Jehovah-shammah - The Lord is There

Another name of God, Qanna, describes Him as a jealous God. Israel had adulterated their covenant relationship and given their love to other gods and their desires to earthly things. Note in the History of Israel post when the glory of God left the temple. Can you image seeing the presence of God that had been with Israel since they wandered in the wilderness with Moses leaving? It was almost as if He slowly left hoping they would change their ways. Israel was destroyed, the people scattered and living in captivity; Jerusalem was never rebuilt the same; however, in the last verse of Ezekiel the name Jehovah-shammah was used when describing the new Jerusalem that Jesus will rebuild during his second coming.

Many Christians live without hope. They live in fear of captivity; they have set down at the world’s banquet table and consumed themselves with the things of this life. They have little interest in the glories of heaven. Christians can guard themselves from being imprisoned by the world, and not losing hope by renewing our inner man daily (2 Cor 4:16-18) and turn from whatever our idols are regardless of the cost or the hardship.

I would recommend reading, marking and re-reading the second half of page 187 through page 188 of our book, LORD, I Want to Know You. This is a wonderful illustration of how Jesus - Jehovah-shammah the Lord is There. He walked among His people as Adonai, Jehovah-jireh, Jehovah-raah, Jehovah-nissi, Jehovah-tsidkenu, Jehovah-sabaoth, Jehovah-rapha, Jehovah-mekoddishkem and Jehovah-shalom. Jesus was rejected. We know Him after studying the names of God as Israel knew God. Do you reject Him, what have you done with Him and who is He to you?

Thank you for taking this journey.
Blessings and love,
Ellen

Israel’s History

• God kept His covenant with Abraham and delivered Israel from Egypt, but Israel wandered in the wilderness for 40 years because of their evil heart of unbelief
• Joshua led Israel over the Jordan River into the land of Canaan. They experience victory until another generation rose who did not know the Lord. They did evil in the eyes of the Lord, served gods and 300-350 years of darkness occurred
• Israel wanted a king, Samuel anointed Saul king, but he rejected the word of the Lord. 
• David, a man after God’s heart, then became the king of Israel.
• Solomon was the next king, but he did what was evil in the sight of the Lord and at his death the kingdom of Israel was divided into 2 parts the North and the South
• Northern Kingdom was 10 tribes and their capital was in Samaria
• Southern Kingdom consisted of the tribes of Benjamin and Judah with Jerusalem as their capitalGod allowed the Southern Kingdom to be taken captive for 70 years. Ez. 10-11 we see a picture of the Shekinah glory leaving the temple. Can you see the Lord’s reluctance in leaving His temple; how do you picture that?
• After 70 years of captivity a remnant returned to Jerusalem.  Under Ezra and Zerubbable the remnant rebuilt the temple. Note the Lord did not return to dwell in His Shekinah glory in His temple at Jerusalem.  Under Nehemiah they rebuilt the walls of Jerusalem.  
• God promised Malachi a messenger (John the Baptist) to clear the way before He returned and suddenly come to the Temple (fulfilled in Luke 3:23). Malachi was the last of the OT prophets; God was silent for 400 years

 

Jehovah-tsidkenu – The Lord our Righteousness

Read over the history of Israel (see that post) and see how through the years they had refused to listen to God. We see a stubborn heart that pursued other gods to serve them and bow to them (Jer 13:10). God is holy and could not allow this unholy way of life, judgment was certain. Nothing except repentance and a return to righteousness could stop this judgement.
The word “righteous” means to do what God says is right according to His standards (not according to our standards). We learn what those standards are by knowing Him and what His Word says. Sin and failure are a horrible cycle and can seem hopeless and are hopeless without God. However, a relationship with Jesus allows us to break that cycle and experience His righteousness.

Even our best “good deeds” are as “filthy rags” (Is 64:6). Because God is Holy and cannot be in the presence of sin, our personal efforts cannot move us toward heaven; our only attainment of holiness can come from a perfect sacrifice and our accepting that sacrifice. He [God] made Him [Jesus] who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. (2 Cor 5:21). This is what it cost Jesus to “be sin on our behalf”, so that we can experience His righteousness… http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7DdL9J8hu9s

Thank Him! Praise Him!
In Him,
Ellen

Jehovah-raah – The Lord my Shepherd

It doesn’t matter what I am. It only matters who He is because He is all I need…The Lord is my Shepherd I shall not want.
When He is our Shepherd, we are His sheep. Did you know that sheep are the dumbest of all animals, helpless, timid, require constant attention and meticulous care? At first I thought “I am NOT” I then resigned to “well sometimes” before admitting “OK that description does apply to me”. Even though we do dumb things, are not perfect, stumble in many ways we CAN succeed WHEN the Lord is our Shepherd…

