“Come to Jesus” – Monday Musical Musings

August 5th, 2013 dsisler

It’s Monday morning and time to sing! This particular song may not get your toes tapping, but it certainly will get your heart and mind thinking about Jesus.

 

In the song, “Come to Jesus,” we see a progression from accepting Jesus as a sinner to standing in His glorious presence and everything in between.

 

Wherever you may find yourself today, this song will speak to you. Whether you’re rejoicing, mourning, hurting or lonely, we can find all that we need in Jesus.

 

So read through the lyrics and maybe listen to this heart-touching song by clicking here. And don’t forget to “Come to Jesus.”

 

Weak and wounded sinner
Lost and left to die
O, raise your head, for love is passing by
Come to Jesus
Come to Jesus
Come to Jesus and live!

 

Now your burden’s lifted
And carried far away
And precious blood has washed away the stain, so
Sing to Jesus
Sing to Jesus
Sing to Jesus and live!

 

And like a newborn baby
Don’t be afraid to crawl
And remember when you walk
Sometimes we fall…so
Fall on Jesus
Fall on Jesus
Fall on Jesus and live!

 

Sometimes the way is lonely
And steep and filled with pain
So if your sky is dark and pours the rain, then
Cry to Jesus
Cry to Jesus
Cry to Jesus and live!

 

O, and when the love spills over
And music fills the night
And when you can’t contain your joy inside, then
Dance for Jesus
Dance for Jesus
Dance for Jesus and live!

 

And with your final heartbeat
Kiss the world goodbye
Then go in peace, and laugh on Glory’s side, and
Fly to Jesus
Fly to Jesus
Fly to Jesus and live![i]

 

I pray that today you will give Jesus all the burdens. All the sin. All the fear. All the anxious thoughts. All the hurt feelings. All the bitterness. All the pain. All the disappointments.

 

What a Redeemer we have. One who was willing to carry all that we are burdened with to the cross. What comfort we find in Jesus’ words. “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28 – NIV)

 

Peter knew of such weariness and burden. But when he understood Jesus’ words and laid them at the feet of his Savior, he in turn was able to tell us how to rid our lives of these burdens. “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7 – NIV)

 

And when we’re able to release all of this to Jesus, we are then able to give Him all the praise He deserves. Peter also knew how to praise Jesus. Just take a look at some of Peter’s comments.

 

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade—kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you greatly rejoice.” (1 Peter 1:3-6a – NIV)

 

“Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen.” (2 Peter 3:18b – NIV)

 

Where will you meet Jesus today? In your pain, sorrow, or fear? Or will you meet Jesus in your praise? Wherever you meet Him, He will be there. He is waiting. Love and grace will meet you where you are. Isn’t it time for you to come to Jesus?

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

 

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[i] “Come to Jesus,” Music and Lyrics by Chris Rice, 2003, Clumsy Fly Music

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G’day!

August 4th, 2013 dsisler

We’ve once again rounded the final column of the calendar and have found ourselves on Sunday. The beginning of the week. The day of the week to be devoted to worshiping God and rest. I pray that you may find these two elements in your day.

 

I’ve recently celebrated 18 months of blogging on Full Measure of Joy. It’s so hard to believe that it’s been that long, but like child development there has been some tremendous growth along the way. I’ve learned so much about blogging. I’ve learned a great deal about social media. I’ve made some fabulous internet “friends.”

 

But most of all, I’ve grown in my relationship with Jesus because of writing for His glory each day. It’s been a great journey and one that I don’t intend to end any time soon.

 

So today, I’m sharing the post I wrote when Full Measure of Joy was just three weeks old. I still stand by this. It’s still my purpose. It’s still my goal. To raise Jesus up for others to see Him. I’ll continue to let Him do the rest.

 

Three Weeks

 

Three weeks and nearly 500 page views later, this blog thing continues. But I have to ask myself, “Why? Why am I writing and posting daily?” For me, it is a sense of purpose. Maybe I don’t have a lot to say, but maybe, just maybe, someone who reads one of my posts will be blessed in some way.

 

But, what about you? Does it make any difference in your daily walk with Jesus? Do you take the time to ponder the thoughts and biblical principles that I write about? Are they just “good stories” to read? I’ve received a few responses from people, several “likes” on Facebook, and a comment or two on the blog itself, but is it really making a difference?

 

I guess I would have to look once again to the Bible for an answer to this question. I believe that we are to share the Gospel and make disciples throughout our lives and in our realm of influence.

