O Lord, How Majestic Is Thy Name, Keith Green

Keith Green has inspired so many people and been used to bring seeking people to the Lord through the years of his life. It is a fascinating story worth re-telling.

Keith was born near Brooklyn, New York. His mom had been with the Big bands as a singer, and his dad was a schoolteacher. As a small child Keith's mom said he had perfect pitch as he sang his baby songs. At the age of three, his family moved to CA and settled into the newly developed fruit orchards of the San Fernando Valley, a short drive to Hollywood. This proximity, it turned out, would play a significant role in Keith's later years.

As a young boy, around 6, Keith learned how to play guitar and piano. He liked piano best, and when his grandfather taught him to play chords, he began writing his own music and singing his own songs.

He was raised with a Jewish background, but he had read the New Testament. There was confusion because of this and other events in his life that left him feeling like a failure. He ran away at the age of 15, and began a journey of searching for purpose mixed with drugs, eastern mysticism, and free love. He kept a journal from this point on writing about his yearning to know truth through musical adventures and the 'spiritual' life.

At nineteen, Keith married Melody, another musician, also seeking truth and purpose. They searched together and found what they had been looking for - a relationship with the Lord of the universe. He never looked back.

What had once confused him now made sense as Keith proudly told the world, “I'm a Jewish Christian." As Keith opened his heart to Jesus, he and Melody opened their home. Anyone with a need, or who wanted to kick drugs, was welcome. Their house became known as "The Greenhouse."

Not only did Keith's life change, all of his songs changed, too. Now his songs reflected the absolute joy of finding Jesus and seeing his own life totally changed. He went way beyond most people's comfort zone in how he lived his life. In his concerts, he would say, “If you praise and worship Jesus with your mouth, and your life does not praise and worship him, there's something wrong!"

“I repent of ever having recorded one single song and ever having performed one concert if my music, and more importantly -- my life -- has not provoked you into godly jealousy, or to sell out more completely to Jesus!” ~ Keith Green

This was written and released by Keith Green in 1982. He died and went to be with Jesus in July of that year. Last Day Ministries is continuing to serve in a hurting world. You can read more about their history here.

His music written from Psalm 8 to glorify Jesus Christ still moves me today 28 years after his death.

Lyrics:
Oh Lord, our Lord
How majestic is Thy name in all the earth
Oh Lord, our Lord
How majestic is Thy name in all the earth

Thou has displayed Thy splendor above the heavens
Thou has established strength from mouths of infants
To show all Thine enemies

Oh Lord, our Lord
How majestic is Thy name in all the earth
Oh Lord, our Lord
How majestic is Thy name in all the earth

For when I consider the Heavens, the work of Thy fingers
The moon and the sun which Thou hast appointed
For what is man, that Thou dost take thought of him
And the son of man, that Thou dost care for him

Hallelujah Lord, our Lord
Oh, how I love You
Hallelujah Lord, our Lord
Oh, how I love You

You've made man a little lower than all of the angels
And crowned him with glory to rule over Your creation
And under his feet, You've put the beasts of the field
The birds of the heavens and what passes through the seas
The birds of the heavens and what passes through the sea

Hallelujah Lord, our Lord
Oh, how I love You
Hallelujah Lord, our Lord
Oh, how I love You

Hallelujah Lord, our Lord
Oh, how I love You
Hallelujah Lord, our Lord
Oh, how I love You

Supporting Scriptures:
O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!

You have set your glory above the heavens.

From the lips of children and infants you have ordained praise because of your enemies, to silence the foe and the avenger.

When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him?

You made him a little lower than the heavenly beings and crowned him with glory and honor.

You made him ruler over the works of your hands; you put everything under his feet: all flocks and herds, and the beasts of the field, the birds of the air, and the fish of the sea, all that swim the paths of the seas.

O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!" Psalm chapter 8

Revelation Song, Kari Jobe

So who do you say Jesus is?

"I'm an atheist but deep down I'm really beginning to wonder. Something violent but honest and true (is) stirring in me. I think about my life and everything I've accepted and said was true and realize that whatever it was that seemed so important has come and gone... I think about a name so much now. YAHWEH." --anonymous listener

"When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples,
“Who do people say the Son of Man is?”

They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others,
Jeremiah or one of the prophets."

But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?”

Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”

Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven." Matthew 16: 13-17

So who do you say Jesus is? A philosopher, a mad man, or a prophet? A good teacher, a confused person? Who you believe Him to be will determine how you look at the world, how you live your life, the choices you make...and your eternity!

...You are the Messiah, the Son of the Living God!

