My Vacation – Day 4

September 15th, 2015 dsisler

 

IMAG2196mYes, 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!

 

Today, Mason and I celebrate our 14th wedding anniversary, so today’s post is from last year. I pray that God will bless you abundantly.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

 

“Love Never Fails” – Monday Musical Musings

 

Today is our 13th wedding anniversary. So the song I’ve chosen for today is a love song! Actually, one of my favorite love songs because the lyrics come straight from Scripture!

 

Mason and I have enjoyed Jim Brickman’s music from the beginning. He’s a northern Ohio guy who has made it big with his love songs. We’ve been to several concerts and I have even sat at a piano that Mr. Brickman played (I did a sound check prior to his arrival…that’s another story).

 

When Mr. Brickman began arranging Christian music, my soul was touched. His arrangements of older hymns and recent praise music are delightful.

 

I’ve always been drawn to music that uses Scripture as text. It’s so easy to memorize a verse when music is added! Today’s music choice brings an entire chapter to life!

 

You may not find romantic love in this world, but let me remind you that God’s love for you is far greater than anything this world could offer. These verses from 2 Corinthians 13 paints a picture of God’s love for each of us. How beautiful to be loved by God in this way. Today might be the perfect day to read 2 Corinthians 13 again.

 

So today, I wish my husband Mason a happy anniversary and I share with all of you the song, “Love Never Fails.”

 

“Love Never Fails”

 

Love, love is patient, love is kind
Love, does not worry, does not boast
It is not proud, it is not rude, it is not easily angered
Love keeps no record of wrongs

 

Love never fails, never fails
I promise you, my love will never fail
And I will give to you
Faith, hope and love

 

Love does not delight in evil
Love will always protect
Always trust and always hope and it will persevere
Love rejoices in truth

 

Love never fails, never fails
I promise you, my love will never fail
And I will give to you
Faith, hope and love

 

But the greatest of these is love
I’ll give you love[i]

 

Don’t forget to click here to listen to this beautiful tune!

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

[i] “Love Never Fails,” Music by JS Bach, Text 2 Corinthians 13, Arranged and adapted by Amy Sky and Marc Jordan, Latte Music and Rhythm Fish Music, 2002.

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My Vacation – Day 3

September 14th, 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

 

Today

 

I almost feel guilty to say this. My life and my world are going pretty smoothly. Life is good all around.

 

But I know that isn’t the case with everyone this morning. There are people waking to anniversaries of tragedies in their lives. There are people waking who know this may be the last day they spend with a loved one. There are people who don’t have a job to go to today. All is not well.

 

Today may be a difficult day for you in your world.

 

If this is the case, today I offer encouraging words from our God through His servant King David. David knew the ups and downs of life, but he also knew to whom he could run when life turned against him.

 

Let’s take a look at Psalm 18:30-36 (NIV) to see how God provided for David in such times.

 

God’s ways and words were perfect and flawless (v. 30a). David could depend on that even if he could not depend on anything else.

 

God was a shield and refuge (v. 30b). David repeated this concept over and over throughout his life and his Psalms.

 

God provided strength and direction (v. 32). Again, this is an idea that was never far from David’s thoughts.

 

God provided steady feet (v. 33). Steady feet meant swift action. There were many times David needed to have steady feet.

 

God trained David’s hands and arms (v. 34). I’m sure David appreciated this as much as I love reading about it. Hands and arms fit for service made David a willing servant of God.

 

God provided protection and sustenance (v. 35a). David reveled in God’s protection. David was blessed to be sustained by God. All the more reason to praise Him through the battles.

 

God stooped down to make David great (v. 35b). Although David was prepared for each battle, it was God who provided the greatness. David acknowledged who it was that made him great.

 

God broadened the path to protect David’s vulnerability (v. 36). Narrow paths might have been the downfall of many soldiers, but not for David. God always provided exactly what David needed as he needed it. In this case, a broader path.

 

Can you see how God can help us as well? Are there a few points listed above where you can find strength to face this day?

 

Even as I look at this list with a good day facing me, I am encouraged to know that God will be with me through the day and He provides for me in each of these areas.

 

I would encourage you to choose one or two of these phrases to hold on to today. Repeat it throughout your day. Find comfort and strength in those phrases. Find comfort and strength in God.

 

At the end of the day, I pray that you’ll be able to acknowledge that God stooped down and made you great!

