Just What We Need

June 13th, 2013 dsisler

As I sat outside this morning, it was dreary. Overcast. No hint of sunshine. But this dreariness is not weather related. It is a smoke-filled sky that is hiding the sun from our state today.

 

http://be-the-change.tumblr.com

With three large wildfires (and a few smaller fires) burning in Colorado, we are experiencing some ugliness that goes with living in a state filled with beauty. Low moisture, high temperatures and lightning strikes are bringing displacement, uncertainty, and insecurity to those near the burning fires.

 

So with these folks in mind, I want to offer some words of hope from God’s Word. Perhaps they will encourage more than those who live in near the wildfires of Colorado. Because we all know that “wildfire” comes in a multitude of forms. Yes, it may be the scorching flames that are destroying homes and lifestyles, but they may also be an illness, or the loss of a loved one, or perhaps moving from good friends, or difficulties with children.

 

Regardless of the situation, these “wildfires” of life have a way of disturbing our norm. And it’s in those moments when we need to find rest. Peace. Assurance. Encouragement. Love. Security. And I know for a fact that all of these can be found in the throne room of heaven. In Jesus’ tender care.

 

So today, take heart. Jesus has overcome the world (John 16:33) and all of its “wildfires.”

 

Brokenhearted

Psalm 34:15

Psalm 34:18

Psalm 147:3

 

Mourning

Psalm 30:5a

Psalm 30:11-12

John 11:35

 

Help

Psalm 28:7

Psalm 63:7

Psalm 121:1-2

Isaiah 43:2-3

 

Rest

Psalm 62:5

Psalm 91:1-2

Matthew 11:28

1 John 3:19-20

 

Hope

Psalm 62:5

Romans 8:37-39

Romans 12:12

Romans 15:13

2 Corinthians 4:7-9

1 John 4:4

 

Strength

2 Chronicles 16:9a

Psalm 28:7

Psalm 55:22

Psalm 61:2-3

Psalm 73:26

Proverbs 18:10

2 Corinthians 12:9-10

Ephesians 3:20-21

Philippians 4:13

 

Shelter

Psalm 91:1-2

Proverbs 18:10

Isaiah 25:4

 

Fear

Psalm 34:4

Luke 12:32

1 John 4:18

 

Direction

Psalm 119:105

Proverbs 3:5-6

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

 

Cares/Worries

Psalm 55:22

Isaiah 43:2-3

Matthew 6:28-34

Matthew 11:28-29

Luke 12:22-31

1 Peter 1:6-7

1 Peter 5:7

 

Assurance

Deuteronomy 31:8

2 Chronicles 16:9a

Isaiah 43:2-3

Isaiah 61:1-3

Lamentations 3:22-23

Romans 8:31

Romans 8:37-39

Ephesians 3:20-21

1 John 4:4

 

Peace

Isaiah 26:3

John 14:27

John 16:33

Ephesians 2:14

Philippians 4:7

2 Thessalonians 3:16

 

If I’ve missed any, please let me know. One of my favorites listed above is Proverbs 18:10 (NIV). “The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.”

 

Regardless of what situation you are facing today, God’s Name is where you will find safety. You will find shelter in His Name. His strength can be found in His Name.

 

I also see that we are to run to Him. So what are you waiting for? There is no time like the present. Find safety. Find security. Find strength. But most of all find salvation through His Name.

 

I have found that I am a collector of pretty pictures containing God’s Word on Pinterest. If you would like to see more of my collection, click here. May God richly bless you because you chose to be in His Word today.

 

Again I ask for prayer for those who are displaced today and for safety for those battling the wildfires in Colorado.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

 

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Wildfires…Again

June 12th, 2013 dsisler

Colorado has once again hit wildfire season. With five fires raging through the state this morning, each person, whether affected directly by the fires or not, are prompted to evaluate personal property and to be prepared for an event.

 

For those who have been evacuated today, my prayers are for peace and safety for yourself and those you love. For those who are battling these wildfires, I pray that you would be safe in the pursuit of these fires. Thank you for your service.

 

A few more planning ideas have come into play with this particular wildfire season. Last season, folks were asked to be prepared by gathering certain items (irreplaceable items such as photographs or documents) and placing them in vehicles. They were asked to keep vehicles filled with gas for immediate evacuation and to keep those vehicles turned so that a quick exit would be available.

