A Needed Break – Day 16

August 4th, 2016 dsisler

 

I am back from Ohio, but still trying to get into my routine. So again today, I’ll share an older blog post. I pray that your day is filled with God’s grace and peace.

 

“Sing to the King”

 

DSCN0582“Sing to the King” is another catchy tune that I find myself singing quite often. Again, the message is capturing! I love being reminded that I belong to Jesus.

 

In a world where I have a great chance of being distracted, this simple reminder brings me back to where I need to be. Singing to Jesus and declaring His Kingdom to others.

 

We find in Scripture that we are to sing praises to God for all that He’s done. King David was especially fluent in this area. Here are a few of his reminders to sing praises to God.

 

“I will give thanks to the Lord because of his righteousness and will sing praise to the name of the Lord Most High.” (Psalm 7:17 – NIV)

 

“I will sing to the Lord, for he has been good to me.” (Psalm 13:6 – NIV)

 

“Be exalted, O Lord, in your strength; we will sing and praise your might.” (Psalm 21:13 – NIV)

 

“Sing joyfully to the Lord, you righteous; it is fitting for the upright to praise him. Praise the Lord with the harp; make music to him on the ten-stringed lyre. Sing to him a new song; play skillfully and shout for joy.” (Psalm 33:1-3 – NIV)

 

“Sing praises to God, sing praises; sing praises to our King, sing praises. For God is the King of all the earth; sing to him a psalm of praise.” (Psalm 47:6-7 – NIV)

 

“I will sing of your strength, in the morning I will sing of your love; for you are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble. O my Strength, I sing praise to you; you, O God, are my fortress, my loving God.” (Psalm 59:16-17 – NIV)

 

“My heart is steadfast, O God; I will sing and make music with all my soul.” (Psalm 108:1 – NIV)

 

King David brought other elements into praising God, such as instruments and dancing. We read about such worship in Psalm 150.

 

Music and singing is part of our worship to God, but it certainly isn’t all that is involved in worship. I also find that this worship song leads us to understand that we are to be preparing ourselves for Christ’s return.

 

In a recent blog post, I provided Scripture that teaches us how we are to live so that we are ready for that day. If you missed them, I’ll share them again. Galatians 5:16-26, Ephesians 4:17-5:21, Philippians 2:1-18, and Colossians 3:1-25.

 

And the last portion of this song that makes my heart sing is the line that says, “Satan is vanquished and Jesus is King.” Oh how I look forward to that day. The day when the evil one is no longer a threat to those I love and to me. That day when I know true victory in Jesus. On that day, all who have sung the song of the redeemed will be singing together in triumph. Yep. I can’t wait.

 

So I share “Sing to the King” with you today. Embrace the joy that accompanies knowing Jesus and sing to your King!

 

Sing to the King Who is coming to reign
Glory to Jesus, the Lamb that was slain
Life and salvation His empire shall bring
And joy to the nations when Jesus is King

Come, let us sing a song
A song declaring that we belong to Jesus
He is all we need
Lift up a heart of praise
Sing now with voices raised to Jesus
Sing to the King

For His returning we watch and we pray
We will be ready the dawn of that day
We’ll join in singing with all the redeemed
‘Cause Satan is vanquished and my Jesus is King[i]

 

For a quick “pick-me-up,” why not listen? Click here.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

[i] Words and Music by Billy James Foote, First verse and theme of song come from “Sing We the King” written by Charles Silvester Horne, 1910

 

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A Needed Break – Day 15

August 3rd, 2016 dsisler

 

Well it’s nearly finished. I pray that I’ll be rejoining you shortly, but until then, enjoy another repeated blog post of one of my favorite songs of all time.

 

“Made Me Glad”

 

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We are coming to the end of Musical Musings in March. I have decided to share the Easter message beginning with Sunday’s post, so we have five more days to sing music together.

 

I have the days planned and two of the five are songs written by Darlene Zschech of Hillsong. What can I say? Their lyrics and music is moving. Both physically and spiritually. Their music draws me closer to Jesus and they also seem to say exactly what I am feeling. So I will continue to praise this group for their music.

 

Today I’ve chosen their song, “Made Me Glad.” It doesn’t matter where I am when I hear it, I stop and sing and worship God. If possible, I restart the song…perhaps multiple times. That’s how moved I am by this song.

 

I am touched by this song because of the multiple messages held within its lyrics. Praising God for all He’s done. Never having to be fearful because He is always with me. Standing firm in my faith.

