“Mystery” – Monday Musical Musings

July 20th, 2015 dsisler

 

Do you realize we are closer to Christmas 2015 than we are to Christmas 2014? Yep. This year is flying by and Christmas is just 157 days. It’s kind of frightening how quickly time goes by. At the same time, I can’t wait for Christmas to come around again.

 

???????????????????????????????In my Thursday morning summer Bible study, we are reading and studying about Mary, the mother of Jesus. It’s been a real joy to read about the occurrences that were happening around the time of Jesus’ birth. The discussions between God and Mary and Joseph. The census. The birth. The star. The visitors. Even the murder of innocent babes. The scene surrounding Jesus’ birth was pretty amazing.

 

And perhaps the most amazing thing of all is that God loved you and me so much that He was willing to send Jesus to be the sacrifice for our sin.

 

I am once again reminded that I don’t deserve this glorious gift from God my Father and Jesus my Savior. But that didn’t even enter into the mind of our gracious God.

 

The song I share today is a Christmas song. It’s one of my favorites. Not because it’s upbeat and jingly. No, the lyrics of this song are what capture my attention, my heart and my life.

 

Oh, it is a mystery that God would love me in such a way to send His Son to die for me. But there is one line in this song that really helps me to want to live differently every day because of Jesus’ sacrifice. This is it. “When You look into this traitors eyes what do You see that justifies the Lamb?”

 

Yes, I am a traitor. I miss the mark and sin against God. But that’s not how God sees me. God sees me as His precious daughter. God lavishes me with beautiful gifts (love, grace, mercy, forgiveness, etc.). And when God looks into my eyes, His are filled with compassion.

 

Oh it’s a mystery alright.

 

But what a beautiful, wonderful mystery.

 

I pray that as you read through these lyrics and listen to this Christmas song that you too will begin to feel the wonder of this mystery. I pray that you will realign your thoughts, your actions, your words and your life with Jesus and His plan for your life. I pray that you will not take Jesus’ gift for granted.

 

“Mystery”

 

A child was born on Christmas Day
Born to save the world
But long before the world began
He knew His death was sure
The pain and strife secured

 

Mystery, how He came to be a man
But greater still how His death was in His plan

God predestined that His Son would die
And He still created man
Oh, what love is this
That His death was in His hands

 

The Christmas trees they glow so bright
With presents all around
But Christmas brought a tree of life with blood that sacrificed
The greatest gift in life

 

Mystery, how He came to be a man
But greater still how His death was in His plan

God predestined that His Son would die
And He still created man
Oh, what love is this
That His death was in His hands

 

I am just a man and can’t begin to comprehend
When You look into this traitors eyes
What do You see that justifies the Lamb

 

God predestined that His
Son would die
And He still created man
Oh, what love is this
That His death was in His plan
Mystery, mystery[i]

 

Selah sings this mysterious song. Click here to listen.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

[i] “Mystery,” Words and Music by Todd and Angela Smith, Okapi One Music, Hilton House Music, 2002.

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Blessings Upon Blessings

July 19th, 2015 dsisler

 

What an exciting Sunday morning in July! We have a guest joining us for service at Rocky Mountain Christian Church today. Head Coach MacIntyre from Colorado University will be joining us to share his thoughts on how God uses him in his work with young people. We are looking forward to hearing his message.

 

DSC_0003But if that isn’t enough, what about the all-church picnic that will follow morning worship? Yep. It’s going to be a great day!

 

I pray that as you head out for worship this morning that you are touched by God’s Spirit to be attentive to the words you’ll hear, the songs you’ll sing and the people you’ll be with. I pray that a message will be placed in your heart and that transformation will take place as you meditate and learn from the message.

 

“May the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth, bless you from Zion.” (Psalm 134:3 – NIV)

 

Today’s repeat blog post is one that will keep you thinking and asks the question, “How shall I live?”

 

How Shall I Live?

 

One of my Grandpa Rich’s favorite programs was the Gaither Gospel Hour. It meant so much to him since he grew up in a musical family.

