“Hallelujah He is Born” – Musical Musings in March

March 4th, 2013 dsisler

You knew I couldn’t get too far into March without bringing up a Christmas tune. There are plenty out there for me to choose from and many that I love, adore and listen to year round.

 

But the one I’ve chosen is an original tune from one of my favorite bands, Sawyer Brown. If you don’t read any more of this post, please jump down and play the song. Your feet will be tapping before you know it (I wouldn’t be surprised if you start dancing!) and you will be praising God for sending His Son.

 

The first time I heard this song was on a figure skating Christmas television special. I love figure skating. I love Sawyer Brown. I love Christmas. I had to watch the special. And so thankful that I did for I found a new Christmas song.

 

Here are the lyrics to “Hallelujah He is Born.”

 

A mighty prayer went up –
An answer came down from above
To save a lonely world God sent His only Son
He came as a baby, quiet as a lamb
With peace in His heart and us all in His hands
Saying I’m gonna show you now
What love is all about (and I sing)

Chorus
Hallelujah, hallelujah He is born
Hallelujah, He is Christ the Lord
He’s the King of Kings, our redeemer and friend
Hallelujah, He is born, amen

Hallelujah, hallelujah He is here
Hallelujah, we’ve got nothing to fear
To this dark old world He brings a light without end
Hallelujah, He is born, amen

He came in love and peace on that holy night
They came from near and far in that guiding light
Lying in a manger was a baby King
And from that night until this day we sing
Lord Jesus is His name
Heaven and earth proclaim (and I sing)

Chorus
Repeat Chorus

Hallelujah, amen
Hallelujah, hallelujah
Hallelujah, hallelujah
Amen
Hallelujah, hallelujah He is born, amen[i]

 

If you have never heard this song, please take the time to listen. I can guarantee it’s a song you’ll want to listen to every Christmas…or all year long as I do! “Hallelujah He is Born”- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UEC3yxBBFmk.

 

I believe the essence of this song can be found in the line, “I’m gonna show you now what love is all about.” That is exactly what God was showing. God was showing His love to all mankind.

 

God’s love for us is far beyond what we could possibly imagine. Paul expressed this vast love through his words in Ephesians 3:17b-19 (NIV). “And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.”

 

John speaks of God’s great love in 1 John 3:1 (NIV). “How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him.”

 

And we read of God’s love again in John 3:16 (NIV). “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

 

Because God loved us first, we are to love Him back. Jesus told us how to do so. “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.” (Mark 12:30 – NIV)

 

The way we can show our love to God is by following His commands. Jesus told us in John 14:15 (NIV), “If you love me, you will obey what I command.” Jesus gave His live for us. All He asks us in return is to obey Him.

 

And as we accept God’s love and His salvation through Jesus Christ, we are to love others as God loved us. “Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.” (1 John 4:7-8 – NIV)

 

God is faithful in His love. Sometimes we are not so faithful. But today we can remedy that. Today we can love God and love others. That’s what God asks of us.

 

Christmas is past and we have many months before it rolls around again, but the spirit of Christmas, love, is with us all year long. And today, we can sing, “Hallelujah He is Born!”

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna


[i] Hallelujah He is Born, Sawyer Brown, 1997

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“Hear Our Praises” – Musical Musings in March

March 3rd, 2013 dsisler

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 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=neKvSBRCzLM), 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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“In My Heart There Rings a Melody” – Musical Musings in March

March 2nd, 2013 dsisler

After the snow storms of the past week, we’ve had a couple of very bright, sunshiny mornings. They have been beautiful and encouraging. Spring is just around the corner and soon the dull brown prairie will turn green.

 

The trees will bud into gorgeous blooms and the flowers hidden beneath the earth will burst forth. Oh, there’s still plenty of snow to melt, and there will probably be another snow fall or two before we can actually enjoy spring, but it is promising.

 

Another great sign that spring is nearing are the birds. They begin their melodious tunes at sunrise and there is nothing I enjoy more than waking to their music. I’ve heard the birds the past two mornings and it brings joy to my heart.

 

I too have a melody in my heart. It’s one that came from Jesus. There is an old hymn that I always enjoyed singing. Mainly because it was upbeat and our church pianist could make any piece of music come alive. This hymn was no different.

 

“In My Heart There Rings a Melody” is a tune that brings a smile to my face. Because it tells of the song that Jesus gave me. Take a look at the lyrics.

 

In My Heart There Rings a Melody

 

I have a song that Jesus gave me,

It was sent from heaven above;

There never was a sweeter melody,

‘Tis a melody of love.

