God’s Strength

June 17th, 2012 dsisler

My right arm hurts. My doctor says I have tendonitis. All I know is that my arm hurts.
Not only is it painful, but I’ve lost strength in the arm as well. When I use it to lift something, like my grandson, or a sack of potatoes, I have great difficulty and I cry out in pain.
Ice, physical therapy, and Aleve are supposed to be the cure perhaps in a few weeks I’ll begin to feel relief. I am not happy with the idea that this could continue for weeks or perhaps months, but it looks like that is the possibility.
Because I’ve lost strength in my arm, I decided to see how God provides strength. God has chosen to share His strength with us. He wants us to be strong, but not on our own. We are to rely on Him. When we ask Him to give us strength, we are asking for more power than any weapon in our nation’s arsenal.
The writer of 2 Samuel 22:33 (NIV) puts it this way. “It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect.” With God’s strength we are able to see the direction we are to go. And I love the simple way that he puts it. “It is God.”Those are great words to add to our vocabulary.
When we seek God’s strength, we seek His face. “Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always.” (1 Chronicles 16:11 – NIV) God is willing to provide strength, but He also desires that we want Him. All of Him. So when we seek strength, remember to seek His face.
One of my favorite passages of Scripture is 2 Chronicles 16:9a (NIV). “For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him.” I envision God sitting on His throne with all-encompassing eyes. He sees it all. He searches for those who are fully committed to Him and then He provides strength. Strength for whatever that saint might need at that moment.
Nehemiah tells God’s people about God’s joy. But it was more than just joy. Joy in God was their strength. “Nehemiah said, ‘Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is sacred to or Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.’” (Nehemiah 8:10 – NIV) Joy in God is our strength as well. There is excitement in that strength. And our lives should show it.
“Even youth grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” (Isaiah 40:30-31 – NIV) What a wonderful passage to end with. We will grow tired, weary and feel like fainting, but hoping in our God brings renewed strength. Strength to carry on and walk the walk. To continue on our journey with His strength.
I have had to alter some of my patterns. Using my left arm to lift most items. Taking it slow in the morning until the muscles loosen a bit. Being very conscientious of each movement to protect my arm.
I do not, however, have to alter my reliance on God’s strength. That will never change. I thank God daily for the strength He provides and the many ways He shows up in my life.
If you need renewed strength today, seek God’s face, find joy in His presence, and fully commit to Him. You will then know strength beyond your wildest dreams.
Grace and peace be yours in abundance,
Donna
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A Networker

June 16th, 2012 dsisler

I have been doing the social network thing for a couple of years now. I’m okay at some of them, but really horrible with others. Facebook and Pinterest I get. But Twitter? I’m just not sure how to use it. I’m certain the 12 people who follow me wonder what I’m doing. Well guess what? I am too!
As a writer in my writing circles, I’ve been encouraged to utilize all aspects of social networking, however, it does take some time to connect with people daily and to understand the ins and outs of each of them.
I recently joined Klout. It is a site that tells me how much influence I have over others. Their byline is “the standard of influence.” On the first day I used this site, my score was a “3.” A “3!”
I thought I had more influence than that, but according to Klout, I didn’t.
Then yesterday I got a note from them that said my Klout rating had changed. When I viewed my stats, I found that my score had jumped to 45! And this is what was said about me.
“You are a networker. You know how to connect to the right people and share what’s important to your audience. You generously share your network to help your followers. You have a high level of engagement and an influential audience.”
Phew! I was beginning to think that perhaps I was wasting my time. And maybe in the world’s view, I am. But in God’s eyes, I’m doing exactly what He desires. Sharing the Gospel with others.
In Matthew 5, Jesus calls us the salt and light of the world. In verse 16 (NIV)  He says, “In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” We are called to be influential. But it must bring glory to God.
Timothy was encouraged by Paul to be aware of what he was teaching. It needed to be of sound doctrine. He was also encouraged to live a life where no one would be able to speak against it. And because of it, many would be saved. “Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.” (1 Timothy 4:16 – NIV)
In Titus 2:7-8 (NIV) Paul encourages Titus with a similar message. “In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us.”
I believe the idea of teaching with integrity is a valuable lesson. I may have influence, but if my message isn’t filled with integrity, seriousness, and soundness, I might as well be teaching how to catch a fish in a water puddle. I must spend quality time in God’s Word in order for my teaching to be in line with God’s teachings. I must spend quality time with God to know His message.
Then I must be able to share it in a way so that the message is clear. I love the passage in Colossians 4:2-6 (NIV). It is a prayer I use for those heading out on mission trips because it says exactly what they are going to do.
“Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should. Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders, make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.”
For myself I pray that doors would be opened and that my message is clear. And always, always, always that my message be full of grace and seasoned with salt.
From the beginning, I have felt that all of my writing (blog, Bible studies, and novels), had to be influential, but influential for God’s Kingdom. My goal is that God would always receive the glory for any accomplishments. And above all, that others would see Jesus in it all.
So if Klout thinks it is the standard of influence, I would have to beg to differ with them. God must be the standard by which determine whom and how we influence. But they did get one thing correct. I am sharing what’s important to my audience! God!
So what about you? How are you influencing people?
Grace and peace be yours in abundance,
Donna
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Overflowing Thankfullness

