“My Savior’s Love” – Musical Musings in March

March 14th, 2014 dsisler

Sometimes words are not sufficient. The adjectives we use in day-to-day living just don’t seem to fully envelope the grace and love that our God has for mankind. And yet, some of the most beautiful hymns have been written that use such adjectives.

 

IMAG1492Wonderful and marvelous are just two.

 

I do believe that from the beginning of time, mankind has had a difficult time in describing God’s love.

 

King David’s descriptions included “unfailing love” (Psalm 6:4), “great love” (Psalm 17:7), “wonderful love” (Psalm 31:21), “abounding in love” (Psalm 86:5), and “enduring love” (Psalm 136).

 

Our New Testament writers had similar problems. We read Paul’s words in Ephesians 2:4-5 (NIV). “But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved.”

 

John followed suit in 1 John 3:1a (NIV). “How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God!”

 

And sometimes, the biblical writers went beyond description and stated what God did because of His great love for us.

 

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16 – NIV)

 

“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8 – NIV)

 

Perhaps it is difficult to understand the length to which God will go to show us His love. Maybe, as we see in Ephesians 3:17-21 (NIV), that the only way we can understand God’s great love for us is through Him.

 

“And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his powers that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.”

 

Today, our songwriter expressed his amazement at God’s love. And do you know what? I believe it is okay to just say it’s wonderful and marvelous. So enjoy “My Savior’s Love” today. Bask in His love. Allow God’s love to cover you. And you too will stand amazed.

 

“My Savior’s Love”

 

I stand amazed in the presence
Of Jesus the Nazarene,
And wonder how He could love me,
A sinner, condemned, unclean.

 

Refrain:
Oh, how marvelous! Oh, how wonderful!
And my song shall ever be:
Oh, how marvelous! Oh, how wonderful!
Is my Savior’s love for me!

 

For me it was in the garden
He prayed: “Not My will, but Thine.”
He had no tears for His own griefs,
But sweat drops of blood for mine.

 

In pity angels beheld Him,
And came from the world of light
To comfort Him in the sorrows
He bore for my soul that night.

 

He took my sins and my sorrows,
He made them His very own;
He bore the burden to Calv’ry,
And suffered and died alone.

 

When with the ransomed in glory
His face I at last shall see,
’Twill be my joy through the ages
To sing of His love for me.[i]

 

Click here to hear this beautiful song.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna


[i] “My Savior’s Love”, Words and Music by Charles H. Gabriel, Public Domain, 1905

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“Cry Out to Jesus” – Musical Musings in March

March 13th, 2014 dsisler

The song I share with you today was helpful during a difficult period just a few years ago. At times the pain seems just as fresh as it was three years ago. At other times, it feels like it’s been an eternity. However, whatever I’m feeling, I know that Jesus is right there with me.

 

IMAG1492Three years ago today marks the day I said goodbye to my precious grandson Archer. Today’s post is in memory of him.

 

Life had been thrown into turmoil. 19 days earlier, my twin grandsons arrived prematurely. While they were very small, Archer and Percy were doing well. Each day passed with great improvement and we were very optimistic that all would be fine.

 

Archer got an infection. One the doctors called a “super bug.” His little body just couldn’t fight any longer and all too quickly, he left us behind.

 

In the days that followed, I was only certain of one thing. That Jesus would be my tower of strength, that His would be the everlasting arms that would uphold me, and that His peace and understanding would be all that I could comprehend.

 

I wrote these words to share my thoughts after Archer’s death:

 

“God will lead and guide us through the times ahead. He must be our compass, for we know not where we’re headed. He must be our focus, for we know not what we’re looking for. He must be our strength, for our own strength is greatly diminished. He must be our victory, for we failed to win this battle. He must be our everything, for without Him we are nothing.”

 

I’ve held out these words when I was lost or confused. I’ve lifted my hands to seek Jesus’ face in the midst of my sorrow. I’ve drawn great strength to put one foot in front of the other as I’ve needed it. And above all, I’ve held to the victory that I find in Him.

