“Wonderful Grace of Jesus” – Musical Musings in March (Sabbatical Post)

November 22nd, 2015 dsisler

 

Today I’m taking you back to my college days. Music was all around and an impact on me, but if you were to ask other students, you’d probably hear the same. Chapel services with great hymns of our faith being sung. Christmas concerts. Choir tours. A stirring rendition of “Blessed Assurance” could even be heard in the classroom.

 

YIMAG1492es, Cincinnati Bible College (now known as Cincinnati Christian University) was filled with music and musical memories for me. And the hymn I share with you today is one that rings loudly in my memory.

 

“Wonderful Grace of Jesus” isn’t just a hymn. It is a musical dance that leads partners in and out of proximity to one another. The scales run up and down. The tune heads in different directions. But when it complete, the message is told. Jesus’ grace is wonderful!

 

You see, the value of a piece of music isn’t just in the melody, the rhythm or the harmonies. It must hold its value in the message. For if the message does not lead a soul to Christ, then it is just a song. There are some great songs in our world, but those that lead others to Christ are truly valuable.

 

So today I share “Wonderful Grace of Jesus” with you. You’ll enjoy a version of the song by clicking on this link.

 

“Wonderful Grace of Jesus”

 

Wonderful grace of Jesus, greater than all my sin;
How shall my tongue describe it, where shall its praise begin?
Taking away my burden, setting my spirit free,
For the wonderful grace of Jesus reaches me!

(Refrain)

 

Wonderful grace of Jesus, reaching to all the lost,
By it I have been pardoned, saved to the uttermost;
Chains have been torn asunder, giving me liberty,
For the wonderful grace of Jesus reaches me!

(Refrain)

 

Wonderful grace of Jesus, reaching the most defiled,
By its transforming power, making him God’s dear child.
Purchasing peace and heaven for all eternity;
And the wonderful grace of Jesus reaches me![i]

(Refrain)

 

Refrain:
Wonderful the matchless grace of Jesus,
Deeper than the mighty rolling sea;
Wonderful Grace, All-sufficient for me;
Broader than the scope of my transgressions,
Greater far than all my sin and shame;
O magnify the precious name of Jesus, praise His name!

 

Oh, we have so much to praise Jesus for! And grace certainly tops my list!

 

Were you able to pick out a few phrases that vividly depict Jesus’ grace? Greater than sin. Takes away burdens. Sets spirits free. Reaches the lost. Tears chains asunder. Gives liberty. Provides transforming power. Purchases peace and heaven.

 

Grace reaches me!

 

Jesus’ grace reaches you, too! Let’s see what God’s Word has to say about His grace and how it reaches us.

 

Paul shares these words with us in Ephesians 1:7-8 (NIV). “In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace that he lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding.”

 

And again Paul speaks of God’s grace in Ephesians 2:6-8 (NIV). “And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God.”

 

We see from the Hebrew writer that we have confidence in the grace Jesus provides. “Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” (Hebrews 4:16 – NIV)

 

Through Jesus’ grace we find restoration, strength, solid footing, and a firm foundation. “And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.” (1 Peter 5:10 – NIV)

 

When we are covered by Jesus’ grace, we are covered. Completely. Confidently. Covered. It’s up to you to accept His grace and allow yourself to be saturated with it.

 

Occasionally I hear this tune and I am immediately drawn back to my college days. I’m sure that will never change. But the most important thing is that this song reminds me of Jesus’ grace and I am never far from needing a good dose.

 

“Wonderful Grace of Jesus.” I pray that you are within His reach.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

[i] Wonderful Grace of Jesus, Haldor Lillenas, 1919

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Playing Games at the Foot of the Cross – Musical Musings in March (Sabbatical Post)

November 21st, 2015 dsisler

 

In years past, I was the choir director for several small choirs throughout Ohio and Kentucky. The time spent listening to cantatas and allowing the music to touch me were very special to me. I looked forward to Christmas and Easter because of what we collectively as a choir would present to our fellow congregants as well as visitors.

 

Holy Land Experience 037Some of my productions were quite large and elaborate while others were simple without drama or staging. But either way, the message was always that of God. His message was presented.

 

One particular song from a cantata hit me hard and it has stuck with me through the years. And after you listen to the music and read through the lyrics, I’m sure you’ll know why and perhaps you’ll be touched as I have been.

 

The song is from the cantata “Once and For All” by Tom Fettke with narration writings by Max Lucado. The entire cantata is filled with meaningful words and music, but “Playing Games” brought the whole scene into my world and made me think of what games I was playing in Christ’s Church.

 

So, read through the words and perhaps listen to the song and you’ll understand what I mean.

