Trolls

May 9th, 2013 dsisler

My Ford Escape has yet another problem that my husband cannot fix. It needs to head into the shop and so, after eight years and 174,000+ miles, we’ve decided that perhaps we need something a little newer and more reliable.

 

I saw this car…what do you think? Should it be on the top of my shopping list? If you can’t tell, there are trolls plastered all over this car.

 

I have never enjoyed car shopping. I love to look at cars, but please don’t ask me to go and search a lot filled with hundreds of cars to find the perfect one. And as if that isn’t enough, my husband brought me a whole magazine filled with information about cars to look through and choose one I liked. UGH!

 

I do the same thing with greeting cards. I’m overwhelmed by the sheer number and I can’t focus on what I need exactly. So I usually choose the first one I pick up (unless the verse is completely off base). Unfortunately, my husband has gotten some pretty strange cards from me through the years. Some a little more feminine than they should have been. But it’s thought, isn’t it?

 

Had I been sitting at Jesus’ feet during His dissertations on the “lost” articles, I’m not so sure I would have enjoyed those parables. You know the lost sheep and the lost coin in Luke 15? My mind would have gone to the fact that I don’t like looking for items and perhaps He would have lost me.

 

But then He would have captured my attention when He spoke of the lost son. I can relate to that. Not in my physical life, but in my spiritual life. I would have understood the importance of restoration. I would have been drawn to the fact that one lost is too many. I would have rejoiced over the return of the son.

 

I would have found joy in the fact that the Father waited and accepted the son upon his return.

 

Like the son, I’ve wandered. Gone spiritually where I should never have stepped. Spent some time in the bondage of sin. Found myself lost in the pleasures of this world.

 

But also like the son, when I “came to my senses,” (Luke 15:17) I returned to the Father who welcomed me home with open arms. He has forgiven and forgotten my past transgressions. His grace and love have covered me. And I heard my Father say, “we had to celebrate and be glad, because this sister of yours was dead and is alive again; she was lost and is found.” (Luke 15:32 – NIV)

 

Oh friend, there is no reason to live in a lost state. Our Father in heaven is waiting with open arms to welcome you. He is ready to share His grace and love with you. God’s forgiveness runs deeper than any of us could ever imagine. Is it time to accept it?

 

And to my Christian friends, if there is sin in your life that seems to have burdened your heart, why not run home? Your Father is waiting for you as well. Accept His forgiveness and grace and you too will come to know the Father’s celebration of your life.

 

Of course I’m reminded of a song. One that you’ll recognize and will able to sing without the benefit of music. Chris Tomlin’s version is perhaps overused, but it still carries the message of finding freedom in Christ and the joy of being found. I can never get enough of God’s grace…can you?

 

Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone)

 

Amazing grace
How sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me
I once was lost, but now I’m found
Was blind, but now I see
‘Twas grace that taught my heart to fear
And grace my fears relieved
How precious did that grace appear
The hour I first believed

Chorus:
My chains are gone
I’ve been set free
My God, my Savior has ransomed me
And like a flood His mercy reigns
Unending love, Amazing grace

The Lord has promised good to me
His word my hope secures
He will my shield and portion be
As long as life endures

The earth shall soon dissolve like snow
The sun forbear to shine
But God, Who called me here below
Will be forever mine
Will be forever mine
You are forever mine[i]

 

If you’d like to listen to this song, you can click here.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

 

If you wish to contact me, please leave a comment by clicking here.


[i] Words and Music by John Newton, John P. Rees, and Edwin Othello Excell. Arrangement and additional chorus by Chris Tomlin and Louis Giglio. Amazing Grace, Public Domain. Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone), 2006.

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Keep it Simple

May 8th, 2013 dsisler

I could have finished this line “keep it simple” with another word (KISS). I’m sure you’ve heard it before. But I’ve chosen not to. I’ve heard it more throughout my life than I’d care to mention and believe that it is an unnecessary addition to this phrase.

