Make a Difference in Southeast Asia

July 19th, 2012 dsisler

This isn’t like my usual blog posts. In my earlier blog post, “Here am I. Send Me,” I mentioned that you’d be hearing more about this upcoming trip, so here are the details. Thank you in advance for reading it and for helping as God lead you.

Greetings!
While listening to details of a service trip to Southeast Asia this past weekend, tears began to form. My heart began to race. My heart was opened. Something inside me insisted to be loosed. My heart was breaking for what breaks God’s heart, the lost in this dark world.
I believe God is calling me to go on this service trip. But in order for this to happen, God needs to jump into with me and provide. The trip is scheduled for September 23 – October 5. If you are counting the days, yes, it’s quickly approaching. A short 67 days until we leave.
There is so much to do and very little time. I need your help. There are two ways that you can be part of this special time for me and for God’s passion to be expressed.
First, you can become a prayer partner. A great deal of this trip will be focused on prayer. I ask that you join us in prayer.
1) I don’t have a passport. Please pray that the process will be expedited and that my passport is one issue that I won’t need to think about.
2) I don’t have the money. I need to raise $2,500 in a few short weeks in order to be part of this team. Please pray that God will provide the money needed for me to go.
3) I don’t have a great deal of knowledge of the area we’re going. Please pray that God will open my heart and mind to the needs of this area.
4) Above all please pray that God would be honored and glorified on this mission trip.
Secondly, you can become a financial partner. I don’t have the funds to go on this trip. I have been unemployed for nearly two years. After the monthly bills are paid, there’s nothing left. What I do have is the belief that God has placed this desire in my heart and that He will provide all that I need. So again, I ask that you join me. Here are the financial hurdles that need to be addressed.
1) Plane tickets will be purchased on August 1. The flight will cost between $1,200 and $1,250. This amount must be raised in two weeks. Would you be willing to support this mission trip by sending money today?
2) The remaining $1,250 will need to be in place by September 1. This money will be used for transportation, training, and living expenses while in Southeast Asia.
Please understand that you may mark your contribution to go towards my trip. To do so, you may include a sticky note with my name on it or include my name on an envelope when submitting your contribution. Do NOT write my name in the memo line.   Also, if the trip is canceled, if I can’t attend, or if I’ve met my fundraising goal, your contribution will remain in the missions fund at LifeBridge to be used for other mission related expenses. Your contribution is a non-refundable, tax-deductible gift and you will receive a year-end statement of your contribution(s).
To become a financial partner, please make checks payable to LifeBridge Christian Church (LBCC) and send the check to me at 300 Garfield St, Dacono, CO 80514. You may also send the check to LifeBridge Christian Church, ATTN: Imrie Anderson at 10345 Ute Highway, Longmont, CO 80504. Remember to place a sticky note on the check with my name on it.
I believe that God will join me on this journey and because He is with me, I can hold tightly to His power, His strength, and His wisdom. My faith can rest assured that He will come through. Are you willing to join us?
Grace and peace be yours in abundance,
Donna Sisler
Share

Character

July 18th, 2012 dsisler
What comes to mind when you hear the word Berean? For some, it might be a wonderful Bible book store you frequent. For others, it might be a college. It might even remind you of a Sunday School class in your church.

Whatever you think of, there is good reason to equate the name Berean with good things.

