The Potter’s House

February 4th, 2012 dsisler

Years ago, I worked for a woman who made items out of earthenware clay. At first I worked out of my home and received $.15 per item/piece of clay that I created. Believe it or not, I made some money doing that!
Annette’s business began to grow and she asked me to start coming to the shop to work and I had such a great time! We worked together, side by side, and I got to be pretty good at what I did. One of the items I made were “seed packet” buttons and button covers. They were just an inch long and ½ inch wide. There were tiny dashes all around the perimeter and a fruit or vegetable in the center. At first it took me a while to do these, but with practice I could make about a hundred in one day.
As my skill developed, I moved on to making wall hangings with sayings on them. I learned the stick and ball writing (with a paint brush) and worked side by side with Annette to produce her creations.
My ability grew to the point that for most people it was difficult to tell if it was Annette’s plaque or mine. I had learned to imitate the master.
I was continually asked to extend my ability. There were days I didn’t want to be stretched. I wanted to continue making the items that I was comfortable with. I wanted to stay in my comfort zone. I didn’t want to grow.
Guess what? God, the Potter does the same thing. He calls us to the Potter’s House, instructs and leads us in creating beautiful things in our lives, and asks us to be imitators of Him. And we can do that, but not on our own. The Potter begins using His hands to mold us into something we’re not comfortable with. His Holy Spirit begins to produce fruit in us that is unnatural to our behavior.
Isaiah 64:8 says, “We are the clay, you are the Potter; we are all the work of Your hand.” When we allow God to do His work in us, He creates beauty. He creates purpose. He creates. It’s not me any more, it’s the Potter and I am not only an imitator of God, but I am a new creation. If you’re like me, I suspect you’ll fall off the Potter’s wheel occasionally, but even then, we can make our way back to the wheel, and He can make something beautiful and useful out of that crumpled heap of clay.
In Jeremiah 18, Jeremiah is asked to go the potter’s house to receive a message from God. Isn’t it time for you to hear the Potter calling to you? He’s saying, “Come to the Potter’s House. I will give you My message.” That message is one of hope, love, acceptance, forgiveness, and grace. I pray that you’ll visit the Potter. Let His hands mold you into the beautiful vessel He desires you to be. Be moldable. Make Him your partner. Cling to Him. Stay on the wheel.
Grace and peace be yours in abundance,
Donna
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Faith

February 3rd, 2012 dsisler

Faith: “firm belief in something
for which there is no proof.”
Merriam-Webster Dictionary
“Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for,
the conviction of things not seen.”  
Hebrews 11:1
I watched a documentary on the earth’s atmosphere a couple of years ago. I was impressed by an Air Force Captain they interviewed. Captain Joe Kittinger was a test pilot for the Air Force beginning in 1953. He worked on many projects, but in 1958 he headed up Project Excelsior. It was a project that worked on the issue of high altitude bailout for pilots. A high altitude balloon was used and an open gondola was attached to it. The balloon and its test pilot would go to the edge of space and the pilot would return by parachute. Sounds scary doesn’t it?
Not to Captain Joe Kittinger. Five times Captain Kittinger took this journey into the sky and back again. His highest flight was 102,800 feet and on his return, he broke the speed of sound in a free fall. Now, this is a pretty abbreviated version of what he actually did and there were a few problems, but still, it is impressive.
When asked about that step out of the gondola, Kittinger replied, “When everything was done, I stood up, turned around to the door, took one final look out and said a silent prayer: ‘Lord, take care of me now.’ Then I just jumped over the side.” I can’t imagine the faith it took for him to take that step, to “just jump,” but he had faith in the program, in himself to be successful in this venture, and faith in God’s protection.
Of course, I could never see myself doing anything like this and surviving! I’m just not designed to be a physical risk taker. However, God does call us to be faith risk takers. To take the risk of sharing the Gospel, in serving God and our community, and in our day-to-day lives to trust that God will provide and care for us.
Some of God’s greatest faith risk takers are mentioned in Hebrews 11, the faith chapter. By faith, each of these risk takers took that first step and walked into uncharted territory. Without God, they would have been unsuccessful, but with God in the middle of it, they had successes beyond their imaginations. If you haven’t read this chapter in a while, why not take the time to do so today. Find that one inspirational figure that touches you and make an effort to live by faith as they once did.
Martin Luther said, “Faith is a living, bold trust in God’s grace, so certain of God’s favor that it would risk death a thousand times trusting in it.” Are we willing to risk death for our faith in our God? Does our faith boldly trust in God? These are questions we can and should ask ourselves periodically. I know I want to be a faith risk taker. I don’t want to live unaware of what God can do through me. We can all learn a lesson from Captain Kittinger. Before we take that step that might overwhelm us, offer up that little prayer, “Lord, take care of me now.”
Grace and peace be yours in abundance,
Donna
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What is Hospitality

