A Needed Break – Day 3

July 22nd, 2016 dsisler

 

Thanks again for allowing me to break away from the normal way I do blogging. Here’s another great song that I pray will encourage you today. Blessings!

 

In My Heart There Rings a Melody

 

flowers-1325012_1280After the snow storms of the past week, we’ve had a couple of very bright, sunshiny mornings. They have been beautiful and encouraging. Spring is just around the corner and soon the dull brown prairie will turn green.

 

The trees will bud into gorgeous blooms and the flowers hidden beneath the earth will burst forth. Oh, there’s still plenty of snow to melt, and there will probably be another snow fall or two before we can actually enjoy spring, but it is promising.

 

Another great sign that spring is nearing are the birds. They begin their melodious tunes at sunrise and there is nothing I enjoy more than waking to their music. I’ve heard the birds the past two mornings and it brings joy to my heart.

 

I too have a melody in my heart. It’s one that came from Jesus. There is an old hymn that I always enjoyed singing. Mainly because it was upbeat and our church pianist could make any piece of music come alive. This hymn was no different.

 

“In My Heart There Rings a Melody” is a tune that brings a smile to my face. Because it tells of the song that Jesus gave me. Take a look at the lyrics.

 

In My Heart There Rings a Melody

 

I have a song that Jesus gave me,

It was sent from heaven above;

There never was a sweeter melody,

‘Tis a melody of love.

(Chorus)

 

I love the Christ who died on Calv’ry,

For He washed my sins away;

He put within my heart a melody,

And I know it’s there to stay.

(Chorus)

 

‘Twill be my endless theme in glory,

With the angels I will sing;

‘Twill be a song with glorious harmony,

When the courts of heaven ring.

(Chorus)

 

Chorus

In my heart there rings a melody,

There rings a melody with heaven’s harmony;

In my heart there rings a melody;

There rings a melody of love![i]

 

This melody in my heart is joy. Pure joy. It is Jesus’ joy. And Jesus places this joy in my heart.

 

In John 15, Jesus encourages His disciples. And one of the encouraging things He said to them is in John 15:11 (NIV). “I have told you all of this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.”

 

To make their joy complete. To make my joy complete. To make your joy complete.

 

That joy we have from Jesus is what keeps us going. It’s what keeps us singing. It’s what keeps hope alive. It is knowing that regardless of what we encounter in this world, we have Jesus’ joy within our hearts and that keeps us singing.

 

You see, this is one of the things that separates us (believers of Christ) from the world (unbelievers). We have hope. We have faith. We have peace. We have joy. And in this world of hopelessness, disbelief, turmoil, and fear, we have within us the answer to it all. Jesus.

 

If you are reading this post and are not a believer, please know that Jesus would love to give you His joy and place a new song in your heart. Don’t believe that after accepting Jesus as your Savior you won’t have any more trouble, for Jesus Himself told us that we would have trouble in this world (John 16:33). But you can be assured that Jesus has overcome the world and because of His victory, we can have peace. Now is the time to come to Jesus and find all that He has to offer.

 

“In My Heart There Rings a Melody.” What a wonderful way to start the morning!

 

Here’s a version of this song that I think you’ll love. Click here. Enjoy!

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

[i] In My Heart There Rings a Melody, Words and Music by Elton M. Roth, 1924

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A Needed Break – Day 2

July 21st, 2016 dsisler

A Needed Break – Day 2

 

I’m taking a little break from writing a post each day…and after listening repeatedly to the song I posted yesterday, I decided to reuse all musical posts for this break. Y’all know how much I love music. It touches my heart and will always draw me closer to my Lord. I pray you find encouragement through these posts. Have a blessed day!

 

“Praise the Lord” – Monday Musical Musings

 

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I was reminded of this song last week. It was sung by the Imperials and I was taken back to my college days once again. The music, the lyrics, the truth. It seems these words are appropriate today.

 

Christianity has always been disliked. From the beginning, persecution seemed to follow believers of Christ. And it hasn’t changed. Why? Because the father of lies still roams this earth “like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” (1 Peter 5:8 – NIV)

 

But for those of us who believe the Father of Light, the God of creation, the Savior of the world, we too have a promise to hold to. “For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their prayer, but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.” (1 Peter 3:12 – NIV)

 

I spoke with a few persecuted Christians in SE Asia a few years ago. Their faith was remarkable. Their joy was amazing. Their praise was continuous. What an encouragement they were to me. An American Christian who has never been oppressed for my faith. So why is it that my faith and joy and praise seem to diminish in light of my little world?

 

I believe my prayer today must be for Jesus to “increase my faith!” (Luke 17:5)

 

I don’t know how or when the horrors in Iraq will end. But I would encourage my brothers and sisters in Christ that the Lord’s eyes are upon them. His ears hear their prayers and the multitude of prayers being lifted on their behalf by believers around the world. Be strong and courageous, the Lord is on your side and He is with you in every situation.