There is a single verse in the book of Acts that tells a great story of the Berean people, but it also sheds some light into the way we should be living our lives. Let’s look at Acts 17:11 (NIV). “Now the Bereans were of more noble character than the Thessalonians, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day.”
I see three areas in which the Bereans excelled.
First, they were noble in character. They far exceeded the Thessalonians in this area. While Paul and Silas were in Thessalonica, the Jews who were not persuaded by Paul’s teaching became disgruntled.
This group hired “some bad characters,” thugs as we might call them. These thugs stirred up the crowd and soon a mob was formed and rioting began. Paul and Silas fled for their lives.
The Bereans weren’t like this. They had chosen to listen peacefully to all that Paul and Silas had to say. They were noble in character.
We, like the Bereans, are called to live noble lives (Proverbs 12:4). Have hearts stirred by a noble theme (Psalm 45:1). Think noble thoughts (Philippians 4:8). Have noble purposes (2 Timothy 2:20-21). Plan noble plans (Proverbs 12:4).
Outstanding qualities are what defines nobility. We must live lives where others might say what was said of the people living in Berea.
Second, the Bereans eagerly received Paul and Silas’ message. Their desire was to learn all that Paul and Silas had to teach them.
Are you eager to receive God’s message? Do you long to hear God’s Word preached? Are you listening to what God has to say to you?
God has given us a message that is filled with hope, joy, and grace. Why wouldn’t we want to eagerly listen?
James takes this idea one step further. James 1:22 (NIV) says, “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.”
Yes, we must listen and learn, but we then must put that knowledge into action. We must be willing to take that same eagerness of hearing the message and then eagerly follow God’s teachings.
Eager receiving equals changed lives.
Third, they checked Scripture for themselves to see if Paul and Silas’ message was an accurate one. I love this little section of Scripture because it tells me that the Old Testament scrolls housed in the Synagogue were available for the people to study.
The Bereans wanted to know if what Paul and Silas were preaching fell in line with God’s Word. And, after careful examination, they knew that it did. Because it was a continuation of God’s story. It was the best part of the story. Salvation through Jesus Christ.
When was the last time you pulled out your copy of God’s Word to see if what you heard was in line with Scripture? I hope it’s often. I would even pray that you check all that I write in this blog.
My reason for thinking this way? When you study God’s Word, when your knowledge of what He has to say grows, when you want to know the fullness of Scripture, then you will be blessed beyond words.  
We can take an example from Timothy. Paul shares his charge to Timothy in 2Timothy 3:14-17 (NIV).
“But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, and how from infancy you have known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 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 every good work.”
Knowing Scripture will take you to the highest of heights. It will change you. God’s Word will teach, rebuke, correct and train as you learn from it. And best of all, God will be able to use you in a far greater way because you will be equipped.
We can learn quite a bit from this one verse of Scripture and from the Bereans. I pray that each of us will find an eagerness to be in God’s Word daily. To hear His message as often as it is presented. And to live noble lives that praise, honor, and glorify God.
Grace and peace be yours in abundance,
Donna
Share

Here am I. Send Me.

July 17th, 2012 dsisler

During our worship service this past weekend, an upcoming service trip was presented to the congregation. Some details were given. Things like the date, the location, and the importance of service trips to name a few.
The couple leading the group are veteran missionaries. They have a deep desire to share the Gospel with anyone willing to listen, especially in foreign countries.
At some point during the presentation, tears began to form. My heart began to race. My heart was opened.

I have heard missionary presentations on many occasions. More than I could possibly say. But this time, something inside me insisted to be loosed.

I approached the couple after church and told them I thought I was being led to go on this trip. Through tears I expressed this desire. I hadn’t talked to my husband or my family, but I thought it was the thing to do. I was given information about the trip and walked away with a sense of peace.
At home, I approached the topic with my husband…again through tears I tried to express my feelings about this journey. He had a few questions, and was supportive in how I was feeling.
But in the end it really was about money. I’ve been out of work for two years. We are just meeting our monthly bills with his income. There is nothing to spare. Not even for a service trip.
I knew that going into it. I also knew that if this was where God was leading me, I’d have to raise the money to go and He would provide all my needs. My faith and trust in Him would have to take me to this place.
But it seemed like there was something more. The words to one of my favorite worship songs kept running through my head. Hosanna[i]by Hillsong. The bridge seems to say exactly what I’m feeling at this point.
Heal my heart and make it clean;
Open up my eyes to the things unseen.
Show me how to love like you have loved me.
Break my heart for what breaks yours;
Everything I am for your kingdom’s cause.
As I walk from earth into eternity.
What has touched me through these couple of days is the fact that my heart is breaking for what breaks God’s heart. The lost.
Through my entire life, the lost have been in my thoughts and prayers. I was raised in a minister’s home. I went to Bible College. I was in local ministry for 16 years. I was on a large church staff for six years. I have lead women’s Bible studies for nearly 30 years. I know what God’s purpose and plans are for the lost.
But this service trip touched me. I was being changed. My heart was breaking.
So why should I go on this service trip?
Because Jesus’ mission should be my mission. Jesus came to seek and save the lost. (Luke 19:10) Whether it is across the world, my next door neighbor or someone living within my household, my mission should be to share the Gospel with others, in word or deed. My life should be a reflection of Jesus’ ministry and mission.
Because the world is ready. Jesus told the disciples in Luke 10:2 (NIV), “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workings into his harvest field.” There are people who are seeking God. They know something is missing in their life, they just aren’t sure what it is. I know the missing piece. I know Him personally. So get ready world, the message of Jesus is coming!
Because I can. I’m reminded of Isaiah’s words in chapter 6 verse 8. “Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, ‘Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?’ And I said, ‘Here am I. Send me!’” (NIV) Someone must go, and I can, so I will speak Isaiah’s words. “Here am I. Send me.” My voice will be God’s voice. My words will be God’s words. My message will be God’s message.
Because God has been preparing me for this moment. Ephesians 2:10 (NIV) reminds us, “We are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” All those years in ministry, teaching and learning has led me to this moment. To believe that there is more to life beyond my tiny world of existence. God has prepared me for this opportunity. It is up to me to accept it and allow Him to work through me for His kingdom’s sake.
I have a meeting this evening with the leading couple. My questions will be answered. The mission will be presented. But in the end, I know I will be signing a contract to go on this service trip.
There are some hurdles to jump. A passport. Immunization shots. Money. But God will join me on this journey and because He is with me, I can hold tightly to His power, His strength, and His wisdom. My faith can rest assured that He will come through.
You’ll hear more of my journey over the next few weeks. I can’t wait to be able to share more details. But until then, I pray that God will break your heart for what breaks His.
Grace and peace be yours in abundance,
Donna

