Your Great Name

Every now and then, as a worship leader, I like to share the lyrics of an awesome worship song.  Here are the lyrics of a great song by Natalie Grant, "Your Great Name".  It's one I hope to lead in worship at Wakefield in the near future.

What an awesome testimony of the name of Jesus.  As I reflect on these lyrics, I'm reminded of the account in Acts 3-4 about the arrest of Peter and John.  One of the key parts of the biblical text involves Peter's response when the Sanhedrin threaten the prisoners and tell them to stop speaking about Jesus.  Peter response in Acts 4:20:  "For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard."  There was something powerful about the name of Christ that was undeniable, both by the Sanhedrin and the people who observed what was happening.

Enjoy the words of this song and reflect on the power that is found in the name of Christ.

Lost are saved; find their way; at the sound of Your great name
All condemned; feel no shame, at the sound of Your great name
Every fear; has no place; at the sound of Your great name
The enemy; he has to leave; at the sound of Your great name

Jesus, worthy is the Lamb that was slain for us, Son of God and man
You are high and lifted up; and all the world will praise Your great name

All the weak; find their strength; at the sound of Your great name
Hungry souls; receive grace; at the sound of Your great name
The fatherless; they find their rest; at the sound of Your great name
Sick are healed; and the dead are raised; at the sound of Your great name

Jesus, worthy is the Lamb that was slain for us, Son of God and man
You are high and lifted up; and all the world will praise Your great name

Redeemer, My Healer, Lord Almighty
My savior, Defender, You are My King

Jesus, worthy is the Lamb that was slain for us, Son of God and man
You are high and lifted up; and all the world will praise Your great name
Pastor Randy

Don't Forget Thanksgiving

I am not the cook in the house.  So I do the shopping, which I did the last couple of days leading up to Thanksgiving.  The crowds were out in full force this week.  Some were buying food to prepare for Thanksgiving.  But a lot also seemed to be scouting out the turf for the other pending day this week - Black Friday.  Every year, the retail world takes a little more time and focus away from Thankgiving.  Some stores will be opening as early as midnight tonight.  Plus many stores and malls put their Christmas decorations up weeks ago.  Even a few radio stations started playing Christmas music last week.

Hey, world, don't forget Thanksgiving.  Even if you don't consider yourself a "religious" person, I'm sure you can come up with an endless list of things you're thankful for.  If nothing else, most people will spend time with family for Thanksgiving.  But even if you can't be with family today, I can't believe there's nothing you can be thankful for.

For the believer in Jesus Christ, there's even more to be thankful for.  His love for us, His grace that strengthens us each day, and His mercy that offered the sacrifice we needed for our sins.  The Bible says He has given us every good and perfect gift.  Even our next breath and the beat of our heart is a gift from Him.  We should be thankful, not just on Thanksgiving day, but all year long.

There's nothing terribly wrong with Black Friday - as long as it's not an idol in your life.  As long as the things you are tempted to buy aren't your god.  If we put Christ first, then everything else should balance out nicely.  Remember Matt. 22:37:  "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind."  I encourage anyone going shopping tonight or tomorrow morning to meditate on this verse first, then go with God's leadership and His peace about what you should or shouldn't do.....or buy.

I encourage us all to pause and give thanks.  For if we give thanks to the One who made us and who deserves our worship, then I believe Black Friday will be put in its proper perspective.

Pastor Randy