 

So, this is where I might plant a seed and point the way to Jesus. I also know that probably most, if not all of my audience here are already believers. My desire is that someone might stumble upon this blog and see how Jesus cares for them. That His desire for them would be to become a follower. My prayer must be for those who are lost to be found.

 

And if only a seed is planted, then all the more reason to continue with this blog. Paul states in 1 Corinthians 3:6 (NIV), “I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow.” That’s what it’s all about. Planting the seeds that will lead others to Jesus. God will do the rest.

 

Paul also encouraged Timothy to “devote himself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching.” (1 Timothy 4:13 – NIV) That is exactly what this blog is about. God’s Word and teaching what it is saying to this world and to me! What a tool we as Christians have. There has never been a more public way of getting the message out there than the Internet.

 

So you may be silent. You may never post a comment here or on one of the other social medias, but know that I’ll be here daily. Writing and posting. Because if I cannot share what God has done in my life, who will? Let’s not leave it to the “stones to cry out” praise to God. Won’t you join me?

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

 

To leave a comment, please click here. I’d love to hear from you!

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The Display of His Splendor

August 3rd, 2013 dsisler

Each year on the first Saturday in August, my little town hosts a celebration of music. Live bands will be playing on an outdoor stage all afternoon and into the evening. Food vendors will prepare and sell delicious festival foods. At the end of the evening, a glorious fireworks display will fill the sky.

 

Now here’s the best part. It can all be seen and heard from my back yard. I’m not kidding. It’s not close enough that I could throw a stone at it, but it’s pretty close. We can hear the music and the fireworks display is so close that we just sit on our deck and they are right above us. When we hear the first boom, we head out. No traffic problems. No crowds to dodge. It’s just me and the “fam” taking in a great fireworks display.

 

My daughter is bringing the grandkids up for the show tonight and she’s bringing a friend with her kids. I can’t wait for them all to be here and see how special this evening is going to be.

 

If it doesn’t rain.

 

I’m not being a “negative Nellie.” It really might rain. There’s like a 50% chance that it’s gonna rain and in Colorado, that’s a pretty good chance. How disappointing for all those kids (and adults) who are excited about seeing fireworks tonight for them to be rained out.

 

Life can be disappointing. We set high standards for ourselves and for others and because we live in a fallen world, we meet disappointment on a regular basis.

 

So today I offer some Scripture to help us with our deepest disappointments. The ones that can’t be fixed with an ice cream cone. Take a look at God’s Words for dealing with disappointment.

 

“Even my close friend, whom I trusted, he who shared my bread, has lifted up his heel against me. But you, O Lord, have mercy on me; raise me up, that I may repay them. I know that you are pleased with me, for my enemy does not triumph over me. In my integrity you uphold me and set me in your presence forever. Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, from everlasting to everlasting. Amen and Amen.” (Psalm 41:9-13 – NIV)

 

Friends may disappoint us, but we have the True Friend who will never disappoint. Allow God to lift up you and cover you with His mercy and presence. And then praise Him for who He is and for what He’s done. Disappointment will flee.

 

And we also see in Proverbs 18:24 (NIV) how God will not disappoint and that we can be dependent on God. “A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.”

 

There are other disappointing circumstances in our lives and we find in Isaiah 61 how God lifts up the brokenhearted and remains close during these disappointing times.

 

“The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion—to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor.” (Isaiah 61:1-3 – NIV)

 

Even in our most disappointing moments, God is there to give us exactly what we need.

 

And then we read Jesus’ words in the New Testament. In this passage, Jesus offers relief from disappointment through His comfort. His rest. His gentleness. His humility.

 

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30 – NIV)

 

Life is still going to disappoint. There’s no getting around it. But when we find ultimate comfort in God’s arms, the disappointments won’t seem nearly as overwhelming.

 

I don’t know if there will be fireworks tonight. If there aren’t, I need to have a backup plan. But what I do know is that only God can offer complete satisfaction 100% of the time. I know I can count on Him. I know He is the One to offer complete relief from disappointments. I know I will never be disappointed in God.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

 

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A New Journey

August 2nd, 2013 dsisler

The time has come once again for me to head in a new direction with my career. I’ve been asked and have accepted the role as executive assistant to the lead pastor at a church in town. With great excitement, anticipation and a few butterflies, I’m leaving what I know and wandering into the unknown.

 

Oh there are a few things I know about this new journey.

