Witness (Sabbatical Post)

January 11th, 2016 dsisler

 

In recent weeks I’ve had to do a little digging. A lesson I was working on for Bible study caused me to re-study an element that brought me to God’s Word.

 

DSC00470mAs I was working on the Bible study, red flags began flying. Those red flags were a sign for me to get into God’s Word. But I also felt the need to look at the notes from my Bible College days.

 

So I pulled out my notes and syllabus from the course. NT 125, Acts of the Apostles, by Professor R. J. Kidwell at Cincinnati Bible College and Seminary (now known as Cincinnati Christian University).

 

I figured out what I needed to know, but as I read through my notes, this quote caught my eye.

 

“We are not witnesses! We are believers of Christ through the witness written down by the Apostles.” (September 11, 1979, NT 125, Acts of the Apostles, Professor R. J. Kidwell, Cincinnati Bible Seminary)

 

I am not a witness of Jesus’ life, His death, or His resurrection. So Professor Kidwell is correct.

 

Maybe you’ve heard people say they are God’s witness or that they are witnessing to others. How do these statements line up with God’s Word? Let’s see what God’s Word has to say about it.

 

In John 17, Jesus spent time in prayer and prayed for specific people and groups of people. First, Jesus prayed for Himself. There are beautiful words in this section and if you’ve never taken the time to read this prayer, why not do so? (John 17:1-5)

 

Then Jesus prayed for His disciples. Those who had been chosen by Jesus to carry on the work after He was gone. This group were witnesses. They had seen all that Jesus had done throughout His ministry. They witnessed the miracles, the teachings, the interactions. They were indeed witnesses. (John 17:6-19)

 

And finally, Jesus prayed for all believers (John 17:20-26). And this prayer includes you and me as believers of Jesus. “My prayer is not for them alone (the disciples). I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message.” (John 17:20 – NIV)

 

The message that the Apostles wrote down for us is their witness to us. We have their words and we can believe them, but we cannot be witnesses to Jesus’ ministry.

 

So what are we to call ourselves?

 

Believers (Acts 4:32; James 2:1; 1 Peter 2:17)

 

Christian (Acts 11:26)

 

Saints (Romans 1:7; 1 Corinthians 1:2; 1 Corinthians 1:1)

 

Priest (Hebrews 8:7-13; 1 Peter 2:6, 9)

 

Children of God (1 John 3:1)

 

Elect (Colossians 3:12; Ephesians 1:3, 4)

 

Members of the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:20; Ephesians 1:22-23)

 

Citizens of the kingdom of Heaven (Philippians 3:20; Colossians 1:13; Hebrews 1:8)

 

Servants (Luke 17:10)

 

Another element to this term witness can be found in Acts 28:23. The Apostle Paul was in Rome and spent an entire day preaching to a large group of people while under guard. Take a look at this verse to see the term “witness.”

 

“They arranged to meet Paul on a certain day, and came in even larger numbers to the place where he was staying. He witnessed to them from morning till evening, explaining about the kingdom of God, and from the Law of Moses and from the Prophets he tried to persuade them about Jesus.” (Acts 28:23 – NIV)

 

Paul witnessed to them. A better understanding of this term can be found by seeing how this word is translated in other versions.

 

“…he explained and declared to them the kingdom of God and tried to convince them about Jesus…” (NIV – 1984)

 

“…he was explaining to them by solemnly testifying about the kingdom of God and trying to persuade them concerning Jesus…” (NASB)

 

“…He explained and testified about the Kingdom of God and tried to persuade them about Jesus from the Scriptures…” (NLT)

 

“…he expounded to them, testifying to the kingdom of God and trying to convince them about Jesus…” (ESV)

 

Perhaps this seems more of what we think of when we “witness” to others, but I might point out that in this case, Paul didn’t use his personal story to witness to this group. He used the Law of Moses and the Prophets to do so. Paul used God’s own words to share God’s message in this place and time.

 

I do believe personal testimony is powerful and useful in certain circumstances and that it can point the way to Jesus, but we must be able to persuade others about Jesus from the Scripture. We must know Scripture. We must be prepared to share (or witness) Jesus’ message with others through His own words.

 

To sum up this whole post, I believe we cannot be called witnesses but we can (and must) witness or share our faith with others. Maybe I’m splitting hairs over this word, but maybe it needed some clarification.

 

So, what are your thoughts? What is your favorite biblical term given to believers of Christ? Are you able to share your faith through Scripture?

 

I’d like to share two more passages with you. The last verse of the Book of Acts tells us how the Apostle Paul witnessed to the world. “Boldly and without hindrance he preached the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ.” (Acts 28:31 – NIV) Wouldn’t you love to have these words said about you? I certainly would! So today my prayer is for God to make me bold. Bold to share His message with those I connect with today. It’s a start.

