Let the Worshipers Arise

September 20th, 2015 dsisler

 

One of my favorite music albums is by Phillips, Craig and Dean titled, “Let the Worshipers Arise.” Every song on the album points the listener to make the decision to grow spiritually. To grow closer in your relationship with Jesus. To allow God’s Spirit to work in a more powerful way. To step it up in your day-to-day walk with Jesus. To arise with other believers who want to see and make a difference in their world.

 

Think of your own life. Where do you need to see revival? What needs to change? What do you need to surrender to Jesus to be more like Him? Where will you make a difference today?

 

These are questions each of us must ask and answer. And there are many more to consider. But the main thing here is to ask yourself, “will I be one of the worshipers today who is willing to stand up, to arise and be who God called me to be?” It’s a great day to begin, rejoin or increase your presence on the journey. I pray that you will be encouraged to deepen your relationship with Jesus.

 

I know you’ve had your fill of repeated blog posts, but it’s Sunday and that’s what I do. So enjoy this additional post about making a difference. Grace and peace to all today!

 

Make a Difference

 

Today is a special day! I have the opportunity to share with a group of ladies about my journey to SE Asia and how God continues to use me through that journey.

 

It’s been good to look back on my trip and see how God used me then and how He continues to use me now. To see the lessons I’ve learned along the way and am still learning. So here is piece of what I’ll be sharing with this group.

 

One of our goals was to increase the worldview of ourselves and the American Church.

 

My personal worldview changed beyond what I could have imagined. I’d never been outside the United States (except Canada). I didn’t know what to expect. So everything I saw, heard, tasted and learned from the beginning was a worldview changer for me.

 

My experiences in SE Asia are still kind of hodge podge. They are all jumbled together into a large picture. Maybe one day I’ll be able sort them all out and present them as individual experiences.

 

But while I am still trying to figure some of it out, here are a few things I believe that has changed for me.

 

I have brothers and sisters in Christ all over the world. They listen to K-Love radio. They read the same Bible. They are gifted in the same ways that I am gifted. And above all, Jesus loves them as He loves me.

 

I also have come to realize that Christ’s Church is persecuted around the world and that we take far too much for granted in America. When asked how the American Church could prepare for persecution, we were told to study and memorize God’s Word.

 

How often do you take the number of Bible’s sitting on your shelf or table for granted? Believing they will always be there? Before I went to SE Asia, I know I did this quite often.

 

Now I understand how desperate I would be without God’s Word. The solution? Memorize Scripture. Don’t allow Satan to make us believe that we cannot do this. Let’s allow God to show us how easy it is with His help.

 

I also learned how good it is to see dedicated workers in the field. Those who are willing to be persecuted for their faith. Those who know the truth and aren’t afraid to share that truth with others.

 

I have often ignored situations or turned my back on those who need to hear the Gospel. And I can share God’s love freely with those I encounter. I used to take this freedom for granted…just like so many others. But now I know how important it is to make the most of every situation. Making each one count for God.

 

In Ephesians, Paul encouraged his fellow Christians to “Be very careful then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.” (Ephesians 5:15-16 – NIV)

 

And also in Colossians, Paul says, “Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity.” (Colossians 4:5 – NIV)

 

What opportunities have you missed? I know I’ve missed plenty. But you and I woke up this morning with the possibility of new opportunities. Today we can hear Paul’s words and do as he asks. Make the most of every opportunity.

 

God has taken me on a journey. My journey isn’t finished yet with SE Asia. And for that I’m thankful. I don’t want to stop being stretched until it’s time for me to see Jesus face to face. I pray that your worldview of Christians in SE Asia has changed just a bit too.

 

How can you make a difference? What can you do? Maybe you could send a card of encouragement to a missionary. Maybe you could send a gift. Maybe you could add them to your prayer time. Maybe you could open your heart now for God to prepare you to join me on the next service trip to SE Asia or another area of the world.

