“Take My Life” – Musical Musings in March

March 9th, 2015 dsisler

 

Hymns have held a special place in the hearts of believers through the years. Many for good reason. Praises being sung to our God and King are worthy of singing. And then there are those whose lyrics ask us to surrender something to God. Today’s hymn does that.

 

cool-sheet-music-background-pq3wplniWhen my children were younger, they learned “Take My Life and Let it Be” in youth group. I was surprised. Of course they sang all of the usual youth group songs. The silly ones along with the serious songs. But this one meant something to me. It meant something to the youth leaders too. I was thankful for Brian and Suzanne’s willingness to teach my children a hymn that pointed them to being devoted to God.

 

I wonder if we overlook the importance when we sing these lyrics during a worship service. Am I willing to live up to the words in this hymn? Is my life completely, totally, 100% dedicated to God? Have I consecrated (to make or declare something sacred) every portion of my being to Him? Am I withholding anything from God? Does praise constantly flow from my lips? And what about my will? Does it really belong to Him?

 

These are tough questions that require thought and decision-making on my part. You see, it’s not the hymn that asks, it’s God. He wants every portion of our life so that He can use us for His purposes and work.

 

Do you recall Jesus’ words in Mark 12:30 (NIV)? “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.” That’s all of us isn’t it?

 

God asks. What are you willing to give Him? Maybe today’s hymn is not one to take lightly. As you read through these words, take the time to concentrate on each phrase. Search your heart to find those areas that you haven’t given to God. And then, maybe today, give God every little bit of you.

 

“Take My Life”

 

Take my life and let it be consecrated Lord to Thee
Take my moments and my days, let them flow in ceaseless praise

 

Take my hands and let them move at the impulse of Thy love
Take my feet and let them be swift and beautiful for Thee

 

Take my voice and let me sing always, only for my King
Take my lips and let them be filled with messages from Thee

 

Take my silver and my gold, not a mite would I withhold
Take my intellect and use every power as You choose

 

Here am I, all of me, take my life, it’s all for Thee

Take my will and make it Thine, it shall be no longer mine

 

Take my heart, it is Thine own, it shall be Thy royal throne
Take my love, my Lord I pour at Your feet, it’s treasure store

 

Take myself and I will be ever, only, all for Thee

Here am I, all of me, take my life, it’s all for Thee[i]

 

Click here to listen to this beautiful hymn.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

[i] “Take My Life,” Words by Frances R. Havergal, Music by   Henry A. Malan, Additional chorus by Chris Tomlin and Louie Giglio, Worship Together Music, 2004.

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Reunited

March 8th, 2015 dsisler

 

I will admit, I enjoyed worship with my family last Sunday in Ohio. But I also must admit, I missed being with my home church here in Colorado. This morning I will be blessed by being with the folks at Rocky. I can’t wait!

 

Today’s repeat blog post is one of my all-time favorite songs.

 

“Bread Upon the Water” – Musical Musings in March

 

My husband loves music and he enjoys listening to music. He has upgraded the speakers and stereo in every vehicle he’s owned. Some of the music he likes surprises me and some just warm my heart. One of his favorite groups to listen to are the Imperials.

 

0005030206R-849x565A particular song that the Imperials sang reminds me of my freshman year at Cincinnati Bible College (they’ve changed the name of this school, but I have such difficultly calling it by its new name…sorry Cincinnati Christian University). I joined a group of people who performed with puppets and muppets. We traveled around the area, set up our big stage and equipment, and then proceeded to share God’s message through these inanimate objects.

 

The music we used was always fun and lively, had a great message to tell, but it also needed to have some different parts going on so that each muppet could do something different. You know, like backup singers.

 

The song that brings back these memories is “Bread Upon the Water.” The lyrics are taken from Ecclesiastes 11:1 and Luke 6:38.

 

Ecclesiastes 11:1 (NIV) says, “Cast your bread upon the waters, for after many days you will find it again.”

 

But another section of the song quotes Jesus from Luke 6:38 (NIV). Jesus said, “Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”

 

Oh how I wish I had been sitting at Jesus’ feet to hear these words. He wanted this crowd to get the message…give! We know Jesus shared this message on multiple occasions, but not like this. The results of our giving are immeasurable. The blessings we receive when we give go beyond anything we could ever imagine. So much so that we are unable to keep them confined. And then we need to give yet again.

 

There are many ways to give. We can give of our time, our talents, our money, ourselves. Maybe you can only give in one of these areas. Maybe you’re able to give in all of these areas. Whatever the case, Jesus tells us to give.

