“O for a Thousand Tongues” – Musical Musings in March

March 24th, 2014 dsisler

You may think I’ll be sharing the hymn by Charles Wesley written in 1739. And while that particular hymn has some beautiful words, I’ve chosen to jump ahead a few hundred years to the 1983 song, titled with the same words.

 

IMAG1492Both of these songs agree with King David that praising God is never-ending. Praise to God should be part of our life. Take a look at Psalm 35:28 (NIV). It says, “My tongue will speak of your righteousness and of your praises all day long.”

 

Regardless of the version you choose, these songwriters felt inadequate in their praise to God. If a thousand tongues or hands were available, it still wouldn’t be enough.

 

Our problem as humans is that we use our tongues for other purposes. James tells us that “no man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.” (James 3:8 – NIV). James goes on to tell his readers that “out of the same mouth come praise and cursing: My brothers, this should not be.” (James 3:10 – NIV)

 

Under these circumstances, I don’t need a thousand tongues to get me into trouble. One will do just fine.

 

I know that on my own, my tongue is an evil weapon. But with God’s Holy Spirit, I am able to “put off falsehood and speak truthfully” (Ephesians 4:25 – NIV) and “not let any unwholesome talk come out of my mouth, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs” (Ephesians 4:29 – NIV).

 

So today, I chose to use my one and only tongue to speak truth, encourage others, and to praise God!

 

Today, I also chose the newer version of this song for the close harmonies and awe that fills my heart when I hear it. “O for a Thousand Tongues,” for no other purpose than to sing praise to Jesus.

 

VERSE 1
Glory to the Lamb
Whose throne forever reigns.
God in the highest
Worthy to merit our praise.

CHORUS
Oh for a thousand tongues to sing
Praises unto Thee.
Oh for a thousand hands to raise
In honor to the King.

VERSE 2
We crown You with singing.
Our lips shall utter Your praise.
In humble adoration,
In endless refrain.

REPEAT CHORUS

TAG
Oh for a thousand hands to raise
In honor to the King.
Oh for a thousand hands to raise
In honor to the King.
In honor to the King![i]

 

I know you’ll want to listen to this  beautiful song, as recorded by the Nelons by clicking here.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna


[i] “O For a Thousand Tongues,” Words and Music by David Binion, Word Music, 1983.

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Springtime! Take Me Away!

March 23rd, 2014 dsisler

I don’t know about you, but I am pretty anxious for this battle between winter and spring to be done. With excitement I embrace a warm day with bright sunshine and then it is followed by a blustery day filled with blowing snow, only to be followed by a semi-warm day.

 

The ups and downs of this time of year are discouraging. Sweater and winter coat one day and the next short-sleeve shirts and no jacket. I cannot wait to embrace warm weather.

 

However, I recall my very first visit to Colorado. It was in April and the weather was a little volatile then. There were a few warm, sunny days, but for the most part, it was overcast and chilly. I guess we still have April to get through before we can officially say, “It’s Spring!”

 

I don’t know about you, but life is sometimes like winter/spring weather. One day it’s going along well and then we’re hit with bad news. Or your spiritual life seems to be heading in a good way and then temptation pulls you under. These are the difficult times of our lives.

 

But what I can encourage you to do is to hang on. Just like the promise of spring, we have the promise that God’s Holy Spirit is with us and He will provide all that we need. Courage. Strength. Perseverance. Forgiveness. Comfort. Guidance. And this list could go on.

 

Please understand that you don’t have to do it alone. If you have given your life to Jesus, you have His Spirit to be your Helper. If you haven’t given your life to Jesus, perhaps this is the day for you to do so.

 

Life can be difficult, but when God is on our side, we have nothing to fear.

 

Today’s melody that I am reposting is the “Revelation Song.” It’s one of my favorites and I pray that it will open the eyes of your heart and that you will come to know Jesus in a way you never have before.

 

“Revelation Song” – Musical Musings in March

 

IMAG1492I 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 on this link 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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“We’ve a Story to Tell to the Nations” – Musical Musings in March

March 22nd, 2014 dsisler

I love to sing old hymns. They were part of my life for so long. So when I hear a hymn from my past, I’m always taken back to the moments of my youth. This is one of those hymns.

