For the Beauty of the Earth

August 7th, 2013 dsisler

If you’ve read my blog at all, you know how I love God’s creation and all the beauty He has provided for us. As He put this world together, He was mindful of what we as humans would enjoy (maybe it’s because He created us to be like this).

 

Today is no different. We’ve enjoyed a beautiful summer here in Colorado. The unusual amount of rain has created a gorgeous green environment. I’ve heard the wild flowers in the mountains are abundant. It seems this year provided the perfect condition for such beauty.

 

I recently added a new board to my Pinterest account. It contains all the creation pictures I can find and I titled it, “For the Beauty of the Earth.” I just love looking at these pictures.

 

So today, I offer Scriptural references to God’s creation. Enjoy God’s creation, but also enjoy God’s Word and what He has to say about His creation. You will be uplifted!

 

“O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name sin all the earth! You have set your glory above the heavens…When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place…” (Psalm 8: 1-2a, 3a)

 

“The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.” (Psalm 19:1)

 

“The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world and all who live in it; for he founded it upon the seas and established it upon the waters.” (Psalm 24:1-2)

 

“By the word of the Lord were the heavens made, their starry host by the breath of his mouth. He gathers the waters of the sea into jars, he puts the deep into storehouses.” (Psalm 33:6-7)

 

“It was you who opened up springs and streams; you dried up the ever flowing rivers. The day is yours, and yours also the night; you established the sun and moon. It was you who set all the boundaries of the earth; you made both summer and winter.” (Psalm 74:15-17)

 

“In his hand are the depths of the earth, and the mountain peaks belong to him. The sea is his, for he made it, and his hands formed the dry land. Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the Lord our Maker.” (Psalm 95:4-6)

 

“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good. His love endures forever. To him who alone does great wonders who by his understanding made the heavens, who spread out the earth upon the waters, who made the great lights—the sun to govern the day, the moon and stars to govern the night…with a mighty hand and outstretched arm; His love endures forever.” (Psalm 136:1, 4-9, 12)

 

“Praise the Lord from the heavens, praise him in the heights above. Praise him, all his angels, praise him, all his heavenly hosts. Praise him, sun and moon, praise him, all you shining stars. Praise him, you highest heavens and waters above the skies. Let them praise the name of the Lord for he commanded and they were created. Praise the Lord from the earth, you great sea creatures and all ocean depths, lightning and hail, snow and clouds, stormy winds that do his bidding, you mountains and all hills, fruit trees and all cedars, wild animals and all cattle, small creatures and flying birds.” (Psalm 148:1-10)

 

With all the beauty we have here on earth, it’s never difficult to praise God for His creation. Everything on earth, everything God created, praises Him. Even the glorious Rocky Mountains bring praise to God. They are a reminder to lift our hands and voices to worship Him for what He has done.

 

Thank you God for Your creativity, for Your thoughtfulness, for Your desire to give mankind a beautiful earth. Thank you for the beautifully painted picture You designed just for me.

 

“Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the Lord our Maker.” (Psalm 95:6)

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

 

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The Light

August 6th, 2013 dsisler

Most items fade when left in the bright, Colorado sun. The light fixtures on the front of our home were no different. After several years, they actually looked a bit blotchy and turned a sickly copper color. Definitely not very attractive.

 

So we set out to find the perfect lights for the front of the house. We found one we liked and there were receptacle outlets on the back for plugging in the Christmas lights. They were perfect. Until we (meaning my husband) put them up. With the slant of the house siding and no way to move the angle of the light, the feature was yet again not the right look.

 

Then we had our “ah ha” moment. We found the lights. Mason put them up and now we have very cool lamps to light the way to our front door. And the front porch area…oh I love it! It’s the country look I love. I told Mason that it almost made up for the fact that we don’t have a front porch.

 

Light can make such a difference in our lives. We watched a documentary the other night about a man growing up on a farm. He said the one event in his lifetime that made the most impact was when electric was brought to their home and the barn. Not only did it impact their lives, but those of the animals as well.

 

I would love to tell this man about the Light of the world! Because I know for a fact that He is able to impact lives. Jesus can take us from the darkness and draw us into His glorious light.

 

In Jesus’ words, He said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12 – NIV) Now that is exactly where I want to be.