February 2nd, 2012 dsisler

Usually when people want to learn about hospitality they look to Martha Stewart or even Betty Crocker. Some good tips come from the Betty Crocker’s Picture Cook Book, copyright 1950. I didn’t know that I was supposed to “notice humorous and interesting incidents throughout the day to relate at dinner time” or in my preparation for dinner guests, “if you feel tired, lie down on the floor on your back, put your hands above your head, close your eyes, and relax for 3 to 5 minutes.”[i]These suggestions may seem a bit odd, but in reality we want to have pleasant conversation during dinner and we, as hosts and hostesses would want to be refreshed for our guests (I know if you have this cook book you are running for it now to see what other suggestions this page holds).
Thefreedictionary.com defines hospitality like this. “Disposed to treat guests with warmth and generosity; indicative of cordiality toward guests.” This definition is what we typically think of when we think about hospitality, treating guests well and being cordial. Showing them kindness with a welcoming spirit. But I’d like to suggest that the Bible gives us another perspective on what hospitality means. Let’s look at some biblical instances of hospitality:
  • The Widow of Zarepheth gave Elijah the last of the food she had for her son and herself. Because of this, God provided continual flour and oil for the three of them to last through the drought. What amazing faith to share all that she had without a guarantee that she would be provided for, instead of keeping it for her family (1 Kings 17:9-16).
  • The Islanders of Malta who showed a group of shipwrecked sailors, soldiers, and prisoners unusual kindness for three months. The Islanders provided warmth from a fire on a cold, rainy day; they were entertained hospitably; they were honored in many ways; and were given provisions upon their departure. Through these acts of kindness, God was able to use this situation for His glory (Acts 28:1-10).
These instances show us one way of providing hospitality: giving food and lodging to those in need. The next examples show how those who shared the Good News were given hospitality.
  • Zacchaeus was chosen by Jesus to visit in his home. Jesus was pretty clear in His words, “He (Jesus) must stay at your (Zacchaeus’) house today.” And what results! A changed heart and, Zacchaeus accepted Jesus as his savior (Luke 19:1-10).
  • Lydia’s heart was opened and she received salvation by a river, then she offered hospitality to Paul, Silas, and their traveling companions. Again, she was very convincing. She persuaded the group to stay with her so that she might offer hospitality to them (Acts 16:13-15).
  • What a night! Singing in the inner prison, an earthquake, and prison doors thrown open! It’s what happened after that that made the difference in one man’s life. After hearing the Gospel, the Philippian Jailer was baptized in the middle of the night, and then he took Paul and Silas home. He not only offered them food, but he also washed the wounds of his prisoners (Acts 16:25-34).
But my favorite account of hospitality is of Priscilla and Aquila. Apollos was preaching the Gospel with great fervor. He was a learned man and had a thorough knowledge of the Scriptures. But he was missing something. When Priscilla and Aquila heard Apollo’s teaching of Jesus, they invited him to their home and explained to him the way of God more adequately. I believe there are several lessons to be learned here…for one, there is always room for improvement and learning. But I believe the most important lesson to be learned is that our homes can and should be used as a resource to share God’s message to anyone we cross paths with (Acts 18:24-26).
When we bring hospitality down to sharing the Gospel with those we invite into our homes, I think we’ve come to a true and full understanding of hospitality. It’s more than the practice of receiving and entertaining strangers and guests with kindness. It is sharing of our lives, sharing of our faith, and sharing of the grace we’ve received through our relationship with Jesus Christ with others. Who can you share the Gospel with today? And who will you provide hospitality to? Please don’t pass up an opportunity that God has provided.
“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, and faithful in prayer. Share with God’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.”
Romans 12:12-13
Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

Donna

[i]Betty Crocker’s Picture Cook Book, copyright 1950, Macmillon and General Mills, Inc., pg. 431
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Do Not Speed