1. The Shepherd knows the sheep and calls their name (Jn. 10: 4). Jesus is the good shepherd (Jn. 10:11) and brings His fold together (Jn. 10:16)
2. As His sheep, we know His voice and follow Him (Jn. 10: 3, 27)
3. We must be on watch for thieves who are after us [the sheep] (Jn. 10:1) for the purpose of killing, stealing and destruction (Jn. 10:10) 

Many have the 23rd Psalm read at the end of their loved one’s lives, after studying it I think it is a great Psalm to live by with encouragement of how we can persevere and succeed regardless of our circumstances because of our Shepherd.

• The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures – the word “makes does not mean he forces me” instead because I am free from hunger, fear, friction and pests I can lie down. If a sheep was hungry he would eat not lie down in the green pastures; I can be free from hunger will I am filled with the Word of God. If a sheep was afraid he would not lie down; I can be free from fear by trusting in God, His love and the power of the Holy Spirit dwelling in me.
• He leads be beside still waters. He restores my soul; He leads me in paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. – Linda showed us the pictures of the Jordan River where the parasites are found at the bottom of the river when it is still and only then is it safe for the sheep to drink.
• Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil for you are with me; your rod and your staff comfort me. You prepares a table before me in the presence of my enemies – we are able to walk and sit before our enemies when we are free from friction; in order to experience this we must experience forgiveness (both give it and accept it) and have a humble spirit.
• You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. – without ointment placed on the nose by the shepherd, sheep are attacked by worms that work their way up their head into the brain; they are so irritating that sheep will bash their heads until they die. In the same way our thoughts torment us…thoughts of fear, rejections, bitterness, hatred, failure, incompetency, sensuality and greed. 

 This is the 23rd Psalm song by Kathy Troccoli: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NVYh63ZF_Vo  

Remember you have a Shepherd who loves you and would do anything for you including give His life and go into the wilderness to bring you back to Him.

Blessings,

Ellen

 

Jehovah-sabaoth – The Lord of Hosts

In the original text, “hosts” refers to an encampment of troops/army; a mass of persons organized for war – literal war or figuratively for the handling of a hardship. Jehovah-sabaoth “The Lord of Hosts” meets failure and offers strength, deliverance and a place of refuge.

Throughout the Old Testament, the nation of Israel encountered persecution and condemnation below is a summary of how the Lord of Hosts offered them strength, deliverance of their trials and a place of refuge:
(1) Jehovah-sabaoth was first used in the book of 1 Samuel…

• Elkanah, Hannah’s husband, worshiped and sacrificed to the Lord of Hosts (1 Sam 1:1-3) then Hannah in her barren state cried out to the Lord of Hosts; she was at her rock bottom wanting a child and feeling great distress (1 Sam 1: 6-7, 10-11).
• David had faith; he knew without God the task ahead was impossible but knew he could accomplish great things with the Lord of Hosts (1 Sam 17: 42-47). Contrary to the manner David cried out to the Lord, the people were overwhelmed by the Philistines and thought the ark would save them. They were seeking religion and religious rituals not a relationship with the Lord of Hosts (1 Sam 4: 3-4) and as a result they experienced defeat (1 Sam 4: 10-11).

(2) During the time of Jeremiah the name Jehovah-sabaoth appeared 83 times in 52 chapters. Israel was disintegrating morally from within and being destroyed militarily from the outside. Jerusalem was attacked and taken in 586 BC and many people taken into captivity to foreign lands.

(3) Jehovah-sabaoth was not mentioned once in the 48 chapters of Ezekiel. God’s people had given up during their 70 years of captivity.

(4) During the years Zechariah prophesied the name Jehovah-sabaoth appeared 52 times in 14 chapters. Zechariah was born in exile in Babylon; the children of Israel was returning to Jerusalem and rebuilding the temple after being in captivity in Babylon for 70 years (the first group return in 538 BC).

(5) The name Jehovah-sabaoth was used appeared 24 times in the book of Malachi; 22 of those instances was a direct word from God wanting them to see Him as their Lord of hosts and to bow their knee to Him. At this period of time the Israelites gave God lip-service but showed no actions to back up what they said.