 

This season, they’ve gone one step further to aid with the process of evacuation. Here are their suggestions.

 

  • Decide where to go.
  • Check on Red Cross shelters.
  • Decide on an evacuation route.
  • Make a meeting place for family.

 

These sound simple enough and maybe even obvious to some. But there are others who need this simple advice in order to remain safe and calm during a hectic situation.

 

As I thought of these four guidelines, I wondered how I might relate them to our salvation…and I think I’ve got it.

 

Decide Where to Go

We have two options. We can choose to spend eternity in heaven or in hell. We can choose to spend eternity in God’s presence or outside of God’s presence. Oh, the misery described in Scripture about hell would be horrible in our earthly state, but the real tragedy would be separation from God. For me, this is an easy choice. I want God.

 

Check on Red Cross Shelters

Red Cross shelters provide safety, security and a haven for those who are hurting or in need. The Church can do the same for a hurt and dying world. The message shared by God’s Church is that of hope, love, acceptance and grace. I can’t imagine going through this life without a church family who I know I can count on when things get tough. Do you have this support system?

 

Decide on an Evacuation Route

Jesus is the route. He tells us in the Book of John of His plan. “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6 – NIV) We must know Jesus. Don’t follow others on a detour. Know Jesus through what Scripture teaches about Him. Stick to the route. It’s the only way. Jesus is the only Way.

 

Make a Meeting Place for Family

Well, you’ve already heard my decision. I’m meeting my family and friends in heaven. I look forward to the day when I see my loved ones who have gone before me. My grandparents, my child, my grandson. Friends who were faithful here on earth to God’s kingdom. But I will also join all of God’s family in worshipping God for eternity. I look forward to being in the throne room of heaven and saying, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was, and is, and is to come.” (Revelation 4:8 – NIV) What a wonderful place our heavenly Father is preparing for us. Why would we want to miss it?

 

We have the opportunity while on this earth to make preparations to spend eternity in heaven. We must choose our final destination. We must seek a place where we can learn of God’s ways and come to better understanding of Jesus. We must stick to narrow path and not be misguided through our spiritual journey. And we must plan to meet up with God in heaven for eternity. These may seem like simple steps to becoming a faithful Christian, but if just one person finds grace through this little piece then I have done my job. I’ve shared God’s message clearly and precisely. And that is always my goal.

 

Please join me today in praying for those affected by the wildfires in Colorado and across the globe. Please join me today in praying for those who are affected by the storms crossing our country. Please join me today in praying for those who do not know Jesus as their Savior. May God’s hands comfort, protect, and keep us all safe today.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

 

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The Obvious

June 11th, 2013 dsisler

Summer feels like it has arrived in Colorado. With temperatures rising to near 100° today, it is going to be hot. In preparation for summer, last week I purchased a pool for the grandkids to enjoy at my house, but I didn’t pay attention to all the details on the box.

 

I only looked at the height of the pool. I wanted to make sure it was deep enough for Joy to enjoy as well as something Percy and even Leslieanna could splash around in.

 

I unrolled the pool in the family room and at that point Joy said, “Maybe you should blow it up outside…it might not fit through the door.”

 

Wise words from a youngster.

 

Outside, I was surprised that I was not able to blow it up on my own. So I brought out the small shop vacuum and filled the tubes of the lining with air. Then I began to fill it with water. An hour later, there was about two inches of water in the pool.

 

I realized my mistake and decided to take the pool back and find a smaller one.

 

As Mason (my husband) and I discussed it later that evening, he asked if I had seen the 160 inches marking on the box. I told him I wasn’t concerned about that, just the height.

 

I also mentioned that if I had been paying attention, I would have noticed how many people were in the pool on the front picture. That would have given me an idea of just how big this pool really was.

 

I also reminded him of the money exchange fiasco in South Korea last fall…I do tend to have difficulty with numbers.

 

It was clearly obvious that the pool was pretty large. It was clearly obvious that it was going to take a lot of water to fill it. It was clearly obvious that this pool was meant for several adults to enjoy. It was clearly obvious that I ignored all of the above for one small detail.

 

King David found himself in a similar scenario (2 Samuel 11). It was spring and all the kings were at war. Except David. The Israelite army was in battle against their enemies. Their leader however, had chosen to stay in the palace.

 

Bathsheba belonged to someone else. David ignored this important detail. David engaged Bathsheba in an affair which was clearly against God’s precepts. David initiated the death of Bathsheba’s husband. Again, clearly against God’s commands.