 

And then there is an encouraging passage from Hebrews. “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12:1-2 – NIV)

 

Many have gone before me and are encouraging me to complete the race. They are cheering me on. They know the difficulties I’ll face and yet they know it is worth it all. My role is to rid my life of sin and to fix my eyes on Jesus.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

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Percy’s Box (Sabbatical Post)

January 10th, 2016 dsisler

 

I’ve mentioned my grandson Percy before. He is now just over 2 years old and he loves to explore. He loves to open doors. He loves to sit in the driver’s seat of cars and move, push or pull anything that moves. And he loves to push buttons.

 

Percy's box2There is a button within the myriad of devices in our entertainment center that we were told by my husband never to touch. I still don’t know what its function is, but I do know that Percy found it. For a couple of months, we had to keep our eye on him. He would sneak in that direction and before we could get the words out of our mouths, he would push that button.

 

As I’ve mentioned, I don’t know what the device is for, but when the button is pushed, everything in the entertainment center shuts down. And not just off, but each piece must reboot itself and this process takes a while.

 

In an effort to keep Percy from pushing that button, my husband created a little box that has lots of buttons and lights and sounds. It is a box that keeps Percy occupied and his attention is drawn away from the entertainment center and “that button” he isn’t supposed to push.

 

Adam and Eve knew of temptation (Genesis 3) and how sinful desire was stronger than either of them. The moment they each ate of the forbidden fruit, their lives (and the world) changed forever. Their perfect relationship with God ended and God’s redemption plan was put into action.

 

King David felt the pull of temptation (2 Samuel 11:1-12:25). As a man after God’s own heart, David knew that sin would separate the two of them. But the temptation set before him was greater than his will-power and he sinned. Tragedy followed this sin, but God brought restoration to King David and Bathsheba. And through their offspring, the world would be changed yet again.

 

Ananias and Sapphira also were tempted. Their temptation was to be dishonest with God (Acts 5:1-10). The temptation set before them was greed. They were dishonest with Peter and in the end, each were struck down by God. God’s message to the early Church (and to us) was not to test the Spirit of the Lord. God knows motives. God knows hearts. God knows when there is sin in one’s life. And He will not tolerate it. Don’t try to hide it. God knows.

 

Sometimes there are people, places or things that we can’t keep our hand off of. Regardless of what Scripture says or how God feels about sin, the temptation is alluring. The evil one knows exactly what to do and how to create this desire within us to move closer to the temptation and then before you know it, we’ve fallen into his trap.

 

James explains this process in his letter to fellow Christians in the first century Church. This is what he says. “Each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.” (James 1:14-15 – NIV)

 

I know that I sin. I know that according to Scripture we all do (Romans 3:23). But I also know that God has provided mercy and grace to cover that sin when I confess and repent. There are six little words in the book of James that carry a powerful punch. “But he gives us more grace.” (James 4:6 – NIV)

 

I don’t know about you, but I am thankful each day (sometimes each hour) for the grace God provides. I am covered by His grace and I am once again cleansed of sin.

 

Are you looking for God’s grace today? Do you wish to be forgiven of sin? If so, God is waiting with open arms. You just need to speak to Him. I can help you with this if you are willing. Please don’t let another day go by without knowing Jesus as your personal Savior.

 

Percy loves his little box. There are plenty of buttons to push and it keeps him occupied. His attention has been averted from the button that controls the entertainment system. So once again, all is well within the Sisler household. For now.

 

I’d love to hear from you! If you would like to leave me a comment, please click here.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

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ZYD – Blogging A to Z (Sabbatical Post)

January 9th, 2016 dsisler

 

My Ford Escape has had the same license plate the entire time I’ve had it. It was looking pretty beat up, so when it came time to get new tags, my husband thought he would just get new plates. I must admit they look nice. Clean. No dents. However I see a couple of issues with the addition of these new license plates.

 

First of all, it makes the rest of my car look pretty bad. You see, my car is nine years old. There are dents. There are scratches. There are discolorations. My car looks pretty tired compared to the new license plates all shiny and new.

 

And then there is the difficulty in remembering a new license number. A couple weeks ago after grocery shopping, I placed my items in my car and then took the cart to the corral. As I returned to my car, I noticed the license plate. The first thought that ran through my mind was, “I put my groceries in the wrong car!” Now I know that isn’t possible, but it’s what I thought.

 

If you haven’t guessed it yet, the letters on my license plate are ZYD. With this blog post, my Blogging from A to Z challenge is complete. I’ve run the race. I’ve made it to the goal. I’ve completed the task at hand. Well kind of, sort of.

