“People Need the Lord” – Monday Musical Musings

July 7th, 2014 dsisler

“People Need the Lord” is a song made popular by Steve Green in the early 90’s. This melody stirs up memories and emotions within me each time I hear it. Yes, it takes me back to those moments in time when I first heard this tune, but it also is a reminder that every person on this planet needs God more than anything else this world has to offer…and how I miss opportunities to share His love with them.

 

IMAG1492I’ve been touched by God’s Spirit to share His message with others through the years. Whether it was in my college dorm room or hearing the presentation of a service trip opportunity to SE Asia, God has shown me what to do. To share with others what meaning God can bring to their lives.

 

In my heart I knew and know that only the Lord can fill the void in our lives. God created us to desire Him and Him alone. King David knew this as well. Take a look at his words. “O God, you are my God, earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you, my body longs for you, in a dry and weary land where there is no water.” (Psalm 63:1 – NIV)

 

When we are in a dry and weary land, God invites us to come to the water. “Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters, and you who have no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost. Why spend money on what is not bread, and your labor on what does not satisfy? Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good, and your soul will delight in the richest of fare. Give ear and come to me; hear me, that your soul may life. I will make an everlasting covenant with you, my faithful love promised to David.” (Isaiah 55:1-3 – NIV)

 

Jesus spoke to this in John 6 when He declared “I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty.” (John 6:35 – NIV)

 

Regardless of what we are going through, we need the Lord. Every person we pass by today needs the Lord. It’s up to you and me to share this message with them. Only the Lord can satisfy all that they long for. Are you willing to share what you know to be true?

 

The lyrics to “People Need the Lord” are below. I pray that you will be touched and that you will realize that every person, everywhere needs the Lord.

 

“People Need the Lord”

 

Everyday they pass me by,
I can see it in their eyes.
Empty people filled with care,
Headed who knows where?

On they go through private pain,
Living fear to fear.
Laughter hides their silent cries,
Only Jesus hears.

People need the Lord, people need the Lord.
At the end of broken dreams, He’s the open door.
People need the Lord, people need the Lord.
When will we realize, people need the Lord?

We are called to take His light
To a world where wrong seems right.
What could be too great a cost
For sharing Life with one who’s lost?

Through His love our hearts can feel
All the grief they bear.
They must hear the Words of Life
Only we can share.

People need the Lord, people need the Lord
At the end of broken dreams, He’s the open door.
People need the Lord, people need the Lord.
When will we realize that we must give our lives,
For people need the Lord.[i]

 

I love this version of this song. Steve Green and Song Jung Mi sing a duet. It doesn’t matter what language, the message is still the same. People need the Lord! Click here to listen to this beautiful tune.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

 

[i] “People Need the Lord,” Words and Music by Greg Nelson and Phill McHugh, Shepherd Fold Music/River Oaks Music, 1983. Steve Green in concert at Onnuri Church in Seoul, Korea (May, 2008). Song Jung Mi is a Korean CCM artist.

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His Glory and Goodness

July 6th, 2014 dsisler

Today as we continue our study on encouragement, I thought I’d share a few verses of Scripture to encourage you on this beautiful morning. 2 Peter 1:3-4 (NIV) is filled with encouragement!

 

front porch“His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.”

 

What beautiful words! I pray that your heart and spirit are lifted this morning by hearing God’s message. I also pray that you will praise the One who provides this encouragement through His glory and goodness. Have an encouraging day!

 

Encouragement – Part Seven

 

I met Frank years ago. We attended the same church. Frank had the gift of encouragement and I was the recipient of his encouragement on several occasions.

 

During a frightening period of unknown illness with our youngest child, Frank encouraged us to be positive about the outcome. Not to even speak or think our fears.

 

During a rebellious season, Frank pulled me back into God’s loving arms and allowed me to see the abundant grace God was willing to lavish upon me.

 

But Frank’s greatest encouragement came through his prayers. He was (and still is) a great prayer warrior. He knew the exact words to say. He prayed Scripture often. He prayed prayers I had never heard before. And I was encouraged.

 

In yesterday’s blog post, I listed passages that say we are all to be encouragers. Today we will continue with how and why we are to encourage. I pray that you will listen to God’s Word and act upon them.

 

How are we to encourage?

There are two passages that speak to this and they say nearly the same thing. We are to be humble. Humility must accompany encouragement.

 

“Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.” (James 4:10 – NIV)

 

“Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.” (2 Peter 5:6 – NIV)

 

As we gain encouragement from God, we are then able to encourage others. Through it all, we must remain humble, under God’s mighty hand, and He will do wonderful things.

 

Why are we to encourage?

I found several reasons mentioned in Scripture for encouragement. Let’s see what God’s Word has to say.

