Phoenix Respite – Day 3

May 5th, 2016 dsisler

 

I can’t wait to share some of the things I’ve learned at this conference. It’s been very rewarding. However, no time to write here. So please enjoy one more day of repeated blog posts. I’ll see you in just a little while!

 

Never Alone

 

2011-2-15 Daytona 002 (640x360)Reading. It’s one of those important tasks in life that we must learn to master. Whether we read because we have to, or to learn something or for pleasure, reading is an important part of life.

 

I’ve added two new books to my stack. One is The Speed of Trust by Stephen M. R. Covey. In this book, Covey shares 322 pages of the importance of trust. So far it’s been a good read.

 

The second book is called Never Eat Alone by Keith Ferrazzi. This book is about relationships and how to build them into our lives. Never Eat Alone starts with a quote by Margaret Wheatley that I’d like to share with you.

 

“Relationships are all there is. Everything in the universe only exists because it is in relationship to everything else. Nothing exists in isolation. We have to stop pretending we are individuals that can go it alone.”[i]

 

As a believer of Christ, I have read verses of Scripture that pointed me to this conclusion a long time ago. In Genesis 2:18 (NIV), after creating man, God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.” From the beginning, God knew mankind needed one another. And it didn’t stop in the Garden of Eden.

 

Meaningful relationships (both romantic and platonic) can be found throughout Scripture. Abraham and Sarah. David and Jonathan. Daniel and Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. The Apostles. Paul and Barnabas. Paul and Timothy. Aquila and Priscilla. And these are the obvious relationships I can think of quickly. But these are some examples of those who understood the importance of relationships.

 

A couple of years ago, I was doing some research about the “one another’s” in Scripture. What I found were passage after passage of things we are to do for one another. There are too many to write out individually, but I have listed them here for you to look at as you have the time.

 

Below you’ll see a word or a phrase. Add “one another” after that word or phrase and that is how we are to be living in relationships. The passages listed after the word is where the “one another” is found. There may be more, but these are the ones I have discovered. If you know of any that I’ve missed, please let me know. I’d love to hear from you.

 

Love – John 13:34; Hebrews 13:1; 1 Peter 1:22; 1 Peter 3:8; 1 John 3:11; 1 John 3:23; 1 John 4:7; 1 John 4:11-12; 2 John 1:5

Be devoted to – Romans 12:1

Honor – Romans 12:1

Live in harmony with – Romans 12:16

Accept – Romans 15:7

Be competent to instruct – Romans 15:14

Greet – Romans 16:16

Agree with – 1 Corinthians 1:10

Encourage – 2 Corinthians 13:11; 1 Thessalonians 4:9; 1 Thessalonians 5:11; Hebrews 3:13; Hebrews 10:25

Serve – Galatians 5:13

Bear with – Ephesians 4:2

Be kind and compassionate to – Ephesians 4:32

Speaking with – Ephesians 5:19

Submit to – Ephesians 5:21

Bear with and forgive – Colossians 3:13

Teach and admonish – Colossians 3:16

Spur – Hebrews 10:24

Offer hospitality to – 1 Peter 4:9

Fellowship with – 1 John 1:7

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

[i] Never Eat Alone, Keith Ferrazzi, Published by Doubleday, 2005, page 5.

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Phoenix Respite – Day 2

May 4th, 2016 dsisler

 

Just a reminder, I’m away at a conference…enjoy this older blog post. I’ll be back soon!

 

Iron Sharpens Iron

 

2011-2-15 Daytona 002 (640x360)Over the past couple of days, I’ve been reminded of Proverbs 27:17 several times. I believe God has placed before me so that I might think about this passage. You know meditate upon it and see what God has to say through this verse.

 

The nature of verses in Proverbs is that they are stand-alone verses. There is nothing before it or after it to give me a better understanding of this verse. So what exactly does this verse of Scripture mean?

 

“As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.” (Proverbs 27:17 – NIV)

 

I cook a lot and one of the most important tools in the kitchen is a good knife. I’ve searched and searched for the perfect set of knives through the years. I’ve settled on the knife collection by RADA Cutlery. Their blades are strong and yet flexible. They aren’t cheap, but they aren’t the expensive brands either. The handles fit well in my hands, they are light-weight, and they are shiny…as long as they are NOT put in the dishwasher!

 

I have come to understand that my search for Christian friendship has been a similar experience. Through the years I’ve found some beautiful believers who stretch me. Their thinking, their beliefs, their lifestyle are similar to mine and yet, they push me one step further. These are the people I can look to for sharpening. They are able to expand my thinking and imagining. And then they urge me to get out there and do what I’ve learned.

