A What?

December 7th, 2012 dsisler

My six-year-old granddaughter created her Christmas wish list several weeks ago. She started it several times because she wasn’t sure how to spell the first thing she wanted. A trampoline.

 

Finally, believing she had done her best to let everyone know what she wanted most for Christmas, she handed the list to me. In large letters, she had written, A CHRAPALEN. She then asked if I would finish the list.

 

Christmas through the eyes of a six-year-old is always amazing and amusing.

 

But as we grow older, what we fix our eyes upon shows what we hold most important in our lives. God’s Word will help us to understand where our eyes should be fixed and how our eyes can lead us astray.

 

Jesus used the example of our eyes in His message on treasure in Matthew 6. These are the words He shared with the crowd. “The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are good, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eyes are bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness?” (Matthew 6:22-23 – NIV)

 

The illumination that comes through the eye, or our understanding, shows whether we live in the light or in darkness. Jesus was specifically speaking of wealth in this passage, but we can see the importance of our understanding in another passage.

 

Paul spoke of enlightenment in Ephesians 1:18-19a (NIV). “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.”

 

There are so many things that we need to learn. Paul lists just a few here. But these alone are worth the time and effort it takes to gain such enlightenment.

 

We are also warned that our eyes can draw us away from God. The Israelites were told in Numbers 15:39 (NIV) to beware of such temptations. “You will have these tassels to look at so you will remember all the commands of the Lord, that you may obey them and not prostitute yourselves by going after the lusts of your own hearts and eyes.”

 

As our eyes move away from God and His commands, we will fall. Our spiritually weak hearts and eyes will always take us into the realm of temptation and when we give into temptation we sin and when we sin, according to James 1:14-15, we die.

 

So where should our eyes be? On God! Read through some of these verses to see how our fellow followers of God relied on God to assist them.

 

“My eyes are ever on the Lord, for only he will release my feet from the snare.” (Psalm 25:15 – NIV)

 

“Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law.” (Psalm 119:18 – NIV)

 

“I lift up my eyes to the hills—where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.” (Psalm 121:1-2 – NIV)

 

“So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” (2 Corinthians 4:18 – NIV)

 

“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)

 

Some wonderful news to tie this all together is that God is searching for us. I love 2 Chronicles 16:9. It gives me hope that when I need God the most, He will seek and find me. “For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him.” (2 Chronicles 16:9a – NIV)

 

God’s desire is for us to gain understanding through our spiritual eyes, keep our eyes pure to keep us from sinning, fix our eyes upon Him at all times, and in return, He will search for us.

 

Watching a child entwined with Christmas wonder is such fun. But if we lose sight of what is important during this season or if we don’t teach our children and grandchildren the true meaning of Christmas, it really is just another day. All the wonder disappears.

 

Why not spend that extra time with the children in your life to share with them what you believe about Jesus? What He means to you? Why you are a Christ-follower? It will make Christmas so much better for you and for them.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

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The Mullberry Trees

December 6th, 2012 dsisler

At one point in my life I lived in a rural area of Ohio. The years I spent there were special and I enjoyed the quiet life of small town living.

 

We lived in the parsonage behind the church building. There was a long driveway that led to our house and the driveway was lined with mulberry trees. I decided to collect some and freeze them for future use.

 

I had a men’s event at church to prepare for, so to save time, I placed a sheet under each tree to catch the falling mulberries. It had worked at least one other time, so I figured it wouldn’t be an issue.

 

As the men began to arrive, one of them pulled me aside and said, “The raccoons are enjoying your mulberries. Good thing you laid a sheet out there for them to eat them on.”

 

We both laughed.

 

I have entertained, hosted, and prepared events for many people through the years, but that was the first time (and only time) I’d prepared a meal for raccoons!

 

This story reminds me of a section of Scripture that speaks to several issues, but also speaks about entertaining angels unaware.

