Vol. 34, No. 9 September, 2010
 BLESS HIS HOLY NAME
          By Dr. George Mills

  “Bless the LORD O my soul and all that is within me, bless His Holy Name.”
                    (Psa. 103:1)

I would urge each one of us to carefully read the 103rd Psalm. It is rich indeed! The Psalmist is overwhelmed at the Greatness of our God and the Wonder of His Name.  By the way, The Name of Jesus has attracted much attention in these last days, however, not for the best, but for the worst. The Name of Jesus is the most despised Name by unbelievers. Here in our own city, the chaplain of the city council cannot pray in Jesus’ Name. In fact, opening prayer at city council meetings will be offered in the name of Buddha, Mohammed, Allah, or one of the other “gods” of imagination. Not praying in the Name of Jesus is not only local on our part, but this is gaining momentum across the land. It makes you wonder; what has Jesus done that was so bad for His Name to be so despised? What has He done? He healed the sick, He cleansed the leper, He opened blinded eyes, He raised the dead. He

 took our sin in His own body and paid
the debt for sin that we could never pay. He went to the grave and came out alive and victorious! He offers Salvation to anyone who will receive it as a free gift. And today, He is still saving souls, still actively changing lives and mending broken hearts, it seems to me that everyone would want to praise His Name. Could one of the “gods” I have mentioned have done just one of these things? NO! Men today worship “gods” that men made with their own hands. Well, anyway, I love the Name of Jesus. This is the only Name that will gain the ear of Almighty God. Praying in any other name is futile. “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life, no man cometh unto the Father but by me.” (Jn. 14:6). Anyway, will you join in Worship with me as I seek to share with you some of the riches of Psalm 103? The Psalmist David lists some of the things he is thankful for;

 1. v1-5, Personal Blessings.
2. v6-10, National Blessings.
3. v11-14, Intimate Blessings.
4. v15-22, Eternal Blessings.

1. PERSONAL BLESSINGS. V1-5.
“Bless the LORD O my soul and all that is within me, bless His Holy Name. Bless the Lord

 O my soul and forget not all his benefits. Who forgiveth all thine iniquities, who healeth all thy
diseases. Who redeemeth thy life from destruction, who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies. Who
Satisfieth thy mouth with good things, so that
thy youth is renewed like the eagle’s.”

King David expresses his gratitude for God’s deliverance. It is not clear about the time in David’s life he is speaking about. Perhaps this was the time when he confessed his sin concerning Bathsheba. If we read Psalm 51, Psalm 32, we can readily see that David was going through an awful time when God was dealing with him about his great sin. David confessed his sin, God, who is always faithful forgave David’s sin, and the joy of his salvation was restored. I believe that Psalm 103 was written about that time in David’s life. He praises God for several things…

(A) “Who forgiveth all thine iniquities.”
(v3) The very first thing David mentions is forgiveness. What an awful burden the weight of sin is for one to carry about. David knew that he had sinned against his Lord and nothing will be right until he talks to God about it. He readily said, “Against Thee, Thee only have I sinned.”(Ps. 51:4). If forgiveness of sin would be the only thing that our salvation brought us, believe me, this would be worth the trip. What a wonderful thing it is to feel as free as “the eagle” that soars high above the cares of this life. God does not selectively forgive this sin, or that sin, He forgives ALL sin. David knew that within man there is no power to forgive sin. God alone is the Great Forgiver of sin.

(B) “Who healeth all thy diseases” (v3). A careful reading of Psalm 32, along with Psalm 51 will reveal that David was a sick man. His sin had affected his
entire being, his body, his mind, and his spirit. When David confessed his sin, he was healed and made whole. I do not mean to imply that if someone is sick, this is because of sin. This is the case of some, but not of everyone who is sick. This text does not imply a blanket healing for everyone. Some still get sick and some still die. I am so grateful that I have been touched by the Great Physician. I am grateful for His healing Grace in my life. The 32nd Psalm goes from SIN, to SILENCE, to SONGS, to SHOUTS. No wonder he says “Bless the Lord O my soul.”

(C) “Who redeemeth thy life from destruction.” (v4) It is not clear as to what David is referring to here. Many dangers crossed his path through life. Perhaps some great catastrophe was averted, or an enemy had been dispelled, or some disaster was avoided. We do not know. I wonder how many times in my own life God has so miraculously moved and spared me from some tragedy or disaster. The same is true in your life. We serve a Good and Gracious God.

(D) “Who crowneth thee.” (v4) David had been crowned King of Israel. But he was so grateful that he had been crowned with Lovingkindness and Tender Mercies.” Faithful Christians who work to please our Saviour will one day receive a crown for faithfulness. This will happen at the Judgment Seat of Christ, (1Cor. 3:11-15). But for the Believer, every day He crowns us with His Lovingkindness. He woke me up this morning after a night of rest. He gave me a bright new dawn, and another day to see his Goodness and Grace. Yes, He crowns us daily with His Grace.

