Stop!

July 16th, 2012 dsisler

My husband, Mason, has a habit of spying previously owned vehicles. Sometimes he just tells me about the vehicles, but if it was a special car, we stop to reminisce.
On one occasion as he was driving, he spotted a car. He stopped in the middle of the road, turned off the truck, and got out. Fortunately, it was a not-so-populated road. Traffic wasn’t being blocked. So, I got out too.
He was so thrilled to see this car. It was identical to the one he had owned in high school and the memories began to flow. Then he asked me to take a picture of the car. I took one with him next to the car and one of just the car.
He was so happy in that moment.
There are times that we need to stop what we are doing, sometimes right in the middle of it. Words of discouragement flowing from our mouths. Improper thoughts. Actions that simply are not very Christ-like. In the moments we are caught up in sin, we must stop. Get away from the situation and head toward God.
In Scripture, we find some examples of when we are to stop. Let’s see what God has to say.
The first thing we must stop is sinning. Isaiah 1:16b-17a (NIV) and 1 Corinthians 15:34a (NIV) share the same thought. “Stop doing wrong, learn to do right.” “Come back to your senses as you ought, and stop sinning.”
Let’s remember, if we are going to remove a behavior from our lives, we must replace it with something else. Isaiah says to learn to do right. Fill the void with good as you stop doing wrong.
1 Corinthians 14:20 (NIV) reminds us to “Stop thinking like children. In regard to evil be infants, but in your thinking be adults.” We need to grow up and stop acting like children when it comes to our spiritual lives! We need to put aside evil, sinful thoughts and get into God’s Word. Get to the “meat” and become spiritual adults. Learn what God has to say about all areas of your life. Then you will stop thinking like a child.
Then there are a few things we are to do in relation to others. Romans 14:13 (NIV) says to stop judging. “Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in your brother’s way.”
Judging. It’s something we’re good at. But God clearly states that it’s not our job. Our job is to keep others from stumbling by making sure our lives are following the path God has laid before us. Another great example of what we are to fill the emptiness with. God’s love for others.
And in John 6:43 (NIV), Jesus was speaking to a group of Jews, but His words speak to me. “Stop grumbling among yourselves.” I find myself falling into this trap over and over. Grumbling. Complaining. Believing that I could do better. Hah!
Perhaps I could do better, but guess what? I wasn’t asked to do it! Someone with more qualifications, more abilities, more anything was asked. My role is to support. Lift up. Encourage. Not grumble.
Finally I’d like to look at a verse that brings everything into perspective. In the book of Job, God’s faithful and eloquent servant, Elihu, presents God’s case to Job. Over and over, Elihu brings Job to an understanding of God’s goodness.
In Job 37:14 (NIV), Elihu asks Job to “Stop and consider God’s wonders.” When we adopt this view of life, we too, will not be able to contain the joy, love, or hope within us. These qualities, God’s qualities will flow from us.
God’s wonders. They are boundless. They are limitless. They are amazing.
I encourage you to stop. Right now. Stop and spend some time praising God for who He is. For what He has done. For what He is preparing to do. Then inquire what He desires for you. What He is asking you to do.
He might reply with “stop.” Stop sinning. Stop thinking like a child. Stop judging. Stop grumbling. Stop and consider. Stop.
Stop. Get out of the situation, way of thinking, or busyness of life. And then, run to God.
Now, you are prepared to do something for God’s Kingdom.
Grace and peace be yours in abundance,
Donna
Share

