In our last installment we began looking at the name Jehovah, the most sacred name for God in the Scriptures. This is the name of our eternal, self-existent God. This is the name of "I AM WHO I AM". As we move forward, we will begin to see how this name is often combined with other names to tell us something about the character of God. You may be more familiar with some of these names (Jehovah-Jireh, our Provider, for example) and less familiar with others (Jehovah-Mekoddishkem, for example). We'll be looking at several of these names over the next couple of weeks.
But before we do that, let's take a pause and catch our breath. Let's pause and reflect back on what we have learned and what it means to us in a personal, practical sense. If it is true (and it is!) that Jehovah is eternal, self-existent, the same yesterday, today and forever, then what does that mean to you? In other words, how is your life impacted today - in whatever your circumstances may be - by that truth. How is that name your strong tower?
Think about that today. Ponder that truth, reflect on it, meditate on it......Jehovah is your strong tower! And before we look forward, let's look back. We saw the name of the Lord as Elohim, our Creator. A careful examination of the Scripture will show that the name Elohim is often combined with Jehovah. Jehovah Elohim created the heavens and the earth. How does that knowledge affect you today? How does it impact your world view? We learned that El Elyon is God Most High, the Sovereign Ruler of the universe. El Elyon is Jehovah! Jehovah is El Elyon! What impact does that have on your thinking (or your feelings!!) as you deal with life today?
There's your challenge for today......think back over everything we've learned as we have studied these names of God. Review the Scriptures we have looked at previously. Remember that this is not just an "academic exercise". Our goal is to dig deeper into the Scriptures in order to go deeper in our relationship with the Author. We have learned from Scripture that "the name of the Lord is a strong tower." Spend some time today, and perhaps over the next several days, reflecting on that truth and applying all you have learned. Remember that application is not always "doing" something......sometimes it means changing the way we think and lining our thought processes up with the plumb line of Scripture.
These posts may be a bit sporadic over the next couple of weeks as I will be traveling and spending some time with my grandson. I'll post as often as I can. That may give you time to catch up if you've gotten a little behind, or if you just found us recently. Hopefully it will give you plenty of time to reflect on what we have learned and how it can make a difference in your life! Thanks so much for joining me on this journey! How I pray that God is blessing you as a result! And how I pray that as we get to know Him better, we are more and more reflecting His character!
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Monday, July 19, 2010
Knowing Him By Name
As we begin our week together, let's begin it in the book of Exodus. Turn to Exodus chapter 3 to learn what God said to Moses. Especially look at verses 13-15. What did God say to Moses about what His name is?
We're beginning today to examine the name Jehovah. This is the most frequently used name for God in the Bible, used more than 6800 times! Some scholars refer to it as the proper name for God. Other names refer to His character or His activity. This name refers to who He is!
"The name Jehovah is derived from havah, which means "to be, to become". Therefore, Jehovah speaks to God's being or essence." (Kay Arthur, Lord, I Want to Know You). In other words, we might say that Jehovah is the self-existent One. As He said to Moses, He is "I AM WHO I AM". He is the eternal I AM. He is the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. He is Jehovah, the covenant-keeping, eternal, self-existent God.
Throughout history, this has been regarded as the most holy, most glorious name of God, so holy that many would not even pronounce it. This is the most sacred name of God, the name that we often render as Yahweh or YHWH. It refers to the self-existent God who has always been and always will be. The eternal, self-existent One who spoke and brought the worlds into existent. The One who has no beginning and will have no end.
He is the eternal I AM.
He is the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.
He is the same yesterday, today, and forever.
He is the One who revealed Himself and made a covenant with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.
He is the One who keeps His covenant.
He will always be who He is.
He will always do what He has said He will do.
He has always been.
He will always be.
Do you know Him by name?
We're beginning today to examine the name Jehovah. This is the most frequently used name for God in the Bible, used more than 6800 times! Some scholars refer to it as the proper name for God. Other names refer to His character or His activity. This name refers to who He is!