 

Now, back to the knives. Like any other knife, they become dull with use. My knife drawer holds another tool that is just as important as the knife. My knife sharpener. With a couple of swipes, the knife blade is ready to go to work again.

 

There have been times in my life when I too have become dull. I’ve allowed sin to my focus instead of Jesus. It’s during those moments when God’s Spirit has brought me back to Jesus. Through Scripture, through godly people, and through a desire to be more like Him, I’ve been sharpened and ready to go back to work for the Kingdom.

 

Another element to the knife sharpener is that it is one sided. The knife doesn’t sharpen the knife sharpener. The knife sharpener sharpens the knife. But in our lives, we must be on the lookout for others who need to be sharpened. As we become more focused on God’s will for our lives, we are able to see others who need the same focus. We are able to point others to Jesus and help them see the sin in their own lives.

 

I am blessed with some pretty spectacular folks that God has brought into my life. These people love me with the love of the Lord and when shown in a godly way, have helped me to see sin that God hated. I’ve been able to see the ugliness and dullness of what sin can do in a life. And I know that’s not how I want to live.

 

So I must ask these questions. Who is sharpening you? And who are you sharpening? I pray that you have found your sharpening friends.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

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Phoenix Respite – Day 1

May 3rd, 2016 dsisler

 

I am excited to say that I will be attending a conference for a few days in Phoenix! I’ve never been to Phoenix. I’m excited to be where the palm trees grow…just wish there was a beach close by! I’ve heard that I’ll love it, but until I experience for myself, I will never really know.

 

2011-2-15 Daytona 002 (640x360)That’s the way it is with Jesus. You can hear all the stories. You can read what the Bible says about Him. You can be told what to expect. But until you make the decision to experience Jesus for yourself, you will never know what it’s really like to be forgiven, redeemed, loved, a child of the King, accepted, filled with the Spirit and so much more. Why not take that important step toward Jesus today?

 

The conference I’m heading to is work-related. A group of Senior Administrative Assistants will be gathering to talk about our jobs. But since I’ll be pretty busy over the next few days, I’ll be re-posting some older blogs. I pray that you will have a blessed week. I will miss you!

 

“Living on Bread and Water” – Monday Musical Musings

 

If you’re like me and been around church your entire life, you’ve heard the account of the woman a lot. There have been sermons, Bible studies, lessons, skits, and songs written about this particular event to the point that it might be too familiar.

 

I found this to be true yesterday morning. I was with a small group of believers at church and we read through the passage in John 4. I heard this verse and I was touched. “When the Samaritans came to him, they urged him to stay with them, and he stayed two days.” (John 4:40 – NIV)

 

As often as I’ve heard or read this passage, I must have forgotten that Jesus stayed with in this Samaritan village. He taught a group of people who had been cast away by their Jewish brothers because of their inter-marriage with non-Jews. And yet, they still believed God and His promise of a Messiah.

 

Suddenly, this group of people were in the presence of the Messiah and they knew their lives would never be the same. Jesus offered them living water so they may never thirst again.

 

We sometimes miss another section of this passage when Jesus’ disciples returned with food (John 4:31-38). The disciples urged Jesus to eat, but He told them He had food they didn’t know about. Not food that was stashed in His pocket or hidden under a nearby rock. No, the food Jesus spoke of was doing the work of the Father.

 

The song I’d like to share with you today is called “Living on Bread and Water.” As you read through these lyrics and listen to the recording, pay close attention to the lyrics in verse two.

 

Sometimes we miss the important pieces in biblical accounts. The water Jesus offered the woman at the well and the bread He spoke of are also available to us. I pray that we are as anxious to be in Jesus’ presence as the Samaritans were and that we will also fill up with on the Living Bread and Water Jesus has to offer. When we do so, we will never be hungry or thirsty again.

 

Enjoy today’s melody. It’s a treasure!

 

“Living on Bread and Water”

 

There came a woman to a well she thought she would draw water there

But Jesus offered her so much more.

He said, “Whosoever drinks from Me will never thirst for eternity.”

The woman said to Him, “Give me to drink.”

 

And now she’s Living on Bread and Water that flows from the Father,

Oh she’ll never thirst or hunger anymore.

She’s got all she’ll ever need; she can now walk free

Because of Jesus the Living Bread and Water.

 

I was drawing from an empty well;

Growing weak I nearly fell from a hungry soul dying without bread.

But I found in Him a great supply of bread and water to satisfy,

And now I have in Him eternal life.

 

And now I’m Living on Bread and Water that flows from the Father,

Oh I’ll never thirst or hunger anymore.

