Water

June 2nd, 2012 dsisler

One of my favorite elements in our backyard is the water fall. I enjoy sitting on the deck in the morning, drinking a cup of coffee, listening to the birds, watching the sunrise, and hearing the sound of water flowing.
Early last winter, the water froze, the pump stopped, and Mason unplugged it. This happens most winters, but it was very early and we didn’t realize it had stopped, so we weren’t sure the pump was going to work come spring. To be honest, we weren’t surprised when it didn’t start when we plugged it in a month or so ago.
Mason did a little work on it, and then found out it was still under warranty. We received a brand new pump. The water fall is flowing smoothly now.
This made me very happy, because the sound of a water fall is very soothing to me. It brings joy to my heart when I wake up in the night and hear it. There’s just something about water that brings a smile to my face.
I guess it’ only natural that the Living Water brings a smile to my soul. That Jesus can also bring joy to my heart when I awake in the night. And He soothes the pressures of this life with His refreshing presence.
Isaiah alludes to the future hope found in Jesus in Isaiah 12:3 (NIV). “With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation.” Through Jesus, the Water, we gain salvation from this deep well.
Isaiah also tells us in Isaiah 55:1a (NIV), “Come all you who are thirsty, come to the waters.” Those who are spiritually thirsty are to come to the waters. For the folks living in the Old Testament age, those waters were God. For those living during the New Testament time and later, it would be Jesus.
Jesus also called the spiritually thirsty to come to Him. In John 4:13-14 (NIV), Jesus says to the woman at the well, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.”
And in John 7:37 (NIV), “on the last and greatest day of the Feast, Jesus said in a loud voice, ‘If anyone is thirsty let him come to me and drink.’”
And this concept is reiterated one last time in Revelation 22:17 (NIV). “The Spirit and the bride say, ‘Come!’ And let him who hears say, ‘Come!’ Whoever is thirsty, let him come; and whoever wishes, let him take the free gift of the water of life.”
Jesus knew exactly how to relate this concept to people. Our desire to have our thirst quenched is essential. Both physically and spiritually.
Jesus offers grace to anyone who asks. He is so willing to give us “living water.” (John 4:10 – NIV)
So have you asked the Giver of Living Water for this gift? If not, why not? The soothing refreshment of this gift is like nothing you’ve ever known. Come! Take the free gift of the water of life.
Grace and peace be yours in abundance,
Donna
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How Shall I Live?

June 1st, 2012 dsisler

One of my Grandpa Rich’s favorite programs was the Gaither Gospel Hour. It meant so much to him since he grew up in a musical family.
I must admit, I enjoy watching an episode or two of this same show. The musical talent combined on the stage of each program is staggering. And of course, the music they sing brings joy to my soul, because they are about my loving Father, my gracious Savior, and my guide, the Holy Spirit.
Last evening was no different. The program was titled “Amazing Grace.” They began with a beautiful arrangement of Amazing Grace and ended with I Then Shall Live.
I was captured by the lyrics of the last verse of I Then Shall Live.
Your kingdom come around and through and in me;
Your power and glory let them shine through me.
Your Hallowed name, oh may I bear with honor;
And may Your living Kingdom come in me.
The Bread of Life, O’ may I share with honor;
And may You feed a hungry world through me.[i]
Wow! Those are words to live by. Living a life in which God’s Kingdom is visible. Living a life of honor. Living a life so that others might see God within me and desire the same.
Oh, I know I don’t live like this all the time. And to be honest, I couldn’t live as I do without God’s Spirit leading me. Without God’s Words resonating within my heart and head daily. Without knowing that Jesus was willing to take my sin and pay my debt.
I believe it all comes down to a willingness to allow God to work in me. If I continually choose to be drawn into sin, I couldn’t possibly hope to live a life described in this song. If I continually choose to put my needs and desires above God’s, I would never be able to read these lyrics with honesty. If I continually choose to turn my back on those in need, my words would be gibberish without meaning.
I’m convicted by the lyrics. I’m pressed to see what is missing in my life. I must be willing to make the necessary changes to live a life of honor.
Galatians 2:20 (NIV) tells me how to do this. “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” I must crucify myself and all that goes along with that. My selfishness, my pride, my earthly nature, my busyness…me.
I pray that you’ll be encouraged by these words. I may not be where I need to be, but I am in a better place than when I started this journey. May I live an honorable life. May others see Jesus in me. May God’s Kingdom receive all the glory. Amen.
Grace and peace be yours in abundance,
Donna