"The name Jehovah is derived from havah, which means "to be, to become". Therefore, Jehovah speaks to God's being or essence." (Kay Arthur, Lord, I Want to Know You). In other words, we might say that Jehovah is the self-existent One. As He said to Moses, He is "I AM WHO I AM". He is the eternal I AM. He is the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. He is Jehovah, the covenant-keeping, eternal, self-existent God.
Throughout history, this has been regarded as the most holy, most glorious name of God, so holy that many would not even pronounce it. This is the most sacred name of God, the name that we often render as Yahweh or YHWH. It refers to the self-existent God who has always been and always will be. The eternal, self-existent One who spoke and brought the worlds into existent. The One who has no beginning and will have no end.
He is the eternal I AM.
He is the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.
He is the same yesterday, today, and forever.
He is the One who revealed Himself and made a covenant with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.
He is the One who keeps His covenant.
He will always be who He is.
He will always do what He has said He will do.
He has always been.
He will always be.
Do you know Him by name?
Friday, July 16, 2010
Are You Holding Anything Back?
Today we are going to focus our attention on applying what we have learned. We have learned that the name of the Lord is a strong tower. This His name is Elohim (Creator), El Elyon (God Most High), El Roi (the God who sees), and El Shaddai (God Almighty, the All-Sufficient One). This week we have learned that His name is also Adonai, Lord and Master.
This is a challenging name. It is a name that denotes a relationship. It is a name that indicates that I am not in charge; rather, I am the servant and He is the Master. It is a name that challenges us to live in a way that demonstrates His lordship. It challenges us to declare Him "Lord" not only with our lips but also with our lives.
How do we live this out? Let's see what the Scripture has to say. Read the following Scriptures and note what you learn from each about your Adonai and what your relationship to Him is to be. What do you learn about how to apply what you have learned? How does what you learn in these passages help you know how to live out what you have learned about Adonai? What does it mean to know Him as Adonai, to run into the strong tower of that name?
Here's the bottom line - who is master of your life? Is there any area you are holding back? Talk to your Adonai about that today.
This is a challenging name. It is a name that denotes a relationship. It is a name that indicates that I am not in charge; rather, I am the servant and He is the Master. It is a name that challenges us to live in a way that demonstrates His lordship. It challenges us to declare Him "Lord" not only with our lips but also with our lives.
How do we live this out? Let's see what the Scripture has to say. Read the following Scriptures and note what you learn from each about your Adonai and what your relationship to Him is to be. What do you learn about how to apply what you have learned? How does what you learn in these passages help you know how to live out what you have learned about Adonai? What does it mean to know Him as Adonai, to run into the strong tower of that name?
- Matthew 7:21-23
- Psalm 141:8-10
- Psalm 119:125
- Psalm 136:1-3
- John 13:13-15
- John 15:10-12
Here's the bottom line - who is master of your life? Is there any area you are holding back? Talk to your Adonai about that today.
Thursday, July 15, 2010
What Does It Mean?
What does it mean to know God as Adonai? As we think about that today, let's look first at Isaiah 6. Isaiah saw the Lord seated on His throne. He saw Him as Adonai. And he responded in obedience.
Look at Isaiah 6:1-8, especially at verse 8. When the Lord was looking for someone to send, for an obedient servant, Isaiah responded, "Here I am, send me."
When Jeremiah was called by God to be a prophet (see Jeremiah 1), it was Jehovah who called and appointed him. But when Jeremiah responded to that call, he addressed God as Adonai, "Alas, Lord God." Literally, he was saying "Adonai Jehovah."
The point is this: if God is God, then He must be Adonai - He must be Master. And if that truth pertains to God the Father, then does it not also pertain to God the Son? This is clearly the teaching of the New Testament. There are many who will acknowledge Jesus as a good man or even acknowledge Him as a prophet, but refuse to acknowledge Him as God. We're going to spend some time in the New Testament today, examining this truth.....that Jesus is Lord.
