Just a Prayer Away

February 20th, 2016 dsisler

 

I love to pray. This is such sweet communion between God and me. Over and over in Scripture we find reasons to join God in this special time. Take a look at some of them.

 

???????????????????????????????Psalm 34:17 (NIV)

“The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles.”

 

Psalm 55:22 (NIV)

“Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall.”

 

Romans 8:26-27 (NIV)

“In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God’s will.”

 

1 Peter 3:12a (NIV)

“For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their prayer.”

 

1 John 5:14-15 (NIV)

“This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him.”

 

If you haven’t figured it out by now, God wants to help us in every situation of our lives. But we need to approach Him. We need to ask. And we need to understand that He will always answer our prayer. Always. But God’s answers are in accordance with His will, not our own.

 

I also love it when others ask me to pray for them. Whether it’s a friend, family member or co-worker, I feel blessed and honored when asked to pray for situations in my loved one’s lives.

 

I know that there are times when we are distracted or feel like we don’t have the time to pray or when we even forget to pray. But just so you know, God is still there. He continues to wait for you to approach the throne of grace. When you do so, your heavenly Father opens His loving arms and wraps you tightly in His beloved embrace. He will always be there. He will never, ever let you down.

 

So today, just remember that God is just a prayer away. Do you need to have a little visit with Him?

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

Share

The Wedding Banquet

February 19th, 2016 dsisler

 

My mind is preoccupied. One month from today, my son, my firstborn child will say “I do” to his lovely bride. It seems like there is still so much to do! Final decisions. Preparations. Travel arrangements. And this list goes on and on.

 

sunrise 1-28-15But as I focus on the blessed day ahead, I’m also preparing for another day that is yet to come. The day the Groom returns for His Bride.

 

In one of those Monday morning prayer sessions, I focused on the Church, the Bride of Christ and was once again swept away by the beauty of this picture.

 

I wrote a Bible study a couple of years ago on the parable of the wedding banquet in Matthew 22, but I looked at this passage through fresh eyes on that morning several weeks ago because of the wedding preparations we are in the midst of. These are some of the things I learned.

 

The Wedding Banquet Was Prepared

Matthew 22:4 (NIV) tells us that oxen and cattle had been butchered and everything had been made ready for the wedding of this son. Now, I have never butchered either of these animals, but I know what it takes to prepare a feast from meat purchased at a store. This was a lot of effort. But for this child, the father was willing to do whatever necessary to make this day special.

 

The same is true of our heavenly Father. His preparations have been in the works since before the beginning of our time. I don’t know about you, but I can’t wait to be welcomed into the wedding feast of the Lamb. It’s gonna be awesome!

 

The Invites Were Sent

Apparently in Jesus’ day, guests were invited to the wedding banquet, but no date was given for the actual event. Once the preparations were made, guests were once again invited to come. These guests in Matthew 22 were not very accommodating to their host. They all backed out! What’s more, they refused to join in the celebration. How hurt the father must have been!

 

Folks, let’s face it. We have all received the invitation and many have accepted the invite, but how are we doing on the waiting thing? Where is our focus? I pray that on that glorious day when the Groom arrives to claim His Bride that we are all prepared and ready to go willingly.

 

RSVP’s Were Given

These guests who refused to attend the wedding feast had apparently RSVP’d to join in this celebration. Otherwise, a second invitation would not have been given. So I wonder what changed their mind about attending? Had they heard oxen would be served and they didn’t like oxen? This passage says that some went to their fields and others to their businesses. Are these activities good excuses for refusal to attend?

 

How sad for the folks in our day who refuse God’s invitation to the wedding feast. How much more sadness I feel for those who have accepted Jesus as their Savior and then turned their backs to Him. Let’s be sure to pray diligently for the ones who are being held in bondage by the world and the evil one.

 

Invites Sent Again

Since no one from the first set of invitations would attend the wedding feast, another round of invitations were given. This time, the invitees were any who could be found. Any one on the street was invited into the wedding feast. The good and the bad.

 

“The Spirit and the bride say, ‘Come!’ And let him who hears say, ‘Come!’ Whoever is thirsty, let him come; and whoever wishes, let him take the free gift of the water of life.” (Revelation 22:17 – NIV) The invitation is given. Come!

 

Get Ready

Once the guests arrived, one was spotted that wasn’t dressed appropriately. It may have been the custom for the wedding host to provide wedding clothing for the guests. The reaction from the host makes more sense under these circumstances.

 

We find in other passages of Scripture that the Bride is to be prepared for her Groom. We, as members of body of Christ are to be found “beautifully dressed, without spot or blemish.” (Revelation 21:2 – NIV) We are to present ourselves to him “as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless.” (Ephesians 5:27 – NIV) Are you ready to meet your Bridegroom?

 

Filled

Finally, the wedding hall was filled with guests. I love this part. I look forward to the day when the banquet hall of heaven is filled with Jesus’ Bride. The celebration will begin. The feast will be spectacular. The Bride of Christ will meet her Groom. How glorious!