 

The author of Hebrews begins chapter 13 with an exhortation to love one another. “Keep on loving each other as brothers.” (Hebrews 13:1 – NIV) Then he goes on to tell how to show that love. This is what he said.

 

To Strangers

He begins with entertaining strangers. Hebrews 13:2 (NIV) says, “Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it.”

 

I believe this verse speaks to us as much today as it did then. We must show our love by sharing with others. Whatever it might be.

 

If you have opportunity, why not pick up an extra Christmas gift for someone in need? How about a fruit basket for your local firefighters? Something. Anything to show your love to another. It’s what God wants to do.

 

To Prisoners and the Mistreated

Perhaps those in prison are not on our minds as often as they should be. “Remember those in prison as if you were their fellow prisoners, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering.” (Hebrews 13:3 – NIV)

 

This is a reminder that we should be praying for prisoners. It might be easier to remember those who have been mistreated, but this verse tells us that we should pray for them equally.

 

Remember, God sent Jesus to save everyone. It is His desire that no one person perish. No one.

 

To Our Spouses

Hebrews 13:4 is another reminder of how God honors marriage. We should honor marriage as much and He does.

 

“Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexual immoral.” (Hebrews 13:4 – NIV)

 

In Our Attitude Toward Money

This passage (Hebrews 13:5-6) assures us that as we become dependent upon God for all we need, He will be there and He will provide. What we do have belongs to God and should be used for His glory and honor.

 

This passage also speaks to contentment. Content with what we have. Love of money will never show love to God or to others.

 

To Our Leaders

The exhortation in this section (Hebrews 13:7-8; 17) is to honor our leaders by living lives that show we belong to Jesus. Remember all they have taught. Imitate their faith. Obey their leadership. Do not be a burden to them. Allow them to experience joy.

 

All of this so that Jesus is praised for who He is!

 

To Ourselves

This may sound strange, but as our faith becomes deeper and we have a better understanding of God’s grace, our ability to love ourselves in our faith improves. We see in Hebrews 13:9 (NIV), “Do not be carried away by all kinds of strange teachings. It is good for our hearts to be strengthened by grace, not by ceremonial food, which are of no value to those who eat them.”

 

The writer then goes on with a historical lesson of the high priest and then of Jesus’ suffering. As we know and remember what Jesus has done for us, we are able to love ourselves as He loves us.

 

Studying God’s Word will bring us to an understanding of His great love for us and because of His love, we should not be carried away by strange teachings. (Hebrews 13:9-14)

 

To God

Hebrews 13:15 (NIV) says, “Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that confess his name.” Our message is to be God’s message. Our lives are to be living sacrifices of praise. Our lips are to confess His name. These acts will show our love to God.

 

In Prayer

The Hebrew writer asked for continued prayer in Hebrews 13:18-19. Not only for himself, but for others who had chosen a life of serving God.  He asked this group to pray for restoration.

 

How often to do you pray for those who serve you? If it hasn’t been for a while, why don’t you take the time now to pray? They would certainly appreciate it.

 

Just Do It

We see in these verses (Hebrews 13:16; 20-21 – NIV), that we should “not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.”

 

As we continue to do good, we are also equipped by Jesus and He will work through us to bring glory to God.

 

“May the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.” (Hebrews 13:20-21 – NIV)

 

What great examples of how we can show love to others and to God. Maybe you’re feeling a bit disengaged with God or others. Perhaps you could choose one of these areas to work on during the remaining month of December. You will be rewarded with great joy and a greater desire to praise God through service. You’ll never know until you try it.

 

Well, after a good laugh about the raccoons, I came to a realization. The raccoons were eating the mulberries whether there was a sheet there or not. They had been enjoying mulberries for years from that tree. It was the tree farthest from the house or the church.

 

We enjoyed mulberry cobbler and pie throughout the winter that year. And I showed a little bit of compassion to that raccoon family.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

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Heavenly Wisdom

December 5th, 2012 dsisler

I love lists. To do lists. Grocery lists. Christmas gift lists. Blog post lists. You name a list, I love it.

