A Needed Break – Day 8

July 28th, 2016 dsisler

 

Loving my time with family. Thanks for letting me take a break!

 

“Revelation Song”

 

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I cannot tell you the first time I heard “Revelation Song,” but what I do know is that every time I hear or sing this song, I am moved. With hands raised, inhibitions gone, I am in total worship of my God and King.

 

As a matter of fact, as I am writing this, the song is playing in the background and I had to stop for a little worship!

 

Perhaps it touches me in this way because of where the lyrics come from. Straight from Scripture and words spoken by the four living creatures around the throne of heaven. They never stop saying, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was, and is, and is to come.” (Revelation 4:8 – NIV) Day and night, they never stop!

 

But this isn’t all that’s going on around the throne. While the four creatures are praising God, “the twenty-four elders fall down before him who sits on the throne and worship him who lives for ever and ever. They lay their crowns before the throne and say: ‘You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things and by your will they were created and have their being.’” (Revelation 4:10-11 – NIV)

 

The Apostle John offers this glimpse into heaven’s throne room. And what a glimpse it is! The throne of heaven. Someone seated on the throne in great splendor. A rainbow. The elders. Flashes of lightning. Rumblings and peals of thunder. Seven lamps. A crystal sea. Living creatures. Yes, this is quite a scene.

 

It’s no wonder worship was going on. The only One worthy of our praise was there in the midst of the scene. He is the same God we worship on weekends, throughout our weeks, and with our lives. We are to worship the Lamb who sits on the throne.

 

Now that you have the context of this beautiful worship song, let’s read through the lyrics together.

 

“Revelation Song”

 

Worthy is the Lamb who was slain
Holy, holy is He
Sing a new song to Him who sits on
Heaven’s mercy seat
(Chorus)
Clothed in rainbows of living color
Flashes of lighting rolls of thunder
Blessing and honor strength and glory and power be
To You the only Wise King

(Chorus)

Filled with wonder awestruck wonder
At the mention of Your name
Jesus Your name is power, breath and living water
Such a marvelous mystery

(Chorus)

Chorus:

Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty
Who was and is and is to come
With all creation I sing praise to the King of kings
You are my everything and I will adore You, I will adore You[i]

 

For Phillips, Craig and Dean’s version of “Revelation Song,” click here and let’s worship God together!

 

Thank you God for musicians who can put words and music together into such a worshipful way. Thank you also that I am able to worship You whenever and wherever I wish. You are the Mighty God, able to save, and only You are worthy of my praise!

 

Now, we are about to head off into our world. We may be heading to work, the soccer field with your kids, or you may be staying at home. Wherever we’re headed, we must be part of it. So let’s go with this image in our minds. The Throne Room of Heaven. How glorious!

 

I pray that you’ve been touched by this series on music. I have looked forward to each day that I’m able to share a beautiful melody with you.

 

I certainly would love to hear from you. Can you choose a favorite psalm, hymn or spiritual song? If so, let me know. If you, like me, have a long list of songs that have touched you, I’d also love to hear about them.

 

Music touches our souls in a way that nothing else can. And that’s just the way God created us.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

[i] Revelation Song, Jennie Lee Riddle, 2009

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A Needed Break – Day 7

July 26th, 2016 dsisler

 

Phew! Wedding is getting closer. Hope your week has been fantastic!

 

“Wonderful Grace of Jesus”

 

Today I’m taking you back to my college days. Music was all around and an impact on me, but if you were to ask other students, you’d probably hear the same. Chapel services with great hymns of our faith being sung. Christmas concerts. Choir tours. A stirring rendition of “Blessed Assurance” could even be heard in the classroom.

 

Yes, Cincinnati Bible College (now known as Cincinnati Christian University) was filled with music and musical memories for me. And the hymn I share with you today is one that rings loudly in my memory.

 

“Wonderful Grace of Jesus” isn’t just a hymn. It is a musical dance that leads partners in and out of proximity to one another. The scales run up and down. The tune heads in different directions. But when it complete, the message is told. Jesus’ grace is wonderful!

 

You see, the value of a piece of music isn’t just in the melody, the rhythm or the harmonies. It must hold its value in the message. For if the message does not lead a soul to Christ, then it is just a song. There are some great songs in our world, but those that lead others to Christ are truly valuable.

 

So today I share “Wonderful Grace of Jesus” with you. You’ll enjoy a version of the song by clicking here.

 

Wonderful Grace of Jesus

 

Wonderful grace of Jesus, greater than all my sin;
How shall my tongue describe it, where shall its praise begin?
Taking away my burden, setting my spirit free,
For the wonderful grace of Jesus reaches me!

(Refrain)

 

Wonderful grace of Jesus, reaching to all the lost,
By it I have been pardoned, saved to the uttermost;
Chains have been torn asunder, giving me liberty,
For the wonderful grace of Jesus reaches me!

