The Sweetest Name on Earth

What’s in a name? We choose our baby’s name by what sounds good or different but have we ever thought about what that name really means? There are numerous books and web addresses that tell us the meaning of thousands seems like millions of different names. Sure it could be a matter of someone else’s opinion but honestly, given the chance to choose a name again, I would definitely research and pick one with a positive meaning.
I looked up on the web at Parentsconnect.com and found the top ten boys and girls names for 2007. This is what found. The top boy name was Jacob with a grand 23,886 named lads and the top girl name was Emily with 19,105. Jacob’s name means supplanter, held by the heel; while Emily means rival, emulating. Andrew which ranked number ten on the boy’s list means man, warrior and Elizabeth as number ten means My God is a vow.
It was no surprise that Joshua means God rescues and that this name is another name for Jesus, our Savior.
We sang the hymn this morning titled “Oh How I Love Jesus” written in 1855 by Frederick Whitfield. Following is the first verse and chorus. There are nine verses altogether.
“O how I love Jesus, O how I love Jesus, O how I love Jesus, because He first loved me!

There is a Name I love to hear, I love to sing its worth; it sounds like music in my ear, the sweetest Name on earth.
The Bible tells us in I John 4:19: “We love Him because He first loved us.” NKJVIsn’t that just like us? We have to be loved first in order to return love. That’s not the right way to live. Jesus told us by His example that we are to love first. Then we will be loved in return. No one but Jesus can love in the depth that He loves. Neither of us would lay down our lives to the extent that He laid down His. But we are at least supposed to give it our best shot!

I am convinced after much research of names, that there is no name more precious than the name of Jesus. His name is life and love beyond measure. His name is the only one that brings salvation to a lost world.

In His Name we obtain life, forgiveness, salvation, blessings and deliverance. Christ resonates faithfulness and truth, holiness, hope and protection. In Him is redemption, perfection, righteousness, sacrifice, power and the promise of eternity. And if that is not enough in this precious name we find our way to our Heavenly Father.

“Jesus said to him, I am the way the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” John 14:6 NKJV

Knowing all this, why fellow believers, do we hesitate to tell all we meet? Why are we reluctant to share of the sweetest name on earth? There’s a dying world desperate to hear of this life giving Savior and of all His promises. Will you commit to tell someone today of His great love?

As for me and my house

What a busy weekend! I can’t believe it is
Already over! Friday, my day off, I met with two of my wonderful Christian
Lady friends, my “blessing girls” had coffee and a good 2 ½ hours of fellowship. Then off to get my hair colored cut and eyebrows waxed with my lovely friend Laurie at Judy’s place. From there I went to see my Mother-in-law who had been going through some trying times over the past week. Afterwards shopped at CVS for a couple of needed items, then to dinner with our lovely daughter and son-in-law and finally home to rest. Why is it that my days off are busier than my workdays? Not to say I didn't have a great day. Fortunately, this one was one of my less stressful, fun days!
But thankfully I did take time to study and dig into God’s Word. I cannot be without it! It is the very breath I breathe, the food that I need to live this life.
Over the 2 day weekend Jim and I worked on our property digging holes and setting pole for a fence line. Not to brag but we again did find time to go to church and serve the Lord. He is faithful to us and we must be faithful to Him. Our God is mighty to save and believe me if He was able to save me, He has to be pretty strong and mighty!

Scripture says: “…But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” Joshua 24:15;

and that is a promise Jim and I have made to our Father in Heaven and it is one we intend to keep!

No matter what I face, I am assured of one thing

Last week was a bit rough for me. I had several trials that seemed to never end but thankfully God is always in control and gracefully, He took over so my burdens were removed. Many times I find myself in the midst of issues, mainly because of the fact that my heart wants to speak God's truths and sometimes my timing is a bit off. Other times just because of who I am in Christ and for what I stand for, without even saying a word.

The Bible says in Ephesians 6: "Be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes...so that when the day of evil comes you may be able stand your ground and after you have done everything to stand. Stand firm..."

I know where I've come from, I know where I am and I am certain where I am going. But most of all, I know what I am here to do and that my friend is to love as God loves, and to share the truth of how He set me free! I am not a finatic as it may seem to some but a a woman who loves her God with all her heart and that love is above all else.

I am so thankful that when I deserved to be thrown in the firey pit, when I was deep in my wretched life, God the Maker of the universe, chose to pick me up and place me in the palm of His hand.

Jesus speaks in John 10:27: "My sheep listen to my voice,I know them and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my Father's hand. I and the Father are one."

I am so thankful for the day I knelt at the cross and gave my heart to Christ. My life has never been the same since that day. Sure, I make mistakes and find myself asking forgiveness of God and others but that doesn't mean that I am an aweful person! It just means that He is not finished with me yet and praise God He won't give up on me! With Christ I am promised an eternity with God Almighty and that my friends is worth living this life of trials and persecutions! No matter what I face today, I am asuured of this one thing, The my God is always with me and He will never leave me or forsake me!