“The Longer I Serve Him” – Musical Musings in March

March 19th, 2015 dsisler

 

I believe today’s song will strike a chord. There is just something about serving Jesus that makes life richer and fuller. And as this song states, Jesus grows sweeter as the years go by.

 

I found a touching version of this song. In this version, Danny Gaither is asked to sing a verse of this song. It really doesn’t sound that unusual until you know the background.

 

As a trio, Danny, Bill and their sister Mary Ann traveled as the Gaither Trio. Bill’s wife Gloria joined the group when Mary Ann left and then eventually Danny left as well to travel solo.

 

IMAG1489Due to the stress of touring, Danny lost his voice and was unable to sing. Later, Danny was diagnosed with lymphoma and after a five year battle, went home to be with Jesus in 2001.

 

How touching to know that Danny’s love of serving Jesus went beyond his physical limitations. His heart was filled with the love of Jesus and he was able to share that love one final time. This indeed was a special moment.

 

I have to ask you. Is Jesus sweeter today than He was when you accepted Him as your Lord Savior? Oh how I pray that He is. If not, why not take this moment to move in that direction? Why not read through these words and believe them?

 

I know for certain, Jesus is sweeter today than He’s ever been. I find an abundance of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23) through Him. I cannot wait to see how sweet Jesus is when I’m 80!

 

Enjoy today’s song. Let’s make today a sweeter day.

 

“The Longer I Serve Him”

 

Since I started for the kingdom,

Since my life He controls;

Since I gave my heart to Jesus,

The longer I serve Him, the sweeter He grows.

 

The longer I serve Him the sweeter He grows;

The more that I love Him more love He bestows.

Each day is like Heaven, my heart overflows.

The longer I serve Him the sweeter He grows.

 

Every need He is supplying,

Plenteous grace He bestows.

Every day my way gets brighter,

The longer I serve Him the sweeter He grows.

 

The longer I serve Him the sweeter He grows;

The more that I love Him more love He bestows.

Each day is like Heaven, my heart overflows.

The longer I serve Him the sweeter He grows.[i]

 

Click here to listen to this version of “The Longer I Serve Him.”

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

[i] “The Longer I Serve Him,” Words and Music by William J. Gaither, William J. Gaither, 1965.

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“Me and My House” – Musical Musings in March

March 18th, 2015 dsisler

 

Who’s a fan of Joshua? I am! I am! If you know his story, you know that he was one of the spies who believed God could deliver the Promised Land to the Israelites. Joshua was one of the original Egyptian-freed slaves to enter into the Land of Canaan.

 

IMAG1492Joshua led the Hebrew nation across the flooded Jordan River to take the city of Jericho. Joshua fought beside the warriors of Israel to conquer the tribes inhabiting their land. But most importantly, Joshua followed God, Joshua believed God, Joshua served God.

 

At the renewing of their Covenant with God, Joshua gathered the entire Hebrew nation and they presented themselves to God. Joshua recounted the mighty acts of God since their freedom from Egypt was given. And then, Joshua spoke these powerful words.

 

“Now fear the Lord and serve him with all faithfulness. Throw away the gods your forefathers worshiped beyond the River and in Egypt and serve the Lord. But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your forefathers served beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.” (Joshua 24:14-15 – NIV)

 

These words of Joshua resonate with those who also choose to serve the Almighty God. These words call us to action. These words call us to service. These words call us to commitment.

 

How committed are you to the Almighty? What are you willing to give up in order to serve the One True God? Who is joining you along this journey?

 

I don’t know where you land. But what I do know is that I will serve the Lord. My household will serve the Lord.

 

Today’s song is just another reminder of Joshua’s words. I pray that you are willing to join me in singing “Me and My House.”

 

“Me and My House”

We stand here together as a family
We join hands together
Lifting praises to the father above
For sending His son

 

We’ve chosen together as a family
To serve Him forever
Knowing nothing else will matter in time
We made up our minds

 

Through the heat of the day
We will join in the fight
‘Til he takes us away
‘Til our faith becomes sight
As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord

 

Chose you this day
Tell me who will you serve
Let nothing stand in your way
Give the praise He deserves
As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord

 

We’ll serve Him
We’ll serve Him
We’ll serve Him
For He is worthy

 

Chose you this day
Tell me who will you serve
Let nothing stand in your way
Give the praise He deserves
As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord[i]

 

The Heritage Singers have a great version of this song. Click here to listen.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

[i] “Me and My House,” Words and Music by Tim Sheppard, Tim Sheppard Music Company, 1981.

