Take Courage

June 3rd, 2013 dsisler

On some days while sitting outside at my house, you’ll hear and then see a stunt pilot. The plane is close enough to see that he or she is flying upside down or sideways, performing barrel rolls, stalling the plane’s engine, or perhaps doing loops.

 

Each time I hear the plane, I stop whatever I’m doing and simply watch the expertise of this pilot in the sky. Sometimes the pilot will linger for 20 minutes or longer. Other times it’s a quick five minute show. Regardless of its length, the display is a welcome sight.

 

Like this stunt pilot, we are encouraged as Christians to live courageous lives.

 

We see in the Old Testament God’s heartening words to leaders of Israel. Over and over, God spoke these words. “Be strong and courageous.” Here is a list of where this phrase can be found. Deuteronomy 31:16, 31:7, 31:23; Joshua 1:7, 1:9, 1:18, 10:25; 1 Chronicles 22:13, 28:20; 2 Chronicles 32:7.

 

Jesus spoke similar words on one occasion. The disciples had headed to the other side of the Sea of Galilee when a storm picked up. And in the midst of water and wind, Jesus walked toward the boat.

 

The disciples thought Him to be a ghost, but Jesus then spoke. “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” (Matthew 14:27; Mark 6:50 – NIV).

 

I believe it might have been difficult to take courage in that moment, but Jesus wanted the disciples to have great faith that would pull them toward courage. After all, these men would need a deep courage before the end of their lives.

 

Courage is mentioned several other times in the New Testament.

 

Jesus appeared to the Apostle Paul in Acts 23:11 (NIV). Jesus said, “Take courage! As you have testified about me in Jerusalem, so you must testify in Rome.”

 

Likewise, Paul encouraged others to be courageous. In 1 Corinthians 16:13-14 (NIV), Paul tells the Corinthian Church to, “Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong. Do everything in love.”

 

Paul also encouraged the Philippians Christians with these words. “I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death.” (Philippians 1:20 – NIV)

 

The author of the book of Hebrews says to hold on to our courage. “But Christ is faithful as a son over God’s house. And we are his house, if we hold on to our courage and the hope of which we boast.” (Hebrews 3:6 – NIV)

 

In each of these passages, the recipient was called to an action. The action of being courageous. The ability to face any situation without fear.

 

These people were courageous. With God on their side, they had the ability to face their appointed tasks with undeniable courage.

 

You and I may not face great battles, raging storms, or persecution, but there are times where we must draw on this same courage.

 

Courage may simply be placing our trust into God’s hands and believing that He will bring us through whatever situation we might face. Maybe that is too simple, but I find that I can be more courageous if I live by these guidelines.

 

I don’t know who this pilot is and really don’t know how to find out. There are several small airstrips near my home and this pilot could be from any of them. I wish I could thank this pilot for the enjoyment I have received through the years. But until then, this is my “thank you.” Be strong and courageous. I think of you fondly.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

 

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Change Can Be So Difficult

June 2nd, 2013 dsisler

Once again we have come to the Lord’s Day. It’s Sunday morning and by the time you read this, I will be at work, brewing coffee and selling Bibles (I have such a wonderful job!).

 

So I’m sharing a piece about the moving of furniture in my home. Enjoy!

 

It’s Just a Couch

 

As part of my office makeover, I wanted to add a couch for comfort, but also to create another bedroom in our home on the main floor. A couch in our family room was a hide-a-bed, so this was the perfect choice to move to my office. It also meant that we got to buy a new couch for that room.

 

We chose the perfect couch, moved the old couch into my office and then waited. As I waited for the new couch, my mind moved the furniture in the family room around. It was only natural then that my body had to follow. I moved the furniture.

 

We sat in the family room in this new configuration. It was unusual. It was strange. It was foreign. The more I sat there, the more I disliked this new look. Really disliked it. I was surprised! I am usually a flexible, roll-with-the-punches kind of gal. But not when it came to my family room layout.

 

Before a half hour passed, I knew what needed to be done. In a matter of minutes, I flipped all the furniture around again to where it belonged.

 

Oh how I wanted the new look to work. But my old ways would not allow for that. I wanted the room to be the way it always was. No change.

 

If I were to view my spiritual life in this same way, I would become stagnant. I would not be following God’s instruction for my life. His plan clearly includes change, new creation, transformation, taking off the old, putting on the new, and spiritual maturity.

 

Change

In Matthew 18:3, Jesus tells the group that change must occur. That change must include trust and great faith in what God is able to do. “I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” Without change, the kingdom of heaven is a far off dream.

 

New Creation

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!” (2 Corinthians 5:17) With Christ, we become new. A new creation. He created us. He redeemed us. He fulfills the re-creation of us through His sacrifice.

