Ohio Respite #3 – Day 4 – Musical Musings in March

March 27th, 2015 dsisler

 

I’ll be in Ohio the rest of the week getting Mom settled at home. There will be no time to write, so please enjoy older Musical Musings in March posts. Have a great first full week of Spring!

 

Easter or Christmas – Musical Musings in March

 

???????????????????????????????I will date myself again today…it’s easy to do any more. Growing up, some of the best vocalists could be heard on such variety programs as the Lawrence Welk Show, the Andy Williams Show and even Hee Haw.

 

Another program I always looked forward to were the Oral Roberts specials. There were Christmas specials, Thanksgiving programs, and Valentine’s Day shows. And guess what? I found a few of them on YouTube!

 

So today, I want to share a memory of my past. You choose which you’d prefer. Easter or Christmas?

 

The Easter medley includes “Christ the Lord is Risen Today”[i] and “The Easter Song.”[ii] The Christmas medley includes “Joy to the World”[iii] and “The Hallelujah Chorus.”[iv]

 

The message of these medley’s is the best part. A message of hope to a world that would be lost without the birth of Jesus and most assuredly without the resurrection of our Lord. So today, let’s rejoice in the hope we have in Christ Jesus our Lord and sing along with these fine singers. Your spirit will be lifted!

 

“Christ the Lord is Risen Today”

Christ the Lord is risen today, Alleluia!

Sons of men and angels say: Alleluia!

Raise your joys and triumphs high, Alleluia!

Sing, ye heavens and earth reply: Alleluia!

 

“Easter Song”

Hear the bells ringing, they’re singing that we can be born again!

Hear the bells ringing, they’re singing “Christ is risen front h dead!”

The angel upon the tombstone said, “He is risen just as He said.

Quickly now, go tell His disciples that Jesus Christ is no longer dead!”

Joy to the world, He is risen, alleluia! He’s risen, alleluia!

He’s risen, alleluia!

 

“Joy to the World”

Joy to the world! the Lord is come;

Let earth receive her King;

Let every heart prepare Him room,

And heaven and nature sing, and heaven and nature sing,

And heaven, and heaven and nature sing.

 

“Hallelujah Chorus”

Hallelujah!

For the Lord God omnipotent reigneth.

The kingdom of this world is become the kingdom of our Lord,

And of His Christ.

And He shall reign forever and ever.

King of kings, and Lord of lords.

 

The Easter medley (“Christ the Lord is Risen Today” and the “Easter Song” can be heard by clicking here.

 

The Christmas medley (“Joy to the World” and the “Hallelujah Chorus” can be heard by clicking here.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

[i] “Christ the Lord is Risen Today,” Charles Wesley, Public Domain, 1708.

[ii] “Easter Song,” Anne Herring, Latter Rain Music, 1974.

[iii] “Joy to the World,” Isaac Watts and George Frederick Handel, Public Domain, 1719.

[iv] “Hallelujah Chorus,” George Frederick Handel, Public Domain.

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Ohio Respite #3 – Day 3 – Musical Musings in March

March 26th, 2015 dsisler

 

I’ll be in Ohio the rest of the week getting Mom settled at home. There will be no time to write, so please enjoy older Musical Musings in March posts. Have a great first full week of Spring!

 

“O for a Thousand Tongues” – Musical Musings in March

 

???????????????????????????????You may think I’ll be sharing the hymn by Charles Wesley written in 1739. And while that particular hymn has some beautiful words, I’ve chosen to jump ahead a few hundred years to the 1983 song, titled with the same words.

 

Both of these songs agree with King David that praising God is never-ending. Praise to God should be part of our life. Take a look at Psalm 35:28 (NIV). It says, “My tongue will speak of your righteousness and of your praises all day long.”

 

Regardless of the version you choose, these songwriters felt inadequate in their praise to God. If a thousand tongues or hands were available, it still wouldn’t be enough.

 

And our problem as humans is that we use our tongues for other purposes. James tells us that “no man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.” (James 3:8 – NIV). James goes on to tell his readers that “out of the same mouth come praise and cursing: My brothers, this should not be.” (James 3:10 – NIV)

 

Under these circumstances, I don’t need a thousand tongues to get me into trouble. One will do just fine.

 

I know that on my own, my tongue is an evil weapon. But with God’s Holy Spirit, I am able to “put off falsehood and speak truthfully” (Ephesians 4:25 – NIV) and “not let any unwholesome talk come out of my mouth, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs” (Ephesians 4:29 – NIV).

 

So today, I chose to use my one and only tongue to speak truth, encourage others, and to praise God!