Refreshed

July 15th, 2012 dsisler

This past week, the North American Christian Convention took place in Orlando, Florida. This is their mission statement. “The North American Christian Convention exists to provide ideas, inspiration, and identity to Restoration Movement Churches, ministries, and their leaders.”[i]
Because of my affiliation to ministry through my lifetime, I’ve been blessed to be able to attend the NACC on more occasions that I can count. I have learned countless principles, listened to a zillion sermons, sang even more worship songs, and at the end of each convention returned to ministry with a renewed view of my role and a closer relationship with God.
My desire was to attend yet again this year for several reasons. My church minister was the president of the NACC this year. The worship leaders from my church led worship all week. The theme was “Refreshed.” And it was in Florida!
The problem? I’ve already been on two trips this year and have another one coming up in about a month. There was no way that we could afford for me to attend this convention.
But God placed some brilliant people in the path of the NACC this year. Each main session was streamed across the internet for those of us who couldn’t attend to watch. And now, after the NACC is complete, the sessions are available to view on demand.
I was able to watch and listen while sitting at my desk. I was able to hear the wonderful sermons each morning and evening. I participated in the worship services. I gleaned Biblical information from the wise leaders of our brotherhood. And I was blessed beyond imagination.
The theme for the convention was “Refreshed.” One of my thoughts landed at my computer screen. Sometimes my screen freezes or loads slowly. I hit the “refresh” button and the screen begins again loading images and words. It returns to working the way it should.
In our spiritual lives or in ministry, we can get into a rut. We can become stalled. We aren’t finding joy in studying God’s Word. We don’t see others the way God views them. Our attitude toward life is far from God’s view.
Perhaps a discouraging time has taken place. Maybe there has been failure. Or perhaps life just hasn’t turned out the way you thought it would.
Regardless of what has happened, refreshment must be found. The “refresh” button must be hit. So how can we be refreshed in Jesus? What steps can we take to be refreshed? In my search for refreshment, I found five ways to be refreshed.
Spend Time in God’s Word
God’s Word is living and active. Each day I find new and exciting thoughts that I know I’ve read before, but for some reason, that particular section had great meaning in that moment. You’ll be amazed at how God can work through His Scriptures.
Psalm 19:7a (NIV) says, “The law of the Lord is perfect, refreshing the soul.” God’s Word will refresh your soul! But you have to read it. You have to study it. You must spend time in it to be refreshed.
Rid Your Life of Sin
Sin is a refreshment killer. It is separation from God. And if we are not in God’s presence, there is no chance of refreshment.
Sin can sneak in and take over areas of our life before we know it. We must be diligent in asking God to reveal these areas of sin to us. Remember Psalm 139:23-24? It should be a daily prayer on our part.
We see in Acts 3:19 (NIV) to, “Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord.” Times of refreshment are just around the corner. It’s time to repent.
 
Rest
This may be the most difficult for us. We are so busy. There is so much to do. Especially in ministry. But God gave the example in the beginning. Genesis 2:2 (NIV) tells us that “God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work.”
I know you’re saying, “My work is never done!” Perhaps that is true, but you need to rest. God gave the command to the Israelites and it is something we need to consider in order to find refreshment.

“Six days do your work, but on the seventh day do not work, so that your ox and your donkey may rest, and so that the slave born in your household and the foreigner living among you may be refreshed.”(Exodus 31:17 – NIV)
Refresh Others
When we are a blessing to others, we will be blessed beyond anything we could have imagined.
Proverbs 11:25 (NIV) says, “A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.” I love this verse. Not because of the outcome, but because of something that I might be able to do. Refresh others.
We can have a tendency to be a little short with friends, family, or strangers. Our comments may not be in line with Jesus’ teachings. Our actions may prove that we don’t belong to Him. We must be careful of how we treat others. Proverbs says we should refresh others. Have you done so today?
Allow God to Be in the Middle of It
God wants to help. He begs us to come to Him. God’s Word proves this over and over. But the verse I’m using is from Jeremiah 31:25 (NIV).
“I will refresh the weary and satisfy the faint.”
Are you weary? Are you unsatisfied? Are you feeling faint? Reach out to God. He will refresh far beyond your comprehension. He’s just waiting for the opportunity.
I was refreshed this week by the NACC. Perhaps there is still time to be refreshed by a worship service in your area. Maybe you have a close Christian friend you can spend some time with to be refreshed. If not, spend time with your faithful God. He is willing to refresh your soul. Why not take Him up on His offer?
Grace and peace be yours in abundance,
Donna

[i] http://www.gotonacc.org/about-us/
Share

Barrel Furniture?

