“Victory in Jesus” – Musical Musings in March

March 1st, 2013 dsisler

Music has always been a large part of my life. I learned how to play the piano very early by the church pianist. I taught myself how to play the guitar on a five stringed instrument (my parents bought me a full stringed guitar once I learned how to play). I also taught myself how to play the organ.

 

I was a music major throughout college…but if you were to take a look at my college transcripts you’d see more Bible courses than music because that’s what I really wanted to study. I’ve lead choirs. I’ve been a soloist. I’ve been in an ensemble. I’ve sung in some great choirs. I’ve lead worship. I’ve played the organ or piano during many worship services.

 

I just love music.

 

I’m so thankful that God has given us music for encouragement. Through the Apostle Paul, God encourages us how to use music. “Speak to one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Ephesians 5:19-20 – NIV)

 

So I’ve decided to dedicate the month of March as Musical Musings. Throughout the month I will be sharing some of my favorite psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs and how they have impacted my life. I pray that you’ll enjoy this month of melodies and that you will find a greater joy in music as I have.

 

Today let’s begin the month by looking at a song of victory. This hymn is filled with excitement because of our victorious Savior and because of the wondrous work He has done in our lives. The music is uplifting and moving. The lyrics inspiring.

 

The hymn speaks of our sinful state and the low place we find ourselves without Jesus. But then, we hear it. The Gospel. And everything changes. The hymn tells the story that has been happening throughout generations. Repentance. Salvation. Transformation. Victory.

 

I also love how in this hymn we sing about finding victory in our brokenness. And then of course, our final victory will be singing this song, and many others, in heaven with those saints who have gone before.

 

If ever there were an anthem for the Christian, Victory in Jesus would be a good choice.

 

I couldn’t tell you the first time I sang this song or even the last time I sang this hymn. But what I can tell you is that this hymn stirs me to action. To live a life worthy of this victory.

 

So here are the lyrics to this great, encouraging hymn. Let’s sing it together!

 

Victory in Jesus

 

I heard an old, old story,
How a Savior came from glory,
How He gave His life on Calvary
To save a wretch like me;
I heard about His groaning,
Of His precious blood’s atoning,
Then I repented of my sins
And won the victory.
(Chorus)

I heard about His healing,
Of His cleansing pow’r revealing.
How He made the lame to walk again
And caused the blind to see;
And then I cried, “Dear Jesus,
Come and heal my broken spirit,”
And somehow Jesus came and bro’t
To me the victory.
(Chorus)

I heard about a mansion
He has built for me in glory.
And I heard about the streets of gold
Beyond the crystal sea;
About the angels singing,
And the old redemption story,
And some sweet day I’ll sing up there
The song of victory.

Chorus
O victory in Jesus,
My Savior, forever.
He sought me and bought me
With His redeeming blood;
He loved me ere I knew Him
And all my love is due Him,
He plunged me to victory,
Beneath the cleansing flood.[i]

 

If you’d like to listen to a wonderful version of this song, click here. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_K7JiUEl23E

 

Let’s move forward today in victory!

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna


[i] Victory in Jesus, Eugene Bartlett, 1939

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You’re Kidding?

February 28th, 2013 dsisler

You’re kidding? Two words in my word arsenal that I use a lot. Typically for something that really is unbelievable. Something  just too difficult to believe is true. My Mom uses this phrase too. I’ve heard it many times from her throughout my life.

 

I believe I used this phrase two times yesterday alone and each was in relation to my grandchildren. One has croup again and another was off to the emergency room with a possible broken elbow. Oh, I know children get hurt and get sick, but it seems like this school year has been nothing but sickness for these young ones. I guess I’ve blocked that part out of my memory in regard to my own children.

 

While we may hear of unbelievable events or unbelievable things that happen in our lives, there is one thing we can depend on and know that it is true. God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit breath truth into our unbelievable world. While Jesus was on earth, His words were truth. The Bible speaks God’s truth. Our hearts are filled with the truth of the Holy Spirit.

 

But today, let’s take a look at Jesus words and see what truths He spoke to mankind.

