“Praise the Lord” – Monday Musical Musings

August 11th, 2014 dsisler

 

I was reminded of this song last week. It was sung by The Imperials and I was taken back to my college days once again. The music, the lyrics, the truth. It seems these words are appropriate today.

 

IMAG1489Christianity has always been disliked. From the beginning, persecution seemed to follow believers of Christ. And it hasn’t changed. Why? Because the father of lies still roams this earth “like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” (1 Peter 5:8 – NIV)

 

But for those of us who believe the Father of Light, the God of creation, the Savior of the world, we too have a promise to hold to. “For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their prayer, but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.” (1 Peter 3:12 – NIV)

 

I spoke with a few persecuted Christians in SE Asia a few years ago. Their faith was remarkable. Their joy was amazing. Their praise was continuous. What an encouragement they were to me. An American Christian who has never been oppressed for my faith. So why is it that my faith and joy and praise seem to diminish in light of my little world?

 

I believe my prayer today must be for Jesus to “increase my faith!” (Luke 17:5)

 

I don’t know how or when the horrors in Iraq will end. But I would encourage my brothers and sisters in Christ that the Lord’s eyes are upon them. His ears hear their prayers and the multitude of prayers being lifted on their behalf by believers around the world. Be strong and courageous, the Lord is on your side and He is with you in every situation.

 

Perhaps it seems odd that the music I’ve chosen today speaks of praising God when we face difficult situations, but when our faith is consistent through the good times and bad times, we really are able to praise God in all circumstances.

 

“Praise the Lord”

 

When you’re up against a struggle that shatters all your dreams
And your hopes have been cruelly crushed by Satan’s manifested schemes
And you feel the urge within you to submit to earthly fears
Don’t let the faith you’re standing in, seem to disappear

 

Chorus:
Praise the Lord, He can work through those who praise Him
Praise the Lord, for our God inhabits praise
Praise the Lord, for the chains that seems to bind you
Serve only to remind you that they drop powerless behind you
When you praise Him

 

Now Satan is a liar and he wants to make us think, that we are paupers
When he knows himself we’re children of the King
So lift up the mighty shield of faith for the battle must be won
We know that Jesus Christ has risen so the work’s already done

(Chorus)[i]

 

To listen to The Imperials version of this song, click here.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

 

[i] “Praise the Lord,” Words and Music by Brown Bannister and Mike Hudson, Word Music, Inc., 1978.

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It’s a Good Day!

August 10th, 2014 dsisler

Good Sunday morning to you! I look forward to worship this morning for many reasons. We begin a new message series today called BaseCamp and we will learn how Jesus calls us to partner with Him for many reasons and why we should.

 

I also am blessed to assist in two baptisms this morning. These days are extremely good ones for me. I am excited for these two who have made the commitment to follow Jesus a little more closely.

 

I pray that you are able to find some excitement in your worship experience this Lord’s Day!

 

Today’s blog post is from the A to Z challenge in 2013 and the letter is “D.” Enjoy!

 

“Daisies, Date Palm, Dill, Dove’s Dung and Daffodils” – Blogging from A to Z

 

I love flowers. I’m not a gardener, because gardening takes work and patience. I also tend to over water or under water any plants placed in my care. Flowers really don’t have a chance with me around. So I will stop by my local florist or grocery store for all of my floral arrangements.

 

But I still love flowers. So much so, that the heroines in the novels I write are named after flowers. Peony. Crisanta. Primrose. Iris. If I hear an unusual name, I tuck it away as if it were a secret treasure that will one day be discovered.

 

ShastaDaisies7-14-05My Mom’s favorite flowers are daisies. And I must admit they bring a ray of sunshine to any room where they are displayed. Daisies bring a smile to my face. Not just because of the flower itself, but because of who loves them. Mom.

 

God apparently loves flowers too, for in the midst of all of His Creation, He created some beautiful flowers. And there are many references to flowers in Scripture, but since we are working with the letter “D” today, let’s look at a few that begin with the letter “D.”

 

First we have Date Palm or the technical name, Phoenix dactylifera. The New American Standard Version of the Bible uses this term in Exodus 15:27. “Then they came to Elim where there were twelve springs of water and seventy date palms, and they camped there beside the waters.”

 

The Hebrew nation had been released from bondage in Egypt and soon into their desert journey, they found a watering hole where the water was undrinkable. God produced fresh water from bitter water in this place to show Israel that He would care for their every need if they listened to Him.

 

This great nation then traveled on to Elim where they not only found good drinking water, but also date palms. I’m sure this would have been a grand treat in the middle of the desert.

 

The next flowering plant that can be found in Scripture is Dill (Anethum graveolens). I enjoy this fragrant, delicious herb, but I also know that it can take over an entire section of a garden if allowed.

 

In Isaiah’s section of woes, he uses a farming analogy. The farmer, at the right time, clears the land and levels it, but then he doesn’t leave it in that state. The farmer sows his crops.

