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Hoping everyone a very Merry Christmas from the Little 5 Points crew!

The Names of God Series : EL SHADDAI (LORD GOD ALMIGHTY)

Meaning and Derivation: El is another name that is translated as "God" and can be used in conjunction with other words to designate various aspects of God's character. Another word much like Shaddai, and from which many believe it derived, is shad meaning "breast" in Hebrew (some other scholars believe that the name is derived from an Akkadian word Šadu, meaning "mountain," suggesting strength and power). This refers to God completely nourishing, satisfying, and supplying His people with all their needs as a mother would her child. Connected with the word for God, El, this denotes a God who freely gives nourishment and blessing, He is our sustainer. [BlueLetterBible]

And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, the LORD appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I am the Almighty God; walk before me, and be thou perfect.
Genesis 17:1

He is who He is. Over the last few months we have touched on 15 different names of God, this concluding the study with number 16. God is the creator and sustainer of all things, to those who believe in Him and to those that do not. The very breathe that enters and escapes our bodies is all in thanks to Him. God gives freely to all people, from blessings of good jobs, to miracle healings, to making ends meet, to (most importantly) salvation through His Son, Jesus Christ. What He wants in return is a relationship with His creation. He wants us to be His hands and feet, although He does not "need" us to accomplish His plans, yet He desires us to show His loving kindness to the world. Simply put to be like Him. All love, all the time.

In 1982, a couple of years before God had me grace this space, Amy Grant sang the below track, El Shaddai. Have you heard it? What do you think?

How amazing our Creator is, the One true and only God. May we delight in His love, seek to learn His will and carry it out, and may we embrace this world, looking towards Eternity forevermore.    

The Names of God Series : EL ELYON (THE MOST HIGH GOD)

Meaning and Derivation: El is another name that is translated as "God" and can be used in conjunction with other words to designate various aspects of God's character. Elyon literally means "Most High" and is used both adjectivally and substantivally throughout the Old Testament. It expresses the extreme sovereignty and majesty of God and His highest preeminence. When the two words are combined - El Elyon - it can be translated as "the most exalted God."(Psa 57:2) [BlueLetterBible]

And Melchizedek king of Salem brought forth bread and wine: and he was the priest of the most high God.
Genesis 14:18

When I was but a little girl in elementary school ancient Greece simply fascinated me for a season. As I looked at all their gods and goddesses with childlike wonder, I saw them as simply stories, yet amazing characters indeed. Athena was my favorite, a woman who was wise and just. As I have grown, the stories of old have taken on a different meaning to me. My heart is saddened that they did not know of the one true God, in His almighty splender. However, as we read in Acts they had an inkling that there was a Most High out there.

For as I passed along, and observed the objects of your worship, I found also an altar with this inscription, TO AN UNKNOWN GOD. What therefore ye worship in ignorance, this I set forth unto you. The God that made the world and all things therein, he, being Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands; neither is he served by men's hands, as though he needed anything, seeing he himself giveth to all life, and breath, and all things; and he made of one every nation of men to dwell on all the face of the earth, having determined their appointed seasons, and the bounds of their habitation; that they should seek God, if haply they might feel after him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us: for in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain even of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring.
Acts 17:23-28

Of course this downcast sentiment does not extend only to the Greeks, but I find solace in knowing that El Elyon has made himself known to all people. Did you know that even though the Egyptians in a whole where engulfed in polytheism, Akhenaten (husband to Nefertiti) believed there to be only one true God whom he dubbed as Aten? As Plumb so eloquently sings, "There is a God-shaped hole in all of us". Yet it is for the individually to believe or not, to trust and have faith, or to simply dismiss the truth for the guise of lies.

The Name of God Series : ADONAI (LORD, MASTER)

Meaning and Derivation: Adonai is the verbal parallel to Yahweh and Jehovah. Adonai is plural; the singular is adon. In reference to God the plural Adonai is used. When the singular adon is used, it usually refers to a human lord. Adon is used 215 times to refer to men. Occasionally in Scripture and predominantly in the Psalms, the singular adon is used to refer to God as well (cf. Exd 34:23). To avoid contravening the commandment "Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain" (Exd 20:7), sometimes Adonai was used as a substitute for Yahweh (YHWH). Adonai can be translated literally as, "my lords' " (both plural and possessive). [BlueLetterBible]

After this, the word of the LORD came to Abram in a vision: "Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward." But Abram said, "O Sovereign Lord, what can you give me, since I remain childless and the one who will inherit my estate is Eliezer of Damascus?"