 

You see, only part of the challenge was to write about the letters of the alphabet on my own blog. But there was more. I also needed to stop by five other A to Z bloggers each day, read their post, and then make a comment.

 

At first, I was diligent. I chose five blogs that I thought I would enjoy reading and return to visit each day. I took the time each day to read some great blog posts. Some inspirational. Some about cooking. One about a move their family was making. After reading these posts, I would write my comment and I prayed for these individuals who had written these blogs.

 

Then the trouble started. I got a job. My brain and my body weren’t ready for that one. But still, that’s no excuse.

 

There also were others stopping by to read my blog and then I wanted to visit their blog in return. Suddenly I was reading between 8-10 blog posts per day. Overwhelmed is an understatement for what I was feeling. I wanted it all, but couldn’t possibly do it all.

 

The best thing about this whole challenge is that I found some wonderful blogs that I thoroughly enjoy reading. I’ve had the opportunity to “meet” (if you can say that about an internet friendship) sisters in Christ who live all over the world through this challenge. I also believe that some non-believers have read some of what I had to say and if a tiny seed has been planted, then it’s worth it all.

 

I’ve been challenged for certain, but not for the reasons I thought I would be. It was easy to come up with something to write about. That has never been my problem. I write every day, so that wasn’t the challenge. The challenge for me has been to keep all the plates spinning and still come out on the other side without a plate falling.

 

You know the feeling. Balancing work with volunteer roles with family life with daily errands with “what to make for dinner” with my personal time with God with leading a Bible study with caring for myself with loving on others with anything and everything else that is thrown onto one of those spinning plates. Phew! Looking at it this way really puts it in perspective!

 

So how do I do it? When I try to do it on my own, I am not very good at it. In fact, I might even say I fail. But as I give each one of those plates to Jesus, I release that part of my life to capable hands and He keeps them spinning.

 

If you’ve read my blog for any length of time, you know that I love music. Music speaks to me and today I want to share a piece that I have loved from the moment I heard it, because it puts all of my thoughts and feelings about this plate balancing thing into melodious words.

 

“Refuge” was written by a young musician Luc DiMarzio. Luc leads worship for one of the multi-sites at the church I attend and is talented in many ways. I pray that you too will find refuge in Jesus and that you will allow His strength to carry you through your day.

 

Refuge

 

I can’t live my life alone so many times I’ve tried.
I am weak but I can see Your strength can change my life.

 

In the shadow of my day, be my rock be my escape.

 

You are my refuge;
You calm my doubt and cure my pain.
You cleanse my sorrow;
Your grace erases all my shame.

 

I can’t do this on my own, the truth is rarely clear.
When I’m weak it’s hard to see if You are really here.

 

In the shadow of my day, be my rock be my escape.

 

You are my refuge;
You calm my doubt and cure my pain.
You cleanse my sorrow;
Your grace erases all my shame.

 

In the darkness in the flame, the beauty of Your name.
Mountain valley or plateau, no other name I know.

 

Jesus. Jesus. Jesus.[i]

 

This is the only recording that I know of for this song…enjoy! Click here to listen.

 

It doesn’t matter what you’re going through in life, Jesus can be your rock. He can be your escape. Find shelter and rest in Him. “He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.” (Psalm 91:1 – NIV)

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

[i] Refuge, Luc DiMarzio

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Yesterday – Blogging A to Z (Sabbatical Post)

January 8th, 2016 dsisler

 

Yesterday I had the privilege to be part of a grand party. A close friend, sister in Christ, a spiritual daughter is getting married and we started the celebration yesterday with a bridal shower.

 

Her faithfulness to God has been amazing. She’s waited. She’s served. She’s gone. She’s done all that God has asked her to do. But God’s faithfulness is even greater and in His perfect timing, has brought a wonderful, godly man into her life.

 

Yesterday was a great day. I’m not the only one who has fond thoughts of yesterday. There have been plenty of musicians whose songs have included thoughts of what was.

 

Paul McCartney with the Beatles sang of “Yesterday.” Karen Carpenter wished for “Yesterday, Once More.” Mary Mary also sang of “Yesterday.” However, Chad and Jeremy realized that “Yesterday’s Gone.”

 

While I’ve had some pretty wonderful yesterdays and there are many yesterday’s I’d like to forget. Especially the ones where I’ve sinned against God. Those yesterday’s seem to be the ones I remember the most.

 

The Apostle Paul knew how heart wrenching “yesterday” could be. The yesterdays before he met Jesus were filled with unspeakable sins against the very One he preached of until his death.