 

Transformation

Paul shares with the Corinth church that being transformed into Jesus’ likeness is part of the process. 2 Corinthians 3:18 says, “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.” Transformation is accompanied by radiance that is from the Lord.

 

Taking Off the Old, Putting On the New

Ephesians 4:22-24 tells us that we must take off our old lifestyle and put on a new lifestyle. Not just at the moment of salvation, but for always. “You were taught with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by it is deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.”

 

Spiritual Maturity

“So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ.” (Colossians 2:6-8) We move toward spiritual maturity when we live in Christ and are rooted and built up in Christ. Our faith is strengthened so that we are less susceptible of being deceived by false teachings.

 

We must not become stagnant in our spiritual lives. We must continue to learn, study, and apply all that God’s Word has to say to us. We must also share our story with others. Who have you shared your change of heart with?

 

The new couch looks perfect where the old couch used to live. The old couch adds great warmth to my office. Now life is as it should be…in the realm of couches.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

 

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And More Music

June 1st, 2013 dsisler

We’ve recently purchased a new car and part of the package included three months of Sirus XM stations. It’s been fun listening to all the “oldies” that were dear to me as a teenager, but we found another station that has taken over the play time in the car.

 

This station is called Enlighten and they play gospel music. Quartets, family singers, and all things “southern” fill the air waves with praises to God for all He has done.

 

The part that has captured my heart are the lyrics. What power there are in words that speak of how God is in control or that He is bigger than anything I might encounter today or telling of Jesus’ sacrifice for the lost and dying of this world. They all tell a story. The story. God’s story. And how its message can change lives.

 

I’d like to share a few of these songs that have had an impact on my listening life. I pray that you’ll find some encouragement, a touching word or even salvation through these musical tunes. They certainly bring a smile to my face and a song to my heart!

 

“Didn’t I Walk on the Water?”

 

As I kneel in the darkness in the middle of the night;
I’m praying for assurance everything’s gonna be alright.
Lord I see another battle out in front of me;
I’m afraid I won’t be able and I’ll go down in defeat.

(Chorus)

 

He said, do you remember where I brought you from;
Just take a look behind you at how far you’ve come.
And every time you asked me, didn’t I deliver you;
So why would you be thinking that I wouldn’t see you through.

(Chorus)

 

Now she’s talking to her father in a house that was once a home.
She said my bills are coming due Lord and six days is not that long.
She hears a voice so still and low;
It says I’ve moved like that before.
And I’ll do this little thing and I’ll give you so much more.

(Chorus)

 

Chorus:

And He said, I walked on the water and I calmed the raging sea;
I spoke to the wind, it hushed and I gave you peace.
Didn’t I run to your rescue didn’t I hear you when you called;
I walked right beside you just so you wouldn’t fall.
Didn’t I leave all of Heaven just to die for your sin;
I searched until I found you and I’d do it all again.[i]

 

If you’d like to listen to this song as sung by the Dunaways, you can click here.

 

The line that captured me in this song was the second line of the chorus. “I spoke to the wind, it hushed and I gave you peace.” There is some power in these words. But how often do we try to find peace on our own. If you’re like me, it happens quite often.

 

As we offer our problems and our troubles to God, He brings peace. His Son, Jesus is the Prince of Peace. Let’s choose peace. God’s peace instead of turmoil in our lives. Just wait for the calm.

 

Another song that I fell for is one that I can’t seem to find and that makes me sad. I only got one line written down, but it is the powerful line that caught my attention.

 

The song was about David confronting Goliath and the lyric is from David’s perspective. “Don’t compare it to me, compare it to God.”

 

Our troubles may seem large, even looming. But if we remember this simple line, our troubles will never seem to overtake us. Under my control and by my standards, my giants will destroy me. But as I offer them to God, one by one, He takes them down and I am released from their disabling hand.

 

I’ve been through many situations that I am certain would have destroyed me if God wasn’t in control. But with Him by my side, nothing is too big. Nothing is too difficult. Nothing is too hard.

 

If you know what song this lyric comes from, would you mind letting me know? I’d love to share the entire song with my readers (and myself!).

 

And finally, I heard an old hymn that was a favorite of my Grandpa Ike. “Beulah Land” will always remind me of him whenever I hear it. He had lived a long life and Beulah Land was his final destination and his final goal. How I long to be with him (and many other loved ones) in that great land where we will all spend eternity praising God.

 

“Beulah Land”

 

I’ve reached the land of corn and wine,
And all its riches freely mine;
Here shines undimmed one blissful day,
For all my night has passed away.