(E) “He satisfieth thy mouth with good things.” (v5). Have you ever had a delicious meal, but you were not satisfied? Have you ever taken a vacation just to “get away,” and still not satisfied? Food, friends, family fellowship, fun, all meant to satisfy sometimes seems so empty. But to think of our God and how just a walk and talk with Him just brings that inner satisfaction that nothing else can bring.

(F). “Thy youth is renewed like the eagles.” (v5). The Psalmist has discovered the secret of a rich, full life. Life down here is filled with cares, anxiety, fear and worry. Sometimes one thing gets settled and two more things are lined up waiting for you. When we think of the eagle, we are reminded of the words of Isaiah, “But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings as eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.”
“They shall run.” Speaks of the “race set before us.”
“They shall walk.” Speaks of our “walk of faith.”  In order for us to be winners in the race of life we must learn to wait upon God for answers, and He causes us to soar, as the eagle, high above the cares of this life.
No other “god,” not the “gods” of this world can do what our God can do. He alone is worthy of our PRAISE. He alone answers PRAYER! Yes, the Psalmist is thankful for PERSONAL BLESSINGS.

2. NATIONAL BLESSINGS, (v6-10)
“The Lord executeth Righteousness and judgment for all that are oppressed. He made His ways known unto Moses, His acts unto the children of Israel. The Lord is merciful, and Gracious, slow to anger and plenteous in mercy. He will not always chide, neither will He keep his anger for ever. He hath not dealt with us according to our iniquities.”
God had been very kind and patient with Israel. The nation had murmured, complained, they looked to other “gods” they did not keep God’s Law. But He had been so kind to the nation. David is quick to recognize that “He hath not dealt with us according to our iniquities.” If the nation got what it really deserved, God would have stopped dealing with them and turned to another people. But He is patient and kind. I am so very grateful that He has not dealt with me concerning my iniquities. I deserve nothing. But I have everything I need to get from here to eternity. Yes, I join in with the praise of David, “BLESS HIS HOLY NAME!”

3. INTIMATE BLESSINGS. (v11-14).
“For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is His Mercy toward them that fear Him. As far as the east is from the west, so far hath He removed our transgressions from us. Like as a father pitieth his children, so the LORD pitieth them that fear Him. For He knoweth our frame, He remembereth that we are dust.”

The Psalmist had no way of knowing about the heights of the heavens. He knew nothing about space, and light years. All he knew was that he could stand upon the highest point and look up into all that vastness and say “God’s Mercy reaches much higher.” He knew nothing about the distance between east and west. He did not know that these distances were infinite. But he could say with blessed assurance “so far hath He removed our transgressions.”
“Like as a father pitieth his children.” When I read that, my mind went to the story of the prodigal son in Luke 15:11-32. The son in that story took his father’s money and went to a far country and spent all on riotous living. He ultimately found himself caring for hogs and starving. He came to himself and remembered his father’s house and began his journey home, hoping to become a servant there. BUT HIS FATHER saw him returning and ran to him with open arms and hugged and kissed his son and welcomed him home. “Like as a father pitieth his children.” I can just imagine the intimacy of that meeting. What a blessing. You know, God dealeth with us as with sons. He loves His own. We have that deep, intimate, personal knowledge of God. We do not just know about Him, we know Him!

4. ETERNAL BLESSINGS. (v15-18
“As for man, his days are as grass, as a flower of the field, so he flourisheth. For the wind passeth over it, and it is gone, and the place thereof shall know it no more. But the Mercy of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear Him, and His righteousness unto children’s children. To such as keep His covenant, and those that remember His commandments to do them.”

His Mercy is from everlasting to everlasting. As David looked as far to the east as he could see, he said His Mercy reaches farther. As he looked to the west as far as he could see, he said His mercy reaches farther. And to the north and to the south, the same. His power, His blessings reach beyond and beyond that. “From everlasting to everlasting, thou art God.”
Now, I am acquainted with that God. My God is not a statue, or a symbol, or a picture, or an idol hanging around my neck. My God is real. He sent His Holy Spirit to a small Church, now 50 years ago. That Holy Spirit convinced me of my sin and of my need of Christ. I received Him that day. I am so glad that I did. I am still learning about Him. I love Him today. I love to serve Him. If you are not acquainted with Him, may I say unto you that He is near you in the Person of the Holy Spirit. If you call upon Him today, He will come into your life to make life worth living. “For whosoever shall call upon the Name of the Lord shall be saved.”
The Psalmist is so caught up in his praise to God he invites all to join in with him. He calls for the whole universe to praise God. He calls for the praise of angelic beings that do his commandments to join his praise service. He calls for the hosts of Heaven and all His works to”
“Bless the LORD O my soul.”

