Life is a Musical

December 24th, 2012 dsisler

One of my favorite ways to pass time is by watching musicals. The Sound of Music, South Pacific, Cinderella, The Wizard of Oz, Singin’ in the Rain, Easter Parade. And this is just the beginning of my list. There are all the Disney musicals my children love.

 

www.photl.com

There are times when I need a good cry. It’s hard to explain, but when it’s been a while since I’ve cried, I create a situation for me to do so in order to keep from finding myself in a blubbering scene in public. So I watch Carousel. It works every time.

 

And to get my grandchildren interested in watching musicals, I have Pete’s Dragon recorded and we watch it on occasion.

 

Of course during the Christmas season, I am able to watch the best of the best musicals. White Christmas and Holiday Inn must be on my watch list.

 

So why is it we love musicals so much? Because of the tunes! Catchy songs like “Good Mornin’,” “Somewhere Over the Rainbow,” “Ten Minutes Ago,” “Some Enchanted Evening,” “You’ll Never Walk Alone,” “Money, Money, Money by the Pound,” “Easter Parade,” and “White Christmas” pull us in with their melodies and rhythms.

 

It’s been true for a long time. Music has been around since the beginning. And we find a whole list of songs throughout Scripture. So let’s see what musical numbers we find in God’s Word.

 

Moses begins our journey with his song in Deuteronomy 32:1-43. He concludes this song by telling the Hebrew nation that the words within his song were more than idle words. They were life. Moses was a great motivator.

 

Moses is joined by his sister Miriam and together they sang a duet after crossing the Red Sea in Exodus 15:1-18. They praise God for His mighty works and for His reign over the earth.

 

In Judges 5:1-31, Deborah recites details of the conquest Israel fought and won with God’s assistance. Her song begins with praise and ends with devotion to God. Life is victorious when God is in it with us.

 

We see Hannah praising God in 1 Samuel 2:1-10 for the gift of a son. She was so thrilled to finally be comforted in motherhood. “My heart rejoices in the Lord; in the Lord my horn is filled high. My mouth boasts over my enemies, for I delight in your deliverance.” (1 Samuel 2:1 – NIV) We too can use these words when our needs are satisfied by God.

 

Then there is David. The young shepherd who played his harp to the sheep and to King Saul. Whose anguish, requests, repentance and praise are noted throughout the Book of Psalm.

 

But we also see a special song by David in 2 Samuel 22:1-51 after God’s deliverance. After recalling the entire experience, David praised God. “The Lord lives! Praise be to my Rock! Exalted be God, the Rock, my Savior!” (2 Samuel 22:47 – NIV)

 

Solomon is much like his father in the song writing department. Another book of songs are found in the Song of Songs. From friendship to lover, this book is filled with poetic music that shows great admiration.

 

After the birth of John the Baptizer, Zechariah’s song was filled with praise to God. But he also sang of what John’s role would be. That John would lead the way for the coming Messiah. That John would prepare the way for Him. What joy Zechariah must have felt to know that his son would do such a great thing. It’s no wonder he was singing!

 

Which leads me to our final song. Mary’s song. This young, righteous woman had just been told of her role in bringing the Messiah to the world. She was up to the task. And she couldn’t keep from singing.

 

We find her song in Luke 1:46-55. Let’s look into her heart for a moment and gain a little understanding of what she was feeling.

 

“My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant.” (Luke 1:46-47 – NIV)

 

Mary’s soul and spirit rejoiced!

 

Music has been important throughout time. And it hasn’t stopped. The great worship song writers of our time continue to share praise music with us and inspire us to live lives worthy of God’s gift of grace.

 

I believe we enter into a Christian musical during each worship service. There is music. There is a story. There is a message. There are people involved who lead us to a point where we are encouraged to make a decision. And God is in the midst of that worship musical.

 

Are you listening to God’s song? Is He calling you to something? Repentance? Service?

 

And, do you have a song? What ideas are included within your song? What message are you singing for the world to hear?

 

I do enjoy a good musical. There is just something about a great tune and meaningful lyrics that touches my soul in a way like nothing else can. I pray that you will find God’s music in your heart this Christmas and every day throughout the year.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

Share

The Christmas Card

December 23rd, 2012 dsisler

Christmas cards are one of my favorite elements to the celebrations at Christmas. I enjoy receiving them. I enjoy sending them.

