Believing I know a certain phrase or idea can be found in Scripture and upon studying it, find that once again my conclusion was wrong.

 

Therefore, I’ve come to the correct conclusion that I must study Scripture for myself and I must study regularly and deeply. I cannot rely on what others feel, think or believe. I must know what Scripture says. I must know what God says.

 

So first I must study to gain knowledge. If you look for yourself, you’ll find passages like:

 

“For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul.” Proverbs 2:10

 

“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

 

“This is good and pleases God our Savior who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.” 1 Timothy 2:3-4

 

These verses lead us to the conclusion that we are to gain knowledge for ourselves, for God, and for others. Using what we know to lead others to God should be our greatest desire.

 

And my knowledge will then lead me to obedience. If I don’t use this knowledge for my own good, it is useless.

 

“Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.” John 13:17

 

“I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better.” Ephesians 1:17

 

Knowing God better and obeying His commands bring blessings to my life.

 

Then I must study to become mature. Again, knowledge without any growth on my part is useless. It must transform. It must make me a better person.

 

“Solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.” Hebrews 5:14

 

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete.” James 1:2-4

 

Mature. Complete. These are goals of those who study God’s Word. God’s Word is life-changing. God’s Word convicts. God’s Word leads me to being a better person, but only if I know what God’s Word says.

 

My AeroGarden sits in my basement. Waiting for a renewed interest in its purpose. Maybe that’s what has happened to your Bible. If you haven’t picked up your copy of God’s Word in a while, why not do so today? You’ll be amazed at what God has in store for you!

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

 

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  • About Me

  • "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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    In September 2012 I went to SE Asia on a service trip. For more information, check out preachitclearly.blogspot.com.

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