Genesis 15:1-2

This word occurs in the Masoretic text 315 times by the side of the Tetragram YHWH (310 times preceding and five times succeeding it) and 134 times without it. Originally an appellation of God, the word became a definite title, and when the Tetragram became too holy for utterance Adonai was substituted for it, so that, as a rule, the name written YHWH receives the points of Adonai and is read Adonai, except in cases where Adonai precedes or succeeds it in the text, when it is read Elohim. The vowel-signs e, o, a, given to the Tetragrammaton in the written text, therefore, indicate this pronunciation, Aedonai, while the form Jehovah, introduced by a Christian writer about 1520, rests on a misunderstanding. The translation of YHWH by the word Lord in the King James's and in other versions is due to the traditional reading of the Tetragrammaton as Adonai, and this can be traced to the oldest translation of the Bible, the Septuagint. About the pronunciation of the Shem ha-Meforash, the "distinctive name" YHWH, there is no authentic information. In the early period of the Second Temple the Name was still in common use, as may be learned from such proper names as Jehohanan, or from liturgical formulas, such as Halelu-Yah. At the beginning of the Hellenistic era, however, the use of the Name was reserved for the Temple. From Sifre to Num. vi. 27, Mishnah Tamid, vii. 2, and Soṭah, vii. 6 it appears that the priests were allowed to pronounce the Name at the benediction only in the Temple; elsewhere they were obliged to use the appellative name (kinnuy) "Adonai." Philo, too, in referring to it says ("Life of Moses," iii. 11): "The four lettersmay be mentioned or heard only by holy men whose ears and tongues are purified by wisdom, and by no other in any place whatsoever." According to Josephus ("Ant." ii. 12, § 4):

"Moses besought God to impart to him the knowledge of His name and its pronunciation so that he might be able to invoke Him by name at the sacred acts, whereupon God communicated His name, hitherto unknown to any man; and it would be a sin for me to mention it."

Pronunciation of the Name by the Temple priests also gradually fell into disuse. Tosef., Soṭah, xiii. 8, quoted Menaḥot, 109b, and Yoma, 39b, relates that "from the time Simon the Just died [this is the traditional expression for the beginning of the Hellenistic period], the priests refrained from blessing the people with the Name"—in other words, they pronounced it indistinctly, or they mouthed or mumbled it. Thus says Tosef., Ber. vi. 23: Formerly they used to greet each other with the Ineffable Name; when the time of the decline of the study of the Law came, the elders mumbled the Name. Subsequently also the solemn utterance of the Name by the high priest on the Day of Atonement, that ought to have been heard by the priests and the people, according to the Mishnah Yoma, vi. 2, became inaudible or indistinct. [JewishEncyclopedia]

In addition to the more defined study above, I recommend checking out this CBN devotional, as well as one of the many other verses that denotes this Name of God. 

The Names of God Series : ELOHIM (GOD)

Meaning and Derivation: Elohim is translated as "God." The derivation of the name Elohim is debatable to most scholars. Some believe it derived from 'êl which, in turn, originates from the root word, 'wl (which means "strong"). Others think that Elohim is derived from another two roots: 'lh (which means "god") in conjunction with 'elôah (which means "fear"). And still others presume that both 'êl and Elohim come from 'eloah. [BlueLetterBible]

In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.
Genesis 1:1

Never have I ever claimed to be a Hebrew scholar, I more-so write with the intent to bring hope to those with stories or snippets from my own walk. As such, for this name of God, I do so welcomely direct you to Blue Letter Bible , Hebrew 4 Christians, Abarim Publications or Let Us Reason for deeper study.

With only three names to go, I hope that you have enjoyed learning more about these monikers for the Creator, as much as I. 

The Names of God Series : YAHWEH (LORD, JEHOVAH)

Meaning and Derivation: Yahweh is the promised name of God. This name of God which (by Jewish tradition) is too holy to voice, is actually spelled "YHWH" without vowels. YHWH is referred to as the Tetragrammaton (which simply means "the four letters"). YHWH comes from the Hebrew letters: Yud, Hay, Vav, Hay. While YHWH is first used in Genesis 2, God did not reveal Himself as YHWH until Exodus 3. The modern spelling as "Yahweh" includes vowels to assist in pronunciation. Many pronounce YHWH as "Yahweh" or "Jehovah." We no longer know for certain the exact pronunciation. During the third century A.D., the Jewish people stopped saying this name in fear of contravening the commandment "Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain" (Exd 20:7). As a result of this, Adonai is occasionally a substitute for YHWH. The following compound names which start with "YHWH" have been shown using "Jehovah." This is due to the common usage of "Jehovah" in the English of these compound names in the early English translations of the Bible (e.g., the Geneva Bible, the King James Version, etc.). [BlueLetterBible]

These are the generations of the heavens and of the earth when they were created, in the day that the Lord God [Yahweh] made the earth and the heavens, And every plant of the field before it was in the earth, and every herb of the field before it grew: for the Lord God had not caused it to rain upon the earth, and there was not a man to till the ground.Genesis 2:4-5

Yahweh is used over 6,500 times in the Bible, and admittedly it is one of my favorite names for God. To me Yahweh evokes a loving, kind - regal, yet friendly and comforting feeling when I speak it. As such, to commemorate this particular name of God I invite you to say it, or rather sing it with me. 