 

There are many ways you can make a difference. Be open to God’s leading. You never know how He will use you.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

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My Vacation – Day 8

September 19th, 2015 dsisler

 

???????????????????????????????Yes, I’m on vacation. No, I’m not going anywhere…well lots of trips around the beautiful state of Colorado are in the plans. We are hoping to see some gorgeous fall colors in the mountains. My brother and his lovely bride are coming for a visit. That is vacation enough for me folks!

 

This coming week, I’ll be sharing some older posts. I pray that God will bless you abundantly this week.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

 

Just Plain Crazy!

 

I have seen some crazy things on the roads of Colorado in the past few years. A few have had me scratching my head and saying, “How did that happen?”

 

For example, I saw a car on the median barriers. You know those large cement barriers. Like a teeter-totter. It was dangling, balanced as if a giant had come along and placed it strategically in that position. Now, how do you explain that to your spouse or your insurance company?

 

And then there was the time I saw a large moving van stopped along the highway. Smoke was streaming out the back end and flames were visible. The moving van was on fire! Again, how do you explain this situation to the people whose belongings have just burned up?

 

And last year with our dry, hot, windy weather here in Colorado, I passed by a wildfire on the highway. It was frightening as traffic passed the whipping flames not more than 10 feet from our cars. That was a memorable, yet crazy moment.

 

I’m sure if you took a moment to think about it you too, have seen some unusual happenings around you. Situations or scenes that seem very out of place and yes, even crazy.

 

I wonder if that isn’t how the local people of Jesus’ day reacted when He visited their villages. There were strange words spoken. There were strange and even crazy scenes witnessed. Jesus brought an entourage with Him that I suspect folks were leery of.

 

But the people were drawn to Jesus. They couldn’t help but sit and listen to His words. They were mesmerized by the miracles He performed. There was nearly always a crowd. But why do you suppose that is?

 

Although Jesus’ words and actions were unfamiliar to these people, His words and actions were filled with hope, love, acceptance, forgiveness, and honesty. They were exactly what they needed to hear. What they needed to see. Feel what they needed to feel.

 

As we read the accounts of Jesus’ interactions with others, we also might say something like “that’s crazy!” But to be honest, we are drawn to His words just as much as the villagers were 2,000 years ago. Because we too need the hope, love, acceptance, forgiveness and honesty that Jesus offers.

 

Crazy? Some may think so. But for me, to hear or read Jesus’ words in the Gospels fills my heart with joy. His words spoken all those years ago were spoken and recorded for me to read today. His words are just as relevant and meaningful today as they were then.

 

So as you continue through your day today, think of the craziness in your life. If you haven’t already done so, isn’t it time to give that craziness to Jesus? He would love to take it and make it into something beautiful and useful for His kingdom.

 

Just read what Jesus had to say about it. “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30 – NIV)

 

It may sound crazy, but it isn’t. It’s rational. It’s reasonable. It’s sensible. If you’re looking for hope or love or acceptance or forgiveness or honesty, Jesus is your last stop on the searching train. He offers it all to you and me.

 

Today I pray that you will stop and listen to the words Jesus is speaking. They are for you.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

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My Vacation – Day 7

September 18th, 2015 dsisler

 

???????????????????????????????Yes, I’m on vacation. No, I’m not going anywhere…well lots of trips around the beautiful state of Colorado are in the plans. We are hoping to see some gorgeous fall colors in the mountains. My brother and his lovely bride are coming for a visit. That is vacation enough for me folks!

 

This coming week, I’ll be sharing some older posts. I pray that God will bless you abundantly this week.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

 

The Kingdom of the Grasshopppers

 

I’m sure you have no idea that I live in the kingdom of the grasshoppers. In fact, I’m sure you didn’t know that I am royalty.

 

As we were driving to my home a week or so ago, I was informed by my granddaughter Joy that we were getting close. I asked how she knew. She replied, “Because as we get closer to your house, there are more and more grasshoppers.”

 

Grasshoppers. Of course! Why didn’t I think of that?

