Good?

February 19th, 2012 dsisler

If you have ever been through a rough time, a tragic time, a disappointing time, you may have heard this verse before. “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28) I’ve thought about this verse throughout my lifetime, and probably have used it a time or two. But, until my life was turned upside down last year, I never took the time to study this passage.

 

Good? How can we say it is good when a loved one dies, or when someone close to us is told they have cancer, or when I’m going through financial hardship because of the loss of a job? If we only look at this verse, it is what we are to believe. But I truly believe we can find answers to the questions surrounding this verse of Scripture when we look at the passages before and after it.

 

Let’s break down Romans 8 and allow God to lead us to a correct understanding.

 

  • “There is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (8:1)
  • “The Spirit helps us in our weakness” (8:9-17; 8:26)
  • We have a future – the temporal things of this world cannot be compared to our future (8:18)
  • We love God and have been called to His purpose (8:28)
  • “If God is for us then who can be against us?” (8:31)
  • “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Trouble, hardship, persecution, famine, nakedness, danger, or sword?” (8:35)
  • “We are more than conquerors!” (8:37)
  • “Neither death nor life, angels nor demons, present nor future, nor any powers, height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God” (8:38-39)

 

God loves us. He doesn’t want to see us hurt, but God can use those times in our lives to make us better people. You see in Romans 7, Paul makes statements like, “I am unspiritual,” and “I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature,” and “when I want to do good, evil is right there with me.” Apart from God, we are not good. We cannot know God’s goodness. It is only through knowing God that we know good. He can work through us to bring out the good in us. To mature us. To develop us into a person He can use for His Kingdom.

 

The good is not the external things. The temporal, worldly things. Events that are crushing, devastating, troubling to our mortal bodies. No the “good” is the internal good God is doing within us. We have the Holy Spirit to lead, guide, comfort, etc. when we are under fire. In our weakness He makes us conquerors. God is on our side!

 

Through my loss, I’ve learned that God is at work in me. I’m here for God’s purpose. I know that through my experience the good developed within me is greater and stronger. And until I’m with those who have gone before, I must continue to allow the Holy Spirit to work “good” in my life.

 

God has reminded me over and over this past year that His grace is sufficient. On that Sunday morning last March, I could not have known what I was heading in to, but God did. His Holy Spirit did. They loved me through the day. They comforted me through the day. They worked on me through the day. And in the end, I knew that God’s grace was all I needed. I knew that I was a conqueror and my faith is stronger today than it’s ever been in my life because of that experience. So I can agree and repeat these words from the Apostle Paul:

 

“I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither present nor future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Amen.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

Share

The Cold

February 18th, 2012 dsisler
I have a cold. It’s one of those times in my life where I want to scream. I have a trip planned in two weeks, a first birthday party to plan, and numerous other important items to check off my list before my trip. I simply don’t have time to be sick! I have managed to stay healthy for over a year. I’ve been around sick people, but have kept my hands washed and their germs off of me. But it didn’t work this time.
Why? Why this time? Well, I was tired, run down, not taking care of myself, and the smallest germ attacked my system. It broke through all the defenses I’ve worked so hard to build up. Defeat. Yes, this cold has defeated me. It’s taken days from me. Days that I need in order to get things done for upcoming deadlines.
This cold reminds me of times when I’ve allowed my spiritual defenses to drop. It’s during those times that Satan knows exactly how to jump all over me and bring me down. When I’m too busy to spend quality time with God. When I’m so tired that I don’t want to spend quality time with God. Even when I’m sick, when my brain isn’t up to par because of medication to spend quality time with God. That’s when Satan attacks. When I am not at my best.
Unfortunately, these times are more frequent than I’d like. So Satan has plenty of opportunity to attack. But surely there is something I can do to prevent it, or to help ward off his attacks. Right? Yes! Ephesians 6:10-18 gives us the perfect weapons to “extinguish the flaming arrows of the evil one.” (Ephesians 6:16)
First, we are called to “be strong in the Lord and his mighty power” and to “put on the full armor of God.” Without God’s strength and armor, we would be defenseless against Satan.
Then we are to put on:
  • The Belt of Truth
  • The Breastplate of Righteousness
  • Feet Fitted with Readiness
  • The Shield of Faith
  • The Helmet of Salvation
  • The Sword of the Spirit
With these tools and the understanding of how to use them, we can stand firm, be alert, and pray. I am so thankful for the tools that God gives us to prepare for battle! Don’t underestimate what God can do through you wearing His armor!So don’t allow your busyness, tiredness, or illness keep you from seeking God’s truths. Keep on keeping on. Stand firm. The battle belongs to God!
Grace and peace be yours in abundance,
Donna
Share