July 14th, 2012 dsisler

I love going to flea markets, or thrift shops, or garage sales, or antique shops, or any place I can search through items that others have discarded. There are a few shops nearby that are my favorites to venture through, and if I have a half hour to spare while I’m in town, I’ll swing into one of them and see what’s new.
(I wrote about worthless things just two days ago…now you know why I have so much worthlessness.)
There are certain items I just can’t seem to pass up. These items draw me to them. A pretty set of china. Old ladders. Items that would fit into my “farm house” style. What can I say, I’m a sucker.
On one of these meanderings, I turned a corner to find a table and chairs set made from barrels. The table top was round and sat on top of a barrel. Its chairs were cut from barrels and were covered with a patchwork of multicolored leather.
I was drawn to this furniture. Not because it was my style. Not because I had space anywhere in my house for it. Not even because I liked it.
I was drawn to it because my grandparents had a set exactly like it in their basement! I wondered if it could possibly be the exact set, because surely there couldn’t be more than one in this world.
Memories of my grandparents flooded my soul. Grandpa’s storytelling and Grandma’s cooking. Their laughter. Their mannerisms. Everything about them rushed into my mind at the sight of that furniture.
Isn’t it interesting how our minds work that way? We see something and we’re reminded of a place. We smell something and we’re reminded of a person. We hear something and we’re reminded of an object.
We make connections. We make associations.
And guess what? God created us that way. God wanted us to remember…remember Him. God puts people, places, and things in front of us daily so that we would be reminded of Him.
1 Chronicles 16:12 (NIV) tells us to “Remember the wonders he has done, his miracles, and the judgments he pronounced.” As we see His creation daily, we are to remember Him.
Psalm 63:6 (NIV) says, “On my bed I remember you; I think of you through the watches of the night.” When we hear the chime of a clock through the night, we are to think of God.
Isaiah 46:8 (NIV) says, “Remember this, fix it in mind, take it to heart, you rebels.” What are we to remember? That God is God. There is no other like Him. There are none like Him.
But the wonderful thing is that as God asks us to remember Him, He won’t remember our sins. Each time we sin, He isn’t reminded of our past sin.
Jeremiah 31:34 (NIV) says, “For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.” God wanted us to remember this one, so He repeated again in Hebrews 8:12.
2 Corinthians 5:19a (NIV) reminds us, “God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men’s sins against them.” God isn’t keeping tally. He isn’t keeping a book of records, because God loves us. Because God is love!
1 Corinthians 13:5b (NIV) repeats the idea. “[Love] keeps no record of wrongs.”
And if you still would like some proof of this concept, let’s look at Psalm 103:12 (NIV). “As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.” He will not be reminded of our past. He will not remember our sin.
I don’t know about you, but I thank God daily that my past is in the past. I thank God daily that my sins from today (after repentance) will not be remembered tomorrow.
I don’t know about you, but I think remembering God throughout my day is a good trade off. I’d gladly think of God than think of my past. I’d gladly think of God than think of a temptation in front of me. I’d gladly think of God just because.
What reminds you of God? How do you remember Him throughout your day? I pray that you are reminded of His grace, His peace, His love, His comfort, His joy today. Because I can guarantee, He is thinking of you!
Grace and peace be yours in abundance,
Donna
Share

1st & 2nd Peter

July 13th, 2012 dsisler

I have worked on writing a Bible study on 1 and 2 Peter off and on for several years. The ideas. The outline. A little writing. A lot of thinking. But, I’ve never completed it.
I wondered if it was time to get serious and actually start writing it. So I printed off all the pages I written up to this point. I’m amazed (again) at all that Peter had to say in these two short books.

Eight chapters filled with topics such as salvation, submission, and spiritual growth. Other topics consist of false teachers, the lawlessness of mankind, and persecution. These books also speak to hope and heaven and holiness. And then there are the special names of god, Jesus and Christ’s church.

