Do Not Feed the Prairie Dogs

April 13th, 2012 dsisler

My good friend Lori says that I live on the “prairie” in Colorado. I like living on the prairie. I have a full view of the glorious Rocky Mountains. I have greater opportunity to see both ends of a rainbow. Lightening storms are amazing from my vantage. And hot air balloons have landed in my back yard.

I also am surrounded by prairie dog colonies. Large prairie dog colonies. Upon first glance, these little critters are very cute. They scurry and scamper across the prairie. They stand on their hind legs to view all that’s going on around them. They “bark” to other dogs when danger is near. And they disappear under ground to avoid said danger.
Yes, they are cute. Upon fist glance. Prairie dogs are rodents and they have fleas. Some of these fleas can carry the bubonic plague. While the chances of this disease being transmitted to humans is slim, pets have been known to have contact with the fleas and become infected.
As a means of controlling the large colonies around my neighborhood and for our safety, two signs were posted. “Do Not Feed Prairie Dogs.” Occasionally a McDonald’s bag could be seen near the colonies and I suppose they were munching on a few fries. But I believe the signs are really for the children who live in the homes that are directly by the colonies.
On one occasion, I saw three children standing on the top of the play area in their back yard throwing pieces of bread over the fence…for the prairie dogs to eat. The children clearly had not read the signs. They were not aware of the importance of keeping prairie dogs away from their home and their safe environment. They were unaware of the possible danger.
As with our physical lives, we see in Scripture the warnings against spiritual dangers. The Hebrew nation was warned to watch out for spiritual and physical dangers. The list is abundant in the book of Deuteronomy.
Joshua was told over and over again to be strong and courageous, but he was also encouraged multiple times to be careful. Joshua 22: says, “Be very careful to keep the commandment and the law that Moses the servant of the Lord gave you: to love the Lord your God, to walk in all his ways, to obey his commands, to hold fast to him and to serve him with all your heart and all your soul.” That’s quite a list!
Jesus warned of false prophets, of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees (hypocrisy and teachings), of temptation, of deceivers, of dissipation, drunkenness, the anxieties of life, and of all kinds of greed.
And the Epistle writers cautioned us to remain faithful.
  • Romans 12:17 “Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody.”
  • Ephesians 5:15 “Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise.”
  • Hebrews 2:1 “We must pay more careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away.”
  • Hebrews 4:1 “Therefore, since the promise of entering his rest still stands, let us be careful that none of you be found to have fallen short of it.”
Sometimes, like the children mentioned earlier, we are unaware of how close we are to spiritual danger. How near we are to entering into temptation or falling short of God’s rest. Not following His commands. Or not giving God everything.
I believe these are the very reasons God gave us the warnings. Maybe we need signs placed near all of our danger zones. Why not use Scripture to remind yourself of the danger you’re getting near? Sticky notes, labels, or a piece of paper with a warning will do just fine. Whatever helps you to steer clear of the danger.
I still enjoy watching prairie dogs…but from a distance. I pray that God’s Words would continue to caution me of the spiritual dangers I wander too closely to. And I thank God for the signs He continues to post along my path.
Grace and peace be yours in abundance,
Donna
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The Light on the Back Porch

