The Chase

September 9th, 2012 dsisler

The 2012 season of NASCAR is coming to an end. With next week’s race, the chase begins and there are ten races remaining. There are only twelve drivers eligible to be the champion. The driver with the most points at the end of the chase will be named the champion.
Last night, NASCAR aired several commercials that described an eligible driver’s year or life and how each had led to the last ten races and the chase. At the end of the commercial, an announcer said, “The Chase. A dozen journey’s. One destination.”
That phrase caught my attention…just as the marketing pro had intended. But not for the reason they wanted. I immediately began thinking of how I could write about this phrase and use it as a Christian analogy.
Each of us has been on a journey. A spiritual journey. Our journeys have taken us to places we would never have imagined being. They have taken us to some of the greatest moments. The journey has taken us to some uplifting areas. Great sorrow has accompanied some of us along the way. We’ve even been to some dark places. And it wouldn’t be a worthwhile journey if joy and happiness hadn’t showed up at times.
Yes, it has been a journey and each journey is unique.
I’m sure, if you are like me, there are parts of your journey that you wish you could erase from the journals of your life. Times of rebellion and sin. But without these moments along the journey, I might not have learned the lessons needed. Because I experienced what those periods felt like (mainly separation from God), I know I don’t want to experience that again. I strive to keep sin out of my heart.
And I’m also sure that if you’re like me, you wish the spiritual highs could last forever. Because we have experienced the spiritual lows, we are able to appreciate the spiritual highs. On our journey, it’s what we do with these moments that really matter.
And of course, there is one destination. Heaven. For the Christian, that is our goal. That is where we will be champions. Reaching that finish line to be with Jesus forever and ever.
On our spiritual journey, it isn’t a chase. At least not for us. Because God is the one chasing. He is pursuing us throughout our journey. When we wander off the path, He is there to call us back to Him.
Perhaps the greatest example of this journey can be found in Psalm 23. It shows the ups and downs of life and how our heavenly Father is with us through it all. He is there to lead, guide and direct our footsteps. He is there to quiet and restore. He is there to encourage and sustain. He is there.
“The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures,
He leads me beside quiet waters,
He restores my soul.
He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil, for you are with me;
Your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me
In the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
Surely goodness and love will follow me
All the days of my life,
And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”
(Psalm 23:1-6 – NIV)
How’s it going on your journey? If you are struggling, don’t hesitate to look to the One who is able to get you straightened out. He has the ability to keep your journey on His righteous path. He’s pursuing you. Just stop and let Him take control.
If you feel your spiritual journey is going well, there is always room for improvement. Find a way to deepen your relationship with Jesus just a little more. Memorize more Scripture. Spend an extra 15 minutes praying. Share the Gospel with one more person. The benefit will far outweigh the effort.
A spiritual journey. A destination. I am thankful for the opportunity to be part of it. I pray that you are as well.
Grace and peace be yours in abundance,
Donna
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The Golden Lamb

September 8th, 2012 dsisler

My husband and I will be celebrating our 11th wedding anniversary on September 15. We’ve been on vacation for the past two weeks and have had an enjoyable time together, and to be honest, neither of us realized our anniversary was just around the corner. Until yesterday.
Yesterday, we unexpectedly wound up at the oldest inn in the State of Ohio. The Golden Lamb in Lebanon. This inn holds special significance and meaning to us. We spent our wedding night in the Charles Dickens room of this inn and thoroughly enjoyed the history of the town and location.
So in the midst of a torrential thunderstorm, a power outage, rain soaked hair and clothing, we enjoyed a fabulous dinner with my Dad.
I love when God unexpectedly shows up in my life. Whether it’s by seeing a passage of Scripture that fills my heart with sunshine or when I am convicted of a sin. It might be a person through whom Jesus speaks or a glimpse of beauty along the way.
Whatever it might be, when God unexpectedly shows up, I know blessings are not far behind.
But I’m not alone. God has been doing this since the beginning.
Noah (Genesis 6-9) had an unexpected visit from God although he was a righteous man and walked with God. One day, God said to Noah, “Build an ark.” And in Noah’s obedience, he and his family were blessed with life.
We read of Abraham’s unexpected visit in Genesis 12. God told Abraham to leave all that he knew and go to a place where God would tell him to go. God shared a promise with Abraham in Genesis 12:2-3 (NIV). “I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you. I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse, and all people on earth will be blessed through you.” What a blessing Abraham received because of his obedience.
Daniel’s unexpected visit came from an angel (Daniel 6:1-28). But maybe it wasn’t as unexpected as we might think. Daniel had been loyal to God and God had blessed Daniel. When Daniel was thrown into the lion’s pit to be killed, God sent an angel to spend the night with Daniel. In the morning, Daniel was able to share the account with King Darius and bring joy in the midst of sorrow. Daniel received a blessing from God and was also a blessing to others.
Paul shares his conversion story several times through Scripture. Acts 9:1-19 is the first account. On a journey to persecute Christians, Jesus unexpectedly stopped Saul along the road. For three days, Saul was blind and did not eat or drink a thing. When he received another unexpected visitor, Ananias, his life would be changed forever. Saul was baptized, filled with the Holy Spirit, and preached boldly of Jesus from that day forward. Paul’s blessings from God were tremendous and blessings poured forth from God to others through Paul.
On a tiny island, a servant of God spent his last days alone, without human companionship. It was here an unexpected visitor brought a vision to John. This vision is recorded in the Book of Revelation. John was blessed and encouraged by the vision.
He learned from his vision that Jesus was victorious and that hope was available for those going through persecution. Revelation 1:3 (NIV) says, “Blessed is the one who reads the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near.”
The blessings didn’t end with John. We receive the blessing of encouragement as well when we read this book.
I love unexpected encounters with God. Knowing something could happen at any time keeps me alert to the possibilities. I pray that you’re looking for these encounters as well.
I was blessed beyond words by having dinner with my Dad and Mason. In the midst of all the turmoil and uncertainties of the night, we were able to enjoy the best food The Golden Lamb had to offer. I’m so thankful for these two men and that God chose them for me. I am truly blessed.
Grace and peace be yours in abundance,
Donna
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Walking with Jesus

