God’s Passport

August 10th, 2012 dsisler

I received my passport in yesterday’s mail. It was very exciting. It is so beautiful! Each page has a photograph of America’s past events or unique features from our nation. My photo is one of the best ever taken of me…that made me happy. I actually have a passport!
I am one step closer to achieving my goal of making a difference in SE Asia!
A brochure from the U.S. Department of State accompanied my passport. It begins with these words. “With your U.S. passport, the world is yours!”
I understand their standpoint, and I fully intend to use this passport to see the world. But David reminds us, “The earth is the Lord’s and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it.” (Psalm 24:1 – NIV) The world belongs to God. He created it. It’s His.
God loves this world. He loves the people of this world. So much so, that He was willing to sacrifice His Son for us. “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” (John 3:16-17 – NIV)
However, while we are here, we are to make an impact in this world. Matthew 5:14 (NIV) says, “You are the light of the world.”Jesus tells the crowds that their “light” should shine so that others could see their good works and glorify God. We are to do the same. If the world doesn’t see God in you, it’s time to ask yourself “why not?”
We are also called to go into the world. “Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation.” (Mark 16:15 – NIV) We must preach and teach the good news to all creation. Whether it is our next door neighbor or a group of people on the other side of the world, we must go.
While we are in this world, it won’t be easy. Jesus told the disciples at one point that it wouldn’t be. John 16:33 (NIV) contains these words of Jesus. “I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” Yes we will face trials and suffering, but we too know the Overcomer. And because we know the Overcomer, we overcome this world and all its troubles.
“This is love for God: to obey his commands. And his commands are not burdensome, for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world? Only he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.” (1 John 5:3-5 – NIV)
What beautiful words! Victory is ours when we believe in Jesus Christ!
Passport – check!
Go and share (mission) – check!
Overcome – check!
Victory – check!
Financial support – [insert buzzer sound]
I do not have all the funds needed to go on my service trip. So once again, I am asking for your help. I would love to be able to add your name to my list as a supporter. As someone who feels the great burden of sharing God’s Name with those who have never heard the name Jesus.
I would also love to add your name to my prayer warrior group. Without my prayer warriors, I would not be able to consider this trip. So please let me know if you’d be willing to join me on this journey.
I have a passport. The world is mine. Watch out world, here I come!
Grace and peace be yours in abundance,
Donna
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Awake

August 9th, 2012 dsisler

I’ve always been an early riser. Like a 4 a.m. early riser. During my college days, I would wake at 4 a.m. and would study in the dorm hallway until the cafeteria opened. I was always one of the first people in the cafeteria each morning. Delicious coffee and yummy coffee cake anticipated my arrival each day.

Not much has changed. Most mornings I am able to sleep in until at least 5 a.m. But sometimes my body reverts to its original settings.
I wrote a Haiku several months ago for a blog challenge…it really tells the tale of why I wake early.
Middle of the night,
Awake and mind a-swirling.
No more sleep for me!
Once my mind starts, I’m awake. I now know that if I get up and write, my mind will be relieved of its meanderings and I might be able to get a quick nap in before the rest of the family wakes.
I am not the only person who has had this syndrome throughout history. The Bible is full of words by those who woke early.
David wrote several verses on this topic. But David also knew how God sustained his life. “And I—in righteousness I will see your face; when I awake, I will be satisfied with seeing your likeness.”(Psalm 17:15 – NIV) I wonder how many times I wake and the first thing I think of is seeing God’s likeness. It isn’t as often as it should be.
David also was awakened by fear. When his enemies surrounded him, he penned these words. “I lie awake; I have become like a bird alone on a roof.” (Psalm 102:7 – NIV) At times we feel alone and under attack as well, but God is with us. In all circumstances. In all things. God is there and will comfort, guide, and strengthen as needed.
David knew this as well. In Psalm 3:5 (NIV) David says, “I lie down and sleep; I wake again, because the Lord sustains me.”God will sustain us. Through everything. We must trust that He will do so.
Isaiah shared some beautiful words in Isaiah 50:4b (NIV). “He wakens me morning by morning, wakens my ear to listen like one being taught.” How pleasant it would be to be awakened by God’s voice instead of an alarm clock! And we are to waken with eager ears. Waiting to hear what God has to teach us.
David also reminds us that “Unless the Lord builds the house, its builders labor in vain…In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat—for he grants sleep to those he loves.”(Psalm 127: 1-2 – NIV) When God is the foundation of our lives, we are able to rest and sleep in His peace. Because of His great love, we are able to sleep through those could-be restless nights.
I can’t end this post without speaking to spiritual awakening. Whether it’s the first time you’re committing to Jesus or the 50th, our souls must be awakened to God’s Word, His plan of salvation and His wonderful grace. Please don’t miss out on this precious gift He is so willing to share with you. Make the commitment, give your life to Jesus, and stick to it.
Phillips, Craig and Dean are fantastic song writers and musicians. I could listen to their praise music for hours. One of my favorite songs Randy Phillips wrote is “Awake My Soul.”[i]I listen to this song over and over during times of change, fatigue, loneliness, or spiritual sluggishness. Here are the words.
When I close my eyes
I can see your glory
When I raise my hands
I can touch your face

