“A” – Blogging from A-Z

We have actually made it to the first day of April, 2014. In some ways it is difficult to believe. And yet, the year seems like it is flying! We are already one quarter of the way through the year. There are only 267 days until Christmas. 2014 is sailing by.

 

A2Z-BADGE-0002014-small_zps8300775cIf you have been following me for a year or so, you’ll remember I joined a challenge last April called “Blogging from A-Z.” Starting with the first day of the month, we are to write about a theme or an idea or even an item beginning with the letter “A.” On April 2nd, the blog post would be connected to the letter “B.” This would continue through the month, except for Sundays. I’ve joined the challenge again this year!

 

So with my calendar ready, I’m prepared to share a theme each day in relation to a letter of the alphabet.

 

I have fallen in love with God’s name. I may quote this Scripture more than I should, but I love what it says about God’s name. “The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.” (Proverbs 18:10 – NIV)

 

Today, let’s look at God’s names that begin with the letter “A.”

 

Abba, Father

This is the name that Jesus used when He spoke to God. He used it in Matthew 6:9, John 10:15, as well as during His agonizing prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane (Luke 22:42).

 

Jesus knew God intimately and used this affectionate name when He spoke of His Father. We might relate this word to our English word, “papa.”

 

Because of Jesus’ resurrection, we have the opportunity to approach God in much the same way. We are able to cry out to the Father using the intimate name, Abba.

 

Galatians 4:6 (NIV) says, “Because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, Abba, Father.”

 

If your heart is crying out today, why not cry out to your heavenly Father. Abba. There is no other Name by which you will find His comfort, love, forgiveness and joy.

 

Almighty God

You know how it is when you believe your earthly father can do anything? Like a superhero who is able to leap small buildings, stop a speeding train, or save the world of those pesky villains? Yeah, we know what it’s like to have that kind of belief in our earthly fathers.

 

The problem is that we grow up. We realize that our earthy fathers are human and not in fact superheroes.

 

I have some good news. My heavenly Father “is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine…” (Ephesians 3:20 – NIV) My heavenly Father is Almighty God.

 

This was the name God chose when He confirmed the covenant with Abram. “When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the Lord appeared to him and said, ‘I am God Almighty; walk before me and be blameless, I will confirm my covenant between me and you and will greatly increase your numbers.’” (Genesis 17:1-2 – NIV)

 

In this section of Scripture, God changes Abram’s name to Abraham, Sarai’s name to Sarah, and tells them that they will have a son…in their old age. Now that is almighty!

 

Some interpreters believe this name means “the All-Sufficient One” or “the All-Bountiful One.” God is not just able to bless us, He is able to bless us abundantly.

 

Perhaps today you need to be in the presence of Almighty God. If so, there’s no reason to hesitate. Call on His Name and you will be safe.

 

Ancient of Days

This Name of God is only used by Daniel in Daniel 7:13 and 22. In contrast to the earthly kings and kingdoms that would come and go, Daniel chose this term to speak of his God. Ancient of Days.

 

God has always existed and always will. Unlike humanity and this earth, the Ancient of Days is not limited by time. He will always remain the same. The only real security we have in this world is to place our trust in the Ancient of Days.

 

If you’re looking for the security of the God who is same yesterday, today and tomorrow, look no further. Ancient of Days is who you’re looking for.

 

I would love to share many more names of God, and perhaps that may be the theme of the month…we’ll see. But these are the “A” names.

 

I pray that you will come to know God in a deeper way as you think of the many ways you can turn to Him for what you need. His Name is a strong tower.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

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“Sunday School Rock” – Musical Musings in March

Today’s song is a blast from the past. In the 1990’s, Carman came on the scene with his unique style. Music videos were all the rage and he jumped into the mix. Some were perhaps a little hokey, but when you look past all of the wild production, you see his heart.

 

IMAG1492Carman brought music such as “I Will Serve the Lord,” “The Prayer Anthem,” “Jesus is the Lamb,” “Satan Bite the Dust,” and “Sunday School Rock.” What I love about Carman is that he introduced fun into the mix. Kids were singing his music, dancing to the beat and hearing the message of God.

 

There was a time and place for Carman’s music and I’m thankful that I’ve been able to part of that time period.

 

So today, I’m going to share one of my favorites. “Sunday School Rock” will take you back to the hand jive days, so let’s get those hands moving and sing along with Carman.

 

Why not listen to it first by clicking here?