 

And it continues. Enjoying all that God provides. Protection. Strength. Fulfillment. Sustenance. Help. Joy.

 

Yes, I love this song for its message. So let’s read through and listen to this song and as we do, let’s bask in God’s great love for us. There is nothing, there is no one who can satisfy like God.

 

“Made Me Glad”

 

I will bless the Lord forever
I will trust Him at all times
He has delivered me from all fear
He has set my feet upon a rock
I will not be moved
And I’ll say of the Lord

You are my Shield, my Strength
My Portion Deliverer
My Shelter, Strong tower
My very present help in time of need

Whom have I in heaven but You
There’s none I desire beside You
You have made me glad
And I’ll say of the Lord

You are my Shield, my Strength
My Portion Deliverer
My Shelter, Strong tower
My very present help in time of need[i]

 

Click here to hear Hillsong sing this glorious song…over and over again if you like.

 

“For you make me glad by your deeds, O Lord; I sing for joy at the works of your hands.” (Psalm 92:4 – NIV)

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

[i] Made Me Glad, Darlene Zschech, Hillsong, 2002

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A Needed Break – Day 14

August 2nd, 2016 dsisler

 

I’ll be heading home today and my mom will be joining me! I look forward to several weeks with her around. I love her so much!

 

Thanks for allowing me to take this needed break. It’s been awesome! Have a blessed day!

 

“The King is Coming”

 

JesusMusic in my lifetime has evolved from hymns to worship songs. And there has been plenty between. Christian rap and rock have found their place in hearts around the world and have presented God’s message with people who might not have listened to traditional music.

 

I am not sure Paul quite realized what would become of music when he penned the words in Ephesians 5:19-20, but I’m certain that God did. God knew that the realm of music would be a wonderful method to spread His message. And He was correct.

 

Composers have used their talents to bring God’s message to others. And what a message it is! Love, hope, forgiveness, grace, peace, acceptance, and this list could continue. I’ve thanked God for composers my entire life, for with their abilities we have beauty. Christian song writers not only have the possibility of beautiful music, but they also have a promising message to add to it.

 

So today, I am thankful for Bill and Gloria Gaither and for all the music they have written through their lifetimes. It was difficult to choose just one, but in the end, I chose their famous anthem, “The King is Coming.”

 

“The King is Coming”

 

The marketplace is empty,
No more traffic in the streets,
All the builders’ tools are silent,
No more time to harvest wheat;
Busy housewives cease their labors,
In the courtroom no debate,
Work on earth is all suspended
As the King comes thro’ the gate.

(Chorus)

 

Happy faces line the hallways,
Those whose lives have been redeemed,
Broken homes that He has mended,
Those from prison He has freed;
Little children and the aged
Hand in hand stand all aglow,
Who were crippled, broken, ruined,
Clad in garments white as snow.

(Chorus)

 

I can hear the chariots rumble,
I can see the marching throng,
The flurry of God’s trumpets
Spells the end of sin and wrong:
Regal robes are now unfolding,
Heaven’s grandstand’s all in place,
Heaven’s choir now assembled,
Start to sing “Amazing Grace!”

 

Chorus

O the King is coming,
The King is coming!
I just heard the trumpets sounding,
And now His face I see;
O the King is coming,
The King is coming!
Praise God, He’s coming for me![i]

 

You’ll want to listen to this one today. Click here.

 

What hope! What joy! What excitement! The King is coming!

 

We don’t know when, but we do know it is going to happen. This message has driven mankind through the past 2,000 years. Jesus would return and He would take us with Him this time.

 

I know there are people who believe we are in the end times and believe Jesus’ return is close, and we may very well be in those times. But there are people who are focused only on that thought.

 

I believe that there are happenings in our world that could be understood as fulfillment of prophesies in Scripture, but no more so than what has occurred throughout the past 2,000 years. With television, radio and internet, we hear of these happenings the instance they occur. We hear of wars and earthquakes and killings immediately in our world today and it seems like there are more than there used to be. But there really isn’t.

 

This has been my belief for quite a while. Scripture tells us that no one knows when Jesus will return (Mark 13:32). So why focus on that when we do know what we are to do?

 

Jesus gave us a mission in Matthew 28:19-20. God gave us guidelines to live by in Galatians 5:16-26, Ephesians 4:17-5:21, Philippians 2:1-18, and Colossians 3:1-25 just to name a few.