Just as with Hannah, during our rock bottom experiences in life, Jehovah-sabaoth is there waiting with open arms for us to cry out to Him. There is no substitute for a relationship with the Lord, seeking religious experiences/rituals will only leave you empty and facing your time(s) of need alone. However, when seeking the Lord and a relationship with Him, true strength even during times of weakness is possible.

Jehovah-shalom – The Lord is Peace

When the hour is dark and the situation desperate, we long for God’s peace and to know Jehovah-shalom. Some descriptions of the opposite of peace include war, chaos, turmoil, worry confusion, anger and fret (see Ps. 37 for message on fret).

Israel experienced a dark hour in Judges 6: 1-5; however, Gideon experienced the Lord’s Peace later in Judges 6: 22-24. Gideon was in a right relationship with the Lord, he came face to face with an angel of the Lord; in that interaction he experienced true peace.
Fear that comes from circumstances of this life is nothing compared to the fear that can come when one finds himself face to face with God. There will be a day in EVERYONE’s life – believers and non-believers where we will come face to face with the Lord and give an account for our lives.

• Believers stand behind the blood of Jesus having our sins forgiven, but giving an account for the work we did on earth for the kingdom at the Judgment Seat of Christ (2 Cor 5:10).
• Non-believers will stand and give an account of their lives at the White Throne Judgment (Rev 20:11-15). These individuals will be judged in accordance of their sins.

Peace is a result of obediance.  Keeping the commandments implies we know them and to know them we must spend time in the Word of God (Lev. 26: 2-6; Is. 48:18; Ps. 119: 165). Is. 48:18 describes a peace like a river which is a running stream that flows (together).
Peace begins with our thoughts and mindset (Phil 4:4-9) we are told to control our thoughts, not to worry, be prayerful and to focus on what is true/genuine, noble/honorable, respectful, right/fair and lovely. In order to experience peace, we must clear our mind of worry and focus in a steadfast manner on the Lord (Is. 26:3) we see this also in Prov. 3:5-6.

It is much easier to say control our thoughts and seek peace especially when difficult times come. Below is a list of scripture to mark so that when trials and tribulations come in your life you have the source of peace to turn to…
Rom 5:3-5
Phil 4:4-9
Jer. 29:11
Rom 5:1
Heb 13: 5-6
2 Tim1:7
5:22

Jehovah-mekoddishkem – The Lord who Sanctifies You

The next name that was reveal to the children of Israel was Jehovah-mekoddishkem, the Lord who sanctifies you. In simple terms the word “sanctify” means to purify, set apart or to make holy. Our sanctification or purification begins when we accept the Lord and enter into a relationship with Him. Jesus’ offering of Himself on the cross is how we are sanctified (Heb 10:10-14). He is purifying us from those deeds of the flesh mentioned in Jehovah-nissi. We are to be sexually and morally pure, honoring, not caught up in lustful passions of the flesh and not defrauding each other (1Thess. 4:3-8).

It is an amazing thought that a holy God wants to be in a relationship with us, and to be in the presence of holiness we must be made holy. Almost as amazing, is that He loves us so much that He continues to work in our lives to continue to purify us making us more and more like Him. Paul tells us in 2 Tim 2:21 to cleanse ourselves from worldly and empty chatter and temporal desires so that we can be used by God for honor, prepared for every good work. That word “cleanse” in Greek is ekkathairō which means to sanctifies, purge or cleanse thoroughly. It is a cleansing of our body, soul and spirit (1 Thess. 5:23). After entering into a relationship with the Lord we are to continue to be set apart/purified/made holy by washing ourselves in the Word of God (Eph. 5: 25-27). The only way to know how to be holy is to know the one who is holy. The only way to get to know the Lord is by spending time in the Word and relying on the understanding provided by the Sprit. We are sanctified by truth and the Word is truth (Jn. 17: 15-19)

Holiness is important to God; so important to Him that he allowed His son to be the sacrifice for us allowing us to be made holy. Therefore, it must be important in each of our lives, Heb 12:14 states that “without holiness no man shall see the Lord”.

How is your life different, set apart, what steps do you take to pursue holiness?

Jehovah-nissi – The Lord my Banner

A banner that was carried at the head of a military band or body to indicate the line of march or the rallying point. Jehovah-nissi rallies over our battle with the flesh; He wants us to have victory over the enemy, our flesh

In Exodus 17 the children of Israel were led by Joshua in a battle with Amalek. During the times when Moses raised his staff overhead Israel was victorious, when his arms fell Amalek overpowered them. His staff was a picture of a banner and this battle with Amalek was a picture of our battle with the flesh.  We are going to battle the flesh and we will wear out of we try it on our own. However, if we stay under the Lord we can overcome; it is imperative to also acknowledge that we need the support of other believers.

