The Name of Jesus

Sometimes the words don't come, the words to express my heart, my gratitude, my love.

Sometimes, when my voice is quiet, my heart can only be expressed by the words of others. A song of worship that drops me to my knees, while my voice sings the words of another and my mind says "YES! YES! This!"

Sometimes, while reading His word, I find the perfect verse that teaches me just the right lesson (my friend, we both know this is not by accident). That lesson can be turned into just the right prayer. The right words.

Tonight I had planned on writing on a different topic......until I heard the song "Your Name". After the song ended I thought, "Your name. Yes, Jesus, YOUR name!" And that my friend is how I landed here, in Philippians. Jesus, the name above all other names. The name that brings me to my knees. The name that stirs my heart and moves my tongue to speak of my Savior.

Philippians 2:1-16
Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.

Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. Therefore 

God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.

Do all things without complaining and disputing, that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast the word of life, so that I may rejoice in the day of Christ that I have not run in vain or labored in vain.

As morning dawns and evening fades

You inspire songs of praise

That rise from earth to touch Your heart and glorify Your Name

Your Name is a strong and mighty tower

Your Name is a shelter like no other

Your Name, let the nations sing it louder

'Cause nothing has the power to save

But Your Name

Jesus, in Your Name we pray

Come and fill our hearts today

Lord, give us strength to live for You and glorify Your Name

Your Name is a strong and mighty tower

Your Name is a shelter like no other

Your Name, let the nations sing it louder

'Cause nothing has the power to save but Your Name

Dear Jesus, 

Thank you for the pain, the ridicule, the suffering that you endured for me, for each of us.

Thank you for empowering me to strive to be more like you for we know I could not do it on my own. Rid me of myself so I can be a reflection of your love. 

May I be motivated only with the thought of advancing your kingdom and not my own selfish desires.

May I be motivated to please you and no one else. 

Jesus, keep me from complaining and becoming bitter by guarding my heart, my mind, my soul so that I may be found blameless in your sight.....so that I may glorify your holy name!