A New Journey

August 2nd, 2013 dsisler

The time has come once again for me to head in a new direction with my career. I’ve been asked and have accepted the role as executive assistant to the lead pastor at a church in town. With great excitement, anticipation and a few butterflies, I’m leaving what I know and wandering into the unknown.

 

Oh there are a few things I know about this new journey.

 

I know the lead pastor. Shan and I have worked together for a while. He hired me years ago to be his ministry assistant for small groups. Over the past nine years, we’ve not only had a working relationship, but a pastoral relationship as well. Shan has ministered to me and my family through difficult times as well as victorious moments. It will be a pleasure working with him again.

 

I know the job. I’m a secretary. I’ve been one in some capacity since I was 16 years old. I also know this position will require much more than just being a secretary. But I believe that I’ve been prepared through my life for this moment (“…for such a time as this.” Esther 4:14b – NIV). To be what I know I can be and be successful at it.

 

I know God has gone before me. God has prepared the way for me. He has created an atmosphere where there is no need to doubt. No need to fear. No need to be discouraged. “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 31:8 – NIV)

 

Perhaps you are beginning a new journey. There may be some big unknowns for you. Know this. God is with you and He has gone before you to prepare the way. Hold on to the Deuteronomy passage. If that is the only thing you know on this journey, it is the best thing you can know.

 

I also love an Ephesians passage that gives me great hope. Maybe you can use it as well. “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)

 

I am so thankful to have God’s power within me. To be honest, I know I couldn’t do much of what I do without His power. I will hold fast to His power while I’m on this journey.

 

There are still plenty of unknowns. I know little of the church, the staff or any of their programs. But I know with God’s help, I will.

 

So my goal through this transition will be to hold on to what I do know. Stand with God’s power. Grasp His promises. Walk in His footsteps. With my knowledge and God, it will be a great journey.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

 

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Out of the Fog

August 1st, 2013 dsisler

There is a section of highway near my home where fog covers the area quite often. Sometimes it extends a bit further, but mostly it is contained in this particular location.

 

www.crh.noaa.gov

The issue is that I have to go through this area to get to the church I attend and work. There are many days that I deal with this fog.

 

A few months back, I was headed to church for Women’s Bible Study and the fog was especially thick. It extended much further than usual and it was difficult to see.

 

The drive was slow going. The road difficult to see. Traffic was heavy. It took great concentration to make this short distance without major difficulty.

 

Then suddenly, I drove out of the fog and into the brightness with a sunny sky. It was as if someone had drawn or raised a curtain, for everything was quickly very clear.

 

And beautiful!

 

The view of the mountains at that moment was stunning. There had been a fresh coating of snow over the Twin Peaks and foothills. The sun was bright and the mountains glistened. It was a perfect picture.

 

Jesus had a few things to say about coming out of the fog or darkness of our spiritual lives. When we walk in this manner, we cannot expect to see Jesus clearly. We cannot expect to understand all that He has to share with us. So let’s see what Jesus has to say.

 

In Matthew 4:16 (NIV), Jesus quotes from the book of Isaiah, “the people living in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned.” Jesus was and is the light. He displaced darkness in their lives and in ours as well.

 

Jesus also taught “the eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are good, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eyes are bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light with you is darkness, how great is that darkness!” (Matthew 6:22-23 – NIV) Our spiritual eyes must be good and free of fog or darkness in order to full of light. Learning from God’s Word will bring our eyes to full potential.

 

On a couple of occasions, Jesus taught while healing blind men. In Luke 18:41 (NIV), Jesus asked a blind man what he wanted and the blind man said, “Lord, I want to see!” I wonder if this blind man knew all that Jesus wanted him to see. Not just physically, but spiritually as well.

 

Then again, in Mark 8:22-26 (NIV), we see Jesus healing a blind man. But He healed in stages. Jesus was clearly teaching in this moment. Jesus healed this man completely. “Then his eyes were opened, his sight was restored, and he saw everything clearly.” He saw more than his world clearly, he saw Jesus clearly.

 

The greatest change in eyesight we find in Scripture was the Apostle Paul. In Acts 9 (NIV), Saul saw a great light and was blinded. Jesus spoke to Saul. Saul heard the message of salvation from Ananias. Saul’s eyes were opened and he could see again. He got up and was baptized. After a short while, Paul (once known as Saul) began to preach the Gospel fervently. His eyes were fully opened to all that Jesus taught throughout His ministry.

 

We may have better vision than those living before Jesus, but we still are not able to see everything as clearly as we will once we are in heaven. 1 Corinthians 13:12 (NIV) says, “Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.” What a day that will be when we know as we are known. Fully. Completely. That’s what I am living for!

 

I praised God for the remainder of my journey. He had shown me such beauty that morning. He had proved to me that He could make everything beautiful in His time. He gave me a gift that I’ll not soon forget. He opened my eyes so that I might see more clearly.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

 

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Come Near

July 31st, 2013 dsisler

I suspect if you’ve been reading my blog posts this week, you are ready for me to move on to another topic. But I have one more post to share about our relationship with God.