September 7th, 2012 dsisler

There is an old song we used to sing at camp and youth group called “Walking with Jesus.” The lyrics are:
Walking with Jesus, walking every day, walking all the way.
Walking with Jesus, walking with Jesus alone.
There’s a little secondary part that says:
Walking in the sunshine, walking in the shadow,
Walking every day, walking all the way.
I believe there is another section, but these are the realities of life. The good and bad. And we are to be walking with Jesus through all of them.
1 John 2:6 (NIV) says, “Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did.”
I believe this passage leads us to the question, how did Jesus walk?
Jesus Had a Purpose
Jesus came to earth to seek and save the lost (Luke 19:10).
Jesus Had an Action Plan
Jesus prayed. All the time. John 17:1-26 is just an example of Jesus’ prayers. There are many occasions where Jesus went away to be alone with God.
Jesus Had a Team
The disciples (Matthew 4:18-22; Matthew 9:9-13; Matthew 10:1-42; Acts 9:1-19). This group of trusted men were Jesus’ closest earthly companions. In the end, Jesus trusted these men to carry out His mission. To follow through once Jesus returned to be with His Father.
Matthew 28:18-20 (NIV) tells us Jesus’ last earthly words to this group, “Then Jesus came to them and said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.’”
Jesus Trusted God
As the final moments of Jesus’ life approached, Jesus asked for the cup to be removed. But Jesus also trusted that God knew what He was doing and that whatever God willed, it was okay with Jesus. Matthew 26:39 (NIV) says, “Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, ‘My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.’”
Jesus Had Determination
To follow through with His purpose. His death, burial, and resurrection (Matthew 27:32-28:15) secured salvation for mankind. He was determined to complete the task God sent Him to earth to do.
If we use these as guidelines to walk as Jesus did, then we too must have a purpose, an action plan, a team, trust in God, and determination.
Our purpose must be to glorify God. To share His salvation with others. To mature in our relationship with Him.
Our action plan must include prayer.
Our team must include a group of Christian believers and Christ’s Church.
Our trust must be completely in God. That His will in our lives is more important than our own.
Our determination must be to follow through with God’s mission as Jesus did.
These are just a few ways we can walk as Jesus did. When we make the choice, we make a commitment. To walk with Jesus in the sunshine and the shadows. To walk with Jesus all the way.
Perhaps you can think of other ways we can walk as Jesus did. If so, please let me know. I’d love to hear from you. Until then, let’s do some walking with Jesus.
Grace and peace be yours in abundance,
Donna
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The “Zinger”

