Like What?

September 14th, 2012 dsisler

It’s official. Fall has arrived in my neck of the woods.

It is officially fall when first day of school pictures are posted on Facebook.

It is officially fall when the windows in my home can be left open throughout the day with a cool breeze billowing in.
It is officially fall when my orange, yellow, red and gold décor make their way from the basement to the living room.
It is officially fall when I receive an email from our women’s ministry director stating what leaders will be teaching each Bible study.
I know technically it isn’t fall, but it is beginning to “feel” like fall.
When the trees begin their color change. When sweaters and shoes replace tank tops and flip flops. When anything made of pumpkin sounds delicious.
It feels like fall.
As we search Scripture, we can see some descriptions of God as being like something we are familiar with.
We’ll begin our search in 2 Samuel 22:3 (NIRV) where the author of this book states, “My God is my rock. I go to him for safety. He is like a shield to me. He’s the power that saves me. He’s my place of safety. I go to him for help. He’s my Savior. He saves me from those who want to hurt me.”
God is like a shield. His protection is provided to us against all of our enemies.
In the book of Psalms, we see a couple of descriptions of God. Psalm 46:7 (NIRV) says, “The Lord who rules over all is with us. The God of Jacob is like a fort to us.” Again, we see God’s protection. A fortress to surround us in times of trouble.
And in Psalm 121:5 (NIRV), the Psalmist shows how God provides comfort during the uncomfortable times of our life. “The Lord watches over you. The Lord is like a shade tree at your right hand.”
In Proverbs, we see two more pictures of what God is like. In Proverbs 3:12 (NIRV), God is described as a father. “The Lord trains those he loves. He is like a father who trains the son he is pleased with.” Because of the great love God has for us, we accept His training as we might from our earthly father.
And in Proverbs 18:10 (NIRV), God’s name is shown to be of great value to those who seek protection. “The name of the Lord is like a strong tower. Godly people run to it and are safe.”
God is described as a consuming fire several times in Scripture. As One who desires that we remain faithful to Him. The Hebrew author states it like this. “We are receiving a kingdom that can’t be shaken. So let us be thankful. Then we can worship God in a way that pleases him. We will worship him with deep respect and wonder. Our ‘God is like a fire that burns everything up.’” (Hebrews 12:28-29, referencing Deuteronomy 4:24 – NIRV)
The Psalmist asks the question, “Who, O God, is like you?” (Psalm 71:19b – NIV) And Jeremiah answers the question. “No one is like you, O Lord; you are great, and your name is mighty in power.” (Jeremiah 10:6 – NIV) We can try to describe God, but to be honest, God is beyond our comprehension. And also to be honest, I’m thankful for that.
If I were able to put my exact words to God’s existence and being, there would be nothing to draw me to Him. I’d have Him figured out. But instead, I’m continually searching for God. For who He is and why He loves me so. I’m continually searching His Word to find something new about God.
What is God like to you? Is He like a Light? Is He like a Teacher? Is He like a Husband? Is He like a Father? What is God like?
The great news is that God wants to be all of these for you and He wants to be everything for you.
It feels like fall. Fall really is just around the corner. But until then, we’ll continue to see small glimpses into the upcoming season. It is a season of thanksgiving. Let’s give thanks to our God for being so likeable.
Grace and peace be yours in abundance,
Donna
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The Speedometer

September 13th, 2012 dsisler

I promised an explanation of the speedometer, so here it is.
While we were in Ohio, the speedometer on the truck stopped working. Mason did some research and replaced a sensor, then did all the things suggested to get the gauge working.

The speedometer would work for a while, giving satisfaction to this victory. But then, suddenly the hand would drop to zero. Discouragement and dismay would accompany this movement.