 

I know the lead pastor. Shan and I have worked together for a while. He hired me years ago to be his ministry assistant for small groups. Over the past nine years, we’ve not only had a working relationship, but a pastoral relationship as well. Shan has ministered to me and my family through difficult times as well as victorious moments. It will be a pleasure working with him again.

 

I know the job. I’m a secretary. I’ve been one in some capacity since I was 16 years old. I also know this position will require much more than just being a secretary. But I believe that I’ve been prepared through my life for this moment (“…for such a time as this.” Esther 4:14b – NIV). To be what I know I can be and be successful at it.

 

I know God has gone before me. God has prepared the way for me. He has created an atmosphere where there is no need to doubt. No need to fear. No need to be discouraged. “The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” (Deuteronomy 31:8 – NIV)

 

Perhaps you are beginning a new journey. There may be some big unknowns for you. Know this. God is with you and He has gone before you to prepare the way. Hold on to the Deuteronomy passage. If that is the only thing you know on this journey, it is the best thing you can know.

 

I also love an Ephesians passage that gives me great hope. Maybe you can use it as well. “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.” (Ephesians 3:20-21 – NIV)

 

I am so thankful to have God’s power within me. To be honest, I know I couldn’t do much of what I do without His power. I will hold fast to His power while I’m on this journey.

 

There are still plenty of unknowns. I know little of the church, the staff or any of their programs. But I know with God’s help, I will.

 

So my goal through this transition will be to hold on to what I do know. Stand with God’s power. Grasp His promises. Walk in His footsteps. With my knowledge and God, it will be a great journey.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

 

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Out of the Fog

August 1st, 2013 dsisler

There is a section of highway near my home where fog covers the area quite often. Sometimes it extends a bit further, but mostly it is contained in this particular location.

 

www.crh.noaa.gov

The issue is that I have to go through this area to get to the church I attend and work. There are many days that I deal with this fog.

 

A few months back, I was headed to church for Women’s Bible Study and the fog was especially thick. It extended much further than usual and it was difficult to see.

 

The drive was slow going. The road difficult to see. Traffic was heavy. It took great concentration to make this short distance without major difficulty.

 

Then suddenly, I drove out of the fog and into the brightness with a sunny sky. It was as if someone had drawn or raised a curtain, for everything was quickly very clear.

 

And beautiful!

 

The view of the mountains at that moment was stunning. There had been a fresh coating of snow over the Twin Peaks and foothills. The sun was bright and the mountains glistened. It was a perfect picture.

 

Jesus had a few things to say about coming out of the fog or darkness of our spiritual lives. When we walk in this manner, we cannot expect to see Jesus clearly. We cannot expect to understand all that He has to share with us. So let’s see what Jesus has to say.

 

In Matthew 4:16 (NIV), Jesus quotes from the book of Isaiah, “the people living in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned.” Jesus was and is the light. He displaced darkness in their lives and in ours as well.

 

Jesus also taught “the eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are good, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eyes are bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light with you is darkness, how great is that darkness!” (Matthew 6:22-23 – NIV) Our spiritual eyes must be good and free of fog or darkness in order to full of light. Learning from God’s Word will bring our eyes to full potential.

 

On a couple of occasions, Jesus taught while healing blind men. In Luke 18:41 (NIV), Jesus asked a blind man what he wanted and the blind man said, “Lord, I want to see!” I wonder if this blind man knew all that Jesus wanted him to see. Not just physically, but spiritually as well.

 

Then again, in Mark 8:22-26 (NIV), we see Jesus healing a blind man. But He healed in stages. Jesus was clearly teaching in this moment. Jesus healed this man completely. “Then his eyes were opened, his sight was restored, and he saw everything clearly.” He saw more than his world clearly, he saw Jesus clearly.

 

The greatest change in eyesight we find in Scripture was the Apostle Paul. In Acts 9 (NIV), Saul saw a great light and was blinded. Jesus spoke to Saul. Saul heard the message of salvation from Ananias. Saul’s eyes were opened and he could see again. He got up and was baptized. After a short while, Paul (once known as Saul) began to preach the Gospel fervently. His eyes were fully opened to all that Jesus taught throughout His ministry.

 

We may have better vision than those living before Jesus, but we still are not able to see everything as clearly as we will once we are in heaven. 1 Corinthians 13:12 (NIV) says, “Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.” What a day that will be when we know as we are known. Fully. Completely. That’s what I am living for!

 

I praised God for the remainder of my journey. He had shown me such beauty that morning. He had proved to me that He could make everything beautiful in His time. He gave me a gift that I’ll not soon forget. He opened my eyes so that I might see more clearly.

 

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

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