 

Perhaps you recognize these words. “Verily I say unto you.” This is the King James Version language for “I tell you the truth” or “You can believe what I say.” If you are around my age, these might have been the words you memorized in relation to some of Jesus’ words. But if we look at these same passages in the New International Version, Jesus’ words are translated “I tell you the truth.”

 

That makes a lot more sense to me.

 

So let’s look at some of Jesus’ truthful statements and see what He has to offer us today.

 

In the Book of Matthew, Jesus is recorded saying “I tell you the truth” 29 times.

 

In the Book of Mark, “I tell you the truth” is recorded 13 times.

 

Luke uses these words 8 times.

 

And John records “I tell you the truth” 25 times.

 

We can only believe that Jesus told the truth by the number of times He assured those listening as He spoke 2,000 years ago and He tells us today. We can believe what Jesus said. We can hold Him to His word.

 

When Jesus met with Nicodemus in John 3, Jesus used this phrase three times during the conversation. Take a look at what Jesus truthfully told Nicodemus.

 

“I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again.” (John 3:3 – NIV)

 

“I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit.” (John 3:5 – NIV)

 

“I tell you the truth, we speak of what we know, and we testify to what we have seen, but still you people do not accept our testimony.” (John 3:11 – NIV)

 

Jesus clearly told Nicodemus and He tells us how to enter God’s kingdom. But He also tells us that there will be those who will not accept this as truth. The only way to enter God’s kingdom is to be born again of water and the Spirit.

 

In John 8:58 (NIV), Jesus declares Himself to be God by using God’s own words. “I tell you the truth, before Abraham was born, I am!”

 

Do you recall God’s words? In Exodus 3:14, God told Abraham to tell the people that “I AM” sent him. The people hearing Jesus in that moment knew exactly what He was saying. He was God. And if Jesus said it, we can believe it.

 

And then during the last night with His disciples, Jesus spoke yet more truths to this group of men. He truthfully told them that He would be betrayed and denied. And we know that these events occurred.

 

But Jesus also made a statement to encourage these men. In John 13:20 (NIV), Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, whoever accepts anyone I sent accepts me; and whoever accepts me accepts the one who sent me.”

 

You see, the disciples would go on without Jesus in their midst and they would continue to teach and preach His truths to others. And in the process, others would believe. He assured them of that. Through the Holy Spirit, these men would become great leaders of the early church and the Gospel would spread throughout the known world.

 

I believe something else we can understand from this is that it is a whole package deal. We cannot just believe bits and pieces of God’s message. We must believe and accept it all. We must accept it completely as truth. God’s truth.

 

Perhaps there were some in Jesus’ day after hearing His message said, “You’re kidding?” But Jesus never told an untruth. His words were filled to the top and overflowed with truth. You can believe it.

 

I don’t know what might happen today, but it’s quite possible that I will use the phrase, “You’re kidding?” today. But what I do know is that I can hold onto God’s Word, Jesus’ message, and the Holy Spirit’s guidance as my truth. They will continue to lead me throughout my day in their truth, just as they have done for years.

 

I pray that your day is filled with love, joy, peace, patience, goodness, kindness, gentleness, faithfulness and self-control.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

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Car Seats

February 27th, 2013 dsisler

I have two car seats in the back seat of my car. One for my granddaughter Joy who is 6 years old and one for my grandson Percy who is 2 years old. Those car seats certainly fill the back seat! And with the birth of Leslieanna I need a third car seat, but there’s no room!

 

Before I needed all of these car seats, I used to remove Joy’s seat from the car after each visit and replace it as needed. That got to be a little tiresome, so eventually I began leaving it in the car until I absolutely had to take it out.

 

I then realized something. Each time I looked into my back seat and saw that car seat, I knew someone loved me. I knew that regardless of what happened or what I did, someone loved me.

 

Now I have two car seats in my car most of the time! That means double the love! But I know in my heart that it’s triple the love! My heart is filled with love and joy when I look at those seats.

 

I’m sure you understand. There is probably something that you see that reminds you of how someone loves you. Perhaps your wedding band. Or a picture. Or maybe it is a location. Whatever it might be, when you see it, you know that someone loves you.

