It's a Schedule

My husband is a systems dispatch operator for a local electric company. His job is to keep the power on for all the customers his company services. His work schedule is on a 5-week rotation where he works 12-hour shifts, both days and nights, including holidays and weekends.

Sometimes his work schedule is inconvenient. Sometimes it works against all things sacred (family and church). Sometimes I don’t like it.

What I do like is that they give him his yearly schedule in advance. As a matter of fact, I have his 2013 schedule in hand right now. So I know exactly what our year will look like in relation to his work schedule.

Schedules are part of life. Whether they are related to work, school, or even an infant, there are schedules to keep and follow. It’s how we cope with them and work through them that matters. But more importantly, it’s what God has to say about keeping schedules that makes the difference.

The writer of Ecclesiastes tells us that “there is a time for everything. A season for everything activity under heaven.” (Ecclesiastes 3:1 – NIV) He then proceeds to give examples of his understanding of a schedule in verses 2-8. But we also see from this writer that without God, it’s all meaningless (Ecclesiastes 12:8).

Paul encouraged the Ephesian Christians with these words. “Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.” Paul shared that in day-to-day living (schedules) how important it is to make every moment count. Again, count for God.

I believe from these two passages we can see that schedules are part of life. But if we leave God out of our daily schedules, we are whipping up a recipe for disaster.

As we rely on God, we are able to utilize His power, His strength, His wisdom, and His protection (just to name a few). Why wouldn’t we desire His assistance with our schedules?

I have Mason’s 2013 work schedule. However, it could change. If someone should happen to quit, this schedule is thrown out because another shift must be covered. Sometimes that can get a little aggravating.

[I must add this to all of my complaining. My husband has a job. My husband has employment that is not threatened. I am able to do what I do because of the career my husband has chosen. That is something that I don’t take lightly. I appreciate and love all the work he does for me and our family.]

I pray your schedule today allows for some valuable family time or perhaps some personal time, but most important for an incredible connection with God. Time spent with God is time well spent. Don’t overlook Him with your busy schedule. The time you spend with God will be the best part of your day!

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

Donna

Distractions

How easily are you distracted? Distracted during a conversation or while you’re heading in a specific direction? Or what distracts you from studying God’s Word or your prayer time with Him?

I was having a conversation with a co-worker. I couldn’t tell you what the topic was, but it was one that had kept our attention for some time. Then suddenly, I saw them.

My cubicle mate had dangling earrings. They were a combination of blues, greens and a mixture of the two colors. They were large, shiny and the shape of a teardrop. It was as if I were a fish and these fishing lures were drawing me to them.

I stopped talking. I was mesmerized by their shape, color and design. If in fact I were a fish, I would have been dinner.

Oh how often I am distracted from spending time with God or helping someone in need. The unfortunate thing is that it happens daily for me. I’ll be focused on my study time and then my mind begins to wander. I’ll remember something else I wanted to do. Or I’ll read a verse of Scripture and think, “I could use that in a blog post.” Or an interruption will draw me from my study time and it then becomes more difficult to return.

The same can be said of my prayer time. I’ve learned through the years that unless I physically speak my prayers, chances are pretty good that I’ll end up being distracted by something and then my prayer time with God is disjointed.

But I know I am not alone in this dilemma. The distractions of this world and life have kept many from spending time with God and accepting what He has to offer.

Martha was one such woman. Martha and her family had a close relationship with Jesus. Apparently, close enough to make a complaint about her sister to Jesus.

Jesus was passing through town with His disciples. Martha opened her home to the group. Her sister Mary sat at Jesus’ feet, listening and learning from the Master, while Martha was busy preparing a meal and their home for their guests.

Martha wasn’t happy with the way Mary was behaving. And she told Jesus. “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!” (Luke 10:40b – NIV)

Jesus’ response was priceless. “Martha, Martha.” (Luke 10:41a – NIV) Now this wasn’t the end of Jesus’ response, but it tells us the message Jesus wanted to convey.

“Donna, Donna. Why are you worried about this particular thing?” “Donna, Donna. Really? You made the same mistake again?” “Donna, Donna. What were you thinking?” “Donna, Donna. Are you sure that’s what you want to do?” Yes, I can hear Jesus saying these same words to me. “Donna, Donna.” (You can insert your name here anytime you want.)

For Martha, she had been “distracted by all the preparations that had to be made.” (Luke 10:40a – NIV) And by being distracted, she missed the message.

Jesus continued with His response in Luke 10:41-42 (NIV). “Martha, Martha, you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”

Mary chose the better. Mary got the “one thing.” She chose to sit at the feet of Jesus and hear His words. To know that her life would be different because of knowing this Man. She knew in that moment that her spiritual needs far outweighed her physical needs.