A little background:  Amalek was Isaac’s great-grandson.  Abraham’s son, Isaac, had 2 sons, Esau & Jacob; Esau gave his birthright for stew because he allowed the flesh to overcome him.  Esau’s son was Eliphaz and Eliphaz’s son was Amalek… Amalek was the grandson of Esau the great-grandson of Isaac; however, Amalek was also the “first and constant enemy” of the nation of Israel.  Amalek did not fear God, which means he did not show reverence, respect or honor to God.

The flesh is one of the greatest enemies of the child of God; it is the first enemy we encounter after we are saved. Think about it, Satan can’t take away our salvation but he sure can get the best of our testimony and the desires of the flesh is how he accomplishes this. These attacks occur when we are faint and weary (Deut. 25:18); so we must be on guard and surround ourselves with believers to help through this journey of life.
Gal 5: 19-21 describes the attributes/deeds of the flesh:
1. Immorality/Adultery – sexual relations with anyone you are not married to
2. Impurity/Uncleanness - a substance that adulterates or contaminates something; physically or morally unclean
3. Sensuality/Lasciviousness - the capacity for enjoying the pleasures of the senses
4. Idolatry - the worship of idols or false gods
5. Sorcery enmities – witchcraft or magical from the Greek word pharmakeia where we get medication
6. Strife/Hatred – hostility or bitter and sometimes violent conflict, struggle, or rivalry
7. Jealousy/Emulation – fervent desire what another has
8. Outbursts of anger /Wrath– to breath hard, fierce anger because something seems unfair or unreasonable
9. Disputes/Stife - disagree or argue about something
10. Dissensions/Seditions - disagreement or difference of opinion, especially when leading to open conflict
11. Factions/Heresies - a portion of a group (sect) that has interests or beliefs that are not in harmony with the larger group
12. Envying – jealous spite; the resentful or unhappy feeling of wanting somebody else's success, good fortune, qualities, or possessions
13. Murder – to kill someone
14. Drunkenness – intoxicated from excess of alcohol
15. Carousing - to drink and become noisy, especially in a group; to riot

In 1 Samuel 15 Saul’s flesh is in control of his actions; he led Israel by his EYES rather than by obedience in his HEART. He was told to completely destroy everything; however, he allowed his people to keep the “good stuff”. Because of his disobedience, the person he should have killed ended up killing him (2 Samuel 1: 6-10).

In Gal 5:24 Paul writes “Now those who below to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires”. The flesh cannot be tolerated, catered-to or spared in any way; it must be put to death otherwise it will devastate you. If you don’t declare the flesh, with its passions and lusts, dead; it can kill you. The great thing to remember is that we are not alone in this battle of the flesh, we have a banner and it is Christ, Heb. 7:25 tells us to look up. There on the holy mount is the Son of God with arms extended high, ever living to make intercession for you. Under the banner of God, victory is always assured; but apart from it, defeat is certain. (John 15:5)

We are going to experience times when the deeds of the flesh are more visible and we are led astray. Unlike King Saul’s response, we should have a godly sorrow that leads to repentance and bow under the banner of the Lord and His outstretched arms.

The desires of the flesh are real; how do you dealt with your flesh?

Jehovah-rapha – The Lord who Heals

Jehovah-rapha heals; He heals the wounds of a nation, spiritual wounds, physical wounds and emotional wounds.

Sin is moral decay, I never thought about sin ravaging us, but it does. To “ravage” means to destroy, spoil, devastate, wreak havoc on, pillage or plunder. This ravaging occurs before we were saved as well as when we stray from the Lord. NOTE not all needs for healing (spiritual wounds, wounds of a nation, physical wounds and emotional wounds) are because of sin, but there are times that sin brings wounds. **Sinners know they are sinning it is impossible in our self to get away from our sins. No matter how hard we try to stop sinning, stop being immoral there is no way apart from God to accomplish it…we are just not strong enough.**

A little background on sin - it began with 1 man (Adam) and 1 act recorded in Gen 3 this is reiterated in Romans 5:12; disease entered the world then God provided a way out to Israel in Exodus 15:22-27. He promised that they would not endure the diseases the Egyptians had just encountered if they would turn their eyes and ears toward Him and obey. These diseases He promised that would not come to them included physical (poisoned water, boils, death of firstborn), diseases of land (gnats, frogs, hail, locusts,). But we see that they “did what was right in their own eyes (Judges 21:25) and did evil in the eyes of the Lord (Judges 2:11, 3:7, 3:12, 4:1, 6:1…). Below are divided into spiritual and physical, but know when there is a spiritual problem that is causing a physical ailment the spiritual must be dealt with!!