 

King David made choices without taking into account the consequences of those choices. David chose to ignore the obvious for his own gratification.

 

And yet, God considered David to be a man after his own heart (1 Samuel 13:13-14).

 

So how does this account help me in my Christian journey? I too ignore the obvious. The lists of sinful behaviors in Scripture are abundant. I still mess up and sin.

 

But God loves me anyway (Romans 5:8). God chooses to forgive my sinful nature (1 John 1:9) because I too, am a woman after His own heart (Psalm 16:2; Acts 13:22). I am one of His chosen (Colossians 3:12-17). I am a daughter of the King. God has created beauty from ashes in my life. I am clothed in garments of praise. I am a display of God’s splendor (Isaiah 61:3).

 

God overlooks the obvious in my life and only looks at my heart (1 Samuel 16:7). When my heart is in line with God’s will and His ways, I am a woman after His own heart.

 

What does God see when He looks at your heart? Is your heart filled with love for others? Is your heart filled with integrity? Is your heart teachable? Is your heart seeking God’s ways and His will? Is your heart repentant? Is God’s presence obvious to those around you because He is the Ruler of your heart?

 

Maybe it’s time to rid our lives of the obvious sin that separates us from our heavenly Father. Maybe it’s time to offer our hearts to Him to become women and men who are fully devoted to His Kingdom. Maybe it’s time for God’s will to replace our will in our lives.

I am thankful for a God who is willing to overlook the obvious flaws in my life. I am also thankful for a God who is also willing to create something beautiful out of those obvious flaws. Isn’t it about time for you to allow Him to do His great work in your life as well?

 

I did much better with the second purchase of a pool. It is just big enough for the slide to add some aquatic fun and there is space for all three grandkids. Oh what fun we will have this summer!

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

 

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Lessons from a Child

June 10th, 2013 dsisler

In preparation for our Vacation Bible School program at church, I bought a Bible for my granddaughter last week. She is six years old and reads very well, so I felt she would be able to read and understand the early reader’s version of the book I love so dearly. I also found a pink and brown Bible cover to make it a bit easier to carry.

 

I didn’t know how she would react, but she was filled with enthusiasm and could not wait to start reading it. She was also filled with questions.

 

She asked if it was a chapter book. I explained that it was and how unique the Bible was because of the different books found within the pages.

 

She asked where to start. I explained that she could start anywhere, but I mentioned that it would be good to start with the beginning of Genesis (to learn the biblical account of creation), but then go to the New Testament to read of God’s love.

 

After this discussion, she looked at me and said, “I’ll need lots of paper.” I asked why. “When I read a chapter book, I write down the main characters and what happens in each chapter.” Yes, she would indeed need lots of paper.

 

I was thrilled to see her excitement to read my beloved book. Through the week, I would find her hidden away searching the pages of her new Bible. Even now, thinking of those precious moments cause my heart to leap for joy. I pray that she will continue on her faith journey and learn how to live a good life (1 Peter 2:12) through God’s Word.

 

My question for each of us would have to be, “Do you still find excitement in reading God’s Word?”

 

I know I’ve taken God’s Word for granted through the years. With multiple copies of several versions on my bookshelf, it’s easy to believe that they will always be there. With free time that I sometimes use mindlessly, it’s easy to believe that there will be plenty of other opportunities to read God’s Word.

 

It is such belief that gets us (me in particular) into trouble. If I am not actively pursuing God’s message through the Bible, I am not learning. I am not growing. I am not filling my mind with God’s precepts.

 

Which brings me to another question. “What do you learn when you read the Bible?”

 

I find that when I am most open to God’s message, I learn. Even after I’ve read a section over and over, it is amazing that I can still find something new to learn. And what is even more amazing to me is that as I listen to the Bible, I hear ideas, concepts and words that I don’t read.

 

And yet another question. “Does boredom keep you from reading God’s Word?”

 

Unlike so many other activities, I don’t find reading the Bible to be a chore or mundane. As much time as I spend in this book, I never grow bored with reading its words. In fact, I find that as I read the Bible, I am spurred to do something. Love others. Transform. Practice hospitality. Rid my life of sin. Clothe myself with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Encourage others. And this list could go on.