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

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My Vacation – Day 2

September 13th, 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

 

Grace and James

 

There is a little phrase in the Book of James that has caught my attention. Perhaps it’s because I’ve been looking for something with the word “grace” in it. Or maybe even the fact that I’ve been searching for a good verse of Scripture from James to display in my home. Whatever the reason, I have found a line that has taken on new meaning for me.

 

“But he gives us more grace.” (James 4:6a – NIV)

 

If you are anything like me, you’re going “phew” right about now. Yeah, I need more grace because sometimes my life doesn’t exactly line up with the teachings of the Bible. And it’s in those moments when God gives me more grace.

 

Now just because I have the opportunity to receive more grace doesn’t mean that I have the right or should continue in sin. The Apostle Paul has a few things to say about that.

 

Paul also mentioned that grace abounds where sin resides in Romans 5:20b (NIV). “But where sin increased, grace increased all the more.” But Paul goes on to say, “What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? By no means! We died to sin; how can we live in it any longer?” (Romans 6:1-2 – NIV)

 

So how are we to live? James offers a five-step plan for us to follow.

 

“Submit yourselves, then, to God.” (James 4:7 – NIV)

Submission is a hard word for us to swallow. But in my study of submission through the years, it has become easier to understand and easier to implement into my life.

 

Everyone is under submission to someone. Some more than others. But being in submission to God, my Creator, is much easier knowing that submission assists in ridding my life of my sinful nature.

 

“Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” (James 4:7 – NIV)

You would think this one would be easy, but the devil knows exactly how to tempt me (see yesterday’s post). But let’s remember that although we are tempted, God makes a way for us to escape the tempter’s snare (1 Corinthians 13:10).

 

God is faithful and He will be with us as we resist the devil.

 

“Come near to God, and he will come near to you.” (James 4:8 – NIV)

Getting close to God only comes one way. Moving toward Him. To do so, we must build and grow our relationship with God. Bible study, prayer, and meditation all play a part of this precious courtship.

 

The result will be well worth the effort. Close proximity to God will never be suffocating or over-bearing. It will be refreshing and wonder-filled. And He will give more grace!

 

“Wash your hands, you sinners.” (James 4:8 – NIV)

I am a hand washer. Not a germophobic necessarily, but I don’t like to have dirty hands, especially in the kitchen. I understand this line.

 

When I am “dirtied” by the world or my sinful nature overtakes my spiritual common sense, I must wash my hands. Wash my hands of the filth of wickedness, the bacteria of sin, the sliminess of iniquity.

 

Clean hands prevent illness in our physical world and according to James, our spiritual world as well.

 

“Purify your hearts, you double-minded.” (James 4:8 – NIV)

Our hearts are to be single-minded according to James. Our hearts must belong to God completely. There isn’t room for two Lord’s on the throne of our hearts. Therefore, we must purify our hearts.

 

King David mentioned clean hands and a pure heart in Psalm 24:4-5 (NIV). Listen to his words. “He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift up his soul to an idol or swear by what is false. He will receive blessing from the Lord and vindication from God his Savior.”

 

The blessings we receive during this purification process are far more valuable than anything this world could offer. Anything!

 

Sounds easy doesn’t it? This five-step process. Of course we cannot do it alone. God’s Holy Spirit is with us to lead and guide us along the way. And when we slip up, God is always there to provide more grace.

 

I pray that your day will be blessed by drawing near to God. By asking His assistance in your most difficult situations. And especially by the abundance of grace that God lavishes upon each of us.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

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My Vacation – Day 1

September 12th, 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

 

My Time

 

I seem to be having issues with time management. I just can’t seem to get everything done that needs to get done. You know, the important things. Bible study preparation. Blog posts written. Quiet time with God. One-on-one time with my husband.

 

And then there are the “not as important” items on my “to do” list. Like mopping the kitchen floor. Doing a load of laundry. Taking down the Christmas tree and Christmas decorations.

 

But in my analysis, I found that my time management wasn’t so much about not having enough time to do these things, but much more to do with what I was actually doing with my time. This really hurt. Wounded me through and through.

 

You see, I found this little game on my phone. I installed it thinking it was something my granddaughter Joy would love. What I found was that it was addicting for me!

 

And because I needed more “pearls” to get ahead in the game, I started playing another game get free pearls. And then I put both of those games on my Nook. And there you have it. Addiction. Time consuming, time eating, time-wasting addiction.

 

And the worst part is that I gave up my special time with God to play these silly games!

