Pass it On – Musical Musings in March (Sabbatical Post)

November 19th, 2015 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.

 

Balloon Parade 2014 (11)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!

 

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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Hear Our Praises – Musical Musings in March (Sabbatical Post)

November 18th, 2015 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 here), 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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Victory in Jesus – Musical Musings in March (Sabbatical Post)

November 17th, 2015 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.

 

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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.

 

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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In My Heart There Rings a Melody – Musical Musings in March (Sabbatical Post)

November 16th, 2015 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.

 

IMAG1489The 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!

 

Click here to listen to a version of this song that I think you’ll love. 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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Car Seats (Sabbatical Post)

November 15th, 2015 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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  • "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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