(Chorus)

 

I love the Christ who died on Calv’ry,

For He washed my sins away;

He put within my heart a melody,

And I know it’s there to stay.

(Chorus)

 

‘Twill be my endless theme in glory,

With the angels I will sing;

‘Twill be a song with glorious harmony,

When the courts of heaven ring.

(Chorus)

 

Chorus

In my heart there rings a melody,

There rings a melody with heaven’s harmony;

In my heart there rings a melody;

There rings a melody of love![i]

 

This melody in my heart is joy. Pure joy. It is Jesus’ joy. And Jesus places this joy in my heart.

 

In John 15, Jesus encourages His disciples. And one of the encouraging things He said to them is in John 15:11 (NIV). “I have told you all of this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.”

 

To make their joy complete. To make my joy complete. To make your joy complete.

 

That joy we have from Jesus is what keeps us going. It’s what keeps us singing. It’s what keeps hope alive. It is knowing that regardless of what we encounter in this world, we have Jesus’ joy within our hearts and that keeps us singing.

 

You see, this is one of the things that separates us (believers of Christ) from the world (unbelievers). We have hope. We have faith. We have peace. We have joy. And in this world of hopelessness, disbelief, turmoil, and fear, we have within us the answer to it all. Jesus.

 

If you are reading this post and are not a believer, please know that Jesus would love to give you His joy and place a new song in your heart. Don’t believe that after accepting Jesus as your Savior you won’t have any more trouble, for Jesus Himself told us that we would have trouble in this world (John 16:33). But you can be assured that Jesus has overcome the world and because of His victory, we can have peace. Now is the time to come to Jesus and find all that He has to offer.

 

“In My Heart There Rings a Melody.” What a wonderful way to start the morning!

 

Here’s a version of this song that I think you’ll love. Enjoy! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PNk9Fyh3O10

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna


[i] In My Heart There Rings a Melody, Words and Music by Elton M. Roth, 1924

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“Victory in Jesus” – Musical Musings in March

March 1st, 2013 dsisler

Music has always been a large part of my life. I learned how to play the piano very early by the church pianist. I taught myself how to play the guitar on a five stringed instrument (my parents bought me a full stringed guitar once I learned how to play). I also taught myself how to play the organ.

 

I was a music major throughout college…but if you were to take a look at my college transcripts you’d see more Bible courses than music because that’s what I really wanted to study. I’ve lead choirs. I’ve been a soloist. I’ve been in an ensemble. I’ve sung in some great choirs. I’ve lead worship. I’ve played the organ or piano during many worship services.

 

I just love music.

 

I’m so thankful that God has given us music for encouragement. Through the Apostle Paul, God encourages us how to use music. “Speak to one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Ephesians 5:19-20 – NIV)

 

So I’ve decided to dedicate the month of March as Musical Musings. Throughout the month I will be sharing some of my favorite psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs and how they have impacted my life. I pray that you’ll enjoy this month of melodies and that you will find a greater joy in music as I have.

 

Today let’s begin the month by looking at a song of victory. This hymn is filled with excitement because of our victorious Savior and because of the wondrous work He has done in our lives. The music is uplifting and moving. The lyrics inspiring.

 

The hymn speaks of our sinful state and the low place we find ourselves without Jesus. But then, we hear it. The Gospel. And everything changes. The hymn tells the story that has been happening throughout generations. Repentance. Salvation. Transformation. Victory.

 

I also love how in this hymn we sing about finding victory in our brokenness. And then of course, our final victory will be singing this song, and many others, in heaven with those saints who have gone before.

 

If ever there were an anthem for the Christian, Victory in Jesus would be a good choice.

 

I couldn’t tell you the first time I sang this song or even the last time I sang this hymn. But what I can tell you is that this hymn stirs me to action. To live a life worthy of this victory.

 

So here are the lyrics to this great, encouraging hymn. Let’s sing it together!

 

Victory in Jesus

 

I heard an old, old story,
How a Savior came from glory,
How He gave His life on Calvary
To save a wretch like me;
I heard about His groaning,
Of His precious blood’s atoning,
Then I repented of my sins
And won the victory.
(Chorus)

I heard about His healing,
Of His cleansing pow’r revealing.
How He made the lame to walk again
And caused the blind to see;
And then I cried, “Dear Jesus,
Come and heal my broken spirit,”
And somehow Jesus came and bro’t
To me the victory.
(Chorus)

I heard about a mansion
He has built for me in glory.
And I heard about the streets of gold
Beyond the crystal sea;
About the angels singing,
And the old redemption story,
And some sweet day I’ll sing up there
The song of victory.