Now, why would anyone settle for a lesser “god.” Why would any home, school, city, county, state or federal government have our God to stand in line to be called upon in prayer? May I say that He will not take that position. He should be first and last, and everything in between, and HE IS!
He is worthy of our praise and our worship. I trust that Christians everywhere will voice our opinions every time the Christian Faith comes under attack. We cannot be silent any longer. One by one we have seen our government take the Bible and prayer from our schools, courts, and halls of justice. The history of Israel is that they turned to “lesser gods” and ultimately were scattered among the nations. Let us learn from history.
As for me, I will “BLESS HIS HOLY NAME.” God bless you!  God bless America!

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AND THE WILDERNESS…It is no friend to the Christian, it is no friend to Christ. The only real Friend this world ever had was Christ, and it crucified Him. Is there any wonder what it will do to those who love Him?

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BLESS THE LORD O MY SOUL
 (Psalm 103)
     By Pastor George Mills

Bless The Lord O my soul, bless His Holy Name,
   The Name that ALL will confess.
       Above all other names,
       It forever remains,
That Holy Name we do bless.

Bless The Lord O my soul for His benefits free,
   To never be forgotten by His own.
      For Redemption’s Great Plan,
      To lift fallen man,
His benefits came down by His Son.

Bless The Lord O my soul, for forgiveness of sin,
   When He gave us Heaven’s best.
     And for that wonderful day,
     When He sent sin away,
As far as East is from the west.

Bless the Lord o my soul, my strength is renewed
   As the young eagle, now I soar.
     To fly above strife,
     Above the cares of this life,
At peace until this life is o’er.

Bless the Lord who remembers all the oppressed
   For true judgments so tender and mild.
     Great work He has done,
     For He gave us His Son,
Like a father who pities his child.

For the flow of sin that touched every life,
   And brought death to all Adam’s race.
     His Mercy did flow,
      And His Kindness bestow,
Bless the Lord for the Gift of His Grace.

Bless the Lord for Mercies and kindnesses true
   Each day they are the same.
     For His sweet release,
     For our cares to cease,
Bless the LORD O my soul, bless His Name.

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THINK ABOUT IT…What’s in a Name?  “His Name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Prince of Peace.” (Isa. 9:6) What more do we need?

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         WHAT’S IN A NAME?
 

“That at THE NAME OF JESUS every knee should bow of things in Heaven and things in earth and things under the earth. And that every tongue should confess that JESUS CHRIST is Lord to the Glory of God the Father.” (Phil. 2:10-11).

What’s in a name? Your name tells who you are and what you are. The mention of your name may give you access to many places, or your access may be denied, according to your name. The Bible (KJB) says “A good NAME is rather to be chosen than great riches.” (Pr. 22:1). I will never be able to leave my children much of an inheritance. Most of my ministry has been in Missions work, and believe me there is no money there. The one thing I want to leave them is a good name. I do not want any member of my family to be embarrassed when my name is mentioned. So I have tried to live my Christian life like that. Speaking of Christ, “His NAME shall be called wonderful counselor, mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” I am proud to be associated with That Name. “Thou shalt call his Name Jesus.” There’s just something about that Name. Today let me share with you just a few thoughts about the Name of Jesus.

1. THE NAME OF JESUS HAS POWER TO ATTRACT. Like a magnet, His Name attracts.
(A) His NAME attracts the heart of God in our cry for salvation. “Neither is there salvation in any other, for there is none other NAME under heaven given among men whereby we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12) (Ro. 10:13). “These things have I written unto you that believe on the NAME of the Son of God, that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the NAME of the Son of God.” (1Jn. 5:13). There is no other name, no, not religion, no name like Smith, Jones, Young, Buddha, Mohammed, no, not some eastern religion, not Islam, can attract the heart of God.

(B) His NAME attracts the ear of God in supplication. “And whatsoever ye ask in my NAME that will I do that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If ye shall ask anything in my NAME I will do it.” (Jn 14:13-14). Now, we do not have to dial some “prayer warrior” or some earthly prayer “Hot Line.” Christians have access to the Father In the NAME of His Son, JESUS.

2. THE NAME OF JESUS HAS POWER TO DISPELL.
“To scatter.” Forces of evil flee at the Name of Jesus. “Then Phillip went down to the city of Samaria, and preached CHRIST unto them. And the people with one accord gave heed unto those things which Phillip spake, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did. For unclean spirits, crying with loud voice came out of many that were possessed with them, and many that were taken with palsies, and that were lame were healed. And there was great joy in that city.” (Acts 8:4-8). Forces of evil have to scatter at the NAME of Jesus. There is Power in that NAME.