 

However, I have a little book on my shelf called Smart Women Keep it Simple by Annie Chapman and Maureen Rank. I’ve read it several times through the years…you can tell by the markings and the condition of the spine. But it has been years since I’ve read it.

 

So with my new, crazy schedule, perhaps it is the perfect time to pull this little gem off the shelf and re-read these words.

 

There are a couple of earmarked pages. Those stories or concepts that I wanted to return to visit. And as I read through one section, I was thankful for my forethought of wanting to remember this particular story.

 

It was of an older Russian woman who was a faithful believer of Christ. Multiple sclerosis had ravaged her body and she wasn’t able to do much, but what she accomplished was astonishing.

 

Each morning, her husband would prop her up on the couch, place a typewriter in front of her and with one finger, this devoted woman translated Christian books or the Bible into the Russian language.

 

The author of Smart Women Keep it Simple says, “Every other Christian in the city was watched by the secret police. But because she had been sick so long, the police took no interest in this woman, and she could work undetected.”[i]

 

And here’s another quote from the book. Corrie ten Boom was interviewing the husband of this Russian woman and this is what he said of his wife. “Not only does she translate these books, but she prays while she types. Sometimes it takes a long time for her fingers to hit the key, or for her to get the paper in the machine, but all the time she is praying for those whose books she is working on.”[ii]

 

What obstacles this woman overcame to be a servant of God. She lived in a country where being a Christian was illegal. Her body had betrayed her. However, nothing was able to stop her from doing what God called her to.

 

Annie Chapman goes on to say this about limitations. “Life puts limitations on us; no one is without them. But once we accept those limitations, God is free to use us in our weakness to glorify himself.”[iii]

 

If we view our limitations as to what we are able to do for God’s Kingdom, we are putting handcuffs on God. Our limitations must not be God’s limitations. Tweet this!

 

The Apostle Paul knew limitations. His thorn in the flesh kept him from becoming conceited, but it certainly did not keep him from fulfilling God’s plan through him. Paul came to the understanding that it was only through God’s grace that he was able to become powerful. Paul also understood that God was to be glorified in all that he did.

 

Take a look at Paul’s words in 2 Corinthians 12:7-10 (NIV). “To keep me from becoming conceited because of these surpassingly great revelations, there was given me a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”

 

What a wonderful way to look at the difficulties of our lives. Whether it is physical, emotional, financial, persecutions, hardships, insults, weaknesses or a busy schedule, as we allow God to work in our weakened lives, we will be strong.

 

We take the relying on ourselves and place it in God’s hands. Capable hands that are able to carry us through the difficulties, trusting that He will deliver us on the other side. And through it all, we must give Him the glory.

 

I know others have much more difficulties in their lives than I do. I’ve got it pretty good in comparison, I know that. But still, in the midst of my tough days, when I give it over to God, He is able to help me through it. And for that I am thankful.

 

So today as you’re going through the motions of this life, please stop to ask God to be in the middle of it. Ask Him to give you strength. Ask Him to get you through it. He has promised that He will. Accept that promise as your own and know how strong you really can be through Him.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

 

Thanks for stopping by! I’d love to hear from you. If you’d like to leave a comment, please click here. Grace!


[i] Smart Women Keep it Simple, Annie Chapman and Maureen Rank, Bethany House Publishers, 1992, pg. 153

[ii] Smart Women Keep it Simple, Annie Chapman and Maureen Rank, Bethany House Publishers, 1992, pg. 153 – As told in Tramp for the Lord, Corrie ten Boom with Jamie Buckingham, (Jove Books, 1976)

[iii] Smart Women Keep it Simple, Annie Chapman and Maureen Rank, Bethany House Publishers, 1992, pg. 153

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A Blessing

May 7th, 2013 dsisler

I’ve not thought much about sharing a blessing with those I come into contact with or praying a blessing on a home upon entering, but I’ve recently read of how it was (and is) an important element for the Israelite nation.