There were a few things we knew.
1) We had to leave for Colorado and without this particular gauge, it would be difficult to determine our speed. In traffic it wouldn’t be an issue, we could simply go with the flow, but in the middle of the night, there isn’t much traffic on I-70 and our speed wouldn’t be known.
2) Mason knew the truck speed at 2500 RPM’s was exactly 65 mph. We could use this if nothing else worked…but who wants to go 65 mph when the speed limit is 75? Not me! If we were to use the RPM’s for any other speed, it wasn’t as accurate. We could guesstimate, but it wasn’t as precise as we would have liked.
3) The cruise control worked (kind of), so if we used it while the speedometer was working, we could continue on with that speed using the cruise control. However, the cruise control won’t hold at the desired speed, so to get that speed, we have to drive faster and set the cruise, and with practice, it will land on the speed we want. Such complication!
With these pieces of knowledge, we headed out across the plains of the Midwest. Needless to say, it was an interesting trip.
We are on a spiritual journey in this life. A journey that has some issues along the way. There are “construction zones,” there are some “mechanical problems,” there are “congested areas” and “wide open spaces,” and there are “smooth travel” periods as well. In the midst of all that happens during this journey, there are a few things I know for certain. Let me share them with you.
1) The only way we can determine how our spiritual journey is going is by seeking God. He is the real gauge when it comes to how we’re doing. Following the crowd won’t do it in this case. Christianity means stepping out of the line of traffic to be used by God. When we are open to Him working through us, He will do amazing things. I know this because it’s what He is doing in my life right now.
2) Sometimes it’s easy to gain our Scriptural knowledge from what others say or write. We glean information from sermons spoken by our pastor. We read godly material and accept it as God’s truth. But in reality, we are called to search Scripture to know God’s truth (Matthew 4:4, 2 Timothy 2:15). God’s Word is accurate. Authors aren’t. If you truly want to know what God has to say, get into His Word. There is no substitute.
3) As we travel on this spiritual journey, allow God’s Holy Spirit to lead and guide. Don’t flounder around. Use what God has given to get you through this journey. And unlike the truck’s cruise control, you can depend on the Holy Spirit to keep you on the secure path. Every time.
The speedometer is still not working. We had hoped that moisture in the Ohio air was the real culprit to this mishap, but it has rained in Colorado since we’ve been home. There is no chance for drying out yet.
The good news for you is that if your life is broken, there is Someone, The One, who is willing and able to fix it. He knows the exact issue and can resolve the problem quite simply. But it is up to you to ask for His assistance.
God’s grace and forgiveness is His gift to those who desire restoration. And with these gifts, a whole new spiritual journey will begin. Why not join me on this journey. There will be “construction zones,” there will be “mechanical problems,” there will be “congested areas” and “wide open spaces,” and there will be “smooth travel” periods. Through it all, God will be by your side. And He will make the journey worth it all.
Grace and peace be yours in abundance,
Donna
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Travel Observations