 

“Sunday School Rock”

 

Listen up now ya’ll, I’m gonna try and reach ya
Class is now in section, pay attention to the teacher
We’re goin’ through the Book, Genesis to Revelation
I’ll teach your head how to spread salvation to the nation

 

We’ll start with the basics, a checklist for the saints
Love the Lord with all your heart and mind and soul and strength
To fear the Lord is wisdom, to serve the Lord divine
To really break it down just repeat these words of mine

 

CHORUS
I love Jesus
Yes I do
I love Jesus
How ’bout you?
I love Jesus, yes I do, I love Jesus how ‘bout you

 

Grab your pen and paper, the lesson now beings
First up Church artillery ’cause we got war with sin
God trains us through evangelists, apostles, prophets too
Pastors, teachers, five in all ’cause we got work to do

 

Discernment, tongues, interpretation, prophecy, and faith
Wisdom, knowledge, healing, miracles, yeah these are great
These gifts are like atomic bombs, they make the Word explode
But they just don’t mean nothin’ unless you know the code
That code is…

 

(CHORUS)

 

BRIDGE

The bottom line, the way to win
Is up with Jesus, down with sin
The Word is clear, easy to see
Only Christ can set you free

 

Hide the Word in your heart
When you grow you won’t depart
Grind the Devil to the ground
Sunday School is throwing down!

 

(CHORUS)[i]

 

Now, let’s share Jesus’ love with the world! I love Jesus!

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna



[i] “Sunday School Rock,” by Carmelo Domenic Licciardello, aka Carman, Lehsem Music, 1993.

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March 30

Good morning! It’s the last Sunday of March and that means musical musings in March is coming to an end. However, with April comes another writing challenge…Blogging A to Z. Each day of the month has been given a letter of the alphabet and my writing that day will be about the letter or a word that begins with that letter. I pray that you will enjoy it as much as I do!

 

IMAG1492Today’s melody is one that I’ve fallen in love with. I don’t hear it often, but when I do, it’s a great reminder of Jesus’ sweetness and what He has done for me. Enjoy this tune, “He’s so Good to Me.”

 

“He’s so Good to Me” – Monday Musical Musings

 

Music has had such a huge impact on my life and I find myself wanting to write about a song, a composer or singing group more than a few times per year. So I’ve decided to create Monday Musical Musings. I will now dedicate Monday’s to share the ways I’ve been touched by music. I look forward to it!

 

There is a little piece of music that I’ve heard a couple of times in the past two weeks that is so enjoyable. The music is toe-tapping good. The lyrics are simple and yet hold great meaning.

 

I have found it quite difficult to find this song, the lyrics and even the person who wrote this wonderful piece. But after much searching, I’ve finally found the right lyrics, the right person who wrote it and a version you can listen to.

 

“He’s so Good to Me”

 

Oh sweet Jesus, my Lord and Savior.

He gives sight to eyes of blindness;

Caused me to see.

How I love Him.

I adore Him.

There’s no other Friend I’ve found;

Who gives grace where sin abounds

And I’m rejoicing;

He’s so good to me.

 

I am on my way to heaven;

For my sins have been forgiven.

And it’s all because my Jesus loves me;

And He’s so good to me.[i]

 

Now you’ll love this version of this song if you lived through the 1970’s. I knew several guys with suits just like this group! So now that I’ve built it up, you’ll not want to miss this one. However, if you’re like me, you’ll have this tune stuck in your head (and your heart) for a while. So click here if you want an uplifting experience.

 

As a side note, the Calvarymen Quartet was the group singing the version I heard on the radio. If you get a chance to hear their version, you’ll really be blessed.

 

There are a few reasons to rejoice as listed in this song. Let’s take a look at them.

 

Jesus – “Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his king will never end.” (Luke 1:30-33 – NIV)

 

Lord and Savior – “Therefore, my brothers, be all the more eager to make your calling and election sure. For if you do these things, you will never fall, and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” (2 Peter 1:10-11 – NIV)

 

Restoration of sight – “For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light.” (Ephesians 5:8 – NIV)

 

Friendship – “You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made know to you.” (John 15:14-15 – NIV)

 

Grace – “But he gives us more grace.” (James 4:6a – NIV)

 

Heaven – “In my Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.” (John 14:2-3 – NIV)

 

Forgiveness of sin – “In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace that he lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding.” (Ephesians 1:7-8 – NIV)

 

Jesus loves me – “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16 – NIV)

 

Goodness – “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” (Galatians 5:22-23 – NIV)

 

If these were the only reasons we have to rejoice, we would have quite a list! However there are plenty more found in Scripture. But this is a great start. If you are searching for a reason to rejoice today, rejoice for these blessings we’ve received from God our Father, His sweet Son, and the Holy Spirit.

