One NAME Alone

I remember accepting the Lord when I was in third grade. I wanted to follow Him. My parents and grandparents followed the Lord and I decided to do the same. I worked on my behavior and attitude and most days I performed well. When I went off to Bible college, it was to enter ministry. It was there I had a personal encounter with God. My faith became my own. I had been living off the faith of my family, but now I believed for me. I decided that even if my family ditched their faith, I believed in God. Even since that night of deep commitment, I’ve had to remember the simple call of the Lord.  He is not asking for my money, possessions or even my behavior – He’s after my heart. When my heart is committed to Him EVERYTHING else follows. Now, many years removed from my third-grade commitment to my profound belief in college –my heart is still after His heart.  I was so reminded this morning of my journey but just how significant it is to praise the NAME of the Lord. His NAME is above all creation and above every name in the heavens and the earth. The Psalmist pens a cool verse after naming the elements of heaven and earth (including animals and humans) and how the NAME of the Lord stands above them all. Check this out…

¹³ Let them praise the name of the Lord,
    for his name alone is exalted;
    his splendor is above the earth and the heavens. (Psalm 148:13 NIV)

The Old Testament and the New Testament all point to Jesus. I heard a profound truth last Friday that is still speaking to me. “The Cross on which Jesus died is the hinge on which the doorway of worship swings.” (Louie Giglio) My worship of God is born of my understanding of what I’d be like without Him. I am humbled by the fact the Lord has saved me. I’m not better than anyone else, but He is better than anyone. I want to pursue His heart all my days. A new song that is in my heart is called: Worthy of Your Name by Passion Band.

Rumors of the Son of Man
Stories of a Savior
Holiness with human hands
Treasure for the traitor

No ear had heard, no eye had seen
The Image of the Father
Until heaven came to live with me
A rescue like no other

Yes, You are worthy
You are worthy
You are worthy of Your Name
Yes You are worthy
You are worthy of Your Name
Jesus

You did not speak, You made no sound
You died for Your accusers
As Your blood fell to the ground
You redefined my future 

On the day when You arose
The darkness ran for cover
For the King of kings has claimed His throne
Now until forever

Yes, You are worthy
You are worthy of Your Name
You are worthy
You are worthy of Your Name
Jesus

You’re my author, my maker
My ransom, my Savior
My refuge, my hiding place

You’re my helper, my healer
My blessed redeemer
My answer, my saving grace

You’re my hope, in the shadows
My strength, in the battle
My anchor, for all my days

And You stand, by my side
And You stood, in my place
Jesus, no other name
No, only Jesus, no other name

______________________

Pressing On!

Dwayne