Purpose or Re-purpose?

June 22nd, 2012 dsisler

I recently re-purposed an old tool box. I filled it with plants, attached it to a ladder and placed it on my front porch. I have a collection of both tool boxes and ladders, so this project wasn’t as difficult as you might think.
In our world today, people have coined the phrase, “re-purpose.” Take an item that is of no value in itself or for its past purpose, and recreate it into something beautiful, useful, or beneficial. Trash to treasure.
If you don’t know how to do this, don’t worry! There are plenty of books, websites, and pieces of advice on just how to go about re-purposing something.
And if you don’t have the time or talent to do this on your own, there are shops out there that sell this type of product. Second-hand shops have gained new momentum in sales because of our desire to re-purpose items.
It’s no different with our lives. We believe we’ve come to the place where we know our purpose and have set out on the right path, but then life changes. Jobs are lost. Homes are taken. Lives are turned upside down.
We have no option but to “re-purpose” ourselves and our lives.
But then there are those who are looking for the first purpose in their life. “Why am I on this earth?” “Is this all there is to life?” These may be questions you’ve asked. And they are legitimate questions. We must figure it out.
Rick Warren’s “Purpose Driven Life”[i]has sold over 30 million copies! 30 million people throughout the world are asking those same questions. You are not alone.
According to Mr. Warren, we are on earth for these five purposes: worship, fellowship, discipleship, ministry, and mission. I believe it is that simple. I may not have the specifics of his book here, but the main purposes he gives are pretty simple.
I’ve put together a few of my own thoughts on this topic. Let’s take a look at them.
God is in the middle of it and He isn’t going to abandon your journey. Psalm 138:8 (NIV) says, “The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me; your love, O Lord, endures forever—do not abandon the works of your hands.” God knows what your purpose in life is. His Word is filled with those purposes. Searching Scripture and learning what they are will bring satisfaction to your soul.
The apostle Paul had many purposes before meeting Jesus. After that introduction, Paul changed. His life changed. His purpose changed. Paul was re-purposed for God’s use. He says in Acts 20:24 (NIV), “However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the gospel of God’s grace.”
Sharing the Gospel was Paul’s purpose. Paul was open to God’s leadership and moved in God’s direction. Of course, this is one of our purposes as well. To share God’s grace with those we come in contact with.
Paul speaks of heaven in 2 Corinthians 5:5 (NIV). “Now it is God who has made us for this very purpose and has given us the Spirit as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.” It is a purpose for which we were created. To spend eternity with God in heaven.
Verses 1-4 speak of moaning while in this “earthly tent.” That doesn’t sound pleasant, but once in heaven, we have the opportunity for life to flow through us and to be part of the heavenly dwelling. Now that is a wonderful re-purpose! I don’t know about you, but I cannot wait to be part of it.
I believe it is easy to fall into the trappings of our world and spend much of our lives searching for our purpose while here. But I say search God’s Word to find your purpose. Seek God’s Kingdom first and foremost. These aren’t my words, they are Jesus’ words of encouragement to us. “Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” (Matthew 6:33 – NIV) Are you ready to begin the re-purpose journey?
Grace and peace be yours in abundance,
Donna

[i]Purpose Driven Life, Rick Warren, 1997, Zondervan
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NAPA Know How