The Names of God Series: EL OLAM (THE EVERLASTING GOD)

Meaning and Derivation: El is another name that is translated as "God" and can be used in conjunction with other words to designate various aspects of God's character. Olam derives from the root word 'lm (which means "eternity"). Olam literally means "forever," "eternity," or "everlasting". When the two words are combined - El Olam - it can be translated as "The Eternal God." [BlueLetterBible]

And Abraham planted a grove in Beersheba, and called there on the name of the LORD, the everlasting God.

Genesis 21:33

But the LORD is the true God, he is the living God, and an everlasting king: at his wrath the earth shall tremble, and the nations shall not be able to abide his indignation.

Jeremiah 10:10

Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord God is an everlasting rock. For he has humbled the inhabitants of the height, the lofty city. He lays it low, lays it low to the ground, casts it to the dust. The foot tramples it, the feet of the poor, the steps of the needy.

Isaiah 26:4-6

As defined:

Forever - Through eternity; through endless ages, eternally. At all times; always.

Eternity - Infinite duration, without beginning in the past or end in the future; also, duration without end in the future; endless time.

Everlasting - "Everlasting," in strictness, is that which endures forever; either that which has no beginning and will have no end (in which sense it is applicable to God only), or that which, having a beginning, will have no end, but henceforth will exist forever (thus of beings created for immortality.

God was, is, and will forever be. It is as simple as that. God is the life-force in everything. If He was not, we would be not. All About God has a nice writing on our Everlasting God (loaded with scripture), and I urge you to take a gander.

To be a follower of Christ takes faith, to believe in the unseen, to trust in the unknown, but it is so very worth it. Will suddenly your life become problem free? No, but despite your troubles you will have a peace, and calmness that is only provided by the Spirit of God. You will have the assurance knowing that when your time on this globe is done, you will live out eternity with the Creator of it all, and His Son who came to save you. It is promised to believers, then at this time there will be no more sorrow, no more pain (Revelations).

If you are reading this and have doubts of God, I hope that your eyes may be open to the Truth. May someone be brought into your life to encourage you in the faith, and to answer any questions you have, or that you are prompted to seek them out using the Google machine (scripture search).

We give thanks to you God for all that you have done, are doing, and will do. Yours be the glory forever. In the name of your son, Jesus.

The Names of God Series : JEHOVAH TSIDKENU (THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS)

Meaning and Derivation: Jehovah is translated as "The Existing One" or "Lord." The chief meaning of Jehovah is derived from the Hebrew word Havah meaning "to be" or "to exist." It also suggests "to become" or specifically "to become known" - this denotes a God who reveals Himself unceasingly. Tsedek (tseh'-dek), from which Tsidkenu derived, means "to be stiff," "to be straight," or "righteous" in Hebrew. When the two words are combined - Jehovah Tsidkenu - it can be translated as "The Lord Who is our Righteousness." [BlueLetterBible]

In his days Judah shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell safely: and this is his name whereby he shall be called, THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS.
Jeremiah 23:6

In those days shall Judah be saved, and Jerusalem shall dwell safely: and this is the name wherewith she shall be called, The LORD our righteousness.
Jeremiah 33:16

If you have a moment or ten to read, I suggest checking out this sermon from Charles Surgeon from 1851 in reference to this specific name of God.

The below was taken from Brandon Web.

When Jeremiah spoke this prophecy (Jeremiah 23:5-6), the kingdom of Judah was about to fall. The land of Judah was full of idolatry, oppression, violence, and political revolution. The Northern kingdom of Israel had gone into captivity 100 years before and Judah seemingly learned nothing from God's judgment upon them. It was under these conditions God gave this prophecy of Jehovah-Tsidkenu.

I. The Meaning Of The Word "Tsidkenu"

A. The word "Tsidkenu" is derived from "Tsedek" and means "righteousness."

B. "Tsedek" is translated hundreds of times as: right, righteous, righteousness, just, justify, declare innocent.

C. A simple definition of righteousness is 'doing that which is right'.

D. This name speaks of the fact that God will always do that which is right…because He is righteous!

(Exodus 9:27) And Pharaoh sent, and called for Moses and Aaron, and said unto them, I have sinned this time: the LORD is righteous, and I and my people are wicked.

(Psalms 129:4) The LORD is righteous: he hath cut asunder the cords of the wicked.

II. Jehovah is the Source of Righteousness

A. Jehovah is Himself perfect righteousness. (Deuteronomy 32:4) He is the Rock, his work is perfect: for all his ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is he.

(Isaiah 45:21) Tell ye, and bring them near; yea, let them take counsel together: who hath declared this from ancient time? who hath told it from that time? have not I the LORD? and there is no God else beside me; a just God and a Saviour; there is none beside me.