 

For our family, we create our own card each year. All through the year as we are out and about on photo shoots, we’re on the lookout for a special tree or a unique scene.

 

If we don’t find it out there somewhere, we search through the thousands of pictures we’ve already taken. We spend time searching for the perfect photo.

 

In the past we’ve written our own verse to go inside. Here is one example.

 

“Christmas is more than decorated trees,

And gifts placed under evergreens.

It’s more than just a holiday,

In truth it’s about a tiny babe.”

 

I didn’t say it was good verse writing. But it was an attempt each year to create something special for family and friends.

 

We’ve gotten a bit lazy. We create a card on one sheet of photo paper with just a small note. Not like the old days.

 

God sent His own Christmas card. Oh, it isn’t like anything we have ever seen before, for instead of being carried by the US Postal Service, it was carried by an angel. This was the message.

 

“Do not be afraid, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” (Luke 2:10-12 – NIV)

 

This is where the reinforcements were called in. Suddenly, the angel was accompanied by a great company of heavenly host. They all praised God and said,

 

“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.” (Luke 2:14 – NIV)

 

Now that is a Christmas card no one can top!

 

God’s message to the shepherds on the hillside is the same message God has for each of us. It is good news of great joy, for without the birth of this tiny baby there wouldn’t have been Jesus the Messiah, the Savior of the world.

 

God continued with His card sending. We have an entire book filled with His messages. They are all wrapped up neatly within the bindings of our Bibles. What a message He proclaims!

 

The Christmas cards I receive each year are placed in a prominent position in my home. They are special to me. Occasionally I will walk by and pick up each one and re-read the message enclosed.

 

I’m thankful to be able to pick up God’s Christmas card and re-read His message as well. It has become part of my daily routine.

 

Do you spend time reading God’s Word on a daily basis? It has a message specifically for you. It is filled with wonder, surprise, love stories, tenderness, miracles, gifts, hope, grace, and so much more. Regardless of what you are going through, you will find a special message from God that will touch your heart.

 

I pray that as you receive Christmas cards this year, you’ll think of the special message God sent those many years ago and have a renewed sense of wonder about the whole event.

 

Merry Christmas from my family to yours!

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

Share

A Can of Biscuits

December 22nd, 2012 dsisler

My husband, daughter and I were out running errands yesterday. After grocery shopping for the upcoming festivities, we headed home. We were each tired from the crowds, the task, and the journey.

 

Suddenly, there was a loud pop. We were all startled by this sound. I pulled the car over to the side of highway and Mason jumped out to see what could possibly be wrong.

 

I sat in the driver’s seat and wondered what could have caused the sound, but didn’t come up with any real possibilities.

 

Candace was digging through the bags and finally came up with the culprit. A can of biscuits had indeed exploded.

 

Just as Mason motioned for me to pop the hood, I was able to tell him where the sound originated. Indeed it was not my car, but a can of biscuits!

 

Here in the high altitude of Colorado, it is not uncommon for items to burst open. Bags of potato chips have been known to pop on grocery store shelves (cans of Pringles really “pop” when they are opened here).

 

But when it is unexpected, a sound like this can cause some alarm. We were surprised. We were curious. We were confused. We felt uncertain.

 

I am thankful for the two passengers in my car. They sprang into action and within minutes had the solution. I wasn’t very useful in this situation.

 

I was reminded this week of the account in the Book of Acts where a young man fell from a third story window (Acts 20:7-12). The town was Troas. The preacher was Paul. The speech was long. The lamps were many. The young man was Eutychus.

 

“Seated in a window was a young man named Eutychus, who was sinking into a deep sleep as Paul talked on and on. When he was sound asleep, he fell to the ground from the third story and was picked up dead.” (Acts 20:9 – NIV)

 

There have been many jokes at Eutychus’ expense about this situation through the years, but I’m sure the crowd was completely surprised and were in disbelief as the scene played out before them. They probably felt some of the same things we felt yesterday. Curious, confused, and uncertain.

 

Eutychus was dead. Those around him could verify the fact. Suddenly, Paul was beside the young man. Actually, Scripture says that Paul “threw himself on the young man and put his arms around him.” (Acts 20:10a – NIV) Then Paul pronounced to the crowd, “Don’t be alarmed. He’s alive!” (Acts 20:10b – NIV)

 

I’m sure Eutychus was not the only person near sleep by this point. It was midnight and Paul was still preaching. But this incident woke the crowd and rejuvenated their interest in the words spoken by Paul.