 

Perhaps it seems odd that the music I’ve chosen today speaks of praising God when we face difficult situations, but when our faith is consistent through the good times and bad times, we really are able to praise God in all circumstances.

 

“Praise the Lord”

 

When you’re up against a struggle that shatters all your dreams
And your hopes have been cruelly crushed by Satan’s manifested schemes
And you feel the urge within you to submit to earthly fears
Don’t let the faith you’re standing in, seem to disappear
Chorus:
Praise the Lord, He can work through those who praise Him
Praise the Lord, for our God inhabits praise
Praise the Lord, for the chains that seems to bind you
Serve only to remind you that they drop powerless behind you
When you praise Him

Now Satan is a liar and he wants to make us think, that we are paupers
When he knows himself we’re children of the King
So lift up the mighty shield of faith for the battle must be won
We know that Jesus Christ has risen so the work’s already done

(Chorus)[i]

 

To listen to the Imperials version of this song, click here.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

[i] “Praise the Lord,” Words and Music by Brown Bannister and Mike Hudson, Word Music, Inc., 1978.

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A Needed Break

July 20th, 2016 dsisler

 

Good morning folks! I feel pretty overwhelmed right now, so if you don’t mind, I’m going to share some older blog posts until mid-August.

 

There are many personal reasons for this decision and I would ask for you to join me in praying for my entire family.

 

Thank you for sticking with me. You’re the best!

 

“No Other Name but Jesus” – Monday Musical Musings

 

There are a few pieces of music in this world that brings everyone to their feet. The National Anthem. The Hallelujah Chorus.  Hail to the Chief. I believe the song I share today is one that should be added to this list.

 

Not because of the melody and harmonies (although it is a stunning piece). Not because of who is singing this song (even though there have been some pretty spectacular performances of this song). But because of whom this song brings people to know. Jesus. The message of this song tells us that Jesus is the only Name we need to know. It’s the only Name we need to speak. It is the only Name.

 

Acts 4:12 (NIV) tells us why the Name of Jesus is the only Name. “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.” Jesus. His is the Name by which we are saved.

 

Today I share this beautiful piece that leads me to worship each time I hear it. I’m sure you will agree, there is no other Name. Let’s magnify and praise His Name.

 

“No Other Name But Jesus”

 

Above His name there is no other name

The one who is eternally the same

There is no other name

 

The first and last, beginning and the end

He was the King who made the common man His friend

There is no other name, let every tongue proclaim

And sing the name of Jesus

 

Magnify and praise the name of Jesus

No other name but Jesus

There is power in the precious name of Jesus, Jesus

Messiah, King of Kings and Lord of Lords, Jesus

 

He created all there is with his own hands

And yet the smallest need He understands

There is no other name

 

The one who said, “I am the great I am”

And then He gave Himself, a sacrifice for man

There is no other name, let every tongue proclaim

And sing the name of Jesus

 

Magnify and praise the name of Jesus

No other name but Jesus

There is power in the precious name of Jesus, Jesus

Forever He shall reign as King of Kings, Lord of all and every living thing

From now on we’ll worship Him and praise the name of Jesus

 

Magnify and praise the name of Jesus

No other name but Jesus

There is power in the precious name of Jesus, Jesus

Forever He shall reign as King of Kings, Lord of all and every living thing

From now on we’ll worship Him and praise the name of Jesus, Jesus, Jesus[i]

 

Now, are you ready to stand and magnify the Name of Jesus with this precious group (Steve Green, John Mohr, Gary McSpadden and Bill Gaither)? If so, click here.

 

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

[i] “No Other Name But Jesus,” Songwriters: Chris Christian, Gary Michael McSpadden, and Billy Lee Smiley, New Spring Publishing Inc., Yellow House Music, and Word Music, LLC, 1997.

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Refresh My Heart

July 19th, 2016 dsisler

 

I am feeling a little (okay I’ll admit it, a lot) jet-lagged and tired. And as I sit here this morning, I’m wondering how my brain can possibly function well today. So I thought I’d see what God’s Word has to say about how to get over this feeling of weariness.

 

Daytona Beach 021mI read this little bit from the small letter to Philemon. “Refresh my heart in Christ.” (Philemon 1:20 – NIV) That’s exactly what I need! Refreshment within me. In my heart. So how can my heart find refreshment? Here are just a few ways.

 

Spend Time in God’s Word

God’s Word is living and active. Each day I find new and exciting thoughts that I know I’ve read before, but for some reason, that particular section had great meaning in that moment. You’ll be amazed at how God can work through His Scriptures.

 

Psalm 19:7a (NIV) says, “The law of the Lord is perfect, refreshing the soul.” God’s Word will refresh your soul! But you have to read it. You have to study it. You must spend time in it to be refreshed.