B. Man has no righteousness

(Romans 3:10) As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:

(Isaiah 64:6) But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.

C. The Bible makes it clear that righteousness is impossible to be attained by man alone.

(Psalms 51:5) Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me.

(Job 25:4) How then can man be justified with God? or how can he be clean that is born of a woman?

D. Since we are unrighteous, we need pardon from God.

(Isaiah 61:10) I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels.

III. Jesus Is Our Jehovah-Tsidkenu

A. Jesus is Himself the Righteous One.

(Hebrews 1:8-9) But unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of thy kingdom. Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; therefore God, even thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows.

B. Jesus is made righteousness to us.

(1 Corinthians 1:30) But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:

(2 Corinthians 5:21) For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

C. What we could not do Jesus the perfectly righteous one did for us.

(Romans 10:4) For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth.

(Romans 5:19) For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.

D. Man tries to establish his own righteousness which cannot be done.

(Romans 10:3) For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God.

E. Our new man is created by Jehovah-Jesus in righteousness.

(Ephesians 4:24) And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.

(Romans 3:26) To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.

What a wonderful name that God has used to describe Himself tonight. He is Jehovah-Tsidkenu. The Righteous God who has provided for our acceptance before Himself through the cleansing of the blood of the Lamb. He wraps us in His righteousness through Jesus Christ the Righteous One!

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The Names of God Series : El Qanna [Jealous, Zealous]

Meaning and Derivation: Qanna is translated as "jealous," "zealous," or "envy." The fundamental meaning relates to a marriage relationship. God is depicted as Israel's husband; He is a jealous God, wanting all our praise for Himself and no one else. [BlueLetterBible]

Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me.
Exodus 20:5

Back in the day when I was a young little lady I had a serious jealousy problem when it came the most important person to me on this globe to me. My momma. She, being super loving, kind, and overall awesome welcomed my friends with open arms. Without fail, every day after school we would bounce off of the school bus to find a warm embrace and homemade treats waiting for us. Under most circumstances her affection towards other children did not bother me (as I now know she was doing an amazing job of showing  Christ's love), but on a few occasions it did. One she and I both now laugh about now, was when she invited a friend of mine to go to the mall with us. For whatever reason I wanted this to be just a mom and I outing, and lost it. So my mom did what was appropriate, left me at home wiping my nose to be watched by my diddy while she and Sabrina went out and shopped til they dropped. 

  

While the jealousness that I portrayed came from a human, mildly selfish state of mind, how much more so can the One who created us care for our attention when all of His being is rooted in goodness and love? He wants, He desires, He hopes that we (His creation) will choose Him, worship Him, commune with Him. He has all the right to be known as El Qanna. He is the reason we exist, He is the reason we breathe, He is the reason those who accept His son as savior will be reunited with Him.  

Do not worship any other god, for the LORD, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God.
Exodus 34:14

For the LORD thy God is a consuming fire, even a jealous God.
Deuteronomy 4:24

Thou shalt not bow down thyself unto them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me.
Deuteronomy 5:9

(For the LORD thy God is a jealous God among you) lest the anger of the LORD thy God be kindled against thee, and destroy thee from off the face of the earth.
Deuteronomy 6:15

Want to read more on El Qanna take a gander of a blog by Tiffany Ann Lewis and/or Jared Williams. 

The Names Of God Series : JEHOVAH SHALOM (THE LORD IS PEACE)

Meaning and Derivation: Meaning and Derivation: Jehovah is translated as "The Existing One" or "Lord." The chief meaning of Jehovah is derived from the Hebrew word Havah meaning "to be" or "to exist." It also suggests "to become" or specifically "to become known" - this denotes a God who reveals Himself unceasingly. Shalom is a derivative of shâlêm (which means "be complete" or "sound") Shalom is translated as "peace" or "absence from strife." Jehovah-Shalom is the name of an altar built by Gideon in Ophrah. [From BlueLetterBible]

Then Gideon built an altar there unto the LORD, and called it Jehovahshalom: unto this day it is yet in Ophrah of the Abiezrites.

Judges 6:24

I find it interesting that though Jehovah Shalom is used only once in the bible, the word peace is noted over 400 times in the Bible. It's main use is stating how God is the ultimate source for peace, He provides it freely and it is beyond all of that which the world can offer.

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
John 14:27

I have had many a conversation with people who have suffered/are suffering with depression, and although I have no "scientific proof"  other than the course of their lives (or unfortunate lack thereof) the ones that are better overall are the ones who turn to God when contrary thoughts enter their mind. They are the ones who seek His peace in the midst of clouded thoughts that they would be "better off dead" and cling to the truth that they have a purpose greater than what some echo is resonating through their  cerebrum. A wise note that I have taken from one of these children of God is to immerse myself in scripture for whatever is disturbing my peace at the moment. Anyone who follows me on Pinterest can attest that from time to time there will be an onslaught of verses all pertaining to a particular topic, whether it being kind to people who mistreat you (aka loving your enemies), loneliness, seeking God, trusting God, heartache, etc.