June 21st, 2012 dsisler

My son, Philip, just got a new car. Well it’s actually a used car, but new to him. It needed some work, so my husband, Mason, helped out.
At one point, Mason pulled a hose from the engine and saw a crack. He thought it should be replaced, so he asked if I wouldn’t mind going to the NAPA store. I headed inside to gather my purse and keys and then it hit me. I was going to the NAPA store! The new NAPA store! I actually said it out loud. “I’m going to the new NAPA store!”
I then laughed at myself and headed to the NAPA store.
I am a NASCAR fan. Love to watch the races. Enjoy rooting for my driver and his team. And it just so happens, my driver drove the NAPA car for years. I even made a Ukrainian Egg that looks like his race car with NAPA on the side.
Now you know why this was a big deal.
I got to the new NAPA store and couldn’t believe how nice it was. Race drivers on the front door. Big open area inside. It was the nicest auto parts store I’ve ever been in!
Unfortunately, they didn’t have the part, so I left empty handed.
After that experience, my mind wandered to the fact that there are days when I’m not that excited to study God’s Word. Or maybe go to a church service. Or spend just a few minutes in prayer with God.
Ouch!
I want desperately to be as excited to be with God as I am with other areas in my life. I want to run to His Word and say, “I am going to study and learn what God has to say to me today!” But some days it’s just not as exciting as I desire it to be.
So how do I put the excitement back into my study time, my prayer time, my devotional time?
I look with fresh eyes.
Just as we need regular eye exams, we need to examine our spiritual eyes to see if they align with God’s Word. David knew how important this was when he penned these words. “Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law.” (Psalm 119:18 – NIV)
The writer of Hebrews tells us where our eyes should be. “Let us ix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith…” (Hebrews 12:2a – NIV)
By looking at my time with God with a new perspective, God’s perspective, my desire to do so will increase. I will not be able to wait for our next time together.
I listen with open ears.
Isn’t it easy to tune out noise? I’ve heard of people who live in the path of an airline runway not hear the planes taking off after a while. Now that is tuning out.
What if we do the same thing when it comes to listening to God? Not ignoring Him because it’s what we want to do, but because we’ve heard it so many times before.
I believe Solomon knew the possibility and wrote these words for us to consider.
“…turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding…” (Proverbs 2:2 – NIV) We must continually turn our ear to God’s voice and words.
Isaiah was thrilled with the prospect of being awakened by God daily. “The Sovereign Lord has given me an instructed tongue, to know the word that sustains the weary. He wakens me morning by morning, wakens my ear to listen like one being taught.” (Isaiah 50:4 – NIV)
Oh, how I want Isaiah’s thoughts to be my thoughts. To say, “Waken me Lord, to listen to what you have in store for me today.”
I approach with a teachable mind.
I believe I join God in Bible study some days and think I know it all. But I know nothing when compared to God’s infinite wisdom. If I am not open to learning from Him continually, I may as well shut the Bible now and never open it again. I must be teachable. Always.
Paul tells the Roman church, “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) We cannot think the way the world thinks. Our minds need to be renewed by God. It is only then that His will becomes clear.
When we are teachable, God’s peace will flood our souls. His perfect peace will be with us. “You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you.” (Isaiah 26:3 – NIV) Now that is worthwhile!
I rest with a renewed heart.
When all the looking, hearing, and teaching moments have occurred, if my heart is not changed, it is for nothing. My heart must rest in God’s love and Word. When I’ve found that place, I can repeat the words of David.
“Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” (Psalm 51:10 – NIV)
When my heart is at rest, “I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands. I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.” (Psalm 119:10-11 – NIV)
Storing up precious Words from God…now that is heart changing.
My words today are not just for your benefit, they are for mine as well. I don’t want to take God for granted and with the words written today, I will run into God’s arms daily. I pray that you will do the same.
Grace and peace be yours in abundance,
Donna
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Worship

June 20th, 2012 dsisler

I love to worship God. I love to praise Him for who He is and for what He has done in my life. I love to be in His presence to adore the One who dramatically changed me forever. The good news? We have the opportunity to worship God all day long, every day. It isn’t reserved for Saturday evening or Sunday morning.
As a matter of fact, Romans 12:1 tells us, “Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship.” Our daily lives are to be our worship!
I also love attending a worship service. My home church is pretty large. A mega-church. Not one of the largest in the country by any means, but still a mega-church.
While I was on staff for nearly six years, I learned the ins and outs, the mechanics of putting together a worship service at LifeBridge Christian Church. I believe because of that, I enjoy it so much more. I know the time and effort the team must expend each week for our worship services to be as they are.
One of my new, favorite worship songs is of course, by Chris Tomlin. And just a note, I believe God has poured out so much talent into this one person. He writes just the right words. He puts them together in a way that gives great meaning for our worship. I ask God’s continued blessing upon Mr. Tomlin and the work he does for God’s Kingdom! I would also ask that for every Christian song writer. These men and women use their talents to spread the Gospel. It might just be the only way someone will hear the message.
Favorite worship song…yes, it would have to be “All My Fountains.” It’s taken from the passage in Psalm 87:7 (NIV), “As they make music they will sing, ‘All my fountains are in you.’”
Everything in our lives must come from God. Everything.
All My Fountains

This dry and desert land, I tell myself, “Keep walking on.”
Hear something up ahead, water falling like a song.
An everlasting stream, your river carries me home.
Let it flow, let it flow.

A flood for my soul, a well that never will run dry.
I’ve rambled on my own, never believing I would find.
An everlasting stream, your river carries me home.
Let it flow, let it flow.

Open the heavens, come Living Water;
All my fountains are in You.
You’re strong like a river, your love is running through;
All my fountains are in You.

Come on, and rain down on us, rain down on us, Lord.[i]

I know what it’s like to be in a dry and desert land. Both physically and spiritually. It is difficult to breath. It is difficult move. But when the relief comes. When the rains fall. When my soul is back in line with God’s Word, I know in that moment that there is nothing of value outside of God’s will.
The refreshment. The restoration. The renewing. It all comes from God. All my fountains must be in God. Must come from God.
What fountains are you chasing today? I pray that you will seek The Fountain of Living Water. I pray that you will make Him the center of your life. There you will find all that you’ve been looking for.
Come Living Water!
Grace and peace be yours in abundance,
Donna

[i] All My Fountains, Chris Tomlin, Passion 2011, Album: “Passion: Here For You” Copyright 2011, sixtepsrecords/Sparrow Records
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Hot or Cold?