Chorus
O victory in Jesus,
My Savior, forever.
He sought me and bought me
With His redeeming blood;
He loved me ere I knew Him
And all my love is due Him,
He plunged me to victory,
Beneath the cleansing flood.[i]

 

If you’d like to listen to a wonderful version of this song, click here. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_K7JiUEl23E

 

Let’s move forward today in victory!

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna


[i] Victory in Jesus, Eugene Bartlett, 1939

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You’re Kidding?

February 28th, 2013 dsisler

You’re kidding? Two words in my word arsenal that I use a lot. Typically for something that really is unbelievable. Something  just too difficult to believe is true. My Mom uses this phrase too. I’ve heard it many times from her throughout my life.

 

I believe I used this phrase two times yesterday alone and each was in relation to my grandchildren. One has croup again and another was off to the emergency room with a possible broken elbow. Oh, I know children get hurt and get sick, but it seems like this school year has been nothing but sickness for these young ones. I guess I’ve blocked that part out of my memory in regard to my own children.

 

While we may hear of unbelievable events or unbelievable things that happen in our lives, there is one thing we can depend on and know that it is true. God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit breath truth into our unbelievable world. While Jesus was on earth, His words were truth. The Bible speaks God’s truth. Our hearts are filled with the truth of the Holy Spirit.

 

But today, let’s take a look at Jesus words and see what truths He spoke to mankind.

 

Perhaps you recognize these words. “Verily I say unto you.” This is the King James Version language for “I tell you the truth” or “You can believe what I say.” If you are around my age, these might have been the words you memorized in relation to some of Jesus’ words. But if we look at these same passages in the New International Version, Jesus’ words are translated “I tell you the truth.”

 

That makes a lot more sense to me.

 

So let’s look at some of Jesus’ truthful statements and see what He has to offer us today.

 

In the Book of Matthew, Jesus is recorded saying “I tell you the truth” 29 times.

 

In the Book of Mark, “I tell you the truth” is recorded 13 times.

 

Luke uses these words 8 times.

 

And John records “I tell you the truth” 25 times.

 

We can only believe that Jesus told the truth by the number of times He assured those listening as He spoke 2,000 years ago and He tells us today. We can believe what Jesus said. We can hold Him to His word.

 

When Jesus met with Nicodemus in John 3, Jesus used this phrase three times during the conversation. Take a look at what Jesus truthfully told Nicodemus.

 

“I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again.” (John 3:3 – NIV)

 

“I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit.” (John 3:5 – NIV)

 

“I tell you the truth, we speak of what we know, and we testify to what we have seen, but still you people do not accept our testimony.” (John 3:11 – NIV)

 

Jesus clearly told Nicodemus and He tells us how to enter God’s kingdom. But He also tells us that there will be those who will not accept this as truth. The only way to enter God’s kingdom is to be born again of water and the Spirit.

 

In John 8:58 (NIV), Jesus declares Himself to be God by using God’s own words. “I tell you the truth, before Abraham was born, I am!”

 

Do you recall God’s words? In Exodus 3:14, God told Abraham to tell the people that “I AM” sent him. The people hearing Jesus in that moment knew exactly what He was saying. He was God. And if Jesus said it, we can believe it.

 

And then during the last night with His disciples, Jesus spoke yet more truths to this group of men. He truthfully told them that He would be betrayed and denied. And we know that these events occurred.

 

But Jesus also made a statement to encourage these men. In John 13:20 (NIV), Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, whoever accepts anyone I sent accepts me; and whoever accepts me accepts the one who sent me.”

 

You see, the disciples would go on without Jesus in their midst and they would continue to teach and preach His truths to others. And in the process, others would believe. He assured them of that. Through the Holy Spirit, these men would become great leaders of the early church and the Gospel would spread throughout the known world.

 

I believe something else we can understand from this is that it is a whole package deal. We cannot just believe bits and pieces of God’s message. We must believe and accept it all. We must accept it completely as truth. God’s truth.

 

Perhaps there were some in Jesus’ day after hearing His message said, “You’re kidding?” But Jesus never told an untruth. His words were filled to the top and overflowed with truth. You can believe it.

 

I don’t know what might happen today, but it’s quite possible that I will use the phrase, “You’re kidding?” today. But what I do know is that I can hold onto God’s Word, Jesus’ message, and the Holy Spirit’s guidance as my truth. They will continue to lead me throughout my day in their truth, just as they have done for years.

 

I pray that your day is filled with love, joy, peace, patience, goodness, kindness, gentleness, faithfulness and self-control.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

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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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