February 1st, 2012 dsisler

Last February, I visited Daytona Beach for two weeks. What a trip! I was able to spend time with my mom and my two great aunts, attend several races at the Daytona International Speedway, and take daily walks on the beach. From my great aunt’s home, it was about four blocks to the Atlantic Ocean, so each day I would set out to walk the blocks that separated me from the ocean and stroll down the beach a while, then head back to the comfort of my family.
On one of these excursions, I passed a motorcycle that had a sign across the wind shield in large letters and in plain sight of the driver, “DO NOT SPEED.” Apparently, the driver of this cycle needed reminding that speeding was not a good idea.
Most highway systems these days have large electronic signs where important messages can be displayed for all drivers to see. Colorado is no different and I pass several signs each day in my travels.  My favorite message of late states, “75 means 75. Violators will be ticketed.” 
Now I typically drive faster than I should. Driving 5 to 10 miles over the speed limit is not unusual for me. I have, however, found that in our community, police officers don’t appreciate even that. To keep myself in check, I use my cruise control around town. I have no desire to receive my first speeding ticket in the Tri-Towns area.
On occasion, we all need to be reminded that we should or shouldn’t do something, whether it’s gossiping, lying, swearing, being kind to others, sharing the Gospel with our neighbor, or speeding. So God could say, “do not lie means do not lie.” Or “love your neighbor as yourself means love your neighbor as yourself.”  And even “do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God meansdo not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” Has the “ah ha” moment hit yet?
What about the times we take “signs” for granted? We see them each day and perhaps become used to them. They are just part of the scenery and then we ignore them. We go back to our old way of life and don’t take to heart the message. I think in those times, we need to remember to once again look at the signs and really see what they or God is saying. Ask God to enlighten the eyes of our hearts and bring us back to the message He has for us.
As for the cruise control, I think we can compare that to the Holy Spirit within us. He is there to keep us on track. To intercede, search our hearts, teach, fill us, and remind us of all things we’ve learned throughout our lives. Without His presence, we would surely fall into difficulties.
God’s Word continues to give us these reminders, but unless we are in His Word on a regular basis, we might miss some of them. Don’t ever think that God doesn’t have something to say to you. Be open to His subtle hints and be aware of His blunt reminders.
To be honest, that “75 means 75” sign has made an impact on my life. I now find myself traveling I-25 at 75 miles an hour more times than not. I still use my cruise control around my community. And part of this slowing down in my driving has helped me to slow down in all areas of my life. I now have more quality time and opportunity to spend with friends, family and most of all God. I pray these same things for you. May God bless you today in your travels and in your relationships.
Grace and peace be yours in abundance,
Donna
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Old County Jail

January 31st, 2012 dsisler

For my Mom’s 70th birthday, my sister and I took her to Bardstown, Kentucky to see the Stephen Foster musical, “My Old Kentucky Home.” We stayed in a bed and breakfast that had been the county jail for many decades. It was a whimsical evening and one we will never forget. The inn keeper sold some souvenirs: a key ring with “Jailer’s Inn” inscribed on it and t-shirts with hands wrapped around cell bars that read, “I spent my time in the old county jail.” I had to have these items, so I purchased them on our way out. As we left, the “jailer/inn keeper” quipped, “If you come to stay with us again, you’ll be a repeat offender.”
I returned to Colorado with my reminder key ring and t-shirt in hand. The key was added to my keyring with my mail box, car, and house keys. But the t-shirt was another story. I realized that I couldn’t wear it anywhere. I was on staff at a church, so it wasn’t appropriate work apparel. I am known in the community, so I thought it might not be a great witness to those I came in contact with to wear it around town. So with no other alternative, the t-shirt hung in my closet, hidden from the world.
Several months later, I realized that this t-shirt had a greater message for me. So I pulled it out and it is now hanging in my closet where I can see it everyday. This t-shirt reminds me that I was once held in bondage by my sinful nature. I had been confined within the four small walls of that prison cell where God could not use me. And I knew that I didn’t have to be held in that bondage any longer. I could break free. Yes, a prison escape! Free to live a life of freedom without condemnation. Galatians 5:1 says, “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.”  Without the chains and prison bars, I am no longer burdened. What a weight is lifted when we can walk away from that prison cell.
We also have the promise from Jesus in John 8:34-36. “I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. Now a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever. So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” How thankful I am for Jesus, the Son and what He has done in my life. The gift of freedom is more precious than ever each time I remember the sacrifice of my Savior. We no longer need to be slaves to sin. He has set us free.
Combined with the key, the t-shirt has a greater message. The key can unlock the prison doors. The prison doors of my sinful nature can be thrown open because Jesus has given me the key to do so. I no longer have to live in that prison cell. I can be free!
Oh, I occasionally go back to the jailhouse of bondage, and in despair ask God for forgiveness. And when I see my key and my t-shirt, I know the life I’m intended to live. I don’t want to hear the words of the jailer, “You are a repeat offender” ever again. I can live, not as a captive, but as a free woman living life abundantly. 
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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