Lyrics:

Worthy is the, Lamb who was slain Holy, Holy, is He
Sing a new song, to him who sits on Heaven's mercy seat [2X]

Holy, Holy, Holy Is the Lord God Almighty Who was, and is, and is to come
With all creation I sing Praise to the King of Kings You are my everything And I will adore You

Clothed in rainbows, of living color Flashes of lightning, rolls of thunder
Blessing and honor, strength and glory and power be to You the only wise King

Holy, Holy, Holy Is the Lord God Almighty Who was, and is, and is to come
With all creation I sing Praise to the King of Kings You are my everything
And I will adore You

Filled with wonder, awestruck wonder At the mention of your name
Jesus your name is power Breath, and living water

Such a marvelous mystery

Holy, Holy, Holy Is the Lord God Almighty Who was, and is, and is to come, With all creation I sing Praise to the King of Kings You are my everything And I will adore You [X3]

Supporting Scripture:

"And they were calling to one another: "Holy, holy, holy is the LORD Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory." Isaiah 6: 3

"In a loud voice they sang: "Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!" Revelation 5: 12

"Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created." Revelation 4: 11

"From the throne came flashes of lightning, rumblings and peals of thunder. Before the throne, seven lamps were blazing. These are the seven spirits of God." Revelation 4: 5

“God exalted Him to the highest place and gave Him the Name that is above every name, that at the Name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Philippians 2:9-11

"For ye shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace: the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap [their] hands." Isaiah 55:12

Out Of the Mouths Of Children, Judy Rogers

When our children were little I wanted great children's music for car journeys. It just had to be wholesome, encouraging, scripturally-based, melodic (not raucous or clamorous) and memorable. Judy Roger's songs (most) fit the bill wonderfully! I just played this for them after many years of not hearing it, and they all crowded around and started to sing along. It brought back such joyous memories of those rides for groceries and music lessons. Judy Roger's music engages the hearts of young and older alike.

Christ Jesus is exalted in this engaging music. From the lips of the little ones, God has ordained His praise!

Oh, Mothers of young children, I bow before you in reverence. Your work is most

holy. You are fashioning the destinies of immortal souls. The powers folded up in the little ones that you hushed to sleep in your bosoms last night, are powers that shall exist forever. You are preparing them for their immortal destiny and

influence. Be faithful. Take up your sacred burden reverently. Be sure that your
life is sweet and clean. - JR Miller

Lyrics:

Out of the mouths of children and tiny nursing babes
From the lips of the little ones, God has ordained His praise!
He has ordained His praise because of His enemies
Lord, give our children a heart to know You
Let their song silence the foe!

Oh, Lord, our Lord, how majestic is Your name in all the earth!
When I consider your heavens…the work of Your hands, what is man that you care for him?
You made man a little lower than the angels
Put all things under his feet
Made him ruler over all of Your creation
His children Your foes to defeat

Out of the mouths of children and tiny nursing babes
From the lips of the little ones, God has ordained His praise!
He has ordained His praise because of His enemies
Lord, give our children a heart to know You
Let their song silence the foe!

When children came to Jesus, shouting "Hosanna!" and bringing their praise…Hosanna!…
The priests indignantly tried to send them away, but Jesus said, "Have you not read?"

Out of the mouths of children and tiny nursing babes

From the lips of the little ones, God has ordained His praise!
He has ordained His praise because of His enemies
Lord, give our children a heart to know You
Let their song silence the foe!
Lord, give our children a heart to know You
Let their song silence the foe!

"Hosanna, Hosanna, our praises we bring to Jesus, our Prophet, our priest and our King!"

Supporting Scriptures:

"But when the chief priests and the teachers of the law saw the wonderful things he did and the children shouting in the temple area, “Hosanna to the Son of David,” they were indignant.

“Do you hear what these children are saying?” they asked him.“Yes,” replied Jesus, “have you never read,“‘From the lips of children and infants you have ordained praise’?”

Matthew 21:15-16

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"From the lips of children and infants you have ordained praise because of your enemies, to silence the foe and the avenger. When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him? You made him a little lower than the heavenly beings and crowned him with glory and honor. Psalm 8:2-5
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"O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!" Psalm 8:9
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"My son, pay attention to what I say; listen closely to my words. Do not let them out of your sight, keep them within your heart; for they are life to those who find them and health to a man’s whole body.

Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life. Put away perversity from your mouth; keep corrupt talk far from your lips.

Let your eyes look straight ahead, fix your gaze directly before you. Make level paths for your feet and take only ways that are firm.

Do not swerve to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil." Proverbs 4:20-27

By Our Love, Nathan and Christy Nockles

TV show host Oprah Winfrey

Americans are seen around the world as people who live like the self- absorbed TV character J.R. Ewing of Dallas fame. Another old TV show, Dynasty (note the word nasty) portrays us to the world as money grubbing, adulterous, deceitful and wealthy fat cats. A Saudi-raised Pastor living here writes "inter-national marketing of our movies and TV programs paints a lurid picture of American life for the Third World. Viewers get their ideas of American life from The Dukes of Hazard, Dallas and Baywatch, so they assume that illicit sex, fast cars, guns, and intrigue are the norm here. They are not."