 

Just in case you don’t know, “grasshoppers” are the natural gas or oil pumps that line the horizon. Joy was right. As we get closer to my house from her house, “grasshoppers” appear in abundance. There are actually two within my neighborhood.

 

It was only natural that I immediately became the queen of the kingdom of the grasshoppers. An elaborate story began to form around this kingdom. Our collaborative, creative minds made the rest of the trip fly by. We were home in no time.

 

Royalty. Queenship. It was all rather fun. Until the real implications of lordship step into the real storyline.

 

We sang the hymn “I’d Rather Have Jesus” yesterday at church. It has been one of my favorite hymns through the years and it was once again a good reminder of what I should be willing to give up for Jesus. Here are some of the lyrics.

 

I’d rather have Jesus than silver or gold;
I’d rather be His than have riches untold;
I’d rather have Jesus than houses or lands;
I’d rather be led by His nail-pierced hand

 

Refrain:
Than to be the king of a vast domain
And be held in sin’s dread sway;
I’d rather have Jesus than anything
This world affords today.[i]

 

What am I willing to give up so that Jesus might be the Lord of my life? According to this song and to Scripture, I must give up the queenship of my kingdom. Not just my worldly possessions or the items that I am the “queen” over, but also the kingdom of my heart.

 

You see, the only kingdom that I have any control over is the kingdom of my heart. I can give it away or I can hold onto it. As I loosen my grip on this kingdom and allow Jesus to reign, my heart becomes His. He becomes the King of my heart. My queenship is overthrown.

 

Peter mentioned Lordship as he penned the words of First Peter. “But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord.” (1 Peter 3:15a – NIV) Clearly, Jesus is to be placed in high prominence. He is to be Lord of the kingdom of our hearts.

 

As we read the Book of Ephesians, we come to a better understanding of this idea. “I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith.” (Ephesians 3:16-17 – NIV)

 

You see, as we offer our heart kingdom to Jesus, He gives abundantly. Riches, strength, and power.

 

We also receive peace when we allow Christ to rule our hearts. “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.” (Colossians 3:15 – NIV)

 

And there is encouragement. “May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word.” (2 Thessalonians 2:16-17 – NIV) Encouragement to continue good doing and speaking.

 

We receive much more when we offer Jesus His rightful place on the throne of our hearts. He asks us to be His people, but the benefits are weighted heavily on our part.

 

Romans 6:17 (NIV) speaks to whom our allegiance should be focused. “But thanks be to God that, though you used to be slaves to sin, you have come to obey from your heart the pattern of teaching that has now claimed your allegiance.”

 

When our hearts are in line with God’s teaching, we know exactly where our allegiance lies. We know who rules over our hearts.

 

“Than to be the king of a vast domain…” My vast domain is encapsulated within my heart.

 

Luke’s words appear to be speaking to me. “The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks.” (Luke 6:45 – NIV)

 

What is stored in my heart? Good? Or evil? The more I offer my heart to Jesus, the less evil will be stored there.

 

Mark’s words also speak to me. “Love the Lord your God with all your heart…” (Mark 12:30a – NIV) There can be no mistake with this command. Loving God with our whole heart leaves no room for evil. Complete and total Lordship. That must be our goal.

 

So, how is the kingdom of your heart? Who is the Lord and King of your heart? What are you willing to give up in order for Jesus to sit on the throne of your heart?

 

“What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, and yet forfeit his soul?” (Mark 8:36 – NIV) Jesus’ question is just as relevant today as it was when He spoke it.

 

Why not allow Jesus full access to your heart today? Give it over to Him. Nothing in this world is worth losing your soul over. Nothing.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

 

[i] I’d Rather Have Jesus, Rhea F. Miller, 1922

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My Vacation – Day 6

September 17th, 2015 dsisler

 

Sept. 22, 2004 018Yes, I’m on vacation. No, I’m not going anywhere…well lots of trips around the beautiful state of Colorado are in the plans. We are hoping to see some gorgeous fall colors in the mountains. My brother and his lovely bride are coming for a visit. That is vacation enough for me folks!

