God’s Love

May 15th, 2016 dsisler

 

Just a reminder this morning of how much God loves you. “For God so loved the world that the gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16 – NIV)

 

How blessed you and I are because of this great love!

 

Today’s repeat blog post is a good reminder of how we are to share God’s love with others. Have a blessed day!

 

I’m a Candle

 

What I have found in a recent survey is that I have not successfully discovered how to use my own power to spread influence around the world. For the time being, I am a candle. Take a look at what was said about me.

 

“You are a flameperson of great potential! There is a power inside of you that is waiting to come alive! It may not yet have been fully expressed in the world but do not despair because your best days are yet to come!”

 

According to this scale, there is only one way to go. Up. I was below the mark…not too far that I can’t see the opportunity to become a “flame.” Just one point separated me from doing so.

 

So what does this really say about me? That I can’t do it on my own. I know that without God on my side, Jesus being an example and without God’s Spirit leading and guiding me, I wouldn’t be able to achieve a thing.

 

However, maybe this survey does help me to see that I need to push myself just a little bit more. Maybe I need to rely on God’s Spirit a lot more. Maybe I need to learn more. Maybe I need to have my spiritual eyes open a little wider. Maybe…well, just maybe I need to get out of the way and let God do His thing through me.

 

I don’t really want to be a “wildfire” in this world, but I do want to be a “wildfire” in God’s Kingdom. I want Jesus to shine through all that I say or do or believe or think. I want others to see Jesus in me. I want Jesus to be the wildfire that others are drawn to.

 

I may be content to be a candle or even a flame in this world, but when it comes to my faith in Jesus, I cannot be content with this low ranking. I don’t know how to actually analyze and come up with a formula to figure this out, but what I do know is that the Bible gives us examples of how we should live.

 

John the Baptizer lived in a way to point others to the Messiah. Some thought John was the Messiah, but his words proved otherwise. “I baptize you with water. But one more powerful than I will come, the thongs of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.” (Luke 3:16 – NIV) I believe John was a wildfire for Jesus and that his words and actions pointed others to Jesus.

 

We saw a dramatic change in Peter after the Holy Spirit came upon him at Pentecost (Acts 2:1-4). In his address on the Day of Pentecost, Peter pointed the crowd to Jesus with words of repentance (Acts 2:38). Again, the Holy Spirit was able to use this wildfire Peter to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

 

Of course, Paul was yet another wildfire who took the Gospel to the Gentiles. Paul came onto the scene in Acts 9 with his conversion. From that point on, his life was focused on spreading the message of Jesus to anyone who would listen. His life was a wildfire for Jesus that could not be quenched by anything (Romans 8:38-39).

 

And why do you suppose these men were able to be wildfires for Jesus? Because they knew the Light of the world on a personal level. Yes, they had personal interactions with Jesus, but they knew who Jesus was. And we can have that same relationship with Jesus.

 

Jesus shared His Light with all of mankind. Listen to His words. “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12 – NIV) When we walk with Jesus, His Light shines in us and through us. In turn, we are able to be a wildfire in this world.

 

Even a candle can start a wildfire.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

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God’s Armor

May 14th, 2016 dsisler

 

I have been leading some staff women in a study of the Armor of God by Priscilla Shirer. We started last fall and still are not finished. But in our defense, we are holding to just one hour per week to spend together. This hour must include prayer time as well, so we typically just go through one day’s homework each week.

 

IMAG1501What I’ve loved about this process is how much more I am able to absorb from personal study as well as how to put these pieces of armor, their purposes and their use into practice in my life. It’s been remarkable!

 

So today I’d like to ask you, how are you using the armor God has provided for you in your battle with the evil one? Do you live as if you’ve already have the belt of truth wrapped around your ideas, beliefs and day-to-day living? Do you walk in confidence with the breastplate of righteousness protecting your heart? Are your feet ready to go in peace to share the gospel?

 

And once you’ve accepted these pieces of the armor are you ready to pick up the shield of faith and the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit? Are all of your battles covered in prayer?

