Heritage

July 3rd, 2013 dsisler

An interest in genealogy has seemed to explode in our society. The websites that give help with finding information about our ancestors are very popular.

 

I am no different. I am interested in where I came from. Who came before me in my family. I recently looked at the 1940’s census to find out all I could about my great grandparents, grandparents, parents, great aunts and uncles. It was an interesting journey.

 

Several years ago, one of my women’s Bible study groups wanted to work through a fun study during the summer. We found five novellas written by Francine Rivers on the five women listed in Jesus’ genealogy. While some of the content is fictional, a portion of each book is straight from Scripture. We thoroughly enjoyed reading through the summer and working on the studies included in each book.

 

Can you name these five women? If you are like I was years ago, you probably have skipped over the sections of genealogy in Scripture. So why not read the account of Jesus’ genealogy in Matthew 1?

 

The first gal mentioned in Matthew 1:3 is Tamar. Tamar and Judah give birth to Perez and Zerah. Tamar’s story can be found in Genesis 38 and is filled with disappointment. But in the end, Tamar was blessed with two sons and a place in Jesus’ lineage.

 

The second is Rahab (Matthew 1:5), mother to Boaz. Rahab was a woman saved from Jericho and some say a prostitute. Although her story contained untruths on her part, she believed in the God of the Israelites and knew that He would be her salvation. Rahab’s story is found in Joshua 2 and Joshua 6:22-23.

 

Ruth is mentioned next (Matthew 1:5). Wife to Boaz and a woman who loved her mother in law so dearly, she was unable to leave her. In the midst of great trial, Ruth proclaimed, “Don’t urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God. Where you die I will die, and there I will be buried.” (Ruth 1:16-17a – NIV) Ruth’s dedication was remarkable and God took notice!

 

Next in line is Bathsheba (Matthew 1:6). While she is not named specifically, she is referenced by her husband Uriah. David sinned with Bathsheba and great pain was the result of that sin. But again, God saw something special in Bathsheba and she was granted a special place in the genealogy.

 

Last, but not least is Mary (Matthew 1:16), the mother of Jesus. She was given the special honor birthing the Messiah, God’s own Son. Luke 1:28 (NIV) tells us of when the angel appeared to Mary. He said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.” Yes, Mary was favored. Her character flawless. Her faith unshakeable. Her trust immeasurable. God’s plan of salvation was delivered to the world through her.

 

These women weren’t the only women in Jesus’ lineage, they were the women God felt should be mentioned. They are indeed special.

 

I am thankful for my heritage. I’m also thankful for my spiritual heritage. Church history and God’s Word gives me a great account of those who came before me to preach and teach the Gospel. I am proud to be who I am!

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

 

To leave a comment, please click here.

 

If you are interested in reading more about Jesus’ genealogy, these are the books I’d recommend.

 

Callis, B. (2005) Biblical Genealogy: Abraham to Jesus Christ. Bloomington: Author House.

Rivers, F. (2000) Unveiled. Carol Stream: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.

Rivers, F. (2000) Unashamed. Carol Stream: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.

Rivers, F. (2001) Unshaken. Carol Stream: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.

Rivers, F. (2001) Unspoken. Carol Stream: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.

Rivers, F. (2001) Unafraid. Carol Stream: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.

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Treasure

July 2nd, 2013 dsisler

I’ve mentioned my attraction to food art before in some of my blog posts. I love the creativity. Transforming one thing into another. The ability to take an ordinary object and turn it into something completely different and extraordinary.

 

I’ve been able to work with artistic medium on occasion and have loved each creation. I do believe if I spent more time at it, I could even create some masterpieces.

 

Take this penguin village. It’s not the first one I’ve made and it will not be the last. But each time I put these little guys together the better they become. The first one I made was exactly like the photograph. However, I find that I add new elements to each village and while it may be similar, it is different.