[i] I Then Shall Live (Finlandia), Composer Jean Sibeius (1899), Copyright: Music © Breitkopf & Härtel; Lyricist Gloria Gaither (1981), Copyright:Words © 1981 Gaither Music Company.
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Sunrise, Sunset

May 31st, 2012 dsisler

Are you a sunrise person or a sunset person? I’ve always been an early riser, so I’ve enjoyed more sunrises than sunsets in my lifetime. I believed a sunrise was more beautiful, but I’m beginning to think that are each beautiful in their own way. For their own purpose.
Our sunrises in Colorado begin in the east, but as the sun rises, it transforms the mountains to the west. The sunrise is as beautiful to the west as it is to the east.
Our sunsets in Colorado have the mountains as their backdrop. I have seen some of the most beautiful sunsets here.
I love that God has given us this type of beauty. Beauty for us to enjoy. Let me share a little of the references in the Bible and what God says about sunrises and sunsets.
Sunrise
In the Old Testament, there are many references to the sunrise. Most of them deal with something facing toward the sunrise. A building, an entrance, where the Israelites were to camp, or the direction they headed on a journey.
These accounts can be found in Exodus 27:13; 38:13; Numbers 2:3; 3:38; 21:11; 34:15; Joshua 1:15; and Joshua 19:12.
Also in the Old Testament, David shared that he was a light at sunrise in his world because he followed and trusted God. (2 Samuel 23:3-4)
In the New Testament, we see the scene at Jesus’ resurrection at sunrise in Mark 16:2-3. “Very early on the first day of the week, just after sunrise, they were on their way to the tomb and they asked each other, ‘Who will roll the stone away from the entrance of the tomb?’”
It seems appropriate that Jesus appeared just after sunrise. Especially since He is described as the “Bright Morning Star”(Revelation 22:16).
Sunset
In the Old Testament there are references to the sunset. If a cloak was used as a pledge, it was to be returned by sunset. These laws can be found in Exodus 22:6; Deuteronomy 23:11; and Deuteronomy 24:13.
During a battle with the Amalekites, Moses’ arms were held up until sunset so the Israelites would obtain victory (Exodus 17:12).
There are other references in the Old Testament that are too gruesome to mention at this time of day, but you can look them up if you’d like.
Mark 13:2 and Luke 4:40 tell us how Jesus was greeted with sick people at sunset. “At sunset, the people brought to Jesus all who had various kinds of sickness, and laying his hands on each one, he healed them.” (Luke 4:40)
I have seen some beautiful sunrises here in Colorado. But I have equally seen some beautiful sunsets. I think these two events, that just happen to occur daily, are a reminder for us to think about our God and how our lives can be changed through Him.
At sunrise we can seek God and ask for His guidance throughout our day. We can know that it is a new day and that we have the opportunity for a “do over.” I guess that is why one of my favorite Bible verses is Lamentations 3:22-23. “Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”
At sunset we can once again approach God with our daily victories, troubles, struggles, temptations and sins. We can seek His grace and forgiveness and allow Him to cover us with His wings. Psalm 141:2 tells us, “May my prayer be set before you like incense; may the lifting up of my hands be like the evening sacrifice.” The evening sacrifice is our lives, lived with God’s power and strength throughout the day.
Through my Christian walk, I can enjoy both sunrise and sunset as seen through Scripture. In Colorado, I can also enjoy both sunrise and sunset. I guess it’s not for me to debate any longer. I love them both!
Grace and peace be yours in abundance,
Donna
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Jury Duty

May 30th, 2012 dsisler

I am heading to jury duty this morning. It takes about 45 minutes to get to the courthouse. I’ll sit and wait for as long as they tell me I must. And at the end of the day, I may or may not be chosen to sit on the jury.
I haven’t been called for jury duty since the early 90’s. That case was settled out of court and I didn’t even have to go to the courthouse.
Each person in my household has been called in the past few years. I was very surprised and excited when I received my notice.