 

So how are you giving? Do you volunteer in your local church? If not, you need to. Your church needs you. And regardless of your talents, if your heart is in it, God will bless it. If you don’t know where to start, start by asking around and see where there is a need. I’m certain you’ll receive plenty of ideas and invitations.

 

I used to work with a team of ladies to plan women’s events for our church and the minister’s wife heads up this team. She closes each email to us with these words. “It’s a pleasure serving Jesus with you.” Yes, it is a pleasure to serve Jesus. It’s my pleasure.

 

God wants us, urges us to give. As Christ-followers, giving is part of our spiritual DNA. We cannot deny it. We must embrace and develop this area of our lives. And then we simply need to wait.

 

So as you listen to this song today, think of ways you can be serving Jesus!

 

“Bread Upon the Water”

 

Well there are people who think they’re not receiving

Anything from God at all

Oh they are shaken from their believin’

When they don’t see results they quickly fall

 

But don’t you waiver keep on living

In the way God wants you to

Don’t get discouraged keep on giving

Soon it will come back to you

 

Oh keep on working seeking the kingdom

Instead of working for your needs

Just keep on sharing the love of Jesus

You know growing comes from planting seeds

 

Keep on casting your bread upon the water

Soon it’s going to come back home on every wave

Keep on casting your bread upon the water

Soon it’s going to come back home on every wave[i]

 

To listen to this song as recorded by the Gaither Vocal Band, click here!

 

Keep on casting…

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

[i] © Universal Music Publishing Group, Bread Upon The Water Lyrics by Gaither Vocal Band, music composed by Grein

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“I Go to the Rock” – Musical Musings in March

March 7th, 2015 dsisler

 

It’s a glorious morning. The sun is shining this morning. The birds are singing outside my window. The mountains are covered in a blanket of white snow. It’s a near perfect day.

 

IMAG1489Except I know that several of my friends and loved ones are waking this morning without that special person in their life. There has been illness. There has been death. And these situations are anything but glorious.

 

My heart aches for families who must now face the rest of their lives without their husband, their father, their child. My heart aches for those who are in chronic pain beyond comprehension. My heart aches for people who feel their lives are empty and meaningless. My heart aches for those who have nothing to lose.

 

While I sit and enjoy my glorious morning, I know there is pain all around me. But what I also know is that there is One to whom we can take all of our burdens. I know that I can approach the throne of God with every little detail of my life and share it with Him. And when I am in His presence, He is attentive to my needs, my cares, my worries.

 

Where can we go when there’s no one else to turn to? Of course, we can go to the Rock. Oh friend, if you are in a situation where you cannot find your way on your own, run to the Rock. Lean upon the Rock. Take refuge in the Rock. The situation may not change, but your heart will be lighter because of your dependence upon God.

 

If you are still unsure, take a look at our biblical friends who relied upon the Rock to get through their situations. Joseph (Genesis 37:12-45:28). Joshua (Joshua). Gideon (Judges 6, 7 and 8). Hannah (1 Samuel 1-2:26). Job (Job). David (1 Samuel 17:1-58; Psalm 91). Daniel (Daniel 6). Stephen (Acts 7). Paul (2 Corinthians 12).

 

What encouragement we find through the lives of these individuals. I pray that you will remember these faithful folks as you walk through your own struggles today. I pray that you will be able to do as they did. Go to the Rock.

 

The music I share with you today is an old Gospel hymn, one that I’ve enjoyed through the years. I pray that you will as well.

 

“I Go to the Rock”

 

Where do I go when there’s nobody else to turn to?
Who do I turn to when nobody wants to listen?
Who do I lean on when there’s no foundation stable?
I go to the Rock, I know He’s able, I go to the Rock

 

Chorus:

I go to The Rock of my salvation
I go to the stone that the builders rejected
I run to the mountain and the mountain stands by me
When the earth all around me is sinking sand
On Christ, the Solid Rock, I stand
When I need a shelter, when I need a friend, I go to the Rock

 

Where do I hide till the storms have all passed over?
Who do I run to when the winds of sorrow threaten?
Is there a refuge in the time of tribulation?
When my soul needs consolation, I go to the Rock

(Chorus)[i]

 

This is one of those songs you have to listen to. So click here and maybe, just maybe, you might be dancing before the end.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

[i] “I Go to the Rock,” Words and Music by Dottie Rambo, John T. Benson Publishing, 1977.

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“Draw Me Close” – Musical Musings in March

March 6th, 2015 dsisler

 

Sometimes, simplicity is the way to go with a song. There is some music I’ve heard through the years with just a few words and it’s these pieces that have stuck with me.