 

So you can imagine that I love God’s lists. His Word is filled with them. I’m sure you know some of them. The Ten Commandments in Exodus 20. The Fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5. The characteristics of love in 1 Corinthians 13. How we should live for God in 1 Peter 4. This list could go on and on. Perhaps you could share a few of your favorite lists!

 

A list that I believe I’ve overlooked can be found in James 3. James shares with his readers and with us what heavenly wisdom is like. Let’s see what he has to say.

 

This entire section of James speaks to wisdom and that we are to be wise and to show our wisdom by living a good life (James 3:13-18). And then James shares some of the characteristics of heavenly wisdom.

 

“But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.” (James 3:17 – NIV)

 

So what does heavenly wisdom look like?

 

It is pure.

Pure in nature. Pure in attitude. Pure in ambition. Pure in all ways. Of course, our human desires will be tempted to move from complete purity, so we must rely on God’s Spirit to help us with this.

 

David desired purity in his life and his prayer to God in Psalm 51:10(NIV) is one that we can use when we feel we’ve lost our balance. “Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.”

 

It is peace-loving.

Peace may not be easily found in our world. King David grew weary of those who hated peace. Perhaps you know of someone who likes to stir the pot and get feathers ruffled.

 

As we use heavenly wisdom, we pursue peace. Jesus said this of peacemakers. “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” ( Matthew 5:9 – NIV) That alone is reason enough to be peace-loving!

 

It is submissive.

You may be cringing at the word submissive. It isn’t a word that is attractive in our society. But we know from Scripture that it is a characteristic that we, as Christians, are to possess.

 

Perhaps you might think of it as willing to yield. Allow someone else to go before you.

 

On my return flight from SE Asia, we were going through security at LAX. It had been a long night, my carry-on bags were in disarray, I was trying to separate the items, and I guess I took just a little too long.

 

The woman behind me was agitated. She spoke words that were hurtful. She even knocked over one of my trays. Finally, I pulled my belongings off the conveyer belt and said, “Go ahead.”

 

Her frustration didn’t need to ruin my day.

 

Paul tells the Ephesians to “Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.” (Ephesians 5:21 – NIV) Heavenly wisdom will always be submissive…out of reverence for Christ.

 

It is full of mercy.

God has shown great mercy to those who accept Him and as we’ve seen His example, we are to show mercy. In fact, we are to be full of mercy! Dictionary.com defines mercy as “compassionate or kindly forbearance shown toward an offender, an enemy, or other person in one’s power; compassion, pity, or benevolence”

 

Mercy is not to be extended to just those we love, but also to our enemies. To those who have offended us. Because, isn’t that what God did for us?

 

“All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath. But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved.” (Ephesians 2:3-5 – NIV)

 

It is full of good fruit.

The New Testament is filled with passages about good fruit. We are to produce good fruit in our lives. Jesus even said the world would know us by our fruit.

 

Our words, our attitudes, our thoughts, our actions are to be such that others will know who we belong to. Others should have no doubt that we are Christ-followers. We are to possess God’s Fruit of the Spirit.

 

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” (Galatians 5:22-23 – NIV)

 

It is impartial.

Earlier in the book of James, he spoke of loving all people, regardless of their status in this world. Obviously, heavenly wisdom is to be this way as well.

 

Romans 2:11 tells us that God doesn’t show favoritism. Timothy was warned against showing favoritism (1 Timothy 5:21). Favoritism or impartiality will lead to the degrading of another. It simply cannot be part of God’s Kingdom.

 

It is sincere.

Again, we see verse after verse in Scripture that leads us to the truth of sincerity. If we are not sincere in our faith, our love, our hearts, or our actions toward others, our insincerity is transparent.

 

Not only should our wisdom be sincere, but this is also the way we are to approach God. Hebrews 10:22 (NIV) says, “let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water.”

 

There is certainly a lot to learn about heavenly wisdom!

