A Needed Break – Day 18

August 6th, 2016 dsisler

 

Just a couple more days and I’ll be back with you. Thank you for your patience!

 

“Shine Jesus Shine”

 

DSC_0493I am down to the last two songs to share with you this month. And I must say, just because they are the last two doesn’t mean they are my least favorites. No, the last two songs thrill my heart each time I hear them. I stop and sing them if I’m moving about. I think of Jesus when they are playing and that is the main reason I love these songs.

 

“Shine Jesus Shine” brings light to this dark world. It shares the hope that we receive through Jesus Christ and it shares His truth that brings eternal life.

 

There are a couple of phrases that touch me each time I sing them. “Search me, try, me consume all my darkness” is one. This of course reminds me of the passage in Psalm 139:23, but it’s the last portion that really makes me think.

 

Perhaps there are some dark areas in my life that need to be enlightened. Okay, I know there are! So yes, Jesus, shine to those areas and brighten up those corners. Take away the darkness. All of it. Consume the darkness! What a prayer!

 

The other line that catches my attention is “Mirrored here may our lives tell Your story.” You’ve probably heard the phrase, “I may be the only sermon someone ever hears.” As a believer of Jesus, if my life doesn’t mirror Him, I could be turning someone away from Jesus by my actions or my words. My life must tell His story.

 

The Apostle Paul teaches us to live as children of light in Ephesians. He also teaches that we are to shine as stars in Philippians. Listen to his words. “Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the world of life—in order that I may boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor for nothing.” (Philippians 2:14-16 – NIV)

 

So today I share “Shine Jesus Shine” with you. Sing it. Believe it. Live it.

 

Lord the light of Your love is shining
In the midst of the darkness shining
Jesus Light of the world shine upon us
Set us free by the truth You now bring us
Shine on me shine on me
(Chorus)

 

 

Lord I come to Your awesome presence
From the shadows into Your radiance
By the blood I may enter Your brightness
Search me, try me, consume all my darkness
Shine on me, shine on me
(Chorus)

 

As we gaze on Your kingly brightness
So our faces display Your likeness
Ever changing from glory to glory
Mirrored here may our lives tell Your story
Shine on me shine on me

 

Chorus:
Shine Jesus shine
Fill this land with the Father’s glory
Blaze Spirit blaze
Set our hearts on fire
Flow river flow
Flood the nations with grace and mercy
Send forth Your word
Lord and let there be light[i]
And if you’d like to listen to this wonderful worship song, click here.

 

I pray that Jesus’ light will touch you in some way today and that you share His light with others.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

[i] Shine Jesus Shine, Graham Kendrick, 1987

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A Needed Break – Day 17

August 5th, 2016 dsisler

 

I am enjoying going back to the original songs I shared in 2013. I pray that you are receiving a blessing from then as well.

 

“The Potter’s Hand”

 

DSC00374I have gone through many transitions in my life. Career, location, and family changes just to name a few. Some have been more difficult than others, but what I’ve learned through these times is that when I allow God to be in the midst of the transition, I am at peace.

 

The song I’ve chosen to share with you today has given words to my requests to God. When I offer my life to the Potter, He is able to make something beautiful from a slab of clay. When I remain moldable to His hands, it is amazing what He creates.

 

I’ve kept the lyrics to this song nearby for such reminders. Remain pliable. Remain teachable. Remain captured. Remain useable. Remain surrendered. In doing so, I’ve allowed God’s Spirit to lead and guide me into great places.

 

So if you are searching today, read through the words of “The Potter’s Hand.” Perhaps make these words your prayer. Then allow the gentle Hands of our Savior to create.

 

“The Potter’s Hand”

 

Beautiful Lord, wonderful Savior

I know for sure, all of my days are held in Your hands

Crafted into Your perfect plan

 

You gently call me, into Your presence

Guiding me by, Your Holy Spirit

Teach me dear Lord

To live all of my life through Your eyes

 

I’m captured by, Your Holy calling

Set me apart

I know You’re drawing me to Yourself

Lead me Lord I pray

 

Take me, Mold me

Use me, Fill me

I give my life to the Potter’s hands

 

Hold me, Guide me

Lead me, Walk beside me

I give my life to the Potter’s hand[i]

 

Click here to hear a wonderful version of “The Potter’s Hand.”

 

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!” (2 Corinthians 5:17 – NIV)

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

[i] The Potter’s Hand, Darlene Zschech, Hillsong

 

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A Needed Break – Day 16

August 4th, 2016 dsisler

 

I am back from Ohio, but still trying to get into my routine. So again today, I’ll share an older blog post. I pray that your day is filled with God’s grace and peace.

 

“Sing to the King”

 

DSCN0582“Sing to the King” is another catchy tune that I find myself singing quite often. Again, the message is capturing! I love being reminded that I belong to Jesus.

