It’s a Great, Great Morning!

June 23rd, 2013 dsisler

The sun is shining. The temperature is perfect. Coffee is brewing. A little time spent on the deck before heading to worship is in order. Yes, it’s a great, great morning.

 

And since it is Sunday, I have an older post to share with you again. I pray that you’ll have a great, great morning as well!

 

I Know

 

I always thought I was an average or below average student in high school. Recently I needed my high school transcripts for a job application. When I saw my grades, I was amazed. They were actually better than average. Yes, there were a few poor grades, but the rest were certainly nothing for me to be ashamed of.

 

Now I won’t claim to be brilliant or super intelligent, but I do know a few things. Especially when it comes to the subjects that I excelled in through high school and college. Home economics, business, music, and the Bible are topics that I still enjoy studying and developing.

 

There are some things I know from Scripture as well. If we look at the book of Romans, Paul shares some of the “we knows.” Let’s look at them.

 

Romans 3:17 “The way of peace they do not know.” In my sin I cannot know peace, but through Jesus and forgiveness of my sin, I can know peace.

 

Romans 3:19 “Now we know that whatever the law says to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be silenced and the whole world held accountable to God.” I can only find righteousness through Jesus, not the law. I am accountable to God.

 

Romans 6:6-7 “For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin—because anyone who has died has been freed from sin.” I’ve put aside the life of sin because I don’t have to be a slave to sin any longer.

 

Romans 7:14 “We know that the law is spiritual, but I am unspiritual, sold as a slave to sin.” I can be rebellious and because of that rebellion, I can be considered unspiritual.

 

Romans 7:18 “I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out.” I can’t seem to do what is right all the time. I want to, but just can’t seem to do so.

 

Romans 8:22 “We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time.” Creation awaits the future glory that we are also waiting for. When there is no longer any decay, destruction, or death.

 

Romans 8:26 “In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express.” We do not always know what to pray, but the Holy Spirit does.

 

Romans 8:28 “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” God is at work in me. Making me a better person, because I love Him and am living according to His guidelines.

 

Even though my sinful nature is still part of my life, God is working on me. He is creating a new creation within me. By reading the entire book of Romans, we can see the progression through leading to this very point.

 

I know sinful nature is within me. I know I want to do the right thing, but sometimes I allow that sinful nature to take a lead role. I know I cannot live by the law, because I am not righteous. I know it’s only through Jesus and His grace that I am made righteous. I know I must crucify my sinful nature daily. I know I long for my future home. I know that God’s Holy Spirit is at work in my life. I know that I am not the person I was when I started on this journey.

 

Sometimes making a list puts everything into perspective. It certainly does in this situation. It helps me to realize what I do know, where I fit in to what I know, and how God can change me because of what I know. I love being in the know.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

 

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I’m Changing!

June 22nd, 2013 dsisler

I’ve had a vision over the past few years of what I’d like my family room/kitchen combination to look like. My kitchen cabinetry is white and the walls through these two rooms are red. I’ve had two sets of curtains in this space over the past eight years.

 

For each season, I change all the décor. Winter, spring, summer, fall, and Christmas (yes, Christmas is a season in my home). They are each unique and have their own color combinations. I must admit however, I am not a fan of pastel colors, so I dislike spring the most and have the least amount of spring décor for my home.

 

So my vision has been to create an Americana themed room combination from Memorial Day through Labor Day. I already had the red and white, I just needed to add the blue. I am working on that now. I’ve purchased the curtains (sorry Mom…you weren’t around). I’m recreating valances from table runners. There will be a splash of red, white, and blue décor throughout. The addition of a few new pillows, and in the end, it will be a makeover that I will love through the years.

 

Change can sometimes be hard for us in life. And the change that God requires of us can be difficult from the start. But as we allow God’s Spirit to lead and guide us, the change and transformation we undergo becomes less difficult.

 

The  prophet Jeremiah was given a message to tell the people of Judah in Jeremiah 7. Part of this message was for them to change. Take a look at some of God’s words.

