“God Will Make a Way” – Musical Musings in March

March 17th, 2015 dsisler

 

Today. That little word certainly can conjure up some big emotions. It could be today you are celebrating. It could be today you are mourning. It could be today you are lonely. It could be today you are fearful. It could be today you are hurting. It could be today you are anxious.

 

???????????????????????????????Whatever your today holds, please know that the One who holds today in the palm of His hand is much bigger than all of your worries and concerns. And what’s more, it is God’s greatest desire to be part of your today.

 

Just read through some of these encouraging words from Thessalonians.

 

“May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful and he will do it.” (1 Thessalonians 5:23-24 – NIV)

 

“May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word.” (2 Thessalonians 2:16-17 – NIV)

 

“May the Lord direct your hearts into God’s love and Christ’s perseverance.” (2 Thessalonians 3:5 – NIV)

 

Yes, God wants to be part of our today to give us exactly what we need. Strength, guidance, the will to keep going, hope, sanctification, purpose or peace just to name a few.

 

Today’s song reminds us that God will make a way where there seems to be no way. But what we must remember is that it may not be the answer we were seeking. What I do know is that when it isn’t, God will provide us with His sufficient grace to endure (2 Corinthians 12:9). And we will become stronger because of our weakness (2 Corinthians 12:10).

 

I pray that you will find encouragement through Scripture and song. I also pray that you will “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.” (Proverbs 3:5 – NIV)

 

Today. With God by our side, we can face whatever today brings.

 

“God Will Make a Way”

 

By a roadway in the wilderness, He’ll lead me
And rivers in the desert will I see
Heaven and earth will fade but His Word will still remain
And He will do something new today

 

Oh, God will make a way
Where there seems to be no way
He works in ways we cannot see
He will make a way for me

 

He will be my guide
Hold me closely to His side
With love and strength for each new day
He will make a way, He will make a way[i]

 

You may want to click here to find encouragement through Don Moen’s version of this song.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

[i] “God Will Make a Way,” Words and Music by Don Moen, Integrity Music, Hosanna Music, 1990.

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“Yes I Am” – Musical Musings in March

March 16th, 2015 dsisler

 

Heaven. It’s the place we long for. It’s the place that stirs our heart. It’s the place where many have gone on to enjoy. It’s the place where Jesus is.

 

IMAG1489There have been many songs written about heaven. Whether we find ourselves celebrating or reflecting upon heaven, each song we sing about heaven does the same thing. It reminds us that there is something beyond this life. We have hope that one day we will be able to join Jesus in our forever home. And that sounds pretty good to me.

 

Today as you read through the lyrics of “Yes I Am,” I pray that you will be reminded of what there is to look forward to. I pray that you will reflect upon the One who paid the price in order for heaven to be available to you and me. And I pray that you will be ready when the time comes to make this journey.

 

And here’s the thing. Our day-to-day living must count for something. Jesus has called us to be transformed and holy. It’s a daily process and we must always strive to become more like Christ. Then, one day, when heaven is in view, you will be able to stand before the Lord and hear, “well done, good and faithful servant.”

 

I’m getting ready. Are you?

 

“Yes I Am”

 

It is settled, I am certain
In my heart and in my mind
I will pass the glory curtain
And I’ll leave this world behind
I will stand with the immortal
With a happy land in view
Then I’ll journey through the portals
Down the golden avenue

 

Chorus:
I’m gonna leave some glorious mornin’
Yes I am. Yes I am.
I’m gonna cross the chilly Jordan
Yes I am. Yes I am.
Although the water is deep and the river is wide
I’m gonna stand on the other side.
I’m gonna live in heaven someday
Yes I am. Yes I am. Yes I am.

 

I’m waiting at the station
Listening closely to the call
I have made my reservation
Through the One who paid it all
Not by might, not by power
But in Christ, and Christ alone
I am leaving any hour
Praise the Lord, I’m going home

 

Click here to listen to the Heritage Singer’s version of this song.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

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A Beautiful Day

March 15th, 2015 dsisler

 

Good Sunday morning! I pray that your day has been filled with praise and adoration this morning. It’s a perfect day to give thanks for all that God has done for each of us. It’s a beautiful day!

 

Today’s repeat blog post is one of my favorite praise songs. Enjoy!

 

“Hear Our Praises”

 

On this third day of March, I’m jumping decades from the two hymns I’ve blogged about to a popular praise song. In accordance with the Ephesians 5:19 passage, I would classify this song as a spiritual song. And this is one of my favorite spiritual songs to make music in my heart to the Lord.

 

This particular song didn’t become popular until I moved to Colorado and I believe my physical location in this world added to the meaning for me.

 

You see, I had lived in New York, Ohio, and Kentucky and I had seen mountain ranges from the Adirondacks to the Smokies, but I never knew what mountains really were until I lived in Colorado.

 

In a state that boasts 53 peaks over 14,000 feet, I have seen first-hand the heights of these mountains. Now granted I’ve never climbed a 14er, but I have driven to the top of a couple and when you’re on top of Mount Evans, you are up there.

 

In my spiritual life, I also have been at the top of a 14er. When the spiritual experiences have been greater than I could even imagine. I’ve also been in some spiritual valleys. And I will be the first to tell you, there is a great distance between the two.

 

Standing at the top of a mountain peak and seeing the valleys below truly show the heights and depths of a spiritual mountain top and valley experience.

 

So when I sing the song, “Hear Our Praises,” I have a greater understanding of the words. I can visualize the mountains and the valleys and understand the importance of each.

 

As you read through these words (and perhaps listen by clicking on this link), I pray that you’ll be able to visualize the mountains and the valleys and remember that we are to be praising God. Regardless of where you are on your spiritual journey, we must praise God.