Before we go to the Scriptures, let me give you some information about the word "lord". The Old Testament word we have been looking at, Adonai, is Hebrew. The New Testament was written in Greek. There are two words used in the New Testament for "lord". One of these words is kurios, which means "supreme in authority", and it is this word that is used most often in reference to Jesus. The other word, despostes, which means just what it looks like it would mean, "an absolute ruler."
Read the following Scriptures carefully. What do you learn about Jesus? What is He Lord over? What is required of us?
Look at Isaiah 6:1-8, especially at verse 8. When the Lord was looking for someone to send, for an obedient servant, Isaiah responded, "Here I am, send me."
When Jeremiah was called by God to be a prophet (see Jeremiah 1), it was Jehovah who called and appointed him. But when Jeremiah responded to that call, he addressed God as Adonai, "Alas, Lord God." Literally, he was saying "Adonai Jehovah."
The point is this: if God is God, then He must be Adonai - He must be Master. And if that truth pertains to God the Father, then does it not also pertain to God the Son? This is clearly the teaching of the New Testament. There are many who will acknowledge Jesus as a good man or even acknowledge Him as a prophet, but refuse to acknowledge Him as God. We're going to spend some time in the New Testament today, examining this truth.....that Jesus is Lord.
Before we go to the Scriptures, let me give you some information about the word "lord". The Old Testament word we have been looking at, Adonai, is Hebrew. The New Testament was written in Greek. There are two words used in the New Testament for "lord". One of these words is kurios, which means "supreme in authority", and it is this word that is used most often in reference to Jesus. The other word, despostes, which means just what it looks like it would mean, "an absolute ruler."
Read the following Scriptures carefully. What do you learn about Jesus? What is He Lord over? What is required of us?
- Philippians 2:10-11
- Luke 14:25-27
- Matthew 10:34-40
- John 13:13-16
- Romans 10:8-10
- Matthew 7:21-27
- Romans 6:16-17
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Something to Think About
Yesterday we learned that the name Adonai is more than just a name. We learned that it indicates a relationship. This name for God is first used in Genesis 15:2 where Abram addresses God as "Lord God" (Adonai Jehovah). We learned that Adonai means lord and master.
As we continue our study of this name, read the following Scriptures and note what you learn. What are the benefits and/or responsibilities when God is our master? Who or what is He Adonai over? You may need to read a few verses before or after the listed reference in order to understand the context.
As we continue our study of this name, read the following Scriptures and note what you learn. What are the benefits and/or responsibilities when God is our master? Who or what is He Adonai over? You may need to read a few verses before or after the listed reference in order to understand the context.
- Psalm 141:8-10
- Psalm 119:125
- Judges 6:14-16
- Deuteronomy 9:26
- 1 Kings 2:26
- Psalm 2:4
- Psalm 97:5
- Psalm 136:3
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
The Bottom Line
The name of the Lord is a strong tower. The name of the Lord is Elohim, Creator. The name of the Lord is El Elyon, God Most High. The name of the Lord is El Roi, the God who sees. The name of the Lord is El Shaddai, God Almighty and All-Sufficient. And the name of the Lord is Adonai, Lord.
There are actually two names translated as "Lord" in Scripture. There is Adonai, which we will begin examining today. And there is Jehovah, the most holy name of God, the name we also know as Yahweh. We'll talk about that name later. Typically, at least in the KJV, ESV and NAS translations, Adonai is written as Lord, capital L and lower case o-r-d. Jehovah is written in all capitals, LORD.
What does Adonai mean? It means Lord, master. The master has right of possession. So Adonai indicates more than just a name; it speaks of a relationship. How does this name compare to the other names? As an example, Elohim speaks of God's might and power, whereas Adonai speaks of His right to rule over us.