(Chorus)

 

My Savior comes and walks with me,
And sweet communion here have we;
He gently leads me by His hand,
For this is Heaven’s border land.

(Chorus)

 

A sweet perfume upon the breeze,
Is borne from ever vernal trees,
And flow’rs, that never fading grow
Where streams of life forever flow.

(Chorus)

 

The zephyrs seem to float to me,
Sweet sounds to Heaven’s melody,
As angels with the white robed throng
Join in the sweet redemption song.

(Chorus)

 

Chorus:

O Beulah Land, sweet Beulah Land,
As on thy highest mount I stand,
I look away across the sea,
Where mansions are prepared for me,
And view the shining glory shore,
My Heav’n, my home forever more![ii]

 

If you’re interested in listening to this song, click here.

 

However, this was not the song I actually heard. I heard “Sweet Beulah Land.” Same message, but a little different delivery. Here are the lyrics to this one.

 

“Sweet Beulah Land”

 

I’m kind of homesick for a country
To which I’ve never been before;
No sad goodbyes will ever be spoken,
And time won’t matter any more.
(Chorus)

 
I’m looking now across the river
Where my faith will end in sight;
There’s just a few more days to labor,
And then I’ll take my heavenly flight.
(Chorus)

 

Chorus:
Beulah land, I’m longing for you,
And, some day, on thee I’ll stand,
There my home shall be eternal.
Beulah land, sweet Beulah land.[iii]

 

And here’s the link to listen to this melody.

 

These are just a few of my experiences with this radio station. I pray that you’ve found some encouragement to keep moving today. But most of all, I pray that you’ve come to know the One who is able to help you through this day.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 
Donna

 

If you’re interested in leaving me a comment, please click here.


[i] “Didn’t I Walk on the Water?” Songwriter, Linda Gibson Johnson,

[ii] “Beulah Land,” Words by Edgar Stites and Music by John Sweney, 1876

[iii] “Sweet Beulah Land,” written and composed by Squire Parsons, 1973

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Lessons from Colossians – Part 4

May 31st, 2013 dsisler

This is it. The final lessons that I learned while reading through Colossians earlier this week. I’ve found that this short book is packed with valuable information and it is well worth the read and study. I suspect I could find more lessons…I know I could, but it’s time to move along.

 

Paul finds that these new Christians were being infiltrated by false teachers. He encouraged this group to be diligent in their learning and understanding of the Gospel and to watch for those who might teach something opposing the Gospel.

 

Paul shared some basic information about Jesus with the believers. Something that they could perhaps hold to and refer to as false teachers approached them. And while this was a problem of 2,000 years ago, I believe we still must keep vigilant against false teachers who wish to lead young believers astray.

 

So let’s look at what Paul said about Jesus in Colossians 1:15- 23 so that we might have a stronger understanding of our faith.

 

The header above these verses in my Bible says, “The Supremacy of Christ” (NIV). It was not in the original text and was added by the translators of the New International Version for a better understanding of what this section of Scripture tells us.

 

However, this phrase also helps me to understand that Christ is above all. He reigns above all. He has authority above all. He reigns over all. There is nothing or no one above Him.

 

Jesus must also have this supremacy in my life. The moment I put anything above Him, I’ve sinned. And just so you know, I’m still working on this. There are still areas where I want to be in control or that seem to take control of me. It’s a battle I face daily. But with Jesus’ help, I’m better at it than I once was.

 

So then we see some of the facts that Paul lays out for the Colossian believers.

 

Paul states that Jesus is God and that He is over all creation in Colossians 1:15.

 

Paul states that Jesus created all things and that they were created for Him in Colossians 1:16.

 

Paul states that Jesus was there before all things were created and that He holds all things together in Colossians 1:17.

 

Paul states that Jesus is the head of the Church and that He was resurrected from the dead in Colossians 1:18.

 

Paul states that Jesus pleased God by being filled with God’s fullness and that through Jesus, God was shown to the world in Colossians 1:19.

 

Paul states that Jesus reconciled the world to Himself by making peace through His blood that was shed on the cross in Colossians 1:20.

 

Paul states that Jesus reconciled the Colossians (and us as well) through His death so that we might be holy in His sight, free of the ugliness that accompanies sin and so that our accusers would have nothing to accuse them of in Colossians 1:22.

 

Paul also states, “once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior” in Colossians 1:21 (NIV). This can be said of all of us. Until we come to know Jesus as our Savior, we are without hope and we are enemies of God (James 4:4).

 

But once we’ve come to know the reconciliation that Jesus provides, we are to follow Paul’s advice found in Colossians 4:23 (NIV).

 

“If you continue in your faith, established and firm, not moved from the hope held out in the gospel. This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven, and of which I, Paul, have become a servant.”