 

But let’s remember that James also tells us that we are to ask God for wisdom. “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.” (James 1:5 – NIV)

 

So why not ask God for heavenly wisdom? Why allow another day to go by without His wisdom to guide you? Go ahead! Ask Him!

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

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A Second Chance

December 4th, 2012 dsisler

I was on staff at a church several years ago. It was never dull. There was always something happening. We were always busy.

 

As I walked through the lobby one day, I noticed the windows above the main doors had an outline of a bird. Clearly a bird had flown into the window and left a mark.

 

What remained was residue from the bird showing that he had been there, but that he had moved on and had survived. The bird got a second chance to continue with life.

 

I was reminded that my life isn’t much different. I make my way around the world, I leave my mark, I make mistakes, I get a second chance, and then I move on.

 

How blessed we are that our God is a God of second chances.

 

We see Israel’s plight throughout the Old Testament. They were called to God’s righteousness, lived accordingly for a while, were tempted by the lure of other gods, worshiped other gods, disappointed God, repented, called again to God’s righteousness, lived accordingly for a while, and the cycle started all over again.

 

There were individuals who seemed to have the same difficulty in the Bible, but were also drawn back to God for their second chance. There was Adam and Eve, Jacob, Samson, King David, Jonah, and Peter to name a few. The Bible is filled with people who loved God, followed His plan for a while, fell into sin, repented of the sin, and then walked in fellowship with God again.

 

In fact, the last two verses of the Book of Lamentations shares the author’s concern for himself and perhaps all of humanity. “Restore us to yourself, O Lord, that we may return; renew our days as of old unless you have utterly rejected us and are angry with us beyond measure.” (Lamentations 5:21-22 – NIV)

 

This author had sinned. He knew the error of his ways. He begged for God to forgive him. He prayed that God hadn’t turned away.

 

How many times have you or I been in that exact place? In that exact moment? More times than I’d like to confess here.

 

But lovingly God forgives us. He forgets all the foolishness of our lives. He accepts us back as one of His own. He loves us as if we hadn’t sinned against Him. He is indeed the God of second chances. Not just for the biblical sinners, but also for each of us.

 

So how am I so sure about this? Because God’s Word tells us over and over that He will forgive if we repent. Read through these verses to see if you agree with me.

 

“For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.” (Psalm 103:11-12 – NIV)

 

“Who is a God like you, who pardons sin and forgives the transgression of the remnant of his inheritance?” (Micah 7:18 – NIV)

 

When Peter asked Jesus how many times to forgive another, Jesus responded, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.” (Matthew 18:22 – NIV) Jesus then continued with the parable of the unmerciful servant (Matthew 18:23-35).

 

“For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world but to save the world through him.” (John 3:17 – NIV)

 

When caught in adultery, a woman was to be stoned according to the Law of Moses. But Jesus offered a second chance to this woman in John 8:2-11.

 

“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8 – NIV)

 

“The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” (1 Peter 3:9 – NIV)

 

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9 – NIV)

 

I believe God has showed us that He is offering second chances to anyone who is willing to accept the gift. I know I am thankful each day for the new love and compassion He showers upon me (Lamentations 3:22-23).

 

A smile always crosses my face when I see the picture of this bird outline. I am reminded of how blessed I truly am to be loved by the Great King who is willing to forgive me yet again and give me a second chance.

 

Do you need a second chance? Why not come to Him? Accept the offer of a second chance (or third or fourth). He loves you and wants you to be part of His Kingdom forever. He is patiently waiting. What are you waiting for?

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

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More Than I Could Chew

December 3rd, 2012 dsisler

Do you remember my big plans for November? I failed at all of them.

 

I wrote approximately 4,000 words in my NaNoWriMo novel. Nowhere near the goal of 50,000 words.

 

I wrote 339 words for my non-fiction book. I didn’t get chapter one finished on this one!

 

Well, I did write a blog post every day through November, so I didn’t fail at every goal I set.