[i] words and music by Brooke Fraser © Brooke Fraser/Hillsong Publishing (adm in the U.S. and Canada by Integrity’s Hosanna! Music)
Share

Stop!

July 16th, 2012 dsisler

My husband, Mason, has a habit of spying previously owned vehicles. Sometimes he just tells me about the vehicles, but if it was a special car, we stop to reminisce.
On one occasion as he was driving, he spotted a car. He stopped in the middle of the road, turned off the truck, and got out. Fortunately, it was a not-so-populated road. Traffic wasn’t being blocked. So, I got out too.
He was so thrilled to see this car. It was identical to the one he had owned in high school and the memories began to flow. Then he asked me to take a picture of the car. I took one with him next to the car and one of just the car.
He was so happy in that moment.
There are times that we need to stop what we are doing, sometimes right in the middle of it. Words of discouragement flowing from our mouths. Improper thoughts. Actions that simply are not very Christ-like. In the moments we are caught up in sin, we must stop. Get away from the situation and head toward God.
In Scripture, we find some examples of when we are to stop. Let’s see what God has to say.
The first thing we must stop is sinning. Isaiah 1:16b-17a (NIV) and 1 Corinthians 15:34a (NIV) share the same thought. “Stop doing wrong, learn to do right.” “Come back to your senses as you ought, and stop sinning.”
Let’s remember, if we are going to remove a behavior from our lives, we must replace it with something else. Isaiah says to learn to do right. Fill the void with good as you stop doing wrong.
1 Corinthians 14:20 (NIV) reminds us to “Stop thinking like children. In regard to evil be infants, but in your thinking be adults.” We need to grow up and stop acting like children when it comes to our spiritual lives! We need to put aside evil, sinful thoughts and get into God’s Word. Get to the “meat” and become spiritual adults. Learn what God has to say about all areas of your life. Then you will stop thinking like a child.
Then there are a few things we are to do in relation to others. Romans 14:13 (NIV) says to stop judging. “Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in your brother’s way.”
Judging. It’s something we’re good at. But God clearly states that it’s not our job. Our job is to keep others from stumbling by making sure our lives are following the path God has laid before us. Another great example of what we are to fill the emptiness with. God’s love for others.
And in John 6:43 (NIV), Jesus was speaking to a group of Jews, but His words speak to me. “Stop grumbling among yourselves.” I find myself falling into this trap over and over. Grumbling. Complaining. Believing that I could do better. Hah!
Perhaps I could do better, but guess what? I wasn’t asked to do it! Someone with more qualifications, more abilities, more anything was asked. My role is to support. Lift up. Encourage. Not grumble.
Finally I’d like to look at a verse that brings everything into perspective. In the book of Job, God’s faithful and eloquent servant, Elihu, presents God’s case to Job. Over and over, Elihu brings Job to an understanding of God’s goodness.
In Job 37:14 (NIV), Elihu asks Job to “Stop and consider God’s wonders.” When we adopt this view of life, we too, will not be able to contain the joy, love, or hope within us. These qualities, God’s qualities will flow from us.
God’s wonders. They are boundless. They are limitless. They are amazing.
I encourage you to stop. Right now. Stop and spend some time praising God for who He is. For what He has done. For what He is preparing to do. Then inquire what He desires for you. What He is asking you to do.
He might reply with “stop.” Stop sinning. Stop thinking like a child. Stop judging. Stop grumbling. Stop and consider. Stop.
Stop. Get out of the situation, way of thinking, or busyness of life. And then, run to God.
Now, you are prepared to do something for God’s Kingdom.
Grace and peace be yours in abundance,
Donna
Share