 

Today, I also chose the newer version of this song for the close harmonies and awe that fills my heart when I hear it. “O for a Thousand Tongues,” for no other purpose than to sing praise to Jesus.

 

VERSE 1
Glory to the Lamb
Whose throne forever reigns.
God in the highest
Worthy to merit our praise.

CHORUS
Oh for a thousand tongues to sing
Praises unto Thee.
Oh for a thousand hands to raise
In honor to the King.

VERSE 2
We crown You with singing.
Our lips shall utter Your praise.
In humble adoration,
In endless refrain.

REPEAT CHORUS

TAG
Oh for a thousand hands to raise
In honor to the King.
Oh for a thousand hands to raise
In honor to the King.
In honor to the King![i]

 

I know you’ll want to listen to this beautiful song, as recorded by the Nelons by clicking here.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

[i] “O For a Thousand Tongues,” Words and Music by David Binion, Word Music, 1983.

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Ohio Respite #3 – Day 2 – Musical Musings in March

March 25th, 2015 dsisler

 

I’ll be in Ohio the rest of the week getting Mom settled at home. There will be no time to write, so please enjoy older Musical Musings in March posts. Have a great first full week of Spring!

 

“Who Is on the Lord’s Side?” – Musical Musings in March

 

???????????????????????????????Who is on the Lord’s side? That question has been asked through the years and has been answered in one of two ways.

 

Joshua made the call to Israel. In Joshua 24, the case was made to be on God’s side. Then Joshua posed the question. “Choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve…but as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.” (Joshua 24:15 – NIV)

 

Later we see that the people made the right choice. They chose to be on God’s side. “We will serve the Lord our God and obey him.” (Joshua 24:24 – NIV)

 

But later in Scripture we see Jesus talking with a wealthy young man. He asked Jesus a question something like, “How can I get on Your side?” You know everyone wants to be on the winning side. Well Jesus gave this young man an answer, but he left Jesus’ presence sad…he wasn’t willing to do what was necessary to be on Jesus’ side (Mark 10:17-22).

 

The question must be asked of us today. Are you on Jesus’ side? Do you live your life so that others see whose side you’re on? I pray that you do. I pray that I do!

 

I recall singing this song a great deal through the years, but never really took into account all that it takes to be on the Lord’s side. Facing the foe. Leaving the world’s side. Bringing others to Jesus. Putting aside my personal preferences and desires. Being bold and true. That’s a lot to ask.

 

But when we make the choice as Joshua did, we are secure in our victory. Our triumph is sure. Joyfully enlisting in the army of the Lord brings blessings beyond our imagination. Why wouldn’t want to be on His side?

 

Today let’s look at the fierce battles we face as victories on the Lord’s side. Let’s look at the foe through Jesus’ eyes…defeated! Let’s rally together and heed the battle cry. Let’s say, “we are on the Lord’s side—Savior, we are Thine!”

 

Will you join me?

 

“Who Is on the Lord’s Side?”

 

Who is on the Lord’s side? Who will serve the King?
Who will be His helpers, other lives to bring?
Who will leave the world’s side? Who will face the foe?
Who is on the Lord’s side? Who for Him will go?
By Thy call of mercy, by Thy grace divine,
We are on the Lord’s side—Savior, we are Thine!

 

Not for weight of glory, nor for crown and palm,
Enter we the army, raise the warrior psalm;
But for love that claimeth lives for whom He died:
He whom Jesus saveth marches on His side.
By Thy love constraining, by Thy grace divine,
We are on the Lord’s side—Savior, we are Thine!

 

Jesus, Thou hast bought us, not with gold or gem,
But with Thine own lifeblood, for Thy diadem;
With Thy blessing filling each who comes to Thee,
Thou hast made us willing, Thou hast made us free.
By Thy grand redemption, by Thy grace divine,
We are on the Lord’s side—Savior, we are Thine!

 

Fierce may be the conflict, strong may be the foe,
But the King’s own army none can overthrow;
’Round His standard ranging, vict’ry is secure,
For His truth unchanging makes the triumph sure.
Joyfully enlisting, by Thy grace divine,
We are on the Lord’s side—Savior, we are Thine!

 

Chosen to be soldiers, in an alien land,
Chosen, called, and faithful, for our Captain’s band;
In the service royal, let us not grow cold,
Let us be right loyal, noble, true and bold.
Master, wilt Thou keep us, by Thy grace divine,
Always on the Lord’s side—Savior, always Thine![i]

 

If you’d like to hear a traditional version of this hymn, click here and listen to a grand choir singing this melody.

 

Want to hear a cool a cappella version of this hymn? Click here to listen.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

[i] “Who Is on the Lord’s Side?”, Words by Frances R. Havergal, Music by John Goss, Public Domain, 1877.