When I bow my knees
I stand before you
Then Christ is formed me

When I lose myself
I reflect your image
When I break my will
Then I am whole

When I give my all
I find life everlasting
Then Christ is formed in me

Awake my soul
Prepare an entrance for your glory
And let my heart become a throne for you to dwell
And when I need your Holy Spirit more than life itself
Then Christ is formed in me

As you read through these words, allow them to pierce your heart. Allow God to awaken your soul to what He is asking of you today. Open your heart for the King of Glory to take up residence. Be transformed! You’ll want to be awake for it all.
Grace and peace be yours in abundance,
Donna

[i]Awake My Soul, Phillips, Craig, and Dean, Randy Phillips, 2004 Integrity’s Hosanna! Music
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A Long Time Ago

August 8th, 2012 dsisler

I was sorting through old blog posts. There are nearly 200 of them! But I wanted to sort by date. I clicked on the tab, “Date Modified,” and these were the options given to sort by.

  • A Long Time Ago
  • Earlier This Year
  • Last Week
  • Earlier This Week
  • Yesterday
  • Select a Date or a Date Range
A long time ago was the one that surprised me. The documents on my computer aren’t that old! Even if I had kept the very first document I typed and saved on a computer, it would only be 25 years old or so. That doesn’t constitute a long time ago for me.
However, I can find examples of “a long time ago” is in God’s Word. 2 Timothy 1:8b-10a (NIV) says, “…join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God, who has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus…”
Before the beginning of time God had a plan for mankind. He purposed then to show grace to us. He lavished grace upon us long before we were born. That was a long time ago.
We see more evidence of God’s plan in Titus. “…a faith and knowledge resting on the hope of eternal life, which God, who does not lie, promised before the beginning of time, and at his appointed season he brought his word to light through the preaching entrusted to me by the command of God our Savior.” (Titus 1:2-3 – NIV)
In this passage we see that God promised our hope before the beginning of time. This verse also shows that at specific times throughout history, God revealed His Word to mankind.
At first they were glimpses, prophecies of the coming Messiah. Then at the appointed time, The Word was introduced. Jesus fulfilled the prophecies of the Old Testament and God’s plan, designed before the beginning of time, was set into motion.
There is an interesting verse in Isaiah that shows how God views time. “I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say: My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please.” (Isaiah 46:10 – NIV)
For God, it doesn’t matter what time it is. It doesn’t matter where that event takes place in all of time. God’s purpose stands the test of time. His plan negates time. From the beginning to the end, long before and long after, God is. He said it best. I AM.
God had us in mind before time began. It was His desire for us to part of His plan. David knew this to be true and stated, “My times are in your hands…” (Psalm 31:15a – NIV) For the short time we are on this earth, God is holding the events and circumstances of our lives in His hands.
God’s hands will protect, cover, and comfort during the darkest times of our lives. They will show love, caress, and acknowledge existence during the loneliest times of our lives. They will invigorate, rejuvenate, and produce fruit during the unproductive times of our lives. God’s hands will invite laughter, bring joy, and perhaps tickle during the happiest times of our lives.
And He prepared to do so…a long time ago.
Grace and peace be yours in abundance,
Donna
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Make Every Effort

August 7th, 2012 dsisler

There are a few things in my life that take great effort on my part to complete or follow through with. For instance, math is not my thing and it takes me a while to figure out a math problem. Okay, I’ll be honest; it takes me a long time to work out a math problem. My brain is not set up that way.

