“He’s Everything to Me” – Musical Musings in March

March 11th, 2013 dsisler

Today, I’m taking you back to 1964. I know I didn’t hear this song that year, but soon after. It became a popular song at camp, at youth group and as a special number in a worship service.

 

“He’s Everything to Me” not only had a wonderful melody that was easy to sing and calmed a spirit, but the words drew us into the message. God is a great big wonderful God. Yes, this is true. But until I was touched personally by this wonderful God, it really didn’t matter.

 

So take a look at the words and maybe listen to the song. “He’s Everything to Me” makes my list for all-time favorites.

 

“He’s Everything to Me”

 

In the stars His handiwork I see,
On the wind He speaks with majesty,
Though He ruleth over land and sea,
What is that to me?

 

I will celebrate Nativity,
for it has a place in history
Sure, He came to set His people free
What is that to me?

 

Till by faith I met Him face to face
and I felt the wonder of his grace
Then I knew that He was more
than just a God who didn’t care
That lived a way out there

 

And now He walks beside
me day by day,
Ever watching over me lest I stray,
Helping me to find that narrow way
He’s Everything To Me.[i]

 

If you click on the following link, you’ll hear a great version of this song. I have no idea what movie it was in, but it was so good, I knew it was the video I had to share with you. Enjoy! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0S5AknvJAUU

 

Meeting Jesus face to face and feeling (knowing) His grace. Having a personal relationship with Jesus and spending time with Him. Allowing His Spirit to lead and guide us. That is what life is about. That is the message we are to share with others.

 

I’ve recently been pointed to a phrase in Colossians that has taken on new meaning for me. See if you don’t feel the same.

 

In Colossians 3, the apostle Paul shares some rules for holy living. The guidelines (or commands) he shares in this chapter set the boundaries for us. They tell us what is acceptable and what is not. If you haven’t read this chapter lately, maybe you should.

 

But what I want to share with you are the words found in Colossians 3:4 (NIV). “When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.”

 

Jesus doesn’t just give meaning to our life. This verse tells us that Christ is our life. I’d say that constitutes everything, don’t you?

 

Is Jesus everything to you? Is He your life? Praise God if you said “yes.” If you said “no,” please let me share what it means for Jesus to be everything to you. It will be the best decision you’ve ever made.

 

We are at day eleven of Musical Musings in March. I have such a long list of song titles facing me each day that I am certain I could write April Arias, May Melodies, and June Jingles. But I will spare you. I promise March will be my musical month.

 

I still look forward to hearing of the music that has impacted your life. Don’t be shy. Just drop me a line. I really would love to hear from you!

 

Have a blessed Monday and work week. And keep on singing!

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna


[i] He’s Everything to Me, Ralph Carmichael, 1964

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“Joy to the World” – Musical Musings in March

March 10th, 2013 dsisler

As a reminder, I am sharing some wonderful psalms, hymns, or spiritual songs (Ephesians 5:19-20) that have had an impact on my life through the years. I’ve covered decades, even centuries with some of the music I’ve chosen. Today, let’s see how the Christmas carol, “Joy to the World,” has touched my life.

 

As I prepare to write about this great song of Christmas, I can see the results of the snowfall we had in Colorado yesterday. I am grateful that this storm didn’t turn out as they thought (8-14 inches predicted!). Instead, our grass is blanketed with moisture and tomorrow we are expecting a high of 60.

 

But this morning, there is snow! And Christmas and snow go hand in hand. So today, we’ll chat about Christmas!

 

“Joy to the World” has always been one of my favorite Christmas carols. It’s fun to sing. Enjoyable to play on the piano or organ. It’s upbeat. And it tells the story of Christ coming as a baby. It has been argued that it is actually speaking of the second coming, but traditionally it is a Christmas song.

 

When my granddaughter Joy was born, this became her signature tune. I found a little snow globe that plays “Joy to the World” and she played it continuously. That little globe was put away with the Christmas decorations that year.

 

We’ve sung this melody for Joy from the beginning and she thinks of it as hers. But in reality, the message is for the world. Christ, our Savior, has come to earth to save each of us from ourselves.

 

Jesus came as the great and mighty King and destroyed the curse of sin. He rules mightily and reigns over all creation. His love is wonderful and His blessings flow freely. It’s no wonder we rejoice!

 

So take a look and listen to this great hymn of Christmas. “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.

 

Joy to the earth, the Savior reigns!
Let men their songs employ;
While fields and floods, rocks, hills and plains
Repeat the sounding joy,
Repeat the sounding joy,
Repeat, repeat, the sounding joy.

 

No more let sins and sorrows grow,
Nor thorns infest the ground;
He comes to make His blessings flow
Far as the curse is found,
Far as the curse is found,
Far as, far as, the curse is found.

 

He rules the world with truth and grace,
And makes the nations prove
The glories of His righteousness,
And wonders of His love,
And wonders of His love,
And wonders, wonders, of His love.[i]

 

I offer you two versions of this song today. The first one is a newer version that Chris Tomlin has shared with us. You’ll be able to hear it by clicking on this link. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NLhb3qUA3uc. For those who would love to hear a traditional version, click on this link. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y5iRUABBiko.

 

Joy, unspeakable joy!

 

Now you may not know this, but Isaac Watts (1674-1748) wanted to take the Book of Psalms and write hymns for the Christian living during his lifetime. “Joy to the World” was one of these songs.

 

Mr. Watts used Psalm 98 as the basis for “Joy to the World,” and as you read through it, see what phrases you recall from the hymn.

 

“Sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done marvelous things; his right hand and his holy arm have worked salvation for him.

 

“The Lord has made his salvation known and revealed his righteousness to the nations.

 

“He has remembered his love and his faithfulness to the house of Israel; all the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God.

 

“Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth, burst into jubilant song with music; make music to the Lord with the harp, with the harp and the sound of singing, with trumpets and the blast of the ram’s horn—shout for joy before the Lord, the King.

 

“Let the sea resound, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it.

 

“Let the rivers clap their hands, let the mountains sing together for joy; let them sing before the Lord, for he comes to judge the earth.

 

“He will judge the world in righteousness and the people with equity.” (Psalm 98 – NIV)

 

Joy, unspeakable joy! Yes, we have plenty to be joyful about.

 

As you attend church service this morning, I pray that you’ll keep this Christmas carol in the back of your mind. Praise God for what He has done for mankind. Thank Him for the gift of salvation He sent along with Jesus. Allow your heart to be filled with His joy and sing so that others will see His joy within you.

 

Peter expressed this joy well. “Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls.” (1 Peter 1:8-9 – NIV)

 

“Joy to the world, the Lord has come!”

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna


[i] Joy to the World, Words: Isaac Watts, The Psalms of Da­vid, 1719. Music: Low­ell Ma­son, 1836. Al­ter­nate tune: Thom­as Ha­weis, 1792.

 

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Revelation Song – Musical Musings in March

March 9th, 2013 dsisler

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 on this link and let’s worship God together! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dsiDukXIeVY

 

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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Wonderful Grace of Jesus – Musical Musings in March

March 8th, 2013 dsisler

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 on this link. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vsPc-Ix3_ow

 

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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Playing Games at the Foot of the Cross – Musical Musings in March

March 7th, 2013 dsisler

In 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. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xNs4vxGHj_I

 

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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  • "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.

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