 

Weddings. They are so much fun, but there is work to be done ahead of time. I pray that you will find words of encouragement through this blog post that will help you in getting ready for the big day. Just remember these words from Revelation 22:20 (NIV). “‘Yes, I am coming soon.’ Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.”

 

Are you ready?

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

Share

Get Yourself Ready Lesson 3

February 18th, 2016 dsisler

 

Another week of Bible study in 1 and 2 Peter. Take a look at what I shared with my ladies today.

 

What a week we’ve had! I had to laugh as I got around to day 4 of this lesson. I thought to myself, “Wow! Does God seriously love me this much! This is over-the-top, crazy kind of love.” I wrote this study and still was amazed at these beautiful words of endearment we studied this week.

 

I want to land on one idea from all that you learned this week. And that word is “chosen.”

 

When it comes to relationships, there are some where we don’t get to choose.

 

We didn’t get to choose our parents. We were born into a family and didn’t have a say in who our parents would be.

 

We didn’t get to choose our children. Unless you’ve adopted (which some of you have), our children are born to us without an opportunity for us to say “yes” or “no.”

 

One relationship in which we get to choose is our spouse or the one we love. So why do we choose a particular person to spend our lives with? We probably have some criteria for this choice. A few may include:

 

  • That they are a good friend
  • That they accept you for who you are
  • That they have the same interests or values
  • That they value marriage
  • That they share your goals
  • That they have carved a niche in our hearts

 

These are just a few examples of why you might choose someone to build a relationship with.

 

In 1 Peter 1:1-2 (NIV), Peter says that we are “God’s elect…who have been chosen…” But here’s the thing, when did God choose us?

 

  • 2 Thessalonians 2:13 (NIV) tells us that “from the beginning God chose you to be saved through the sanctifying work of the Spirit and through belief in the truth.”
  • Ephesians 1:4 (NIV) reminds us that God “chose us in him (Jesus) before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight.”
  • Even Jesus told His disciples (that includes you and me) that they didn’t choose Him, but that He chose them to go and bear fruit in John 15:16.

 

Before you or I were even born, God chose us to part of His Kingdom.

 

But here is the astonishing thing about God. He continues to choose us when we don’t choose Him. If this were not the case, Jesus wouldn’t have gone to the cross. You see, “God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8 – NIV)

 

God continues to choose us when:

 

  • We fall short
  • We are unfaithful
  • We fall into temptation
  • We turn away from Him
  • We seek other gods

 

And what’s more, God lavishes us with love. 1 John 3:1 (NIV) is a great reminder for us. “How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called the children of God!”

 

So you might think that all of these terms of endearment in 1 and 2 Peter are over-the-top. But isn’t that just like our Father? He wants us to know for certain that He chose you and me. And when God looks at you and me, this is what God sees:

 

  • His elect
  • His ransomed and redeemed
  • His living stones
  • His spiritual house
  • His holy and royal priesthood
  • His holy nation
  • His own possession
  • His people
  • His brotherhood of believers
  • His called
  • His blessed
  • His beloved
  • His partakers of divine nature
  • His chosen

 

As part of any relationship, there must be growth. Growth in ourselves as individuals, as well as in partnership with our chosen one. It’s no different in our relationship with God.

 

  • We must make the choice every day to draw closer to Him
  • We must make every effort to be more like Him (to be holy)
  • We must develop our faith and trust in Him
  • We must bear spiritual fruit
  • We must choose to believe that we are His chosen, beloved daughter

 

Another element to making a choice in a relationship is the purpose for getting into a relationship. Why do we choose a spouse or a friend or a child? I suspect there are plenty of reasons, but here is a short list.

 

  • For love
  • For support
  • For companionship
  • For encouragement
  • For acceptance

 

God chose you for a purpose as well. Colossians 1:16 reminds us that we were created by, through and for God. So why would God create you and me? What is our purpose?

 

This question has been answered in Rick Warren’s popular book The Purpose Driven Life.[i] In this book, Pastor Warren shares five purposes that we must live out in our lives.

 

God created you and me:

  1. For His pleasure. Revelation 4:11 (NIV) says, “You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being.” Without God in our lives, we are nothing. We have nothing. However, in His presence, we are able to offer real worship.
  2. To be part of His family. We find these encouraging words in Ephesians 1:5 (NIV). “In love he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will.” Remember, God chose you. He adopted you to be part of His family and through this adoption we are able to enjoy real fellowship.
  3. To be like Christ. This is a big part of our purpose. We are reminded in Romans 8:29 that we are to be conformed to the likeness of Jesus, God’s Son. When we become more like Christ, we come to understand what real discipleship is.
  4. For service. If you haven’t memorized Ephesians 2:10 by now, this should probably be at the top of your list. “We are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” When we learn this purpose for our lives, we are able to practice real ministry.
  5. For a mission. Jesus is sending us into the world to share His message. This is the reproduction piece. “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.” (Matthew 28:19-20 – NIV) This purpose leads us to live out real evangelism.