 

First, we are to be encouraged and encourage for and toward unity. That unity begins with God and then we can become an encourager to others to be united with Christ and with His Church.

 

Through unity we are able to endure, glorify God, understand the full riches from God and know Jesus Christ.

 

These passages point us in this direction. Romans 15:5-6; Philippians 2:1-2; and Colossians 2:2.

 

Certainly without unity we would not be able to encourage one another.

 

Second, we are to be encouragers because we know the hope we have found in Jesus Christ. Through God and His grace, we are built up and we receive the inheritance.

 

Acts 20:32 (NIV) says, “Now I commit you to God and to the word of his grace, which can build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified.”

 

Through the love and grace from God, we receive eternal encouragement and good hope. 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17 (NIV) says, “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.”

 

A couple other passages you may want to read about hope are Romans 15:4 and Hebrews 6:18.

 

When hope abides within us, we really must encourage others to join us. Hope brings life to a discouraged soul. Why wouldn’t we encourage others to grab hold of it?

 

Third, we see that encouragement leads to strength. Speaking words of encouragement gives our hearts and souls the ability to continue on. To keep on going.

 

Acts 15:32 (NIV) tells us, “Judas and Silas, who themselves were prophets, said much to encourage and strengthen the brothers.”

 

And in 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17 (NIV) we see these words. “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.”

 

We are strengthened by encouragement and that leads to good deeds and words.

 

And finally, encouragement can be used for admonition or rebuking. Above I mentioned a season of rebellion against God. Those kind words of encouragement from Frank brought me back to Him. Notice I said kind. We must temper all that we say in love or we take the chance of turning a soul from God completely.

 

Titus 2:15 (NIV) says, “These, then, are the things you should teach. Encourage and rebuke with all authority. Do not let anyone despise you.”

 

I believe this might be the most frightening. But I also believe if we have followed God’s guidelines ourselves, we are able to admonish for the right reason and purpose and are able to do so.

 

You might want to read Colossians 3:16 and 2 Timothy 4:2 for more insight.

 

As we draw to a close on this study of encouragement, I pray that you’re understanding has been stretched. I know mine has!

 

Don’t be stingy with encouraging words. Let them flow from your lips. You never know who you might be an encouragement to.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

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What Are You Waiting For?

July 5th, 2014 dsisler

You know exactly what I’m talking about. That long, almost unbearable waiting for something. At each thought of what is to come, a zap of excitement shoots through your body and you cannot keep that smile from bursting forth. Perhaps you might even giggle. We’ve all been there. Anticipating.

 

peaceI have anticipated some exciting events in my lifetime. The birth of my children and grand children are high on the list. Of course, their first birthdays were also times of anticipation. Seeing what they each had accomplished in that first year leading up that first birthday was exciting. I wouldn’t have traded any of those times for anything.

 

But there have been others. Moving to a new city or state. The start of a new job. There have been plenty of those. The months preparing for a trip to Daytona Beach and my first NASCAR race…why I could hardly contain myself! And don’t even get me started on Christmas! The greatest wait for me was during the time I prepared to go to SE Asia. Those few months were filled with the excitement of a new culture, country and ways to express the Gospel.

 

Yes, when I am waiting for something, it is exciting times for me. But is it where my focus should be?

 

Some synonyms of anticipation are expectation, prospect, eagerness, hope, or contemplation. The very nature of the word allows for those giddy feelings to surface. Contemplating the “what ifs” or believing there is hope fuel the building excitement. Expecting a good outcome brings peace during times of anticipation.

 

Anticipation has been around a long time and can be linked to our faith in God. Just as those living under the old covenant eagerly waited for the coming of the Messiah, we too, eagerly await the second coming of Jesus, the Messiah. It brings hope to this otherwise hopeless world. But that must not be our only focus. We must be anticipating the good things that God wants to add to our lives.

 

Philippians 1:6 assures us that we should be anticipating what God is doing in our lives. “For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.”

 

And Ephesians 2:10 gives us insight into what we should be doing with what God has done within us while awaiting the second coming. “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.”

 

Yes, anticipation is exciting. In our physical lives, but also in our spiritual lives. Oh, I pray that you will anticipate what God is doing in your life. Watch for His workings. Anticipate what He will do with it. And of course, eagerly wait for His return. I know I can hardly wait!

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

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July 4, 1976

July 4th, 2014 dsisler

I was a teenager when our country celebrated the 200th birthday of our independence from England. As part of the festivities, our church buried a time capsule. I don’t recall what was placed in the capsule, but I have one photograph of this day. A picture of a few friends and family standing and singing together, remembering the importance of July 4, 1976.

 

bicentenial38 years later, the folks at the North Syracuse Church of Christ are searching for this time capsule. The problem is, there are only a few who remember this event and no one can remember exactly where it was buried.