 

IMAG1492I grew up in a minister’s home. We lived in the Bible belt and all seemed to be going well. I had friends. The church was growing (as far as this 7 year-old could tell). I was happy in my little, rural world.

 

Until my Dad and Mom said, “we’re moving.” We packed up our belongings, moved in with my grandparents for six months and my Dad and Mom raised financial support to go to Upstate New York and start a new church.

 

At the time, there were very few Christian Church/Church of Christ churches in Upstate New York. My Dad heard the call and we were on the mission field.

 

I have admired people through the years who have joined my parents on the mission field. Whether it was in the continental United States or across the world, the people I’ve come to know and love that have chosen to live in an area outside their norm is admirable. And I believe, God notices as well.

 

Jesus’ last words to His disciples and to us are found in Matthew 28:18-20 (NIV). Jesus asks that we “go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.”

 

Until two years ago, I had believed that God’s use for me in this area was through my local church and my home. Teaching those who would listen. Share God’s love with my family and neighbors. I was pretty satisfied with what I had been doing.

 

I believe, however, that God saw it differently. He wanted me to experience SE Asia. He wanted me to experience how the Gospel was shared in that part of the world. He wanted me to “go.”

 

The possibility of going again excites my soul. I am anxiously awaiting the words, “it’s a go.” So what am I waiting for? For God to gather a team of touched hearts for the mission field. I know that if He can touch me the way He did, He can do it again. So I’m waiting.

 

I only have to wait another 10 days or so…then I’ll know if I’m going to SE Asia again. So until then, I’m praying for God to do His work. I’m praying that God will touch lives here in America as well as SE Asia. I’m praying for the workers doing God’s work on the mission field. I’m praying that God will continue to soften my heart for the work He still has planned for me.

 

You may be reading this and wondering what you might do. First you can pray with me. Next you can ask God if this is something you should consider for yourself. And third, you can begin making plans to help financially when/if I return to SE Asia in June.

 

I love being surprised by God. I love how He opens doors. I love how He uses ordinary people to do extraordinary things. Perhaps He wants to use you for something wonderful. Keep your eyes and ears open. God will show up.

 

So today’s tune is “We’ve a Story to Tell to the Nations.” And what a story it is. It isn’t for those in your “little part of the world.” It is for the whole world! Now let’s share it!

 

“We’ve a Story to Tell to the Nations”

 

We’ve a story to tell to the nations,
That shall turn their hearts to the right,
A story of truth and mercy,
A story of peace and light,
A story of peace and light.

 

Refrain

For the darkness shall turn to dawning,
And the dawning to noonday bright;
And Christ’s great kingdom shall come on earth,
The kingdom of love and light.

 

We’ve a song to be sung to the nations,
That shall lift their hearts to the Lord,
A song that shall conquer evil
And shatter the spear and sword,
And shatter the spear and sword.

Refrain

 

We’ve a message to give to the nations,
That the Lord who reigns up above
Has sent us His Son to save us,
And show us that God is love,
And show us that God is love.

Refrain

 

We’ve a Savior to show to the nations,
Who the path of sorrow has trod,
That all of the world’s great peoples
Might come to the truth of God,
Might come to the truth of God.

Refrain[i]

 

If you’d like to listen to this wonderful hymn, click here.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna


[i] “We’ve a Story to Tell to the Nations,” Words and Music by H. Ernest Nichol, The Sunday School Hymnary (London: 1896).

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“The Butterfly Song (If I Were a Butterfly)” – Musical Musings in March

March 21st, 2014 dsisler

I don’t know that I’ve shared any children’s music in my musical musings, but this genre has also had a huge impact on my life. The song I share with you today is one such song.

 

IMAG1492“The Butterfly Song” was written in 1974 and has caused children to squeal through the years. My introduction to this tune was in high school while visiting friends at a nearby church. And then I heard it again in college while teaching young children in Sunday School. The kids loved it!