 

It’s a good thing too, because after this miraculous raising of the dead, Paul went back upstairs, shared The Lord’s Supper with the group, and continued preaching until daylight.

 

When it was all over, Acts 20:12 (NIV) tells us, “The people took the young man home alive and were greatly comforted.”

 

What an experience this crowd had witnessed. The outcome was positive. The group was comforted by Paul’s words and actions. And this young man had great reason to rejoice.

 

The bursting biscuit can was a wake-up call for us. As the driver, I wasn’t as alert as I should have been. We each were suddenly wide awake and laughing as we continued home.

 

I believe we can all use a wake-up call when it comes to our spiritual journey. We wind up living mediocre lives without any real spiritual excitement. Why would we want to do so when there is so much in God’s realm that should thrill us?

 

I’d like to suggest that as the New Year approaches we make great strides to work on this area of our lives. Let’s not take our spiritual journey for granted. Let’s be more aware of all the wonder God is placing before us daily. Let’s be spiritually awake to hear and see all that God is sharing with us.

 

Are you with me on this one?

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

Share

What I’ve Learned

December 21st, 2012 dsisler

I have a wall hanging in my living room. It stays on the wall all year long, even though it speaks of Christmas. This is what it says.

 

“All I know about Christmas I learned from Jesus.”

 

You see I have a tendency to get pretty caught up in the trappings of the earthly meaning of Christmas. This plaque hangs where I can see it every day to remind myself what Christmas is all about.

So what have I learned from Jesus? I’m going to share twelve, but there are plenty more. Perhaps you can add to this list or make your own list.

 

#1 Be Open to Learning

I shared several passages in the past that show the importance of being open to learning. Here they are again if you need to be reminded.

 

“Show me your ways, O Lord, teach me your paths; guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.” (Psalm 25:4-5 – NIV)

 

“Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob. He will teach us his ways, so that we may walk in his paths.” (Micah 4:2 – NIV)

 

#2 Remain in Him

Jesus reminds us over and over that He will never leave us. The lesson we are to learn is to remain in Him.

 

“Remain in me, and I will remain in you.” (John 15:4a – NIV)

 

#3 Jesus is Truth

As Jesus teaches us, we find truth in Him. As we know the truth, we are set free.

 

“If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:31-32 – NIV)

 

#4 We Are to Love Others

Jesus showed His love for us when we didn’t deserve it (Romans 5:8). We are to follow His example and love others.

 

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” (John 13:34 – NIV)

 

#5 We Must Bear Fruit

Over and over in John 15:1-11, Jesus mentions that we are to bear fruit. This is linked with remaining in Jesus. If we remain in Him, we will produce fruit.

 

“This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.” (John 15:8 – NIV)

 

#6 All I Do is To Bring Glory to God

Jesus gave God the glory for everything He did on earth. At Jesus’ birth, God was given glory for this Gift (Luke 2:13-14). We too, must glorify God in all that we do.

 

“If I glorify myself, my glory means nothing. My Father, whom you claim as your God, is the one who glorifies me.” (John 8:54 – NIV)

 

#7 We Must Serve

Jesus did not come to be served. He came to serve. We must learn this lesson from Him.

 

“For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Mark 10:45 – NIV)

 

#8 We Must be Merciful and Compassionate

When our hearts break for what breaks Jesus’ heart, we begin to feel mercy and compassion well up within us. And as we learn this lesson, we see the great need for God’s mercy and compassion in our own lives

 

“Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.” (Matthew 5:7 – NIV)

 

#9 Share the Gospel

Jesus came to seek and save the lost. As we come to know Him more and more, we realize that we are to do the same. Oh, we can’t be saviors to those we meet, but we can introduce them to the Savior.

 

“For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost.” (Luke 19:10 – NIV)

 

“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” (Matthew 28:19 – NIV)

 

#10 Teach Others

As we learn from Jesus, we are to teach others. Share the lessons. The values. The ways of God.

 

“And teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.” (Matthew 28:20a – NIV)

 

#11 He Will Never Leave Us

Although Jesus is not physically present on this earth, He still remains. God sent His Spirit to be with us. What a wonderful gift! And Jesus is with us through every situation, heartache, trouble, joy, life, and death. Jesus is with us.