What lessons to learn from Mary!

My friend and I speak of that moment on occasion. Of how I was so drawn to those earrings. To be honest, they were not something I would normally be drawn to. They weren’t a color I care for. They were not my style at all. Honestly, I rarely wear jewelry. But that didn’t matter. The distraction was there and the conversation was lost.

The distractions of our lives don’t even have to be something we like. It doesn’t have to be something we’re usually drawn toward. If we are not careful, anything can distract us from doing what we’re supposed to be doing.

Isn’t it time we realize that our spiritual desires need to take precedence over our physical desires? Isn’t it time to realize that Jesus can make all the difference in our lives? Isn’t it time that we understood the “one thing?” I say yes.

My mind must stay focused. My heart must be in tune with God. My actions must show that nothing can distract me from listening to Jesus.

I don’t like hearing the words, “Donna, Donna.” What about you? Are you willing to be undistracted? I pray that you will come to the understanding that Jesus wants us to listen and hear His message and that He is more important than any distraction.

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

Donna

The Perfect Plan

I am not as internet savvy as I once thought. I have been working on getting a website up since April. I purchased a domain, have the tools to design a website, and then launch said website. I haven’t been able to navigate through the website builder and have become frustrated. So I work on it a bit, then quit because it isn’t going the way I had hoped.

I was able to get an email address through this website. I love being able to use donna@fullmeasureofjoy.com. However, it doesn’t work some of the time so again, I’m frustrated that I am unable to use something (that I’m paying for by the way) as I hoped. So if you need to connect with me with a time sensitive matter, I would suggest using one of my other email addresses.

My solution? Allow a professional to do it for me…or to at least show me what I’m doing wrong so I can work on it. We’ll see how that goes.

I am thankful that there are other things that I am able to do on my own. Like study God’s Word, pray, or worship God at any point during my day.

I have been getting some “updated” Bible reading plan suggestions this week. Some of them are designed by biblical scholars while others are written by worship leaders. Some are designed for a week or two. Others are for a month.

But here’s the concept that I love. Start now. Don’t wait for the New Year to make a resolution to read God’s Word daily, because that is still 63 days away! And, you know your success rate on resolutions!

You could get a jump start now, try something new, feel successful about it this go round, and by the time the New Year gets here, you’ll be deep into God’s Word with a better understanding of His purpose for your life.

Sometimes we need a little help to get us going with something (like my website). So I’m here to offer some suggestions on how to start a reading plan. Please don’t be overwhelmed by this idea. You can do it.

And if you need further help with this, please don’t hesitate to connect with me. Post a comment here or send me an email at donnasisler@gmail.com. I’d be happy to help you get started!

Perhaps you already have YouVersion on your smart phone. If you do, you are ahead of the game, but maybe you didn’t know it! There are quite a few plans already listed through this application, but they’ve recently added some new ones. Check out these plans to see if there might be one you would use. The beauty is that you’ll receive them daily by email. Just the section you need to read. It really doesn’t get any easier than that. 

Biblegateway.com also has reading plans that you can receive by email. Just sign up and you will get exactly what you ask for.

Of course, for those who would prefer opening your personal Bible, there are plans designed for that. If you Google, “Bible reading plans,” you’ll get a slew of them. Search for the one that fits your lifestyle. One that will fulfill your desire to read through the Bible in a year.

My blog usually has tons of Scripture, but since I write topically, my passages aren’t in any particular order. In my internet searching, I haven’t been able to find a blog dedicated to this purpose…perhaps another task to add to my “to do” list.

Here’s the thing. You need to start somewhere. Just you and God. No middleman. No professional. So I would encourage you to consider this idea. If you’ve never read through the Bible, why not start?

If I live to be 90 years old and read through the Bible each year, I still have the opportunity to read through God’s Word thirty-eight more times (I just told you my age didn’t I?). Remember, this is just reading, not studying. Can you imagine what God can teach me through those readings? I can’t! But I certainly would love the chance to find out.

I’ll close with some passages about God’s Word. Recognize some of the benefits you’ll receive by reading through the Bible. You will be amazed that as you begin this process how much you’ll crave and thirst for more. How your desire to be in God’s presence will deepen because you’ve read His Words. Please don’t let another day go by without hearing your heavenly Father’s message.

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.” (Psalm 119:105 – NIV)

“Jesus answered, ‘It is written: Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” (Matthew 4:4 – NIV)

“For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.” (Romans 15:4 – NIV)

“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for ever good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17 – NIV)

“For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow: it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12 – NIV)

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

Donna

Let it Snow!