Healing the Wounds of a Nation 

• 2 Chronicles 7:14 (pg. 76) ** sin caused this **– God heals land. In Hebrew this means “Earth” used 3 other times to this point in 2nd Chronicles; it also means “Country/Nation” which was used 6 other times up to this point. BUT first the nation must humble itself, pray, seek God and turn from their wicked ways.
• Isaiah 19:22; 53:5 (pg. 76) ** sin caused this **– God was telling of how He would strike Egypt (vs. 18 refers to it as the City of Destruction) and when they cry to Him and worship Him, He would heal them.
• Jeremiah 30:15-17 (pg. 76) ** sin caused this **– This passage is referring to the restoration of the nation of Israel; the “injury” in these verses is the destruction caused by the siege in 586 BC. God will restore the nation to health to show other nations He keeps His promises from the covenant He made with Abraham, Isaac and the nation of Israel.
• 1 Chronicles 21:10-14 (pg. 81-82) **sin caused this** David sinned and was given 3 choices, he was to pick one for himself and one for the nation to endure. David chose the sword of the Lord (of which he repented and was shown mercy vs. 27) and the nation lost 70,000 to a plague.

 Healing Spiritual Wounds

• Psalm 103:1-3 (pg. 77) – He pardons/forgives ALL sins
• Matthew 8:16-17 (pg. 77) – He (Jesus) cast out spirits for those who were demon-possessed; Paul warned of the power of spirits in Eph 6: 11-12
• Luke 4: 18 (pg. 77-78) – He restores sight to the blind; this refers to both physically blind as in Mt 9:29 as well as spiritually blind (1Cor 2:14)
• 1 Pt. 2:24-25 (pg. 78) – By Jesus’ wounds we are able to die to sin and live in righteousness

 Healing Physical Wounds

• Numbers 12:9-13 (pg. 82-83) ** sin caused this ** Miriam and Aaron had opposed Moses and talked bad about him; Miriam became very sick with leprosy. They both repented and Moses pleaded with God for her life and she was healed.
• Psalm 38:1-3 (pg. 83) ** sin caused this ** Due to individual sin discipline occurs in the form of God’s wrath impacting health issues “no health in my bones”
• Isaiah 1:4-6 (pg. 83) ** sin caused this ** - The nation is Israel sinned, their offspring were evildoers and acting corruptly. As a result the head is sick, the heart is faint and from head to foot there are all kinds of health problems (bruises, welts and raw wounds).
• 1 Corinthians 11: 27-32 (pg. 84-85) ** sin caused this ** Many had taken the Lord’s Supper without examining him/herself and resulted in them being weak, sick and a number sleep (dead).
• John 9:1-3 (pg. 84) **no one sinned** - Jesus healed a blind man whose blindness was so that God’s work might be displayed for all to see.
• Philippians 2:25-30 (pg. 85) **no one sinned** Epaphroditus was sick to the point of death for the work of Christ. God healed him so that God’s mercy would be displayed to him, Paul and the church at Philippi.
• John 5:5-8; 14 (pg. 84) – Jesus healed a paralyzed man who had not moved in 38 years. Jesus told him don’t sin anymore.
• James 5: 14-16 (pg. 86) If there is sin confess it, call in other believers, pray for one another and the prayer offered in faith will restore the sick. Total restoration may mean our restoration in heaven.
• 2 Kings 20:1, 4-5 (pg. 75) – God hears prayer and He does heal the mortally ill to the point of death. We have a responsibility to get our house in order.
• Psalm 103:1-3 (pg. 77) – He pardons/forgives ALL sins and heals ALL diseases from the Hebrew word “tachalu” which means pain
• Matthew 8:16-17 (pg. 77) – Jesus healed their diseases and infirmities

Healing Emotional Wounds

• Psalm 147:3 (pg. 77) – He heals the brokenhearted
• Luke 4: 18 (pg. 77-78) – He sets free the downtrodden (from the Greek it literally means those “broken into pieces”), the NIV uses the words oppressed.