 

Again from the New American Standard Bible we see that dill is one of those crops the farmer sows. “Does he not level its surface and sow dill and scatter cumin? And plant wheat in rows, barley in its place and rye within its area?” (Isaiah 28:25 – NASB)

 

In this same chapter, Isaiah goes on to remind of how different crops are treated after the harvest. “For dill is not threshed with a threshing sledge, or is the cartwheel driven over cumin; But dill is beaten out with a rod, and cumin with a club.” (Isaiah 28:27 – NASB)

 

Dill is mentioned one more time in the New American Standard Bible. Jesus spoke the word in Matthew 23:23, again in relation with woes. As Jesus spoke to the Scribes and Pharisees, He condemned them for only tithing with spices and for neglecting people. Listen to Jesus’ words.

 

“Woe to you, Scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you tithe mint and dill and cumin, and have neglected the weightier provisions of the law: justice and mercy and faithfulness; but these are the things you should have done without neglecting the others.” (Matthew 23:23 – NASB)

 

The final flowering plant I’d like to share with you is Dove’s Dung (Ornithogalum narbonense). The only place we find this term is in 2 Kings 6:25 and only in the New American Standard Bible. Other versions have chosen to translate this word as seed pods or wild onions.

 

Josephus, a Jewish historian, referred to dove’s dung as being used as a salt substitute. Apparently Dove’s Dung was a food eaten during the famine in Samaria as found in 2 Kings 6:25 and how expensive it was to purchase.

 

“There was a great famine in Samaria; and behold, they besieged it, until a donkey’s head was sold for eighty shekels of silver, and fourth of a kab of dove’s dung for five shekels of silver.” (2 Kings 6:25 – NASB)

 

I believe we can find a few lessons from these flowering plants that God has placed on this earth. See if you agree.

 

We should bask in and enjoy God’s creation.

 

We should trust God to care for us in all situations and we should listen to Him.

 

We should be mindful of the things in our lives that seem to consume us.

 

We should accept God’s “threshing” process to create Christ-like, usable people for His kingdom.

 

We should tithe in a way that is pleasing to God.

 

We should seek justice, mercy and faithfulness.

 

We should not neglect people.

 

We should be thankful for the great price Jesus paid so that we might have eternal life.

 

Who would have thought so many lessons could be learned from these three little flowering plants God created! I know I wasn’t expecting this, but I also believe that God can show up in the smallest of things in our lives and if we keep our eyes open, He will reveal Himself to us.

 

How has God revealed Himself to you today? What is He teaching you? I would love to hear from you! Why not leave a comment to share your thoughts?

 

The weather is turning spring-like here in Colorado. My daffodils are beginning to pop through the earth. It is just a matter of time before all of the flowering trees in my yard are in full blossom. It is a wonderful time of the year to acknowledge our new life in Christ. I pray that you are doing just that.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

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All These Things Shall Pass Away

August 9th, 2014 dsisler

 

If you are like me, there are items in your home that have been in storage for some time and that you perhaps haven’t seen for years. I, in fact, have a basement full of such items.

 

???????????The items that mean the most to me are carefully stored in plastic tubs on shelves. Decorations for Christmas, autumn, and other seasons are neatly packed away. Carefully placed where I can find them.

 

However, the rest of my basement could use some attention. I do have it somewhat organized. For instance, I have a “baby” corner. That is where you’ll find the portable play pen, baby swing, high chair, and anything else infant related. Each time I place an item in that corner, I think it’s the last time I’ll be using it, then “surprise!” I’m a Baba again! These are the best surprises.

 

There is a section where the items belong to my husband. If he’s looking for something specific, he knows where he can search. The same can be said for my children. They know where their specific section is.

 

But, the rest of the basement is filled with items that I haven’t been able to part with…up until this point. My basement is filled with worthless things. And I sigh each time I head to the basement.

 

Worthless things tend to get hold of us and then we find it difficult to rid ourselves of said items. Sometimes we are overwhelmed with the abundance of worthless things and don’t know where to start in getting rid of them. Perhaps we don’t have the energy or the ability to dispose of them.

 

Whatever the case, these worthless things need to be thrown away or given away because of the mental energy that is expended in thinking of these things or the physical energy used to move the worthless stuff around. There is a reason they are called “worthless things.”

 

Scripture has a few things to say about worthless things. Let’s see what God’s Word brings to this topic.

 

Proverbs 11:4 (NIV) tells us, “Wealth is worthless in the day of wrath, but righteousness delivers from death.” Money is important, yes, necessary for our daily lives. And it is crucial that our attitude toward wealth stay in line with God’s Word. But in the end, on judgment day, wealth will be worthless. Money will not buy your way to eternity in God’s presence. Wealth will be worthless on that day.