 

There are a few things that remind me that God loves me as well. Each time I see one, I know how much God loves me and what He was willing to do to so that I might be His child. I’ll share a few, but perhaps you have some of your own.

 

The Bible

I’ve had many through my lifetime, and in fact, have several sitting on my shelf right now. I’ve had leather and hard cover. Large and small. Small print and large print. I’ve even had different colors. But they have all meant the same thing. That God’s love for mankind was so great that He wanted to share His love with us. We read about His plan and His love in His Book.

 

The Lord’s Supper

As I sit with the emblems of the Lord’s Supper in my hands each week, I am reminded of God’s great love for me. What He was willing to do for me. That He would offer His Son as the sacrifice for the world. The representation of His shed blood and broken body bring me back to that point each week. To remember His love.

 

The Cross

In recent years, I was given a gold cross necklace by a dear friend. I couldn’t recall ever having one before. It has come to be an important piece of jewelry for me and I wear it quite often. As I put it on, I am reminded once again of God’s love for me. That Jesus suffered through it all, for me. I wear this symbol for all to see what great love the Father has for His children.

 

Maybe there are other things that bring your thoughts to God during the day. I pray that you do. I know that if my thoughts are directed to Jesus just a few more times each day, there will be less thoughts of this world in my head. More thoughts of God’s love will push out my own selfish thoughts.

 

I’m only sharing one verse of Scripture today. But it covers so much. It shows us how much God loves us.

 

“This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.” (1 John 4:9-10)

 

Car seats and love. For me, it’s what it’s all about…well at least part of it. What about you? What do you see that reminds you that someone loves you? I’d love to hear about it!

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

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It’s Cold Outside!

February 26th, 2013 dsisler

The past few days have been amazing! We’ve had snow, blizzard conditions, sunshine, a snow moon, cold temperatures and some beautiful scenery. However, with all the blowing snow and cold, I opted to stay indoors. I had remained indoors since last Friday…until last night.

 

My husband and I decided to run out to grab a bite to eat. So we bundled up and headed out. We rarely go to fast food joints, but we had heard of a sandwich we wanted to try.

 

We pulled into this local burger place and there were only two other cars in the parking lot, obviously belonging to the restaurant staff. There were no patrons in the restaurant except us. It was us and us alone.

 

After we ordered, the young man gave us a little number to place on our table and he said he would bring our food out. As we sat down, I chuckled and said, “Do you think he would have trouble finding us?”

 

It was a quiet dinner.

 

Do you ever feel lonely? I know that I do. Especially when I’m shut away from friends or fellow believers due to weather conditions. Someone mentioned recently how young mothers feel isolated when their children are ill. Loneliness can be an issue and we need to keep our eyes open for those who are lonely and then act.

 

So what are we to do when we feel lonely?

 

I believe it might be an opportunity to draw closer to God. Being holed up in my home for days on end are difficult for me, but pulling out God’s Word to read or a Bible study to work on draws me out of loneliness. Prayer time enriches my life. Meditation on God’s words allows God to work on and through me. God will always be my closest Companion. I pray you can say the same.

 

I also believe we have been given technology to keep us from becoming too lonely and isolated. Phones, computers, email, Facebook, and many more advances will keep us connected with others and stop the symptoms of loneliness. Pick up that phone and call a special friend. Check to see what family and friends are up to. Don’t isolate yourself emotionally just because you must be isolated physically.

 

If you are feeling lonely today, I offer some of God’s Word to encourage you. I pray they will lead and guide you to reach out to offset that feeling of loneliness.

 

“The news about him (Jesus) spread all the more, so that crowds of people came to hear him and to be healed of their sicknesses. But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.” (Luke 5:15-16 – NIV)

 

“Turn to me and be gracious to me, for I am lonely and afflicted.” (Psalm 25:16 – NIV)

 

“The widow who is really in need and left all alone puts her hope in God and continues night and day to pray and to ask God for help.” (1Timothy 5:5 – NIV)

 

“I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.” (John 15:18 – NIV)

 

“And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 18:20b – NIV)

 

“I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” (John 14:5 – NIV)

 

“The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.