 

I must admit, I enjoy watching an episode or two of this same show. The musical talent combined on the stage of each program is staggering. And of course, the music they sing brings joy to my soul, because they are about my loving Father, my gracious Savior, and my guide, the Holy Spirit.

 

Last evening was no different. The program was titled Amazing Grace. They began with a beautiful arrangement of “Amazing Grace” and ended with “I Then Shall Live.”

 

I was captured by the lyrics of the last verse of “I Then Shall Live.”

 

Your kingdom come around and through and in me;

Your power and glory let them shine through me.

Your Hallowed name, oh may I bear with honor;

And may Your living Kingdom come in me.

The Bread of Life, O’ may I share with honor;

And may You feed a hungry world through me.[i]

 

Wow! Those are words to live by. Living a life in which God’s Kingdom is visible. Living a life of honor. Living a life so that others might see God within me and desire the same. If you’d like to listen to this beautiful hymn, click here.

 

Oh, I know I don’t live like this all the time. And to be honest, I couldn’t live as I do without God’s Spirit leading me. Without God’s Words resonating within my heart and head daily. Without knowing that Jesus was willing to take my sin and pay my debt.

 

I believe it all comes down to a willingness to allow God to work in me. If I continually choose to be drawn into sin, I couldn’t possibly hope to live a life described in this song. If I continually choose to put my needs and desires above God’s, I would never be able to read these lyrics with honesty. If I continually choose to turn my back on those in need, my words would be gibberish without meaning.

 

I’m convicted by the lyrics. I’m pressed to see what is missing in my life. I must be willing to make the necessary changes to live a life of honor.

 

Galatians 2:20 (NIV) tells me how to do this. “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” I must crucify myself and all that goes along with me. My selfishness, my pride, my earthly nature, my busyness…me.

 

I pray that you’ll be encouraged by these words. I may not be where I need to be, but I am in a better place than when I started this journey. May I live an honorable life. May others see Jesus in me. May God’s Kingdom receive all the glory. Amen.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

[i] “I Then Shall Live” (Finlandia), Composer Jean Sibeius (1899), Copyright: Music © Breitkopf & Härtel; Lyricist Gloria Gaither (1981), Copyright: Words © 1981 Gaither Music Company.

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What Will You Choose?

July 18th, 2015 dsisler

 

I have often shared photos of the beautiful view from the window in my office. Beautiful sunsets and sunrises that envelope snow-capped mountains. Each day similar, yet different in its own way.

 

sunrise 7-18-15I have rarely offered photos of the back side of my house which faces east. Mainly because I’m usually looking to the west. But this this morning, I was awakened by a beautiful sunrise and as my eyes focused on its beauty and thanked God for the day, I snapped a picture.

 

I know I am blessed. I know I have much to be thankful for. I know that God’s hand is in and on and all over my day. And this morning, I was once again reminded of God’s compassion and love that He so willingly provides.

 

“Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” (Lamentations 3:22-23 – NIV)

 

Friend, I pray that today you are able to remember God’s love, compassion and faithfulness regardless of your view. I pray that you are able to experience the guidance and leadership from the hand of God. I pray that you are able to be in His presence and know His peace. I pray that you are able to recognize His beauty in everything you see. Oh, above all I pray that you are able to live in His grace and truth and walk through your day as a reflection of the One who loves you the most.

 

You’ve heard it before. A picture is worth a thousand words. What picture are you going to keep before you today? Will it be positive or negative? Self-centered or selfless? Meaningful or idle? Filled with blessings or curse? Giving or taking?

 

Today I chose a beautiful picture. One that reflects Jesus and where He is at the center. I pray you will choose the same.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

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A Little Quiet

July 17th, 2015 dsisler

 

It seems like everyone I know is just returning from vacation, is on vacation or preparing for vacation. The office staff at church is pretty slim. A lot of my friends aren’t available for get-togethers. Seems like the pace of summer has slowed to the laziness it deserves.