 

Because of the goodness we have received, we too can say, I love Jesus. I adore Jesus. He deserves nothing less. The Apostle John knew of Jesus’ goodness first hand. He mentions in 1 John 4:19 (NIV) that because He loved us, we love. “We love because he first loved us.” We are called to love others and are able to do so because of the love God gave us.

 

For sure, God has been so good to me. I pray that you know His goodness and that you can say the same. If not, maybe today is the day to accept His goodness and His gift of salvation. Then you can tell others of how good God has been to you.

 

I now have a brighter outlook on Monday’s. Sharing my love of music brings joy to my heart and a smile to my face. If you have a favorite song that you’d like me to share, please let me know. I’d be happy to do so.

 

Have a blessed Monday and let’s rejoice today for all the goodness we’ve received!

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna



[i] “He’s so Good to Me,” Lari Goss, Goss brothers Music Company, 1974

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“Joy of My Desire” – Musical Musings in March

Do you have a favorite Name of God or Jesus? I don’t know that I have a favorite, but I have taken an interest in learning more about the names given through Scripture for my heavenly Father and my Savior.

 

IMAG1492I have a couple of books on my shelf that I pull out quite often. The Names of God by George W. Knight and The Names of God by Ann Spangler are filled with examples of these names. While I will never profess to know all of them, I do know that in certain circumstances, we can use God’s Name or Jesus’ Name to help us.

 

For instance, when I am in need of provision, I can call out to Jehovah-Jireh, the Lord who will Provide. Or when I feel unlovely, I can call out to Jehovah-Hoseenu, the Lord our Maker. Perhaps when I’m lonely, I can call out to Jehovah-Shammah, the Lord is There.

 

Jesus has His own set of Names for us to call upon. He is the Author and Finisher of our Faith. The Bright and Morning Star. The Alpha and Omega. The Lord of Peace and Harvest. He is Master, Redeemer, Savior, and Vine. He is the Way, the Truth and the Life.

 

You see, “the name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.” (Proverbs 8:10 – NIV)

 

When I find music that includes Jesus’ or God’s Names in the lyric, I’m hooked. I love singing, speaking, and praying these Names. For within them, I am safe.

 

So today’s melody has a few of these precious Names that I run to. I pray that you will find the same strength and comfort as I have.

 

“Joy of My Desire”

 

Joy of my desire, all-consuming fire;
Lord of glory, Rose of Sharon,
rare and sweet.

You are now my peace,
Comforter and friend,
wonderful, so beautiful,
You are to me.

Chorus:
I worship You in spirit and in truth.
Lord, I worship You in spirit and in truth.
There will never be a friend as dear to me,
there will never be a friend as dear to me,
there will never be a friend as dear to me,
as dear to me as You, You.[i]

This is such a beautiful and calming song…if you need to be reminded of this message, please click here for Randy Rothwell’s version.

 

If you have a favorite Name of God, Jesus or the Holy Spirit, I’d love to hear all about it. Why not drop me a line to share how God’s Name has been a refuge or tower?

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna



[i] “Joy of My Desire,” Words and Music by Jennifer Randolph, Integrity Hosanna Music, 1987.

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“Happy Day” – Musical Musings in March

I love singing this song. The lyrics, the music. I’m drawn to it. But what I love more is watching kids as they sing this song.

 

IMAG1492There are motions they add to this moving tune and they jump, spin and tell the story through the motions as much as they do the music and lyrics.

 

According to this song writer, there are many happy days in the life of a believer. Like the resurrection of Jesus! Sins washed away. Transformation. Life. Seeing Jesus face-to-face. Endless joy. Perfect peace. These do make for happy days!

 

So today, if you know the motions to this song (which I really don’t think I do), join in as you listen to this beautiful song of the happiest of all days…the day you accepted Jesus as your Savior!

 

“Happy Day”

 

Verse 1:
The greatest day in history, Death is beaten
You have rescued me
Sing it out Jesus is alive
The empty cross, The empty grave
Life eternal You have won the day
Shout it out Jesus is alive
He’s alive

Chorus:
Oh happy day, happy day
You washed my sin away
Oh happy day, happy day
I’ll never be the same
Forever I am changed

Verse 2:
When I stand, in that place
Free at last, meeting face to face
I am Yours Jesus You are mine
Endless joy, perfect peace
Earthly pain finally will cease
Celebrate Jesus is alive
He’s alive

Bridge:
Oh what a glorious day
What a glorious way
That You have saved me
Oh what a glorious day
What a glorious name[i]

 

Click here to listen to Tim Hughes sing his version of this song.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna



[i] “Happy Day,” Words and Music by Tim Hughes and Ben Cantellon, Thank You Music, 2007.

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