April 12th, 2012 dsisler

Growing up in Upstate New York brought with it some great experiences and memories. Bike rides to Blueberry Hill, panning for gold, tobogganing in the snow, drives though the mountains during the autumn months, boat outings on the lakes and canals of the area, visits to apple orchards for fresh pressed apple cider, and the list could go on.
Memories of my youth.
Another memory is playing baseball in the backyard with other neighborhood kids. We lived on a 3-acre lot and there was an open field at the back of the property where we had created a baseball diamond.
Saturday’s would come and when our chores were finished, we’d head to the baseball field with gear in hand. After rounding up our friends, a baseball game would get underway.
We would play for hours. We would lose track of time. We were having fun.
Then it would happen. My sister, my brother, or I would see it. The light on the back porch. At that moment, we knew the game was over for us. We’d gather our gear and head home. That porch light brought disappointment to us and to our fellow ball players on many occasions.
My dad had thought up the little system. If we were out and about and saw the porch light on, it was the signal to come home. And it worked well.
That light had meaning. That light contained a message. That light gave direction. That light was a beacon. That light drew us to it.
In our spiritual walk, we too have a light. That light is Jesus. Isaiah told of this great Light in his book. “The people living in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned.” (Isaiah 9:2)
John the Baptizer also told of this Light. He testified concerning the Light. “The true Light that gives light to every man was coming into the world.” (John 1:6-9)
And when Jesus walked onto the scene, the Light had arrived and He proclaimed it. “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)
On another occasion Jesus said, “While I am in the world, I am the Light of the world.” (John 9:5)
And as Jesus taught the crowds about the Light, He said, “You are going to have the light just a little while longer. Walk while you have the light, before darkness over takes you. The man who walks in the dark does not know where he is going. Put our trust in the light while you have it, so that you may become sons of light.” (John 12:35-36)
Once we become “sons of light,” we are called to be a light in this world. We are to reflect the Light so that others might see Jesus through us.
Matthew 5:14-16 says, “You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.”
Our light is to be visible to all we come in contact with…in order to praise God!
Paul shares in 2 Corinthians 4:6 a little about light. “For God, who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness,’ made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.”
Just as God created light in the beginning, He has placed light in our hearts. That light has meaning. That light contains a message. That light gives direction. That light is a beacon. That light draws us to it.
What power we have received! Romans 13:12 also tells us to “put on the armor of light.” We have this power from the Light all around…inside and outside.
So, what are you waiting for? The Light is here! The Light is waiting for you to shine! Don’t keep the Light under a bushel…oh no! I pray that you will “let that little light shine” for all to see and so that God would be glorified.
Grace and peace be yours in abundance,
Donna
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From Despair to Rejoicing

April 11th, 2012 dsisler

This semester of Bible studies are coming to a close. It is always a sad time for me. Leading women’s Bible study brings such joy, reflection, and discipline to my life.
My Tuesday night group completed “Pray with Purpose, Live with Passion” by Debbie Williams. It is a guide to show how praising God from A to Z will transform your life…my life.
It’s the second time I’ve led this study. It was much more meaningful this time around. Why? I’m not certain, but I do know that I picked up on a few ideas that I seemed to miss last time through.
One example is in the chapter on “eXalted God.” Debbie shared about Hannah from 1 Samuel chapter 1. In a state of despair, Hannah poured out her soul before the Lord. She was accused of being drunk. But she assured Eli that she was not. She was a woman who was in deep “anguish and grief.”
If you don’t recall Hannah’s story, she was married to Elkanah, who “loved her.” He gave her special attention. I would say he adored her. But for some reason, she was unable to conceive a child.
Elkanah’s other wife, Peninnah, had children and she would taunt Hannah. Year after year. Hannah would become so distraught that she would weep and wouldn’t eat. Elkanah tried so hard to bring his beloved happiness. He wanted to be all she needed. But it was never enough for Hannah. She desired a child. A son.
I’m sure Elkanah and Hannah prayed each year for this child, but year after year, Hannah would not bear that child. And Hannah would continue to live with the harshness of Peninnah. Her stinging words. Her mean actions. Her constant hurt toward Hannah.
Hannah in her deep despair poured out her soul before the Lord and when Eli understood her situation, he sent her on her way with peace and with the hope that God would answer her prayer.
Hannah “went on her way and ate something, and her face was no longer downcast.” (1 Samuel 1:18)
Now here’s the part that I missed in the Bible study. Debbie says, “She left her prayer time a changed woman, although not one circumstance in her life was changed. She was not pregnant. She still had to face the other contentious wife. Yet she was transformed by pouring out her soul to the Lord whom she exalted in worship.”[i]
How I’ve missed that in my life. Simply finding peace through God even though nothing changes that I wish would change. Finding that through it all, God is all that I need. Regardless of my circumstance.
God did provide a son to Hannah and Elkanah. Hannah dedicated Samuel to God’s purpose and Samuel became a great instrument in God’s plan. When she presented Samuel to Eli, she said, “…I give him to the Lord. For his whole life he will be given over to the Lord.” (1 Samuel 1:28)
After this presentation of Samuel, Hannah continued with her prayer to God. “My heart rejoices in the Lord; in the Lord my horn is lifted high…There is no one holy like the Lord; there is no one besides you; there is no Rock like our God.” (1 Samuel 2:1-2)
From deep despair to rejoicing…that is what God did for Hannah. And that is exactly what God can do for you and me. Pray. Allow God’s peace to infiltrate your life. Allow God’s Spirit to change your heart, even if your circumstance doesn’t. And wait. The rejoicing will come.
I pray that Hannah’s story will be an encouragement to you as she has been to me. I also pray that if your Bible study is coming to a close as mine are, that you’ll seek out another study to work through during the summer. That is exactly what I intend to do!
Grace and peace be yours in abundance,
Donna