What does Adonai have rulership over? Read the following verses and note what you learn:
There are actually two names translated as "Lord" in Scripture. There is Adonai, which we will begin examining today. And there is Jehovah, the most holy name of God, the name we also know as Yahweh. We'll talk about that name later. Typically, at least in the KJV, ESV and NAS translations, Adonai is written as Lord, capital L and lower case o-r-d. Jehovah is written in all capitals, LORD.
What does Adonai mean? It means Lord, master. The master has right of possession. So Adonai indicates more than just a name; it speaks of a relationship. How does this name compare to the other names? As an example, Elohim speaks of God's might and power, whereas Adonai speaks of His right to rule over us.
What does Adonai have rulership over? Read the following verses and note what you learn:
- Philippians 2:11
- Romans 10:9
- Daniel 1:2
- Psalm 8:1-8
- Psalm 37:12-13
- Psalm 114:7
- Psalm 135:5
Monday, July 12, 2010
Hmmmmm.........
As I was researching the name El Shaddai, I discovered something interesting. The name El Shaddai is used 48 times in the Old Testament. That's in the KJV. In the New American Standard translation, it is actually used 61 times. That's an interesting bit of trivia. But this is what I find really interesting......it's used most frequently in the Book of Job! Hmmmmm.......
I'm sure we all remember the story of Job.....how he lost everything......how his wife told him to curse God and die.....how his so-called friends gave him such "wise" counsel about everything he had done wrong to deserve such treatment. We may even be hesitant to study Job's story too much in case some of Job's difficulties might rub off on us!! But isn't it interesting that Job's story is the portion of Scripture where God has divinely inspired the writer to use that particular name. Isn't it interesting that it is in Job's life where we read most often about God as all powerful and all sufficient! Hmmmmm....... Maybe that's one of the lessons we are to learn from Job......that no matter how bad things get, God is sufficient! God is powerful! God is enough!
You and I may not have experienced anything as traumatic as Job did. But we can probably all look back at times in our lives when we experienced God's power and sufficiency to bring us through a tough time. As we begin another week together, maybe it's a good time to look back. And remember. And give God thanks and praise for how He brought us through. That's a good word, isn't it - "through". Think about that today. And worship El Shaddai!
I'm sure we all remember the story of Job.....how he lost everything......how his wife told him to curse God and die.....how his so-called friends gave him such "wise" counsel about everything he had done wrong to deserve such treatment. We may even be hesitant to study Job's story too much in case some of Job's difficulties might rub off on us!! But isn't it interesting that Job's story is the portion of Scripture where God has divinely inspired the writer to use that particular name. Isn't it interesting that it is in Job's life where we read most often about God as all powerful and all sufficient! Hmmmmm....... Maybe that's one of the lessons we are to learn from Job......that no matter how bad things get, God is sufficient! God is powerful! God is enough!
You and I may not have experienced anything as traumatic as Job did. But we can probably all look back at times in our lives when we experienced God's power and sufficiency to bring us through a tough time. As we begin another week together, maybe it's a good time to look back. And remember. And give God thanks and praise for how He brought us through. That's a good word, isn't it - "through". Think about that today. And worship El Shaddai!
Friday, July 9, 2010
What Does It Really Mean?
Yesterday we began examining the name El Shaddai, a name that is sometimes defined as "God Almighty" and sometimes as "All-Sufficient." So, what does it really mean? Does it refer to God as omnipotent - all powerful, or does it refer to His sufficiency? Let's reason this through. It seems to me that it's not an "either/or" situation as much as it is "both". It makes sense to me that if God is omnipotent, if He has all power and all might, that He is therefore "sufficient" for every situation. What do you think?
Of course, if Hebrew scholars through the centuries have debated this issue, I'm not sure we will solve it in this blog post. Nor am I sure it really matters! As I have told you before, I am not a Hebrew scholar. In fact, I know very little Hebrew. But I can read what the scholars have written, and occasionally it even makes sense! So let me share a little of what I have discovered in my research, you can draw your own conclusions, dig deeper if you choose to (and if you do, I hope you'll leave a comment and share your findings), and then we'll move on. And if you're finding all this too technical, feel free to skip a couple of paragraphs!