 

Now granted, I have recently had a new grandchild added and I am spending time with this new addition. I had my two-year-old grandson spend the night and I spent quality time with him. But the relationship that I chose to push to the side was with God. And oh, how that hurts my soul.

 

Perhaps you’ve been in a similar situation. Perhaps you know exactly what I’m talking about. Or it may not be a game that has taken over your time. Maybe it’s a person. Or a television show. Or the internet. Anything we place between ourselves and God is an idol and that is sin.

 

God is a jealous God. He wants us. He wants all of us. He wants the quality part of us. And if we do not give ourselves to Him completely, we are just mouthing the words.

 

I read through Psalm 38 this morning. David had made some errors in his life. He knew he had sinned. This Psalm speaks of David’s feelings toward that sin.

 

David mentions guilt, burden, wounds, sinful folly, mourning, searing pain, feeble, utterly crushed, groaning, anguish of heart, strength failing, failing eyesight, alienation, traps, harm, ruin, deception, iniquity, troubled, evil, and slander.

 

As I read through this Psalm, I realized that many of David’s emotions and feelings were exactly what I was feeling. I had disappointed myself, but more than that I disappointed God.

 

In the middle of this Psalm, David lays his heart open for God to do the healing. David knew exactly what to pray for and he did so. It became my prayer as well. “All my longings lie open before you, O Lord; my sighing is not hidden from you.” (Psalm 38:9 – NIV)

 

David ends this Psalm with yet another request from God and one that I also prayed. “Come quickly to help me, O Lord my Savior.” (Psalm 38:22 – NIV)

 

You see I cannot do this on my own. I’d just fall back into my old habits. But when God joins me in the battle, in the struggle, in the temptation, I can be victorious. Together we can overcome this sin.

 

Remember, anything that I place between myself and God is sin. It’s that simple. For me, playing a simple game intended for enjoyment became a sin. It may not be for you, but I would dare say there is something else that you could call “sin.”

 

So today, let’s examine our lives and become aware of the areas we are lacking self-control. Let’s call out to God to help us through the removal of said issue. And then bathe in the luxury of His grace and forgiveness.

 

This is what I plan to do today.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

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Stretched

September 11th, 2015 dsisler

 

Rocky Mountain Christian Church offers a very unique program that is helping to transform my life. Praise in Motion (Tuesday evenings at 7:00 pm at the Frederick Campus) is a movement class that combines body, mind and soul to draw the participants closer to God. It has truly been a great way for me to release the tensions of the day and while doing so, allows me to focus on God and what He’s done in my life. I love Praise in Motion!

 

Daytona 500 004Now I love the praise part. Yes, there are times I wonder if a song is ever going to end. Those times when my legs are burning or my shoulder is screaming at me to stop. But I’ve learned to push through those moments, ask God to give me strength to continue and then I do. I just seem to be able to keep going.

 

But then, we stretch to end the evening. This has been the most difficult thing for me physically. I follow the directions of our leaders. I continue to ask God to give me stamina to finish. But sometimes I just don’t think I can stand another moment in some positions. Now I do. I stick with it, but it is very difficult.

 

At least one of the leaders of Praise in Motion reads my blog, so she’s probably freaking out about now. We are consistently being told to only do what feels comfortable. I do listen. But wait, I have something very important to say about this.

 

It’s real easy to praise God when things are going smoothly right? Every part of life is in sync. There are no troubles or worries. And life is one big praise and worship time. These times of our life are so great!

 

But then we are asked to be stretched. Something happens. You know what I’m talking about. Betrayal. Loss. Disappointment. Anxiety. Change. Failure. And then what? How do you handle life when faced with these issues?

 

Well, we praise God. There is great power in praising the One who has redeemed your soul. Even in, especially in the valleys.

 

What I’ve figured out in Praise in Motion is that when I start to stretch, I stop praising God. I don’t know why, but I do. That’s when I lose my focus, lose my way and wander around in the desert of self-pity, or the quagmire of despair, or the trash heap of gloom. It can be that way in life as well.

 

So today I would encourage you to get out of that desert, quagmire or trash heap and make your way back to God. Praise Him for what you do have instead of focusing on what you don’t.

 

Psalm 34:1 (The Voice) says, “I will praise the Eternal in every moment through every situation. Whenever I speak, my words will always praise Him.”

 

There it is. King David’s words of encouragement for you today. Praise God. All the time. Even when you are being stretched.

 

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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