 

This coming week, I’ll be sharing some older posts. I pray that God will bless you abundantly this week.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

 

Home Movies

 

My husband received 22 rolls of home movies that chronicled his growing up years. He wanted to create a memorable collection of these films into one piece, so two years ago, he had the films digitized and placed into an end product that could be edited and manipulated into something that would be of value to his family.

 

After 18 months of working on this project, it is finally complete. Titles, music, and an hour and a half of enjoyable video are now available for his family’s viewing pleasure.

 

Mason and I watched his production last night. He had been watching this movie in bits and pieces throughout the past 18 months, but not from beginning to end. I too, had seen parts of it, but not in its’ entirety. So it was complete joy to sit and watch my husband and his family through his childhood.

 

My family didn’t have a movie camera as I grew up. My parents used a still camera and we have a plethora of slides from my youth. I’m certain if I were to take on a project like my husband did, it would take me just as long or longer to produce something as he did.

 

What impressed me most about the movies (besides the brilliant work my husband did) was the memories that were captured in those moments. Family gatherings. Christmases past. Holidays celebrated. They were all encapsulated and captured on this short video. Memories which are priceless to him and his family.

 

I wonder as we look at our spiritual journey what memories we might find. Our early years of Sunday School and Vacation Bible School. It was during these years that we were learning the basics of Christianity. Those little lessons of how Jesus loved us and how we are to treat others.

 

Then might come the moment in time when we realize the difference between right and wrong. That moment we commit our lives to Jesus and accept Him as our Savior. This memory would include our baptism. For certain this was a memorable day!

 

And that’s when the journey really began. Each memorable day would either bring a smile or a frown to our face, depending on our actions. Would they be in line with God’s teachings or would we fall into the temptation of sin?

 

Perhaps there might be a tear or two because of willful disobedience. There probably are tears of joy as well.

 

Either way, we would recognize God’s love for us. We knew that His grace would cover the sinful desires we encountered through the years. And we could smile because of the faithful journey we’ve been on.

 

Of course there are probably heart-wrenching memories too. Perhaps moments when our prayers were answered differently than we would have liked. Moments when our tears would have filled the ocean in our desire for the request to be answered another way. But through these teachable moments, we realized that God’s grace was sufficient. He was enough.

 

Oh, there are plenty of memories. Service. Encounters. Bible study. Prayer. Teaching. Evangelizing. And the list could go on and on.

 

Or maybe the memories of your spiritual journey are nothing like this. Your memories may begin as an adult or more recent and they are just beginning. Each person’s journey is unique. The memories will be specific to each one, but they are still memories all the same.

 

And in the end, at the end of our story, all the memories will be distant and vague. All that will matter is what our Lord says to us on the day we enter into His Kingdom.

 

“Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!” (Matthew 25:23 – NIV)

 

Happy memories!

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

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My Vacation – Day 5

September 16th, 2015 dsisler

 

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAYes, I’m on vacation. No, I’m not going anywhere…well lots of trips around the beautiful state of Colorado are in the plans. We are hoping to see some gorgeous fall colors in the mountains. My brother and his lovely bride are coming for a visit. That is vacation enough for me folks!

 

This coming week, I’ll be sharing some older posts. I pray that God will bless you abundantly this week.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

 

Plantar Fasciitis

 

I have suffered with plantar fasciitis for several years. If you’ve ever experienced it, you know the pain can be horrific at times. After the initial diagnosis nearly five years ago, I was able to live pain free for quite a while. But unfortunately, it wasn’t permanent.

 

Recently, my left food has caused such problems that I decided to head back to the doctor for more treatment. My primary care physician sent me to an orthopedic podiatrist in hopes of getting this pain under control.

 

I heard some pretty startling facts. If you suffer once, from this foot ailment, chances are near 100% that you will continue to suffer with this problem. A strict stretching regimen will cure this ailment nearly every time. The stretching of this connective tissue must be done daily for the rest of my life.