 

We see examples of blessings in the Old Testament. One you’ll recognize immediately is found in Numbers 6:24-26 (NIV).

 

“The Lord bless you and keep you;

the Lord make his face shine upon you

and be gracious to you;

The Lord turn his face toward you

and give you peace.”

 

Wouldn’t that be a wonderful greeting? Or maybe those final words spoken as you depart? Yes, I believe this would give great comfort to those who hear it.

 

Another example of a given blessing in the Old Testament was by King Solomon at the dedication of the Temple. This one is a bit longer, but there are some wonderful words in this section of Scripture.

 

“Praise be to the Lord, who has given rest to his people Israel just as he promised. Not one word has failed of all the good promises he gave through his servant Moses.

 

“May the Lord our God be with us as he was with our fathers; may he never leave us nor forsake us.

 

“May he turn our hearts to him, to walk in all his ways and to keep the commands, decrees and regulations he gave our fathers.

 

“And may these words of mine, which I have prayed before the Lord, be near to the Lord our God day and night, that he may uphold the cause of his servant and the cause of his people Israel according to each day’s need, so that all the peoples of the earth may know that the Lord is God and that there is no other.

 

“But your hearts must be fully committed to the Lord our God, to live by his decrees and obey his commands, as at this time.” (1 Kings 8:56-61 – NIV)

 

I love this section because we see how God does keep His promises and that God will never leave us, but it also tells us that we must do something as well. Verse 61 shows us that we must be committed to God, live by His decrees and obey His commands. After all He has done, this really is a little thing.

 

But these blessings don’t end with the Old Testament. Jesus mentions one in Luke 10. In this section, Jesus prepared the way for His arrival by a group who were sent out two-by-two. They were to go into the towns Jesus was preparing to go.

 

When they entered a house, Jesus told them to say, “Peace to this house.” (Luke 10:5 – NIV) Jesus offered further instruction on this phrase. “If a man of peace is there, your peace will rest on him; if not, it will return to you.” (Luke 10:6 – NIV)

 

I believe this one is totally doable. What a blessing our friends, family and acquaintances would receive by our speaking this blessing. Even if we don’t enter into a home, as we are walking (prayer walking), we can pray this upon the homes we pass.

 

How are you blessing those you come in contact with? Do you practice this on a regular basis? If so, I’d love to hear about it. If you are willing to share, my ears are open!

 

I never thought of it this way, but I end each blog post with a blessing. A blessing for you. To you from me. Today will not be any different. I offer this blessing to all who read it and accept it.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

 

If you’d like to share a comment with me, please click here to do so. I’d love to hear from you.

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“Too”

May 6th, 2013 dsisler

My grandson Percy turned two in February. Since learning to talk, there is one phrase that has remained the same. It hasn’t changed. There is no variation.

 

“Percy, I love you!” This statement could be spoken by any number of people in this little man’s life, but his reply is always the same. “Too.”

 

Percy’s love for those of us in his life can be seen in his smile, his excitement, his determination to be held, his jubilation, his bright eyes, his energy…all of these things are seen when he walks into a room and locks eyes with someone he loves.

 

I can see these same traits in God’s love for mankind (and for me personally). I read it throughout His Word. I see it in creation. I notice it when I’m in communion with Him.  I know it when His grace covers me. I rely on it when I feel unlovely.

 

Today I offer you verses that speak of God’s love for us. Enjoy the riches of His love. Bask in the fact that you are loved. There is nothing like it!

