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