 

“All who make idols are nothing, and the things they treasure are worthless.” (Isaiah 44:9a – NIV) You’ve heard it before, anything that we place before God in our lives is an idol. Television, internet, friends, busyness, possessions, and the list could go on and on. When we take a good look at ourselves, we are able to find those idols in our lives. These worthless “treasures” should be disposed of. They have shouldn’t have a place in our lives.

 

This next verse adds a consequence of having worthless idols in our lives. “Those who cling to worthless idols forfeit the grace that could be theirs.” (Jonah 2:8 – NIV) Forfeiting grace is not what I want. If these worthless idols in my life are affecting the grace God has to bestow upon me, they are truly worthless. Nothing, nothing is worth forfeiture of God’s grace!

 

After healing a man in Lystra, Paul and Barnabas were considered to be gods who had come to live among the people. Paul and Barnabas were so upset by the crowd’s reaction that they tore their clothing and began shouting. “Men, why are you doing this? We too are only men, human like you. We are bringing you good news, telling you to turn from these worthless things to the living God, who made heaven and earth and sea and everything in them.” (Acts 14:15 – NIV)

 

The worthless things in Lystra had led the people to a misunderstanding of whom and what Paul and Barnabas were. They can have the same effect on our lives if we allow the worthless things of this world to become prominent. We must turn from the worthless things to the living God. It is only through Him that we are able to find complete worth.

 

Now that we know what worthless things bring with them, why would we want to have anything to do with anything worthless? David knew how these things could draw him into their worthlessness and he prayed this prayer. It’s one that we can use when we are captured by anything that just doesn’t matter.

 

In Psalm 119:37 (NIV), David says, “Turn my eyes away from worthless things; preserve my life according to your word.” Let’s make this our prayer today. To keep our eyes focused on God and not on worthless things.

 

The time and energy lost by sifting through all the worthless things is indeed wasted time and energy. Perhaps it is time for the worthless items in my basement to be purged. But more importantly, it’s time to purge the worthless things in my spiritual life. What about you? Do you have any purging to do?

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

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 The Feet of a Deer

August 8th, 2014 dsisler

 

A few weeks back, I mentioned that I purchased two air plants. I hoped that I would be able to keep these two plants alive without much care on my part. I was wrong.

 

air plant in shellI believe one of them is not going to make it. I separated the two plants, but it’s not looking good. While the green larger plant seems to be thriving, the smaller red plant seems brittle and dry.

 

Life can make us feel like the small red plant. It sucks all the life out of us. Our joy seems to wither away. Our parched souls long for a good dose of refreshment. I believe Habakkuk understood this type of spiritual weariness.

 

Habakkuk was a prophet around the same time as Jeremiah. In the Book of Habakkuk, we see a conversation between Habakkuk and God. This eternal struggle of why bad things happen to good people (although Israel could not be called “good” at this time, they were God’s people). In conclusion, Habakkuk’s faith in God outshines the surrounding circumstances. Take a look at the end of Habakkuk’s prayer.

 

“Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are not sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior. The Sovereign Lord is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to go on the heights.” (Habakkuk 3:17-19 – NIV)

 

That my friend is faith. Habakkuk had such faith in God that when times were at their worst, he knew who would bring Israel through. God.

 

Life can be difficult, but when we rejoice in the Lord, God will give us the strength and ability to reach unimaginable heights.

 

It’s true. Israel found herself in this lowest place. But in the midst of the lowest of times, God saw great faith in men like Habakkuk, Daniel, and Nehemiah and Israel was restored.

 

I don’t know if my little red air plant will survive, but I do know that when I rejoice in God my Savior, He will give me strength and ability to get through the tough times of my life.

 

Maybe this is where you are today. If so, receive this encouragement from Habakkuk. Hold onto the promise that God will lift you to the heights. Praise Him for the ability and strength He will provide. And then wait. God is faithful and He will do what He promises.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

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Thy Word

August 7th, 2014 dsisler

 

Once again, I’m drawn to reading God’s Word through Pinterest. Pray that you will find encouragement through these artists and the message they have chosen. Enjoy!

 

Psalm 27:1

Psalm 27:1

Psalm 34:41

Psalm 34:41

Psalm 57

Psalm 57

Psalm 100

Psalm 100

Proverbs 27:17

Proverbs 27:17

Zephaniah 3:17

Zephaniah 3:17

John 3:16

John 3:16

Romans 8:38-39

Romans 8:38-39

Romans 12:12

Romans 12:12

2 Corinthians 2:14

2 Corinthians 2:14

Galatians 5:22-23

Galatians 5:22-23

Colossians 4:6

Colossians 4:6

1 John 4:4

1 John 4:4

 

To follow more of my pins that display the Words of God on Pinterest, click here.

 

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 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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    In September 2012 I went to SE Asia on a service trip. For more information, check out preachitclearly.blogspot.com.

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