June 19th, 2012 dsisler

We have seen some extreme weather over the past few years. It isn’t unusual for our state to see snow in October, but last year we experienced cold temperatures along with the snow that hung around for a while. I’ve mentioned before that our water feature froze early and was shut down for most of the winter.
Now we are experiencing hot temperatures. The official high in Denver yesterday was 100° degrees and it was near that the day before. The hot climate is making fighting our wildfires very difficult.
Although there are many who believe these extremes are worrisome and we are on a path of destruction, I am not going to discuss that issue. I am not an expert on the behaviors of our planet. I cannot speak to that topic.
What I can speak to is spiritual destruction. The church at Laodicea in Revelation 3:14-22 was a group of people who had chosen an easy path. They had made the decision to be lukewarm. And I’ll tell you now, the Amen (Jesus) was not happy with their lifestyle.
Laodicea was a wealthy city. Laodicea produced a glossy black wool that was used to make cloaks. There was a medical school in Laodicea the specialized in eye salve. Combined with the hot springs nearby, this city was bustling. Laodicea had great wealth.
Material wealth does not equal spiritual wealth. And that is exactly what the Amen found in Laodicea. A church that was neither hot nor cold. They were lukewarm.
Early in this section of Scripture, the Amen shares His issue. “I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm—neither not nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth.” (Revelation 3:15-16 – NIV)
I can’t help but wonder how the Amen views my life. Am I lukewarm? Do I profess to be a Christian, but don’t live up His expectations? How close am I to being spit from His mouth? My friends, these are serious questions. These are questions I must answer truthfully. Honestly. My spiritual well-being depends upon it.
If our decision is not to be spit from the Amen’s mouth, then what must we do? How shall we fix this spiritual issue? I think we can look at the other churches who were blessed and honored by the Amen’s words to see what He praised them for.
The church in Ephesus (Revelation 2:1-7)
Worked hard, persevered, did not tolerate wicked men, tested false teachers, endured hardships for Jesus’ name, and did not grow weary.
The church in Smyrna (Revelation 28-11)
Found riches in affliction and poverty, withstood lies, and suffered, but were faithful.
The church in Pergamum (Revelation 2:12-17)
Remained true to Jesus’ name and did not renounce their faith.
The church in Thyatira (Revelation 2:18-29)
Filled with love, faith, service, and perseverance.
The church in Sardis (Revelation 3:1-6)
Little faith remained with the majority of this church, but a few had not soiled their clothes. This remnant would walk with Jesus, wearing white, and were worthy.
The church in Philadelphia (Revelation 3:7-13)
Kept the Word, did not deny Jesus’ name, kept the commands, and endured patiently.
While there were some things Jesus held against the churches, Jesus saw good and value within. These are the characteristics Jesus wants to see in our lives. By following the examples given, we too are able to overcome.
Jesus chose to discipline the church at Laodicea. His desire was and is that all come to know Him and accept Him as Savior. Their spiritual awakening was a great witness to their peers and for future generations.
The riches this church would receive from the Amen were true treasures. Gold refined in the fire. White clothes to wear. Salve to put on their eyes. Once they possessed these riches, their lives would be changed. They would become rich. They would be able to cover their shameful nakedness. They would be able to see.
The Amen is knocking on the door of our hearts. We determine whether the door is opened or not. We determine if the Amen will join us for a meal. Jesus has promised victory to those who choose to be hot over being lukewarm. Phew! I think it’s getting hot!
Grace and peace be yours in abundance,
Donna
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Taste Test

June 18th, 2012 dsisler

Have you ever been involved in a taste test? A couple of years ago, I qualified for some consumer taste testing. It was fun and mostly delicious. The process itself is interesting, scientific and completely anonymous.
After tasting different products a series of questions were to be answered. Some of the questions included evaluation of the color, texture, or thickness of the product. Other questions included assessment of taste or appearance.

My granddaughter Joy spent the night after one of these sessions. She wanted to taste test some food. So we set up our own little taste test for her.
Once a variety of foods were purchased and prepared, the testing began. There were some items she did not like. Some she really enjoyed and others were just okay. With Aunt Candy by her side, she found deliciousness in some of what she ate.
After it was all over, Joy had tasted some food that she had never experienced before. She is now open to trying new foods when the opportunity arises.
When we look at the book of Psalm, David takes his readers to God’s own taste test. Psalm 34:8 (NIV) says, “Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in him.”
Have you ever wondered what God’s goodness tastes like? If you have smiled when God showed in a situation, you’ve tasted His goodness. If you’ve found pure pleasure in reading God’s Word, you’ve tasted His goodness. If God working in you has brought complete satisfaction to your soul, you’ve tasted His goodness.
It is interesting that also in this past year I have done the study Made to Crave[i]by Lysa TurKeurst twice. I have tasted some wonderful tidbits in God’s Word that lead me to the conclusion that I can taste of God’s goodness when I am craving an Oreo cookie. My longing and craving can only be satisfied through God. The thing is that God made us to crave, but to crave God not food.

I find it completely comforting and wonderful that God knew exactly what I would need to find in Him. Then He spelled it out very clearly. “Taste my goodness.” It really is that simple.
When we taste of God’s goodness, we know we will love it. It will be perfect in all areas. There won’t be anything lacking. It will be exactly what we expected. Good.
So are you ready to jump in and taste God’s goodness? You will love it. You will be satisfied. You will find pure pleasure. You will develop a smile on your face. All because you were willing to “taste and see.”
Grace and peace be yours in abundance,
Donna

[i]Made to Crave, Lysa TerKeurst, 2011, Zondervan
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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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