 

Do you feel special? You should! God loves you more than you can imagine. If that is hard for you to understand, that’s okay. Remember, this is a growing relationship and someday we will all know the fullness of God’s love for each of us.

 

Until then, let’s rejoice that God has chosen us. Let’s praise Him for His desire to lavish His love and grace upon us. Let’s be diligent in the work He has set for us to do. And let’s strive to be more like Jesus every day.

 

Are you ready to move forward with this relationship?

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

[i] The Purpose Driven Life, Rick Warren, Zondervan, 2002.

Share

Monday Morning Prayer

February 17th, 2016 dsisler

 

One of my favorite times while on my “sabbatical blog posting period” was Monday mornings from 9:00-10:00 am. During the remodel of Rocky’s worship auditorium, there were a group of prayer warriors who spent an hour each day praying over the work that was being done, for the safety of those who were doing the work and for God’s great purpose once the work was complete. Monday mornings were that special time for me.

 

As we looked back over all of the prayer requests that were made during this remodel, we checked off box after box of the requests that God had answered. It was very powerful to see God at work.

 

But I must admit, while there was a mighty work happening just feet from where I prayed, there was mighty work going on within my heart, mind and soul. God showed me beautiful truths during this time and I’d like share just a few of them with you. Today, I’ll share from one passage.

 

I read through Revelation 21 and found beautiful imagery of a new heaven and new earth and a New Jerusalem. These are some of the points I made:

 

God makes all things new (Revelation 21:5). Just as our worship auditorium is new, God is able to create something new from each of us.

 

“It is done” (Revelation 21:6). Our worship auditorium is complete. It is done. Perhaps there are things in our lives that we need to speak these words over. A relationship. A temptation. A sin. A past experience. When we allow God to work in our lives, He is able to help us see what is finished and what needs to be put aside.

 

The gates never close (Revelation 21:25). This caught my attention because in my own life, I must always be open to sharing God’s message with others. This part of who I am can never close.

 

There is no need of light for the Lamb is its lamp (Revelation 21:23). In our worship auditorium are very large windows because we have a beautiful view of the Rocky Mountains. But when it comes time to worship, shades cover the view so that we can focus on God and the message that is being presented. Even in the darkness, there is light, because the Lamb is our lamp.

 

On the twelve foundations were the names of the apostles (Revelation 21:14). We must have a foundation. This foundation must be rock solid. And part of that foundation must be the apostles’ teaching. The early Church “devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.” (Acts 2:42 – NIV) How blessed we are to have Scripture to help us to create a firm foundation.

 

Well, this is just one piece of learning while spending time with God. I pray that you are able to see how God can take something old and create something new. And if you live in the area and would like to see our new worship auditorium, stop by. I’d love to give you a tour!

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

Share

Let’s Participate!

February 16th, 2016 dsisler

 

I can imagine that you might get tired of me sharing what I’ve learned while studying and writing a Bible study on 1 and 2 Peter. It’s where I’ve lived and landed most days for the past six months, so it really is only natural that most of my “ah ha” moments have been in these eight chapters.

 

Daytona Beach 014mBut honestly, there is so much wisdom and wealth in these short books! If you haven’t taken the time to read through them lately, why not make it a goal today. It won’t take long. I promise!

 

Promises. We hear people making promises every day. Sometimes the words “I promise” are empty, hoping that the person hearing these words will believe them and drop the subject. Other times these words are filled with hopes and dreams and anticipation. And of course, there are situations when these words are spoken half-heartedly.

 

While humans can’t seem to fully grasp the idea of promises, one thing for certain, God knows how to make promises and how to keep them. Peter shares these beautiful words in 2 Peter 1:4 (NIV). “Through these (glory and goodness) he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.”

 

Wow! These are powerful words! What do you see in this single verse that brings hope to your heart? That brings a smile to your face? That opens doors of opportunities for you? I pray that you see abundant blessings from this verse.

 

This week in our Bible study on 1 and 2 Peter, the ladies will be searching Scripture for promises that God has made that hold great meaning for them. They were to choose two promises that they found or that they knew to share with the group on Thursday. What I found difficult was just choosing two! Well, not really. I have two promises that always rise to the top of my list.

 

“Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” (Lamentations 3:22-23)

 

“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12:9 – NIV)

 

I love these verses because they show my weaknesses while lifting up God’s greatness.

 

So what might your favorite promises in Scripture be? The Bible is full of them. Remember, God has given us His “very great and precious promises” for us. We get to participate!

 

I pray that you will be able to enjoy the promises laid out of Scripture for you. God has given them, now it’s up to you to believe that He will keep them.

 

I’ll leave you with one more promise found in Romans 8:35-39 (NIV). “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?…No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present for the 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.”

 

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