June 15th, 2012 dsisler

I love holidays…all holidays. Holidays equal celebrations for me. And if I’m anything, I’m a party girl. I love to host parties. I love to create celebrations. Therefore, I love holidays! If you were to follow me on Pinterest, you would find that my largest board is for Entertaining/Food Art.

A favorite holiday is Thanksgiving, for several reasons, but I think it is a great reminder of how we, as Christians, should be living daily. With thankful hearts.

I was awakened in the middle of the night to rain. Big rain drops falling on the roof. It was a refreshing. But it was also a reason to be thankful. I thanked God in that moment. And I prayed that the rain was falling on the fires in the mountains.
Last week I was driving the grandkids home. On a stretch of highway, a vehicle decided to return to the highway. The problem was that he wanted to be where I was. I couldn’t move over. I blew my horn. He saw my vehicle. Instead of stopping, he continued driving, but he stayed off the road until I could get around him. I thanked God in that moment.
On many occasions, I wake early in the morning and know my blog post for the day hasn’t been written. I lie awake in bed wondering what the topic should or might be. Then suddenly, an idea begins to formulate. Concepts form into words. A blog post is being written within the confines of my brain. I thank God in those moments.
Thankful. Yes I was thankful in these moments, but am I thankful all the time? Do I live a thankful life? I don’t think so. I believe I’m better than I was, but I still have work to do.
There are three verses in Scripture that mention thankfulness in a way that intrigues me. They mention being more than thankful. They talk about overflowing with thankfulness.
“So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.” (Colossians 2:6-7 – NIV)
“All this is for your benefit, so that the grace that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God.” (2 Corinthians 4:15 – NIV)
“This service that you perform is not only supply the need of God’s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God.” (2 Corinthians 9:12 – NIV)
I may be thankful, but I don’t “overflow in many expressions of thanks to God.” How sad is that? God calls us to be thankful. God desires that our hearts be softened to thanksgiving. And it is for our own good.
When our hearts are geared toward thanksgiving, life is fulfilling. Life is satisfying. Life is good. But it is only good when God is smack dab in the middle of it all.
What if you don’t feel like you are overflowing with thanksgiving? “What is wrong with me?” you might ask. Maybe this verse will open your eyes to an issue.
“But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people. Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving.” (Ephesians 5:3-4 – NIV)
If there is evidence of any of these sins in your life, it will hinder thanksgiving. Sin separates us from God and keeps our minds from dwelling upon Him. Under those circumstances, we cannot imagine thanking God for anything.
When our minds go immediately to thanking God in all situations, we are on the path to living a life with thankful hearts, overflowing with thanksgiving. I can’t say that I thank God in each situation, but I know when I should express my gratitude. I am working on this one.
Grace and peace be yours in abundance,
Donna
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The Car Store

