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
Sunday, November 27, 2011
Thursday, November 24, 2011
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
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
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Things I Think
At home today with Matt, who sure seemed sick this morning but somehow made a miraculous recovery, right after watching a little TV. You'd think that I would have figured this out by the fourth child....oh well.
Anyway, here's the current version of "Things I Think". Some random thoughts in the head of me.
1. So thankful that N.C. State decided they didn't need Russell Wilson any more this year. I realize that the situations at N.C. State and Wisconsin are not identical, and Russell probably wouldn't be a true heisman candidate here. And I know that State has battled through a number of key injuries this year. But it was a mistake to let Russell go. You don't just let go of a guy who was clearly the team leader for several years. And he made it clear in interviews that he didn't want to leave. In light of State's performance so far this year, this will ultimately never be forgotten by State fans who don't forget anything.....not that that is a good thing, mind you.
2. My daughter, Kelsey, just turned 18 last weekend. I'm so thankful for her and how I see God working in her life. She's done great things for the Lord already, and He's going to do great things through her going forward. I love her more everyday.
3. Referencing #2 above, Kelsey wants very much to go to UNC-CH next year. The idea of paying my money to Carolina is more than I can bear. Not sure what will happen in the Bridges' home when State plays Carolina......
4. God is turning up the heat in certain areas of my life recently in a major way. One of things I'm reminded of during this is that God know best how much we can handle. I don't think I could have survived some of this 10 years ago. But God has grown and matured me over that time, and now it's time for Him to put His finger squarely on certain areas of my life. Praise be to Him!
5. What in the world did I do before Facebook? This application has made it so much easier to do ministry and keep in touch with people. I know it can be dangerous on many levels if not done well, but I am thankful for it and how God has allowed me to use it.
6. When times get difficult, and I wonder if I'm in the right place, God continues to reaffirm that He has called me and placed me right here. Ministry can be extremely difficult, but God's grace and mercy is always consistent and on time.
7. I love my wife, Felicia, more today than ever before. I was reminded today of the day we got married. I cried when I saw her enter the doors of the sanctuary. I so want to be a godly husband to her. Many times my pride and selfishness gets in the way. But God gives more grace.....it's only by His strength that I can be the man Felicia needs.
Pastor Randy
Anyway, here's the current version of "Things I Think". Some random thoughts in the head of me.
1. So thankful that N.C. State decided they didn't need Russell Wilson any more this year. I realize that the situations at N.C. State and Wisconsin are not identical, and Russell probably wouldn't be a true heisman candidate here. And I know that State has battled through a number of key injuries this year. But it was a mistake to let Russell go. You don't just let go of a guy who was clearly the team leader for several years. And he made it clear in interviews that he didn't want to leave. In light of State's performance so far this year, this will ultimately never be forgotten by State fans who don't forget anything.....not that that is a good thing, mind you.
2. My daughter, Kelsey, just turned 18 last weekend. I'm so thankful for her and how I see God working in her life. She's done great things for the Lord already, and He's going to do great things through her going forward. I love her more everyday.
3. Referencing #2 above, Kelsey wants very much to go to UNC-CH next year. The idea of paying my money to Carolina is more than I can bear. Not sure what will happen in the Bridges' home when State plays Carolina......
4. God is turning up the heat in certain areas of my life recently in a major way. One of things I'm reminded of during this is that God know best how much we can handle. I don't think I could have survived some of this 10 years ago. But God has grown and matured me over that time, and now it's time for Him to put His finger squarely on certain areas of my life. Praise be to Him!
5. What in the world did I do before Facebook? This application has made it so much easier to do ministry and keep in touch with people. I know it can be dangerous on many levels if not done well, but I am thankful for it and how God has allowed me to use it.
6. When times get difficult, and I wonder if I'm in the right place, God continues to reaffirm that He has called me and placed me right here. Ministry can be extremely difficult, but God's grace and mercy is always consistent and on time.
7. I love my wife, Felicia, more today than ever before. I was reminded today of the day we got married. I cried when I saw her enter the doors of the sanctuary. I so want to be a godly husband to her. Many times my pride and selfishness gets in the way. But God gives more grace.....it's only by His strength that I can be the man Felicia needs.
Pastor Randy
Friday, September 9, 2011
9/11: Remember Where You Were?
So it seems like a lot of people are recalling exactly where they were on 9/11 this weekend. I suppose since Sunday is the 10th anniversary of the terror attacks on our nation, it's good to reflect. Although I would rather reflect on how God has worked in my life over the last ten years. Nevertheless, it is a point in time that I, too, will never forget.