 

“Hear Our Praises”

 

May our homes be filled with dancing
May our streets be filled with joy
May injustice bow to Jesus
As the people turn to pray
(Chorus)

 

May Your light shine in the darkness
As we walk before the cross
May Your glory fill the whole earth
As the water o’er seas
(Chorus)

Chorus
From the mountains to the valleys
Hear our praises rise to You
From the heavens to the nations
Hear our singing fill the air

Hallelujah, hallelujah
Hallelujah, hallelujah
Hallelujah, hallelujah
Hallelujah, hallelujah

From the mountains to the valleys
Hear our praises rise to You
From the heavens to the nations
Hear our singing fill the air[i]

 

I am reminded of Isaiah’s words when he speaks of mountains and valleys. In our spiritual lives, there is nothing Jesus wants more than to level the ground beneath our feet.

 

Sometimes there are rugged, rocky paths that stand between us and our spiritual growth. It is Jesus’ desire to bring these paths level and clear out the rugged places.

 

“Every valley shall be raised up, every mountain and hill made low; the rough ground shall become level, the rugged places a plain.” (Isaiah 40:4 – NIV)

 

So how are you doing on your spiritual journey? Are you struggling to get to the top of the mountain or are you stuck in the valley? How much of your journey have you given to Jesus or have you asked Him for His help?

 

I’ll remind you of yet another passage from the Book of Psalm. King David wrote, “When I said, ‘My foot is slipping,’ your love, O Lord, supported me.” (Psalm 93:18 – NIV)

 

I can’t find a single reason to be on this journey alone. Jesus is with you. He loves you. And He will keep your foot from slipping. All you need to do is ask for His help.

 

If you are discouraged today, take heart. Jesus has overcome the world and He is by your side. The valleys can be overwhelming, but the mountains can only be appreciated because of the valleys.

 

Today, I pray that God will hear my praise.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

[i] “Hear Our Praises,” Hillsong

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“Holy Ground” – Musical Musings in March

March 14th, 2015 dsisler

 

The song I’ve chosen for today’s enjoyment is one that was popular in the 1980’s. I hear it on occasion and when I do, I’m transported back to the time when we would sing this song in a worship service.

 

???????????????????????????????Like Moses (Exodus 3:1-6), we have the opportunity to be in God’s presence and experience His holiness. We may be in a worship service, or in the mountains of Colorado, or sitting on a beach in Florida, or gathered around in Bible study. Regardless of where we approach God’s throne, we are able to experience God’s presence and His holiness.

 

When do you most feel God’s presence in your life? I pray that you enter His presence on a regular basis and that you have experienced His holiness.

 

So as you read through these lyrics and listen to the version of this beautiful worship song, I pray that you will reflect upon God’s presence and His holiness. And may you might even feel the urge to remove your shoes because you are standing on holy ground.

 

“Holy Ground”

Verse 1
When I walk through the doors I sensed His presence
And I knew this was a place where love abounds
For this is a temple the God we love abides here
Oh we are standing in His presence on holy ground

 

Chorus:
We are standing on holy ground
For I know that there are angels all around
Let us praise Jesus now
For we are standing in Hos presence on holy ground

 

Verse 2
In His presence I know there is joy beyond all measure
And at His feet sweet peace of mind can still be found
For when we have a need He is still the answer
Reach out and claim it for we are standing on holy ground

(Chorus)[i]

 

Click here if you’d like to listen to this beautiful worship song.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

[i] “Holy Ground,” Words and Music by Geron Davis, Meadowgreen Music, 1983.

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“To Where You Are” – Musical Musings in March

March 13th, 2015 dsisler

 

This is by far the hardest day in March for me to write. Four years ago today, my grandson went to be in the arms of Jesus. On this day, memories of Archer are fresh. He is missed.

 

IMAG1492My blog has always been about pointing others to Jesus, so I’ve never given an entire blog post to a secular song. But today, I want to share this song.

 

Today, may seem a little gloomy…inside my heart as well as the weather outside, but what I know for certain is that our little Archer is with Jesus…and my heart rejoices.

 

I also know that Jesus is close to those who are brokenhearted. Jesus cares when we hurt. Jesus comforts when we grieve. Jesus consoles our weary souls. And my heart rejoices.

 

I know for certain that one day I will be able to see Jesus face to face and I will be able to meet up with Archer again. And my heart rejoices.

 

This song is special for my family. If you are brokenhearted, maybe you will find some comfort in this song as well. But beyond what this world has to offer, I pray that you will find all that you need in Jesus. He loves you so!

 

“To Where You Are”

 

Who can say for certain
Maybe you’re still here
I feel you all around me
Your memories so clear

 

Deep in the stillness
I can hear you speak
You’re still an inspiration
Can it be?
That you are mine
Forever love
And you are watching over me from up above

 

Fly me up to where you are
Beyond the distant star
I wish upon tonight
To see you smile
If only for awhile to know you’re there
A breath away’s not far
To where you are

 

Are you gently sleeping
Here inside my dream
And isn’t faith believing
All power can’t be seen

 

As my heart holds you
Just one beat away
I cherish all you gave me every day
’cause you are mine
Forever love
Watching me from up above

 

And I believe
That angels breathe
And that love will live on and never leave

 

Fly me up
To where you are
Beyond the distant star
I wish upon tonight
To see you smile
If only for awhile
To know you’re there
A breath away’s not far
To where you are

 

I know you’re there
A breath away’s not far
To where you are[i]

 

You may want to listen to Josh Groban’s version by clicking here.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

[i] “To Where You Are,” Words and Music by Richard Marx and Linda Thompson, Warner-Tamer Lane Publishing, Brandon Brody Music, Chi-Boy Music, 2001.

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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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