The Best Workplace

May 25th, 2016 dsisler

 

If you didn’t know, I work at Rocky Mountain Christian Church as executive assistant to the lead pastor as well as women’s ministry director for our Niwot campus. I have never been happier in my work. I love the people I work with, I love the mission of Rocky and I love being able to serve God in this season of my life.

 

13237728_1309143395782328_1220318967759411168_nSometimes I can be a bit prejudiced about my workplace, so imagine how excited I was when my co-workers had the same thing to say about Rocky! Yesterday the announcement was made that Rocky has been certified as a 2016 Best Christian Workplace!

 

As I reflect upon the blessings I have because of where I work, I am reminded of Solomon’s words from Ecclesiastes 5:18-20 (NIV).

 

“Then I realized that it is good and proper for a man to eat and drink, and to find satisfaction in his toilsome labor under the sun during the few days of life God has given him—for this is his lot. Moreover, when God gives any man wealth and possessions, and enables him to enjoy them, to accept his lot and be happy in his work—this is a gift of God. He seldom reflects on the days of his life, because God keeps him occupied with gladness of heart.”

 

These are powerful words and helps us to see that this toilsome work we do should give us some enjoyment. Now I understand that not everyone works in places where I work, but if for just a moment we could take the time to reflect on the good that comes with our daily jobs, then we might find the enjoyment Solomon speaks of here.

 

But more importantly, I believe that when we are focused on and seeking God and His mission as we go through our day-to-day living, our hearts will be filled with gladness and we will view all of what we have in this life (including a job) as gifts from God. It doesn’t matter if you’re sweeping the streets or making a floral arrangement, your job is a gift from God.

 

I know there are many out there who do not have a job to go to today. For you, I pray that you will not be discouraged in the job search. If you have been doing this job search thing for a while, think outside the box. Apply for jobs that you wouldn’t normally apply for. Ask for help with your resume. Network! Spend a day seeking God through fasting and Bible direction. Keep going. God does have a plan.

 

For those of you who are seeking a job that you feel would be more fulfilling, I would suggest that you follow the same suggestions above. And please don’t forget to bring God into the middle of your search.

 

I am so thankful for my job…which really doesn’t seem like a job most days. God has blessed me abundantly and for certain I go to work each morning with gladness of heart. I pray that I will not take any of it for granted and that I will continue to keep my focus on God and see what amazing things He has in store for me and Rocky.

 

“The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.” (Numbers 6:24-26 – NIV)

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

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A Woman of Faith

May 24th, 2016 dsisler

 

My band of women who are studying about the armor of God and how to use these pieces are nearing the end of our study. It has been such a blessing to me and I’ve loved getting to know my fellow co-workers on a much deeper level.

 

DSC00374In yesterday’s session, we learned what it means to be a woman of faith. I want to share these thoughts with you from Priscilla Shirer.

 

First we must live our lives with an unwavering confidence in God and His promises. Trust. We must trust that what God said in the past and what He did in the past are examples of who He is and glimpses into His character. We can trust what God says to be true. And then we can live according to that confidence.

 

Next we must walk forward in accordance to the truth found in God’s Word. That means we must align our lives up with what God has to say about this life. We can’t pick and choose what best fits with our thinking or lifestyle or desires. We must walk in confidence in His truth. All of His truth.

 

And then we must push past doubts and fears that seem to paralyze us. As a woman of faith, these doubts and fears have no place in our lives. We must trust that God knows where He is leading us and then follow Him.

 

Now I’m not saying these are easy tasks. But what I might suggest is that you take one step closer to being a woman of faith today. Choose one area in which you can fully trust and lean upon God. And then tomorrow, add another. And the next day, yet another area. You see, becoming a woman of faith is a journey. But it’s not a lonely journey. God will be with you the whole way.

 

If you are looking for a few more practical ways to become a woman of faith, take a look at Hebrews 11, the Hall of Faith. As you read through each of these biblical heroes of faith, note how their faith was at work in their lives. And then, apply it to your own life.