 

You see, why should I worry about the things I don’t know when there are plenty of things I do know that need my attention? I need to be ready for Christ’s return. That’s where my focus should remain.

 

Oh the thought of Jesus coming today is a glorious one and nothing would make me happier. But that cannot be the only thing that is on my mind today.

 

My path will cross with someone who doesn’t know Jesus today. I am certain of it. If my mission in life is to share God’s good news with others, I must be searching for those who need a Savior.

 

There also may be an area of my life that needs some attention. If I’m focused on the passages above, I will recognize those areas and allow God’s Spirit to help me refine them.

 

As a believer in Christ, we have a great hope. The King is coming! And that day is going to be a glorious day. There is no doubt about it.

 

But what are you doing until His return? Are you making an impact on this world? In other’s lives? Are you living a holy life? Do you shine like the stars in your world? Are you pressing on toward to the goal? Are you living as a child of the Light? Do you live by the Spirit?

 

Have you made a disciple?

 

The King is coming! But we must not sit by and wait for His return. Paul’s words are recorded in Galatians 6:9 (NIV) as an encouragement to all believers. “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”

 

Jesus will return. But we must continue to do the good while we wait. And when Jesus returns, we will receive all that He promised. Praise God! Jesus is coming for me!

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

[i] The King is Coming, Gloria Gaither, William J. Gaither and Charles Millhuff, 1970

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A Needed Break – Day 13

August 1st, 2016 dsisler

 

This is an exciting day! If all goes well, I’ll be visiting a replica of Noah’s Ark in northern Kentucky! I’ll let you know how it goes, but I’m sure it will be a day filled with praise to God for His mighty works and promises.

 

I’ll be home in a few days…it’s nearly over! Enjoy another repeated blog post.

 

“It Is Well with My Soul”

 

For today’s musical musing, we will need to go back to 1873. It is a hymn you’ll know, recognize and probably love. I want to begin by reading through the words and listening to this great hymn of faith. Please join me.

 

???????????????????????????????“It Is Well with My Soul”

 

When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.
(Refrain)

Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,
Let this blest assurance control,
That Christ has regarded my helpless estate,
And hath shed His own blood for my soul.
(Refrain)

My sin, oh, the bliss of this glorious thought!
My sin, not in part but the whole,
Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more,
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!
(Refrain)

For me, be it Christ, be it Christ hence to live:
If Jordan above me shall roll,
No pang shall be mine, for in death as in life
Thou wilt whisper Thy peace to my soul.
(Refrain)

But, Lord, ‘tis for Thee, for Thy coming we wait,
The sky, not the grave, is our goal;
Oh trump of the angel! Oh voice of the Lord!
Blessèd hope, blessèd rest of my soul!
(Refrain)

And Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight,
The clouds be rolled back as a scroll;
The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend,
Even so, it is well with my soul.

Refrain

It is well, with my soul,
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.[i]

 

This particular clip tells the story and history of this beautiful hymn and its songwriter. What a treasure! Click here.

 

It is difficult to understand how someone such as Mr. Spafford could be at such peace at the loss of his precious family. But clearly, he was. The only possible way is through Jesus and Holy Spirit leading him through this difficult time.

 

Is it possible for us to have this same peace? It certainly is. Let me share some of God’s words that lead me to this understanding.

 

I’ll begin in 2 Thessalonians 3:16 (NIV). “Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in every way. The Lord be with all of you.”

 

We have God’s peace with us at all times. And in whatever situation we face, His peace is with us. His peace is our peace. And with His peace, we can say, it is well with my soul.

 

But this isn’t the only verse that leads us to this conclusion. Let’s look at Philippians 4:7 (NIV). “And the peace of God which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”

 

God’s peace is difficult for us to understand. Being at peace during difficult situations is beyond our understanding, but with God it is possible.

 

How about another verse? Perhaps words from Jesus Himself? “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33 – NIV)

 

When we face troubles, and we will, Jesus becomes our peace (Ephesians 2:14) and His perfect peace (Isaiah 26:3) will overcome all that the world shoves at us. Isaiah 9:6 promises the Prince of Peace. And according to Psalm 119:165 (NIV), we who “love God’s law will have great peace and nothing will make us stumble.”

 

You see, peace in this world is possible. Even through the difficult times. Through the dark times. We have God’s peace and we can say it is well with our souls.

