His Final Week

April 3rd, 2012 dsisler
 When I was in Bible college years ago, a required class for everyone was The Life of Christ. A couple of options were offered. I chose to study the final week of Christ’s life. One full semester of the final week of Christ’s life.
There is so much information in the Bible about that week. Much of the teachings of Christ that are available to us were spoken during His final week.
Halley’s Bible Handbook[i] has a great chart about the last week and Jesus’ movements. I want to share this with you.
The Last Week of Jesus’ Life on Earth
Saturday
Jesus arrives in Bethany (John 12:1)
Sunday
The Triumphal Entry. Jesus weeks over Jerusalem
Monday
The fig tree cursed. Merchants thrown out of the temple
Tuesday
Jesus’ last day in the temple. Judas’s bargain with the priests (or the next day?)
Wednesday
Day of quiet at Bethany
Thursday
Evening: the Last Supper Night: the agony in Gethsemane
Friday
Trial and crucifixion
Sunday
Jesus rises from the dead
Jesus spent much of this week in the temple with great crowds, which included Jewish leaders. Jesus spoke with the crowds and Jesus also used the time in the temple to heal those in need of healing. So what are some of the issues Jesus talked about and shared with this group?
Jesus cleared the temple…again. He reminds the merchants that the temple is a house of prayer, not for buying and selling. (Matthew 21:12-17; Mark 11:12-19; Luke 19:45-48)
Jesus cursed a fig tree…for not having figs. The lesson He taught was that of faith. He stressed to the disciples that faith in God leads to great blessings. Faith leads to answered prayer. (Matthew 21:18-22; Mark 11:20-25; Luke 21:37-38)
Trying to trap Jesus, the Pharisees sent some of their students to ask Jesus a question on paying taxes. Jesus, of course sees right through this. I can almost see Him ask for a coin with disgust. Giving to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s was His answer. And that answer astonished them…it also quieted them! (Matthew 22:15-22; Mark 12:13-17; Luke 20:20-26)
Jesus was asked about the greatest commandment given. “Love the Lord your God with all your heat and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. The second is this: Love your neighbor as yourself. There is no commandment greater than these.” Just another reminder of how we are to live our lives. (Matthew 22:34-40; Mark 12:28-34)
Jesus was a people watcher! It thrills me because I enjoy watching people too! As the crowd came into the temple to place their offerings in the treasury, Jesus watched. He noticed how the rich would throw in large amounts of money. He also noticed a poor widow, giving all that she had. “Two very small copper coins.” The lesson Jesus shared with the disciples was that giving from poverty was far better than giving from wealth. It means giving all there is…sacrificial giving. (Mark 12:41-44; Luke 21:1-4)
This is just a short list of what Jesus had to say to those in the temple and along the road. It was the last time He would be able to teach to some in this crowd. He was intentional in His teachings. He felt a sense of urgency. He knew His life was coming to an end and Jesus wanted to share as much as possible with those willing to listen.
Jesus’ final week. There is much to be learned from His behavior during this time. What have you learned? What are you willing to learn? Why not take the time this week to read through His final week. You’ll be amazed at all Jesus wants you to learn.
Tomorrow…be ready to run through the last six parables that Jesus shared before His crucifixion. Jesus was certainly busy!
Grace and peace be yours in abundance,
Donna

[i] Henry Halley, Halley’s Bible Handbook (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2000), 539
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Peter