I was working at IBM that day. It was early that morning, and I was participating in a PC upgrade going on within my division. I was breaking in (not literally!) my new laptop PC and was having some problems with it doing what I thought it should do. So I wandered down the hall to one of the conference rooms where some PC support people were held up, helping people like me with their PC problems.
When I arrived at the conference room, there was already discussion about the first plane hitting the first tower in NYC. I think we were all in a state of shock over the events that had just taken place. I didn't get to stand still in shock for long. My wife, Felicia, called me on my cell phone while I was standing in the conference room. She was staying at home with our children at this time, a blessing from the Lord that I will always praise Him for.
She asked if I knew what had happened in New York. She was very upset and concerned about what this meant, and more importantly, what might happen next. She pleaded with me to come home, and I agreed. I took my new PC back to my office, locked everything up, and went straight home. Our family watched along with the rest of the nation that day as the events in New York, Washington, DC, and Pennsylvania took place.
My prayer then was for God to provide, protect, and deliver us. My prayer today is much the same. But I also pray that God will remind us to cling to Him in the same ways we did on 9/11 and the days after that. It seems that when things look desperate, we run to God. But after a while, when the dust settles, we return to ourselves. May we run to God again and not return to ourselves. If we do, not only will our own lives be changed forever, so will our nation.
Pastor Randy
I was working at IBM that day. It was early that morning, and I was participating in a PC upgrade going on within my division. I was breaking in (not literally!) my new laptop PC and was having some problems with it doing what I thought it should do. So I wandered down the hall to one of the conference rooms where some PC support people were held up, helping people like me with their PC problems.
When I arrived at the conference room, there was already discussion about the first plane hitting the first tower in NYC. I think we were all in a state of shock over the events that had just taken place. I didn't get to stand still in shock for long. My wife, Felicia, called me on my cell phone while I was standing in the conference room. She was staying at home with our children at this time, a blessing from the Lord that I will always praise Him for.
She asked if I knew what had happened in New York. She was very upset and concerned about what this meant, and more importantly, what might happen next. She pleaded with me to come home, and I agreed. I took my new PC back to my office, locked everything up, and went straight home. Our family watched along with the rest of the nation that day as the events in New York, Washington, DC, and Pennsylvania took place.
My prayer then was for God to provide, protect, and deliver us. My prayer today is much the same. But I also pray that God will remind us to cling to Him in the same ways we did on 9/11 and the days after that. It seems that when things look desperate, we run to God. But after a while, when the dust settles, we return to ourselves. May we run to God again and not return to ourselves. If we do, not only will our own lives be changed forever, so will our nation.
Pastor Randy
Sunday, September 4, 2011
From the Inside Out
A thousand times I've failed
Still Your mercy remains
And should I stumble again
Still I'm caught in Your grace
Everlasting, Your light will shine when all else fades
Never ending, Your glory goes beyond all fame
In my heart and my soul, I give You control
Consume me from the inside out Lord
Let justice and praise, become my embrace
To love You from the inside out
Your will above all else, my purpose remains
The art of losing myself in bringing You praise
Everlasting, Your light will shine when all else fades
Never ending, Your glory goes beyond all fame
In my heart and my soul, I give You control
Consume me from the inside out Lord
Let justice and praise become my embrace
To love You from the inside out
Everlasting, Your light will shine when all else fades
Never ending, Your glory goes beyond all fame
And the cry of my heart is to bring You praise
From the inside out, O my soul cries out
In my heart, my soul, I give you control
Consume me from the inside out Lord
Let justice and praise become my embrace
To love You from the inside out
Everlasting, Your light will shine when all else fades
Never ending, Your glory goes beyond all fame
And the cry of my heart is to bring You praise
From the inside out, O my soul cries out
Everlasting, Your light will shine when all else fades
Never ending, Your glory goes beyond all fame
And the cry of my heart is to bring You praise
From the inside out, O my soul cries out
Still Your mercy remains
And should I stumble again
Still I'm caught in Your grace
Everlasting, Your light will shine when all else fades
Never ending, Your glory goes beyond all fame
In my heart and my soul, I give You control
Consume me from the inside out Lord
Let justice and praise, become my embrace
To love You from the inside out
Your will above all else, my purpose remains
The art of losing myself in bringing You praise
Everlasting, Your light will shine when all else fades
Never ending, Your glory goes beyond all fame
In my heart and my soul, I give You control
Consume me from the inside out Lord
Let justice and praise become my embrace
To love You from the inside out
Everlasting, Your light will shine when all else fades
Never ending, Your glory goes beyond all fame
And the cry of my heart is to bring You praise
From the inside out, O my soul cries out
In my heart, my soul, I give you control
Consume me from the inside out Lord
Let justice and praise become my embrace
To love You from the inside out
Everlasting, Your light will shine when all else fades
Never ending, Your glory goes beyond all fame
And the cry of my heart is to bring You praise
From the inside out, O my soul cries out
Everlasting, Your light will shine when all else fades
Never ending, Your glory goes beyond all fame
And the cry of my heart is to bring You praise
From the inside out, O my soul cries out
Staycation
So, as a result of our plans getting changed, we are doing a Bridges staycation this weekend. It's still a relaxing time so far, and we've gotten to do pretty much whatever we wanted to do.