 

Paul stresses the importance of being established and holding firmly to our faith. With a greater understanding of the Gospel, we are able to stand firm against false teachers who wish to move us from the message God has given us.

 

Some scholars say this section of Scripture was a hymn. A statement of faith if you want to look at it that way. And what a statement it is!

 

Perhaps this is a section of Scripture to be memorized. Something that we too, can hold to as we battle false teachers in our world today. Anything that is taught in direct opposition to this teaching must be considered false.

 

What I find interesting too, is that these were the only points that Paul felt necessary to mention to the Colossian believers. Maybe it is because these were the areas of false teaching, but I believe I would have mentioned a few more important facts about Jesus. But maybe that’s why Paul, under the direction of the Holy Spirit, wrote these exact words and not me.

 

Paul continues his instruction on dealing with false teachings in Colossians 2. He encourages them to continue to live in Christ. To be built up and rooted in Christ. To be strengthened in their faith and to overflow with thanksgiving.

 

That would be my prayer for you (and me) today. That you might allow Christ’s supremacy to invade your life. That He would be first and foremost in your life. That you might find strength in His Name. That you will find great truths in God’s Word as you study. That your faith would have deep roots to withstand all that this world throws at you. And that you would be filled with thanksgiving because of the gifts you have received through Christ Jesus.

 

I’m going to change my final words today and use Paul’s greeting in Colossians 1:2 (NIV).

 

“To the holy and faithful brothers in Christ at Colosse {and all around the world}: Grace and peace to you from God the Father.”

 

Donna

 

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Lessons from Colossians – Part 3

May 30th, 2013 dsisler

As I continue to learn small bits of information from the Book of Colossians, I share them with you. Some may seem obvious, while others are not. None the less, there are lessons, encouragement and life-style pointers for us to glean from this book.

 

In the first chapter, Paul tells the Colossian Church that he has been praying for them. His prayers included asking God to fill this group of believers with the knowledge of His will through spiritual wisdom and understanding (Colossians 1:9).

 

Wouldn’t this be a wonderful prayer for us to pray for the believers in our own lives? Spiritual growth and development has certainly been on the top of my priority list since I started this blog.

 

As a matter of fact, I had a conversation with my youngest brother about this topic last spring. We were discussing my next blog post and how it naturally developed into a spiritual development teaching point, but I felt I had been pushing that a lot with my posts so wanted to go a different direction.

 

In looking back on that conversation I wonder what I was thinking. Paul stressed spiritual growth and development in each of his letters. It is important. It is what we are to do. There never comes a point in our lives where we stop growing spiritually. So this passage becomes all the more important because of the importance of spiritual growth in our lives.

 

And what better way to help in this process than through prayer. Prayer for others and for myself. This verse will be tucked away for future use.

 

Paul goes on to say that he was praying this particular prayer for a several reasons. These are listed in Lessons from Colossians – Part 1. You can check those out or read through Colossians 1:10-14 to find them for yourself.

 

But Paul doesn’t leave them hanging without more detail on how to live this worthy life. In Colossians 3, Paul shares his rules for holy living. In this chapter, Paul stresses the importance of living with our hearts and minds set on things above (Colossians 3:1-2).

 

That isn’t as easy as it sounds is it? I know. My heart is deceitful. It causes my emotions to get out of control. I feel things I shouldn’t. And during those times are when I am most at risk of falling into sin. When my heart is not set on Jesus, who is my life (Colossians 3:4).

 

And my mind. Oh my. It wanders all over the place. Sometimes into places it shouldn’t, but mostly just thinking of unimportant things. Things that don’t really matter at all. When my mind is not set on Jesus, who is my life, it will get me into trouble.

 

And the evil one knows exactly how to lead me astray. He will do the same to you if we are not focused on Jesus.

 

Paul knew we would need encouragement in this area of our lives, so he offered other passages to help us.

 

“For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved.” (Romans 10:10 – NIV)

 

“For God, who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness,’ made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.” (2 Corinthians 4:6 – NIV)

 

“I pray 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.” (Ephesians 1:18 – NIV)

“You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.” (Ephesians 4:22-24 – NIV)

 

“And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:7 – NIV)

 

And Peter jumped in on this topic as well in 1 Peter 1:13 (NIV). “Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled.”

 

There are plenty more, but you can understand the importance Paul placed on our hearts and minds being set on Jesus.

 

Today, let’s strive to keep our hearts and minds set on things above. To see our world and the people around us through Jesus’ eyes. To have His heart. And above all, “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12:2 – NIV)

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

 

I’d love to hear from you. If you’d like to leave a comment, please click here.

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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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