April 2nd, 2012 dsisler

This week leads up to the most important event of Christianity. For us, we celebrate Easter morning to remember a particular morning many years ago. The morning Jesus Christ resurrected from the dead.
I plan to write more about that and other events that took place during that holy week as the week goes on, but what I’d like to concentrate on this morning is a person. Peter.
Jesus chose Peter on the banks of the Sea of Galilee. Peter was fishing with his brother Andrew when Jesus approached them and said, “Come, follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” (Matthew 4:19) These words changed Peter’s life forever.
We all know Peter as the outspoken disciple. The one who always asked the questions no one else was willing to pose.
Peter was one of the closest followers of Jesus and was nearby for several events. One was the Transfiguration (Matthew 17:1-13). He wanted build shelters for Jesus, Moses and Elijah. But Jesus asked that nothing be discussed until after His resurrection.
Peter was also with Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane (Matthew 26:36-46). Jesus took Peter and two sons of Zebadee away from the other disciples. He asked them to “keep watch.” Being tired, the trio were unable to keep their eyes open. Jesus was disappointed three times.
Of course, these aren’t the only times Peter is mentioned in the New Testament. Here are a few others you might remember:
  • Peter asked the question about forgiveness (Matthew 18:21-35)
  • Peter gave his confession of Jesus (Matthew 16:13-20)
  • Peter walked on the water (Matthew 14:22-36)
  • Washing of Peter’s feet (John 13:1-17)
  • Jesus predicted Peter’s denial (Matthew 26:31-35)
  • Peter denied knowing Jesus (Matthew 26:69-75)
  • Peter ran to the empty tomb (Luke 24:12)
  • Jesus brings Peter back into the fold (John 21:15-19)
But something changed in Peter after the resurrection of Jesus. And even more so after the Day of Pentecost. If we jump ahead to the Book of Acts, we see a man who was completely changed.
Peter’s address to the crowd on this day was miraculous. He presented the Gospel in a clear, straight-forward manner. His message was convincing and convicting. Many believed what he had to say on that day and for many years to come.
So what made the difference? The Holy Spirit. Each disciple was “filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.” (Acts 2:4)
And this was just the beginning. A quick read through the Book of Acts will show just how much Peter did at the start of the New Testament church. If you haven’t read through it recently, I would encourage you to spend some time in this book over the next few weeks.
This isn’t the end of Peter. There are two letters written by him in the New Testament. 1 and 2 Peter contain some great words of encouragement to “God’s elect” who were scattered about. They are words of hope for those being persecuted and words of warning against false teachers.
But I believe his overall message is of grace. Peter’s life showed that through the grace of God, he was who he was and was able to do what he did.
Can’t that be said of all of us? We are people just like Peter, who without grace and the Holy Spirit would be useless to God’s Kingdom.
These are some of my thoughts on Peter. Peter the man who couldn’t keep his mouth shut. Peter the man who had such great faith in Jesus. Peter the man who became an instrument to be used for God. Peter the man who understood grace. I pray that each of us would have the same understanding of God working in and through us.
I end each blog with the words, “Grace and peace be yours in abundance.” They are Peter’s words. Taken from his letters. 1 Peter 1:2b and 2 Peter 1:2a. They have come to be meaningful and powerful to me. Maybe you’ll come to love them as much as I have.
Grace and peace be yours in abundance,
Donna
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Drill vs. Car Hood

April 1st, 2012 dsisler

Does your home have shutters? I like the look of shutters on a home. They give it a “finished” look.  Mason and I decided that was exactly what our home needed.
It wasn’t a difficult job, but it was a job that required steady hands and feet while on the roof. There is one section of our house that is directly above our driveway. That was the spot I was most nervous about.

I moved my car in front of the area. My thinking was that if Mason fell, it would be better for him to fall on my car than the hard cement of the driveway. He didn’t fall. However, the drill did. It fell directly onto the hood of my car.
It seemed like such a great idea and plan at the time. And to be honest, it could have been worse. It could have fallen drill bit first and punctured the hood of my car. And if my car hadn’t been there, the drill would not have survived. Or Mason could have fallen off the roof!
Why is it that sometimes great ideas end in failure? Why on some occasions are multiple attempts made before success? Why is there a saying, “If at first you don’t succeed; try, try again?” Why can’t an idea always work the first time?
Maybe the idea was too lofty…unattainable. Or maybe it really had no merit and wouldn’t work regardless of how many times you try. Perhaps the method isn’t suitable for the plan. There are obviously many reasons a plan or idea won’t work on the first attempt.
The book of Proverbs has some great wisdom tidbits and Solomon gives us some great advice on planning. Maybe some of these verses might help with a situation you are in right now. Let’s take a look.
  • Proverbs 14:22 “Do not those who plot evil go astray? But those who plan what is good find love and faithfulness.”
  • Proverbs 15:22 “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.”
  • Proverbs 16:3 “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.”
  • Proverbs 19:21 “Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.”
  • Proverbs 20:18 “Make plans by seeking advice; if you wage war, obtain guidance.”
  • Proverbs 21:5 “The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty.”
Yes, sometimes our plans may fail, but we know for certain that the plans of the Lord will never fail. Proverbs 21:30 assures us of this. “There is no wisdom, no insight, no plan that can succeed against the Lord.”
And regardless of what we are attempting, God will be with us through it all. Listen to the advice given by David to his son Solomon in 1 Chronicles 28:20.“Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you until all the work for the service of the temple of the Lord is finished.”
Yes, when God is in the middle of our plans, there will be success. It may not be the success we desired or hoped for, but it isthe success God was seeking. And nothing can succeed against Him!
Fortunately, the drill falling off the roof and a dented hood were the only mishaps on this particular project. The shutters complete the look of our home and the house does look amazing! However, I think the next “roof” project will be done by professionals.
Grace and peace be yours in abundance,
Donna
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Sewing

