Happy, Happy Birthday!

January 30th, 2016 dsisler

 

I have missed you! I am so excited to be sitting at my computer and writing a blog again! Thank you for sticking with me through this sabbatical period. It’s been a good few months and I have so much to share with you!

 

CCFirst of all, I want to wish my husband Mason a happy birthday! He has entered a new season of life and it’s such a joy to be on this journey with him. He is such a great partner to do life with.

 

Next, I’d like to wish Full Measure of Joy a happy birthday! Today marks four years since my very first blog post. All I can say is I have been blessed by God’s faithfulness. His gentle reminders, nudges and insights have been the driving force behind FMoJ. All the glory and honor goes directly to Him!

 

Now, for some news that has happened since I was “live” on my blog.

 

My son, Philip has found the gal of his dreams! They are engaged and will be married on March 19. It’s been fun to help with wedding plans. Heather has become extra special to me because she loves my baby. Heather brings three beautiful children into their marriage, so more grandchildren for me! Needless to say, I’m excited. Way to go Philip and Heather!

 

And to add to this bliss, they are expecting a little bundle of joy to join their family late July. My cup runneth over!

 

At church, we’ve just completed a major worship auditorium renovation in just a month. How blessed we’ve been at Rocky to see God’s hand work and move through this process. We’ve seen prayers answered, lives touched and obstacles removed each day of this transformation. We open up the doors to this new worship area tomorrow morning. There will be celebration and rejoicing…but I am most excited for the five people who have chosen to be baptized on this big day at Rocky. My heart will be filled with joy and thanksgiving. I can hardly wait!

 

My time away from writing a daily blog has been spent studying and writing a Bible study on 1 and 2 Peter. The ladies in my Thursday morning Bible study are working on week one as I type this post. I pray that they will be blessed by what I’ve written. I pray that they will hear God’s message clearly through my words. And most of all I pray that God’s Spirit will touch their hearts and that they will find transformation through the work done in this Bible study.

 

The study is titled, Get Yourself Ready and I was drawn to three specific areas that Peter wrote about that we need to be preparing for. First, persecution. Perhaps it’s time for us as American Christians to consider this possibility. If and when it does occur, will you be ready? Second, we need to get ourselves ready to recognize false teaching. How would you fair against a false teacher? And finally, we need to prepare ourselves for the second coming of Jesus, the Messiah. There is much to be done and Peter points us in the right direction for this process.

 

I want to close today by sharing some beautiful words from 1 Peter. I pray that you will find great comfort in these verses and that you will believe them with all of your heart.

 

“Grace and peace be yours in abundance. Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade—kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time.” (1 Peter 1:2b-5 – NIV)

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

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Memorial Day (Sabbatical Post)

January 29th, 2016 dsisler

 

Today is the day we Americans set aside to remember the men and women who fought and died in our military forces. From the Revolutionary War to the war against terrorism, those who have fallen are remembered on this particular day.

 

flagThis day allows us to remember the bravery of those who have served in the armed forces. To reflect upon what their service meant. To ponder what might America might have looked like had these men and women neglected their call to duty. To beam with pride for our America.

 

Patriotism in our early nation meant giving of oneself for the better of the whole. Sometimes it meant loss of livelihood. Sometimes it meant death. Today, we seem to believe we are patriotic if we fly our flag. But patriotism goes much deeper than that.

 

It is who we are as Americans. It is what we believe in. It is what we are willing to do to protect our values and our families. It is knowing that fighting for what is right is better than not fighting. But most of all, it is knowing that we live in a land where we are free.

 

Unfortunately, we take all of this for granted on most days of the year.

 

One of my favorite patriotic gospel songs is “Statue of Liberty.” In this song, a comparison is made between our American freedom and our freedom in Christ. Here are the lyrics to this song and if you’d like to listen and see a beautiful slide show, you can click here.

 

In New York Harbor stands a lady,
With a torch raised to the sky;
And all who see her know she stands for
Liberty for you and me.
 

I’m so proud to be called an American,
To be named with the brave and the free;
I will honor our flag and our trust in God,
And the Statue of Liberty.
 

On lonely Golgotha stood a cross,
With my Lord raised to the sky;
And all who kneel there live forever
As all the saved can testify.
 

I’m so glad to be called a Christian,
To be named with the ransomed and whole;
As the statue liberates the citizen,
So the cross liberates the soul.
 

Oh the cross is my Statue of Liberty,
It was there that my soul was set free;
Unashamed I’ll proclaim that a rugged cross
Is my Statue of Liberty![i]

 

I believe these lyrics show how our Christian faith is intertwined with our American lives. Where religious freedom meets political freedom. As a Christian, my faith must be seen in all areas of my life.

 

In Scripture we see that our spiritual freedom comes through living by God’s teachings. David knew how to be free. “I run in the path of your commands, or you have set my heart free.” (Psalm 119:32 – NIV) Isn’t this what we are all seeking? A heart set free? David shares the secret. It’s up to us to accept it.