3. THE NAME OF JESUS HAS POWER TO SURMOUNT.
“Power to overcome.” The enemy opposes. The NAME of JESUS gives victory in persecution and opposition.
(A) Persecution. “And they called them and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the NAME of JESUS.” (Acts 4:13) Peter answered, “We cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.” They just kept right on preaching in that NAME, and the Gospel went to the nations of the world.
“Through Thee we will push down our enemies, through Thy NAME we will tread them under that rise up against us. For I will not trust in my bow, neither shall my sword save me. But Thou hast saved us from our enemies and hast put them to shame that hated us. In God we boast all the day long and Praise Thy NAME for ever.” (Ps. 44:5-8)

(B) Temptation. “There has no temptation taken you but such as is common to man, but God is faithful who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able, but will with the temptation also make a way of escape that ye may be able to bear it.” (1Cor. 10:13). That way of escape, I believe is in the NAME of JESUS. There is Power in that NAME. Learn to use that NAME. Many a mother has used that NAME to cool the fever of a child after the midnight hour… Many a man has used that NAME to gain victory over some habit. Many a young man has left home in haste, only to remember that NAME. His NAME has POWER, learn to use it. “His NAME through FAITH in His NAME hath made this man strong.” (Acts 3:16).
NOT SAVED TODAY? Call upon Christ to save you. His NAME is at the tip of your tongue. (Ro.10:8-13).

“All hail the Power of Jesus’ NAME,
   Let angels prostrate fall,
Bring forth the Royal Diadem,
   And crown Him Lord of all.”

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              FROM MY HEART
                By Mildred Mills

          GOOD MORNING LORD
Lord, help me to think positive today and every day in every situation. Help me to always see the glass half full instead of half empty, to keep a smile on my face regardless of any sadness that I may be feeling. Help me to help others all the days of my life. Help me to love and not hinder. Help me to trust you more and more and to remember that you are constantly watching over me. Remind me that I am your child and no good thing will you withhold from me. You are my help, my Salvation, my strength, and I thank you for every blessing. I thank you for saving my soul and your faithfulness to forgive me daily. Help me I pray in Jesus’ Name.
     Hope you don’t mind me sharing my prayer with you this morning. I asked the Lord to let me know what I should write about this month and a sweet voice, (not audible) said to me; “Why don’t you just talk to Me this month?” So I did. Now, I talk to the Lord every day but this morning He made it clear to me that I could share the desires of my heart with you as well as Him.
  What a privilege to be able to talk to Him and to know He hears us when we pray. That privilege comes only when we have accepted Him as our Saviour. Ask Him to come into your heart today and start TALKING! He is listening and waiting to hear from you! And this is from my heart!
“The LORD is my strength and my shield, my heart trusted in Him, and I am helped, therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth and with my song I will praise Him” (Psa. 28:7). “My help cometh from the LORD which made Heaven and earth.” (Psa 121:2).

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         IF YOU DIED TODAY

If you died today, where will you be tomorrow?

Others will be preparing your body for burial, but you will still be alive SOMEWHERE…

 IN HEAVEN WITH THE REDEEMED,
                      OR
IN HELL WITH THE DAMNED.

What you have done with Jesus Christ determines where you will be tomorrow, IF YOU DIED TODAY!

If you died today and Christ is your Saviour, you will go immediately into His Presence and live there forever and ever. Jesus said, “I am the resurrection and the life, he that believeth on me, though he were dead yet shall he live. And whosoever liveth and believeth in me SHALL NEVER DIE. Believest thou this?” (Jn. 11:25-26). (Phil. 1:21-23)

If you died today and Christ is NOT your Saviour, you would immediately go to Hell where there is no hope for eternity. (Luke 16:19-31) The rich man in that story went to Hell where there is no hope for ever. My friend, don’t die without Christ.

Make sure that IF YOU DIED TODAY, or if you live for many years, that WHEN YOU DIE you will go to be with our Lord.

Just make sure of these few simple but absolutely necessary things…

1. REALIZE that you will die. Today, or tomorrow we have an appointment that we all must keep.       

2. REALIZE that you will meet God in judgment. “And I saw the dead small and great stand before God.” (Rev. 20:12).

3. REALIZE that Christ bore all of God’s judgment for sin on the cross. “For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for us.” (Ro. 5:6)

4. REALIZE that Christ alone can make you ready for life and death. “I am come that they might have life and that they might have it more abundantly.” (Jn. 10:10).

5. RECEIVE CHRIST TODAY—NOW!
If you receive Him today, in just a moment of time, you will pass from DEATH unto LIFE. Your destiny will be changed from HELL to HEAVEN, and you will have HOPE where there was NO HOPE.
You receive Christ by Faith alone. You must receive Him as a FREE GIFT. “But as many as received Him to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His Name.” (Jn. 1:12). You receive Him when you trust Christ alone and ask Him to save you. “Ask, and ye shall receive.”
When you receive Christ, then and only then are you ready, IF YOU DIED TODAY!
     Begin TODAY to live FOREVER!