March 31st, 2012 dsisler

I enjoy working on hobbies and crafts. To be honest, I think I would try anything once. But in the end, I know I can’t do everything, so have settled on a few hobbies that I really enjoy.
I’ve mentioned Ukrainian Eggs, but most recently, I’ve re-discovered sewing. I never enjoyed it throughout high school and only pulled out my sewing machine on occasion since then.
It was actually difficult to “pull out” my machine. It wasn’t a portable sewing machine. It was the sewing machine of my youth. The one I learned how to sew on. And years ago, it was the best there was. But as the years rolled on, some real issues began to occur.
I eventually quit using it. The only person who ever sewed anything on it was my mother, the real seamstress. On her visits from Ohio, I’d have projects ready for her. I am fortunate. My mother can whip up just about anything.
A couple of years ago, Mom came and, and usual, I had a project ready to tackle. She began the cleaning process on my old machine. It was dirty. It was rusted. It had seen better days. It was time to put this sewing machine out of its misery.
“If you want new curtains, I need a new machine,” Mom said.
My husband, Mason did the research. He then took Mom and together bought my new and improved, portable sewing machine. It is quite the machine! There are plenty of bells and whistles on this machine…almost overwhelming to this inexperienced seamstress (and I use that term loosely).
The purchase, however, turned out to be a good one for me. About 18 months ago, I pulled out my sewing machine and started creating. Halloween costumes, Easter outfits, NICU vests, curtains, pillows, aprons, and the list could go on.
I must say, I enjoy sewing.
But it hasn’t always been this way. Here were my reasons for not enjoying sewing in years past:
1) my sewing machine was old and not functional
2) sewing patterns did not make sense
3) ripping out seams frustrated me
So over the past 18 months, I’ve worked on this list.
1) old machine is gone and new sewing machine has taken its place
2) I’m mastering sewing patterns…reading and re-reading until I understand them
3) okay, maybe this one will never disappear, but patience does help
Old and New
The Bible talks a lot about old and new. Think about your own life. What “old” ways need to be shed and what “new” attitudes, thoughts, or actions need to be applied?
2 Corinthians 5:17 says, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!”
And Ephesians 4:22-24  says it this way, “You were taught with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of our minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.”
We need to understand that the “old us” needs to be replaced by a “new us.” Only through Jesus and His Holy Spirit is this even possible.
Patterns
We learn about patterns in Scripture as well. Romans 12:2 warns us “not to conform any longer to the pattern of this world.”
Paul asks Timothy, “what you heard from me, keep as the pattern of sound teaching,” in 2 Timothy 1:13. 
The pattern is written. We must learn to read and follow the pattern directions for our lives.
Ripping Seams
Well, this one hurts. The sin in our lives that must be ripped out is for our own good. Without this process, we can never be the new creation God desires us to be.
There is a section in Ezekiel 36 where God tells Israel what He will do for them when they turn from their sin. But the part I love is that He “will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you.” (Ezekiel 36:26) When sin is ripped from my heart, God will replace it with a new one…and a new spirit as well.
My new sewing machine is awesome. It has the capability to create beautiful items. But if I never use all the tools available, I will continue to create the same old items I’ve made in the past.
In my spiritual life, if I do not use the available tools, I will never know how beautiful my life truly can be. The Master Creator has offered it all to me. It’s up to me allow Him to do His handiwork and see what beauty He will create in me.
Are you up for some seam ripping?
Grace and peace be yours in abundance,
Donna
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A Fish and a Kayak

March 30th, 2012 dsisler

On my recent trip to Florida with my family, my brothers became pretty good at fishing in a kayak. They learned the pattern of the tides, the current of the water, and how far out into the bay they could go.

On these fishing excursions, each of them caught quite a few fish. Most were too small to keep, but they were content with spending the day slowly drifting on the water.
The problem they encountered was that when they found fish, there was no way to anchor the kayak to that spot. Before they could get their line reset, they were beyond the location and would once again need to drift until more fish were found.
My brother Michael came up with a solution. There were small buoy’s, almost like large fishing bobbers, out in the bay. Michael grabbed one of them and tucked it into the kayak to keep him in that location.
It wasn’t long before he realized that he was not staying in one location and in fact was drifting. Not only was he drifting, but the buoy was as well.
I believe we can get in that same mess with our spiritual lives. If we are not careful, our minds will pull us in a direction that might not be the correct route. Here are a few verses that will help us with keeping our minds from drifting.
Hebrews 2:1 gives us a good piece of advice. “We must pay more careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away.” Paying attention will allow us to stay on the correct path that God has set for us to follow.
“You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you.” (Isaiah 26:3) Keeping our minds steadfast brings peace because of the trust we’ve placed in God.
And how are we to do this? Romans 12:2 gives us a guide. “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.” Renewing our minds will lead to transformation.
And Ephesians 4:22-24 gives a little more insight. “You were taught with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.” Putting off the old self and putting on the new self is possible through the attitude of our minds. God’s righteousness and holiness will be evident through this process.
“The end of all things is near. Therefore, be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray.” (1 Peter 4:7) In this verse we see that being clear minded and having self control go hand in hand. By keeping these two elements in line, prayer will be the outcome.
And finally, for what purpose are we to prepare our minds? For action! “Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed.” (1 Peter 1:13) After we’ve set our minds right, we must get our minds ready for action. For whatever Satan might throw our way. We must be ready.
Perhaps you remember the old television advertisement for the UNCF, “A mind is a terrible thing to waste.” Especially when it involves your spiritual life. Use your mind. Develop your mind. Keep focused on what really matters. “Set your mind on things above, not on earthly things.” (Colossians 3:2) Quit drifting!
My brothers learned the fine art of fishing and kayaking in a few short days. Apparently, there is nothing that a little fishing won’t cure.
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.

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