All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.
2 Timothy 3:16-17

Use it peoples! Let us know just sit and wallow, but rather read it + trust it + claim it + live it + share it!

"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."
John 16:33

Grace and peace be yours in abundance through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.
2 Peter 1:2

The Names of God Series : JEHOVAH SABAOTH (THE LORD OF HOSTS)

Meaning and Derivation: Jehovah is translated as "The Existing One" or "Lord." The chief meaning of Jehovah is derived from the Hebrew word Havah meaning "to be" or "to exist." It also suggests "to become" or specifically "to become known" - this denotes a God who reveals Himself unceasingly. Sabaoth (se bâ'ôt) means "armies" or "hosts." Jehovah Sabaoth can be translated as "The Lord of Armies" (1Sa 1:3). This name denotes His universal sovereignty over every army, both spiritual and earthly. The Lord of Hosts is the king of all heaven and earth. [BlueLetterBible]

And this man went up out of his city yearly to worship and to sacrifice unto the LORD of hosts in Shiloh. And the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, the priests of the LORD, were there.

1 Samuel 1:3

The count differs on how many times this phrase is used in the Bible (Lord of Hosts), somewhere between 260 - 290 (the most used name of God). Thus, make no mistake about it, that it is a message that the Creator wanted to convey to us all.

As with a previous blurb, upon my research I came upon a nice writing from Do Not Depart by Stephanie Shott: 

In 1 Samuel 17:45, we find just prior to pegging Goliath with a pebble, David boldly proclaimed,“You come to me with a sword and with a spear and with a javelin, but I come to you in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied.”

And in 2 Samuel 5:10, we find - “And David became greater and greater, for the LORD, the God of hosts, was with him.”

§  In Psalm 24:10, The LORD of Hosts is the King of glory and in Psalm 46:7 He is our Fortress.

§  In Psalm 59:5, He is called upon to vindicate His people.

§  In Isaiah 51:15 we see He controls the sea and the waves.

§  In Isaiah 54:5 He is our husband and in Zechariah 4:6, He declares that He alone wins our battles when He tells Zerubbabel, “Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the LORD of hosts.”

§  And in Isaiah’s life-altering, mouth-shutting vision of the Lord, he heard the Seraphim speaking to one another, crying out, “Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory!” (Isaiah 6:3)

Throughout Scripture we find this LORD of Hosts as our ever present defender, the Sovereign and Holy God over all the universe who sees us, loves us and moves mountains on our behalf. He fights our battles, wins our wars and is the refuge we can run to in time of need. He is Jehovah-Sabaoth!

There is nothing He cannot do, nothing He does not know, nothing He cannot control, no enemy He cannot defeat, no heart He can not heal, no mouth He can not shut, no miracle He cannot perform. And how beautiful to know He longs to work in our lives and on our behalf as the LORD of Hosts!

Amen!

Thanks be to the Father, Spirit and Son for never leaving us nor forsaking us. Thanks be to the Father, Spirit, and Son for protection from outside forces, as well as protection from ourselves. Thanks be to the Father, Spirit and Son for grace and forgiveness that abounds. May we mimic that as we deal with others. In Jesus name. 

The Names of God Series: JEHOVAH-RAAH (THE LORD MY SHEPHERD)

Meaning and Derivation: Jehovah is translated as "The Existing One" or "Lord." The chief meaning of Jehovah is derived from the Hebrew word Havah meaning "to be" or "to exist." It also suggests "to become" or specifically "to become known" - this denotes a God who reveals Himself unceasingly. Rô'eh from which Raah derived, means "shepherd" in Hebrew. A shepherd is one who feeds or leads his flock to pasture (Eze 34:11-15). An extend translation of this word, rea', is "friend" or "companion." This indicates the intimacy God desires between Himself and His people. When the two words are combined - Jehovah Raah - it can be translated as "The Lord my Friend." [From BlueLetterBible]

“‘For this is what the Sovereign Lord says: I myself will search for my sheep and look after them. As a shepherd looks after his scattered flock when he is with them, so will I look after my sheep. I will rescue them from all the places where they were scattered on a day of clouds and darkness. I will bring them out from the nations and gather them from the countries, and I will bring them into their own land. I will pasture them on the mountains of Israel, in the ravines and in all the settlements in the land. I will tend them in a good pasture, and the mountain heights of Israel will be their grazing land. There they will lie down in good grazing land, and there they will feed in a rich pasture on the mountains of Israel. I myself will tend my sheep and have them lie down, declares the Sovereign Lord.

Ezekiel 34:11-15

The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.