 The longer Israel journey with God, the more familiar she became with His character and ways. Their revelation of Him was progressive and our journey is as well. I pray that as you encounter wounds on your journey of life you first seek the counsel of Jehovah-rapha.  He loves you and wants what is best for you.

In His Love,

Ellen

Jehovah-jireh – The Lord will Provide

Jehovah-jireh is our first view into compounding a word (jireh) that describes God’s character with “Jehovah” to see additional insight to the essence of God’s being. The word “jireh” in the Old Testament literally means “to see”. Jehovah-jireh sees and because He sees He provides, an example of this is in the account of Abraham and Isaac. (Gen. 22: 1-19)...

Abraham was going to offer his only son that he loved dearly because God told him to.  However, when he was about to sacrifice Isaac, God sent a ram to be offered in Isaac’s place. All of this took place on a mountain in the land of Moriah (also known as Mt. Moriah, Mt. Zion or the temple mount). You may wonder, “what is so important about this piece of land?”…well it is probably one of the most sought after pieces of land. In 966-959 B.C. Solomon built the Temple there (2Chronicles 3:1), it is also where the temple was rebuilt in 516 B.C. (Ezra 5:15), additionally it is where the temple will be rebuilt in the future and the exact location of where Jesus will step back onto this Earth when He comes again (Rev. 14:1). However since 691 Mt. Moriah has been occupied by the Muslims shrine known as the Dome of the Rock.

Here is a video to help us visualize what the scenario with Abraham and Isaac could have been like: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dvsm3dQGLmc

God sees, He foresees, He is all-knowing, He’s ever-present and eternal - He sees from the beginning to the end and that is why Jehovah-jireh provided a savior in Jesus for us. The picture shown with Abraham and Isaac is a depiction of what God did for us in Jesus. In addition to our salvation, He sees and provides for our daily needs.

Jehovah-jireh reaches beyond Himself and desires to meet the needs of those He created because it is part of His character to do so and as we take on His character we too will reach out beyond ourselves to meet the needs of others. Let us pray for opportunities to meet the needs of others and praise our Jehovah-jireh as He provides for our needs.

In His Love,
Ellen

Jehovah – The Self Existent One

The name Jehovah is used more frequently in Scripture than any other name of God. Jehovah is derived from the Hebrew word "havah" which means “to be, to become”.

• As we continue to glean insight of who God is by knowing His character revealed in His name, we are to take on those characteristic and we are to become more like Him.

God said to Moses, say to the sons of Israel “I AM” has sent me to you. I AM is God’s eternal name, a memorial-name to all generations. He is the eternal “I AM”, the Alpha and the Omega, the same yesterday, today and forever; it speaks to God’s essence, the Being who is absolutely self existent, the One who in Himself possesses life.

Jehovah is usually translated LORD - all caps, see Ex 6: 2-4.  NOTE this is specifically the Old Testament since it is written in Hebrew and Jehovah is Hebrew where as the New Testament is Greek.
~ LORD = Jehovah = "havah" = I AM; however, (not all caps) Lord = Adonai = Master ~

Jehovah is the God of covenant; He revealed Himself to His covenant people as the unchanging God who remains faithful to His word throughout generations. He is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in loving-kindness and truth; He forgives iniquity, transgression and sin, but will punish the guilty. He is everything and I am blessed to know Him as my everything. He is all I need and as Chris Tomlin describes in the song Enough, He IS more than enough for all of my needs… http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EW-toYBiF8o  and I pray that he is enough for all of your needs as well.

In His Love,
Ellen

Adonai - Lord & Master

Adonai is acknowledging God as Lord and Master and His right to rule over me. Lord indicates a relationship at a more intense level. We have both benefits AND responsibilities when we acknowledge God as Lord and Master: We have a responsibility to focus our sights on Him and call upon Him (Ps 141:8-10 and Judges 6:14-16), be His servant (Ps 119:125), pray to Him (Deut 9:26) and glorify Him (Ps 8:1, 6-8). We are able to rest knowing He is Lord & Master over: the wicked/our enemies (Ps 141:8-10 and Judges 6:14-16), human understanding (Ps 119:125), our future (Deut 9:26), all the inhabitants of the Earth (Ps 8:1, 6-8) and the Earth (Ps 114:7), rulers (Ps 2:4), and gods of this world (Ps 135:5).

Those who know God as Adonai do not deny God’s lordship over his/her life; they simply call upon Him as Lord and obey His commands and directions. He is God; we are human...He is the creator; we are the created; therefore, every knee should bow. When we submit to God and follow His plans we can be assured that He will give us all we need for the task He puts before us.

