My God Reigns

November 7th, 2012 dsisler

Yesterday was Election Day. I’m sure if you are like me, you are thankful that the television ads are over, the phone calls have stopped, and that peace will once again reign in households all across America.

Over the past few days, there have been statements on Facebook that refer to the fact that regardless of who won the election, that today and every day, God is still in control. He knew what the outcome of the election would be long before the poles opened.

Why is it that we have difficulty maintaining this way of thinking through our day-to-day lives? Why do we spend precious time worrying? We should be spending less time worrying and more time praying.
Yes, God is still in control this morning. He will be all day long and well into the evening. Even while you’re sleeping through the night, God will be in control. When I came to this realization and really accepted it as truth, my life suddenly became less hectic, less aggravating, and produced much less worrying.
A wonderful Psalm delivers this message. “The Lord reigns, he is robed in majesty; the Lord is robed in majesty and is armed with strength. The world is firmly established; it cannot be moved. Your throne was established long ago; you are from all eternity.” (Psalm 93:1-2 – NIV)
Aren’t there some wonderful thoughts in this passage? God reigns. He is robed in majesty. He is armed with strength. His throne was established long ago. He is eternity.
If we believe these five statements, we will be able to face each day and offer it to God. In return He will keep our world (lives) on a firm foundation.
What are you facing today? A difficulty? An illness? A broken relationship? A job search? A death? Whatever it is, God wants to be in the middle of it with you. Why not open up to Him and allow Him to encourage you with His strength. Allow Him to wrap His robe around you for comfort. Allow Him to be the Lord of your life and reign on the throne of your heart. Allow Him to be your eternity.
I will be praying for you…and our nation!
Grace and peace be yours in abundance,
Donna
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Gobble, Gobble

November 6th, 2012 dsisler

Thanksgiving will be here before we know it. But I think I may be a little tired of turkey and the fixings before we even get to that day.

The 50+ and Better ministry at church offer get-togethers for this age group. They offer a monthly lunch for the oldest group and dinner for those who feel up to getting out in the evenings. Yesterday was the lunch and they had turkey available for my SE Asia team to enjoy before our presentation last evening. It was delicious!
Next Friday I will be preparing a turkey feast for the evening gathering of this group.
Then a week later, yet another turkey dinner for my family.
Don’t get me wrong, I love turkey. I love preparing all that reminds me of my childhood Thanksgivings, but it seems like this year I may be partaking of too much of a good thing.
However, the one thing I will never grow tired of is the thanksgiving part. Giving thanks for what God has blessed me with allows for my appreciation and joy to flow. I’m able to thank God for the material provisions, and also the spiritual.
There are plenty of passages in Scripture that we can use to offer this thanks to God.
Psalm 100 (NIV) is only five verses, but it is packed with so many thoughts. As you read through these five verses, you’ll recognize phrases from some of our worship songs.
Phrases like, “Worship the Lord with gladness”or “It is he who made us, and we are his; we are the people, the sheep of his pasture.” Yes, you’ve heard those phrases before.
Verses 4 and 5 are where I’d like to land today. They are about thanksgiving. Again, you’ll recognize them as ones you’ve sung.
“Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.”(Psalm 100:4-5 – NIV)
After reading that we should praise God and why we should praise God, it stands to reason that the Psalmist would then point us to thanksgiving.
We have the opportunity to thank God regardless of what our situation might be. I know in the midst of pain, sorrow and suffering it is difficult to see one thing to be thankful for, but it is possible. And even more so, when all is well, we must acknowledge Him who provided that wellness.
The material blessings are a comfort to us and we are to thank God for those, but more importantly we are to thank Him for our spiritual blessings. Without His great love for us, we would be lost. If He hadn’t sent Jesus to be our ultimate sacrifice, we would still be wandering around in our spiritual rubble. For that, I am especially thankful.
This chapter ends with yet one more thing to be thankful for. God’s faithfulness. You see, He continues to be faithful to us, even when we are unfaithful to Him. It’s just the way He is.
Have you thanked God today for all of His provisions? For His faithfulness? For the spiritual blessings you’ve received through Him? Have you shared your praise and adoration for Him today? If not, why not take the time to give honor to God for what He has done in your life?
Thanksgiving is celebrated once a year, but as a follower of Christ, I must be thankful on a daily basis. Oh, I may be tired of turkey this year, but I certainly will never grow weary of praising and thanking my God and Savior. I pray that you feel the same way.
Grace and peace be yours in abundance,
Donna
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Sidetracked…Again

November 5th, 2012 dsisler

Have I mentioned lately that I have a lot going on this month? I certainly do and keep adding tasks and projects to that list of on-going objectives. I woke yesterday morning quite overwhelmed and really not certain that I could possibly get it all done in time.

But I received a good bit of encouragement from some great friends yesterday. It gave me an added boost of energy to get on the projects that need to be done today and tomorrow. Once these are off my plate, then I can get back to working on my original goals. And let’s face it, it’s only November 5th!

Sometimes we do get sidetracked by unforeseen things in our life. Whether it is good or bad, “life” has a way of getting in the way at times.