"Just going to church doesn't make you a Christian any more than standing in your garage makes you a car." - G.K. Chesterton

How I wish we would always live so that our love, reflecting Christ, would shine!

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
John 13:34-35

Lyrics:
Brothers, let us come together
Walking in the Spirit,
there's much to be done...
We will come reaching,
out from our comforts
And they will know us by our love...

Sisters, we were made for kindness
We can pierce the darkness as He shines through us...
We will come reaching, with a song of healing...
And they will know us by our love!

The time is now Come Church arise...
Love with His hands See with His eyes...
Bind it around you,
Let it never leave you,
And they will know us by our love...

Children, You are hope for justice,
Stand firm in the Truth now,
set your hearts above
You will be reaching,
long after we’re gone,

And they will know you by your love!

Supporting Scriptures:
"If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, "Love your neighbor as yourself," you are doing right." James 2:8

"He answered: "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind'; and, 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'" Luke 10:27

"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another." John 13:34

"But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. If someone strikes you on one cheek, turn to him the other also. If someone takes your cloak, do not stop him from taking your tunic. Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back. Do to others as you would have them do to you." Luke 6:27-31

"And he has given us this command: Whoever loves God must also love his brother." 1 John 4:21

The Lord Is My Light (Ps.27), Eden's Bridge/ Darlene Rose story, part 1

Russell and Darlene Deibler as young missionaries.
After Russell died, she married Jerry Rose.

"The beatings, the starvation and the solitary confinement never broke her. "I never cried in front of them," said Darlene Deibler Rose of her Japanese captors in World War II. "But as soon as everyone went away, I cried buckets." Mrs. Rose, 84, who moved to Chattanooga this year with her husband, Jerry, served as a missionary in New Guinea. She was there with the Christian Missionary Alliance from 1938 to 1942, and again after the war in what is now Papua New Guinea, from 1949 to 1978. In between, she was imprisoned for three years on the island of Celebes, now Sulawesi."

If any of this sounds intriguing, you must read the perspective-changing book, Evidence Not Seen, by Darlene Rose! It is probably, arguably, our family's favorite read (there will be more books that I want to share in time). I am holding an old copy of the book on my lap. It energizes me to think of the power of the Word of God. Her favorite Scripture, Psalm 27, memorized from childhood, sustained her through the most harrowing cruelties. She writes,

"One of the young Dyak students was tortured at the Kempeitai headquarters prison. He was completely innocent of any subversive activities, but by then the damage was done. He suffered intense pain, but he was one of those God could trust with pain. He could still praise his glorious Lord and forgive those who caused his death--for he died shortly thereafter of his internal injuries...I could be the next victim. At such times as this, I took refuge in God's Word, especially Psalm 27...I remembered Dr. Jaffray's injunction: "Lassie, whatever you do, be a good soldier for Jesus Christ." I prayed that God would help me. The hearings--for my first interrogation was the first of many--lasted an hour, two hours, sometimes longer. All the questions were relative to my alleged espionage activities. What contact had I had with the American military personnel? What knowledge did I have of Morse code? Who were my superiors? Where had I been groomed to become a spy? Where did I get my radio? They tried to brainwash me into thinking I had been used by the Americans to spy for them and that the Americans had betrayed me to the Japanese. They would be lenient if I confessed, they said, but I knew that in times of war spies were beheaded. I gritted my teeth and vowed, God helping me, that they would never break me. This experience was repeated every few days for the next month and a half. I never knew when they would call me to the hearing room again.In desperation, I poured my heart out to the Lord. "O Lord, I just can't go through another one. I can't Lord, I just can't. When there were no more tears to cry, I would hear him whisper, "But, my child, my grace is sufficient for you. Not was nor shall be, but it is sufficient." Oh, the eternal, ever-present, undiminished supply of God's glorious grace!"

Here is Psalm 27 set to Celtic music by Eden's Bridge.
Darlene's relationship with Jesus along with Psalm 27 are what carried her through it all.

Lyrics:
The Lord is my light and my salvation.
The Lord is the stronghold of my life.
Whom shall I fear? Whom shall I fear?

When men advance against me
And all my foes surround me,
They will stumble and fall, stumble and fall.
Though all the world besiege me,
And war break out against me,
I am sure in the Lord, sure in the Lord.

And in the day of trouble,
I'm safe within His dwelling,
He will hide me, He will hide me.
My head will be exalted
So far above my enemies,
I will sing to the Lord, sing to the Lord.
There is one thing that I ask of the Lord
For the days of my life;
That I may dwell in the house of the Lord
All the days of my life.
To gaze on His beauty,
Seek Him in His temple.