The Perfect Plan

October 29th, 2012 dsisler

I am not as internet savvy as I once thought. I have been working on getting a website up since April. I purchased a domain, have the tools to design a website, and then launch said website. I haven’t been able to navigate through the website builder and have become frustrated. So I work on it a bit, then quit because it isn’t going the way I had hoped.

I was able to get an email address through this website. I love being able to use donna@fullmeasureofjoy.com. However, it doesn’t work some of the time so again, I’m frustrated that I am unable to use something (that I’m paying for by the way) as I hoped. So if you need to connect with me with a time sensitive matter, I would suggest using one of my other email addresses.

My solution? Allow a professional to do it for me…or to at least show me what I’m doing wrong so I can work on it. We’ll see how that goes.
I am thankful that there are other things that I am able to do on my own. Like study God’s Word, pray, or worship God at any point during my day.
I have been getting some “updated” Bible reading plan suggestions this week. Some of them are designed by biblical scholars while others are written by worship leaders. Some are designed for a week or two. Others are for a month.
But here’s the concept that I love. Start now. Don’t wait for the New Year to make a resolution to read God’s Word daily, because that is still 63 days away! And, you know your success rate on resolutions!
You could get a jump start now, try something new, feel successful about it this go round, and by the time the New Year gets here, you’ll be deep into God’s Word with a better understanding of His purpose for your life.
Sometimes we need a little help to get us going with something (like my website). So I’m here to offer some suggestions on how to start a reading plan. Please don’t be overwhelmed by this idea. You can do it.
And if you need further help with this, please don’t hesitate to connect with me. Post a comment here or send me an email at donnasisler@gmail.com. I’d be happy to help you get started!
Perhaps you already have YouVersion on your smart phone. If you do, you are ahead of the game, but maybe you didn’t know it! There are quite a few plans already listed through this application, but they’ve recently added some new ones. Check out these plans to see if there might be one you would use. The beauty is that you’ll receive them daily by email. Just the section you need to read. It really doesn’t get any easier than that. 
Biblegateway.com also has reading plans that you can receive by email. Just sign up and you will get exactly what you ask for.
Of course, for those who would prefer opening your personal Bible, there are plans designed for that. If you Google, “Bible reading plans,” you’ll get a slew of them. Search for the one that fits your lifestyle. One that will fulfill your desire to read through the Bible in a year.
My blog usually has tons of Scripture, but since I write topically, my passages aren’t in any particular order. In my internet searching, I haven’t been able to find a blog dedicated to this purpose…perhaps another task to add to my “to do” list.
Here’s the thing. You need to start somewhere. Just you and God. No middleman. No professional. So I would encourage you to consider this idea. If you’ve never read through the Bible, why not start?
If I live to be 90 years old and read through the Bible each year, I still have the opportunity to read through God’s Word thirty-eight more times (I just told you my age didn’t I?). Remember, this is just reading, not studying. Can you imagine what God can teach me through those readings? I can’t! But I certainly would love the chance to find out.
I’ll close with some passages about God’s Word. Recognize some of the benefits you’ll receive by reading through the Bible. You will be amazed that as you begin this process how much you’ll crave and thirst for more. How your desire to be in God’s presence will deepen because you’ve read His Words. Please don’t let another day go by without hearing your heavenly Father’s message.
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.”(Psalm 119:105 – NIV)
“Jesus answered, ‘It is written: Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” (Matthew 4:4 – NIV)
“For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.” (Romans 15:4 – NIV)
“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 ever good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17 – NIV)
“For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow: it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12 – NIV)
Grace and peace be yours in abundance,
Donna
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Impossible You Say?

October 28th, 2012 dsisler

November is just three days away. I’ve always looked forward to November. It is the beginning of my favorite time of year. Some call it the holiday season. I call it wonderful!

Some of my favorite people were born in the month of November. My Dad, one of my Grandfathers’, and my youngest daughter all celebrate their day of birth in November. And then, of course, Thanksgiving is in November. November is a great month!