 

But the thing about food art is that it isn’t lasting. These are temporary pieces of art. They are made of food and food will eventually deteriorate. It will rot. Become spoiled. Shrivel up. Then the beauty that was once found in the piece is gone.

 

Jesus spoke of such things in Matthew 6. He knew how possessions of this world would deteriorate and how we might be affected if we placed too high a priority on earthly possessions. Take a look at Jesus’ words.

 

“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matthew 6:19-21 – NIV)

 

Treasures in this world and in this life surely will not last. The elements in our world will eventually destroy all that we know as earthly treasures. And what we may consider “treasure” here on earth will probably not be held in such honor by our future grandchildren. Recall your last visit to an antique shop for perspective on earthly treasures.

 

So what does this mean to us today? I’m not saying we can’t have nice earthly possessions. I have plenty of them in my home. I like them. But it all comes down to whether or not I place my earthly possessions above my relationship with Jesus.

 

My treasure in heaven is far more important than my treasures on earth. My perspective is heavenward. My goal is eternity with my Savior. Nothing can get between me and that goal. Nothing.

 

Especially earthly possessions.

 

With all of the wildfires burning in my state and neighboring states, it has become more important to think of what is most valuable to me and what I would save if I had to evacuate. Photographs of my children and grandchildren are probably the most important. They cannot be replaced. I can’t go back in time to recreate those photo ops (although there was a commercial that did). So yes, those are probably the most important possessions I have.

 

But that’s it. That’s all I would insist on taking with me if I had to evacuate. Everything else can be replaced. In the end, nothing in this world is worth risking lives over.

 

What does this heavenly perspective look like in your life? Are you able to put Jesus before everything else in this world? What keeps you from storing up treasure in heaven? What does your heart love? Where is your treasure?

 

As I look at these questions, I realize that I must reflect on my own life to determine what this looks like for me. Maybe possessions aren’t as important, but there are other things that are. Food. Laziness. Focus. Sometimes these things jump in front of Jesus for me and then my perspective becomes earthly instead of heavenly.

 

I see clearly what keeps me from storing up treasure in heaven in my own life. I look forward to breaking the earthly habits that interrupt my spiritual life. In their place, I will develop holy habits that lead me heavenward.

 

I pray that you’re able to look at your life through Jesus’ eyes to determine what needs to be changed. What needs to be transformed. What needs His touch. I pray that your heart will seek God. I pray that the things of this world will diminish in their importance and that your heavenly treasures will become most important. I pray all of these things for myself as well.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

 

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Not So Far Away (Faith, Hope and Love) – Monday Musical Musings

July 1st, 2013 dsisler

I love all music, but country music isn’t a genre I usually am drawn to. There have been a few groups with a particular sound that has pulled me in, but for the most part I just don’t listen to it.

 

Since I’ve been listening to a “Southern Gospel” music station on my car radio, I’ve listened to more country style music than I have in years. Some of it goes a bit too far for my liking, but then I hear a gem and am drawn in yet again to listen for more.

 

The song I mention today is one of those gems. Misty Freeman comes from a family of musicians and she has stepped out on her own to record a few albums, but one in particular caught my attention.

 

On this album, she sings a song called “Not So Far Away (Faith, Hope and Love).” There are descriptions of how faith, hope and love show up in our lives and when we recognize them, we come to understand that they are not so far away.

 

“Not So Far Away (Faith, Hope and Love)”

 

I think you might remember me;
You used to know me well before you were introduced to fear and doubt.
I was with you on that cold dark day when you were all alone

And you thought that things would never turn around.
It was me that moved that mountain you had standing in your way.
I believe you want me back so I will wait.
My name is Faith, My Name is Faith.

I noticed you were staring at that star up in the sky;
You’re looking for a light to guide you home.
You think you need a reason just to trust a simple prayer;
I am here even when you think I’m gone.
I am the companion to the happiness you will find;
And I promise I am always ever close.
My name is hope, my name is hope.
(Chorus)

I’m the one that speaks the loudest I’m the keeper of them all;
I was born before the world was ever here.
I am everywhere and everything you’ll ever need to know;
I’m the passion in you laughter and your tears.
I am the healer of the broken, the forgiver of your soul;
and I’m ready to ascend just like a dove.
My name is Love, My name is Love.