There was a couple in the New Testament who knew what being sidetracked was like. How an unforeseen incident changed their lives.
Zechariah and Elizabeth were along in years. Scripture says, “well along in years.” (Luke 1:7 – NIV) Each were descendants of Aaron and Zechariah was a priest.
I love the section of Scripture right before this statement. “Both of them were upright in the sight of God, observing all the Lord’s commandments and regulations blamelessly.” (Luke 1:6 – NIV)
I don’t know about you, but I would love to hear God say that about me. To take notice that my obedience to Him is out of my devotion and love for what He’s done in my life (yes that was a sidetrack).
So when it was Zechariah’s turn to go into the temple and burn incense, an angel appeared to him and told him of the upcoming birth of his son. Details were given on how he was to be raised, what his purpose in life would be, and then the name was given. John.
Zechariah didn’t believe it could be so, because they were “well along in years.” Now here’s my question. How could you not believe if an angel appeared to you? How could anyone possibly believe that it wasn’t going to happen? Well Zechariah didn’t believe and because of his unbelief, he was unable to speak until the baby was eight days old. That is a long time to keep silent. That, I would say, was an unforeseen incident that kept Zechariah side-tracked.
But it doesn’t stop there. Elizabeth becomes pregnant. But Elizabeth’s response to this unforeseen event was completely different than Zechariah’s. She spoke these words. “The Lord has done this for me. In these days he has shown his favor and taken away my disgrace among the people.” (Luke 1:25 – NIV) Elizabeth was thrilled. Her seclusion was a treasured sidetrack.
When John was born, we are told that Elizabeth’s neighbors and relatives “heard that the Lord had shown her great mercy, and they shared her joy.” (Luke 1:57 – NIV) I find it interesting that Zechariah wasn’t mentioned at this point. The priest who was unable to speak due to his unbelief perhaps was still sidetracked. But it didn’t take long for his belief to be revealed to his community.
When asked what they were going to name the child, Zechariah asked for a writing tablet. On this tablet he wrote, “His name is John.” (Luke 1:63 – NIV) Immediately, Zechariah was able to speak and he praised God.
Through this miracle, their neighbors and friends were filled with awe. It was all they could talk about. They knew that God had been in the middle of this event.
Elizabeth’s pregnancy was certainly an unforeseen event. I believe we can look at both Elizabeth’s and Zechariah’s reactions to find the best way for us to deal with something that can sidetrack us in our lives.
Zechariah was unbelieving. Elizabeth believed.
Zechariah questioned. Elizabeth accepted.
Zechariah lacked faith. Elizabeth proved to be faithful.
Zechariah asked for evidence. Elizabeth acknowledged her gift.
Do you see a pattern? Each loved God and were obedient to His ways, there’s no doubt about that. But they reacted to this announcement differently.
So I must ask the question, “How do you respond to unforeseen occurrences?” Do you lean more toward Zechariah’s reaction or Elizabeth’s? I think we need to be prepared for the inevitable. Life will throw us a curve ball. There’s no question about that. How we react is really what counts.
I will get through this week. I will get through this month. I can even say I will get through the unforeseen incidents that jump onto the path ahead of me. But after reading of Elizabeth’s determination to be faithful to God, I know it’s possible to go through it all in obedience, with grace, and by God’s strength.
Now I must get to work!
Grace and peace be yours in abundance,
Donna
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Keep on Casting…

November 4th, 2012 dsisler

My husband and I took his little car out for a spin yesterday. He drives it more than I ride in it (I do have my reasons). But he had been out on several errands earlier in the day, so his stereo was cranking out some tunes when he started the car. He was listening to the Imperials.

It warmed my heart.

As we continued listening to the album I realized that they were all songs that I really liked and I wondered why it was in his collection of music and not mine?
A particular song came on and it took me to my freshman year at Cincinnati Bible College (they’ve changed the name of this school, but I have such difficultly calling it that…sorry Cincinnati Christian University). I joined a group of people who performed with puppets and muppets. We traveled around the area, set up our big stage and equipment, and then proceeded to share God’s message through these inanimate objects.
The music we used was always fun and lively, had a great message to tell, but it also needed to have some different parts going on so that each muppet could do something different. You know, like backup singers.
The song that brought back these memories is “Bread Upon the Water.”[i]The lyrics are taken from Ecclesiastes 11:1 and Luke 6:38 and if you haven’t heard it in a while, just Google it and find yourself singing along to this tune.
Ecclesiastes 11:1 (NIV) says, “Cast your bread upon the waters, for after many days you will find it again.”
But another section of the song quotes Jesus from Luke 6:38 (NIV). Jesus said, “Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”
Oh how I wish I had been sitting at Jesus’ feet to hear these words. He wanted this crowd to get the message…give! We know Jesus shared this message on multiple occasions, but not like this. The results of our giving are immeasurable. The blessings we receive when we give go beyond anything we could ever imagine. So much so that we are unable to keep them confined. And then we need to give yet again.
There are many ways to give. We can give of our time, our talents, our money, ourselves. Maybe you can only give in one of these areas. Maybe you’re able to give in all of these areas. Whatever the case, Jesus tells us to give.
So how are you giving? Do you volunteer in your local church? If not, you need to. Your church needs you. And regardless of your talents, if your heart is in it, God will bless it. If you don’t know where to start, start by asking around and see where there is a need. I’m certain you’ll receive plenty of ideas and invitations.
I work with a team of ladies to plan women’s events for our church and the minister’s wife heads up this team. She closes each email to us with these words. “It’s a pleasure serving Jesus with you.” Yes, it is a pleasure to serve Jesus. It is my pleasure.
God wants us, urges us to give. As Christ-followers, giving is part of our spiritual DNA. We cannot deny it. We must embrace and develop this area of our lives. And then, we simply need to wait.
Keep on casting…
Grace and peace be yours in abundance,
Donna
Bread Upon the Water
Well there are people who think they’re not receiving
Anything from God at all
Oh they are shaken from their believin’
When they don’t see results they quickly fall
But don’t you waiver keep on living
In the way God wants you to
Don’t get discouraged keep on giving
Soon it will come back to you
Oh keep on working seeking the kingdom
Instead of working for your needs
Just keep on sharing the love of Jesus
You know growing comes from planting seeds
Keep on casting your bread upon the water
Soon it’s going to come back home on every wave
Keep on casting your bread upon the water
Soon it’s going to come back home on every wave