 

So what happened? Right after my big commitment, I needed to create two presentations on my trip to SE Asia. By the time I completed these two projects, I really felt I could never catch up, so I gave up.

 

That’s not so pleasant to admit.

 

I gave up.

 

So here I sit on December 3rd wondering why I thought I could do it all in the first place.

 

Several years ago when I first decided to try my hand at writing a novel, I was so excited. At the time, I wasn’t writing a daily blog, so it was the beginning of getting words to flow from my mind to my hands.

 

But through these years, I’ve discovered that writing a novel wasn’t as satisfying as writing my blog. I’ve lost interest in writing a novel. I’ve certainly not sold many copies of the one that is published.

 

So I’ve come to the conclusion that, while it is exciting and pleasurable to say, “I’ve written three novels,” it isn’t where God wants me to spend energy.

 

Yes, I gave up on writing something that isn’t as meaningful to me (and perhaps others), but I’ve renewed my commitment to writing about God daily. And that is exciting.

 

I’ve often wondered what it would have been like for New Testament authors as they wrote what they were told. They for certain had God’s Spirit to lead and guide them in their writings. He also helped them to remember all that Jesus had taught them. It must have been thrilling to see words form that were truly inspired by God.

 

And the Old Testament authors must have felt the same way. Reading the history of Israel penned by their own hands must have been exhilarating.

 

Now I would never profess to have the same gifts that the authors of Scripture possessed, because God’s Word is the infallible word of God. He chose specific men to write what He wanted mankind to know about Him, His created world, His plan of salvation, and our eternity with Him. But I do believe God leads me in the direction He desires my writings to go.

 

Another large and important part of my writing revolves around God’s Word. I spend time reading the Bible and searching for the right Scripture to validate my writing. If it isn’t in God’s Word, I won’t write about it.

 

And then there is the idea that we are to live out what we read in Scripture and obey all that we’ve learned. We can gain all the knowledge in the Bible, but if we do not put it into practice, we are a like a resounding gong or clanging cymbal (1 Corinthians 13:1).

 

I want to share some passages about God’s written Word. I pray that you’ll be inspired by His words. That you’ll have a deep desire to read it, study it, live it, proclaim it, and share it with others. It has become my greatest joy to do so.

 

 

We Must Know and Obey God’s Word

Joshua shared this message with the Israelites. He knew the power of God’s Word. “Do not let this Book of Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.” (Joshua 1:8 – NIV)

 

Jesus also had something to say about obedience. “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it.” (Luke 11:28 – NIV)

 

Jesus Fulfilled God’s Word

All of the Old Testament prophecies about Jesus were fulfilled by and through Him. His words to the disciples show this truth. “This is what I told you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets, and the Psalms.” (Luke 24:44 – NIV)

 

God’s Word Leads to Salvation

I love these verses, because it leads us to understand that the Bible is God’s way of showing us life. Where our life comes from. Jesus. “Jesus did many other miraculous signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book. But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.” (John 20:30-31 – NIV)

 

God’s Word Changes Us

When we know God’s Word, we cannot help but do what the Bible says. These verses show that God’s Word is working on us. “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17 – NIV)

 

God’s Word is Our Weapon

As we are attacked spiritually, we can pick up God’s Word and use it against the forces of evil! “Take the helmet of salvation and sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” (Ephesians 6:17 – NIV)

 

“For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword…” (Hebrews 4:12a – NIV)

 

The written word is powerful. It can be used for good or for evil. My goal is to use my writing for God’s use. For His purpose. For His glory. If I ever miss that mark, I pray that God will bring someone into my life to show me the error of my ways.

 

Perhaps November wasn’t as unsuccessful as I once thought. For while I didn’t reach all of my goals, I believe I completed the most important task I set before myself. To share God’s Word with others.

 

How are you sharing God’s message?

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

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  • About Me

  • "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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    In September 2012 I went to SE Asia on a service trip. For more information, check out preachitclearly.blogspot.com.

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