“How Great is Our God/How Great Thou Art” – Musical Musings in March

March 6th, 2013 dsisler

Old 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!

 

If you choose to listen to the song today, you’ll have to listen to a commercial first. I’m sorry for that inconvenience. But once you get to this worship song, I am sure you’ll be blessed. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NojwQKHuF54

 

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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Pass it On – Musical Musings in March

March 5th, 2013 dsisler

A long, long time ago, our church youth group was the place to be. When it began, I was too young to go and I couldn’t wait until I was. You see, my Dad had organized it and lead it. My sister was old enough to go and it was sad for me to see the two of them head off to church together. I wanted to be part of it.

 

The time came and I was old enough to go to Teen Time. And it was just as good as I imagined. Singing, Bible study, games, and refreshments. Yes, youth group was a blast and many lasting friendships began on those Tuesday nights so long ago.

 

As the years passed, I recall sitting in a small room with 30 young people singing. Remember that I taught myself to play the guitar? Well this was where my talent was unleashed. I would play and my fellow Teen Timers would sing along. We’d sing songs such as “Blind Man,” “They’ll Know We Are Christians by Our Love”, and “Pass it On.”

 

These melodies were meaningful to us at the time. They helped mold our beliefs and how we would think. But eventually, each of us would go our own way and would make our own spiritual decisions for our lives.

 

“Pass it On” was originally written for the musical “Tell it Like it Is.” With lyrics that express God’s love and how it changes lives, it’s no wonder that it has gone on to be a favorite by many. It is an uplifting song that continues to speak God’s message to the world and how we, as Christians, are to share that message with others.

 

As we experience God’s love, we must share it with others. Remember Jesus’ declaration of the greatest commandment? Love God and second to it is to love others. Loving others includes telling them about God’s love.

 

Jesus also gave us a commission. “Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.” (Mark 16:15-16 – NIV)

 

The Apostle Paul was a great evangelist and he could move crowds to follow God. While we may not be the inspiring preacher that Paul was, we must understand that we too must share God’s message with those we connect with.

 

Paul encouraged the Corinthian believers with these words. “Our hope is that, as your faith continues to grow, our area of activity among you will greatly expand, so that we can preach the gospel in the regions beyond you.” (2 Corinthians 10:15b-16a – NIV)

 

As our faith grows, we are to share God’s message. That is exactly how the Good News is passed along. We are to pass it on.

 

So today, take a look at the words to this song. Remember the excitement you felt as you first heard the Gospel, and then, pass it on.

 

Pass it On

 

It only takes a spark to get a fire going,
And soon all those around can warm up in its glowing;
That’s how it is with God’s Love,
Once you’ve experienced it,
Your spread the love to everyone
You want to pass it on.

What a wondrous time is spring,
When all the trees are budding
The birds begin to sing, the flowers start their blooming;
That’s how it is with God’s love,
Once you’ve experienced it.
You want to sing, it’s fresh like spring,
You want to pass it on.

I wish for you my friend
This happiness that I’ve found;
You can depend on Him
It matters not where you’re bound,
I’ll shout it from the mountain top – PRAISE GOD!
I want the world to know
The Lord of love has come to me
I want to pass it on.

I’ll shout it from the mountain top – PRAISE GOD!
I want the world to know
The Lord of love has come to me
I want to pass it on.[i]

 

You’ll enjoy this version of the song “Pass it On.” Oh the memories! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nXst8M3p54c

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna


[i] Pass it On, Kurt Kaiser, Tell It Like it Is, Ralph Carmichael and Kurt Kaiser, 1969.

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“Hallelujah He is Born” – Musical Musings in March

March 4th, 2013 dsisler

You knew I couldn’t get too far into March without bringing up a Christmas tune. There are plenty out there for me to choose from and many that I love, adore and listen to year round.

 

But the one I’ve chosen is an original tune from one of my favorite bands, Sawyer Brown. If you don’t read any more of this post, please jump down and play the song. Your feet will be tapping before you know it (I wouldn’t be surprised if you start dancing!) and you will be praising God for sending His Son.

 

The first time I heard this song was on a figure skating Christmas television special. I love figure skating. I love Sawyer Brown. I love Christmas. I had to watch the special. And so thankful that I did for I found a new Christmas song.

 

Here are the lyrics to “Hallelujah He is Born.”

 

A mighty prayer went up –
An answer came down from above
To save a lonely world God sent His only Son
He came as a baby, quiet as a lamb
With peace in His heart and us all in His hands
Saying I’m gonna show you now
What love is all about (and I sing)

Chorus
Hallelujah, hallelujah He is born
Hallelujah, He is Christ the Lord
He’s the King of Kings, our redeemer and friend
Hallelujah, He is born, amen

Hallelujah, hallelujah He is here
Hallelujah, we’ve got nothing to fear
To this dark old world He brings a light without end
Hallelujah, He is born, amen

He came in love and peace on that holy night
They came from near and far in that guiding light
Lying in a manger was a baby King
And from that night until this day we sing
Lord Jesus is His name
Heaven and earth proclaim (and I sing)

Chorus
Repeat Chorus

Hallelujah, amen
Hallelujah, hallelujah
Hallelujah, hallelujah
Amen
Hallelujah, hallelujah He is born, amen[i]

 

If you have never heard this song, please take the time to listen. I can guarantee it’s a song you’ll want to listen to every Christmas…or all year long as I do! “Hallelujah He is Born”- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UEC3yxBBFmk.

 

I believe the essence of this song can be found in the line, “I’m gonna show you now what love is all about.” That is exactly what God was showing. God was showing His love to all mankind.

 

God’s love for us is far beyond what we could possibly imagine. Paul expressed this vast love through his words in Ephesians 3:17b-19 (NIV). “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.”

 

John speaks of God’s great love in 1 John 3:1 (NIV). “How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him.”

 

And we read of God’s love again in John 3:16 (NIV). “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.”

 

Because God loved us first, we are to love Him back. Jesus told us how to do so. “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.” (Mark 12:30 – NIV)

 

The way we can show our love to God is by following His commands. Jesus told us in John 14:15 (NIV), “If you love me, you will obey what I command.” Jesus gave His live for us. All He asks us in return is to obey Him.

 

And as we accept God’s love and His salvation through Jesus Christ, we are to love others as God loved us. “Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.” (1 John 4:7-8 – NIV)

 

God is faithful in His love. Sometimes we are not so faithful. But today we can remedy that. Today we can love God and love others. That’s what God asks of us.

 

Christmas is past and we have many months before it rolls around again, but the spirit of Christmas, love, is with us all year long. And today, we can sing, “Hallelujah He is Born!”

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna


[i] Hallelujah He is Born, Sawyer Brown, 1997

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“Hear Our Praises” – Musical Musings in March

March 3rd, 2013 dsisler

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 on this link http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=neKvSBRCzLM), 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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“In My Heart There Rings a Melody” – Musical Musings in March

March 2nd, 2013 dsisler

After 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. Enjoy! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PNk9Fyh3O10

 

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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  • "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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