It wasn’t until several years ago that I was enlightened to the fact that November is also National Novel Writer’s Month. NaNoWriMo for short, writers are encouraged to write 50,000 words in 30 days. Since I learned of NaNoWriMo, I’ve written a novel each year. I have been awarded a “winners” badge and the bragging rights to that fact.
I have once again taken a leap of faith and have decided to write yet another novel. But that isn’t all I’ve determined to do during the month of November.
While NaNoWriMo is for fictional writers, I’ve also found a group that gathers the non-fiction writers and encourages them to write a book during the month of November. There’s a book in the back of my mind for this one too.
And then of course, there is my blog. My commitment to write here on a daily basis really keeps me hopping. But I enjoy it so. I learn so much. I feel God leading me in this direction. Full Measure of Joy has become part of who I am.
Is it possible to write this much? It would mean writing nearly 3,500 words daily. In three different directions. Is it possible?
I don’t know.
It does seem that I’m trying to be an over-achiever. That I’ve determined to tackle the impossible.
But I would have to say that I’m joining forces with some of the greatest people in history. People who accepted impossible tasks, followed through, and were successful.
I’m sure you can think of the big ones in Scripture, but what about the less spoken accounts of those who were successful when placed in seeming impossible situations?
People like Leah. Her father tricked a man into marrying her. The problem? Her husband, Jacob, wanted to marry her sister Rachel. She wound up in a situation that seemed impossible. With a man who didn’t want her and who loved her sister more than her.
Such mistreatment, frustration, and loss. God, however, was with Leah.  He saw that she was not loved and opened her womb. Leah bore children for Jacob. In this impossible situation, God showed up.
Leah’s account can be found in Genesis 29:14-31:55. In the end, Leah bore half of Jacob’s sons. Half of the twelve whose descendants became the twelve tribes of Judah. Now I call that successful.
And what about this man? He had been an invalid for thirty-eight years. He stayed by the Pool of Bethesda, waiting for the water to stir. But since there was no one to help him into the pool, someone else always got into the water before him.
Thirty-eight years. Knowing all of those years that it would never change. That he was destined to be lame his entire life. How disappointing. How discouraging. How impossible.
But Jesus had an encounter with this frustrated man. After telling Jesus his story, Jesus spoke words that would change his life. “Get up!” (John 5:8 – NIV) The man did so and was able to walk.
While we do not know how this man’s life was changed, we do know he had another encounter with Jesus. Jesus said to the man, “See, you are well again. Stop sinning or something worse may happen to you.” (John 5:14 – NIV)
Jesus was teaching this man that being spiritually disabled was far worse than the physical implications of his ailment. Spiritual success will always trump physical success.
This man’s Scriptural account can be found in John 5:1-15. In this impossible situation, Jesus showed up.
I don’t know how God is going to show up during the month of November, but I can guarantee He will.
I’ll be encouraged by a verse or passage of Scripture. I’ll be inspired by an exceptionally beautiful sunrise or sunset. I’ll receive a boost of energy from a new piece of information or knowledge. God will show up.
I just need to be looking for Him!
Perhaps I will miss some of the goals I’ve set for November. But it won’t be because I didn’t try. And it won’t be because I tried it on my own. There isn’t much I can do without God.
There’s an old tune I remember singing as a child. “Nothing is Impossible.” As you read through these lyrics, remember that God is going to show up during the impossible times of your life. Just keep looking for Him.
Nothing is Impossible

Nothing is impossible when you put your trust in God;
Nothing is impossible when you’re trusting in His Word.
Hearken to the voice of God to thee;
“Is there anything too hard for Me?”
Then put your trust in God alone and rest upon His Word;
For ev’rything, O, ev’rything, yes ev’rything is possible with God.[i]

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,
Donna

[i] Nothing is Impossible, Words and Music by Eugene L. Clark
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It’s Over

October 27th, 2012 dsisler

A simple statement. And yet holds much impact. Whether it’s a serious situation, an exciting time period, or a turn of events, the words “It’s over” means there is nothing more to come.

I wonder if that was how the Disciples felt after Jesus died. He was gone. The Disciples were in hiding. Peter had denied Christ three times and his wounded spirit was probably inconsolable.