 

???????????????????????????????And yet, there are a group of ladies who have carved out a few hours each week to be part of a summer Bible study. How excited I was when 36 ladies signed up for the study! In the summer? That’s pretty great! I know there will be weeks when the numbers don’t reflect the sign-ups, but let me tell you, it’s exciting to see women who desire to be in God’s Word all the time. Regardless of the season.

 

We just finished our discussion on Rahab and are moving into two weeks of looking into Mary’s (the mother of Jesus) life. What a contrast between these two ladies, but the commonality between them and ladies (and men) today is that they believed, had faith and trusted in God. They also share in the fact and promise that God will use anyone who has an open heart to His plan. Even people who would probably not be our first choice.

 

Rahab’s faith in God and trust in two young spies has allowed us to ponder our own lives. “Would I have been the one to hide the spies?” “Would I have believed in God as deeply as Rahab?” “Would I have been able to stand against the beliefs of my family and neighbors?” “Would I have been able to hold my ground?”

 

I don’t know.

 

Mary’s love for God and her desire to live out the plan He lay before her was pretty remarkable as well. And it again causes us to think about what we would have done if we were told this plan. “Would I have believed?” “Would I be able to withstand the jeers and taunts of those around me?” “Would I have been so willing to go through with the plan?”

 

Again, I don’t know.

 

What I do know is that every day I have the opportunity to make choices in regard to my faith. “Am I willing to be a useful vessel in God’s Kingdom?” “How far am I willing to take my faith?” “Will I obey God’s promptings?” “What do I need to rid from my life in order to live a life of faith?”

 

Do you recall the woman with a bleeding disorder in Mark 5? She had been suffering for twelve years. She had used all of her money seeking medical healing and yet, she continued to grow worse.

 

And then she encountered Jesus. When Jesus felt the power leave Him, He didn’t mention the fact that it was a woman who touched Him. Jesus didn’t mention that she was unclean. Jesus didn’t mention the inappropriateness of the situation. Instead, Jesus mentioned her faith.

 

“Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering.” (Mark 5:34 – NIV)

 

That’s the kind of faith I want to have. Rahab’s faith. Mary’s faith. The woman who met Jesus in a crowd’s faith.

 

Perhaps I’ve been asking the wrong questions. Perhaps I’ve been answering these questions with the wrong answers. Perhaps I should just have faith and believe, “If I just touch his clothes, I will be healed.” (Mark 5:28 – NIV)

 

Maybe your faith needs to be stretched today as well.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

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Caught Smiling

July 16th, 2015 dsisler

 

This has been a great week. Yesterday as I sat at my desk, a co-worker stopped by and asked how I was. I said “great!” She thought so. I had been smiling, nearly laughing when she came into my office. Her next question was, “why?”

 

Daytona Beach 021mWhy not?

 

In that next instant, I scanned my life and was pretty excited about what I am doing. My “jobs” at the church are more than a position where I make a few dollars each week. They are more than an occupation. They are ministry.

 

I love going to work. It’s fun, exciting and each day is different. I get to work alongside some pretty remarkable people who also view their day-to-day work as ministry.

 

My days are filled with to do lists and Bible study and chatting with people and making a difference in my little world. So yes, why not?

 

As a reminder for me, I’d like to share a passage of Scripture that I still love to read. Even when I’m feeling a little down, this is a great reminder of how God is at work in my life. See if you might need this reminder today as well.

 

“This is the good life—my heart is glad, my soul is full of joy, and my body is at rest. Who could want for more? You will not abandon me to experience death and the grave or leave me to rot alone. Instead, you direct me on the path that leads to a beautiful life. As I walk with You, the pleasures are never-ending and I know true joy and contentment.” (Psalm 16:9-11 – The Voice)

 

Friend, I pray that you will know this same joy. Oh, yes, right now things are good for me. But the important thing here is that even when things aren’t going smoothly, this is the attitude I am to express. God is with us. God will not leave us alone. And as He leads and guides us, we walk together with Him in our beautiful life.

 

Today, I pray that you will find your rest, joy and contentment in God alone. And I pray that others will see you smiling.

 

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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