Chorus:
We are the voices that still whisper in your heart;
And if you’ll listen carefully you’ll know just where we are.
Carrying the promises that Heaven’s not so far away.

My Name is Faith. My Name is Hope. My name is Love.[i]

 

To listen to this song, you can click here.

 

Sometimes we need to be reminded of how faith, hope and love shows up in our lives. Sometimes we need to be reminded of the fact that sometimes we move away from our relationship with Jesus. Sometimes we need to be reminded that all it takes is a little step on our part to be back in the embrace of faith, hope and love.

 

If you’re searching, search no further. You can find faith, hope and love in Jesus. You will never have to question His faithfulness, loyalty, or grace. It’s all yours. It’s up to you to accept it. Why not make that choice today?

 

And if you know God’s grace but have doubts today, grab hold of the message from this song. Faith, hope and love are within your grasp. They can be found with Jesus. Reach for them. Embrace them. Choose them. Choose Jesus.

 

The concept of this song is taken from 1 Corinthians 13:13 (NIV). “And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.”

 

When everything else around us seems to be falling apart, faith, hope and love will still remain. But hold on to the fact that the greatest of these three is love. And there is nothing like the love of our Savior, Jesus Christ.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

 

If you’d like to leave a comment, please click here.


[i] “Not So Far Away (Faith, Hope and Love),” recorded by Misty Freeman, 2004.

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Sunday-Go-to-Meetin’

June 30th, 2013 dsisler

It’s Sunday morning and time for Sunday-go-to-meeting. It is a term in the dictionary. According to Merriam-Webster.com this term is appropriate for church going. Guess it’s a good thing that’s what I intend to do today!

 

Because it’s Sunday, I’ll also be sharing an older post with you. I pray that you’ll be a light in your world. You can start by heading to church!

 

The Light on the Back Porch

 

Growing up in Upstate New York brought with it some great experiences and memories. Bike rides to Blueberry Hill, panning for gold, tobogganing in the snow, drives though the mountains during the autumn months, boat outings on the lakes and canals of the area, visits to apple orchards for fresh pressed apple cider, and the list could go on.

 

Memories of my youth.

 

Another memory is playing baseball in the backyard with other neighborhood kids. We lived on a 3-acre lot and there was an open field at the back of the property where we had created a baseball diamond.

 

Saturday’s would come and when our chores were finished, we’d head to the baseball field with gear in hand. After rounding up our friends, a baseball game would get underway.

 

We would play for hours. We would lose track of time. We were having fun.

 

Then it would happen. My sister, my brother, or I would see it. The light on the back porch. At that moment, we knew the game was over for us. We’d gather our gear and head home. That porch light brought disappointment to us and to our fellow ball players on many occasions.

 

My dad had thought up the little system. If we were out and about and saw the porch light on, it was the signal to come home. And it worked well.

 

That light had meaning. That light contained a message. That light gave direction. That light was a beacon. That light drew us to it.

 

In our spiritual walk, we too have a light. That light is Jesus. Isaiah told of this great Light in his book. “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.” (Isaiah 9:2)

 

John the Baptizer also told of this Light. He testified concerning the Light. “The true Light that gives light to every man was coming into the world.” (John 1:6-9)

 

And when Jesus walked onto the scene, the Light had arrived and He proclaimed it. “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)

 

On another occasion Jesus said, “While I am in the world, I am the Light of the world.” (John 9:5)

 

And as Jesus taught the crowds about the Light, He said, “You are going to have the light just a little while longer. Walk while you have the light, before darkness over takes you. The man who walks in the dark does not know where he is going. Put our trust in the light while you have it, so that you may become sons of light.” (John 12:35-36)

 

Once we become “sons of light,” we are called to be a light in this world. We are to reflect the Light so that others might see Jesus through us.