[i] Debbie Williams, Pray with Purpose, Live with Passion (Howard Books, New York), 2006, p. 230.
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Tebow Time

April 10th, 2012 dsisler

I live near Denver, Colorado. It is Bronco’s territory. I’m not a huge football fan, however, this past season, I must say I watched more Bronco’s than in the nine years that I’ve lived here. Why? Because of Tim Tebow. It was exciting to watch him. My attention was drawn to what he was capable of on and off the field.
My granddaughter Joy followed Tebow more than I did. She was able to tell us all about his trade and new position. Well, sort of. This is what she said about his new job.
“He is in back of the quarterback at the Jets.”
Now for those of you who do not know what he is doing, he is the back-up quarterback for the New York Jets. I guess it is the same thing, at least that is what she heard.
I have admired Mr. Tebow for his strong Christian belief, but more so for his willingness to share that belief with everyone. For him, it doesn’t matter who is watching or listening. And the great thing is, people did watch and listen! People arewatching and listening!

On Easter Sunday morning, Tim Tebow spoke at Celebration Church in Texas. This is a portion of Jim Vertuno’s article about the morning.
“Tebow told them he welcomed the attention on his convictions as well as the ‘Tebowing’ prayer pose he often strikes on the field because it puts his faith and prayer in the public conversation. It’s being talked about,’ he said. ‘That’s exciting.’”[i]

Yes, that is exciting! I’ve often likened Tim Tebow to John the Baptizer. Not because of their dress or food choices, but because of their mission to tell people about Jesus! Each unashamed of the message to be spoken. Each unwilling to change that message. Regardless of the criticism.

We may not have personalities like Tim or John, but we are to be telling people about Jesus. In our own way. In our own circle. We are commanded to tell our story of how Jesus made a difference in our lives with unbelievers.
The Great Commission is mentioned in two of the Gospels. Matthew 28:18-20 says, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Mark 16:15-16 says, “Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.”
With the message that we have, why wouldn’t we want to share this good news with the lost? We might not have the platform that Tim Tebow has, but we do have some influence in our world. With our friends, family, co-workers, even the person you’re standing in the grocery store line with.
As a co-sharer of the Gospel, we hear these words from Isaiah spoken of us. “How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, ‘Your God reigns!’”
Yes, my God reigns! And I’ll shout it from the mountaintops! Thank you Tim Tebow for being such an encouragement and example to us. May each of us be the Gospel carrier God asks us to be.
Grace and peace be yours in abundance,
Donna

[i] http://mycenturylink.com/news/read.php?rip_id=%3CD9U0PDCO2%40news.ap.org%3E&ps=1013&page=1
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What?

April 9th, 2012 dsisler

Have you ever been surprised or amazed by what something you saw? I know I have.  A while back, I was driving on the highway and saw a car on top of a barrier on the side of the road. Neither the front nor the back was on the ground. It was on the barrier and it was perfectly balanced. It looked like a teeter totter. I was surprised.
I’m sure it was no different for the believers of Jesus after His resurrection.
He appeared to quite a few people. He appeared on different occasions. And slowly but surely, the believers believed. Jesus was alive!
On one such occasion, Jesus appeared to ten of the disciples. Finally after eating a piece of broiled fish, Jesus convinced these men that He was who He said He was and that He was truly alive.
Then He began speaking to them. Jesus reminded them of the words of the prophets. Of His fulfillment of their words.
And then Jesus did something wonderful. “He opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures.” (Luke 24:45)
Not only did Jesus want them to acknowledge that He was alive, but He wanted them to understand why He was alive. Their lives changed at that moment. They began to understand all that He had told them and how it was going to affect the world.
Oh, how important it is for us to understand Scriptures. To really understand. To study God’s Word. To know for ourselves that Jesus is alive.
I would urge you today, not to take my word (or any ones word for that matter) on the teachings you read on this blog. Check out my words and teachings for yourself. Do your own study of Scripture. You’ll be amazed at what God desires for you to know and understand.
Remember the verses of Scripture that I have at the top of this blog? “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)
Allow the eyes of your heart to be enlightened. Allow your heart to be changed. Allow God to work in your life. Allow His great power to work through you. And don’t be surprised by the change that it makes.
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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