Buttons

February 17th, 2012 dsisler

My family can be so inspiring! I hear things they say and know that one day it will be in one of my writings. This is yet another conversation that held great opportunity for landing right here. Thank you to my family who keep material heading my way.

Joy has had a tough year. With the arrival of a new baby brother, her prominent place in this world has dropped significantly. It’s not that she isn’t loved any more than she always has been, but a baby needs a lot more attention and care than a 5 year-old.  As with any other child, it brought out some undesirable behavior. And if you’ve gone through this, you know exactly what I mean.
Each day brought misbehavior, stubbornness, punishment, and reconciliation. It was a continual cycle. One that rarely ended. Bethany, Joy’s mom, on one occasion told Joy that “she knew the right buttons to push” that would make Bethany mad. And as I’ve stated in a previous writing, Joy hears and remembers what we say to her.
Bethany and Joy were headed to the store. Bethany told Joy that if she behaved, she would be rewarded with some small trinket. Joy was so excited. Then Joy asked, “Mommy, can you turn off your buttons?”
I know you are laughing as hard as Bethany did when Joy first said it and as much as I did when I first heard it. She is so smart! She knows not to misbehave. Why she continues to do so is difficult to understand. But she does, and she tries to get out of trouble by using her understanding of the situation.
 What or who pushes your buttons? Is it the person sitting in the cubicle next to you? Or what about the driver who cannot be patient and insists on driving recklessly? Is it the way the mail carrier puts your mail in your mailbox? Or maybe a rude sales clerk or waitress? Whatever it might be, it’s important that we know what pushes our buttons and then learn how to control what happens after the buttons are pushed.
God has given us His Spirit, His Holy Spirit to reside within us. With the Holy Spirit, we are able to push aside those feelings when our buttons are pushed. With the help of the Holy Spirit, we can live at peace with those who push our buttons. And Scripture tells us that that is exactly what we are to do.
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.” (Matthew 5:9)
“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” (Romans 12: 18)
“…Aim for perfection, listen to my appeal, be of one mind, live in peace…” (2 Corinthians 13:11)
“…God has called us to live in peace.” (1 Corinthians 7:15)
“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.” (Colossians 3:15)
We can also look at Galatians 5:22-23 to see the fruit we are to produce with the assistance of the Holy Spirit. “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” Peace and self-control show up on this list. Combined with the rest of the mentioned fruit, we are able to do what God has called us to do.
We are called to live in peace. We are called to do our part. We are called to not let the button pushers of this world get to us. I know it is not easy. I’ve been there. But through prayer and the Holy Spirit helping me with my attitude, it was possible. It is possible. Can you turn your buttons off?
Grace and peace be yours in abundance,
Donna