Wow! We received our first snow of the season in my area last night. As usual, that first blanketing of snow is lovely. It satisfies a longing for beauty. It protects the plants and bulbs under its warmth. It provides moisture to our dry land. It brings a purity with it that somehow seems to purify all that it touches or covers.

Yes, the snow that is covering our landscape is absolutely gorgeous!

I believe we receive some of these same benefits when we live a life that pleases God. Let’s see what God’s Word has to say about it.

God is Lovely

When we are in God’s presence, we dwell in loveliness. Psalm 84:1 (NIV) tells us of this place. “How lovely is your dwelling place, O Lord Almighty.”

David continues to speak of a yearning within to be in the presence of our lovely God. “My soul yearns, even faints, for the courts of the Lord; my heart and my flesh cry out for the living God.” (Psalm 84:2 – NIV)

I pray that you’ve experienced this deep desire. That nothing else could possibly fulfill this desire to be with God.

God Satisfies

David knew this as well. There are three passages in Psalm when David shared the ways that God satisfied. Let’s see what he said.

In Psalm 103, David begins with praise to God. “Praise the Lord, O my soul…who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.” (Psalm 103:1a, 5 – NIV) God satisfies our desire with good things.

And in Psalm 107:9 (NIV) David said this about God. “He satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things.” David urged Israel to thank God for all that He satisfied, including food and drink. We too must remember to thank God for all that He gives.

David shared another satisfaction in Psalm 147:14 (NIV). “He grants peace to your borders and satisfies you with the finest of wheat.” In this section, David talks of all sorts of weather. Through it all, God satisfied David’s needs and desires. God wants to do the same for us.

God Protects

David was fully aware of God’s protection. When David was being blamed for something he had no control over, God protected him. And in this protection, David found rest and peace.

“I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.” (Psalm 4:8 – NIV)

As we place our problems in God’s hands, we allow ourselves the benefits of rest, peace and protection. Why wouldn’t we want to give all of the issues of our lives to Him?

God Provides

David knew this very well and shared his thoughts on this topic in one line. “All my fountains are in you.” (Psalm 87:7b – NIV)

When we come to the understanding that there is nothing apart from God, then we too can make this statement without doubt. Everything we need. Everything we desire, God provides.

In our spiritual walk, we have the opportunity to walk with God and allow Him to fulfill our needs. God’s spiritual provision is all we could possibly desire. Can you repeat David’s words?

Perhaps you’ve heard the current worship song containing this line. I pray that the next time you sing these words you’ll have a better understanding of how God really does provide.

God Purifies

David’s greatest desire after his adulterous affair with Bathsheba was to be purified. He asked for God’s mercy. He asked to be cleansed. “Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.” (Psalm 51:7 – NIV)

In our repentance of sin, we too have the desire to be purified. What a blessing it is to know that God is willing to do just that. We have the opportunity to be washed clean. To be as white as the first snow of the season.

God has so much to offer us. We need to remember all of them. If we jump back to Psalm 103:2 (NIV), David wanted to remember all that God had done for him, too. He didn’t want to forget. “Praise the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits.” Let’s not forget. Let’s remember all that God wants to give us. And then, accept them!

To be honest, this snow won’t last long. The weather will warm up over the weekend and it will disappear. Also to be honest, I really don’t like winter very much. At least I can say I don’t like the cold. But I kind of like snow.

Snow brings a beauty with it that thrills the little girl in me. I pray that each snowfall will remind me of God’s benefits. Maybe you will too.

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

Donna

The Friend I Forgot

I have a friend at church who is such a special lady. She is caring. She is kind. She asks great questions to start conversations. She loves studying the Bible. She is protective of our ministry staff. She prays for everyone. She makes sure everyone remembers the time change. She never misses a service or an event at church. She is forgiving. She is a valuable person who I am blessed to call my friend.

Martha doesn’t drive, so if she needs to get to church, it isn’t uncommon for her to call. Last night was such an occasion. We had a special prayer meeting at church (which I must say was a wonderful service and very moving) and I was privileged to get to pick her up and take her.

As I was driving to get Martha, I remembered a time when I was to bring her to church. However, I forgot to stop by and get her. It was a Wednesday morning for  Women’s Bible Study. We have a short worship service before heading to study and after the first song, the leader said, “Where’s Martha?”

I immediately stood up and said, “I was supposed to pick her up!” I then proceeded to hustle out of the auditorium, ran to my car, and as quickly as possible drove the mile to pick up this dear friend.

We can be forgetful in our day-to-day lives. It’s common. But we can also be forgetful in our spiritual lives. While this too is common, there is more at stake when we forget God.

