The Armor of God – Word of God Wednesday

July 22nd, 2015 dsisler

 

I am a huge fan of Priscilla Shirer. She is an inspired biblical teacher who has a great amount of insight into God’s Word.

 

Armor of GodI was thrilled when I heard that she had written a new study on the Armor of God that would be released on August 1. Folks, I put it on my calendar! I didn’t want to miss it!

 

Then, Ms. Shirer’s launch team sent out a request to help with getting the word out. I actually had to fill out an application to do this. And guess what? I was chosen! Yes, me. Little Full Measure of Joy girl was asked to help get this information out to my followers.

 

So today, as part of my Word of God Wednesday, read through the passage on the Armor of God and then find a group in your area who will be doing the Armor of God study. You won’t want to miss this one!

 

“Therefore, put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.” (Ephesians 6:13-18 – NIV)

 

#ArmorOfGodStudy

This is where you’ll want to go to learn more about The Armor of God study by Priscilla Shirer. bit.ly/AOGLaunch

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

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What I Missed

July 21st, 2015 dsisler

 

Wow! Have I been busy! But I must say that this busyness has been super fulfilling. I’ve met with lots and lots of ladies in ministry. I’ve made connections with Bible study leaders and I’ve been re-energized with a great sense of purpose in my life.

 

DSC_0493But yesterday afternoon, as my husband and I were out and about, I remembered one lovely lady that I hadn’t touched base with. My heart sank. I thought I was doing so well, and yet, here was one that I missed.

 

Maybe you’ve experienced this in the past. You missed a friend’s birthday. You forgot to pay a bill. You didn’t make the appointment when you should. You overlooked something important. Why? Probably because of busyness.

 

I read this verse of Scripture this morning as a reminder to me that I really can’t do this work of God on my own. I’ll make mistakes. I’ll miss the connections. I’ll do my part to mess it up. But with God at the forefront of my day-to-day life, He will help me when I need it most.

 

“And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.” (2 Corinthians 9:8 – NIV)

 

What a beautiful promise! God is able—I’m not. God will provide—I can’t. God knows—I don’t. God works—I follow.

 

God’s work is important, but when the busyness of His work keeps us from really doing His work, then the busyness needs to stop. This is really easy to do when doing full-time ministry.

 

There are a lot of to-do items on my list today, but top and center will be to connect with Karen. Who is it that you need to connect with today? Who needs to hear from you? Don’t let your busyness get in the way to making the important connections.

 

Keep the verse above in front of you this week. If you’re like me, you’ll need to be reminded more than once!

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

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“Mystery” – Monday Musical Musings

July 20th, 2015 dsisler

 

Do you realize we are closer to Christmas 2015 than we are to Christmas 2014? Yep. This year is flying by and Christmas is just 157 days. It’s kind of frightening how quickly time goes by. At the same time, I can’t wait for Christmas to come around again.

 

???????????????????????????????In my Thursday morning summer Bible study, we are reading and studying about Mary, the mother of Jesus. It’s been a real joy to read about the occurrences that were happening around the time of Jesus’ birth. The discussions between God and Mary and Joseph. The census. The birth. The star. The visitors. Even the murder of innocent babes. The scene surrounding Jesus’ birth was pretty amazing.

 

And perhaps the most amazing thing of all is that God loved you and me so much that He was willing to send Jesus to be the sacrifice for our sin.

 

I am once again reminded that I don’t deserve this glorious gift from God my Father and Jesus my Savior. But that didn’t even enter into the mind of our gracious God.

 

The song I share today is a Christmas song. It’s one of my favorites. Not because it’s upbeat and jingly. No, the lyrics of this song are what capture my attention, my heart and my life.

 

Oh, it is a mystery that God would love me in such a way to send His Son to die for me. But there is one line in this song that really helps me to want to live differently every day because of Jesus’ sacrifice. This is it. “When You look into this traitors eyes what do You see that justifies the Lamb?”

 

Yes, I am a traitor. I miss the mark and sin against God. But that’s not how God sees me. God sees me as His precious daughter. God lavishes me with beautiful gifts (love, grace, mercy, forgiveness, etc.). And when God looks into my eyes, His are filled with compassion.

 

Oh it’s a mystery alright.

 

But what a beautiful, wonderful mystery.

 

I pray that as you read through these lyrics and listen to this Christmas song that you too will begin to feel the wonder of this mystery. I pray that you will realign your thoughts, your actions, your words and your life with Jesus and His plan for your life. I pray that you will not take Jesus’ gift for granted.

 

“Mystery”

 

A child was born on Christmas Day
Born to save the world
But long before the world began
He knew His death was sure
The pain and strife secured

 

Mystery, how He came to be a man
But greater still how His death was in His plan

God predestined that His Son would die
And He still created man
Oh, what love is this
That His death was in His hands

 

The Christmas trees they glow so bright
With presents all around
But Christmas brought a tree of life with blood that sacrificed
The greatest gift in life

 

Mystery, how He came to be a man
But greater still how His death was in His plan

God predestined that His Son would die
And He still created man
Oh, what love is this
That His death was in His hands

 

I am just a man and can’t begin to comprehend
When You look into this traitors eyes
What do You see that justifies the Lamb

 

God predestined that His
Son would die
And He still created man
Oh, what love is this
That His death was in His plan
Mystery, mystery[i]

 

Selah sings this mysterious song. Click here to listen.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

[i] “Mystery,” Words and Music by Todd and Angela Smith, Okapi One Music, Hilton House Music, 2002.