 

“Reform your ways and your actions and I will let you live in this place.” (Jeremiah 7:3b – NIV)

 

“If you really change your ways and your actions and deal with each other justly, if you do not oppress the alien, the fatherless or the widow and do not shed innocent blood in this place, and if you do not follow other gods to your own harm, then I will let you live in this place, in the land I gave your forefathers for ever and ever.” (Jeremiah 7:5-7 – NIV)

 

God was asking for Judah to be faithful to Him. To change from their old habits and lifestyle and return to Him. That’s exactly what He asks of us.

 

At Saul’s anointing in 1 Samuel 10, King Saul heard these words of the Lord through the prophet Samuel.

 

“The Spirit of the Lord will come upon you in power, and you will be prophesy with them; and you will be changed into a different person.” (1 Samuel 10:6 – NIV)

 

That’s exactly what happens to us when we accept Jesus as our Savior! We received God’s Spirit and we become powerful through Him. And we are changed into a different person!

 

Our desires become God’s desires. Our will becomes His will. We are transformed.

 

“And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.” (2 Corinthians 3:18 – NIV)

 

As we allow His Spirit to lead us, we become more like Christ. Ever-increasing to reflect His glory. That is what change is all about.

 

But in order for this change to take place, we must allow God’s Spirit to transform us. Take a look at Paul’s words in Romans 12.

 

“Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is our spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” (Romans 12:1-2 – NIV)

 

As we offer our lives to God, He is able to change us from what we once were—sinners saved by grace—into people who please God and are holy like Him. And it’s through this change that we find His will.

 

The change in my home isn’t complete. It will take a little time to get it all the way I’d like. It will be an on-going process for a week or so. It’s the same with our spiritual lives. Change is an on-going process. The more we know about God and His character, the more we want to be just like Him.

 

If you’ve already accepted Jesus as your Savior, how are you doing on this transformation thing? I pray that you and others are noticing the change. That you are becoming more and more like your heavenly Father.

 

If you are looking for this change in your life, let me know. I’d love to point you in the direction of this change. It’s a great day for change. Why not take that first step?

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

 

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Balloon Parade

June 21st, 2013 dsisler

Last year we had the opportunity to see a large amount of balloons take off from just north of our home. We sat on the back deck and watched as they sailed past and took pictures.

 

It is balloon parade weekend! This morning, a large number of balloons passed by…not nearly as close as last year, but still close enough to enjoy their beauty.

 

I recall watching a balloon launch with my Mom several years ago. We followed one in particular and got some amazing photos of this silent vessel.

 

I’m drawn to hot air balloons. I love to watch them launch and land. I am amazed at their ability to float through the air. They seem to be dancing with the sky.

 

But I enjoy them while being on the ground. I would never attempt to jump aboard and sail across the landscape. I’m too afraid of heights for that.

 

But it would be glorious to be up there.

 

I’m sure Ezekiel was completely amazed at the vision he saw in Ezekiel chapter 1. The creatures. The wheels. The eyes. The expanse. The flight. Perhaps it was in preparation for all that he would see throughout the book of Ezekiel. He saw some pretty amazing visions.

 

In our time, we see all sorts of airplanes, from bi-planes to bombers. And there are also helicopters and hot air balloons. Vessels in the sky are part of our lives. But in Ezekiel’s time, none of this was possible. There were only birds in flight. Nothing else would have been visible in the sky.

 

I can only imagine how Ezekiel felt as he watched this vision. And this was all before God called him to be a prophet. God was preparing Ezekiel for a mighty work. God’s mighty work.

 

Ezekiel’s calling is magnificent! God tells Ezekiel that he is to go and tell Israel what God has to say. To be a prophet among the Hebrew nation. However, it was not going to be easy.

 

God said that Israel had become rebellious (Ezekiel 2:3). They were obstinate and stubborn (Ezekiel 2:4). Their hearts were hardened (Ezekiel 3:7). They were unwilling to listen (Ezekiel 3:7). But God told Ezekiel that He would make him as unyielding and hardened as Israel (Ezekiel 3:8). He told Ezekiel not to be afraid of anything they said or did against him (Ezekiel 2:6). God’s Spirit would be with Ezekiel (Ezekiel 3:12). God’s strong hand would be upon Ezekiel (Ezekiel 3:14).