John Davis in Grace Journal (Volume 4) writes that there are several basic views concerning the name “El Shaddai". The first is that Shaddai comes from the root šādad (shadad) “to be strong” or “powerful.” This view seems to be the more popular. The emphasis, especially in respect to the patriarchs, is that of God’s power and strength. Oehler favors this view in his Theology of the Old Testament. Another view maintains that Shaddai comes from a compound word which in Hebrew means “sufficiency.” For a statement of this view, see the writings of John Calvin.
Tyndale Bible Dictionary has an excellent summary of the origin and meaning of Shaddai: In these passages the combined ideas of God as the all-powerful, all-sufficient, transcendent, sovereign ruler and disposer are present. This meaning is generally accepted, but there are differences as to the exact meaning of the term Shaddai. Some have begun with shad as the first concept to be considered; its meaning is “breast,” and it is considered a “precious metaphor” of the God who nourishes, supplies, and satisfies. More acceptable is the suggestion that Shaddai is a composite term of sha (“the one who”) and dai (“is sufficient”). The later Greek versions have adopted this meaning. The most preferred explanation is that Shaddai is derived from the verb shadad (“to overpower, to deal violently, or to devastate”). A clear connection between shadad and Shaddai is said to be found in Isaiah 13:6 and Joel 1:15. God as El Shaddai is presented as the all-powerful One, totally self-sufficient, absolute ruler, and the One who can and does make final disposition. The Septuagint (Greek translation of the Old Testament) has adapted this meaning; it translates ’El Shaddai as Pantokrator, the “All-Ruler” or “Sovereign One.”
So, there you have it. I'll leave you to draw your own conclusions. In the meantime, let's go back to the Genesis passage we looked at yesterday. In Genesis 17, God says to Abram, "I am God Almighty." Think back over the passage you read yesterday, read it again if you want to refresh your memory, and then consider the following questions:
One final application thought to ponder. What promises might you be struggling to believe? Recall to your mind this truth......that God is El Shaddai. Then run to the strong tower of that name!
Of course, if Hebrew scholars through the centuries have debated this issue, I'm not sure we will solve it in this blog post. Nor am I sure it really matters! As I have told you before, I am not a Hebrew scholar. In fact, I know very little Hebrew. But I can read what the scholars have written, and occasionally it even makes sense! So let me share a little of what I have discovered in my research, you can draw your own conclusions, dig deeper if you choose to (and if you do, I hope you'll leave a comment and share your findings), and then we'll move on. And if you're finding all this too technical, feel free to skip a couple of paragraphs!
John Davis in Grace Journal (Volume 4) writes that there are several basic views concerning the name “El Shaddai". The first is that Shaddai comes from the root šādad (shadad) “to be strong” or “powerful.” This view seems to be the more popular. The emphasis, especially in respect to the patriarchs, is that of God’s power and strength. Oehler favors this view in his Theology of the Old Testament. Another view maintains that Shaddai comes from a compound word which in Hebrew means “sufficiency.” For a statement of this view, see the writings of John Calvin.
Tyndale Bible Dictionary has an excellent summary of the origin and meaning of Shaddai: In these passages the combined ideas of God as the all-powerful, all-sufficient, transcendent, sovereign ruler and disposer are present. This meaning is generally accepted, but there are differences as to the exact meaning of the term Shaddai. Some have begun with shad as the first concept to be considered; its meaning is “breast,” and it is considered a “precious metaphor” of the God who nourishes, supplies, and satisfies. More acceptable is the suggestion that Shaddai is a composite term of sha (“the one who”) and dai (“is sufficient”). The later Greek versions have adopted this meaning. The most preferred explanation is that Shaddai is derived from the verb shadad (“to overpower, to deal violently, or to devastate”). A clear connection between shadad and Shaddai is said to be found in Isaiah 13:6 and Joel 1:15. God as El Shaddai is presented as the all-powerful One, totally self-sufficient, absolute ruler, and the One who can and does make final disposition. The Septuagint (Greek translation of the Old Testament) has adapted this meaning; it translates ’El Shaddai as Pantokrator, the “All-Ruler” or “Sovereign One.”