September 12th, 2012 dsisler

My husband and I drove from Ohio to Colorado over the past 48 hours. It took us just over 23 hours to do so. It was a long trip, but there were a few things I took note of as we were traveling and I thought I would share them with you.
Observation #1:
The leaves that filled the very large trees throughout the Midwest were just beginning to take on a yellow color…we missed seeing the fall colors of the east by just a few weeks.
We love autumn in Colorado, but the variety of trees in the east make for a spectacular season.
I am so thankful that God has provided such beauty and wonder for our eyes. He was the perfect Creator. Ecclesiastes 3:11 (NIV) says, “He has made everything beautiful in its time.” The time is coming for beauty to be seen throughout this great land of ours. Don’t miss it. Take the time to enjoy God’s creation.
Observation #2:
Our Ruby Tuesday waiter in St. Peters, Missouri was the best we’ve ever had. He was efficient. He was eager to assist. He was energetic. He was engaging. He was even entertaining.
This young man has been taught well. And not just by Ruby Tuesdays. He had a servant heart. I cannot help but wonder if he may someday be the next great minister on the horizon. It certainly wouldn’t surprise me.
To all of the young people (or anyone who beginning a new venture) who read this blog, here are some verses of encouragement for your future.
“Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.” (Proverbs 16:3 – NIV)
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.” (Colossians 3:23 – NIV)
“Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always.” (Psalm 105:4 – NIV)
Observation #3:
A speedometer that doesn’t work is of no help…especially on a long stretch of highway without any other vehicles in sight (more to come on this venture in a future blog post).
The only thing I can say about this is in a time like this, trusting God is all there is. Proverbs 3:5 (NIV) says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart. Do not depend on your own understanding.”
Observation #4:
There are very friendly gas station attendants throughout the State of Kansas to make your night travel a bit more exciting. I am once again thankful for those who have seen potential in these men. Placing them in areas where weary travelers could gain a bit of reprise from the hours of boring travel.
For the weary traveler, remember God is watching out for you. He will never grow weary of helping you. Psalm 121:3 (NIV) tells us, “He won’t let your foot slip. He who watches over you won’t get tired.”
Observation #5:
There is a town of Quinter, Kansas. As I scanned through the radio stations to find something to listen to, there were five that came in. I thought it was kind of appropriate for the good folks of Quinter.
If you search the number “five” on www.biblegateway.com, you’ll find pages of references to this number. And something you may not know (I didn’t until I took the Jonah study by Priscilla Schirer), God gave Jonah a message to deliver to the Ninevites. In his language, it was only five words. Five words that changed the lives of the people in an entire city.
Five seems to have significance in Scripture…I’d love to hear about Quinter, Kansas. What impact have the people of this village of “five” had on the world.
Observation #6:
Don’t be surprised at who will prepare your breakfast in Limon, Colorado. We were the only customers in this diner. It was very early in the morning. Even the cook wasn’t awake…he was napping at a booth near the back of the restaurant. Our waitress woke him and he prepared the best breakfast we had on our entire trip.
Of course we didn’t know he was the cook. He looked like an exhausted truck driver seeking refuge from the long haul. Luke 6:37 (NIV) says, “Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.”
Our lesson: don’t make judgments on what we see. Take the time to get to know a person. A situation. Then see what God does with it. “Don’t judge a book by its cover” is a quote to take away from this one. He was just waiting to use his talents. Who might I have overlooked in my lifetime?
These are my observations. Of course there are more, but this is all time allows for today. What are you observing along the way? Is God placing people in your path for you to take a look at and see potential? Can you encourage just one person today? I am certain you can! Just keep your eyes and heart open to God’s prompting. You will be amazed!
Grace and peace be yours in abundance,
Donna
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Here We Go Again

September 11th, 2012 dsisler

Greetings!
I’ve just returned from a 20+ hour road trip with my husband. We are exhausted and so I am going to do it again…post an old blog post for you to enjoy again. I’ve got a great idea for tomorrow, so you won’t want to miss it! But until then, here’s a post that has to do with driving.
Grace and peace be yours in abundance,
Donna
DO NOT SPEED