Psalm 23:1

But his bow abode in strength, and the arms of his hands were made strong by the hands of the mighty God of Jacob; (from thence is the shepherd, the stone of Israel:) Even by the God of thy father, who shall help thee; and by the Almighty, who shall bless thee with blessings of heaven above, blessings of the deep that lieth under, blessings of the breasts, and of the womb: The blessings of thy father have prevailed above the blessings of my progenitors unto the utmost bound of the everlasting hills: they shall be on the head of Joseph, and on the crown of the head of him that was separate from his brethren.

Genesis 49:24-26

Hear us, Shepherd of Israel, you who lead Joseph like a flock. You who sit enthroned between the cherubim, shine forth before Ephraim, Benjamin and Manasseh. Awaken your might; come and save us.

Psalm 80:1-2

The verses above remind me of the classic hymn, "What A Friend We Have In Jesus", and I am so grateful I can call Him Redeemer, King, and Friend. As the previous devotions/blogs have mentioned though we are, were, and continue to be sinful (we are born of sin - this world is sinful), the Father, Son, and Spirit seek us to be transformed through an intimate communion, through grace and forgiveness found through Jesus Christ alone.  

God desires to walk with us, to lead us, as we go through-out this space. When we allow Him to navigate our lives it is like the animals who get herded by a sheep, like the sheep who gets led by a Shepherd. The Creator of all things knows all, He formed all, and is aware of past, present, and future, what better One to direct your steps?

Yes God does know all things, but yet and still He desires to hear it from you. This is one of the things I am still working on, speaking out loud to God about my praises, prayers, daily happenings, and personal reflections. However, when I do so, I can say there is a difference in my spirit. Talking aloud just makes it more real, albeit your neighbor may think you are bonkers their opinion really won't matter come the day of Judgment. Plus, when you vocalize your side of the conversation it makes it all-the-more easier (in my opinion) to drown out any distracting thoughts that many are plagued with when they try to focus in silence. Not to mention, when you are open to communicating (in all ways) it makes the being led part a bit more smoother. 

How thankful we are to have you dear God, in form of Father, Son, and Spirit. We thank you for creating us, we thank you for giving us our friends, and family. May we seek to know Your will more, may we seek to share Your love with others. May we go the extra distance to spread the message of salvation, may we have compassion for others. May Your desires, turn into our desires, and may seek a closer relationship with You each and every day. In the name of Jesus. 

The Names of God Series : Jehovah Mekoddishkem (The Lord That Sanctifies You)

Meaning and Derivation: Jehovah is translated as "The Existing One" or "Lord." The chief meaning of Jehovah is derived from the Hebrew word Havah meaning "to be" or "to exist." It also suggests "to become" or specifically "to become known" - this denotes a God who reveals Himself unceasingly. Mekoddishkem derives from the Hebrew word qâdash meaning "sanctify," "holy," or "dedicate." Sanctification is the separation of an object or person to the dedication of the Holy. When the two words are combined - Jehovah Mekoddishkem - it can be translated as "The Lord who sets you apart." [From BlueLetterBible]

Speak thou also unto the children of Israel, saying, Verily my sabbaths ye shall keep: for it is a sign between me and you throughout your generations; that ye may know that I am the LORD that doth sanctify you.
Exodus 31:13

And ye shall keep my statutes, and do them: I am the LORD which sanctify you.
Leviticus 20:8

There are many things I could write about this name of God, however the Word of God does it so much better. It is the thing that I am most grateful for: sanctification aka salvation through Jesus Christ.  Some of the definitions of sanctification are : to set apart as or declare holy; consecrate - free from sin; purify. Just as the believers in the old testament were made holy through God from their animal sacrifices; we (all of mankind, past - present and future) have been made holy through God from the sacrifice of His Son, Jesus, should we chose to accept it as such

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As it is written:

This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference between Jew and Gentile, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement, through the shedding of his blood—to be received by faith. He did this to demonstrate his righteousness, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished—he did it to demonstrate his righteousness at the present time, so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus.
Romans 3:23-26

For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.
Mark 10:45

Jesus told him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.
John 14:6

For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive in the Spirit.
1 Peter 3:18

Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us. You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through him! For if, while we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life! Not only is this so, but we also boast in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.
Romans 5:1-11

We give thanks to You God for salvation offered freely through Your Son, Jesus Christ, as You knew there would not be enough animals to cover the rebellion of all the generations. We give thanks to You Savior, for abiding by the will of the Father and suffering a horrific death on a cross for mankind, although You could have called down legions of angels at any time, and I would probably not be here to type this now. We give thanks to You Spirit, for leading and guiding us, for directing our path with quiet utterances or sometimes loud booms (if necessary). We rejoice in the fact that the world we see is not all that is left, that one day we (those who believe) will rejoice together, evermore living out in peace and harmony. In the name of the Perfect One, Jesus Christ. 