 

If you are in a spiritual dry season, there is something you can do about it. But it must be your choice. You must be intentional about your time with God. So today, I’m going to share some steps and practical ways to do so.

 

Here are a few areas of spiritual growth that will help you to draw closer to God. Being with Him will indeed make your relationship deeper and richer.

 

Bible Study

An example of studying God’s Word can be found in the book of Ezra. He was “well versed in the Law of Moses.” He arrived in Jerusalem from Babylon and he had “devoted himself to the study and observance of the Law of the Lord, and to teaching its decrees and laws in Israel.” (Ezra 7:1-10 – NIV)

 

In 2 Timothy 2:15, Timothy was told to “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.” We also should study God’s Word so that we know exactly what His Word says. We then, will be able to be like Timothy.

 

My great aunt asked my mom recently, “What are you doing?” My mom’s response, “Studying the Bible.” After a few moments, my aunt said, “I don’t know how to study the Bible.”

 

Perhaps you are thinking the same thing. So let me share how I study God’s Word. I begin with prayer. I ask God to open my heart and mind to the things He would like to teach me.

 

Then I read. Whether it’s a book of the Bible I’m going through or a text for something I’m writing, I read what God’s Word says.

 

The next step is to think about what I’ve read. What does this passage really say? What message is God sharing with the world and with me? If I have a difficult time understanding the passage, I head to my study Bible. I use the NIV Study Bible, but use what you have. Use what makes sense to you.

 

After I have figured out what the passage is saying, I then figure out how to use it my life. What is the application for this passage? This is the key. God’s Word must change us. We must be transformed (Romans 12:2; James 1:22-25).

 

That’s it. That is Bible study. And the more we understand Scripture and apply it to our lives, the closer we will become to God.

 

Prayer

Ephesians 6:18 (NIV) shows us that we are to “pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.”

 

Here are a few other verses to take note of that lead us to the same conclusion.  “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” (Philippians 4:6 – NIV) “Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.” (Colossians 4:2 – NIV) “The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.” (James 5:16b – NIV)

 

Now you’ve read a lot about prayer on my blog and if you really want to go deeper, just search for prayer. But here are a few things to keep in mind.

 

Prayer is conversation. Conversation with God. You can have this conversation at any time, any place, for any reason. You can speak to God throughout your day. You don’t need to be in a specific location or approach Him in a specific physical way. Just talk.

 

Now there may be times when kneeling or standing is appropriate. If that is the case, by all means do so. But don’t allow your location to keep you from praying.

 

Whether it is audible or silent, you can pray to God at all times.

 

Just like any other relationship, where there is communication, there is a healthy relationship.

 

Scripture Memorization

Psalm 119:11 (NIV) reminds me of King David’s words. “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.” Hiding Scripture in my heart keeps me on the right path. God’s path.

 

And we find that the Hebrew nation was given a similar command regarding the memorization of God’s commands. “These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts.” (Deuteronomy 6:6 – NIV)

 

Keeping God’s Word close to our hearts will guide us through our lives. When we know what is right from wrong, it is much easier to resist temptation (Matthew 4:1-11). We want to please the One who gave so much. And one way to please Him is to have a close relationship with Him.

 

When we have God’s Words rolling around in our hearts, our minds, and off our tongues, the connection between ourselves and God is much greater. We become closer to Him because of familiarity. We love Him more because we know what He did for us.

 

These are just a few ways to draw closer to God. James 4:8a (NIV) tells us, “Come near to God and he will come near to you.”

 

Let’s not neglect our time with God any longer. Let’s make it a priority. Let’s just do it.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

 

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Great is Thy Faithfulness

July 30th, 2013 dsisler

In keeping with the theme of being in God’s presence, I’d like to share a section of Scripture where the Israelites were coming out of a period where they were not in God’s presence.

 

The Israelite nation had been rebellious and God’s desire to bring them back to Him was strong. To draw them back, God used tough love. He allowed Israel to be taken into captivity and far away from their home land.

 

But when they returned, they rejoiced as they came to know and understand how glorious it is to be in God’s presence.

 

The Book of Nehemiah tells of this great event. With the walls of Jerusalem rebuilt, the nation of Israel could now turn to rebuilding their relationship with God.

 

In chapters 8 and 9 of Nehemiah, Ezra (the teacher of the Law) brought out the Book of the Law of Moses. From high above, Ezra opened the book and as he did, all the people stood. There was great reverence for the Word of the Lord.

 

The people stood and listened to the Word of God and then worshiped Him with their faces to the ground. The Levites then instructed the people in the Law. They read it and then gave instruction on its meaning and made it clear. They made certain that the people understood what was being read and taught.

 

Israel was grieving the fact that they had not heard God’s Word for a very long time, but they were told by Nehemiah, Ezra and the Levites not to grieve. “Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” (Nehemiah 8:10 – NIV)

 

God was rejoicing. Israel had returned to Him. They wanted to be in His presence. His greatest desire had become a reality. God didn’t want Israel to mourn or grieve. They were to rejoice for they had returned to Him.