The Disciples had spent nearly three years with Jesus. Side by side with the Messiah, hearing and learning all that He taught. Just what were they to do with the information they had? What were they to do with the knowledge? I’m sure they were confused. Not knowing what their future held.
Suddenly, Jesus was back. But only on occasion. So this group still didn’t know exactly what to do.
Some went back to what they knew. Back to their life before Jesus. John 21 tells of such a circumstance. The fishermen of the group were fishing when Jesus presented Himself to them. They had breakfast and Jesus gave Peter instructions. “Feed my sheep” and “Follow me.” But these instructions were vague. Peter’s questions probably continued, uncertain to how he was to follow the instructions.
Then Jesus gave the Disciples further instruction in Acts 1. “On one occasion, while he (Jesus) was eating with them, he gave this this command: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about.” (Acts 1:4 – NIV)
Now the Disciples had to wait. In Jerusalem. For a gift. And that they did. Perhaps they were still a little foggy on what their future role in the Kingdom would be, but they knew by following Jesus’ commands, they were being obedient to their Master.
And wait they did. But they were busy. They replaced Judas with Matthias (Acts 1:12-26). We also see in Luke 24:53 (NIV), “And they stayed continually at the temple, praising God.”
The Disciples knew God wasn’t finished with them yet, they just didn’t know how He was going to use them.
I kind of know how the Disciples felt. I’ve spoken the words, “It’s over.” My service trip to SE Asia is over. But now what?
What am I to do now? What does God want me to do with all the information I’ve learned and the knowledge I’ve gained? The same questions that the Disciples had.
My SE Asia team and I are all back to old routines. Back to our way of life before the trip. Meetings, family life, group gatherings, writing. Nothing seems to have changed, and yet I am changed. Perhaps some of the same feeling the Disciples felt.
So really, now what?
I believe I can do exactly what the Disciples did.
I can wait.
This is probably the hardest part of this plan. But if I look at it with anticipation, the wait will be more exciting. There will be unexpected revelations along the way and I will be able to see God through it all. And isn’t that worth the wait?
I can stay connected at church.
The Disciples “stayed continually” at their church. I don’t think that is feasible, but I do believe any time spent in God’s house and with His people is time well spent. These connections allow me to share my journey and keep my experiences fresh in my mind. And of course, listening to Scripture, worshipping God and hearing God’s message proclaimed will allow me to stay in tune with God’s leading.
I can praise God.
This is an easy one. Remember the old tune, “Blessed Assurance?”[i]The chorus states, “This is my story. This is my song. Praising my Savior all the day long.” How privileged I am to be able to praise God all day long!
I know for certain that God will show up at just the right moment and say, “Now…this is what I want you to do.” I cannot wait for that moment!
If you are going through a similar situation, take a look at the steps listed above. Implement them into your life. Know that God is with you through it all and He does have a plan. You need to be obedient and patient. He will come through.
Of course, we know how God used Peter and the other Disciples. After the Holy Spirit fell upon them, great messages were spoken. The Church was established. Gentiles were invited into the Kingdom. And their efforts were substantially magnified because God was in the middle of it.
I don’t know if God will use my service trip to this degree, but I do believe He isn’t finished yet. There is much to process. There is much to share. There is much for God to be part of. And when God is in the middle of it, there is no telling what the outcome will be.
Grace and peace be yours in abundance,
Donna

[i]Blessed Assurance, Frances J. Crosby, 1873
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Let it Snow…Again!

October 26th, 2012 dsisler

Last night, my area of Colorado saw its second snow of the season. Yes, I wrote about snow yesterday, but today I’m writing about it for a different reason.

Our first snow was a wet, heavy snow. It stuck to tree limbs (especially those that still had leaves) and was perfect for making snowmen or snow caves. For an area where moisture is hard to come by and that is far behind in rainfall totals, this snowfall is welcomed relief.
Last night’s snow was a lighter, fluffier snowfall. The type of snow doesn’t hold much moisture. It doesn’t stick to trees (unless they still had snow from yesterday’s occurrence) and making a snowman is just plain frustrating. However, the drier snow does make for some great skiing (so I’ve been told) and is much easier to remove.
While we can say, “it snowed” in each of these instances, these two snowfalls were different.
Much like the fact that we as Christians are to be different than the world. We have been called to be different.
Jesus spoke of this in Matthew chapter 5. This is the section where Jesus tells us that we are the salt of the earth and the light of the world. If we blend in with the world, we will be ineffective. But by being salt and light, we have the opportunity to do one thing. Lead the world to Jesus. And in doing so, they will in turn praise God.
There are other passages that make this point as well.
The verse you probably know off the top of your head is from Romans 12. “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” (Romans 12:2 – NIV) Verse 1 of this chapter tells us that we are living sacrifices as we offer our bodies, minds, and lives to God. We are breaking from the pattern of the world.
Paul carries this message through when he writes to the Church at Corinth. “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!” (2 Corinthians 5:17 – NIV) If we are a new creation in Christ, we must be different than what we once were.
Another difference is how we wage war. Again in 2 Corinthians 10:1-6, Paul states that “our weapons have divine power to demolish strongholds.” (2 Corinthians 10:4 – NIV) When we use the weapons given by God and His Holy Spirit, we are able to fight the spiritual battle effectively. Look at Ephesians 6:10-18 to see the armor that God provides the Christian.
In Galatians 2:20 (NIV), Paul points us to another way we are different than the world. “So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature.” In a world that says, “Do whatever you want,” God commands us to live by His Spirit, not our own. I know I am thankful for the power that I receive from God’s Spirit when I am weakest. It is by His Spirit that I am able to be different.
Colossians 3:9-10 (NIV) also tells us, “Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.” There are so many points in this passage that shows we are different from the world.
First we see that we believe in a Creator. And that Creator created us in His image. Then we see that we are not to lie. In a world of untruths, honesty brings refreshment. And then we are to be renewed in knowledge. When we study God’s Word, we will be transformed. We will be a new creation. We will be different.
And finally, we can see how different we are from the world because God chose us. Peter speaks of this in 1 Peter 2:9 (NIV). “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.”
To the world I am ordinary, plain, and unwanted, but I know that I am chosen by God. I know that He has called me from the darkness into light. Because of this truth, I can boldly say, “I am different!”
Wet snow. Dry snow. Different.
Darkness. Light. Different.
Sinful-nature. Spirit-filled. Different.
Conformed. Transformed. Different.
Old self. New self. Different.
Are you different?
Grace and peace be yours in abundance,
Donna
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Let it Snow!