Last February, I visited Daytona Beach for two weeks. There were several reasons for being there, but one of the best reasons was to access the ocean. I stayed at my great aunt’s home that was about four blocks from the beach. Each day I would set out to walk the blocks that separated me from the beach and stroll down the beach a while, then head back to the comfort of my family.
On one of these excursions, I passed a motorcycle that had a sign across the wind shield in large letters and in plain sight of the driver, “DO NOT SPEED.” Apparently, the driver of this cycle needed reminding that speeding was not a good idea.
Now I typically drive faster than I should. Driving 5 to 10 miles over the speed limit is not unusual for me. I have, however, found that in our community, police officers don’t appreciate even that. To keep myself in check, I use my cruise control around town. I have no desire to receive my first speeding ticket in the Tri-Towns area.
Most highway systems these days have large electronic signs where important messages can be displayed for all drivers to see. Colorado is no different and I pass several signs each day in my travels.  My favorite message of late states, “75 means 75. Violators will be ticketed.”
Sometimes we all need reminding that we should or shouldn’t do something, whether it’s gossiping, lying, swearing, being kind to others, sharing the Gospel with our neighbor, or speeding. So God could say, “do not lie means do not lie.” Or “love your neighbor as yourself means love your neighbor as yourself.”   And even “do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God means do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” Has the “ah ha” moment hit yet?
What about the times we take “signs” for granted? We see them each day and perhaps become used to them. They are just part of the scenery and then we ignore them. We go back to our old way of life and don’t take to heart the message. I think in those times, we need to remember to look at the signs and really see what they or God is saying. Ask God to enlighten the eyes of our hearts and bring us back to the message He has for us.
God’s Word continues to give us these reminders, but unless we are in His Word on a regular basis, we might miss some of them. Don’t ever think that God doesn’t have something to say to you. Be open to His subtle hints and be aware of His blunt reminders.
To be honest, that “75 means 75” sign has made an impact on my life. I now find myself traveling I-25 at 75 miles an hour more times than not. I still use my cruise control around my community. And part of this slowing down in my driving has helped me to slow down in all areas of my life. I now have more quality time and opportunity to spend with friends, family and most of all God. I pray these same things for you. May God bless you today in your travels and in your relationships.
Grace and peace be yours in abundance,
Donna
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Goodbye…Again

September 10th, 2012 dsisler

This has been a year of goodbyes. Two weddings and a surgery recovery guaranteed that I’d be able to visit with family this year. And the best part has been that the phrase, “I’ll see you soon” has been attached to each goodbye…until now.
I’m leaving family today but I don’t know when I will see them again. There isn’t another wedding to plan for. There isn’t a future trip already in the works. It’s just goodbye. Unfortunately, I’m finding that saying goodbye on this trip has been very emotional.

 I’m not alone. There have been others who have had emotional goodbyes. There are even a few of them in Scripture.

One scene of saying goodbye can be found in Ruth 1:8-14. Weeping and clinging are found in these verses. Saying goodbye to loved ones can be very difficult.

Paul found himself in the middle of a riot and uproar in Ephesus. Acts 20:1 (NIV) tells us, “When the uproar had ended, Paul sent for the disciples and, after encouraging them, said good-by and set out for Mcedonia.” Here we see a great example of how to say goodbye when anger might be in the midst.
And then we see an example of one desiring to say goodbye to his family so that he might follow Jesus. Luke 9:61-62 (NIV) allows us to view the scene. A disciple said, “I will follow you, Lord; but first let me go back and say good-by to my family.”
That seems like a logical request, but Jesus wanted this disciple to know that sometimes it costs us everything to follow Him. It is up to us to determine how much we are willing to give up to put our relationship with Jesus first in our lives.
Jesus also speaks to the cost of following Him in Matthew 6:33 (NIV). “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” Seeking God’s kingdom first is not natural to us. We would much rather seek our own desires first, but if we follow this guideline, we see that God will give us all the things seek (but just so you get the picture, when God’s will is before our own, some of the original desires of our heart become unimportant…our hearts change).
Yes, saying goodbye has been emotional. To be honest, I don’t really want to say goodbye. But there are some bright spots ahead that lighten the load of my heart. I will soon see the smiling faces of my grandchildren. I will be able to embrace my beautiful daughters. I will continue to prepare my body and heart for the service trip to SE Asia. I will begin leading women’s Bible study.
See, there are a great many things to be excited about. So today I choose to think of these upcoming events and not the goodbyes.
God Be With You Till We Meet Again
God be with you till we meet again;
By his counsels guide, uphold you,
With his sheep securely fold you;
God be with you till we meet again.
Till we meet, till we meet,
Till we meet at Jesus’ feet;
Till we meet, till we meet,
God be with you till we meet again.[i]
Grace and peace be yours in abundance,
Donna

[i] Text:Jeremiah E. Rankin, 1828-1904, Music: William G. Tomer, 1833-1896
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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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