 

Of course there are a few songs that were very special during this time. Today’s melody is one of them.

 

“Cry Out to Jesus” touched my heart. The very first section said it all. Yes, I had lost someone very dear, long before his time and the days simply weren’t enough. And in Archer’s case it was days. But God doesn’t leave us in our time of sorrow. He asks that we draw near to Him. As we draw near to Him, He comes closer to us (James 4:8).

 

We read in Scripture that God is near to the brokenhearted (Psalm 34:18). If you are in a situation where you have been crushed in spirit or are brokenhearted, draw near to God. He would love nothing more than to be your compass. To be your strength. To be your focus. To be your victory. To be your everything.

 

So today, I share with you my thoughts on Archer and the song “Cry Out to Jesus.” The words are below as well as a link to listen to this song as recorded by Third Day. Today just may be the day you need to cry out to Him.

 

“Cry Out to Jesus”

 

To everyone who’s lost someone they love
Long before it was their time
You feel like the days you had were not enough
when you said goodbye

 

And to all of the people with burdens and pains
Keeping you back from your life
You believe that there’s nothing and there is no one
Who can make it right

 

Chorus:

There is hope for the helpless
Rest for the weary
Love for the broken heart
There is grace and forgiveness
Mercy and healing
He’ll meet you wherever you are
Cry out to Jesus, Cry out to Jesus

 

For the marriage that’s struggling just to hang on
They’ve lost all of their faith in love
They’ve done all they can to make it right again
Still it’s not enough

 

For the ones who can’t break the addictions and chains
You try to give up but you come back again
Just remember that you’re not alone in your shame
And your suffering

(Chorus)

 

When you’re lonely
And it feels like the whole world is falling on you
You just reach out, you just cry out to Jesus
Cry to Jesus

 

To the widow who struggles with being alone
Wiping the tears from her eyes
For the children around the world without a home
Say a prayer tonight[i]

(Chorus)

 

Click here to listen to this comforting song.

 

Without Jesus and my trust and faith in Him, I would have crumbled through this difficult time. Oh, there are times my heart cries out and aches beyond expression, but I know to Whom I can cry out. I know Who has carried me through. I know Who I believe. My Precious Jesus.

 

In loving memory of Archer Thurmon Storm

February 22, 2011 – March 13, 2011

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna


[i] “Cry Out to Jesus,” Words and Music by Mac Powell, Recorded by Third Day, Consuming Fire Music, 2005.

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“Trust and Obey” – Musical Musings in March

March 12th, 2014 dsisler

Today’s tune is a beloved hymn. I recall singing it as a child and into my adulthood. But there’s just something about that word “obey.”

 

IMAG1492I must admit I was not a rule-breaker growing up. I rarely stepped outside of the boundaries set by my parents. I tried very hard to obey.

 

I never got in trouble at school. But there was one time…well let me tell you about it.

 

We lived in a small, rural community from my birth until after first grade. The complex of school buildings held first grade through high school. The younger grades were in a separate building.

 

In first grade, Mrs. Estep had a meeting to attend in the next building. So an older student from high school stepped in to “watch” us while she was in this mandatory meeting.

 

Some of my classmates started acting up. We were first graders, perhaps a little too rambunctious. So the “substitute” called each disobedient student to the front of the classroom and lined them up by the chalkboard.

 

Just before Mrs. Estep returned, the student substitute teacher said, “We have an odd number of students lined up. Anyone want to volunteer to be part of this group?”

 

Now I’m not sure why I thought it was a good idea, but I volunteered. Volunteered to stand at the front of the class room with all of the other trouble makers in my class. I volunteered to be part of the disobedient group. I volunteered to accept the punishment that would surely be handed down (and by the way, in my school days, corporal punishment was still allowed and Mrs. Estep was not hesitant to use this form of punishment).

 

My heart sank. My stomach did flip flops. My legs were weak. I realized my mistake.