 

Rid Your Life of Sin

Sin is a killer. It is separation from God. And if we are not in God’s presence, there is no chance of refreshment.

 

Sin can sneak in and take over areas of our life before we know it. We must be diligent in asking God to reveal these areas of sin to us. Remember Psalm 139:23-24? It should be a daily prayer on our part.

 

We see in Acts 3:19 (NIV) to, “Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord.” Times of refreshment are just around the corner. It’s time to repent.

 

Rest

This may be the most difficult for us. We are so busy. There is so much to do. Especially in ministry. But God gave the example in the beginning. Genesis 2:2 (NIV) tells us that “God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work.”

 

I know you’re saying, “My work is never done!” Perhaps that is true, but you (and I) need to rest. God gave the command to the Israelites and it is something we need to consider in order to find refreshment.
“Six days do your work, but on the seventh day do not work, so that your ox and your donkey may rest, and so that the slave born in your household and the foreigner living among you may be refreshed.” (Exodus 31:17 – NIV)

 

Refresh Others

When we are a blessing to others, we will be blessed beyond anything we could have imagined.

 

Proverbs 11:25 (NIV) says, “A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.” I love this verse. Not because of the outcome, but because of something that I might be able to do. Refresh others.

 

We can have a tendency to be a little short with friends, family or strangers. Our comments may not be in line with Jesus’ teachings. Our actions may prove that we don’t belong to Him. We must be careful of how we treat others. Proverbs says we should refresh others. Have you done so today?

 

Allow God to Be in the Middle of It

God wants to help. He begs us to come to Him. God’s Word proves this over and over. But the verse I’m using is from Jeremiah 31:25 (NIV).

 

“I will refresh the weary and satisfy the faint.”

 

Are you weary? Are you unsatisfied? Are you feeling faint? Need some refreshment? Spend time with your faithful God. Reach out to God. He will refresh far beyond your comprehension. He’s just waiting for the opportunity. He is willing to refresh your soul. Why not take Him up on His offer?

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

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“Who Will Call Him King of Kings” – Monday Musical Musings

July 18th, 2016 dsisler

 

I’m excited to share a piece of music with you this morning! It’s an oldie, but one that will be a blessing to each of you, just as it has been to me through the years.

 

IMAG1489“Who Will Call Him King of Kings” by Sandi Patty was one of my favorites in the 90’s. You can imagine the feelings of these believers at the moment of finding an empty tomb through this song. Between the lyrics and the music, it is an awesome display of their excitement.

 

But this song takes us one step closer to believing that Jesus rose from the dead. It asks, “Who will call Jesus King of king?” “Who will call Jesus Lord of lords?” These are questions that each of us must answer every day of our lives.

 

Will I allow Jesus to be the King over all that I do today? My thoughts, my actions, my words? If I say “yes,” then I must be willing to give Him each element of my life. Will I allow Jesus to be the Lord over my day? Then again, if my answer is “yes,” then each moment of this day must be His. Each step I take must be His. Every situation I am in must be His.

 

So the question is, are you willing to call Jesus the King and Lord of your life? I pray that you will find it within you to say, “yes!”

 

“Who Will Call Him King of Kings”[i]

 

Their cold despair they’d laid Him in the tomb
The body of their Master fair
Third morning came as they returned to pray
Light was shining everywhere
But Jesus body was not there

 

And as they gazed at an empty grave
The earth around began to shake
And they were so afraid
But voices of angels filled the air
Their shouts proclaimed “He is not here”
And you could hear them say

 

Who will call Him King of kings?
And who will call Him Lord of lords?
Who will call Him Prince of Peace?
Such a Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God?
Who will call Him King?

 

Their spirits soared as fear was turned to joy
Standing there before their eyes
Jesus clothed in radiant white
And with a voice they heard before
He told them “Go and tell the world that I’m alive”
They ran as fast as feet could fly
“The Lord is rise”, was their cry
And you could hear them say

 

We will call him King of kings
We will call him Lord of lords
We will call him Prince of Peace
Such a Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God

 

We will call him King of kings
And we will call him Lord of lords
We will call him Prince of Peace
Such a Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God

 

Just like He said
He’s risen from the dead
And the people say

 

We will call Him King of kings
We will call Him Lord of lords
We will call Him Prince of Peace
Such a Wonderful Counselor

 

I will call Him King of kings
And I will call Him Lord of lords
I will call Him Prince of Peace
Such a Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God

 

I will call Him King

 

Click here to listen to Sandi Patty sing this beautiful song.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

[i] “Who Will Call Him King of Kings,” words and music by Greg Nelson, Bob Farrell and Sandi Patty, Dayspring Music, Inc., Gentle Ben Music, 1990.

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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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    In September 2012 I went to SE Asia on a service trip. For more information, check out preachitclearly.blogspot.com.

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