Melissa Greene of the group Avalon put is so well, “Oh, if we could just relinquish our desire to be in control and be the master of our lives. Time and time again, God proves He knows what He is doing, and His ways are best. Trust Him daily in the small things and the big ways, because He is not only our Adonai, He is also our Provider, Shepherd, Healer… The list goes on and on. He is the "Father of our hopes and our freedom," This is a video of the group Avalon singing the song Adonai: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nxfarTiN5Ls  (the song actually starts at 2 minutes 15 seconds).

El Shaddai – The All-Sufficient One

El = might or power

Shaddai = all-sufficient, power of all-bountifulness. It is from the Hebrew word “Shad” which means “the breast” displaying a nurturing aspect.

El Shaddai is God who pours Himself out for His creatures

• When God changed Abram’s name to Abraham; He added the He (the chief latter of His own name “Jehovah” which can only be uttered by breathing outward; making a "ha" sound. He gave something of His own nature by pouring His spirit into His creatures so that they may be a channel of blessing to others.
• Abraham in turn gave everything of himself to God:  circumcision, self-surrender, even sacrifice of his only son. Abraham renounced himself so that El Shaddai (the All-Sufficient One) could fill him up.

 El Shaddai (the all-sufficient God) is my protector, the unconditional lover of my soul. He is there when things are overwhelming, when I have failed, when I am sad, when I am afraid, when I am weak and when I feel defeated. Paul wrote, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.’…(2Cor 12:9-10). I rest in knowing that when I face circumstances in life where I just “can’t” I have a God who just CAN.  His grace is all I need, He displays His power during my times of weakness.

This is a link to a beautiful video, the song El Shaddai is by Amy Grant...listen to it now with a deeper understanding of who El Shaddai is.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l7iNYvjddWc

El Roi – The God Who Sees

In Genesis 16 Hagar was mistreated and fled to the wilderness, God saw and sent an angel who told her to return and she would be blessed.

With rejection comes feelings of inadequacy – you may ask "Where is this sovereign God who promises all things work together for good...Does He know what is going on?"
YES El Roi, the God who sees; the omnipresent God is there and His are not shut.

• When we are mistreated, used by someone we trusted or respected we tend to bury the situation. However the memory and emotions are very real and El Rio (God Who Sees) is there.
• When we are away from family members/friends and do not know what is occurring we can rest in knowing El Roi (God Who Sees) is there.

While on this Earth we may not understand why things happen the way that they do, but we have a God who sees and He does understand.  He will comfort us and care for our needs.

El Elyon - God Most High

Designation of God as the sovereign ruler over ALL the universe. He is in control and nothing happens without His permission. When I asked you what sovereign means you said ruler of ALL there is nothing He is not over, in charge of or reigns over. I believe it was Linda who pointed out that the word “reign” is found in the word sovereign!!

So what is God exactly the Most High of …What does he rule over?

• Rulers/Positions of Authority as well as their mental well-being (Daniel 2:20-23; 4: 34-35 & John 19:10-11) Regardless if we do or do not agree with the current leadership (President, Congress, Governor, Mayor, etc) God allows that man/woman to be in that position for some purpose.
• His Plan (Isaiah 14: 24, 27 & Isaiah 46: 9-11)
• Past, Present & Future (Isaiah 46: 9-11)
• Wisdom, Power, Knowledge & Understanding (Daniel 2:20-23)
• His People and their fate; He also rules over the weather (Isaiah 5:5-7)
• Life, Death & Healing (Deuteronomy 32:39 & 1 Samuel 2:6-10)
• Pregnancy (1 Samuel 1:5-6)
• Heaven & Hell; Wealth & Poverty (1 Samuel 2:6-10)
• Light & Darkness, Well-being & Calamity (Isaiah 45:6-7)
• Satan - he must get God’s permission to do anything (Job 1:6-12; 2:1-10)

Is it God’s plan for bad things to happen to people? We serve a God of love and there are things that happen like the death of a child or a diagnosis of cancer that we do not understand and may never understand this side of heaven. Isaiah said it best, our ways are not God’s ways and our thoughts are not God’s thoughts. In Romans 8:28 we are told that “in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose”.