 

God also asked Ezekiel to eat a scroll. God’s words against Israel. Ezekiel did so and it tasted as sweet as honey in his mouth (Ezekiel 3:3).

 

God mentioned to Ezekiel that he wasn’t going to an obscure nation. To a nation that spoke an obscure or difficult language (Ezekiel 3:6). God was sending him to the house of Israel. God’s people. Ezekiel’s people.

 

But would they listen?

 

Ezekiel spent 22 years among the people in exile. During this time, he received multiple visions from God and then relayed them to Israel. Israel’s rebellion against God is seen within the pages of the Book of Ezekiel. But what lessons can we learn from this book?

 

God’s deepest desire is for us to have a relationship with Him. Throughout Israel’s history, we see God pursuing them over and over. He wanted Israel to come back to Him. And He has never stopped. God pursues us just as diligently as He did Israel. It’s up to us to accept Him.

 

Rebellion will not go unpunished. After reading through some of what Israel went through because of their rebellion, it doesn’t make sense that we still continue to sin against God. But we do. But we can also run to God’s loving arms and with a repentant heart live in His presence once again. I am so thankful that God is willing to forgive me when I am rebellious.

 

Tasting of God’s goodness through Scripture will be as sweet as honey. I enjoy reading His words so much. I pray that you have the same desire and craving. Let’s spend quality time devouring the words in our Bibles so that we may know as much about God as we possibly can.

 

There is great hope in sharing God’s message with those who speak obscure and difficult languages. Listen to God’s words in Ezekiel 3:5-6 (NIV). “You are not being sent to a people of obscure speech and difficult language, but to the house of Israel—not to many peoples of obscure speech and difficult language, whose words you cannot understand. Surely if I had sent you to them, they would have listened to you.” Mission or service work must not be squashed because of budget cuts or lack of money. God has called us to “Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:19-20- NIV)

 

We must also know that God’s Spirit will be with us through all that we go through. God will lift us up as He did Ezekiel through the difficulties. Oh we may get discouraged. Ezekiel did. But knowing we are in God’s presence and that we are in His strong hands gives us great peace, strength, and joy. Let’s not lose sight of our heavenly Father and all of the promises He has given.

 

The balloons will return tomorrow. I look forward to seeing their beauty again. If you live in the area, you may want to peak out your window. You just might see the balloon parade!

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

 

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Mission Statement

June 20th, 2013 dsisler

I just started reading a new book…well new to my bookshelf anyway. “Hand Me Another Brick” by Charles Swindoll has been around a while, but I just recently found it on a bookshelf where I work and thought it would be a good read and study.

 

The tag line for this book is “How Effective Leaders Motivate Themselves and Others.” Yes, I think I could learn quite a bit from Mr. Swindoll and Nehemiah.

 

And of course, I didn’t get too far into the book without having to stop and think about a question.

 

“In twenty-five words or less, how would you summarize your primary mission, the most important task you’re trying to accomplish in your realms of leadership?”[i]

 

I have worked up a mission statement for different ministries, for my blog, for my book publishing, but never a personal mission statement. So this idea really intrigued me.

 

I’m sure you can think of some mission statements from Scripture. Here are a few I recall. See if you know who said them (answers will be at the bottom).

 

#1

“If serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your forefathers served beyond the River, or the god of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.”

#2

“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.”

 

#3

“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.”

 

#4

“I am the Lord’s servant. May it be to me as you have said.”

 

#5

“Remember me with favor, O my God.”

 

#6

“Let my people go.”

 

#7

“Do not think that because you are in the king’s house you alone of all the Jews will escape. For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?”

 

#8

“Meaningless! Meaningless!”

 

#9

“I thank and praise you, O God of my fathers: You have given me wisdom and power, you have made known to me what we asked of you, you have made known to us the dream of the king.”

 

#10

“For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost.”

 

#11

“What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him?

 

#12

“Grow in grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen.”

 

#13

“And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him.”

 

#14

“He believed the Lord, and he credited it to him as righteousness.”

 

#15

“The Lord who delivered me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine.”

 

What fun to find words used by some of our favorite biblical believers that could be used as their mission statements! Maybe they aren’t the words they would have chosen, but they are words we’ll remember them by. Maybe you feel there are other words that might be better. If so, let me know. I’d love to hear them.