 

“Show the wonder of your great love, you who save by your right hand those who take refuge in you from their foes.” (Psalm 17:7 – NIV)

 

“Your love, O Lord, reaches to the heavens, your faithfulness to the skies.” (Psalm 36:5 – NIV)

 

“I trust in God’s unfailing love for ever and ever.” (Psalm 52:8b – NIV)

 

“Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you.” (Psalm 63:3 – NIV)

 

“For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.” (Psalm 100:5 – NIV)

 

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16 – NIV)

 

“And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.” (Romans 5:5 – NIV)

 

“And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.” (Ephesians 3:17b-19 – NIV)

 

“How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God!” (1 John 3:1a – NIV)

 

“Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God.” (1 John 4:7a – NIV)

 

“Keep yourselves in God’s love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life.” (Jude 1:21 – NIV)

 

As a result of God’s love for us, we in turn love Him. Perhaps these are verses you can repeat to God to tell Him of the love you have for Him!

 

“I love you, O Lord, my strength.” (Psalm 18:1 – NIV)

 

“I love the house where you live, O Lord, the place where your glory dwells.” (Psalm 26:8 – NIV)

 

“I love the Lord, for he heard my voice; he heard my cry for mercy.” (Psalm 116:1 – NIV)

 

These verses are not an exhaustive list of the what is contained in God’s Word, but it’s a start. Dig deep. Look for the passages about God’s love and see if you too will agree that God’s love is indeed better than life!

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

 

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A Good Idea

May 5th, 2013 dsisler

While working through the A to Z challenge in April, I used Sunday as a day to repost an earlier piece from my blog. I’ve decided to stick with that for a while. Sunday’s are usually the most difficult day for me to write, so for now, I pray you’ll enjoy some of my earlier posts.

 

And maybe, if you’re like me, you won’t even remember that you read them once before. So today, let’s talk about a quiet place. With God.

 

There is a Quiet Place

 

As you all know, I’ve been with my Mom at the hospital for over a week. I’ve had some great experiences, some unusual ones, and of course, comical happenings. Maybe someday I can write about them, but today, I want to write about a sign hanging in the hallway.  “A quiet environment promotes healing.”

 

Naturally because of the location of this sign, it refers to physical healing. But I began to think of these words in relation to my spiritual life.

 

Yes, I’ve had times spiritually when I’ve needed healing. But that is a process. And I believe, along the way, there must be some quiet in order for healing to take place.

 

So let’s talk about the healing process and what needs to be considered.

 

Healing

We must acknowledge that our spiritual healing can only come from God. He is the Great Physician for our soul and He alone is able to make us whole. These verses show us just how He wants to

 

“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” Psalm 147:3

 

“He was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed.” Isaiah 53:5

 

“Heal me, O Lord, and I will be healed; save me and I will be saved, for you are the one I praise.” Jeremiah 17:14

 

Through our humility and repentance, God’s forgiveness brings healing to our lives.

 

“If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and forgive their sin and will heal their land.” 2 Chronicles 7:14

 

Meditating

Through the healing process, we should utilize meditation upon God’s Word. Spending quiet time with God in this way will bring peace and comfort to our ill souls. David knew how to meditate on every aspect of God. Listen to a few of his insights.

 

“On my bed I remember you; to think of you through the watches of the night.” Psalm 63:6

 

“I will meditate on all your works and consider all your mighty deeds.” Psalm 77:12

 

“I meditate on your precepts and consider your ways.” Psalm 119:15

 

“I remember the days of long ago; I meditate on all your works and consider what your hands have done.” Psalm 143:5

 

“They will speak of the glorious splendor of your majesty, and I will mediate on your wonderful works.” Psalm 145:5

 

Waiting

After you’ve acknowledged your spiritual illness, asked for spiritual healing, and then meditated upon God’s Words, wait. Wait to see what God has in store for you. Wait for His strength. Wait for His hope. Wait for His compassion. Wait for His healing.

 

“Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.” Psalm 27:14

 

“I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in his word I put my hope.” Psalm 130:5

 

“Yet the Lord longs to be gracious to you; he rises to show you compassion. For the Lord is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for him!” Isaiah 30:18

 

“Those who wait on the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” Isaiah 40:31

 

There is no reason to live with spiritual illness. Quietly look to God for healing. In that quietness, He will meet you there. He will restore your soul. He will heal.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

 

If you would 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.

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