 

Okay men, don’t think this is just for the ladies. This applies to your life as well. Becoming a man of faith is such a testimony to those around you. Take the challenge. Accept the task. And then, do it.

 

I’ll be praying for you today. If you have a specific prayer request, please don’t hesitate to share it. I would love to join you at the throne of God with prayers and petitions.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

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“Call Upon the Lord” – Monday Musical Musings

May 23rd, 2016 dsisler

 

I love when we sing new songs during worship. Especially when they touch my heart and help me to draw closer to Jesus. We sang a new one yesterday at church and I’d like to share it with you this morning.

 

Throughout Scripture we read of God calling us to call upon Him in times of trouble. God calls us to Himself for refuge, redemption and restoration.

 

When we find ourselves needing God and God alone, it’s up to us to call upon Him. We do have a choice, but the best choice is to call upon the Lord.

 

Today, if you find yourself in a situation that just isn’t where you want to be, maybe it’s time for you to call upon the Lord for yourself? And great news for each of us, we can believe that God will hear us. He is listening.

 

So today, as you take a look at these lyrics and listen to the song by clicking the link below, call upon the Lord. He is all that you will ever need.

 

“Call Upon the Lord”[i]

 

We need no other hiding place
Our hope is safe within your name
This we know, this we know
You promise never to forsake
What you began you will sustain
This we know, this we know

 

I will call upon the Lord
For he alone is strong enough to save
Rise your shackles are no more
For Jesus Christ
Has broken every chain

 

All of the heavens and the earth
Announce the fullness of your worth
This we know, this we know
The enemy will have to flee
As we declare your victory
This we know, this we know

 

I will call upon the Lord
For he alone is strong enough to save
Rise your shackles are no more
For Jesus Christ
Has broken every chain

 

Jesus’ name will break every stronghold
Freedom is ours when we call his name
Jesus’ name above every other
All hale the power of Jesus’ name

 

I will call upon the Lord
For he alone is strong enough to save
Rise your shackles are no more
For Jesus Christ
Has broken every chain

 

Click here to listen to this beautiful worship song.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

 

[i] “Call Upon the Lord,” words and music by Chris Brown and Steven Furtick, Elevation Worship Publishing, 2015

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Earnestly Seeking

May 22nd, 2016 dsisler

 

“O God, you are my God, earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you, my body longs for you, in a dry and weary land where there is no water.” (Psalm 63:1 – NIV)

 

DSC02411mDo you feel like David this morning? I’m sure some of you do. If so, continue reading Psalm 63 to find David’s cure for the blahs (or for any other ailment in your life as well).

 

The repeated blog post you’ll read today is about one of my favorite songs. I am touched each time I hear it or sing it or dance to it. It is that deep desire to earnestly seek God at all times, because He is all that I need.

 

Blessings upon your day.

 

“Lord, I Need You” – Monday Musical Musings

 

In our world of self-sufficiency, it can sometimes be difficult to understand that we really aren’t self-sufficient. When it comes to our relationship with God, we desperately need Him.

 

Today’s melody teaches us this valuable lesson. Each moment of every day, our souls long for God. We need God.

 

Take a look at David’s words from an artistic version of Scripture called The Voice. While this is still very new to me and I will continue looking at this version, Psalm 40:17 is beautiful in this version.

 

“Meanwhile, I am empty and need so much, but I know the Lord is thinking of me. You are my help; only You can save me, my True God. Please hurry.” (Psalm 40:17 – The Voice)

 

Doesn’t this reflect our own lives? Sometimes we wait until we are bone dry to seek God and then we ask Him to hurry! Oh how we need to be reminded that we need God all the time. Each hour of every day we need Him to show up in our lives, not just when we’ve hit a rough patch.

 

So today, take a look at the words and listen to the recording of this song. I pray that you will be blessed as I have been.