 

IMAG1492For example, have you ever heard the song “The Horse Went Around with His Foot on the Ground”? No, well you have read all of the lyrics just now. That’s it. And then what about “It’s a Small World After All”? Again, this song has just six words. Super simple. Easy to remember. Kind of silly, but we remember.

 

Lyricists throughout time have been mish mashing words to make them memorable. Creating a piece with just the right meaning is an art. Christian artists are no different. They have used their talents to draw us closer to God, just as today’s piece has done.

 

While simple in length and number of words, the meaning and depth of “Draw Me Close” is much weightier. Surrender. Friendship with God. Desire. Enough. Acceptance. These ideas are found in this song.

 

And the beauty of this praise song is that it’s easy to remember. When we hear the introduction, we know how it begins and ends. That’s a memorable song.

 

Today as you take a look at this song, remember that God is all that you could ever need or want. He will satisfy all of your desires. He will fill the emptiness in your heart. Psalm 145:16 (The Voice) says, “The desires of every living thing are met by Your open hand.” You can believe that.

 

“Draw Me Close”

 

Draw me close to you
Never let me go
I lay it all down again
To hear you say that I’m your friend

You are my desire
No one else will do
‘Cause nothing else could take your place
To feel the warmth of your embrace
Help me find the way, bring me back to you

You’re all I want
You’re all I’ve ever needed
You’re all I want
Help me know you are near[i]

 

Click here to listen to this simple, yet compelling song.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

[i] “Draw Me Close,” Words and Music by Kelly Carpenter, Mercy/Vineyard Publishing, 1995.

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“This is My Father’s World” – Musical Musings in March

March 5th, 2015 dsisler

 

Nature has been an inspiration to songwriters from the beginning of time. Perhaps as God put His stamp of approval on each day of creation, He knew mankind would sing the praises of His creation.

 

???????????????????????????????In Scripture we find that King David declared the beauty of creation in Psalm 19. This Psalm was probably set to music for worship.

 

Outside of Scripture we find artists creating beautiful pieces about God’s creation. From “All Creatures of Our God and King” to “How Great Thou Art” to “Indescribable,” God’s masterpiece of our world and universe are worthy of our exaltation and praise.

 

Today’s song is no different. The author spent time in God’s creation and felt closest to God while in nature. Each day as Maltbie D. Babcock left his home for a hike, he quipped, “I’m going out to see my Father’s world.” From there, these beautiful words were written.

 

I wonder if you and I look at our world the same way. I live in one of the most beautiful areas of our country and there are times I take the Rocky Mountains for granted. I sometimes don’t even look at them when I leave my home…and I head toward them when travelling to work!

 

Oh how we sometimes are too busy to appreciate all that God has given to us. Today I pray that His gift of a beautiful world would not go unnoticed. I pray that today I will take the time to stop and admire His creation. I pray the same for you.

 

Here are the lyrics and there’s a link below to listen to this hymn. Enjoy this song, but more importantly enjoy God’s creation.

 

“This is My Father’s World”

 

This is my Father’s world, and to my listening ears
All nature sings, and round me rings the music of the spheres.
This is my Father’s world: I rest me in the thought
Of rocks and trees, of skies and seas;
His hand the wonders wrought.

 

This is my Father’s world, the birds their carols raise,
The morning light, the lily white, declare their Maker’s praise.
This is my Father’s world: He shines in all that’s fair;
In the rustling grass I hear Him pass;
He speaks to me everywhere.

 

This is my Father’s world. O let me ne’er forget
That though the wrong seems oft so strong, God is the ruler yet.
This is my Father’s world: the battle is not done:
Jesus Who died shall be satisfied,
And earth and Heav’n be one.

 

This is my Father’s world, dreaming, I see His face.
I ope my eyes, and in glad surprise cry, “The Lord is in this place.”
This is my Father’s world, from the shining courts above,
The Beloved One, His Only Son,
Came—a pledge of deathless love.

 

This is my Father’s world, should my heart be ever sad?
The lord is King—let the heavens ring. God reigns—let the earth be glad.
This is my Father’s world. Now closer to Heaven bound,
For dear to God is the earth Christ trod.
No place but is holy ground.

 

This is my Father’s world. I walk a desert lone.
In a bush ablaze to my wondering gaze God makes His glory known.
This is my Father’s world, a wanderer I may roam
Whate’er my lot, it matters not,
My heart is still at home.[i]

 

Click here to for a glimpse into the beauty of God’s world.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

[i] “This is My Father’s World,” Words by Maltbie D. Babcock, Music is “Terra Beata” (traditional English melody), arranged by Franklin L. Sheppard, 1901.

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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.

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