1.  Sometimes that purpose is DISCIPLINE; we are God’s children and He “disciplines us for our good, that we may share in His holiness” (Hebrews 11:10-11).
2. Sometimes that purpose is to DRAW us closer to Him; it is in trials that we develop perseverance and mature in our faith (James 1:1-4).
3. Sometimes that purpose is to DEMONSTRATE who He is to others around us. When we are faced with difficult times and others see how we act, God can be glorified and we are storing treasures in heaven. Let our focus be on eternal things not on what is temporary. (1 Peter 1:6-7)

Hangeth in there beloved!! I pray this morning as I post this message that when you are faced with trials and times of difficulty that you will run into the arms of El Elyon our God Most High who has created you for a purpose. He loves you and always has your best interest in mind. We are also to encourage one another and build each other up (1Thess. 5:11); if there is anyway I can do that for you, please let me know.

In His Love,
Ellen

Elohim – The Creator

Deuteronomy 10:17 designates God as God, “the Lord your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great God mighty and awesome”. The Hebrew “El” means mighty or strong and the “him” indicates a plural noun thus signifying the trinity. We see Elohim first used in Gen. 1:1 “In the beginning God [Elohim] created the heavens and the earth.”

Not only did he create the heavens and the earth but in Psalm 139:13-14 we learned that he created each of us, He knit us together in our mother’s womb. He is the creator of a BABY in the womb (not a fetus or an embryo – it is a BABY) and He has a plan for each baby. As we discussed in both the Wednesday & Friday classes, abortion is killing a baby that God sent to this earth for His glory and His will.

• In the Friday class, Beth shared with us the 40 days of prayer taking place all over TX; for those of you who do not know here in our very city of Houston, Planned Parenthood is building one of the world’s largest abortion clinics. If you would like additional information on the 40 days of prayer, check out their website at http://40daysforlife.com/blog/?p=279 . There is also a devotional to assist with the 40 days of prayer, it can be found at http://40daysforlife.com/docs/fall2009day03print.pdf  (THANKS so much for sharing that Beth. You are right; it is even more meaningful after studying this!!)

Why did Elohim create you…Why did He form your inward parts and weave you in your mother’s womb? There are 2 reasons:

1. To give him Glory – “glory” means to give the correct opinion or estimate of. In other words we should live our live in such a way as to give all of creation a correct opinion or estimate of who God is. This may mean we need to make some changes in the way we live our lives in order that others see on a daily basis who God is through how we live.
2. To fulfill His Will (Rev. 4:11)

Remember when you look in the mirror Elohim created you just as you are and loves you more than you could ever imagine.

In His Love,
Ellen

Why study the names of God?

In our first week we discussed why study the names of God. If someone were to ask you to describe God, what would you say? Is 50:10 tells us to “Trust in the name of the Lord and rely on your God”. In biblical times a name represented a person’s character. God’s name represents His character, His attributes, His nature. To know His name is to know Him.

In times of trouble we should run to our God and put our trust in Him, put our confidence in Him (Psalm 50:15). I wonder why we don’t we turn to Him more often...Why do we hesitate to run into the arms of our all-sufficient God...Why do many collapse in times of trouble and testing; could it be because we don’t really know Him?

If you are struggling with fears, insecurities and troubles, you will soon know more about the character of God from the information obtained from the names of God then ask that He meet your needs. “The people who know their God will display strength and take action”(Dan 11:32).

I found this really great you tube video that beautifully articulates the names of God. I hope you enjoy it… http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T5-6gwssX0Y

In His Love,

Ellen

Introduction of Class Format

I am going to use this Blog to post my notes each week after class and other words of encouragement through out the week. I hope you find it helpful!!

Last week we covered the format of this class which includes homework that are Daily devotions studying the names of God. There is a guide for pronouncing the Hebrew names of God (see page 193)

Once a week we will go over the comments you make and discuss the Small group questions (an example is found on page 7). I encourage you to commit the Memory Verses (example on page 6) to memory, but we will not go around and see who has memorized what.

During our study, we will implement a few [new] Bible study techniques that are unique to Precept Ministries. An overview of some of these can be found on the Inductive study pages beginning on page 199 (over the next week you may want to become familiar with what the book says about key words, marking key words and making lists).

During this study on the names of God you will encounter strength for your worst trials, comfort for your heart’s deepest pain, and provisions for your soul’s greatest need. As you come to know Him more fully - the power of His glorious name and the depth of His infinite love - your walk with God will be transformed and your faith will be increased.

Kay Arthur often says “Hangeth in there Beloved” and I encourage you to do just that. The devil will do all he can to keep you from finishing this study. Do as much as you can strive to complete the work and attend the discussions. I will be praying for you and be praying for each other.

In His Love,
Ellen