 

I shared this cute little song about thanking God for who we are with my children. We’d sing it for hours. My kids would giggle. They received the message loud and clear that God loved them, that He had a special plan for their lives and that they were made just the way God wanted them.

 

The years have passed and now I have the opportunity to share this same message with my grandkids. My oldest grandchild Joy loved the motions and silliness of the song. However, she’s outgrown it.

 

So imagine the thrill my heart feels when Percy, my 3 year-old grandson wants to sing this song. He does the motions and he sings the parts he can. He giggles too. But remember the message? God has a plan for their lives. God loves them. God made them just the way they are.

 

How important it is for little ones to hear this message. Obviously as they grow older this message must be shared in other ways, but this is a great start.

 

The lyrics below are to this tune. I know alternate verses with more creatures, and even these animals have managed to move around when we sing this song, and the melody isn’t quite like this recording, but that’s what makes it unique. Sing it the way you know it. Sing it like you believe it. Thank the Father for making you just the way you are.

 

“The Butterfly Song (If I Were a Butterfly)”

If I were a butterfly
I’d thank you Lord for giving me wings
If I were a robin in a tree
I’d thank you Lord that I could sing
If I were a fish in the sea
I’d wiggle my tail and I’d giggle with glee
But I just thank you Father for making me, me

CHORUS
For you gave me a heart and you gave me a smile
You gave me Jesus and you made me your child
And I just thank you Father for making me, me

If I were an elephant
I’d thank you Lord by raising my trunk
If I were a kangaroo
You know I’d hop right up to you
If I were an octopus
I’d thank you Lord for my fine looks
But I just thank you Father for making me, me

If I were a wiggly worm
I’d thank you Lord that I could squirm
If I were a fuzzy, wuzzy bear
I’d thank you Lord for my fuzzy, wuzzy hair
If I were a crocodile
I’d thank you Lord for my great smile
But I just thank you Father for
making me, me[i]

 

You’ll enjoy listening to this children’s song by clicking here. Enjoy!

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna


[i] “The Butterfly Song (If I Were a Butterfly), Words and Music by Brian M. Howard, 1974.

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“Jesus is Alive” – Musical Musings in March

March 20th, 2014 dsisler

If you haven’t figured out yet, music has been a huge part of my life. I have enjoyed listening, singing, analyzing, and even playing music.

 

IMAG1492There was a time when music was all that I thought of. I directed church choirs, I played the piano or organ at most worship services, I used my voice to sing praise to Jesus through solos. At the time, I would have never believed that my musical talents would be reduced to clicking on a Youtube video or singing with the crowd on Sunday in worship. But that’s where I am in my life.

 

I do love sharing those tunes that were so special to me all those years ago. March and Monday’s are actually pretty cool!

 

Today I’d like to share a specific song, but I also want to mention what Ron Kenoly meant to me in the early 90’s. Mr. Kenoly was a worship leader and his voice was like silk. I used to listen to his cassettes over and over.

 

On occasion I hear one of his songs and it warms my heart. I’m instantly transported to that special church building in Jeffersonville, Ohio and his music fills the sanctuary with praise to Jesus. It didn’t get much better than that.

 

I’d like to share one song with you, but there are plenty you can search on Youtube. “Jesus is Alive” was one of my favorites. It’s what we as Christians hold to. It is our hope. It is our future. It is our present. Jesus is alive and because He lives, I can live.

 

So let’s shout it from the rooftops. Let’s rock it out in our church buildings. Let’s live lives that are excited about these three words. Jesus is alive!

 

“Jesus is Alive”

 

Hallelujah
Jesus is alive
Death has lost its victory
And the grave has been denied
Jesus lives forever
He’s alive! He’s alive!

 
He’s the Alpha and Omega
The first and last is he
The curse of sin is broken
And we have perfect liberty
The lamb of God is risen
He’s alive, He’s alive!
Jesus is alive![i]

 

You’ll want to click here and listen to this special song…I may have to listen to it several times today!

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna


[i] “Jesus is Alive,” Words and Music by Ron Kenoly, Integrity’s Hosanna Music, 1987.

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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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