 

In a world where I have a great chance of being distracted, this simple reminder brings me back to where I need to be. Singing to Jesus and declaring His Kingdom to others.

 

We find in Scripture that we are to sing praises to God for all that He’s done. King David was especially fluent in this area. Here are a few of his reminders to sing praises to God.

 

“I will give thanks to the Lord because of his righteousness and will sing praise to the name of the Lord Most High.” (Psalm 7:17 – NIV)

 

“I will sing to the Lord, for he has been good to me.” (Psalm 13:6 – NIV)

 

“Be exalted, O Lord, in your strength; we will sing and praise your might.” (Psalm 21:13 – NIV)

 

“Sing joyfully to the Lord, you righteous; it is fitting for the upright to praise him. Praise the Lord with the harp; make music to him on the ten-stringed lyre. Sing to him a new song; play skillfully and shout for joy.” (Psalm 33:1-3 – NIV)

 

“Sing praises to God, sing praises; sing praises to our King, sing praises. For God is the King of all the earth; sing to him a psalm of praise.” (Psalm 47:6-7 – NIV)

 

“I will sing of your strength, in the morning I will sing of your love; for you are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble. O my Strength, I sing praise to you; you, O God, are my fortress, my loving God.” (Psalm 59:16-17 – NIV)

 

“My heart is steadfast, O God; I will sing and make music with all my soul.” (Psalm 108:1 – NIV)

 

King David brought other elements into praising God, such as instruments and dancing. We read about such worship in Psalm 150.

 

Music and singing is part of our worship to God, but it certainly isn’t all that is involved in worship. I also find that this worship song leads us to understand that we are to be preparing ourselves for Christ’s return.

 

In a recent blog post, I provided Scripture that teaches us how we are to live so that we are ready for that day. If you missed them, I’ll share them again. Galatians 5:16-26, Ephesians 4:17-5:21, Philippians 2:1-18, and Colossians 3:1-25.

 

And the last portion of this song that makes my heart sing is the line that says, “Satan is vanquished and Jesus is King.” Oh how I look forward to that day. The day when the evil one is no longer a threat to those I love and to me. That day when I know true victory in Jesus. On that day, all who have sung the song of the redeemed will be singing together in triumph. Yep. I can’t wait.

 

So I share “Sing to the King” with you today. Embrace the joy that accompanies knowing Jesus and sing to your King!

 

Sing to the King Who is coming to reign
Glory to Jesus, the Lamb that was slain
Life and salvation His empire shall bring
And joy to the nations when Jesus is King

Come, let us sing a song
A song declaring that we belong to Jesus
He is all we need
Lift up a heart of praise
Sing now with voices raised to Jesus
Sing to the King

For His returning we watch and we pray
We will be ready the dawn of that day
We’ll join in singing with all the redeemed
‘Cause Satan is vanquished and my Jesus is King[i]

 

For a quick “pick-me-up,” why not listen? Click here.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

[i] Words and Music by Billy James Foote, First verse and theme of song come from “Sing We the King” written by Charles Silvester Horne, 1910

 

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A Needed Break – Day 15

August 3rd, 2016 dsisler

 

Well it’s nearly finished. I pray that I’ll be rejoining you shortly, but until then, enjoy another repeated blog post of one of my favorite songs of all time.

 

“Made Me Glad”

 

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We are coming to the end of Musical Musings in March. I have decided to share the Easter message beginning with Sunday’s post, so we have five more days to sing music together.

 

I have the days planned and two of the five are songs written by Darlene Zschech of Hillsong. What can I say? Their lyrics and music is moving. Both physically and spiritually. Their music draws me closer to Jesus and they also seem to say exactly what I am feeling. So I will continue to praise this group for their music.

 

Today I’ve chosen their song, “Made Me Glad.” It doesn’t matter where I am when I hear it, I stop and sing and worship God. If possible, I restart the song…perhaps multiple times. That’s how moved I am by this song.

 

I am touched by this song because of the multiple messages held within its lyrics. Praising God for all He’s done. Never having to be fearful because He is always with me. Standing firm in my faith.

 

And it continues. Enjoying all that God provides. Protection. Strength. Fulfillment. Sustenance. Help. Joy.

 

Yes, I love this song for its message. So let’s read through and listen to this song and as we do, let’s bask in God’s great love for us. There is nothing, there is no one who can satisfy like God.

 

“Made Me Glad”

 

I will bless the Lord forever
I will trust Him at all times
He has delivered me from all fear
He has set my feet upon a rock
I will not be moved
And I’ll say of the Lord

You are my Shield, my Strength
My Portion Deliverer
My Shelter, Strong tower
My very present help in time of need

Whom have I in heaven but You
There’s none I desire beside You
You have made me glad
And I’ll say of the Lord

You are my Shield, my Strength
My Portion Deliverer
My Shelter, Strong tower
My very present help in time of need[i]

 

Click here to hear Hillsong sing this glorious song…over and over again if you like.