He makes me lie down in green pastures,

He leads me beside quiet waters,

He restores my soul.

He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,

I will fear no evil, for you are with me;

Your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.

You anoint my head with oil;

My cup overflows.

Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life,

And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” (Psalm 23 – NIV)

 

Please remember, God will never have trouble finding you!

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

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Standing on the Promises

February 25th, 2013 dsisler

Do you remember that old hymn? I certainly do. However, as I sang it in years past, I am certain that I never fully understood the whole message. I probably didn’t really sing the words of this hymn. The message that not only does God keep His promises, but we can stand firm in knowing that He keeps His promises. Take a look at these lyrics.

 

Standing on the Promises

 

Standing on the promises of Christ my King,
through eternal ages let his praises ring;
glory in the highest, I will shout and sing,
standing on the promises of God.

Standing on the promises that cannot fail,
when the howling storms of doubt and fear assail,
by the living Word of God I shall prevail,
standing on the promises of God.

Standing on the promises of Christ the Lord,
bound to him eternally by love’s strong cord,
overcoming daily with the Spirit’s sword,
standing on the promises of God.

Standing on the promises I cannot fall,
listening every moment to the Spirit’s call,
resting in my Savior as my all in all,
standing on the promises of God.

Refrain:
Standing, standing,
standing on the promises of Christ my Savior;
standing, standing,
I’m standing on the promises of God.[i]

 

Wow! What powerful words! Is there a line that speaks to you today? There were a few for me.

 

I’m working through a Bible study on prayer walking and at one point the author reminded me, “What God promises, He performs.”[ii] I don’t know about you, but I know there have been some of God’s promises that I’ve simply overlooked. Perhaps even ignored. But why? Why would we possibly do that?

 

Because if we ask for His promises to be fulfilled within us, then it’s time for us to go to work. We must do something with that fulfilled promise and that something means giving of ourselves.

 

Just think of what I’ve missed! Maybe you’ve missed it too! So today let me offer a few of the ideas from the short two pages of this book on God’s promises. See if you come to a different understanding as I have.

 

According to 2 Peter 1:3-4, we know God has given us promises. “His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.”

 

Yes, promises, but this verse points out that they are great and precious.

 

So what are some of the promises we’ve missed along the way or haven’t completely accepted? Let’s look at a few.

 

“If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” (2 Chronicles 7:14 – NIV)

 

“Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart.” (Psalm 37:4 – NIV)

 

“Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall.” (Psalm 55:22 – NIV)

 

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.” (Psalm 119:105 – NIV)

 

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:5-6 – NIV)

 

“Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” (Lamentations 3:22-23 – NIV)

 

“The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord.” (Lamentations 3:25-26 – NIV)

 

“Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10 – NIV)

 

“But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.” (John 14:26 – NIV)

 

“And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.” (2 Corinthians 9:8 – NIV)

 

“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)

 

“If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.” (James 1:5 – NIV)

 

There are plenty more where these came from…if you think you need more, just open God’s Word and allow Him to show them to you. You’ll be amazed.

 

Now, take a look at this paragraph from Randy Sprinkle.

 

“Prayer according to His promises is not only prayer according to His will, it is also already-being-answered prayer. As followers of Jesus, every promise to us carries an assured yes as we ask in faith (2 Corinthians 1:20).”[iii]

 

When we pray God’s promises, we are assured of a “yes.” How thrilling it is to receive His promises!

 

Promises made in this world sometimes disappoint, but God’s promises are always kept. Are always sure. Are always true. They are never disappointing.

 

Are you standing on God’s promises today?

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna


[i] Standing on the Promises, Words & Music: R. Kel­so Car­ter, in Prom­is­es of Per­fect Love, by John Swe­ney and Kel­so Car­ter (Phil­a­del­phia, Penn­syl­van­ia: John J. Hood, 1886

[ii] Follow Me, Randy Sprinkle, New Hope Publishers, 2001, pg. 54.

[iii] Follow Me, Randy Sprinkle, New Hope Publishers, 2001, pg. 55.

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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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