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“God Will Make a Way” – Musical Musings in March

March 17th, 2015 dsisler

 

Today. That little word certainly can conjure up some big emotions. It could be today you are celebrating. It could be today you are mourning. It could be today you are lonely. It could be today you are fearful. It could be today you are hurting. It could be today you are anxious.

 

???????????????????????????????Whatever your today holds, please know that the One who holds today in the palm of His hand is much bigger than all of your worries and concerns. And what’s more, it is God’s greatest desire to be part of your today.

 

Just read through some of these encouraging words from Thessalonians.

 

“May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful and he will do it.” (1 Thessalonians 5:23-24 – NIV)

 

“May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word.” (2 Thessalonians 2:16-17 – NIV)

 

“May the Lord direct your hearts into God’s love and Christ’s perseverance.” (2 Thessalonians 3:5 – NIV)

 

Yes, God wants to be part of our today to give us exactly what we need. Strength, guidance, the will to keep going, hope, sanctification, purpose or peace just to name a few.

 

Today’s song reminds us that God will make a way where there seems to be no way. But what we must remember is that it may not be the answer we were seeking. What I do know is that when it isn’t, God will provide us with His sufficient grace to endure (2 Corinthians 12:9). And we will become stronger because of our weakness (2 Corinthians 12:10).

 

I pray that you will find encouragement through Scripture and song. I also pray that you will “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.” (Proverbs 3:5 – NIV)

 

Today. With God by our side, we can face whatever today brings.

 

“God Will Make a Way”

 

By a roadway in the wilderness, He’ll lead me
And rivers in the desert will I see
Heaven and earth will fade but His Word will still remain
And He will do something new today

 

Oh, God will make a way
Where there seems to be no way
He works in ways we cannot see
He will make a way for me

 

He will be my guide
Hold me closely to His side
With love and strength for each new day
He will make a way, He will make a way[i]

 

You may want to click here to find encouragement through Don Moen’s version of this song.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

[i] “God Will Make a Way,” Words and Music by Don Moen, Integrity Music, Hosanna Music, 1990.

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“Yes I Am” – Musical Musings in March

March 16th, 2015 dsisler

 

Heaven. It’s the place we long for. It’s the place that stirs our heart. It’s the place where many have gone on to enjoy. It’s the place where Jesus is.

 

IMAG1489There have been many songs written about heaven. Whether we find ourselves celebrating or reflecting upon heaven, each song we sing about heaven does the same thing. It reminds us that there is something beyond this life. We have hope that one day we will be able to join Jesus in our forever home. And that sounds pretty good to me.

 

Today as you read through the lyrics of “Yes I Am,” I pray that you will be reminded of what there is to look forward to. I pray that you will reflect upon the One who paid the price in order for heaven to be available to you and me. And I pray that you will be ready when the time comes to make this journey.

 

And here’s the thing. Our day-to-day living must count for something. Jesus has called us to be transformed and holy. It’s a daily process and we must always strive to become more like Christ. Then, one day, when heaven is in view, you will be able to stand before the Lord and hear, “well done, good and faithful servant.”

 

I’m getting ready. Are you?

 

“Yes I Am”

 

It is settled, I am certain
In my heart and in my mind
I will pass the glory curtain
And I’ll leave this world behind
I will stand with the immortal
With a happy land in view
Then I’ll journey through the portals
Down the golden avenue

 

Chorus:
I’m gonna leave some glorious mornin’
Yes I am. Yes I am.
I’m gonna cross the chilly Jordan
Yes I am. Yes I am.
Although the water is deep and the river is wide
I’m gonna stand on the other side.
I’m gonna live in heaven someday
Yes I am. Yes I am. Yes I am.

 

I’m waiting at the station
Listening closely to the call
I have made my reservation
Through the One who paid it all
Not by might, not by power
But in Christ, and Christ alone
I am leaving any hour
Praise the Lord, I’m going home

 

Click here to listen to the Heritage Singer’s version of this song.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

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A Beautiful Day

March 15th, 2015 dsisler

 

Good Sunday morning! I pray that your day has been filled with praise and adoration this morning. It’s a perfect day to give thanks for all that God has done for each of us. It’s a beautiful day!

 

Today’s repeat blog post is one of my favorite praise songs. Enjoy!

 

“Hear Our Praises”

 

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), 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 Jacksonville, Florida.

  • 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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