Refreshed

July 15th, 2012 dsisler

This past week, the North American Christian Convention took place in Orlando, Florida. This is their mission statement. “The North American Christian Convention exists to provide ideas, inspiration, and identity to Restoration Movement Churches, ministries, and their leaders.”[i]
Because of my affiliation to ministry through my lifetime, I’ve been blessed to be able to attend the NACC on more occasions that I can count. I have learned countless principles, listened to a zillion sermons, sang even more worship songs, and at the end of each convention returned to ministry with a renewed view of my role and a closer relationship with God.
My desire was to attend yet again this year for several reasons. My church minister was the president of the NACC this year. The worship leaders from my church led worship all week. The theme was “Refreshed.” And it was in Florida!
The problem? I’ve already been on two trips this year and have another one coming up in about a month. There was no way that we could afford for me to attend this convention.
But God placed some brilliant people in the path of the NACC this year. Each main session was streamed across the internet for those of us who couldn’t attend to watch. And now, after the NACC is complete, the sessions are available to view on demand.
I was able to watch and listen while sitting at my desk. I was able to hear the wonderful sermons each morning and evening. I participated in the worship services. I gleaned Biblical information from the wise leaders of our brotherhood. And I was blessed beyond imagination.
The theme for the convention was “Refreshed.” One of my thoughts landed at my computer screen. Sometimes my screen freezes or loads slowly. I hit the “refresh” button and the screen begins again loading images and words. It returns to working the way it should.
In our spiritual lives or in ministry, we can get into a rut. We can become stalled. We aren’t finding joy in studying God’s Word. We don’t see others the way God views them. Our attitude toward life is far from God’s view.
Perhaps a discouraging time has taken place. Maybe there has been failure. Or perhaps life just hasn’t turned out the way you thought it would.
Regardless of what has happened, refreshment must be found. The “refresh” button must be hit. So how can we be refreshed in Jesus? What steps can we take to be refreshed? In my search for refreshment, I found five ways to be refreshed.
Spend Time in God’s Word
God’s Word is living and active. Each day I find new and exciting thoughts that I know I’ve read before, but for some reason, that particular section had great meaning in that moment. You’ll be amazed at how God can work through His Scriptures.
Psalm 19:7a (NIV) says, “The law of the Lord is perfect, refreshing the soul.” God’s Word will refresh your soul! But you have to read it. You have to study it. You must spend time in it to be refreshed.
Rid Your Life of Sin
Sin is a refreshment killer. It is separation from God. And if we are not in God’s presence, there is no chance of refreshment.
Sin can sneak in and take over areas of our life before we know it. We must be diligent in asking God to reveal these areas of sin to us. Remember Psalm 139:23-24? It should be a daily prayer on our part.
We see in Acts 3:19 (NIV) to, “Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord.” Times of refreshment are just around the corner. It’s time to repent.
 
Rest
This may be the most difficult for us. We are so busy. There is so much to do. Especially in ministry. But God gave the example in the beginning. Genesis 2:2 (NIV) tells us that “God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work.”
I know you’re saying, “My work is never done!” Perhaps that is true, but you need to rest. God gave the command to the Israelites and it is something we need to consider in order to find refreshment.

“Six days do your work, but on the seventh day do not work, so that your ox and your donkey may rest, and so that the slave born in your household and the foreigner living among you may be refreshed.”(Exodus 31:17 – NIV)
Refresh Others
When we are a blessing to others, we will be blessed beyond anything we could have imagined.
Proverbs 11:25 (NIV) says, “A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.” I love this verse. Not because of the outcome, but because of something that I might be able to do. Refresh others.
We can have a tendency to be a little short with friends, family, or strangers. Our comments may not be in line with Jesus’ teachings. Our actions may prove that we don’t belong to Him. We must be careful of how we treat others. Proverbs says we should refresh others. Have you done so today?
Allow God to Be in the Middle of It
God wants to help. He begs us to come to Him. God’s Word proves this over and over. But the verse I’m using is from Jeremiah 31:25 (NIV).
“I will refresh the weary and satisfy the faint.”
Are you weary? Are you unsatisfied? Are you feeling faint? Reach out to God. He will refresh far beyond your comprehension. He’s just waiting for the opportunity.
I was refreshed this week by the NACC. Perhaps there is still time to be refreshed by a worship service in your area. Maybe you have a close Christian friend you can spend some time with to be refreshed. If not, spend time with your faithful God. He is willing to refresh your soul. Why not take Him up on His offer?
Grace and peace be yours in abundance,
Donna

[i] http://www.gotonacc.org/about-us/
Share
« Older Entries
Newer Entries »

  • Subscribe by Email

  • 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 southwest Ohio.

    I am passionate about helping women find their way to Jesus through Bible study, teaching, speaking, inspirational writing and creative Bible journaling.

  • Bible Studies & Other Happenings

    Bible studies I’m currently leading:

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    In September 2012 I went to SE Asia on a service trip. For more information, check out preachitclearly.blogspot.com.

  • Categories

  • Recent Posts

Visit Us On TwitterVisit Us On FacebookVisit Us On PinterestVisit Us On Linkedin