According to the Social Security Administration the top ten names given to newborn boys in 2004 were Jacob, Michael, Joshua, Matthew, Ethan, Andrew, Daniel, William, Joseph and Christopher. The top ten for newborn girls were Emily, Emma, Madison, Olivia, Hannah, Abigail, Isabella, Ashley, Samantha and Elizabeth.

What’s in a name? There are a lot of ways of answering this question. Let me share just one possible answer.

In the Bible, God is given over a hundred names. He is called I AM, Elohim, Shepherd, Son of Man and the list goes on and on. Just how many names does God need?

He probably only needs one. The reason why He has so many names is because we have such a variant need for Him. Each of His names meets us at our points of need. We need deliverance so He is called Deliverer. We need salvation so He is called Redeemer. We need daily care so He is called Shepherd.

In light of this, yes, names can be very important.

The Lord’s new church plant is in its final stages of preparation. By April of this year, they will begin meeting in the land to which the Lord has called them. Pastors Jon Hori and Daryl Murata are in the final stages of sharing the vision and developing leadership.

What’s the name of this new work? In case you haven’t heard the new church will be named Lifesong. When I first heard the name, I wasn’t sure what to make of it. I kept calling them Love Song. As of today, I really like the name.

We all have a Lifesong. Sometimes, it’s joyful and jubilant. Sometimes, it’s sad and seemingly silent. Sometimes, it’s simple and synchronized. Sometimes, it’s bewildering and baroque.

One thing for sure…everyone who knows Jesus sings a Lifesong written with the blood of the Lamb of God and filled with an eternal chorus of salvation. The tempo and verses may vary immensely, but when sung in harmony with the Holy Spirit, it becomes a symphony of victory and praise.

The time is coming for some of you to make a decision as to whether or not the Lord is calling you to be a part of this new work in the Chino Valley. If you live in the eastern regions of the San Gabriel Valley or beyond, seek the Lord regarding His will for you.

Regardless of the Lord’s direction for you, we can all rejoice in the fact that our Lifesong is being composed and orchestrated by the Master Musician of the cosmos. And we can sing our Lifesong at the top of our lungs, for it will bring only praise and glory to God.

Blessings,
Pastor Cory, d.v.