But, we are in good company. David mentions in Psalm 119:93 (NIV), “I will never forget your precepts, for by them you have preserved my life.” We know there were times when David did forget God’s precepts. Even with a bold statement as this. However, we must strive to never forget God’s teachings. Holding on to them is life.

So let’s see what we are to remember. What we should never forget.

We should never forget God. In Deuteronomy 6:12 (NIV), Moses reminds the Israelites of this very thing. “Be careful that you do not forget the Lord, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery.”

We should never forget God’s words. Proverbs 4:5 (NIV) says, “Get wisdom, get understanding; do not forget my words or swerve from them.”

We should never forget to do good things. “And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.” (Hebrews 13:16 – NIV)

We should never forget God’s timing. Peter tells us to remember this one thing. “But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” (2 Peter 3:8-9 – NIV))

While God tells us that He will not remember our trespasses, God will not forget a few things. The writer of Hebrews tells us, “God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them.” (Hebrews 6:10 – NIV) God never forgets the good we do.

There is one thing that we must forget. I’ve mentioned it before, but I’ll mention Paul’s words again from Philippians 3:13b (NIV). “But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead.” We must forget our past and remember our future in Jesus Christ.

Martha didn’t let me forget for a while that I had forgotten her. She wanted my cell phone number for future reference and I gladly gave it to her. To be honest, I don’t want to forget Martha again.

I don’t want to miss anything that God wants me to remember either. God prompts me in ways that are just as effective as a phone call and for those reminders I’m thankful.

Let’s not forget today. Let’s be diligent in remembering all that God has shown us through our spiritual journey. Let’s be ready and willing to do what He reminds us to do. Let’s never forget all that He’s done for us. Because let’s face it. The alternative isn’t appealing.

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

Donna

Above the Fruited Plains

Through my local church, we have been reading and praying a book by David Butts, 40 Days of Prayer for America: Desperate for Change. It has been an eye-opening book for me, especially after coming back from a service trip to SE Asia where we prayed continually for that area of the world.

As I read through Mr. Butts’ writings, I’m finding myself pulled into his stories and his direction toward God. And I wonder how I have managed to walk up to a voting station in the past without a period of prayer before going.

Yes, this is an election year. No, this is not a blog post about how you should vote. But it is a call to action. There are still nineteen days until Election Day. There is still plenty of time to pray for our nation. To pray for our leaders. To pray for the citizens of America to return to God as a nation. There is still time for God to do His mighty work within our country.

We should at least be willing to try!

So here are my suggestions for you. If you can get a copy of Mr. Butts’ book, do so. He will encourage you to focus on very specific areas of prayer. If you are on Facebook, there is a 40 Days of Prayer page where you will find some great ways to pray for America. Or, on their website, you can download daily prayers or subscribe to daily emails.

But this is just one man’s tool to pray for America. God has His own tools in Scripture to lead us in praying for our nation. Let’s begin with God’s command for Israel.

After the temple was complete, God appeared to Solomon and shared these words with him. “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and forgive their sin and will heal their land.” (2 Chronicles 7:14 – NIV) God is willing to heal our land, but we must do our part. Humble prayers are the perfect place to start.

Paul urged Timothy to pray for the “kings and all those in authority” in 1 Timothy 2:1-2 (NIV). But the reasoning behind it is also mentioned in this section of Scripture. “That we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.” I will allow Scripture to speak for itself.

I also believe that as we live godly and holy lives, we will be good citizens of our nation. By following God’s commands and His words, we are able to be the right kind of people America needs. People full of grace. People who show kindness to strangers and the poor. People who love their enemies.

And Titus 3:1-2 (NIV) adds a few more words of encouragement. “Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and to show true humility toward all men.”

Good countries are made up of good citizens. Titus 3:14 (NIV) adds another element. “Our people must learn to devote themselves to doing what is good, in order that they may provide for daily necessities and not live unproductive lives.”

I certainly am not willing to live an unproductive life. I pray that you feel the same.

So, what I’ve come up with is that we must humble ourselves before God, pray for our nation and leaders, and be good citizens. To be honest, this is just the skeleton. As you study Scripture, you will find other things to add to this list. And I would encourage you to do so.

Don’t let another day go by where America is not in your prayers. Hand it over to God. Allow Him to do mighty things with people who are willing to humble themselves before Him.

I’m going to close with the lyrics to the tune, America the Beautiful. I pray that you’ll find beauty in this land we call home. Beauty in her landscape, but also in her people.

America the Beautiful

O beautiful for spacious skies,
For amber waves of grain,
For purple mountain majesties
Above the fruited plain!
America! America!
God shed his grace on thee
And crown thy good with brotherhood
From sea to shining sea![i]

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

Donna

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[i] Words by Katharine Lee Bates, Melody by Samuel Ward, 1910