I’ve got all I’ll ever need; I can now walk free

Because of Jesus the Living Bread and Water.[i]

 

Click here to listen to Ken Turner and Valor III singing this special song.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

 

[i] “Living on Bread and Water,” Words and Music by Jeff Rowland.

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“How Deep the Father’s Love for Us” – Monday Musical Musings

May 2nd, 2016 dsisler

 

Well, here we are. Another Monday. For many, this day is a dreaded one. Time to leave behind the leisure of the weekend and get into the daily routine of going to work.

 

For me, Monday’s are beautiful days. Mainly because I write about music on this day and music fills my soul with such delight. And specifically on this Monday, I rejoice because the sun is shining and because we had 49 baptisms at Rocky yesterday!

 

Now don’t get me wrong. I have to go to work today and this is one of my long days. And I have a pile of work to do today. But still, there is much to rejoice about and I intend to stick with this plan!

 

As I recalled each baptism from yesterday, I was touched by the great love of our heavenly Father. His desire to draw each one closer to Him is just astounding. Mind-blowing. Unfathomable. Deep. And so on this precious Monday morning, I pray that you will rejoice with me as you bask in the deep love of our Father.

 

“How Deep the Father’s Love for Us”[i]

 

How deep the Father’s love for us
How vast beyond all measure
That He should give His only Son
To make a wretch His treasure

 

How great the pain of searing loss
The Father turns His face away
As wounds which mar the Chosen One
Bring many sons to glory

 

Behold the man upon a cross
My sin upon His shoulders
Ashamed, I hear my mocking voice
Call out among the scoffers

 

It was my sin that held Him there
Until it was accomplished
His dying breath has brought me life
I know that it is finished

 

I will not boast in anything
No gifts, no power, no wisdom
But I will boast in Jesus Christ
His death and resurrection

 

Why should I gain from His reward?
I cannot give an answer
But this I know with all my heart
His wounds have paid my ransom

 

Click here to listen to Selah’s version of this beautiful song.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

[i] “How Deep the Father’s Love for Us,” Words and Music by Stuart Townsend, Thank You Music, 1995.

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Luke 2:13-14

May 1st, 2016 dsisler

 

It’s May 1st and it’s lightly snowing…again. Nothing has accumulated on the ground, but outside it looks a little bit like Christmas. So I thought I’d share a Christmas passage with you this morning.

 

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA“Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.’” (Luke 2:13-14 – NIV)

 

Regardless of the weather, it’s always a good day to praise the Lord. Let’s make our day glorifying and honoring to God!

 

The repeat blog post you’ll read today is just one way that we can glorify God…by sharing His message with others. Blessings to you my friends.

 

Message in a Bottle

 

I am still working on the finishing touches in my new beach-themed office. It’s coming along, but I went on a shopping spree to look for new items to add to this room.

 

NigelI found items like this cool pelican friend, who has been named Nigel after the Finding Nemo pelican. There was this great “beach” sign that I love. And an array of picture frames.

 

beachOn a whim (like all of the other purchases weren’t?), I also picked up a message-in-a-bottle. My daughter couldn’t wait to get home to see what message had been included. But to our surprise, there was no message. The paper had areas to fill in the blanks with your own message. I guess if you’re planning to travel, you need to pick this item up before you go.

 

What I’ve been drawn to is how we look at a message in a bottle. I suspect we’ve all dreamed of finding one in our lifetime and that because of finding said message, we’d save someone from a deserted island or from a calamity of some sort. But to be honest, most of us will probably never find such a message along the seashore.

 

So to fill the gap, we purchased our own message-in-a-bottle “kit.”

 

My question this morning would have to be, “What message would you want to share with the world?” I believe most people who are reading this blog would say, “God loves you!” So if we would share this message when we have nothing to lose, where is that same passion in our day-to-day lives?

 

Paul asked the Colossian believers to pray for him. Let’s see what he specifically asked for. “Pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should.” (Colossians 4:3-4 – NIV)

 

I wonder how many doors God would open for me to share His message if I prayed this prayer. I’m sure it would be more than I could even imagine. And when those doors were opened, would I have the clear message that I should share?

 

Sometimes we make God’s message difficult and confusing. And I’ll be the first to admit that there are some teachings of Paul that can get a little confusing, but the heart of the Gospel can be found in John 3:16. Know that verse and you’ll have a clear message.

 

What is your message today? Are you willing to ask God to open the doors to share His message? I pray that your willingness linked with God’s message will travel across the world. It’s the best message in a bottle anyone could possibly receive.

 

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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