June 14th, 2012 dsisler

I just love the excitement of children when they see something new or different. They simply cannot contain that excitement and don’t really care who is around to hear it.
This past week, I had to stop into a car dealership to pick up a part for my husband. I had my granddaughter Joy with me, so together we walked into the showroom. She could not believe her eyes! “There are cars in here! Pretty cars! It’s a car store!”
The receptionist was an older woman; probably a great grandmother and she just chuckled. She thought Joy’s reaction was priceless. Joy’s excitement was contagious. Yes, there were cars in this store. It was a car store!
We picked up the part and headed toward the door. But Joy wasn’t finished. She asked if she could look at all the cars. So we spent a few moments going around each one. She touched them. She was impressed with how clean they were. How shiny they were. How they sparkled.
Life through a five-year olds eye is precious and special.
How refreshing it is to watch and listen to our young. They repeat words and phrases we say. They mimic our actions. They are watching. Very closely.
So I have to ask myself, “Am I living the life that I want my grandchildren to mimic? Is my vocabulary free of words that I would not want to hear from the mouths of my grandchildren?” Perhaps I’m doing okay, but I know I could be a better example.
I then must ask, “What do I want my children and grandchildren to learn from me? What do I need to do to make sure they have heard my (God’s) message loud and clear?”
I must teach it. Deuteronomy gives us two verses about teaching our children and grandchildren about God. “Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them slip from your heart a long as you live. Teach them to your children and their children after them.”(Deuteronomy 4:9 – NIV)
In regard to teaching about God’s commands, He says, “Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.”(Deuteronomy 11:19 – NIV) I have a responsibility as a parent and grandparent to teach them what God has taught me.
I must live it. This one is a hard one. Mainly because these are the people who see me in my relaxed mode. Who observe me when I don’t have to have my “good face” on. Nevertheless, I must live it. I’m commanded to do so.
Colossians 1:10-12 (NIV) has some good words to live by. “And we pray this in order that you may life a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way; bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light.” I think there is a good sermon in these few verses! I may need to write these down to read daily! Perhaps even memorize them!
I must pray. Jesus prayed for future believers in John 17:20 (NIV) and we should follow His example in this area. “My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message.”
And Romans 12:12 (NIV) says, “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.”  We cannot assume that someone else is going to be praying for our children and grandchildren. We must fall to our knees with diligence and faithfulness.
I must trust. Trust that their lives are in God’s hands and that He will care for them. David knew about this trust. In Psalm 37:5-6 (NIV), he says, “Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this: He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun.”
He also reminds us in Psalm 62:8 (NIV), “Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge.”
We can only do our part, but because we do our part in this, we find assurance in Paul’s words. “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 15:13 – NIV) I cannot think of anything else I’d rather have than hope. Hope that God will come through for me and my family.
This wasn’t the only time Joy was excited during our week together, but it was a memorable one. I am thankful that God is able to fill her with this same excitement. Now I just need to wait. Patiently. But that is another blog post for another day!
Grace and peace be yours in abundance,
Donna
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Fire on the Mountain

June 13th, 2012 dsisler

Coloradans are facing a large wild fire in the mountains where we live. Yesterday there was a heavy cloud of smoke over much of north central Colorado. Wind causes a great deal of concern in the burn area. Wind blows the smoke away, but makes fire control much more difficult. If there is no wind, a cloud of heavy smoke fills the air, but the fire is easier to handle.

Unfortunately, wild fires in Colorado are a part of life. We live in a windy area with very dry climate. We have battled the pine beetle and have lost. There are thousands of trees in the foothills that are dead and completely dry. The smallest spark can cause a brush fire and it can spread very quickly.
Many homes and structures have been destroyed and one life has been lost. It is a sad situation.
It is a daunting task to fight the blaze. It is a daunting task to rescue residents and livestock from the area. It is a daunting task to house, feed, and clothe the number of displaced evacuees.
For those who are on the front lines, my prayers are lifted for your safety. For those who have lost everything, my prayers are lifted for your comfort and God’s peace.
It does seem that this raging fire is winning. But we have hope that today will bring some relief to the efforts and that the firefighters and tankers will begin to gain control of these flames. 

David was displaced and down cast on many occasions. But he knew where his hope had to land. In God. In Psalm 42 (NIV), David shares some of his thoughts on his situation.

“As the deer pants for streams of water,
so my soul pants for you, O God.
My soul thirsts for God, for the living God.
When can I go and meet with God?
My tears have been my food day and night,
While men say to me all day long,
‘Where is your God?’
These things I remember
as I pour out my soul:
How I used to go with the multitude,
leading the procession to the house of God,
with shouts of joy and thanksgiving among the festive throng.
Why are you downcast, O my soul?
Why so disturbed within me?
Put your hope in God,
for I will yet praise him,
my Savior and my God.
My soul is downcast within me;
Therefore I will remember you
From the land of the Jordan,
The heights of Hermon—from Mount Mizar.
Deep calls to deep
in the roar of your waterfalls;
All your waves and breakers
have swept over me.
By day the Lord directs his love,
at night his song is with me—
a prayer to the God of my life.
I say to God my Rock,
‘Why have you forgotten me?
Why must I go about mourning,
oppressed by the enemy?’
My bones suffer mortal agony
as my foes taunt me,
saying to me all day long,
‘Where is your God?’
Why are you downcast, O my soul?
Why so disturbed within me?
Put your hope in God,
for I will yet praise him,
my Savior and my God.”
Hope is an essential element in our lives. Without it, we would give up. We would continue to be downcast. But with hope, we have something to look forward to. Something to fight for. Something worth continuing day-to-day through the fires of this life.
I know where my hope lies. It is in the same God whom David placed his hope. The same God who is my living God. My Rock. Who directs me by day with His everlasting love and who sings a lullaby to me at night. My God, my life.
Yes my prayers are with those in direct contact with the fire and those affected by its destruction, but my main prayer is that they seek this same God to help them through this situation. I pray that you also find hope in my God.
Grace and peace be yours in abundance,
Donna
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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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    In September 2012 I went to SE Asia on a service trip. For more information, check out preachitclearly.blogspot.com.

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