(Refrain)

 

Wonderful grace of Jesus, reaching the most defiled,
By its transforming power, making him God’s dear child.
Purchasing peace and heaven for all eternity;
And the wonderful grace of Jesus reaches me![i]

(Refrain)

 

Refrain:
Wonderful the matchless grace of Jesus,
Deeper than the mighty rolling sea;
Wonderful Grace, All-sufficient for me;
Broader than the scope of my transgressions,
Greater far than all my sin and shame;
O magnify the precious name of Jesus, praise His name!

 

Oh, we have so much to praise Jesus for! And grace certainly tops my list!

 

Were you able to pick out a few phrases that vividly depict Jesus’ grace? Greater than sin. Takes away burdens. Sets spirits free. Reaches the lost. Tears chains asunder. Gives liberty. Provides transforming power. Purchases peace and heaven.

 

Grace reaches me!

 

Jesus’ grace reaches you, too! Let’s see what God’s Word has to say about His grace and how it reaches us.

 

Paul shares these words with us in Ephesians 1:7-8 (NIV). “In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace that he lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding.”

 

And again Paul speaks of God’s grace in Ephesians 2:6-8 (NIV). “And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God.”

 

We see from the Hebrew writer that we have confidence in the grace Jesus provides. “Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” (Hebrews 4:16 – NIV)

 

Through Jesus’ grace we find restoration, strength, solid footing, and a firm foundation. “And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.” (1 Peter 5:10 – NIV)

 

When we are covered by Jesus’ grace, we are covered. Completely. Confidently. Covered. It’s up to you to accept His grace and allow yourself to be saturated with it.

 

Occasionally I hear this tune and I am immediately drawn back to my college days. I’m sure that will never change. But the most important thing is that this song reminds me of Jesus’ grace and I am never far from needing a good dose.

 

“Wonderful Grace of Jesus.” I pray that you are within His reach.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

[i] Wonderful Grace of Jesus, Haldor Lillenas, 1919

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A Needed Break – Day 6

July 25th, 2016 dsisler

 

Yep…still in Ohio. Have a great day!

 

Playing Games at the Foot of the Cross

 

Holy Land Experience 037In years past, I was the choir director for several small choirs throughout Ohio and Kentucky. The time spent listening to cantatas and allowing the music to touch me were very special to me. I looked forward to Christmas and Easter because of what we collectively as a choir would present to our fellow congregants as well as visitors.

 

Some of my productions were quite large and elaborate while others were simple without drama or staging. But either way, the message was always that of God. His message was presented.

 

One particular song from a cantata hit me hard and it has stuck with me through the years. And after you listen to the music and read through the lyrics, I’m sure you’ll know why and perhaps you’ll be touched as I have been.

 

The song is from the cantata “Once and For All” by Tom Fettke with narration writings by Max Lucado. The entire cantata is filled with meaningful words and music, but “Playing Games” brought the whole scene into my world and made me think of what games I was playing in Christ’s Church.

 

So, read through the words and perhaps listen to the song and you’ll understand what I mean.

 

“Playing Games at the Foot of the Cross”

You’ve heard the story, many times before –
How the soldiers gambled for the robe of the Lord.
Their laughter drowning out, the Savior’s cry,
“Father forgive them” as He bows his head and dies.

And they were playing games at the foot of the cross,
so close to his struggle, yet so far from the cost.
Never feeling the shame and never sensing the loss.
They were playing games at the foot of the cross.

We’re so quick to judge them yet so slow to see
how their games resemble the ones played by you and me.
As we fight for position in the Church of God
While the world just goes on dying without the Savior’s love.

We’re just were playing games at the foot of the cross,
so close to his struggle yet so far from the cost.
Never feeling the shame and never sensing the loss.
We’re just playing games at the foot of the cross.

We’re just playing games at the foot of the cross,
so close to his struggle yet so far from the cost.
Never feeling the shame and never sensing the loss.
We’re just playing games at the foot of the cross.[i]

 

You can listen to this portion of the cantata by going to this link.

 

Yes, these words still touch me. I still struggle with this same issue. I get so busy with my own life that I forget about those around me who do not know Jesus. And I have the message. I have the gift of salvation. I know how it can change a life. And yet, how often do I take the time to share it?

 

I don’t like seeing myself in this way, but I must. For if I never know the areas where I need to improve, I will remain the same.

 

We are called by Jesus to be His followers, to accept His cross, to bear His Name, to share His message. It’s a package deal. We can’t just pick and choose what we want.

 

So where do we begin?

 

First we must know it. Let’s get into God’s Word and really know what He has to say. Study His Scripture to gain insight for your soul (2 Timothy 2:15).