So, there you have it. I'll leave you to draw your own conclusions. In the meantime, let's go back to the Genesis passage we looked at yesterday. In Genesis 17, God says to Abram, "I am God Almighty." Think back over the passage you read yesterday, read it again if you want to refresh your memory, and then consider the following questions:
- When did God reveal Himself to Abram as El Shaddai?
- What was Abram struggling to believe?
- How old was he?
- Why did Abram have to wait almost 25 years for God to fulfill His promise?
- It has been said that God often does not show us His omnipotence until He shows us our impotence. Do you agree or disagree? Explain your answer.
One final application thought to ponder. What promises might you be struggling to believe? Recall to your mind this truth......that God is El Shaddai. Then run to the strong tower of that name!
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Our Strong Tower
We're learning that the name of the Lord is a strong tower. We're learning that we can run to that strong tower and be safe. So far we have learned to run to the strong tower of Elohim, our Creator God. We have learned that we are created in His image and that we are created to bring Him glory. We have learned to run into the strong tower of El Elyon, our sovereign God, the One who sovereignly rules the universe and has everything under control. We have learned to run into the strong tower of El Roi, the God who sees. He is the one who is omnipresent - He is present everywhere, and He is the one who is omniscient - who knows it all. Today we will begin to learn how to run to the strong tower of El Shaddai, sometimes translated God Almighty and sometimes as the All-Sufficient One. We'll deal with that in greater detail later.
Let's begin here. Read the following Scriptures. See what you can learn about El Shaddi, and then we'll begin digging deeper tomorrow.....
Let's begin here. Read the following Scriptures. See what you can learn about El Shaddi, and then we'll begin digging deeper tomorrow.....
- Genesis 17:1-8
- 2 Corinthians 12:7-10
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Can You Relate?
We looked yesterday at Genesis 16 and the situation in which Hagar found herself. And I'm wondering today if you can relate to Hagar on any level. Maybe you aren't in the exact same circumstances as Hagar....probably not! But have you ever felt alone, or rejected, or confused, or hopeless? If so, then Hagar's story probably is one to which you can relate. We have learned in our study that "the name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous runs into it and is safe." Today we are focusing on running into the strong tower of the God who sees.
Yesterday we read the story of Hagar. Hagar's life was hard. When our life is too hard, we can find strength in discovering what Hagar discovered. The Lord is "the God who sees me." He is aware of our pain, of our need, of every circumstance of our lives. He sees us and He sees our future as well. This gives us hope even when our circumstances may be difficult.
Let's review what we learned from Genesis 16:
Look up the following Scriptures and note what you learn about God.......what does He watch over, how much does He see, how much does He care. Note your findings in your notebook or journal. If you have the time, use your word study tools to find additional references to add to the list.
"For a man's ways are before the eyes of the Lord, and He watches all his paths." (Proverbs 5:21)
Yesterday we read the story of Hagar. Hagar's life was hard. When our life is too hard, we can find strength in discovering what Hagar discovered. The Lord is "the God who sees me." He is aware of our pain, of our need, of every circumstance of our lives. He sees us and He sees our future as well. This gives us hope even when our circumstances may be difficult.
Let's review what we learned from Genesis 16:
- what was Sarai's response to God's delay? (verse 2.....she took matters into her own hands.)
- what was Hagar's response when she had conceived? (verses 4-5)
- what was Sarai's reaction? (verse 5) (Have you ever played the "blame game"?)
- what was the result?