 

I recall singing this great hymn at my grandfather’s funeral. It was day of celebration. He had lived a long life (nearly 98 years). He had influenced many. He had been an elder of the Fairfield Church of Christ for many years. He had been a faithful servant of God. Yes, it was a day of celebration.

 

Through the years I have come to understand God’s peace on a deeper level. And to be honest, I don’t want to live in this world without it. His peace is what helps me sleep at night when terrorists attack, when gunmen kill innocent adults and children, when children are brutally kidnapped and murdered, when people die of starvation around the world, when the life of my grandson slipped away.

 

I have peace. God’s peace. And it is well with my soul.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

[i] It Is Well With My Soul, Words: Horatio G. Spafford, 1873, Music: Philip Bliss

 

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A Needed Break – Day 12

July 31st, 2016 dsisler

 

It’s Sunday morning! I pray that you up and out in preparation of your worship to your heavenly Father this morning. Blessings upon your day!

 

“Hosanna (Praise is Rising)”

 

I am fifteen days into Musical Musings in March and have shared 14 (actually 15) songs with you that have made an impression on me through my life. I’ve used the passage from Ephesians 5:19-20 for this project and have been searching psalms, hymns and spiritual songs to share with you.

 

Today is no different. I have chosen the song “Hosanna” or “Praise is Rising.” It has become one of my favorites and it doesn’t matter when I hear it or sing it, I am moving with hands lifted. I love this song! I love this song because the message of this song covers it all.

 

Praise. Hope. Yearning. Strength. Fears washed away. Salvation. Hearts returning. Broken lives. Newness of life. Regardless of what is happening in life, this song seems to point us to the One who is able to help. Our great God.

 

And because of His great love for us, we in turn praise Him for all that He’s done. So, let’s read through these words and listen to another wonderful worship song. “Hosanna (Praise is Rising).”

 

Praise is rising, eyes are turning to You
We turn to You
Hope is stirring, hearts are yearning for You
We long for You

When we see You
We find strength to face the day
In Your presence all our fears
Are washed away, washed away

Hosanna, Hosanna
You are the God who saves us
Worthy of all our praises

Hosanna, Hosanna
Come have Your way among us
We welcome You here, Lord Jesus

Hear the sound of hearts returning to You
We turn to You
In Your kingdom broken lives are made new
You make all things new

 

When we see You
We find strength to face the day
In Your presence all our fears
Are washed away, washed away

Hosanna, Hosanna
You are the God who saves us
Worthy of all our praises

Hosanna, Hosanna
Come have Your way among us
We welcome You here, Lord Jesus[i]

 

Click here to listen.

 

As we lead up to Palm Sunday, this song is particularly relevant because of the words spoken as Jesus entered Jerusalem. The crowds placed palm branches on the ground. They danced in the streets. They shouted, “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!” (Matthew 21:9 – NIV)

 

I love that the crowd was so enthusiastic and that Matthew captured their enthusiasm by using exclamation points. They were in touch with their God. He was in their presence.

 

But a week later, all of that changed.

 

I wonder how often we are exclaiming God as the One who saves us when all is well within our lives, but falter in our exclaiming when our days are more difficult to get through?

 

Our praise mustn’t come and go with our moods or our situations in life. Praise must rise in all circumstances, because God is the only One who can save us.

 

King David wrote of such a God in Psalm 146:7-10 (NIV).

 

“He upholds the cause of the oppressed and gives food to the hungry.

The Lord sets prisoners free, the Lord gives sight to the blind, the Lord lifts up those who are bowed down, the Lord loves the righteous.

The Lord watches over the alien and sustains the fatherless and the widow, but he frustrates the ways of the wicked.

The Lord reigns forever, your God, O Zion, for all generations.

Praise the Lord.”

 

When we see God in this way, we are able to praise Him in all circumstances.

 

Perhaps today you are facing a day of hopelessness. If so, it would be the perfect time to meet God and find all that He is able to offer. Maybe you’re broken. In God’s presence, broken lives are made new. Are you living in fear? God will bring strength to your life as you’ve never known before.

 

Have you turned away from God? Why not return to Him? There’s no better time than the present. He’s standing there waiting for you.

 

Maybe you are a faithful servant of our Lord, but you’ve held on to some worldly ways. Today is the day to ask God to have His way with you. Welcome Him into your life and allow Him to sit on the throne of your heart.

 

I am praising God today. I pray that you will join me.

 

Hosanna!

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

[i] Hosanna (Praise is Rising), Brenton Brown, 2006

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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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