October 25th, 2012 dsisler

Wow! We received our first snow of the season in my area last night. As usual, that first blanketing of snow is lovely. It satisfies a longing for beauty. It protects the plants and bulbs under its warmth. It provides moisture to our dry land. It brings a purity with it that somehow seems to purify all that it touches or covers.

Yes, the snow that is covering our landscape is absolutely gorgeous!

I believe we receive some of these same benefits when we live a life that pleases God. Let’s see what God’s Word has to say about it.
God is Lovely
When we are in God’s presence, we dwell in loveliness. Psalm 84:1 (NIV) tells us of this place. “How lovely is your dwelling place, O Lord Almighty.”
David continues to speak of a yearning within to be in the presence of our lovely God. “My soul yearns, even faints, for the courts of the Lord; my heart and my flesh cry out for the living God.” (Psalm 84:2 – NIV)
I pray that you’ve experienced this deep desire. That nothing else could possibly fulfill this desire to be with God.
God Satisfies
David knew this as well. There are three passages in Psalm when David shared the ways that God satisfied. Let’s see what he said.
In Psalm 103, David begins with praise to God.“Praise the Lord, O my soul…who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.” (Psalm 103:1a, 5 – NIV) God satisfies our desire with good things.
And in Psalm 107:9 (NIV) David said this about God. “He satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things.” David urged Israel to thank God for all that He satisfied, including food and drink. We too must remember to thank God for all that He gives.
David shared another satisfaction in Psalm 147:14 (NIV). “He grants peace to your borders and satisfies you with the finest of wheat.” In this section, David talks of all sorts of weather. Through it all, God satisfied David’s needs and desires. God wants to do the same for us.
God Protects
David was fully aware of God’s protection. When David was being blamed for something he had no control over, God protected him. And in this protection, David found rest and peace.
“I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.” (Psalm 4:8 – NIV)
As we place our problems in God’s hands, we allow ourselves the benefits of rest, peace and protection. Why wouldn’t we want to give all of the issues of our lives to Him?
God Provides
David knew this very well and shared his thoughts on this topic in one line. “All my fountains are in you.” (Psalm 87:7b – NIV)
When we come to the understanding that there is nothing apart from God, then we too can make this statement without doubt. Everything we need. Everything we desire, God provides.
In our spiritual walk, we have the opportunity to walk with God and allow Him to fulfill our needs. God’s spiritual provision is all we could possibly desire. Can you repeat David’s words?
Perhaps you’ve heard the current worship song containing this line. I pray that the next time you sing these words you’ll have a better understanding of how God really does provide.
God Purifies
David’s greatest desire after his adulterous affair with Bathsheba was to be purified. He asked for God’s mercy. He asked to be cleansed. “Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.” (Psalm 51:7 – NIV)
In our repentance of sin, we too have the desire to be purified. What a blessing it is to know that God is willing to do just that. We have the opportunity to be washed clean. To be as white as the first snow of the season.
God has so much to offer us. We need to remember all of them. If we jump back to Psalm 103:2 (NIV), David wanted to remember all that God had done for him, too. He didn’t want to forget. “Praise the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits.” Let’s not forget. Let’s remember all that God wants to give us. And then, accept them!
To be honest, this snow won’t last long. The weather will warm up over the weekend and it will disappear. Also to be honest, I really don’t like winter very much. At least I can say I don’t like the cold. But I kind of like snow.
Snow brings a beauty with it that thrills the little girl in me. I pray that each snowfall will remind me of God’s benefits. Maybe you will too.
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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    In September 2012 I went to SE Asia on a service trip. For more information, check out preachitclearly.blogspot.com.

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