I could go on, but I think I’ve made my point.
So it’s time. Time to bring God’s message given to Peter to paper and put my spin on it.
Are you ready for something different? A topical study of 1 and 2 Peter? I am!
During Easter week, I wrote about Peter. If you didn’t see it or if you don’t remember what I said, you can read it here. It is a good start to this series.
Peter begins each book with an introduction of who he is. He is Simon Peter. A fisherman called by Jesus to follow Him. His life was turned upside down with that call and through the years, became a faithful follower of Christ.
Peter is an apostle. An apostle is one sent. Sent on a mission. And this person has authority. Authority to complete the mission. To do anything and everything necessary to accomplish the mission in Jesus’ name.
Peter is a servant. A servant is one who does not have ownership of their own body or life. It could also be someone willing to serve his/her master. By this point in Peter’s life, he understands that he did not belong to himself. He belonged completely, totally, wholly to God and His mission.
Through the Gospels, the Book of Acts, and 1 and 2 Peter, we see a dramatic change in Peter. Before the cross, Peter was outspoken, obnoxious, and obstinate. After the cross, Peter was bold, brave, and boisterous. And what made the difference? The Holy Spirit. Peter learned to utilize the gift Jesus sent for His believers.
To whom did Peter write these books? Peter eloquently states the same group of people with multiple terms. God’s elect. Strangers in the world. The scattered. The chosen. But I believe Peter says it best in 2 Peter 1:1. “To those who through the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ have received a faith as precious as ours.”
Precious faith. Do you consider your faith precious? Do you take your faith for granted? Have you adopted your parents’, grandparents’, or spouses’ faith? Have you worked through your own beliefs? If not, this is the perfect opportunity to do so.
How would you define faith?
Hebrews 11:1 defines faith as “being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” Easton’s Bible Dictionary defines faith as: “Faith is in general the persuasion of the mind that a certain statement is true.”[i]
How does the persuasion of mind take place?
2 Corinthians 13:5 tells us to, “Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you—unless, of course, you fail the test?” Examine. Test. That’s how the persuasion of mind takes place. So let’s examine.
Write down some of your core beliefs, your own statement of faith. I’ll give you a few examples.
I believe that God is the Creator of our world and all that is in it (Genesis 1).
I believe that Jesus is God’s only Son (Mark 1:11; John 3:16).
I believe the Bible is God’s inspired and inerrant (contains no errors) Word (2 Timothy 3:16-17; Psalm 19:7-9).
These are a few of the very basics and a good place to start, but there are more to be added to this list.
After you have your list, go to God’s Word and find Scripture to back up your beliefs. I’ve given you the verses to go along with the statements above.
Here’s another idea. Get a copy of your church’s statement of faith. It might be on the church website, bulletin or perhaps in the church lobby. Read through the statements. Look up the Bible references.
Once you’ve done some homework, ask yourself these questions: Do I agree with these statements? Why or why not?
Being able to answer these questions are important to your faith. Where you place your trust. If you can answer these questions, you have a good idea of what your own beliefs are.
Faith is a personal issue. It’s also precious.
As you close today, spend some time with God. Ask Him to show you where your faith needs boosting. Ask Him to lead you on a path to greater faith in Him. I can guarantee you’ll never be sorry for deepening your faith.
Grace and peace be yours in abundance,
Donna

[i] http://www.biblegateway.com/resources/eastons-bible-dictionary/Faith
http://fullmeasureofjoy.blogspot.com/2012/04/peter.html
Share