Share

Not From Around Here

February 16th, 2012 dsisler

I come from a line of wonderful cooks on both sides of my family! I think I have successfully added my name to that list. Our style of cooking and preparing meals would have to be called comfort, home style, Southern…a.k.a. fattening! It’s not enough to have a pork chop. It must be fried and then smothered in gravy. And to go along with that, there must be creamy mashed potatoes (with a whole stick of real butter to make it even better, and if you have some heavy cream, well, you get the picture!) also with the gravy on top, a vegetable of some sort (yes, with butter or bacon for flavor), and bread. Not just any bread. Homemade yeasty dinner rolls or biscuits from scratch.
Now, my friends, you know why I struggle with my weight! This way of cooking is deep in my soul. It runs through my veins. But, I have managed to make some changes to my cooking trends and have been able to produce some “healthier” fare for my family. Moving to Colorado from Ohio helped with that as well. Colorado folks seem to eat healthier.
Several years ago, I was helping with the hospitality portion of an event at church and we had chicken with a sauce over it with dinner rolls…I really don’t remember what else was served, but I’m sure it was all good. After serving our guests, we, the helpers sat down to enjoy the dinner. When my plate was empty, I said, “I think I’ll have another roll with some gravy on top.” The gentleman sitting next to me said, “You’re not from around here are you?”
No, I am not from around here and it was obvious.
I wonder if that can be said of me when it comes to my daily Christian walk. Do people look at me and say, “She’s not from around here…her home is heaven.” I pray that my life is different from those of the world. I pray that my life reflects the image of God my Father. I pray that my Christian heritage can be seen in me. I pray that my priorities are heavenly, not earthly.
Romans 12:2 points us in this direction. “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.” Being transformed is a process. And the way we can be transformed is by renewing our minds. Making changes in our minds. Putting aside the ideas that this world inflicts upon us, and seeking the will of God. That is transformation!
Not only have I had great examples in the kitchen, but I must say that those same family members have shown me what Godly, Christian living look like. The old gospel song, “This World is Not My Home”comes to mind. My desire is that as I am “just passing through” that others will take note that I am on my way Home. Home to my Heavenly Father.
Grace and peace be yours in abundance,
Donna
Share

It’s Fuzzy!

February 15th, 2012 dsisler

Don’t you love the way children think and express themselves? My daughter, Candace, has brought many smiles to my face through the years. At one point, she looked out the front window of the house and said, “It’s fuzzy!” Upon looking out the window, yes I could say it was fuzzy, too. But as an adult, I knew the correct term was “foggy.”

There is a commercial for an allergy medication where the screen looks fuzzy and then the film is pulled back and suddenly, the picture is clear, in focus. Oh, how I wish life were that way. When circumstances seem to be blurring the view of life or when you’re in a situation where the correct decision isn’t quite clear. Wouldn’t it be nice to be able to pull that film back and suddenly, you know exactly what to do?
Thankfully, God has provided us with several tools and resources to help us during these times.
  • We have God’s Word, and while it won’t answer every question, it will answer the most important ones. When we learn certain principles from Scripture, we’re able to use those concepts in all areas of our lives. Ask God to lead you to the right passages that will help with answering your questions.
  • We have prayer. Our communication with God is a vital link to understanding life and its questions. Through prayer, we are able to gain wisdom and insight into circumstances. Allow yourself to spend this time with Him in all situations.
  • We have the Holy Spirit. God’s Spirit is within us to lead, direct, comfort, and convict, as well as other duties. Don’t ignore how He is leading you. Believe it to be His guidance.
  • We have a fellowship of believers. What would life be like without good Christian friends? Friends who will give good, sound, Christ-like advice when it’s needed? Or a shoulder to cry on? Or a friend who will just sit with me?
We may never have all of the answers, but with the help of the above mentioned, we have a better chance of getting out of the “fuzz.” Clear minds and thinking are essential for making good decisions.
“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
Grace and peace be yours in abundance,
Donna
Share
« Older Entries
Newer Entries »

  • Subscribe by Email

  • About Me

  • "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.

  • Bible Studies & Other Happenings

    Bible studies I’m currently leading:

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    In September 2012 I went to SE Asia on a service trip. For more information, check out preachitclearly.blogspot.com.

  • Categories

  • Recent Posts

Visit Us On TwitterVisit Us On FacebookVisit Us On PinterestVisit Us On Linkedin