 

So, to begin with, before getting out of bed each morning, I must do a stretch to relax the tissue. I then must stretch and exercise my feet five times per day for the next three months. Without fail. I cannot miss a single time.

 

After this steady, intense period of time, the plantar fascia should be feeling much better, however, I’ve been instructed that I must stretch and exercise my feet one time per day for the rest of my life.

 

There are other things that I can add to the regimen, like icing my feet at the end of the day. I can add ibuprofen to help with the inflammation. A boot can be worn at night to keep the tissue stretched or a shoe orthotic could be purchased. If the pain is beyond what I can tolerate, a steroid shot can be given.

 

Well, this is certainly more than I expected for some pain in my feet. But to be honest, the pain has steadily grown to the point that I dread standing up. I know it’s going to hurt. I know it will nearly bring me to tears. So this “fix” seems pretty doable. Pretty simple.

 

So here are some of my thoughts and how God can use this situation in my life as a teaching moment.

 

It takes effort on my part.

Like my foot stretching and exercising, if I don’t make the effort to develop my relationship with God, it will eventually shrivel up. At first it might take a lot of effort. But once the routine is there, it will be easier and more natural to spend time with God.

 

Prayer, Bible reading and Bible study will all bring us closer to God. We get to know Him as we learn about Him through this special time. And our time with God must be daily and regularly. Don’t miss a day. The effort will be worth it.

 

It is an easy fix.

Who would have thought plantar fasciitis could be cured this easily? Without surgery. Without any real invasion. It’s just stretching and exercise.

 

Guess what? It’s that easy with God too. Pick up a Bible. Pray a simple prayer. Talk to God. It’s His greatest desire to spend time with you. It really is easy.

 

Stretching is the best.

Sometimes our faith needs a bit stretching. It’s during the times of trials or suffering that we draw closer to God and find that we are stronger on the other side.

 

It may not mean that the issue has disappeared, but it does mean that you’ve chosen to step closer to God and allow Him to take control of the situation. In the end, your faith will have been stretched and you will be better for it.

 

It is a life-style change.

[Big sigh!] I don’t like exercise. But in this case, it really is what’s best for me. So my attitude must change. My life-style must be changed for the better.

 

When we make that same realization about our spiritual life, we will soon see that spiritual growth and development are also life-style changes. As mentioned earlier, it does take effort on our part. But a spiritual life-style change is so worth the effort.

 

I must continue, even if I’m feeling better.

So the trial or suffering has passed. You survived. Life returns to some kind of normalcy and all is well. Please don’t stop spending time with God until the next big issue arises!

 

You’re on a roll. Keep it up! You’ll find God on the mountain tops as well as in the valleys of your life. He’s there all the time. So don’t stop!

 

Life will be better.

For my feet, I’ll be able to walk without pain for the rest of my life if I continue with my stretching and exercise. The key is to continue with what I’m doing.

 

In life, there’s no guarantee of no more pain if we walk with God, but we have the assurance that He will be with us through it all. And because God is with you, life will be better.

 

I honestly cannot imagine going through my life situations without God by my side. I’m certain I would be angry, bitter and out of sorts most of the time. Well, to be honest, there are times when I am that way. But as I give my burdens, my feelings, and my reactions to God, I am stretching my faith. I am keeping myself on my regimen. I am allowing God to do His work in me.

 

Perhaps you find yourself in a similar situation. Perhaps you need to work on developing your relationship with God. Perhaps it’s time for you to begin a spiritual regimen. If so, I’d love to chat with you about it. Why not drop me a line? Let’s see what God has in store for you.

 

I’ll leave you today with some encouraging words from God’s Word. I pray that you’ll find some comfort in reading them. I know that I do.

 

“God did this (creation of world and man) so that men would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us. ‘For in him we live and move and have our being.’ As some of your own poets have said, ‘We are his offspring.’” (Acts 17:27-28 – NIV)

 

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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