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Ohio Respite #3 – Day 1 – Musical Musings in March

March 24th, 2015 dsisler

 

I’ll be in Ohio the rest of the week getting Mom settled at home. There will be no time to write, so please enjoy older Musical Musings in March posts. Have a great first full week of Spring!

 

“The New 23rd” – Musical Musings in March

 

???????????????????????????????Today’s melody is from another great song writer. Ralph Carmichael. It’s true that Mr. Carmichael is credited with some secular tunes (including the soundtrack to The Blob in 1958), he has been faithful to use his talent to bring others to Jesus through his music.

 

It’s been years since I’ve thought of today’s melody. I’ve read and re-read the Psalm it is based upon many times, but this song has been stored away in the recesses of my melodious heart. Now, however, the memories of this song are flowing.

 

It was popular when I was a child and it could be heard in church services or television programs (perhaps you remember some of those) or conventions. It was beautiful sung with full orchestration or a cappella. It was meaningful whether sung by a great choir or a soloist in the local church. And if given the chance, I’m sure it would be the same today.

 

You see, the message is timeless. Psalm 23 has been used throughout generations to comfort the hurting. To give hope to those who need a boost. To give guidance to those who have lost their way.

 

Today I pray that you’ll find what you need in this version of the 23rd Psalm. It has been especially meaningful to me.

 

“The New 23rd”

 

Because the Lord is my Shepherd, I have everything that I need.

He lets me rest in meadows green and leads me beside the quiet stream;

He keeps on giving life to me and helps me to do what honors Him the most.

Even when walking through the dark valley of death, valley of death,

I will never be afraid, for he is close beside me,

Guarding, guiding all the way;

He spreads a feast before me

In the presence of my enemies.

He welcomes me as His special guest.

With blessing overflowing, His goodness and unfailing kindness shall be with me all of my life

And afterward I will live with Him forever, forever in His home,

Forever in His home, forever in His home.[i]

 

Christine Wyrtzen’s version of this song can be heard by clicking here.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

[i] “The New 23rd”, Words and Music by Ralph Carmichael; based on Psalm 23, Lexicon Music, Inc., 1969.

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“Wash My Sins Away-Make Us Holy” – Musical Musings in March

March 23rd, 2015 dsisler

 

With Easter quickly approaching, we’ve been watching more and more television programs about Jesus and His life. While I can’t say that I agree with everything I hear in these programs, I do like that my television hours are focused more on Jesus and that His Name is being spoken for millions of people to hear.

 

MusicAgain, with Easter quickly approaching, my heart and mind turn more often than not to the events of Jesus’ final week on earth as a human. It was probably an emotional roller coaster week for all involved, including our Lord and Savior.

 

Celebrations. Reflections. Joy. Grief. Professed allegiance. Denial. Honor. Laughter. Tears. Betrayal. Pain. Amazement. Surprise. Anger. Fear. Singing. Rejoicing. I’m sure there were plenty more.

 

And again, with Easter quickly approaching, let’s not take for granted what Jesus went through so that we might know Him in a personal way. His blood and sacrifice made a way for us to be cleansed of our sin. And with the cleansing of our sins, we have the opportunity to become more like Jesus.

 

Friend, let’s not waste a single moment living the way we used to live. Because of the cross and Jesus’ resurrection, we are able to live holy lives. With just one drop of Jesus’ blood, we are able to reflect Jesus’ face and His glory. What an amazing God we have!

 

Today I share a medley of “Wash My Sins Away” and “Make Us Holy.” Each one leads us to the cross and the transforming power we find in Jesus. I pray that you will allow the blood of Jesus to wash away the grit and grime of your life and then, allow God’s Spirit to make the change so that others may see Jesus in us.

 

“Wash My Sins Away”

 

I have brought to You a contrite heart

I do not want my sin to separate me from You

So I kneel at the cross where Your blood was shed

Let it wash all over me

 

Chorus:

Let it wash

Let it wash

Let it wash my sins away

Just one drop, one precious drop

Will wash my sins away

 

I have brought to You a broken heart

I do not want my sin to separate me from You

So I kneel at the cross where Your blood was shed

Let it wash all over me

(Chorus)

 

“Make Us Holy”

 

Make us holy and pure

To be reflect Your face and Your glory

May our lives be wholly Yours

So we bring glory to Your name

 

We surrender to Your grace

Hearts that are willing to be changed

So the world will behold You

In our lives[i]

 

Click here to listen to the Maranatha! Singers perform these two songs.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

[i] “Wash My Sins Away/Make Us Holy,” 1998 Maranatha! Music.

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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 southwest Ohio.

    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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