 

Yes, it will be inconvenient, but I feel it is something I am capable of and should do as part of my freedom and citizenship of the United States.
I have some privileges and duties as a citizen of God’s Kingdom as well.
Ephesians 2:19 and Philippians 3:20 show us that we are citizens of God’s Kingdom.
“Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God’s people and members of God’s household.”
“But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ.”
Titus 3:1-11 gives us an idea of how we are to live in this world as citizens of heaven.
“Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and to show true humility toward all men.
At one time, we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another.
But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.
This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone.
But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the law, because these are unprofitable and useless. Warn a divisive person once, and then warn him a second time. After that, have nothing to do with him. You may be sure that such a man is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned.”
This list contains things we should and shouldn’t be doing. Being subject to the laws of the land, being peaceable, showing true humility are just some of the things we are to do. We should set aside foolishness, disobedience, and envy. This list goes on as well.
And the reason is so that we can stay focused on what we should stay focused on. Doing good. We are to devote ourselves to doing what is good.
So for now I’m thinking of jury duty as doing what is good. It for certain is doing what is right. It may be a long day, but in the end, the reward will be greater than the sacrifice.
Grace and peace be yours in abundance,
Donna
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Follow

May 29th, 2012 dsisler

I must confess there have been a few times when I didn’t feel like writing anything for this blog. Days when I was overly tired. Days when I was emotionally spent. Days when I felt lazy.
I’ll also admit there have been a few days when I had no idea what I was going to write. Days when there was nothing in my head. Days when the list of ideas for blogs simply weren’t interesting to me. Days when I sat before a blank screen wondering what could possibly be so interesting to others. Days when I wanted to go one direction and couldn’t make it work.
But I’ll also admit it was on those days that God showed up in the biggest way. Days when He showed me exactly what to write. Days when He brought to mind the best words in the right order for someone to read. Days when I might not have written anything unless He was smack dab in the middle of it.
It’s on these days that I realize who is really in charge of this blog and my writing. It’s God.
Do you ever wonder about God’s leading in your life? Do you think it is possible? If so, let me share a few passages with you to see how God does work in our lives and how we can be open to following His direction.
It would be wonderful if God was as visible to us as He was to Israel during their journey in the wilderness. He led them by day by a pillar of cloud and at night by a pillar of fire. (Exodus 13:20-22) But the interesting thing in these verses if that it says that “the Lord went ahead of them in” each of these pillars. He was there, but He went before them. Leading them. Directing their path.
God isn’t that visible today. Instead, God urges us to use His Holy Spirit and His Holy Words to guide us on the right path. Proverbs 3:5-6 says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.” Acknowledging God is the first step to understanding His leading.
Then we need to ask God to lead us through His wisdom. Psalm 145:18 says, “The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.”
And Luke 11:9-10 encourages us to “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.” When we ask God to lead and guide us, He will do so. All we need to do is ask.
After we’ve asked for guidance, we need to be open to instruction. We need to listen and accept instruction from God. “I will praise the Lord, who counsels me; even at night my heart instructs me.” (Psalm 16:7)
Psalm 32:8 says, “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you.” What a blessing from God when we accept His instruction!
The next step is to follow. Follow God’s lead. Isaiah 48: 17 tells us, “This is what the Lord says—your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel; ‘I am the Lord your God, who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go.’”
We hear the words of Jesus in John 16:13. “But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come.”
Jesus also says in John 8:12, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”
When we are open to following God’s lead, we will be in the light. That light will illuminate the path, the direction, the way we should go and it will be clear.
The benefits of following God’s lead are a great encouragement. “The Lord will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail.”(Isaiah 58:11)
Who wouldn’t enjoy refreshment and satisfaction from God? I know there is nothing like it and without God’s guidance, I would feel parched. Empty. Lethargic.
So I’ve committed Full Measure of Joy to God. I’ve learned to follow His lead. I’ve given all of it over to His control. And I claim the promise in Proverbs 16:3. “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.”
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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