 

And we must live it. If we know it, we must follow it. We must live out the words of God day-to-day (Romans 12:2).

 

Then we must share it. As the message changes you, you will find it more difficult to keep it to yourself. You really will want to share it with others (Colossians 3:16).

 

We don’t want to continue to play games at the foot of the cross. So let’s move along. Let’s get active. Let’s get doing. There is so much at stake. Are you with me?

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

[i] Playing Games at the Foot of the Cross, Tom Fettke, © 1994 Word Music, Inc. (a div. of Word Music Group, Inc.)

 

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A Needed Break – Day 5

July 24th, 2016 dsisler

 

I am heading to Ohio today to see family and to celebrate my niece’s wedding. I pray that you will have a great day of worship! I’ll be seeing you around!

 

How Great is Our God/How Great Thou Art

 

sunsetOld and new. There is a special dance between the two. Especially in today’s world. Decorators use the two together. Artists try to make a new item look old. As odd as it may seem, they fit together and can complement one another.

 

It’s no different with music. There is an emergence of old hymns being combined with new worship music to create pieces that are uplifting to us as well as glorifying God. These songs are helpful for me this month, for I can use multiple songs that are very meaningful and powerful from different eras of my life all at once.

 

I remember as a teenager learning all of the words to “How Great Thou Art” at a youth convention. The worship leader thought it would impress our parents if we could sing this great hymn without hymnals (yes, I grew up with hymnals). I’m not sure if my parents were impressed, but I know that having memorized the verses to this hymn was the beginning to memorizing as many hymns as I could. They have been invaluable to me through the years.

 

So imagine how moving it was the first time we, as a congregation, transitioned from the new worship song, “How Great is Our God” into “How Great Thou Art!” I was brought to tears. Oh, it was powerful. Singing of God’s greatness. Singing of what He is able to do. This melody quickly became a favorite.

 

So today, I bring you the old and the new. The older generations’ version of singing of God’s greatness blended with the new generations’ version. “How Great is Our God/How Great Thou Art.”

 

The splendor of the King clothed in majesty
Let all the earth rejoice all the earth rejoice
He wraps Himself in light and darkness tries to hide
And trembles at His voice and trembles at His voice

Chorus
How great is our God sing with me
How great is our God all will see
How great, how great is our God

Age to age He stands and time is in His hands
Beginning and the End Beginning and the End
The Godhead Three in One Father Spirit Son
The Lion and the Lamb The Lion and the Lamb

Bridge
Name above all names
You are worthy of all praise
My heart will sing
How great is our God

(How Great Thou Art)
Then sings my soul my Savior God, to Thee
How great Thou art, how great Thou art
Then sings my soul my Savior God, to Thee
How great Thou art, how great Thou art[i]

 

As I read through these words and listen to the song, I suddenly feel the enormous power of this thought. How could I possibly understand God’s greatness? How could words possibly encompass His greatness?

 

I’m not so sure that it’s possible for me, but I do know that King David worked at the process his entire life and penned words to honor God’s greatness. We have some wonderful Psalms to help us express our awe of God’s greatness. Here are just a few.

 

“O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!” (Psalm 8:1 – NIV)

 

“Who is the King of glory? The Lord strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle. Lift up your heads, O you gates; lift them up, you ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in. Who is he, this King of glory? The Lord Almighty—he is the King of glory.” (Psalm 24:8-10 – NIV)

 

“But may all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you; may those who love your salvation always say, ‘The Lord be exalted.’” (Psalm 40:16 – NIV)

 

“Say to God, ‘How awesome are your deeds! So great is your power that your enemies cringe before you.’” (Psalm 66:3 – NIV)

 

“Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise; his greatness no one can fathom.” (Psalm 145:3 – NIV)

 

Yes, God’s greatness is beyond anything that I could fathom. Just look at our world and all its beauty. The mountains, the valleys, the oceans, the deserts. Each one created very specifically by our great God. The animals, with their differences, were designed by God. Man and woman, created in His image, were given special touches by God’s mighty hands. How could he possibly make it all by just speaking? I don’t know, but He did it.

 

I do know, however, that when I sing of God’s greatness, I am drawn closer to Him. When I worship Him in this way, my life is more in line with His will. As I sing praises to the great and mighty One who has saved me, I am humbled by His power and yet drawn to His gentleness.

 

Today, let’s praise God for His greatness. As we view our world. As we encounter others. As we reflect on our day. Praise God!

 

Click here to listen to this beautiful song!

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

[i] How Great is Our God/How Great Thou Art, How Great is Our God, Chris Tomlin, 2004, How Great Thou Art, Stuart K. Hine, 1953.

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A Needed Break – Day 4

July 23rd, 2016 dsisler

 

Looking for words of encouragement? I pray that you will receive them from a repeated blog post. I pray blessings upon your day.

 

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 here), 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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