 

Matthew 5:14-16 says, “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 your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.”

 

Our light is to be visible to all we come in contact with…in order to praise God!

 

Paul shares in 2 Corinthians 4:6 a little about light. “For God, who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness,’ made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.”

 

Just as God created light in the beginning, He has placed light in our hearts. That light has meaning. That light contains a message. That light gives direction. That light is a beacon. That light draws us to it.

 

What power we have received! Romans 13:12 also tells us to “put on the armor of light.” We have this power from the Light all around…inside and outside.

 

So, what are you waiting for? The Light is here! The Light is waiting for you to shine! Don’t keep the Light under a bushel…oh no! I pray that you will “let that little light shine” for all to see and so that God would be glorified.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

 

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Keep Me Safe

June 29th, 2013 dsisler

We’ve had several days of severe heat here in Colorado. Near 100° for a few days and then 103° on Thursday. Obviously this was not good for the wildfires burning throughout the state. Yesterday we began the descent to where we should be this time of year. It was only 93°.

 

But we ended with a bang. The sky was filled with bolts of lightning and the thunder rumbled as it chased the lightning. Joy spent the night and she wasn’t as thrilled to see this storm roll in as I was. She told me several times she was afraid. I reassured her that there was nothing to be afraid of. I told Joy it was God’s fireworks.

 

And then, the rain began. As I stood in the window of Joy’s room at our house, the rain blew into my face. I welcomed it. I embraced it. The rain was refreshing. The rain brought relief. The rain brought a smile to my face.

 

Joy did a little dance over by the window. She too enjoyed the spray of rain coming through the window. Back and forth from the window to the bed, her spirits were lifted as she danced from one point to another. She was no longer afraid.

 

I have a quote on a wall hanging in my family room. “Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass; it’s about learning to dance in the rain.” (Anonymous) I believe Joy finally got the idea of this saying last night as she danced in the rain.

 

We too can learn a lesson from this quote. During the storms of this life, we must know that God is with us and He is not going to leave us alone. There is safety and security in the arms of God our Father. There is no reason to be afraid.

 

It’s difficult to move from not being afraid to dancing. It is a big step. But when we do so, we acknowledge that God is in control and that we are living within His peace.

 

Before I went to bed, I stopped in to check on Joy and shut the bedroom window. As I looked down the street below I realized that the streets were dry. The water from all the rain had already evaporated.

 

When we are in the midst of our own storms of life, it’s so good to know that they will pass. Sometimes even leaving without a trace of being there. There are affects from the storm, but in most cases they are good. Some may be short lived. Others long lasting. Some may take years to see the outcome, while others are immediate. Regardless of the storm, things will change. Nothing will ever be the same.

 

What matters is how we handle the storm and make it to the other side.

 

In the midst of Job’s storm of life, there is a section where God speaks to Job. There are a few verses during this monologue that speak to me.

 

“Then the Lord answered Job out of the storm.” (Job 38:1 – NIV)

 

“Then the Lord spoke to Job out of the storm.” (Job 40:6 – NIV)

 

In the midst of our life’s storms, we must listen for God’s voice. He is there. He is with you.

 

And maybe when you’ve come to know God’s peace as Job did, you too can say, “I know that you can do all things; no plan of yours can be thwarted.” (Job 42:2 – NIV) Job learned to dance in the rain of his storm.

 

Perhaps you are facing a storm or maybe you’re in the middle of one right now. Seek God. Look to Him. Lean on Him when it gets too difficult for you. He cares for you. “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7 – NIV)

 

I’d be happy to be praying for you during this time. If you’d like to drop me a line, you can be assured I’ll pray.

 

The weather over the next week here in Colorado is cooling off. Life outside of air conditioning will be bearable. For that I am thankful.

 

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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