 

I’d like for you to read through the armor of God passage below and think of how you are utilizing each piece today. This is important, so please take the time to become acquainted with your armor. Know how to put it on and how to use it. Then, when Satan attacks, you’ll be ready.

 

“Therefore, put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.

 

Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.

 

In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.

 

Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

 

And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayer sand requests.

 

With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.” (Ephesians 6:13-18 – NIV)

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

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Stop What You’re Doing

May 13th, 2016 dsisler

 

My husband, Mason is a photographer. He has such a great eye for finding the perfect picture. But when we are out and about, he has a habit of seeing something that catches his eye and he says, “stop.” Since I am the one driving 99% of the time, it’s up to me to get him where he wants to be.

 

i1035 FW0.9Sometimes it’s possible. Other times it’s more difficult to find a turn off and get back to where he actually saw the great scene.

 

Perhaps you’ve encountered something similar with your day-to-day living.

 

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 and 1 Corinthians 15:34a share the same thought. “Stop doing wrong, learn to do right.” (NIV) “Come back to your senses as you ought, and stop sinning.” (NIV)

 

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.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

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Bible Journaling

May 12th, 2016 dsisler

 

It’s all the craze. Using art as a form of reading, study and meditation upon the Words of God. There are many options out there from a journaling Bible to the Inspire Bible. It can be overwhelming. I have purchased a journaling Bible and have one entry (not because I don’t want to do this, but because I haven’t found the time to add this to my daily or weekly schedule). I believe I’ve shared it with you before, but here it is again.

 

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I will admit, there are some artists out there who can do this Bible journaling well. So I’d like to share some of their work with you. Maybe you’ll find some inspiration here. Maybe this is something you’ve been looking to do. Maybe you’ll just say, “nope, not my cup of tea.” Whatever you’re feeling, I believe we can all say that God’s Word holds inspiration for each of us and we must express this inspiration in some fashion. Art is just one way.

 

So enjoy these beauties. I love them!

 

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Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

 

All of these journal pages and more can be found on my Pinterest page by clicking here.

 

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How Did I Miss That?

May 11th, 2016 dsisler

 

You know how you’re reading along in Scripture and come to a familiar verse or passage and then just beyond that verse you read something that catches your eye. You wonder, “How have I missed this verse?” I’m sure you know exactly what I’m talking about.

 

Local Scenics0171mIt happened to me today. I was writing Philippians 4 and came across some pretty awesome and familiar verses.

 

“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” (Philippians 4:4 – NIV)

 

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” (Philippians 4:6 – NIV)

 

“And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:7 – NIV)

 

“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” (Philippians 4:8 – NIV)

 

Apart from getting all of those “whatever’s” in the correct order, you probably have these verses memorized or could summarize them. That’s how familiar and beloved these verses are to us. But Philippians 4:9 (NIV) has some elements to it that I feel are just as worthy.

 

“Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.”

 

I love this under-appreciated, under-quoted verse. This verse reminds us that we have learned, received, heard and seen instruction through Scripture, messages and others that we are to put into practice for ourselves. It’s not enough to learn, receive, hear and see what God’s Word has to say. We must do something with it. And that “something” is moving toward living transformed lives.

 

So what is it that you have learned, received, heard or seen lately that needs to be put into practice? Maybe it is an idea from one of the verses above. Are you anxious? Scripture has a plan to get rid of this bad habit. Is your heart or mind in jeopardy of attack? Recall what Scripture tells you will guard your heart and mind and put it into practice. Do you find yourself thinking of things you shouldn’t? There’s a whole list of things you should be thinking about…put it into practice.

 

What we learn from Scripture must have an impact upon our lives. We must put it into practice in our own lives so that others might see Jesus through us. That’s what transformation is all about.

 

This verse also gives us a promise. “And the God of peace will be with you.” (Philippians 4:9b – NIV) What a blessing it is to know that God loves you and me so much that He desires to share His peace with us!

 

I pray that you will not overlook these obscure, beautiful verses. Read them over and over until they are familiar to you. Find the pieces of wisdom found in them. Learn, receive, hear and see all that God has for you each day. And then, put it into practice.

 

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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