Natalie Grants sings in her song 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." Have you ever invoke the name of God to protect yourself from evil? Many of us begin to pray when we are fearful. Often it is the only time we may pray. We ask God for protection and to save us. Do we really understand what we are asking for from the Lord? Hearing that the enemy must flee when we call on the Lord is a powerful thought. The mere mention of our God's name can bring evil to a halt. She goes on to sing, "sick are healed; and the dead are raised; at the sound of your great name." We know this is true because of our faith but we also have historical proof in the person of Jesus. When Christ lived on earth, he healed many who were sick and he raised some from the dead. It illustrates how powerful our God is. But is that really the message? I think Natalie is telling us to turn our lives over to Christ. She is reassuring us, as she knows through her relationship with Jesus, that He will take care of everything in our lives. The burdens of life are heavy and many people falter each day because of the weight. Jesus lightens the load. Calling out the great name is all that is required to be graced with a life that is more bearable. Call out that great name. Use the name of God for good. So many people use God's name in vain but Natalie tells us that "all the weak; find their strength; at the sound of your great name." Can it really be that simple? Did Jesus come to earth to create a complex religion that requires massive amounts of study to comprehend? I think not. He does want us to be contemplative and to read the Bible but, as Natalie puts it so beautifully, He urges you to say His name. Call on Him by name. Exalt His name.
Finding St Anthony Among the Lost Items
Saint Anthony of Padua, though often associated with finding lost articles, was primarily known in his lifetime as a powerful and eloquent preacher. Originally a Canon Regular of St. Augustine, he was inspired to join the newly formed Franciscan order after witnessing the martyrdom of the first Franciscan missionaries in Morocco. His conversion to the mendicant life under St. Francis of Assisi transformed him, deepening his commitment to poverty, humility, and evangelical preaching. Gifted with profound theological knowledge and a captivating speaking style, he traveled across Italy and France, drawing immense crowds with his clear and passionate sermons, converting many and combating heresy with his unwavering faith and intellectual rigor. Beyond his public ministry, St. Anthony was a mystic who enjoyed profound spiritual experiences, most notably a vision of the Infant Jesus. This intimate connection with the Christ Child is a hallmark of his iconography, often depicting him c...
Comments
Post a Comment