 

Jesus also spoke of the freedom by following His teachings. “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:32 – NIV) As we study and implement Jesus’ teachings, truth will become clear. It is the truth that will set us free.

 

And one more passage from 2 Corinthians 3:17 (NIV) that tells us where freedom can be found. “Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” When the Spirit of the Lord resides within us, freedom is abundant.

 

I am called to live a life that honors God because of the freedom given in America and through the cross of Christ. I cannot take either lightly. Too great a sacrifice has been given for each.

 

Revolutionary War soldiers fought with great courage for what they believed in order to establish a nation that offered freedom and liberty to its citizens. Each military member since that time has fought for that same reason.

 

Jesus gave His life so that I might know true freedom and liberty. Spiritual freedom. Everlasting liberty.

 

Today I remember both. If you have not already enjoyed Christ’s freedom, why not do so today? It will be a day to remember!

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

[i] Statue of Liberty, © Words & Music by Neil Enloe, 1974

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I’m Alright (Sabbatical Post)

January 28th, 2016 dsisler

 

I used to be clumsy. Not as clumsy as some, but still clumsy. I remember vividly walking into walls on more than one occasion and falling down a flight of stairs in high school. After the flight of stairs incident, I began to walk a bit slower. Take my time and know exactly where my feet were going. That in itself didn’t help with the walking into walls thing. I continued to do that all through high school.

 

I remember a specific day as I was walking in downtown Akron, Ohio I slipped a bit. I caught myself before falling completely, but when I turned to see what had caused my misstep, I saw a banana peel. I didn’t see it before, but there it was. I actually slipped on a banana peel.

 

I’m not sure if clumsiness is hereditary, but if it is, my children were certain to get the gene. Especially my daughter Candace. She has struggled with this throughout her life. She’d fall, and before she could even assess the situation, would quickly say, “I’m alright.” Falling down stairs, running into walls (or falling through walls), or tripping over something are everyday occurrences for her.

 

In my recent Bible searches, I came across the small book of Jude. Have you ever read it? Recently? I hadn’t. It’s only one chapter. 25 verses. It is a short letter written to a group of believers. We don’t know who, but it was a disturbing situation for certain.

 

This group of believers had been infiltrated by some who felt that they could continue in sin. They believed that they had already been saved and didn’t need to live a Godly life. Jude clearly states that this is an untruth. The real problem was that they were leading others into this belief as well. This is just a portion of the encouragement Jude gives.

 

“Build yourselves up in your most holy faith and pray in the Holy Spirit. Keep yourselves in God’s love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life. Be merciful to those who doubt; snatch others from the fire and save them; to others who mercy, mixed with fear—hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh.” Jude 20-22

 

I love the phrase, “snatch others from the fire to save them.” It is such a vivid reminder for us to keep watch for brothers and sisters who are being led astray. We must not allow false teachers or even other believers to change the Gospel. For any reason.

 

But the reason I bring up the book of Jude is the last section of the book. Remember, I was talking about clumsiness and falling. Well Jude encourages once again against falling. Not physical, but spiritual falling. He closes his letter with this Doxology.

 

“To him who is able to keep you from falling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy—to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forever more! Amen.” Jude 23-25

 

Jude gives us another wonderful reminder that we can be kept from falling. Through our faith and trust, God is able lend us a helping hand. His gracious helping hand. All you have to do is reach for it.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

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Greater is He (Sabbatical Post)

January 27th, 2016 dsisler

 

Wow! I’m tired this morning. My mind is foggy. My eyes are puffy. By the way I feel this morning, you would think I stayed out late or didn’t sleep well.

 

Barns01But neither of those are the case. I went to bed at a decent time, slept well, and slept in (until 6:15 a.m.). So why do I feel like this? I’m not sure, but I can relate to how the disciples felt on Jesus’ last night on this earth before His resurrection.

 

Jesus specifically asked them to stay awake and pray. He asked them to be alert. He asked them to watch. He asked them to pray.

 

But time after time, they were found sleeping because their “eyes were heavy” (Matthew 26:43).

 

Jesus felt the urgency that night. He knew what was going to take place. He knew after this night, everything would change.

 

The disciples obviously didn’t feel the same urgency. I suspect if they knew what was about to take place, they would not have slept. They would have been alert and doing exactly as their Rabbi had requested. They may have even tried to follow Him just to be near Jesus.

 

But that wasn’t the case. After finding the disciples asleep yet again, the betrayal was in full swing and Jesus was arrested, tried, beaten, mocked, and eventually crucified.

 

I wonder how well the disciples slept after the crucifixion. Did they lie awake at night asking themselves “what if?” What if they hadn’t fallen asleep? What if they had stayed awake and prayed? What if they had been more aggressive? What if they had more faith as Jesus asked them on more than one occasion? What if?

 

But the reality was they didn’t do any of these things. Jesus put it in plain words in Matthew 26:41 (NIV). “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak.”

 

Another truth is nothing they could have done that night would have made a difference in the outcome. Jesus’ sacrifice would have taken place. It was part of God’s plan. It was God’s way of saving mankind.