 

But now the hard part. Coming up with my own mission statement. One that describes me and that when others hear it will know it belonged to me. So here goes. My personal mission statement.

 

“With God’s Spirit leading me, I will direct others to Jesus through my words, actions, writing, teaching, prayer, and example. Love God and love others.”

 

Phew! 25 words don’t seem adequate for a mission statement…especially for a writer! But I suspect I could take each element in the above statement and clarify it. That might satisfy my desire to elaborate.

 

Do you have a mission statement? If so, I’d love to hear it if you’re willing to share it. If not, maybe it is something you’d be interested in pursuing. It was a good exercise and one that took a bit of thought on my part. It can remain personal. No one would ever have to know you’ve done it. But like our biblical friends listed below, if you’ve lived your life loving Jesus and others, you already have a mission statement!

 

I’ll go back to my reading now and see how far I can get today. Until tomorrow…

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

 

#1 – JOSHUA (Joshua 24:15 – NIV); #2 – RUTH (Ruth 1:16 – NIV); #3 – PAUL (Philippians 3:13b-14 – NIV); #4 – MARY (Luke 1:38 – NIV); #5 – NEHEMIAH (Nehemiah 13:31b – NIV); #6 – MOSES (Exodus 5:1 – NIV); #7 – ESTHER (Esther 4:13-14 – NIV); #8 – SOLOMON (Ecclesiastes 1:2 – NIV); #9 – DANIEL (Daniel 2:23 – NIV); #10 – JESUS (Luke 19:10 – NIV); #11 – JAMES (James 2:14 – NIV); #12 – PETER (2 Peter 3:18 – NIV); #13 – JOHN (1 John 4:16-17 – NIV); #14 – ABRAHAM (Genesis 15:6 – NIV); #15 – DAVID (1 Samuel 17:37 – NIV).

 

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[i] “Hand Me Another Brick” by Charles Swindoll, W Publishing Group, 2006, pg. 3.

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Iron Skillets

June 19th, 2013 dsisler

I bought a magazine recently and the entire magazine is about cast iron skillets. There were articles about the different size and shapes available and the uses for each. There is plenty of advice on how to care for cast iron cookware. It even contained testimony after testimony from famous chefs regarding the impact cast iron had on their chosen career path.

 

Of course there are loads of recipes to create in these case iron skillets and Dutch ovens. Some I cannot wait to prepare…in a cast iron skillet or not! They sounded delicious and full of flavor. The first one I might have to try is Skillet Steak with compound butter.

 

The advice was interesting. One would say to never place iron skillets in soapy water, and then another would say it was okay to do so. One said to never air dry, another thought it wouldn’t hurt it. I suspect if the results are the same, how you achieve the finished product isn’t relevant, at least when it comes to cast iron. Or maybe it does matter. They’ve just managed to confuse me on these issues.

 

I did enjoy the stories from the chefs regarding the cast iron that had been passed down from generation to generation. Some even felt the cookware was as valuable as jewels or family heirlooms.

 

Is there something that you have received from a grandparent or ancestor that is of value to you? What makes it so? Is it the memory that is attached to the item? Is it valuable because of your relationship with the person who gave it to you? Or perhaps it is the combination of many things. Regardless, when we receive something from a loved one, it is precious indeed.

 

While inheriting items from loved ones can be wonderful, we have received far greater gifts from God our Father. Here are a few.

 

Love: God loves us. He wants to lavish that love upon us. 1 John 3:1 states, “How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!” As His children we receive the inheritance. The true treasure, eternal life.

 

Glorious Riches: Grace. (Ephesians 1:7-8; 3:8).  Again God lavished it upon us. “And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus.” (Ephesians 2:6-7) Without this glorious gift, we would be lost. Forever.

 

Jesus: God gave us His Son so that we might have eternal life (John 3:16). We are “…adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ…” (Ephesians 1:5).

 

“Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!” (2 Corinthians 9:15)

 

If you love cast iron cookware, one from a great-grandmother would be a treasure! I have a couple that have been handed down and one that I have seasoned myself. Any of them will do. They simply are the best for making fried chicken or cornbread.

 

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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