 

After celebrations, fasting and continued readings from God’s Word, Israel came together once again and joined in an agreement with God. The final statement says, “We will not neglect the house of our God.” (Nehemiah 10:39 – NIV)

 

They understood the importance of being in God’s presence.

 

I wonder how often we (I) miss this in our own lives. We (I) miss the excitement and reverence when we get around to reading God’s Word or when we hear it in a worship service. I wonder what others might think if I stood in the crowd when God’s Word was read? I wonder why no one does this. It is a simple act of reverence to our God.

 

I also wonder how often we (I) miss spending time with God because of the junk that we’ve (I’ve) allowed to clutter our (my) lives and our (my) time. Junk that means nothing really. Just stuff or filler. Or mindless activities. And when we have no room in our day because of all the other stuff we have going on, our time with God gets pushed to the back.

 

We are the blessed generations in a blessed who are still in God’s good graces. He hasn’t allowed us to be hauled off to captivity to get our attention. But He wants our attention. Desperately. Mainly because He knows we need Him.

 

When our day is filled with disappointment. He wants to lift our spirits. When our day is filled with troubles. He wants to give assistance. When our day is filled with joy. He wants to rejoice with us. When it’s just an ordinary day. He wants to make it extraordinary.

 

But none of these can happen if we don’t spend time with God.

 

So what do you need to do to rebuild your relationship with God? From the passage of Scripture we know we must confess our sin of neglect. And then make a commitment to be with God. It’s that simple.

 

If you are in need of this today, why not take the first step toward God. Reach out to Him and feel the embrace of His arms wrapped securely around you. There is no greater feeling than being with the One you love.

 

Today is a new day. It’s a fresh start. There is nothing holding you back from being in God’s presence today…except you.

 

“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 say to myself, ‘The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.’” (Lamentations 3:22-24 – NIV)

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

 

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“I Miss My Time with You” – Monday Musical Musings

July 29th, 2013 dsisler

Good morning Monday!

 

I mentioned a few days ago that I would be following a theme. Have you figured it out yet? I wanted to encourage my readers (and myself) to be intentional about their time spent with God. It’s so easy to skip when we’re busy or not feeling well.

 

But when we allow that special time with God to diminish or disappear, we are not nurturing our relationship with Him and it falls into disrepair. It’s at that moment when we understand how important our time with God really is in our lives and we jump right in to repair all the brokenness we’ve created.

 

Larnelle Harris realized his relationship with God was in need of such repair. It was during this time that he wrote the song, “I Miss My Time with You.” In all of the busyness and success of his professional life, his spiritual life was suffering.

 

After hearing this song, I realized how easy it is to fall into this same trap. That’s why it is important to make our time with God a priority. Make it so much a part of our lives that we really have no alternative than to be with Him.

 

Below are the lyrics to “I Miss My Time with You.” You can click here to listen to Larnelle Harris’ version as well.

 

There He was just waiting,
In our old familiar place
An empty spot beside Him,
Where once I used to wait
To be filled with strength and wisdom
For the battles of the day
I would have passed Him by again
If I didn’t hear Him say

CHORUS:
I miss my time with you
Those moments together
I need to be with you each day
And it hurts Me when you say
You’re too busy,
Busy trying to serve Me
But how can you serve Me
When your spirit’s empty
There’s a longing in My heart
Wanting more than just a part of you
It’s true, I miss My time with you

What will I have to offer
How can I truly care
My efforts have no meaning
When Your presence isn’t there
But You’ll provide the power
If I take time to pray
I’ll stay right here beside You
And You’ll never have to say.
(Chorus)[i]

 

The phrases in this song that really touch my heart are, “you’re too busy trying to serve me,” and “your spirit’s empty.” And what about “my efforts have no meaning when Your presence isn’t there.” I know I’ve tried to do it without God. That’s why this song hits home.

 

When I walk into my office and sit at my desk, there is a space just five feet away where I spend time with God. There are days it remains cool to the touch because I’ve not cozied up with my Creator. It’s in that place, that space when I hear the words to this song.

 

King David loved being with God. He knew how important it was. And in the midst of ruling Israel, he was thrilled to be in God’s presence. Take a look at some of David’s thoughts.

 

“You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.” (Psalm 16:11 – NIV)

 

“How great is your goodness, which you have stored up for those who fear you, which you bestow in the sight of men on those who take refuge in you. In the shelter of your presence you hide them from the intrigues of men in your dwelling you keep them safe from accusing tongues.” (Psalm31:19-20 – NIV)

 

“Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim you, who walk in the light of your presence, O Lord.” (Psalm 89:15 – NIV)

 

You see, being in God’s presence is better than anything this world has to offer. His love for us is so great and as we develop our relationship with God through our time with Him, we come to know the fullness of His love. We come to know all the benefits of being in God’s presence.

 

So today, let’s open our eyes and hearts to see if our relationship with God is in a perilous state. If it is, just remember it wasn’t God who moved. Take a step closer to Him. Spend some time with Him today. Make an effort. Create a pattern. Be committed. God is waiting.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

 

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[i] “I Miss My Time with You,” Copyright: Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Songwriters: HARRIS, LARNELLE / MCHUGH, PHIL, 1986.

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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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