Building a Doll House: Work – Chapter 7

July 13th, 2012 dsisler

NOTE: If you missed Chapters 1 through 6 of Building a Doll House, you can find it in the column under “blog archive” to the right.
As my husband I continued work on the doll house for our granddaughter, Joy, it became obvious that there would be some work involved. I have pictures to prove it!
Some of the work was tedious. Some seemed ridiculous. Sometimes there were multiple steps involved to get the final product. And sometimes, I simply had to wait. Yes, there was work involved.
Every piece of the dollhouse had to be put together, but only after being painted. Their suggestion was to use a sponge to apply the paint. It didn’t work. Instead, I used a faithful, proven friend. A small paintbrush and painted each piece.
For the windows, I practiced putting them together a few times with pieces flying all over, until I got the hang of it. Then glue was placed in the corners and a rubber band carefully drawn around the window frame. The windows came out perfect!
The house has not one, but two wrap around porches. There are railings along each porch and those railings had to be painted and glued together. Each spindle was painted, sanded, and then painted again before they could be glued into place. Thank goodness there was a template for this step!
The roof is covered with shingles. Before they could be placed on the roof, the shingles soaked in stain. Then they were spread out on a piece of cardboard to dry. Two or three times each day I had to “stir” the shingles to allow complete and uniform drying.
After waiting for the shingles to dry, the tedious process of gluing shingles on, one at a time, began. I learned quickly that I could only stand the slow process for short periods of time, so I would set a goal of at least finishing three rows of shingles before giving up. This took days. Actually I think it took a couple of weeks.
As I neared the last few rows, I counted shingles. I originally stained approximately 1,150 shingles. It wasn’t enough. I was going to be 3 shingles short! By checking at this point, I was able to “piece” together these few shingles from trimmed shingles and I placed them throughout the last few rows. It actually isn’t noticeable.
It’s no different with our spiritual lives. There are times that it just plain takes work. It may be tedious, involved, slow, and we may have to wait, but in the end, our lives are put together perfectly by the Creator.
I’ve memorized some Scripture this year. Some to prove that I could actually do it. Some for a Vacation Bible School skit I was involved with. But what I learned was that it is difficult for me. It is tedious work. I have to repeat it over and over. Write it over and over. But in the end, I know that those verses or passages are in my head and my heart.
And if that’s what it takes for me to memorize God’s Word, then yes, I must do it. Psalm 119:11 (NIV) reminds me of King David’s words. “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.” Hiding Scripture in my heart keeps me on the right path. God’s path.
And if the memorizing of Scripture does not change me, then I might as well be memorizing a dictionary. God’s Word is active and living and when it gets into our hearts, it will require something of us.
Our spiritual journey will require us to take multiple steps to maturity. In 2 Peter 1:5-8 (NIV), Peter shares a progression to escape the corruption of the world and participate in the divine nature. “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. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Yes it is involved. Yes there are multiple steps. But the end product is so worth it! Wouldn’t we each like to be effective? Productive? If the answer is yes, then these are the steps to take. Maybe it isn’t as difficult as you first thought.
Sometimes we wait. Wait for our hearts to be softened. Wait for our hearts to be broken. And when that happens, the Holy Spirit can work through us in wondrous, exciting ways.
The Spirit of Truth will counsel (John 14:16); remind us of all we’ve learned (John 14:26); guide us into all truth (John 16:13); help in our weakness (Romans 8:26); intercede for us when we don’t know what to pray (Romans 8:26-27); and encourage (Acts 9:31).
The accomplishments are limitless with God’s Spirit at work in us.
Even though the dollhouse was a large, looming task that required a great deal of work, in the end it was truly worth every moment spent on it.
It is the same with our spiritual journey. Perhaps it seems like you’ll never be able to reach the goal. Perhaps you’re wondering if God could ever love you because of your past (or even your present situation).
Just know that any effort on your part is overshadowed by the grace that God is willing to lavish upon you. Don’t underestimate all that God has in store for you and your life.
 In the end, it is worth it all.
Grace and peace be yours in abundance,
Donna
Share
« Older Entries
Newer Entries »

  • Subscribe by Email

  • 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.

  • Bible Studies & Other Happenings

    Bible studies I’m currently leading:

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    In September 2012 I went to SE Asia on a service trip. For more information, check out preachitclearly.blogspot.com.

  • Categories

  • Recent Posts

Visit Us On TwitterVisit Us On FacebookVisit Us On PinterestVisit Us On Linkedin