September 6th, 2012 dsisler

I had a garage sale a couple of weeks ago. There was (and still is) a tremendous amount of stuff in my basement. This sale was an attempt to loosen my grip on some worldly possessions and declutter.
One item I sold was an old Singer sewing machine. It was one that I grew up with and on which I learned to sew. There was some tugging at my heart because it was a possession that had been passed down from my Mother to me, but my Mom had encouraged me to purchase a newer version of a sewing machine and I actually use the new one!
The woman who purchased the Singer was very excited. She had used one just like it as a young girl growing up in Russia fifty years ago. She hadn’t thought of purchasing one in the States until she saw the “Zinger.” Memories flooded her mind as she spoke of her childhood home. This machine was more than a sewing machine, it was a memory maker.
As she placed her prize possession into her car, she clasped her hands together, swayed a little, and expressed her excitement audibly with a smile-filled sigh. She had found a treasure.
As I watched her drive away, I thought how perfect it was that I had given her something she could value, cherish and love the rest of her life.
But then, of what worth is it really?
It is a rusted, old sewing machine. Something that will be placed in a landfill once she is gone. What could I have offered her that is of real value? What could have truly made a difference in her life?
Jesus.
I never asked if she knew Jesus or if she had even thought of Him. I just sold her an old sewing machine.
This is what Jesus had to say about the topic.
“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matthew 6:19-21 – NIV)
When I look at life from this perspective, anything that rust or moth or thieves can take from me is of no value. That means nothing of this world is of any value. Nothing. My treasure, and that dear woman who bought my old sewing machine’s treasure, should be heaven. Let me rephrase that. It is heaven.
Here’s my dilemma. I missed several opportunities. I didn’t share my greatest treasure with the treasure seekers at my garage sale. Oh there were a few people where the topic was brought up, but to be honest, those conversations were among other believers.
So I have a plan for my next garage sale. While others are looking for the perfect treasure, I plan to have The Greatest Treasure present and in prominent view. Jesus will be part of it. He must be part of it. To be honest, I don’t know how this is going to look, but I am anxious to see how it turns out.
The “Zinger” sewing machine lady will bring a smile to face each time I think of her. She brought new excitement to an old, lifeless machine. She shared that excitement with me and I’ve discovered a new excitement of my own.
I pray that you’ll encounter someone today who will touch you in some way as well. It could be anyone. Look around and find that person who is excited about life. Maybe you are that person! Share that excitement with others. What I do know is it is contagious!
Grace and peace be yours in abundance,
Donna
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I Second That Emotion

September 5th, 2012 dsisler

I have been unemployed for two years. Job searching can be an emotionally charged activity. I am learning that I am capable of some emotions I never knew existed.
Several weeks ago, I was chosen to participate in testing for a clerk position at a local library. I was given three time slot choices and showed up at the allotted time. There were nearly 30 other eager job seekers taking the test at the same time. This was one of three time slots and there was only one position to fill. It was discouraging to be honest.
As I looked around the room I took note of the group. There were older women, middle-aged men, and young adults. Unemployment had hit each of these people, just as it had me.
Suddenly, I felt guilty for even sitting in this room. There were obviously others who needed this job much more than I did.
The test was completed. We each went to our respective vehicles and drove home. Perhaps feeling defeated. Some encouraged by their ability. Others just not sure if anything would come of this possible job.
Then I received the email. My score was not high enough to move along in the process. How was that possible? I am a reasonably intelligent person. Surely my score wasn’t that bad! Yet another emotion…anger!
Then my husband said, “You may have scored a 95 which would have been a good score, but if four or five others scored higher, they would have been moved on in the process.”
That statement calmed me and I once again became a rational thinker.
Job searching is emotional and it can bring out the worst in me.
You would think by now I would have learned that my emotions really need to be turned over to God wouldn’t you? But there are times I allow my emotions to get the upper hand.
Anger, guilt, discouragement, and fear are in control. Irritation, helplessness, envy, and doubt creep into my way of thinking. Despair, disappointment, anxiety, and sadness make their home in my heart.
But I know from Scripture that I am not to allow these emotions to rule my heart. I am to banish fear by God’s power (2 Timothy 1:7); I am to be slow to anger (James 1:19-20); I am not to allow my sinful nature to have its hold on me (Galatians 5:19-21); I am to keep hatred at bay (1 John 4:20).
And here’s the real point of the matter. My heart is deceitful. Jeremiah 17:9-10 (NIV) says, “The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it? ‘I the Lord search the heart and examine the mind, to reward a man according to his conduct, according to what his deeds deserve.’”
You see if I allow emotions to rule my life, emotions will determine how I live, and that could be disastrous. One day I may feel a certain way, but the next I may feel differently. I am reminded of the passage in Ephesians of being swayed due to immaturity.
“Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming. Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ.” (Ephesians 4:14-15 – NIV)
From these two passages we see that we must allow Jesus to be the Lord of our hearts. The King of our emotions. We must allow Him to know our hearts and fill our hearts with His Spirit. Then we will be able to stand firm when our emotions want to take control.
Job searching has brought the emotions out in me for certain. But through these long months, I’ve learned to depend upon God for all my needs. I’ve sought Him when no one else could satisfy. I’ve been uplifted by the everlasting arms of my heavenly Father.
You may be feeling some of these emotions today. If so, I pray that you’ll seek God. Ask Him to search your heart and see what needs to be fixed. Ask Him to be the Lord of your emotions. By doing so, you have the opportunity to live a life of truth and a life free from the lie of hopelessness. And it is freedom indeed!
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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