 

“For you make me glad by your deeds, O Lord; I sing for joy at the works of your hands.” (Psalm 92:4 – NIV)

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

[i] Made Me Glad, Darlene Zschech, Hillsong, 2002

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A Needed Break – Day 14

August 2nd, 2016 dsisler

 

I’ll be heading home today and my mom will be joining me! I look forward to several weeks with her around. I love her so much!

 

Thanks for allowing me to take this needed break. It’s been awesome! Have a blessed day!

 

“The King is Coming”

 

JesusMusic in my lifetime has evolved from hymns to worship songs. And there has been plenty between. Christian rap and rock have found their place in hearts around the world and have presented God’s message with people who might not have listened to traditional music.

 

I am not sure Paul quite realized what would become of music when he penned the words in Ephesians 5:19-20, but I’m certain that God did. God knew that the realm of music would be a wonderful method to spread His message. And He was correct.

 

Composers have used their talents to bring God’s message to others. And what a message it is! Love, hope, forgiveness, grace, peace, acceptance, and this list could continue. I’ve thanked God for composers my entire life, for with their abilities we have beauty. Christian song writers not only have the possibility of beautiful music, but they also have a promising message to add to it.

 

So today, I am thankful for Bill and Gloria Gaither and for all the music they have written through their lifetimes. It was difficult to choose just one, but in the end, I chose their famous anthem, “The King is Coming.”

 

“The King is Coming”

 

The marketplace is empty,
No more traffic in the streets,
All the builders’ tools are silent,
No more time to harvest wheat;
Busy housewives cease their labors,
In the courtroom no debate,
Work on earth is all suspended
As the King comes thro’ the gate.

(Chorus)

 

Happy faces line the hallways,
Those whose lives have been redeemed,
Broken homes that He has mended,
Those from prison He has freed;
Little children and the aged
Hand in hand stand all aglow,
Who were crippled, broken, ruined,
Clad in garments white as snow.

(Chorus)

 

I can hear the chariots rumble,
I can see the marching throng,
The flurry of God’s trumpets
Spells the end of sin and wrong:
Regal robes are now unfolding,
Heaven’s grandstand’s all in place,
Heaven’s choir now assembled,
Start to sing “Amazing Grace!”

 

Chorus

O the King is coming,
The King is coming!
I just heard the trumpets sounding,
And now His face I see;
O the King is coming,
The King is coming!
Praise God, He’s coming for me![i]

 

You’ll want to listen to this one today. Click here.

 

What hope! What joy! What excitement! The King is coming!

 

We don’t know when, but we do know it is going to happen. This message has driven mankind through the past 2,000 years. Jesus would return and He would take us with Him this time.

 

I know there are people who believe we are in the end times and believe Jesus’ return is close, and we may very well be in those times. But there are people who are focused only on that thought.

 

I believe that there are happenings in our world that could be understood as fulfillment of prophesies in Scripture, but no more so than what has occurred throughout the past 2,000 years. With television, radio and internet, we hear of these happenings the instance they occur. We hear of wars and earthquakes and killings immediately in our world today and it seems like there are more than there used to be. But there really isn’t.

 

This has been my belief for quite a while. Scripture tells us that no one knows when Jesus will return (Mark 13:32). So why focus on that when we do know what we are to do?

 

Jesus gave us a mission in Matthew 28:19-20. God gave us guidelines to live by in Galatians 5:16-26, Ephesians 4:17-5:21, Philippians 2:1-18, and Colossians 3:1-25 just to name a few.

 

You see, why should I worry about the things I don’t know when there are plenty of things I do know that need my attention? I need to be ready for Christ’s return. That’s where my focus should remain.

 

Oh the thought of Jesus coming today is a glorious one and nothing would make me happier. But that cannot be the only thing that is on my mind today.

 

My path will cross with someone who doesn’t know Jesus today. I am certain of it. If my mission in life is to share God’s good news with others, I must be searching for those who need a Savior.

 

There also may be an area of my life that needs some attention. If I’m focused on the passages above, I will recognize those areas and allow God’s Spirit to help me refine them.

 

As a believer in Christ, we have a great hope. The King is coming! And that day is going to be a glorious day. There is no doubt about it.

 

But what are you doing until His return? Are you making an impact on this world? In other’s lives? Are you living a holy life? Do you shine like the stars in your world? Are you pressing on toward to the goal? Are you living as a child of the Light? Do you live by the Spirit?

 

Have you made a disciple?

 

The King is coming! But we must not sit by and wait for His return. Paul’s words are recorded in Galatians 6:9 (NIV) as an encouragement to all believers. “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”

 

Jesus will return. But we must continue to do the good while we wait. And when Jesus returns, we will receive all that He promised. Praise God! Jesus is coming for me!

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

[i] The King is Coming, Gloria Gaither, William J. Gaither and Charles Millhuff, 1970

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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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