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Blessings Upon Blessings

July 19th, 2015 dsisler

 

What an exciting Sunday morning in July! We have a guest joining us for service at Rocky Mountain Christian Church today. Head Coach MacIntyre from Colorado University will be joining us to share his thoughts on how God uses him in his work with young people. We are looking forward to hearing his message.

 

DSC_0003But if that isn’t enough, what about the all-church picnic that will follow morning worship? Yep. It’s going to be a great day!

 

I pray that as you head out for worship this morning that you are touched by God’s Spirit to be attentive to the words you’ll hear, the songs you’ll sing and the people you’ll be with. I pray that a message will be placed in your heart and that transformation will take place as you meditate and learn from the message.

 

“May the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth, bless you from Zion.” (Psalm 134:3 – NIV)

 

Today’s repeat blog post is one that will keep you thinking and asks the question, “How shall I live?”

 

How Shall I Live?

 

One of my Grandpa Rich’s favorite programs was the Gaither Gospel Hour. It meant so much to him since he grew up in a musical family.

 

I must admit, I enjoy watching an episode or two of this same show. The musical talent combined on the stage of each program is staggering. And of course, the music they sing brings joy to my soul, because they are about my loving Father, my gracious Savior, and my guide, the Holy Spirit.

 

Last evening was no different. The program was titled Amazing Grace. They began with a beautiful arrangement of “Amazing Grace” and ended with “I Then Shall Live.”

 

I was captured by the lyrics of the last verse of “I Then Shall Live.”

 

Your kingdom come around and through and in me;

Your power and glory let them shine through me.

Your Hallowed name, oh may I bear with honor;

And may Your living Kingdom come in me.

The Bread of Life, O’ may I share with honor;

And may You feed a hungry world through me.[i]

 

Wow! Those are words to live by. Living a life in which God’s Kingdom is visible. Living a life of honor. Living a life so that others might see God within me and desire the same. If you’d like to listen to this beautiful hymn, click here.

 

Oh, I know I don’t live like this all the time. And to be honest, I couldn’t live as I do without God’s Spirit leading me. Without God’s Words resonating within my heart and head daily. Without knowing that Jesus was willing to take my sin and pay my debt.

 

I believe it all comes down to a willingness to allow God to work in me. If I continually choose to be drawn into sin, I couldn’t possibly hope to live a life described in this song. If I continually choose to put my needs and desires above God’s, I would never be able to read these lyrics with honesty. If I continually choose to turn my back on those in need, my words would be gibberish without meaning.

 

I’m convicted by the lyrics. I’m pressed to see what is missing in my life. I must be willing to make the necessary changes to live a life of honor.

 

Galatians 2:20 (NIV) tells me how to do this. “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” I must crucify myself and all that goes along with me. My selfishness, my pride, my earthly nature, my busyness…me.

 

I pray that you’ll be encouraged by these words. I may not be where I need to be, but I am in a better place than when I started this journey. May I live an honorable life. May others see Jesus in me. May God’s Kingdom receive all the glory. Amen.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

[i] “I Then Shall Live” (Finlandia), Composer Jean Sibeius (1899), Copyright: Music © Breitkopf & Härtel; Lyricist Gloria Gaither (1981), Copyright: Words © 1981 Gaither Music Company.

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What Will You Choose?

July 18th, 2015 dsisler

 

I have often shared photos of the beautiful view from the window in my office. Beautiful sunsets and sunrises that envelope snow-capped mountains. Each day similar, yet different in its own way.

 

sunrise 7-18-15I have rarely offered photos of the back side of my house which faces east. Mainly because I’m usually looking to the west. But this this morning, I was awakened by a beautiful sunrise and as my eyes focused on its beauty and thanked God for the day, I snapped a picture.

 

I know I am blessed. I know I have much to be thankful for. I know that God’s hand is in and on and all over my day. And this morning, I was once again reminded of God’s compassion and love that He so willingly provides.

 

“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 – NIV)

 

Friend, I pray that today you are able to remember God’s love, compassion and faithfulness regardless of your view. I pray that you are able to experience the guidance and leadership from the hand of God. I pray that you are able to be in His presence and know His peace. I pray that you are able to recognize His beauty in everything you see. Oh, above all I pray that you are able to live in His grace and truth and walk through your day as a reflection of the One who loves you the most.

 

You’ve heard it before. A picture is worth a thousand words. What picture are you going to keep before you today? Will it be positive or negative? Self-centered or selfless? Meaningful or idle? Filled with blessings or curse? Giving or taking?

 

Today I chose a beautiful picture. One that reflects Jesus and where He is at the center. I pray you will choose the same.

 

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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