Trouble

July 21st, 2012 dsisler

Colorado has once again been thrown into our nation’s spotlight, by the shooting of innocent men, women, and children at a movie theater. The prince of darkness has reared his ugly head once again and lives have been changed forever.
My thoughts and prayers are with all who were impacted by this tragic event. Those who will relive the nightmare over and over and those who will go on living without their loved ones.
I’m certain you’ve seen interviews or read articles on how to deal with the emotions of such events. I heard several yesterday. But for me, it all comes back to my faith in God and how He is able to give comfort in times of trouble.
We know there will be trouble in this world. Jesus said there would be. But Jesus shares hope as well. John 16:33 (NIV) says, “I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
We can count on peace. And oh yes, Jesus has overcome the evil one. Satan may have control of this world, but he does not have victory over me or Jesus.
1 John 4:4 assures us, “You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them [spirits], because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.”
My victory is in Jesus. My faith is in God. And God’s Spirit is greater than any of this world.
I’ve chosen to pull a piece of a blog post that I wrote several weeks ago. The title of the blog post was “Let Faith Arise.” I wrote of a dark period in my life and I believe it is fitting for today. I pray that God will touch your heart through these words, through His Spirit, and through your own faith.
~~~~~
I recall a time last year that was dark for me. I complained to God. He answered. I shared my despair with Him. He answered. Unfortunately, they weren’t the answers that I wanted.
Then came the moment when I surrendered my complaints and allowed my faith to take over.
A week into this dark period, I stood in a worship service. We sang a fairly new song. These are the words to the chorus.
“I lift my hands to believe again,
You are my refuge, you are my strength.
As I pour out my heart, these things I remember;
You are faithful God forever.”[i]
In that moment, my faith in God brought me to the point where I could get through the situation.
But here’s the thing. I had to say it out loud. Sing it for others to hear. Profess that God was my refuge and my strength.
I also had to physically do something. I lifted my hands.
And then I believed again.
Oh, I have poured out my heart to God. Over and over again. But in the end, God’s faithfulness far overshadowed my complaints. God’s faithfulness stands forever. When my faith waivers, His faithfulness is rock solid.
Grace and peace be yours in abundance,
Donna

[i]Let Faith Arise, Chris Tomlin
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A Well-Watered Garden

July 20th, 2012 dsisler

We all know people who have a green thumb and can make anything grow. I’m not one of those people. I kill plants! Well actually I forget to water them. Even when they are right in front of me.
After being on staff at LifeBridge Christian Church for several years, I took the position of Hospitality Director. The lady I replaced was very kind and she presented me with a beautiful red flowering plant in a white pot. The colors were perfect, but it was a live plant. That needed to be watered.
I was so determined to make this one live. The gift giver had put so much thought into the gift. So I watered it. And remembered to water it. It received plenty of sunshine in our bright office, but it didn’t thrive.
My daughter looked at it one day and said, “Mom! There’s mold on it. You’ve over watered it!” Hmm. Overwatered? “It’s a succulent,” she continued, “it doesn’t need as much water, so you need to check the soil…” and by this point she had lost me.
The book of Isaiah was written during a stormy period in Israel’s history. Israel was under Assyian rule and Isaiah wrote messages from God to this this nation.
In Isaiah 1:30b (NIV), Israel is described as “…a garden without water.” They were a rebellious nation and had suffered. They were being punished for their rebellion.
But Isaiah continued to give Israel hope throughout the book and in Isaiah 58:11b (NIV) he assures them, “…you will be like a well-watered garden…”
Yes, if Israel was willing to put their rebellion behind them, if they were willing to stop the blaming and gossiping, if they were willing to give to those in need, if they did as God asked them, God would rescue them.
If Israel allowed God to lead them, they could once again be great. A great light would shine from Israel. Their broken lives could be repaired. Their ruined spirits could be restored. Through the Repairer and Restorer. God.
We have the choice to be one of these two gardens. If we are rebellious against God, then we can expect to be a garden without water. If we are obedient to God, then we can expect to be a well-watered garden.
Isaiah also spoke of the coming Messiah throughout this Messianic prophetic book. We know this Messiah to be Jesus. Jesus, the Living Water. “Whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him like a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” (John 4:14 – NIV)
Through Jesus we have the opportunity to be a well-watered garden, with abundant life.
Plants and gardens are green when water is present. We too can be green (spiritually healthy) when Jesus is present in our lives and when we seek out the watering holes.
The watering holes of prayer, Bible study, Bible reading, fellowship with other Christians, worship, and serving others. By continually visiting these watering holes, we will always be green and will have the Lord to guide us in all we say and do.
In retrospect, my plants have died because I didn’t think they needed anything from me in order to survive. Israel ended up under Assyrian rule because they didn’t think they needed anything from God. How wrong we both were.
Under my daughter’s care, the plant did pretty well through those summer months…then she went back to college. Eventually, the plant died and the only thing remaining was the white pot.
I’m so thankful that I am much better at tending to my spiritual life. I’m thankful that my relationship with Jesus showers Living Water upon me. I’m thankful that the “spiritual gardener” within me has a green thumb.
How are you doing with this? Are you green (spiritually)? Does the grass (your spiritual life) crunch under the footsteps of your day-to-day life? Are you parched? Are you feeling the drought of separation from God and His people?
There is an easy fix. A relationship with Jesus Christ in which you can have Living Water. And through the Living Water you will be bubbling with abundant life. Now, who wouldn’t want that?
Grace and peace be yours in abundance,
Donna
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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
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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
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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)
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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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