 

“And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:20b – NIV)

 

#12 Follow His Example

As we learn from Jesus, we see clearly that we are to follow His leadership in all areas of our lives.

 

“A student is not above his teacher, but everyone who is fully trained will be like his teacher.” (Luke 6:40 – NIV)

 

I know I could go on. Once I get on a roll, it’s hard to stop. But I will. I continue to learn from God’s Word. Each day I find a spiritual nugget that brings joy to my heart. The journey is so rewarding.

 

I pray that you’ll find some spiritual nuggets along the way this Christmas. Jesus is willing to be your Teacher. It’s up to you to accept your role as student.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

Share

Alert! Alert!

December 20th, 2012 dsisler

My husband and I got new phones last week. I am still getting used to some of the features. Yesterday, I unexpectedly learned of two.

 

www.photl.com

My phone started ringing. It was a very faint ring, but it was definitely coming from my phone. I couldn’t get it to stop. I checked every alarm, every ring tone, anything that I could think of to stop the ringing. It continued for nearly 45 minutes. I started to believe we were going to have to run to the phone store when I thought to restart it. I did and the ringing stopped.

 

Then around 4 p.m. as I started preparing dinner, a loud blaring sound was emitted from my phone. This one scared me. It was an obnoxious sound that wanted my attention. It got it. Come to find out, it was an Amber Alert. I also have settings for severe alerts, extreme alerts, and presidential alerts. I’m not so sure I want a presidential alert! That really sounds frightening.

 

On occasion, we find ourselves going through the motions of life and we don’t think about God. When life is good, boy it’s tough to remember to praise Him. When it’s smooth sailing, we don’t always take the time to thank Him.

 

But then we hear a little alarm in our minds or perhaps our hearts reminding us of who we are and how we should be living. And it keeps ringing until we do something about it.

 

On other occasions however, we might get the startling alert that things aren’t right. We may be tempted to sin in some way. We may be in the wrong place with the wrong people. Or we may just be settled into a mediocre life that needs stirred up.

 

For the non-Christian, these alerts come from your conscience. You know right from wrong. Your conscience reminds you of the difference.

 

For a Christian, these alerts come from the Holy Spirit. The precious gift given to us when we are baptized. 1 Corinthians 2:10-13 is a passage that speaks to one role of the Holy Spirit in our lives. To show us God’s ways. Read through a few phrases from this passage.

 

“…God has revealed it to us by his Spirit…we have not received the spirit of the world but he spirit who is from God, that we may understand what God has freely given us…words taught by the Spirit, expressing spiritual truths in spiritual words.” (1 Corinthians 2:10-13 – NIV)

 

As we learn from God through Bible study, preaching, meditation, prayer, and teaching, these spiritual truths impact our lives. The Holy Spirit helps us to remember these truths and alerts us when we are falling away from them.

 

Because we have been given free will, the choice ultimately comes down to us. Are we going to ignore that alert or are we going to do something about it?

 

I can honestly say I’ve ignored the Holy Spirit’s alerts on far too many occasions. But I can also say that as I am more diligent in knowing God’s purpose and plan for my life, it’s much easier to listen to the alerts and walk away from the situation.

 

I pray that you have found this to be true in your life as well. But if not, why not join the great crowd of witnesses and cling to the Words of God as if your life depended upon it. These Words are life-changing. They are mind-altering. They are character-building. God promises you’ll never be the same.

 

Maybe I’m burying my head in the sand, but I really don’t think I want to hear a presidential alert on my phone. And I’ll be honest, Amber Alerts are seen on the television, heard on the radio, and written on road signs. I’ve opted out of that alert as well.

 

I don’t know the difference between severe and extreme alerts, but have decided that perhaps I might need to know of an extreme alert. So that’s the one I’ve chosen to hear about on my phone. I can’t imagine that will sound too often, but when it does, I’ll know it’s something big. And when I do hear it, I’ll let you know.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

Share
« Older Entries
Newer Entries »

  • Subscribe by Email

  • 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.

  • Bible Studies & Other Happenings

    Bible studies I’m currently leading:

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

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

  • Categories

  • Recent Posts

Visit Us On TwitterVisit Us On FacebookVisit Us On PinterestVisit Us On Linkedin