 

“Playing Games at the Foot of the Cross”

 

You’ve heard the story, many times before –
How the soldiers gambled for the robe of the Lord.
Their laughter drowning out, the Savior’s cry,
“Father forgive them” as He bows his head and dies.

 

And they were playing games at the foot of the cross,
so close to his struggle, yet so far from the cost.
Never feeling the shame and never sensing the loss.
They were playing games at the foot of the cross.

 

We’re so quick to judge them yet so slow to see
how their games resemble the ones played by you and me.
As we fight for position in the Church of God
While the world just goes on dying without the Savior’s love.

 

We’re just were playing games at the foot of the cross,
so close to his struggle yet so far from the cost.
Never feeling the shame and never sensing the loss.
We’re just playing games at the foot of the cross.

 

We’re just playing games at the foot of the cross,
so close to his struggle yet so far from the cost.
Never feeling the shame and never sensing the loss.
We’re just playing games at the foot of the cross.[i]

 

You can listen to this portion of the cantata by going to this link.

 

Yes, these words still touch me. I still struggle with this same issue. I get so busy with my own life that I forget about those around me who do not know Jesus. And I have the message. I have the gift of salvation. I know how it can change a life. And yet, how often do I take the time to share it?

 

I don’t like seeing myself in this way, but I must. For if I never know the areas where I need to improve, I will remain the same.

 

We are called by Jesus to be His followers, to accept His cross, to bear His Name, to share His message. It’s a package deal. We can’t just pick and choose what we want.

 

So where do we begin?

 

First we must know it. Let’s get into God’s Word and really know what He has to say. Study His Scripture to gain insight for your soul (2 Timothy 2:15).

 

And we must live it. If we know it, we must follow it. We must live out the words of God day-to-day (Romans 12:2).

 

Then we must share it. As the message changes you, you will find it more difficult to keep it to yourself. You really will want to share it with others (Colossians 3:16).

 

We don’t want to continue to play games at the foot of the cross. So let’s move along. Let’s get active. Let’s get doing. There is so much at stake. Are you with me?

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

[i] Playing Games at the Foot of the Cross, Tom Fettke, © 1994 Word Music, Inc. (a div. of Word Music Group, Inc.)

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How Great is Our God/How Great Thou Art – Musical Musings in March (Sabbatical Post)

November 20th, 2015 dsisler

 

Old and new. There is a special dance between the two. Especially in today’s world. Decorators use the two together. Artists try to make a new item look old. As odd as it may seem, they fit together and can complement one another.

 

sunrise 1-28-15It’s no different with music. There is an emergence of old hymns being combined with new worship music to create pieces that are uplifting to us as well as glorifying God. These songs are helpful for me this month, for I can use multiple songs that are very meaningful and powerful from different eras of my life all at once.

 

I remember as a teenager learning all of the words to “How Great Thou Art” at a youth convention. The worship leader thought it would impress our parents if we could sing this great hymn without hymnals (yes, I grew up with hymnals). I’m not sure if my parents were impressed, but I know that having memorized the verses to this hymn was the beginning to memorizing as many hymns as I could. They have been invaluable to me through the years.

 

So imagine how moving it was the first time we, as a congregation, transitioned from the new worship song, “How Great is Our God” into “How Great Thou Art!” I was brought to tears. Oh, it was powerful. Singing of God’s greatness. Singing of what He is able to do. This melody quickly became a favorite.

 

So today, I bring you the old and the new. The older generations’ version of singing of God’s greatness blended with the new generations’ version. “How Great is Our God/How Great Thou Art.”

 

The splendor of the King clothed in majesty
Let all the earth rejoice all the earth rejoice
He wraps Himself in light and darkness tries to hide
And trembles at His voice and trembles at His voice

Chorus
How great is our God sing with me
How great is our God all will see
How great, how great is our God

Age to age He stands and time is in His hands
Beginning and the End Beginning and the End
The Godhead Three in One Father Spirit Son
The Lion and the Lamb The Lion and the Lamb

Bridge
Name above all names
You are worthy of all praise
My heart will sing
How great is our God

(How Great Thou Art)
Then sings my soul my Savior God, to Thee
How great Thou art, how great Thou art
Then sings my soul my Savior God, to Thee
How great Thou art, how great Thou art[i]

 

As I read through these words and listen to the song, I suddenly feel the enormous power of this thought. How could I possibly understand God’s greatness? How could words possibly encompass His greatness?

 

I’m not so sure that it’s possible for me, but I do know that King David worked at the process his entire life and penned words to honor God’s greatness. We have some wonderful Psalms to help us express our awe of God’s greatness. Here are just a few.