 

Maybe it’s time for us to pull out the notebooks and start from the beginning. To read God’s Word through the eyes of a new believer or a young child. Perhaps it’s time to bring excitement into our Bible reading experience. I truly believe all that we need to know can be found in the Bible. We just have to look for it.

 

God’s Word is amazing and exciting. There is so much within the pages and regardless of how many times I read it there is still more to learn. But maybe I’m biased. After all, my heavenly Father wrote the book!

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

 

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Sunday, Sunday

June 9th, 2013 dsisler

Another glorious Lord’s Day has arrived! A day of worship, fellowship, and reflection. I pray that you will spend time with your Savior today.

 

Today I share a piece written last fall. It’s about Christmas! It’s never too early to talk about it…it’s a mere 198 days until Christmas 2013! And perhaps thinking of a cooler time will help ease the heat of summer. J

 

What? It’s Not Christmas?

 

As I was driving around town yesterday, I found myself listening to Christmas music. For some of you reading this, it is not surprising. But for the others, here is my confession. I’m a Christmas nut. I love everything about Christmas and listen to Christmas music year round. In fact, five of the six CD’s in my car are Christmas albums.

 

One of my favorite artists is Jim Brickman and he has some fabulous Christmas albums, one of which is in my car. Near the end of this album is a version of “O Holy Night.” It is a duet performed in French. It is now my favorite version of this Christmas classic.

 

As I listened, I couldn’t understand any of it except the word, Noel. But I know the words to this song in English, so I know the message of this song.

 

I realized in that moment, that God’s message is the same, regardless of the language. Yes, I’ve heard these words before, but I really understand it now.

 

Genesis 11:1-9 gives the account of why there are language barriers in the first place. A group of people desiring to reach God by building a tower was not a good idea. God caused the group to speak in different languages to confuse those doing the construction. From that point on, God’s message would need to be translated into different languages in order to be understood.

 

Can you imagine how the folks on the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2:1-13) felt when they heard God’s message in their own language for the very first time? What a thrill it must have been!

 

Even for me, an English speaking woman in the United States to be able to pick up a version of the Bible that I can read and understand should be exciting to me each time I read it. Yes, God’s Word is exciting to me, but it has never been so because it is in English!

 

The original Scriptures were not written in a language that I read. In fact, the Bible was written in three languages that I can’t read. If not for some dedicated scholars of the past, I might not be able to hold a copy of God’s Word in my hand, much less have multiple copies sitting on my shelf.

 

We can look at Philip and Ethiopian in Acts 8 to see that even if there isn’t a language barrier, understanding may not come easily. Let’s look at the passage.

 

“The Spirit told Philip, ‘Go to that chariot and stay near it.’ Then Philip ran up to the chariot and heard the man reading Isaiah the prophet. ‘Do you understand what you are reading?’ Philip asked. ‘How can I,’ he said, ‘unless someone explains it to me?’ So he invited Philip to come up and sit with him.” (Acts 8:29-31 – NIV)

 

God’s message is the same, no matter what language it is heard, read, or studied.

 

So what can we take away from this?

 

First of all, I think we can be more appreciative of the fact that we have God’s Holy Scriptures in our own language to read. Don’t take these precious words for granted. Memorize as much of it as possible. Study and understand what God’s Word has to say. Feel privileged that you have a copy of the Bible. There are others in this world who do not.

 

Second, understand that God’s message never changes. It is the same today as it was in the beginning. It is the same regardless of the language in which it is presented. Appreciate the magnitude of that message and be certain to speak it clearly.

 

Third, who do you know that needs assistance with understanding God’s Word? What role do you think God is leading you to? How can you help others understand God’s message? Don’t underestimate how God can use you in these circumstances. He is an amazing God!

 

Oh, I know that Christmas is still over three months away and there are a few holidays to celebrate between now and then. What can I say? Christmas makes me happy. Christmas music fills my heart with warmth.

 

And no matter what language we say it in, Merry Christmas [Melkin Yelidet Beaal (Ethiopian), Joyeux Noel (French), Fröhliche Weihnachten (German), Buone Feste Natalizie (Italian), Sung Tan Chuk Ha (Korean), Wesolych Swiat Bozego Narodzenia (Polish), Pozdrevlyayu s prazdnikom Rozhdestva is Novim Godom (Russian), Feliz Navidad (Spanish).[i]] means Merry Christmas.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

 

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[i] http://www.santas.net/howmerrychristmasissaid.htm

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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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