Full Measure of Joy

November 27th, 2012

dsisler

A couple of years ago when I thought I might become an author, I chose the name Full Measure of Joy. I liked the flow of the words. My granddaughter’s name was included in the name. They were Jesus’ words. The name became special to me.

So imagine my surprise to find that the blog name was available. I was ecstatic last February as I penned my first words on the internet using this name. Full Measure of Joy.

After much thought, discussion and prayer, I felt the next step for me would be to create a website. So imagine my surprise yet again to find that fullmeasureofjoy.com was available! I felt very confident that God was leading, guiding and was beside me during this journey.I really tried to get the website going on my own, but my lack of knowledge about such things became evident pretty quickly. Because of my frustration, I eventually gave up on trying to make it work.

And then, one of my dear friends, Maria, joined me and believed in me to the point of taking on this project. We discussed my ideas and vision for the site and she began working.

I was amazed at how someone with the right knowledge and skill was able to do so much in such a short amount of time. I love my website…even though it isn’t finished, I love it!

Why? Because it is fulfilling all of my dreams and thoughts and vision. It will be a place where I can write and write and praise God and share His good news and let others know just what Jesus means to me.

What I’d like to share from Scripture with you today is where the name Full Measure of Joy comes from. John 17 is a chapter of Jesus’ prayers. He prays for Himself, His disciples, and for all believers.

In this chapter, Jesus prayed these words for the disciples. “I am coming to you now, but I say these things while I am still in the world, so that they may have the full measure of my joy within them.” (John 17:13 – NIV) There it is…full measure of [my] joy.

Jesus spoke similar words to the disciples earlier in John. In His discourse on the Vine and the Branches, Jesus gives the purpose for sharing His instruction with the disciples. “I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.” (John 15:11 – NIV)

Complete joy! Isn’t that a goal for each of us? I’d say yes. As we continue to grow and remain in Jesus (the Vine), our joy grows to completion.

Reading through the book of Philippians, we find multiple references to the concept of joy. Take a look at these references. Philippians 1:4; Philippians 1:25; Philippians 2:2; Philippians 2:29; and Philippians 4:1.

Paul also shares the concept of rejoicing in Philippians. Take a look at these references. Philippians 1:18; Philippians 2:17; Philippians 2:18; Philippians 3:1; Philippians 4:4; and Philippians 4:10.

It’s no wonder the book of Philippians is also referred to as the book of Joy.

As we read through this short book, we clearly see how our joy can be made complete through Jesus. We are to pray with joy, have joy in our faith, bring joy through like-mindedness, welcome with joy, love with joy, rejoice that the Gospel is being shared, rejoice in suffering, rejoice in the Lord, and again, rejoice in the Lord. Rejoice!

When we look at joy in this way, we can see how big this small word can truly be.

So I ask you today, have you received your full measure of Jesus’ joy? If not, why not? What is lacking? What are you missing? What steps do you need to take to be filled with His joy?

If you have received this full measure, how are you sharing this joy with others? I pray that your joy will be complete by sharing Jesus with those who need to find this same joy in their lives.

“I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy…” (Philippians 1:3-4 – NIV)

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

Donna

It’s Skyline Time

November 26th, 2012

dsisler

Skyline Chili is one of my favorite foods. It is a Greek-style chili that some call Cincinnati chili. However, Skyline is the original and the best in my opinion.

During my college days in Cincinnati, Skyline Chili was a staple. Our curfew was 11 p.m. But we could easily leave campus at 10:15, walk to Skyline Chili, eat a three-way or coney dog, and be back to the dorm by 11 p.m.

On my visits to Ohio to see family, Skyline Chili is a restaurant we frequent often, because I need to get my chili fix before I leave. I also purchase cans of Skyline Chili to take home so that I have a little to hold me over until my next visit.

Skyline Chili is a regional thing. There are no restaurants in Colorado and you could not purchase it here…until now!

Several months ago, my daughter called me from her local grocery store very excited. “Mom, they sell Skyline Chili!” So naturally, on my next visit to the grocery I looked to see if my store carried it. But no, I was disappointed. However, I knew I could get it in the Denver store.

I had forgotten about Skyline Chili. So imagine my excitement when I found a display at another nearby grocery store! Yes! I could purchase this product in my own state. When I wanted it. And the hassle of transporting those cans had come to an end.

Sometimes I think this is exactly how we treat God. We are not consistent with our Bible study, prayer time, or quiet visits with God. We run to Him when we have an issue. Or we talk to him about a problem. But it’s usually on our schedule and according to our own needs. We have no real desire to be in God’s presence on a daily basis.

However, if you are in a situation like this, might I suggest that you work a little harder at taking your relationship with God to the next level? God wants to hear from you (and me) on a regular basis. Just because. Or because you want to be in God’s presence.