 

“O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!” (Psalm 8:1 – NIV)

 

“Who is the King of glory? The Lord strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle. Lift up your heads, O you gates; lift them up, you ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in. Who is he, this King of glory? The Lord Almighty—he is the King of glory.” (Psalm 24:8-10 – NIV)

 

“But may all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you; may those who love your salvation always say, ‘The Lord be exalted.’” (Psalm 40:16 – NIV)

 

“Say to God, ‘How awesome are your deeds! So great is your power that your enemies cringe before you.’” (Psalm 66:3 – NIV)

 

“Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise; his greatness no one can fathom.” (Psalm 145:3 – NIV)

 

Yes, God’s greatness is beyond anything that I could fathom. Just look at our world and all its beauty. The mountains, the valleys, the oceans, the deserts. Each one created very specifically by our great God. The animals, with their differences, were designed by God. Man and woman, created in His image, were given special touches by God’s mighty hands. How could he possibly make it all by just speaking? I don’t know, but He did it.

 

I do know, however, that when I sing of God’s greatness, I am drawn closer to Him. When I worship Him in this way, my life is more in line with His will. As I sing praises to the great and mighty One who has saved me, I am humbled by His power and yet drawn to His gentleness.

 

Today, let’s praise God for His greatness. As we view our world. As we encounter others. As we reflect on our day. Praise God!

 

I pray that you will choose to listen to the song today…you can do so by clicking here.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

[i] How Great is Our God/How Great Thou Art, How Great is Our God, Chris Tomlin, 2004, How Great Thou Art, Stuart K. Hine, 1953.

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Pass it On – Musical Musings in March (Sabbatical Post)

November 19th, 2015 dsisler

 

A long, long time ago, our church youth group was the place to be. When it began, I was too young to go and I couldn’t wait until I was. You see, my Dad had organized it and lead it. My sister was old enough to go and it was sad for me to see the two of them head off to church together. I wanted to be part of it.

 

Balloon Parade 2014 (11)The time came and I was old enough to go to Teen Time. And it was just as good as I imagined. Singing, Bible study, games, and refreshments. Yes, youth group was a blast and many lasting friendships began on those Tuesday nights so long ago.

 

As the years passed, I recall sitting in a small room with 30 young people singing. Remember that I taught myself to play the guitar? Well this was where my talent was unleashed. I would play and my fellow Teen Timers would sing along. We’d sing songs such as “Blind Man,” “They’ll Know We Are Christians by Our Love”, and “Pass it On.”

 

These melodies were meaningful to us at the time. They helped mold our beliefs and how we would think. But eventually, each of us would go our own way and would make our own spiritual decisions for our lives.

 

“Pass it On” was originally written for the musical “Tell it Like it Is.” With lyrics that express God’s love and how it changes lives, it’s no wonder that it has gone on to be a favorite by many. It is an uplifting song that continues to speak God’s message to the world and how we, as Christians, are to share that message with others.

 

As we experience God’s love, we must share it with others. Remember Jesus’ declaration of the greatest commandment? Love God and second to it is to love others. Loving others includes telling them about God’s love.

 

Jesus also gave us a commission. “Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.” (Mark 16:15-16 – NIV)

 

The Apostle Paul was a great evangelist and he could move crowds to follow God. While we may not be the inspiring preacher that Paul was, we must understand that we too must share God’s message with those we connect with.

 

Paul encouraged the Corinthian believers with these words. “Our hope is that, as your faith continues to grow, our area of activity among you will greatly expand, so that we can preach the gospel in the regions beyond you.” (2 Corinthians 10:15b-16a – NIV)

 

As our faith grows, we are to share God’s message. That is exactly how the Good News is passed along. We are to pass it on.

 

So today, take a look at the words to this song. Remember the excitement you felt as you first heard the Gospel, and then, pass it on.

 

Pass it On

 

It only takes a spark to get a fire going,
And soon all those around can warm up in its glowing;
That’s how it is with God’s Love,
Once you’ve experienced it,
Your spread the love to everyone
You want to pass it on.

 

What a wondrous time is spring,
When all the trees are budding
The birds begin to sing, the flowers start their blooming;
That’s how it is with God’s love,
Once you’ve experienced it.
You want to sing, it’s fresh like spring,
You want to pass it on.

 

I wish for you my friend
This happiness that I’ve found;
You can depend on Him
It matters not where you’re bound,
I’ll shout it from the mountain top – PRAISE GOD!
I want the world to know
The Lord of love has come to me
I want to pass it on.

 

I’ll shout it from the mountain top – PRAISE GOD!
I want the world to know
The Lord of love has come to me
I want to pass it on.[i]

 

You’ll enjoy this version of the song “Pass it On.” Oh the memories!

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

[i] Pass it On, Kurt Kaiser, Tell It Like it Is, Ralph Carmichael and Kurt Kaiser, 1969.

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Hear Our Praises – Musical Musings in March (Sabbatical Post)

November 18th, 2015 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 here), 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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    "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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