 

Paul speaks of his yesterdays in his letter to the Philippians Church. His words allow for me to forget my past and look forward to something far greater than I could imagine.

 

“But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead. I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:13b-14 – NIV)

 

I can forget all of my yesterday’s where sin seemed more important than God. Once I ask God to forgive my sinful acts, they are forgotten by God. His grace and mercy cover me and I’m a beautiful daughter of God.

 

I too, must strive for the goal mentioned by Paul. Pressing on toward the prize. Striving day after day to be Christ-like and forgetting what my yesterday’s looked like.

 

Thankfully our lives are not filled with only yesterday. There is today to do our best to serve the Lord and we have a bright future in tomorrow.

 

You see, yesterday was the beginning for my dear friend and her beloved. The bridal shower is the precursor to the wedding, the main event. In a month, they will be joined in wedded bliss. Their future is ahead of them. Their tomorrow’s are yet to be lived. And what excitement and joy they experience because of what tomorrow holds.

 

It’s the same with our spiritual lives. Yesterday we blew it. Today we have the opportunity to live better. But tomorrow holds great promise.

 

There’s one more song I’d like to share with you. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to find a version for you to listen to, but the words are wonderful without music. Read through these words and I’ll meet you on the other side.

 

Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow

 

Yesterday He died for me, yesterday, yesterday.
Yesterday, He died for me, yesterday.
Yesterday He died for me, died for me.
This is history.

 

Today He lives for me, today, today.
Today He lives for me, today.
Today He lives for me, lives for me.
This is victory.

 

Tomorrow He comes for me, He comes, He comes.
Tomorrow He comes for me, He comes.
Tomorrow He comes for me, comes for me.
This is mystery.

 

O friend do you know Him, know Him, know Him?
O friend do you know Him, know Him?
O friend do you know Him, do you know Him?
Jesus Christ the Lord, Jesus Christ the Lord.
Jesus Christ the Lord[i].

 

Do you? If not, let me share the possibility of a beautiful future with you. He can take all of your tomorrows and turn them into something beautiful. He will create beauty from ashes. Is that what you’re looking for?

 

For those of us who are followers of Christ, let’s forget our yesterdays and live for Jesus today. Let’s anticipate our future with Him. It’s what I plan to do today.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

[i] Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow, Jack Wyrtzen and Don Wyrtzen, Singspiration, 1966.

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XOXO (Hugs and Kisses) – Blogging A to Z (Sabbatical Post)

January 7th, 2016 dsisler

 

Isn’t it wonderful to receive a note, letter or email containing the letters “XOXO?” It is an indication that someone loves you enough to send hugs and kisses your way.

 

Last summer, I stepped outside my front door to water my flowers and I found a little note. It had fallen behind my flower box, so I almost missed it.

 

I was thankful that I didn’t overlook it. For inside was a message. It was one of hope. A message of forgiveness. A message of grace. A message without using the letters “XOXO” indicated that I was loved enough to receive hugs and kisses. The message was the Gospel!

 

Someone had taken the time to type and print this message, wrap it into a neat package, and deliver it to my door step. How blessed and honored I feel to be the recipient of this message.

 

Have you received this message? Are your eyes open and searching for the message God has for you? If not, I’d like to share the message with you today.

 

What is God’s message filled with hugs and kisses? I’ve gathered a short list here…there are many more messages in God’s Word, but this is a start. These are not in order of importance, but in order according to where they are found in the Bible.

 

God Made You and You Belong to Him

“Know that the Lord is God. It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.” (Psalm 100:3 – NIV)
 

Do Not Be Afraid

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10 – NIV)

 

God Loves You

“For God so loved the world [you] that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever [whoever is you] believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16 – NIV)

 

Jesus is Preparing Heaven for You

“Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.” (John 14:1-3 – NIV)

 

Repent and Be Baptized

“Peter replied, ‘Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” (Acts 2:38 – NIV)

 

God is On Your Side

“What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31 – NIV)

 

You Are a New Creation

“Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!” (2 Corinthians 5:17 – NIV)

 

You Are Chosen

“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.” (1 Peter 2:9 – NIV)

 

Jesus Will Return

“He who testifies to these things says, ‘Yes, I am coming soon.’ Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.” (Revelation 22:20 – NIV)

 

God’s message is one of love, grace, forgiveness and acceptance. You can’t be guaranteed of that in this world, but with God, all of these are possible.

 

How have you responded to God’s message? Have you embraced it and accepted it? Have you allowed it to make a difference in your life?

 

Or are you keeping your distance from God, not wanting to hear the full message? If so, why? Why not accept His message today?

 

I plan to be more alert to the messages God scatters throughout my day. I pray that you won’t miss the message that God has for you. It just might be life changing.

 

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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