 

Mrs. Estep returned, thanked her high school student substitute and then turned to the unruly bunch. I wanted to shout out, “I didn’t do anything…I just volunteered to be up here.” But somehow I knew that she wouldn’t believe me. In my desire to be part of a group, I automatically became “one of them.”

 

There have been times in my life when I’ve approached God in a similar fashion. “I’m really not that bad. There are others who are much worse. I didn’t have a choice. I don’t deserve to be punished.” And the list could go on and on with excuses.

 

But when it comes down to it, I am disobedient to God. I sometimes choose to be disobedient. And I am so deserving of every punishment God should wish to hand out.

 

But I also love a God who is willing to cover me with His grace. You see, Jesus volunteered to take my punishment. When He was innocent. When He had done no wrong. He volunteered to go to the cross.

 

So through the years I’ve learned that trusting and obeying God is the only option. I realize that when I am willing to lay it all on the altar, God is able to transform me into the trusting and obedient child He wants me to be.

 

As Mrs. Estep scolded the group of children by the chalkboard, I knew the punishment was coming. But in a moment of grace, Mrs. Estep sent us all back to our seats without the paddling. I was so relieved and grateful.

 

“Trust and Obey.” A line in the refrain says, “there’s no other way to be happy in Jesus but to trust and obey.” Do you trust God? Are you willing to obey Him? I’ve learned my lesson. I want to obey!

 

“Trust and Obey”

 

When we walk with the Lord

in the light of his word,

what a glory he sheds on our way!

While we do his good will,

he abides with us still,

and with all who will trust and obey.

 

Refrain:

Trust and obey, for there’s no other way

to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.

 

Not a burden we bear,

not a sorrow we share,

but our toil he doth richly repay;

not a grief or a loss,

not a frown or a cross,

but is blest if we trust and obey.

(Refrain)

 

But we never can prove

the delights of his love

until all on the altar we lay;

for the favor he shows,

for the joy he bestows,

are for them who will trust and obey.

(Refrain)

 

Then in fellowship sweet

we will sit at his feet,

or we’ll walk by his side in the way;

what he says we will do,

where he sends we will go;

never fear, only trust and obey.

(Refrain)[i]

 

Click here to listen to a beautiful version of this beloved hymn.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna


[i] “Trust and Obey,” Words by John H. Sammis, Music by Daniel B. Towner, Public Domain, 1887.

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“Shout to the Lord” – Musical Musings in March

March 11th, 2014 dsisler

It’s hard to believe that I haven’t written about today’s praise song. But to be honest, I probably thought I’d already done so. I have sung to the King, blessed the Lord, and even shouted for joy to the Lord, but have not used these words, “Shout to the Lord.”

 

IMAG1492So today, let’s shout to the Lord!

 

We would be in good company. In Luke 19:37 (NIV), we see Jesus’ disciples shouting praises to Jesus. “When he (Jesus) came near the place where the road goes down the Mount of Olives, the whole crowd of disciples began joyfully to praise God in loud voices for all the miracles they had seen.”

 

This is Luke’s account of the triumphal entry. Jesus’ disciples had borrowed a colt, threw their cloaks over the back of the colt and put Jesus on the colt. This passage goes on to say that as Jesus went along, those who were around threw their cloaks onto the ground, signifying a person of royalty was passing by.

 

I’ve thought about what I might do in this situation and I’ve really believed that I would be a follower of Jesus. A faithful disciple.

 

But in reality I’ve had to rethink it. You see, if I were to place myself in that time period under all of the same situations, I would have been raised in a Pharisee’s home (I was raised in a minister’s home…I’m a PK). I would have gone to religious school (I went to Cincinnati Bible College). I would have even married a Pharisee (I married a minister out of Bible College). I would have looked at Jesus through the eyes of a Pharisee.

 

Knowing myself, I’m not sure that I would have been any different than the Pharisees of Jesus’ day. I believe I would have found it difficult to accept that Jesus was the Messiah.