 

That’s when I remembered the picture. I sent it in hopes that they can pinpoint the position where the photograph was taken and then narrow their search. We’ll see if the time capsule will be located.

 

God knew that memories would fade and be hindered by life. God told the Israelites to mark specific places so they would be able to tell future generations about locations.

 

The Old Testament is filled with such markings. Noah built an altar at the place he exited the ark (Genesis 8:20). Abraham built an altar where God appeared to him (Genesis 12:7). Isaac also build an altar where God appeared to him (Genesis 26:25).

 

After the battle with the Amalekites, Moses built an altar and declared “The Lord is my Banner” (Exodus 17:15). Twelve stones were brought up from the Jordan River bed to build an altar so that future generations would remember (Joshua 4:20-24).

 

I love Joshua 4:24 (NIV). This is what God wanted all generations to know and remember. “He did this so that all the peoples of the earth might know that the hand of the Lord is powerful and so that you might always fear the Lord your God.”

 

Like the children of Israel, sometimes we forget and must be reminded of God’s great love and His powerful deeds. Maybe we need a physical reminder. Our own little stone we hold to remember.

 

I use Bible verses scattered throughout my home to remind myself of what God has done in my life. These little notes of love from God help me recall His goodness in my life.

 

Let’s also remember that the New Testament tells us that we are “like living stones, being built into a spiritual house to be holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.” (1 Peter 2:5 – NIV)

 

And in Romans 12:1 (NIV) we see that we are to “offer our bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship.”

 

We are to be reminders of God’s goodness and love. His mercy and grace. His power and might. When our lives are a reflection of God, others will see us and will be reminded of God.

 

I encourage you to find ways to be reminded of what God has done for you. But let’s just not remember. Let’s act. Act like the holy priesthood God has called us to be. Let’s strive to be holy and pleasing to God. Let’s worship our Lord with spiritual acts. And let’s be reminders to those we come in contact with that our God is an awesome God!

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

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Glue and a Stabilizer

July 3rd, 2014 dsisler

My husband has been working on a new hobby. Wood working. Specifically puzzle boxes. Now he hasn’t actually built one yet. He’s still gathering all of the tools and supplies needed to actually make a puzzle box. And I must say, his little workshop is looking mighty fine.

 

reindeerHe has made one thing however. A tiny reindeer. I was certainly impressed and while he admits it’s not perfect, it is a start. After this attempt he realized there were two things he needed to make this work. A stabilizer and a different type of glue.

 

Of course, these are two things we need in our spiritual lives as well. A stabilizer and glue.

 

Obviously, the stabilizer must be the Holy Spirit. As we allow God’s Spirit to live within our hearts, we find that there are many other things the Holy Spirit is able to do within our lives. Let’s take a look at some of them.

 

The Holy Spirit is a Counselor (John 14:16).

 

The Holy Spirit shows truth (John 14:17; John 16:13).

 

The Holy Spirit comforts (John 14:18).

 

The Holy Spirit teaches and reminds of what we’ve learned (John 14:26).

 

The Holy Spirit is peace (John 14:27).

 

The Holy Spirit convicts of sin (John 16:8).

 

The Holy Spirit prays when we don’t know what to pray (Romans 8:26).

 

The Holy Spirit intercedes (Romans 8:27).

 

So if the Holy Spirit is our stabilizer, what is the glue? I believe it is my statement of faith. What I believe. As my faith grows deeper and stronger, I draw closer to God because I know that’s where I am at my best and where I should be.

 

Maybe you have a statement of faith. I know some who hold on to the Apostle’s Creed (all or part). Other may look to their church for a statement of faith. What I would suggest however, is to make a statement of faith for yourself. Make it your own. Oh, you can follow the guidelines from other statements, but put it in your own words.

 

For instance, this is the first line of my church’s statement of faith. “We believe there is one God, eternally existing in three persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit.”[i]

 

If I were to rephrase this line to make it a personal statement I might say, “I know with all that is in me that there is one true God. I believe in the trinity of God: the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit and how each of them plays a unique role in my spiritual journey.”

 

While I know what I believe and can share my beliefs when asked, I’ve never written out a personal statement of faith. However, if it is the glue that holds my faith in tact, then maybe it’s time I write it out. I suspect you can look forward to reading it someday soon.

 

Sometimes our faith walk can get a little unbalanced. Sometimes we just need to get out the glue and allow the stabilizer to work in our lives. But what I really know is the importance of starting. There will be mistakes along the way, but when we can hold fast to what we believe and when we allow God’s Spirit to lead and guide us, we will be able to look at those mistakes and know we are a little closer to Jesus because of what we’ve learned.

 

Let’s get to work!

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

 

[i] http://www.rmcc.org/about/beliefs/

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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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