So let’s take a look at Psalm 16 and see what benefits David says there are in being in God’s presence.

Safety
“Keep me safe, O God, for in you I take refuge.”(Psalm 16:1 – NIV)

All Goodness
“I said to the Lord, ‘You are my Lord; apart from you I have no good thing.”(Psalm 16:2 – NIV)

God’s People
“As for the saints who are in the land, they are the glorious ones in whom is all my delight.”(Psalm 16:3 – NIV)

Devotion
“The sorrows of those will increase who run after other gods. I will not pour out their libations of blood or take up their names on my lips.” (Psalm 16:4 – NIV)

Security
“Lord, you have assigned me my portion and my cup you have made my lot secure.”(Psalm 16:5 – NIV)

Future
“The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance.”(Psalm 16:6 – NIV)

Instruction
“I will praise the Lord, who counsels me; even at night my heart instructs me.”(Psalm 16:7 – NIV)

Firm Foundation
“I have set the Lord always before me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.”(Psalm 16:8 – NIV)

Joy and Rest
“Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest secure,”(Psalm 16:9 – NIV)

Everlasting Life and Jesus
“because you will not abandon me to the grave, nor will you let your Holy One see decay.”(Psalm 16:10 – NIV)

A Path
“You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.”(Psalm 16:11 – NIV)

If nothing else, these benefits should draw you to a closer relationship with God. Why not see for yourself the wonderful benefits of being in God’s presence on a regular basis. Get to know Him. Learn of His ways and teachings. Love and praise Him through the good times and lean on Him through the bad. It’s exactly what He wants you to do.

As for me, I keep thinking of Psalm 84:10 (NIV). “Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere; I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked.”

I pray that you can say the same thing.

Study to Show

November 25th, 2012

dsisler

I am studying and leading a study on the book of James by Beth Moore. I’ve been surprised. I’ve been taught. I’ve been open to learning new ideas from this small book of the Bible. And I will say, it has been a great study.

Until now. This week we have studied chapter 3. And chapter 3 verse 1 of James is one that most teachers of Scripture know. “Not many of you should presume to be teachers, my brothers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly.” (James 3:1 – NIV)

I have read and heard this verse for many years. I’ve been a teacher since I was 16 years old. I began teaching Sunday School with 4th and 5thgraders. Then just out of Bible College I began teaching women, along with children and adolescents.

I understand that teaching is not something to take lightly. Not only as I lead women in studying God’s Word, but even as I write this blog, I am teaching.So this passage is always in the back of my mind.

But in this study, I’ve learned more about this verse and I’d like to share some of what Beth Moore has to say about it.[i]

She reminds the teachers who are studying this book that there are “a handful of land mines that go with the territory.” Here are the things she shared:

The temptation to teach more than we know.
The capacity to mislead.
The capacity to be misled.
The temptation to use the platform for personal agendas or opinions.
The demand for self-discipline.
The pride and humiliation.

Oh my. Yes there are some “land mines” that go along with teaching. These will lead to disaster.But Beth Moore doesn’t stop here. She encourages those who feel led to teach to teach. To be honest, there is nothing else a teacher can do except teach.

She makes another statement that I am living proof of. “God often likes to teach the bigger lesson to the teacher.”[ii]

As I prepare to teach or lead or write, I know the extra weight I take upon myself. I know that each sentence I speak or write will be critiqued. I know that what I say must be truth.

That is why I dig into God’s Word more and more to find those truths. If it isn’t in God’s Word, I will not put it to pen or into words. I’ve had to rethink some of my own beliefs because of this very task.

I’ve found that some things that I’ve been taught in the past don’t line up with God’s way of thinking. If it doesn’t line up, it cannot be true.

I am also a firm believer that you, as a student or reading, should not take everything I say or write for complete truth. I am human. I make mistakes. I would urge you to evaluate all that is read in my blog. Study it to make certain that my words line up with God’s Word. In doing so, you’ll be growing yourself and gaining new wisdom and insight into Scripture.

Are you a teacher? I pray that you have a greater understanding of your role in light of God’s Word.

Do you sit under a teacher? I pray that you are not presuming that teacher knows all. Take the time to understand God’s Word for yourself.

Regardless of which role you are playing, know that it is God’s desire for you to hold His Scripture close to your heart, to understand what He has to say, and to obey all that God has placed within Scripture.

Psalm 119 is filled with verses to give us examples of this truth. Psalm 119:11; Psalm 119: 16; Psalm 119:28; Psalm 119:43; Psalm 119:74; Psalm 119:103; Psalm 119:105; Psalm 119:114; Psalm 119:130; and Psalm 119:161.

