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“Our God Is An Awesome God”
“Awesome God” is a contemporary worship song written by Rich Mullins and first recorded on his 1988 album, Winds of Heaven, Stuff of Earth. It was the first single from the album and rose to the number one spot on Christian radio and subsequently became a popular congregational song.
Lyrics: “Our God is an awesome God; he reigns from heaven above with wisdom, power, and love. Our God is an awesome God!!”
The chorus is from scripture found in Revelations 7:12 and Nehemiah 1:5 and what’s even better — God instructs us to sing praises to him. Psalm 100: 4 & 5 NKJV “Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name, for the Lord is good; His mercy is everlasting. And His truth endures to all generations.”
The chorus is often sung twice, depending upon the spirit moving among the congregation; it could even be a third time! “The spirit” - the Holy Spirit moving among the congregation. A congregation of old and young souls feeling enriched by the movement, the smiles, the tingling warmth of God’s presence. Have you had that experience? It happens to someone quickly, you can’t plan it.
OK, you’re not a singer — beware — “the spirit” doesn’t care.
After a long battle of breast cancer my sister, Alice, left this earth and moved on to heaven. There were five siblings and all of us were musical, sang in the school chorus, church choir, played an instrument, even some piano; although one brother was asked by his piano teacher to find another hobby. No one ever asked him to sing along at the camp fire. Well, the spirit moved him during my sister’s funeral and I will never forget it, in a positive way! Alice had planned her funeral’s music. She wanted us to stand and sing “The Doxology” when the casket was carried down the center aisle, into the service. It was unusual and emotional for sure to sing “Praise God from whom all blessings flow ... .” as your loved one’s casket rolls past. I heard this voice loud, clear, and off-tune completely!!! “The Spirit” had moved my brother to forget his weakness, his concern that someone might hear him ... and he praised our awesome God, out loud, in the presence of the Holy Spirit and I believe when Alice heard him sing, she was singing and dancing in heaven!!
Every time I sing “Our God is an Awesome God ... ” I am reminded of my brother’s voice and to beware — God’s Spirit is out there moving among us. “Come into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise.” You will be happy you did!!
God bless — and keep watch for the Holy Spirit moving among us. I BELIEVE the higher our burdens surround us, the deeper our sorrows drag us, the closer the Holy Spirit is to us.... “Every time I feel the Spirit moving in my heart I will pray!”
Pastor Dorothy Hotchkiss of Webster’s Crossing UMC and Groveland Federated Parish.
dhotch2@frontiernet.net 585/406-7030 cell/text
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