 

Where the difference would have been found was in the disciples themselves. They missed an opportunity to grow spiritually because they were tired.

 

In truth, I’m no different. I allow my physical body to dictate my spiritual life. I say, “My spirit is willing, but my flesh is weak.”

 

I believe that when I am feeling this way, it’s an opportunity for the Holy Spirit to take over. When I acknowledge and accept His power within me, I am able to continue. I am able to grow. I am able to prove to myself that my spirit is able to overcome my body because of the One within me.

 

Perhaps this event is why John later wrote, “You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.” (1 John 4:4 – NIV)

 

With the power of the Holy Spirit, we are able to overcome all that comes with this earthly body. Even tiredness.

 

Today I am living proof. I sat down at my computer and didn’t know where I was heading with this post. And yet, 631 words later, I have a blog post. It wasn’t me. I wanted to write, “I’m tired. I’m not writing today. Grace and peace be yours in abundance.”

 

But God’s Spirit took over and because He is greater than anything that I encounter, I have shared a little something from God’s Word that might encourage you today.

 

I don’t know about you, but I think I’m ready to get this day started!

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

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My New Bible (Sabbatical Post)

January 26th, 2016 dsisler

 

I received a new Bible for Mother’s Day from my husband. You might think that with all the Bibles I have sitting on my shelf that one more would not be the perfect gift, but it was.

 

???????????????????????????????My new Bible is the updated version of New International Bible. The first printing of this version was in 1984. Since then, they have made a few changes to their translation of certain words, phrases or concepts. This newer version remains true to the manuscripts while allowing the modern reader a better understanding of God’s Word.

 

My new Bible is a Thinline. That means it is slender and sleek. It is lightweight (compared to my big blue study Bible that weighs nearly four pounds). It is easy to carry. It feels good in my hands. It is easy to take with me.

 

My new Bible is also large print. I love the Thinlines that I have on my shelf, but the print is so small they are unusable. I cannot read the words because they are nearly unreadable for me. The solution? Larger print! I can actually read this Bible without strain on my eyes.

 

It may seem that my 1984 version of the Bible is obsolete, but I can guarantee it is not. It is still very useful for my writing and Bible study preparation. It is always handy. It’s always sitting on my desk ready to be used. It has markings and notes and it’s not very likely that it will be going any place any time soon.

 

So here are some of my thoughts on God’s Word and the impact it has on my life and those who choose to read it and make changes in their lives because of what they read.

 

God’s Word is not obsolete

It is still a best seller. With nearly six billion copies sold world-wide, there is little doubt that any other book has sold near this amount. So why is that? Because God’s Word contains hope for the world. Jesus is that hope. It’s only through Him that we find fulfillment in this life. He is the One who offers significance. He is the One who brings us from our despair and provides life. There is nothing obsolete about hope.

 

God’s Word is timeless

The Bible has withstood the tests of time. It has survived, endured, lasted, and remained. It has been preserved, maintained, upheld and conserved by faithful servants of God. Regardless of what mankind has tried to do to God’s Word, it has survived it all and is still able to speak to those very people who tried to decimate the Bible and its message.

 

God’s Word is relevant

If you don’t believe me, read through these passages and tell me if it was written for today’s society or for the generation of 70 A.D.

 

“They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed, and depravity. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit and malice. They are gossips, slanderers, God-haters, insolent, arrogant and boastful; they invent ways of doing evil; they disobey their parents; they have no understanding, no fidelity, no love, no mercy.” (Romans 1:29-31 – NIV)

 

“The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissentions, factions, and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like.” (Galatians 5:19-21a – NIV)

 

“Do not be surprised, my brothers and sisters, if the world hates you.” (1 John 3:13 – NIV)

 

God’s Word offers all that we need

As we live as believers in this world, the Bible gives us valuable information so that we are able to withstand the troubles, temptations, and trials that come along with life. I pray that you find comfort from these words and that you will hold tightly to them as you go through your day.

 

“Do not conform 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.” (Romans 12:2 – NIV)

 

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” (Galatians 5:22-23 – NIV)

 

“Who is it that overcomes the world? Only the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.” (1 John 5:5 – NIV)

 

Oh how I love God’s Word and what I find between its pages fills my life with such hope and joy that I cannot keep it to myself. I must share what I’ve learned through study with others. That’s one of the reasons I write this blog each day. To share a tidbit of what God has to say through the Bible.

 

I pray that you are reading God’s Word on a regular basis (daily would be wonderful!). God’s message is too valuable to leave sitting on your bookshelf or coffee table. Pick it up today. Read it. Come to love it as I do and you’ll understand why I do what I do.

 

I pray that you are also sharing what you’re learning. It may not be in written form, but in some way relaying this message to others. It might possibly be the one thing needed to change that person’s life.

 

I pray for those who haven’t come to know God as I do too. If you are reading this and fit into this group, please let me share more of this message with you. I would love to point you to God through His Word. Just let me know by making a comment.

 

Today, I am blessed.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

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  • 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.

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

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