And although my words may not be perfect, God’s Word is flawless. “The words of the Lord are flawless, like silver refined in a furnace of clay, purified seven times.” (Psalm 12:6 – NIV) See Psalm 18:30 for further confirmation.

Psalm 33:4 (NIV) tells us “For the Word of the Lord is right and true; he is faithful in all he does.” God’s Word will not fail us. He is always right. He is always true. He is always faithful.

Today as we study, teach or listen to God’s Words being presented, keep in mind that we each have a responsibility. To know the Bible. I pray that you’ll find great joy, many blessings, and deeper devotion because you are reading and studying God’s Word.

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

Donna
[i]James: Mercy Triumphs, Beth Moore, Lifeway Press, 2011, pages 110-111.
[ii] James: Mercy Triumphs, Beth Moore, Lifeway Press, 2011, page 112.

One Another

November 24th, 2012

dsisler

I feel as if I’m in a “list” kind of mood. In the past week, I’ve already given two this week and I’m about to do so again. So please humor me and let’s see yet another list of things that we are to do.

I was doing some research about the “one another’s” in Scripture and found far more than I imagined there would be. These are the things we are to do to one another. So I’m listing them here for you to check out as you have the time. I’m sure you will be as amazed as I was.

You’ll first see a word or a phrase and you’ll want to add “one another” to the end. Then the passages listed show where the “one another” is found in Scripture. There may be more, but these are the ones I found. If you know of any that I’ve missed, please let me know. I’d love to hear from you.

Love – John 13:34; Hebrews 13:1; 1 Peter 1:22; 1 Peter 3:8; 1 John 3:11; 1 John 3:23; 1 John 4:7; 1 John 4:11-12; 2 John 1:5
Be devoted to – Romans 12:1
Honor – Romans 12:1
Live in harmony with – Romans 12:16
Accept – Romans 15:7
Be competent to instruct – Romans 15:14
Greet – Romans 16:16
Agree with – 1 Corinthians 1:10
Encourage – 2 Corinthians 13:11; 1 Thessalonians 4:9; 1 Thessalonians 5:11; Hebrews 3:13; Hebrews 10:25
Serve – Galatians 5:13
Bear with – Ephesians 4:2
Be kind and compassionate to – Ephesians 4:32
Speaking with – Ephesians 5:19
Submit to – Ephesians 5:21
Bear with and forgive – Colossians 3:13
Teach and admonish – Colossians 3:16
Spur – Hebrews 10:24
Offer hospitality to – 1 Peter 4:9
Fellowship with – 1 John 1:7

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

Donna

Chasing the Beep

November 23rd, 2012

dsisler

There is an annoying beep that can be heard on the main level of my house. It’s a soft beep (not a blaring smoke detector beep), inconsistent, and so far I’ve been unable to pinpoint where the beeping is coming from. Just when I think it’s not going to beep again, it does. Then it will stop for no apparent reason.

Sometimes we find ourselves doing this same thing in our lives. Searching for that “one thing” that will satisfy. Seeking the perfect “one thing” that will bring everything else into alignment. Or perhaps it’s the “next thing” that will make your life right.

When we live our lives in such a way, we are always going to be searching. Always looking. Always seeking. Always pursuing.

And sometimes in this pursuit, we miss out on the best we could have hoped for.

Let’s take a look at what God thinks is worthwhile of our pursuit. The things He believes we should be seeking.

Obviously, God wants us to look for Him. Psalm 105:3-4 (NIV) says it this way. “Glory in his name; let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice. Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always.”

And Psalm 119:2 (NIV) also says, “Blessed are they who keep his statues and seek him with all their heart.” We must seek God above all else. The rewards are amazing!

And what else should we seek? Here are a few.

“Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.” (Psalm 34:14 – NIV)

“He who seeks good finds goodwill, but evil comes to him who searches for it.” (Proverbs 11:27 – NIV)

“The Lord detests the way of the wicked but he loves those who pursue righteousness.” (Proverbs 15:9 – NIV)

“He who pursues righteousness and lovefinds life, prosperity and honor.” (Proverbs 21:21 – NIV)

“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness and all these things will be given to you as well.” (Matthew 6:33 – NIV)

“Nobody should seek his own good, but the good of others.” (1 Corinthians 10:24 – NIV)

“But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness.” (1 Timothy 6:11 – NIV)

“Flee from evil desire of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.” (2 Timothy 2:22 – NIV)

This is quite a list. Perhaps if we pursue or seek all of these things, we won’t have time to seek our selfish desires.

As we seek God first and foremost, those remaining should be easy to find. They are all qualities of God that keep directing us to Him.

The beeping has stopped…for now. Maybe we’ll never hear it again. I doubt it, but I can certainly hope. But in this moment, chasing that beep has stopped. Now I can continue to seek more productive things…God, His kingdom, and His righteousness.

What are you seeking today?

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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