 

Because I once walked in darkness. “For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) and find out what pleases the Lord. Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. For I is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. But everything exposed by the light becomes visible, for it is light that makes everything visible.” (Ephesians 5:8-14 – NIV)

 

And then we accept Jesus’ light and we become His people. “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.” (1 Peter 2:9 – NIV)

 

But it doesn’t end there. Jesus turns it around. Once we have His light within us, we are to be the light in this world. “You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let our light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:14-16 – NIV)

 

Light. What an impact it makes on lives. It’s so much more than the physical. When we walk in Jesus’ light, we have the ability to find our way in this dark world. To lead others to the Light of the world. To do good deeds and to praise God.

 

Are you in the light?

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

 

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“Come to Jesus” – Monday Musical Musings

August 5th, 2013 dsisler

It’s Monday morning and time to sing! This particular song may not get your toes tapping, but it certainly will get your heart and mind thinking about Jesus.

 

In the song, “Come to Jesus,” we see a progression from accepting Jesus as a sinner to standing in His glorious presence and everything in between.

 

Wherever you may find yourself today, this song will speak to you. Whether you’re rejoicing, mourning, hurting or lonely, we can find all that we need in Jesus.

 

So read through the lyrics and maybe listen to this heart-touching song by clicking here. And don’t forget to “Come to Jesus.”

 

Weak and wounded sinner
Lost and left to die
O, raise your head, for love is passing by
Come to Jesus
Come to Jesus
Come to Jesus and live!

 

Now your burden’s lifted
And carried far away
And precious blood has washed away the stain, so
Sing to Jesus
Sing to Jesus
Sing to Jesus and live!

 

And like a newborn baby
Don’t be afraid to crawl
And remember when you walk
Sometimes we fall…so
Fall on Jesus
Fall on Jesus
Fall on Jesus and live!

 

Sometimes the way is lonely
And steep and filled with pain
So if your sky is dark and pours the rain, then
Cry to Jesus
Cry to Jesus
Cry to Jesus and live!

 

O, and when the love spills over
And music fills the night
And when you can’t contain your joy inside, then
Dance for Jesus
Dance for Jesus
Dance for Jesus and live!

 

And with your final heartbeat
Kiss the world goodbye
Then go in peace, and laugh on Glory’s side, and
Fly to Jesus
Fly to Jesus
Fly to Jesus and live![i]

 

I pray that today you will give Jesus all the burdens. All the sin. All the fear. All the anxious thoughts. All the hurt feelings. All the bitterness. All the pain. All the disappointments.

 

What a Redeemer we have. One who was willing to carry all that we are burdened with to the cross. What comfort we find in Jesus’ words. “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28 – NIV)

 

Peter knew of such weariness and burden. But when he understood Jesus’ words and laid them at the feet of his Savior, he in turn was able to tell us how to rid our lives of these burdens. “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7 – NIV)

 

And when we’re able to release all of this to Jesus, we are then able to give Him all the praise He deserves. Peter also knew how to praise Jesus. Just take a look at some of Peter’s comments.

 

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade—kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you greatly rejoice.” (1 Peter 1:3-6a – NIV)

 

“Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen.” (2 Peter 3:18b – NIV)

 

Where will you meet Jesus today? In your pain, sorrow, or fear? Or will you meet Jesus in your praise? Wherever you meet Him, He will be there. He is waiting. Love and grace will meet you where you are. Isn’t it time for you to come to Jesus?

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

 

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[i] “Come to Jesus,” Music and Lyrics by Chris Rice, 2003, Clumsy Fly Music

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G’day!

August 4th, 2013 dsisler

We’ve once again rounded the final column of the calendar and have found ourselves on Sunday. The beginning of the week. The day of the week to be devoted to worshiping God and rest. I pray that you may find these two elements in your day.

 

I’ve recently celebrated 18 months of blogging on Full Measure of Joy. It’s so hard to believe that it’s been that long, but like child development there has been some tremendous growth along the way. I’ve learned so much about blogging. I’ve learned a great deal about social media. I’ve made some fabulous internet “friends.”

 

But most of all, I’ve grown in my relationship with Jesus because of writing for His glory each day. It’s been a great journey and one that I don’t intend to end any time soon.

 

So today, I’m sharing the post I wrote when Full Measure of Joy was just three weeks old. I still stand by this. It’s still my purpose. It’s still my goal. To raise Jesus up for others to see Him. I’ll continue to let Him do the rest.

 

Three Weeks

 

Three weeks and nearly 500 page views later, this blog thing continues. But I have to ask myself, “Why? Why am I writing and posting daily?” For me, it is a sense of purpose. Maybe I don’t have a lot to say, but maybe, just maybe, someone who reads one of my posts will be blessed in some way.