The Names of God Series | JEHOVAH SHAMMAH (THE LORD IS THERE)

Meaning and Derivation: Jehovah is translated as "The Existing One" or "Lord." The chief meaning of Jehovah is derived from the Hebrew word Havah meaning "to be" or "to exist." It also suggests "to become" or specifically "to become known" - this denotes a God who reveals Himself unceasingly. Shammah is derived from the Hebrew word sham, which can be translated as "there." Jehovah Shammah is a symbolic name for the earthly Jerusalem. The name indicates that God has not abandoned Jerusalem, leaving it in ruins, but that there will be a restoration. [from BlueLetterBible]

It was round about eighteen thousand measures: and the name of the city from that day shall be, Jehovah Shammah [The LORD is there].

Ezekiel 48:35

As doing study for the this particular Name of God I came across this lovely devotional, and would like to share it with you all in replacement of one that I would write on my own. Leah Adams shared the below on CBN in 2011, and I invite you to visit her blog for more about her, and her ministry.  

Jehovah-shammah

By Leah Adams

Although I love the nation of Israel and the city of Jerusalem in particular, this name of God speaks to me in a very unique way. First let’s examine the meaning of this name and then seek to apply it to our lives.

Jehovah-shammah is a name for God that is symbolic of Jerusalem. We find this name for God used in Ezekiel 48:35 (NLT): “The distance around the entire city will be 6 miles. And from that day the name of the city will be ‘The Lord is There.’”

At the height of the idolatry of God’s chosen people, God withdrew His presence not only from the temple, but even from the city of Jerusalem. Such was his anger and displeasure over the repeated rebellion of the Israelites that He said, in effect, “I’ve had it. I’m out of here.”

When God’s presence departed the temple, it signaled to the Israelites and all who dwelt around them that God had removed His hand of protection from them. They would ultimately be scattered to the four corners of the earth and taken captive by surrounding nations.

God did not completely wash His hands of the Israelites, however. His love and mercy were always with them, continually drawing them back to Himself. Through the prophet Ezekiel, God promised a restoration of the nation and a return of His presence to Jerusalem. In that day the city would be called Jehovah-shammah. That very prophecy came true when the exiles returned to Jerusalem and rebuilt the walls. God’s presence returned to the temple in the form of a tiny baby brought to the temple to be offered back to God by his parents, Joseph and Mary.

Let’s think about how this name, Jehovah-shammah, applies to us. So often you and I live our lives looking ahead to some event, some time in our lives, some potential disaster, some looming date. We may wonder what that date will bring to our lives or how we will survive it. Perhaps it is a doctor’s appointment or a court date or your child leaving home or your mate passing away. It could be a new job, a divorce or moving from a place that you have called home for many years. Whatever this future event is, it causes you to have a knot in the pit of your stomach every time you think about it. Be it real or imagined, this future occurrence causes you huge amounts of stress, angst and worry.

Jehovah-shammah. THE LORD IS THERE!! Our God is already in your tomorrow. He already knows what your future looks like and He has complete control over it. We are told in Jeremiah 29:11 (NLT) that Jehovah-shammah says, “For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope”. THE LORD IS THERE!! You cannot be in your future now, but He can. You can’t control the future events of your life, but He can. Jehovah-shammah will walk with you into whatever tomorrow holds because of His great love for you. God is THERE in your tomorrow and in my tomorrow. He simply desires that we trust His heart.

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The Names of God Series | JEHOVAH NISSI (THE LORD MY BANNER)

Meaning and Derivation: Jehovah is translated as "The Existing One" or "Lord." The chief meaning of Jehovah is derived from the Hebrew word Havah meaning "to be" or "to exist." It also suggests "to become" or specifically "to become known" - this denotes a God who reveals Himself unceasingly. Nes (nês), from which Nissi derived, means "banner" in Hebrew. In Exd 17:15, Moses, recognizing that the Lord was Israel's banner under which they defeated the Amalekites, builds an altar named Jehovah-Nissi (the Lord our Banner). Nes is sometimes translated as a pole with an insignia attached. In battle opposing nations would fly their own flag on a pole at each of their respective front lines. This was to give their soldiers a feeling of hope and a focal point. This is what God is to us: a banner of encouragement to give us hope and a focal point. [From BlueLetterBible]

And Moses built an altar and called its name, Jehovah Nissi [The-Lord-Is-My-Banner]; for he said, “Because the Lord has sworn: the Lord will have war with Amalek from generation to generation.”

Exodus 17:15-16

Jehovah Nissi is most commonly translated into "the Lord is my banner". Although through-out the years it has also taken on "the Lord they miracle", "the Lord my refuge" and "the Lord my Exaltation". All which really do speak to how God is our protector, hiding place, and shelter even when there seems to be no hope. He is our Commander and Chief, in Him alone should we place our ultimate trust. By God's grace we have victory over sin, through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

What was the specific reason though that Moses designated this name for God in the place an time?