 

“Lord, I Need You”

 

Lord, I come, I confess
Bowing here I find my rest
Without You I fall apart
You’re the One that guides my heart
 

Chorus:
Lord, I need You, oh, I need You
Every hour I need You
My one defense, my righteousness
Oh God, how I need You

 

Where sin runs deep Your grace is more
Where grace is found is where You are
And where You are, Lord, I am free
Holiness is Christ in me

(Chorus)

 

Teach my song to rise to You
When temptation comes my way
And when I cannot stand I’ll fall on You
Jesus, You’re my hope and stay

(Chorus)[i]

 

Chris Tomlin recorded this beautiful song on the Passion, Here for You album. Enjoy by clicking here!

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

[i] “Lord, I Need You,” Words and music by Jesse Reeves, Kristian Stanfill, Matt Maher, Christy Nockels, and Daniel Carson, 2011, Sixsteps Music, Sweater Weather Music, Thankyou Music, Valley of Songs Music, and worshiptogether.com Songs.

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The Life I Live

May 21st, 2016 dsisler

 

I live a quiet life. There I’ve said it. I don’t do anything big and bold. Nothing exciting happens to me. Some may say my life is boring, but I’d say, my life is quiet.

 

Daytona Beach 014mI have read stories of or have met people who have done some pretty remarkable things in their lifetime. Skydivers. Mountain climbers. Life changers. Public speakers. Their lives are huge. Their personalities are huge.

 

You probably can recall some biblical characters that fit this description. Joshua. David. Daniel. Peter. Paul. Even as a boy David did more than I have done in my entire lifetime.

 

But then, I find great comfort in reading stories about Ruth, Esther, Priscilla, Lydia, Lois and Eunice. These women lived quiet lives.

 

There are even some beautiful verses of Scripture that tell us we are to live quiet lives. Take a look at a few.

 

“Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody.” (1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 – NIV)

 

In 1 Timothy 2:1-4 (NIV), we read that we are to pray for “kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.”

 

And in 1 Peter 3:3-4 (NIV) we see these words. “Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.”

 

Phew! I’m so glad these verses exist. It means that I can continue with my quiet existence.

 

Or does it?

 

Ruth led a quiet life until God called her to step out of her comfort zone and live among God’s people. He called her to a life that would be anything but quiet as she became the grandmother to King David (Ruth).

 

Esther also led a quiet life until God called her to be queen and to ultimately to be in a place at such a time to save her people from annihilation (Esther).

 

Priscilla led the quiet life of a tent maker, alongside her husband until God called her to travel with Paul to Ephesus. In Ephesus Priscilla was able to work with the new church and to explain the way of God more adequately to Apollos (Acts 18:18-28).

 

Lydia was a seller of purple. She worked in the market place and while some may believe this was a brave life, it was a quiet life. Until God called her to sit by the river outside the city gate. It was here that her life was markedly changed. She heard the message of Jesus, believed and was baptized…along with her household. Lydia opened her home to Paul and his band of disciples. Her life suddenly became exciting (Acts 16:13-15)!

 

Lois and Eunice lived their quiet existence in Lystra until God called them to rear a young lad named Timothy. They were called to teach him the ways of Jesus and to prepare him for his exciting life of companionship to Paul. How their quiet little lives were changed by this calling (1 Timothy 1:5).

 

While I may believe I live a quiet life, and am happy to live in the ways mentions above, when God calls to action, I must be prepared to step out of my comfort zone and do as He asks. I’ve tried to obey. I started writing this blog. I went to SE Asia. I lead women in Bible study. I have chosen to work with women. But have there been times when God asked for more and I didn’t respond?

 

Sadly, I must say yes. I’m sure you can say the same. So what is it that we are to do? Say yes when God asks us to put some extra life in our quiet lives. His ask may be as simple as say an encouraging word to that young mom who is raising money to start a non-profit organization. His ask may be to say hello to your neighbor. His ask may be go on a mission trip. Whatever it is, do it. Don’t hesitate. Do it.

 

I do love my quiet life. But, what is God asking me to next?

 

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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