[i] © Universal Music Publishing Group, Bread Upon The Water Lyrics by Gaither Vocal Band, music composed by Grein
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3 a.m.

November 3rd, 2012 dsisler

Oh how I wish I could turn my mind off at times. You know, like at 3 a.m. when I’m wide awake and thinking of something I need or want to do? That’s when I do wonder why Mr. Sandman doesn’t show up and sprinkle some of his little dust over me so that I might fall into a deep sleep for another three hours.

But it doesn’t happen that way. The harder I try to fall back to sleep, the wider awake I become.

This morning was yet another morning when I was wide awake at 3 a.m. and I just couldn’t stop my mind from doing what it’s designed to do. Think.

Since my acceptance of the two writing challenges during November, I’ve taken on two new projects that are media driven.
Now while I am pretty good with most secretarial skills, I’m most challenged by the media driven programs. Like PowerPoint. I love it, but since I don’t use it on a regular basis, I forget some of the features and it takes me longer to do anything because of that fact.
So not only was my mind thinking of what I might write this morning, I was also thinking of the two new projects, the presentation of the two new projects, the related details that go along with the two new projects, plus the two writing challenges that I have undertaken for November.
It’s no wonder I couldn’t sleep!
So here’s my question this morning. How can I possibly be effective today with only four and a half hours of sleep?
Well, if I rely on my own abilities, I know it is impossible. I don’t believe I can be effective on my own. But, I do believe with God’s Spirit working through me, I can be effective.
Here are some Scriptures to back up this statement.
Isaiah wrote a message long ago for us to consider. “The fruit of righteousness will be peace; the effect of righteousness will be quietness and confidence forever.” (Isaiah 32:17 – NIV) When I think of effectiveness in connection to righteousness (God’s righteousness upon me), the result will be quietness and confidence. Now with that combination, I can be effective.
Paul and Barnabas were pretty effective guys. But they also knew where their effectiveness came from. God. God’s Spirit at work in them caused a great awakening among the Jews and Gentiles. Look at Acts 14:1 (NIV) to see the results. “At Iconium Paul and Barnabas went as usual into the Jewish synagogue. There they spoke so effectively that a great number of Jews and Gentiles believed.”
Paul loved visiting with his Church people. And the Church at Corinth held a special place in his heart. He had a great desire to spend some quality time with this group, so at one point he opted to skip a visit so that he could stay longer the next time…and because of an effective work in Ephesus.
“Perhaps I will stay with you awhile, or even spend the winter, so that you can help me on my journey, wherever I go. I do not want to see you now and make only a passing visit; I hope to spend some time with you, if the Lord permits. But I will stay on at Ephesus until Pentecost because a great door for effective work has opened to me, and there are many who oppose me” (1 Corinthians 16:6-9 – NIV)
On another occasion, Paul wrote these words to Philemon. “I pray that your partnership with us in the faith may be effective in deepening your understanding of every good thing we share for the sake of Christ.” (Philemon 1:4 – NIV) Paul was and is pretty good at deepening our understanding of all we have through Jesus Christ.
And then there’s the message from James about prayer. I began with righteousness and will end with righteousness. “Therefore confess your sins to each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.” (James 5:16 – NIV) Now that is what I call effective!
So what can I take from these passages?
Through God’s righteousness, I can be effective.
Through God, I can speak effectively for Him.
Through God, great doors for effective work will open.
Through God, I can effectively deepen my understanding of His goodness.
Through God’s righteousness, my prayers are effective.
I am certain that I will not be of any use at some point this afternoon. I will more than likely need to take a short nap in order to be effective. But in those moments when I feel the least effective, I know that I can lean upon God and His righteousness and I will be effective.
How effective are you today?
Grace and peace be yours in abundance,
Donna
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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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