Now Amalek came and fought with Israel in Rephidim. And Moses said to Joshua, “Choose us some men and go out, fight with Amalek. Tomorrow I will stand on the top of the hill with the rod of God in my hand.” So Joshua did as Moses said to him, and fought with Amalek. And Moses, Aaron, and Hur went up to the top of the hill. And so it was, when Moses held up his hand, that Israel prevailed; and when he let down his hand, Amalek prevailed. But Moses’ hands became heavy; so they took a stone and put it under him, and he sat on it. And Aaron and Hur supported his hands, one on one side, and the other on the other side; and his hands were steady until the going down of the sun. So Joshua defeated Amalek and his people with the edge of the sword. Then the Lord said to Moses, “Write this for a memorial in the book and recount it in the hearing of Joshua, that I will utterly blot out the remembrance of Amalek from under heaven.”

Exodus 17:8-14

How amazing! If you have had a chance to read, 31 Rays of Hope, you know that I am intrigued by the blatant "acts of God" in the Old Testament. Albeit I am learning more and more every day we have those same miracles - we just don't recognize them as such. Though thankfully we do not have to sacrifice animals in atonement for our sins as days of old, as Jesus Christ paid the debt that we could not pay.

May we give thanks for God for His loving-kindness, for never leaving us, whether we are on the mountain tops or low in the valley. For giving us victory over this world. For giving us a way into His to spend eternity with Him and the Savior, if we only believe. May we pray for those who are persecuted for His name sake. May we call upon forgiveness, and may the Spirit abound in us, as we shine our light to everyone we meet. In Jesus name.   

   

The Names Of God Series | JEHOVAH JIREH (THE LORD WILL PROVIDE)

Jehovah is translated as "The Existing One" or "Lord." The chief meaning of Jehovah is derived from the Hebrew word Havah meaning "to be" or "to exist." It also suggests "to become" or specifically "to become known" - this denotes a God who reveals Himself unceasingly. Jehovah-Jireh is a symbolic name given to Mount Moriah by Abraham to memorialize the intercession of God in the sacrifice of Isaac by providing a substitute for the imminent sacrifice of his son. [from BlueLetterBible]

And Abraham called the name of that place Jehovahjireh: as it is said to this day, In the mount of the LORD it shall be seen.
Genesis 22:14

God provided a ram to be used in replacement of his long awaited  son, Isaac. God provided Jesus, as the ultimate atoning sacrifice. God provides us with life, the very breath that we inhale and exhale comes from Him. God provides us with everything.

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.
Psalm 23

Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?
Matthew 6:26

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.
James 1:17

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
John 3:16

Thanks be to God whom provides for His creation, both those that acknowledge Him and those that do not. We give thanks for Your loving-kindness which transcends beyond human comprehension, and pierces the innermost parts. May we seek to know You more dear God, and mimic that same love, compassion, kindness, and grace to those that we met. In the name of the precious one, by whom alone we are saved, Jesus Christ. ✝

The Names of God Series | JEHOVAH RAPHA (THE LORD WHO HEALS)

Jehovah is translated as "The Existing One" or "Lord." The chief meaning of Jehovah is derived from the Hebrew word Havah meaning "to be" or "to exist." It also suggests "to become" or specifically "to become known" - this denotes a God who reveals Himself unceasingly. Rapha (râpâ') means "to restore", "to heal" or "to make healthful" in Hebrew. When the two words are combined - Jehovah Rapha - it can be translated as "Jehovah Who Heals." [from BlueLetterBible]

And said, If thou wilt diligently hearken to the voice of the Lord thy God, and wilt do that which is right in his sight, and wilt give ear to his commandments, and keep all his statutes, I will put none of these diseases upon thee, which I have brought upon the Egyptians: for I am the Lord that healeth thee.
Exodus 15:26

"I know He can heal me, He has done it time and time again. God is glorified through my sickness and through my healing."

This is something I have heard time and time again from a person whom is near and dear to my heart, my momma. From heart issues to cancer to a brain tumor to strokes, the woman has a vast majority of medical issues, handing each one over to God time and time again. When she was only 20 a doctor told her that she would never live to see 30, when she was 41 doctors said she would not make it the rest of the year, in August of this year she turned 69 and stands by what she told them all along, "My God does not care what doctors think". We stand in faith and hope that one day, though we know in the next she will be free of sickness, a time will come in this life which she will as well.

Praise the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits-- who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.
Psalm 103:2-5

But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.
Isaiah 53:5

He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds.
Psalm 147:3

Whether it be physical or emotional or the healing of our lives from sin to forgiveness, Jehovah Rapha is there for you, you need only ask. True, as the Kutless song (Even If) makes mention to sometimes healing doesn't come, people do die from sickness. Does that mean that God is not there? No. Does it mean that God does not care? No. There is just a much larger plan that we are all a part of. We are promised that if we choose salvation through Jesus Christ in this life, then in the next there will be no more pain [Rev 21:4], and God always keeps His promises!