It takes a lot of effort for me to memorize anything. Whether it’s a phone number, a name, or a verse of Scripture, it will take great concentration and continuous repetition before I get it…then it really is a question of how long that piece of information will remain in my brain. So the real question is, “Did I memorize it?”
I have plantar fasciitis in both feet and it takes great effort each morning just to walk. Until those tendons loosen, I am in pain and must walk slowly and carefully. This effort also requires a lot of patience!
These are just a few pieces of my physical life that take effort. There are some spiritual efforts that I am required to work at as well.
Actually the verses we will be seeing today say to “make every effort.” Do more than just try. Don’t stop working at it. Do everything in your power, then allow God’s Spirit to jump in to help. Make every effort.
Let’s see what they are.
Jesus begins our teaching today. In Luke 13, Jesus was traveling to Jerusalem, but made stops along the way in the local towns and villages. At one point, He was asked, “Lord, are only a few going to be saved?” (Luke 13:23 – NIV)
Jesus said to them, “Make every effort to enter through the narrow door, because many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able to.” (Luke 13:24 – NIV) The narrow door isn’t the easy door, but those who do enter, will be greatly rewarded. Make every effort to get through that narrow door!
Paul encourages the Roman church with these words. “Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.” (Romans 14:19 – NIV) Yes, these are difficult, but we are called to peace and edification.
Synonyms for edification are improvement, education, enlightenment, instruction, teaching, or learning. Are you studying God’s Word so that you are able to mutual edify someone else? This verse tells us that we are to make every effort to join in on this process. Make every effort!
In Ephesians 4:3 (NIV), Paul speaks of unity. “Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.”Unity seems so difficult with so many personalities and occupations and cultures and just about anything that make a person who they are. But we are to keep the unity.
The good news? We have a Helper. The Holy Spirit. With the guidance and leadership of the Holy Spirit, this effort becomes effortless. We are able to accomplish this task because of who is within us. Make every effort.
“Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will fall by following their example of disobedience.”(Hebrews 4:11 – NIV) “That rest” is our salvation. Not that we gain salvation by our works, but that our faith walk should be what others to see.
When we allow our disobedience to overtake our spiritual lives, we are not making every effort to reach our goal. And the worst part is that we can cause others to follow along the disobedience path. Therefore, we must make every effort to enter that rest…and take as many with us as we can.
Another passage in Hebrews says, “Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.” (Hebrews 12:14 – NIV) Again, live in peace, but we are also called to be holy. We are to make every effort to be holy.
What does it mean to be holy? To consecrate, sanctify, dedicate, to be set apart. Another definition says, “to purify internally by renewing of the soul.”[i]We become holy because we have God’s presence within us. But there must be effort on our part. We must make every effort to purify ourselves of sin. God will finish what we start.
The last two passages are from 2 Peter. I’ve mentioned the first one recently, so let’s be reminded of Peter’s words. “For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love.” (2 Peter 1:5-7 – NIV)
And then there is 2 Peter 3:14 (NIV). “So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this [a new heaven and a new earth], make every effort to be found spotless, blameless, and at peace with him.” I believe we must put all of these verses into practice to find ourselves in this place. Spotless. Blameless. At peace with God. Make every effort. It is worth it.
Three little words, but so much work! Make every effort. Where do you feel you’re lacking effort? In what area have you become lazy? Why not make every effort today in all that you do?
God’s Spirit is there to help you. He will give you the strength when you are ready to give up. He will encourage you when you’re failing. He will lead you in the direction you need to go. Don’t overlook this powerful Assistant. He can make it seem effortless!
Grace and peace be yours in abundance,
Donna

[i]Strong, Exhaustive Concordance, G37.
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The Final Frontier?

August 6th, 2012 dsisler

Last night, the NASA rover, Curiosity, made a safe landing on the planet Mars. Images are beginning to stream back to mission control and so far, the mission has been successful.
I must admit, I’m a space nut. My life has been impacted by the space frontier and I have always enjoyed watching launches or landings of space craft. While there have been some failures in this pioneering field, there have been far more successes and advances.
Perhaps you remember where you were when you heard of the disasters of Challenger and Columbia. Maybe you have fond memories of the final Shuttle flight. Or what about the early space missions? The Mercury or Gemini projects. The Apollo missions and landing on the moon.
My most memorable moment was standing in the Atlantic Ocean at Daytona Beach and viewing a Shuttle launch from that spot. It was spectacular.
I also came within days of seeing the next to last Shuttle launch in Florida.
My husband knows how I am drawn to the sky and for our first anniversary I received a certificate for one share of a local aerospace company. It was the perfect gift for me.
I thought my granddaughter Joy was joining me on the excitement of space travel. She prepared for a space mission, she got settled into her seat, and blasted off into space. She must not have enjoyed it as much as I did. She never mentioned it again.

And I must admit, seeing the Hubble Telescope images brings joy to my heart. Knowing that God created the universe makes it even more special.

David knew how special the skies were as well. He wrote of it often. And although David was unable to see what we see from space today, he knew there was more out there. He knew God placed each planet and star in his sky. And David praised God for the heavens. Let’s see how David spoke of God’s creation.
“When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him?” (Psalm 8:3-4 – NIV)
“The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.” (Psalm 19:1 – NIV)
“By the word of the Lord were the heavens made, their starry host by the breath of his mouth.” (Psalm 33:6 – NIV)
David speaks of God’s boundless love and faithfulness in two passages. “Your love, O Lord, reaches to the heavens, your faithfulness to the skies.” (Psalm 36:5 – NIV)
“For great is your love, reaching to the heavens; your faithfulness reaches to the skies.” (Psalm 57:1 – NIV)
And David couldn’t leave out God’s righteousness. “Your righteousness reaches to the skies, O God, you who have done great things. Who, O God, is like you?” (Psalm 71:19 – NIV)
Psalm 103:11-12 (NIV) says, “For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.” If for no other reason, this verse creates excitement within me when scientists find that the universe is much larger than first thought. It simply tells me that God loves me more than I could ever imagine!
In the faith chapter of the Bible, the writer of Hebrews makes this statement. “By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible.” (Hebrews 11:3 – NIV)
Yes, it is by faith that I believe God created all that I see and what I can’t see. God’s great universe and all of its intricacies shows that He is in control. That His plan was and is perfect, without flaw. And that our universe was not created by happenstance or by chance.
That big, open space out there was created by my Creator. By my faithful Father. By my brilliant God.
I’m thankful for space exploration for many reasons, but mainly because it proves to me how far in advance God was thinking. He knew mankind would have explored all of earth and would be itching for a new frontier. Perhaps he created the universe for that very purpose.
I wonder what else God has in store for us to explore?
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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