We enjoyed a great service at Open Door Baptist Church this morning. And a wonderful NRCA family bought our entire family lunch at Moe's. We're now preparing to watch a couple of movies at home, assuming Redbox participates. It's being difficult right now.
This has served as a reminder to take some time off every so often. For family time as well as to rest. Looking forward to tomorrow.
Pastor Randy
We enjoyed a great service at Open Door Baptist Church this morning. And a wonderful NRCA family bought our entire family lunch at Moe's. We're now preparing to watch a couple of movies at home, assuming Redbox participates. It's being difficult right now.
This has served as a reminder to take some time off every so often. For family time as well as to rest. Looking forward to tomorrow.
Pastor Randy
Friday, September 2, 2011
Everybody is Different
As a teacher, I get to see many interesting things in class and around school. One of the most interesting things is to observe how God has made all my students differently. Over my six years in teaching, I've noticed that God knows best how to blend people together, from different backgrounds and with different gifts.
Take today, for example. I'm giving my first test of the school year. As I watch the students take the test, I see some who are very detailed in how they approach it. They are neat and organized, check their work carefully, and stay focused right until the end. Then there are others who are a little more laid back in their approach. They work through the test, but their work is not as organized. They are familiar with the material, but they are looking to finish quickly and move on to something they would rather be doing. And there are a few who seem to get distracted during the test. You can just look at their face and wonder what they're thinking about at that moment. Fortunately, the distraction usually only lasts a couple of minutes, then they are on their way back to working through the test.
All of these students should do well on this test today. Most of the material was a review of what was covered last year. However as the material gets more difficult, each student will need to focus more and more on the task at hand. That's part of what I must teach them this year. We can't only focus on math concepts, we must also develop good study habits that will translate to success in the future. For this class and others they will take. And we will learn this together with God guiding us all the way.
The Christian life isn't much different. God made all of us with different qualities and characteristics. We all have things we do better than others, or things that we enjoy more than others. But God has a way of blending that all together, particularly for believers who are united by one Lord, one faith, one baptism, even if we aren't united in other ways. In addition, God uses those gifts and talents He's given us to prepare us for the tests we all face each day. Good study habits for the believer, in God's Word and through prayer, will prepare us for those tests as well as living a holy life unto Him.
May I continue to be a good student of the Lord. And a good teacher that leads other to know Him more.
Pastor Randy
Take today, for example. I'm giving my first test of the school year. As I watch the students take the test, I see some who are very detailed in how they approach it. They are neat and organized, check their work carefully, and stay focused right until the end. Then there are others who are a little more laid back in their approach. They work through the test, but their work is not as organized. They are familiar with the material, but they are looking to finish quickly and move on to something they would rather be doing. And there are a few who seem to get distracted during the test. You can just look at their face and wonder what they're thinking about at that moment. Fortunately, the distraction usually only lasts a couple of minutes, then they are on their way back to working through the test.
All of these students should do well on this test today. Most of the material was a review of what was covered last year. However as the material gets more difficult, each student will need to focus more and more on the task at hand. That's part of what I must teach them this year. We can't only focus on math concepts, we must also develop good study habits that will translate to success in the future. For this class and others they will take. And we will learn this together with God guiding us all the way.
The Christian life isn't much different. God made all of us with different qualities and characteristics. We all have things we do better than others, or things that we enjoy more than others. But God has a way of blending that all together, particularly for believers who are united by one Lord, one faith, one baptism, even if we aren't united in other ways. In addition, God uses those gifts and talents He's given us to prepare us for the tests we all face each day. Good study habits for the believer, in God's Word and through prayer, will prepare us for those tests as well as living a holy life unto Him.
May I continue to be a good student of the Lord. And a good teacher that leads other to know Him more.
Pastor Randy
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