 

So I applaud this group of disciples who were willing to go against the religious leaders of their day to see and believe Jesus as the Messiah. I appreciate what it took for them to step out and worship Jesus. I am thankful that I am living in my world today, for I may have missed the greatest gift God has given to mankind. Jesus.

 

“Shout to the Lord

 

My Jesus, My Savior,
Lord, there is none like You;
All of my days
I want to praise
The wonders of Your mighty love.

My comfort, my shelter,
Tower of refuge and strength;
Let every breath, all that I am
Never cease to worship You.

Shout to the Lord, all the earth,
Let us sing
Power and majesty, praise to the King;
Mountains bow down and the seas will roar
At the sound of Your name.
I sing for joy at the work of Your hands,
Forever I’ll love You, forever I’ll stand,
Nothing compares to the promise I have in You.
Nothing compares to the promise I have
Nothing compares to the promise I have in you[i]

 

You know you have to listen to it…so enjoy this beautiful worship song by clicking here.

 

This reality check has brought me closer to Jesus. He’s all the more precious to me because of who I am in the world today. Not just a Christian, but a follower of Jesus who is shouting praises to the Lord.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna


[i] [i] “Shout to the Lord,” words and music by Darlene Zschech, Hillsongs Australia, Integrity Music, Inc., 1993.

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Easter or Christmas – Musical Musings in March

March 10th, 2014 dsisler

I will date myself again today…it’s easy to do any more. Growing up, some of the best vocalists could be heard on such variety programs as the Lawrence Welk Show, the Andy Williams Show and even Hee Haw.

 

IMAG1492Another program I always looked forward to were the Oral Roberts specials. There were Christmas specials, Thanksgiving programs, and Valentine’s Day shows. And guess what? I found a few of them on YouTube!

 

So today, I want to share a memory of my past. You choose which you’d prefer. Easter or Christmas?

 

The Easter medley includes “Christ the Lord is Risen Today”[i] and “The Easter Song.”[ii] The Christmas medley includes “Joy to the World”[iii] and “The Hallelujah Chorus.”[iv]

 

The message of these medley’s is the best part. A message of hope to a world that would be lost without the birth of Jesus and most assuredly without the resurrection of our Lord. So today, let’s rejoice in the hope we have in Christ Jesus our Lord and sing along with these fine singers. Your spirit will be lifted!

 

“Christ the Lord is Risen Today”

Christ the Lord is risen today, Alleluia!

Sons of men and angels say: Alleluia!

Raise your joys and triumphs high, Alleluia!

Sing, ye heavens and earth reply: Alleluia!

 

“Easter Song”

Hear the bells ringing, they’re singing that we can be born again!

Hear the bells ringing, they’re singing “Christ is risen front h dead!”

The angel upon the tombstone said, “He is risen just as He said.

Quickly now, go tell His disciples that Jesus Christ is no longer dead!”

Joy to the world, He is risen, alleluia! He’s risen, alleluia!

He’s risen, alleluia!

 

“Joy to the World”

Joy to the world! the Lord is come;

Let earth receive her King;

Let every heart prepare Him room,

And heaven and nature sing, and heaven and nature sing,

And heaven, and heaven and nature sing.

 

“Hallelujah Chorus”

Hallelujah!

For the Lord God omnipotent reigneth.

The kingdom of this world is become the kingdom of our Lord,

And of His Christ.

And He shall reign forever and ever.

King of kings, and Lord of lords.

 

The Easter medley (“Christ the Lord is Risen Today” and the “Easter Song” can be heard by clicking here.

 

The Christmas medley (“Joy to the World” and the “Hallelujah Chorus” can be heard by clicking here.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna


[i] “Christ the Lord is Risen Today,” Charles Wesley, Public Domain, 1708.

[ii] “Easter Song,” Anne Herring, Latter Rain Music, 1974.

[iii] “Joy to the World,” Isaac Watts and George Frederick Handel, Public Domain, 1719.

[iv] “Hallelujah Chorus,” George Frederick Handel, Public Domain.

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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

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