 

But, what about you? Does it make any difference in your daily walk with Jesus? Do you take the time to ponder the thoughts and biblical principles that I write about? Are they just “good stories” to read? I’ve received a few responses from people, several “likes” on Facebook, and a comment or two on the blog itself, but is it really making a difference?

 

I guess I would have to look once again to the Bible for an answer to this question. I believe that we are to share the Gospel and make disciples throughout our lives and in our realm of influence.

 

So, this is where I might plant a seed and point the way to Jesus. I also know that probably most, if not all of my audience here are already believers. My desire is that someone might stumble upon this blog and see how Jesus cares for them. That His desire for them would be to become a follower. My prayer must be for those who are lost to be found.

 

And if only a seed is planted, then all the more reason to continue with this blog. Paul states in 1 Corinthians 3:6 (NIV), “I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow.” That’s what it’s all about. Planting the seeds that will lead others to Jesus. God will do the rest.

 

Paul also encouraged Timothy to “devote himself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching.” (1 Timothy 4:13 – NIV) That is exactly what this blog is about. God’s Word and teaching what it is saying to this world and to me! What a tool we as Christians have. There has never been a more public way of getting the message out there than the Internet.

 

So you may be silent. You may never post a comment here or on one of the other social medias, but know that I’ll be here daily. Writing and posting. Because if I cannot share what God has done in my life, who will? Let’s not leave it to the “stones to cry out” praise to God. Won’t you join me?

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

 

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The Display of His Splendor

August 3rd, 2013 dsisler

Each year on the first Saturday in August, my little town hosts a celebration of music. Live bands will be playing on an outdoor stage all afternoon and into the evening. Food vendors will prepare and sell delicious festival foods. At the end of the evening, a glorious fireworks display will fill the sky.

 

Now here’s the best part. It can all be seen and heard from my back yard. I’m not kidding. It’s not close enough that I could throw a stone at it, but it’s pretty close. We can hear the music and the fireworks display is so close that we just sit on our deck and they are right above us. When we hear the first boom, we head out. No traffic problems. No crowds to dodge. It’s just me and the “fam” taking in a great fireworks display.

 

My daughter is bringing the grandkids up for the show tonight and she’s bringing a friend with her kids. I can’t wait for them all to be here and see how special this evening is going to be.

 

If it doesn’t rain.

 

I’m not being a “negative Nellie.” It really might rain. There’s like a 50% chance that it’s gonna rain and in Colorado, that’s a pretty good chance. How disappointing for all those kids (and adults) who are excited about seeing fireworks tonight for them to be rained out.

 

Life can be disappointing. We set high standards for ourselves and for others and because we live in a fallen world, we meet disappointment on a regular basis.

 

So today I offer some Scripture to help us with our deepest disappointments. The ones that can’t be fixed with an ice cream cone. Take a look at God’s Words for dealing with disappointment.

 

“Even my close friend, whom I trusted, he who shared my bread, has lifted up his heel against me. But you, O Lord, have mercy on me; raise me up, that I may repay them. I know that you are pleased with me, for my enemy does not triumph over me. In my integrity you uphold me and set me in your presence forever. Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, from everlasting to everlasting. Amen and Amen.” (Psalm 41:9-13 – NIV)

 

Friends may disappoint us, but we have the True Friend who will never disappoint. Allow God to lift up you and cover you with His mercy and presence. And then praise Him for who He is and for what He’s done. Disappointment will flee.

 

And we also see in Proverbs 18:24 (NIV) how God will not disappoint and that we can be dependent on God. “A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.”

 

There are other disappointing circumstances in our lives and we find in Isaiah 61 how God lifts up the brokenhearted and remains close during these disappointing times.

 

“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 praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor.” (Isaiah 61:1-3 – NIV)

 

Even in our most disappointing moments, God is there to give us exactly what we need.

 

And then we read Jesus’ words in the New Testament. In this passage, Jesus offers relief from disappointment through His comfort. His rest. His gentleness. His humility.

 

“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)

 

Life is still going to disappoint. There’s no getting around it. But when we find ultimate comfort in God’s arms, the disappointments won’t seem nearly as overwhelming.

 

I don’t know if there will be fireworks tonight. If there aren’t, I need to have a backup plan. But what I do know is that only God can offer complete satisfaction 100% of the time. I know I can count on Him. I know He is the One to offer complete relief from disappointments. I know I will never be disappointed in God.

 

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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