Look up the following Scriptures and note what you learn about God.......what does He watch over, how much does He see, how much does He care. Note your findings in your notebook or journal. If you have the time, use your word study tools to find additional references to add to the list.
- Psalm 34:15-18
- Psalm 55:22
- Romans 8:31
- Jeremiah 1:12
- Psalm 139:7-12
- Matthew 10:29-31
- Exodus 3:7
"For a man's ways are before the eyes of the Lord, and He watches all his paths." (Proverbs 5:21)
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Does Anybody Care?
Do you ever wonder if anybody really knows you at all? Does anybody care about what's going on in your life? Do you even matter at all? And the answer is "yes"!
In our study of the names of God, we have learned about Elohim, our Creator. We have studied the sovereignty of our God as we studied His name El Elyon. Today we begin to examine another of His names. He is omnipresent - present everywhere. He is omniscient - all knowing. He is El Roi, the God who sees.
We'll begin our study in Genesis 16. Take some time to slow down and read the chapter carefully. This may be a familiar story to you, which is all the more reason we should slow down and take our time so we don't miss anything! Ask questions of the text......remember those 5Ws and H.....who, what, when, where, why, how. Here are some questions to consider. You may think of others as well.
In our study of the names of God, we have learned about Elohim, our Creator. We have studied the sovereignty of our God as we studied His name El Elyon. Today we begin to examine another of His names. He is omnipresent - present everywhere. He is omniscient - all knowing. He is El Roi, the God who sees.
We'll begin our study in Genesis 16. Take some time to slow down and read the chapter carefully. This may be a familiar story to you, which is all the more reason we should slow down and take our time so we don't miss anything! Ask questions of the text......remember those 5Ws and H.....who, what, when, where, why, how. Here are some questions to consider. You may think of others as well.
- Who are the main characters in this chapter?
- What are the circumstances?
- Whose idea?
- Why?
- Did Hagar have a choice in this decision? Why or why not? Explain your reasoning.
- What provoked Sarai?
- How did she respond?
- Was Hagar totally innocent? Why?
- What were God's instructions to Hagar?
- What did Hagar learn about God?
Monday, July 5, 2010
Will You Join Me?
"If my people who are called by My name humble themselves and pray, and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, will forgive their sin, and will heal their land." (2 Chronicles 7:14)
If you came to this blog this morning expecting to find the next installment of our Bible study on the names of God, I'm going to invite you to come back tomorrow! Today I'm interrupting our study to share my heart with you on a different subject.
For some time now I have been so burdened about our country. Now before you write me off as some wacky conservative, let me clarify a few things. I don't care if you live in a red state or a blue state. I am not particularly interested in what political label you wear. You can call yourself Democrat or Republican or Libertarian or Independent......that makes no difference to me. It's not my issue! Nor do I care what denominational label you choose to wear. Again, that is not my issue. My concern is that I see the country that I love wandering farther and farther away from the standards we have held dear since our founding......farther and farther away from Biblical principles......from doing things God's way. I believe we are on a slippery slope to destruction.
I've done a lot of reading lately in the Old Testament. I've seen how the children of Israel wandered away from the commands God gave them. And I've read about the consequences for that disobedience. Spend a little time in the Old Testament and you'll see what I mean! Now I'm not saying that Americans are the "chosen people". And I'm not saying that every American is a Christian. But I am saying that this country is in trouble.
We're in deep economic trouble, but I don't believe that the answer to our problems is economic. Our government is spending money by the truckload - money we don't have, by the way! But I don't believe the solution is a political one! We hear a lot about peace talks and the peace process. But I don't believe that peace is a process. Peace is a Person, and His name is Jesus!
In addition to my Old Testament reading, I've done a lot of reading about revival, I've read about the Great Awakenings in our history. And I believe it's time to be praying for another Great Awakening! It's time for us to wake up!
I've read recently about the Welsh Revival of 1904-1905......a revival that began with one person! One article I read gave an interesting statistic......at the time the article was written, the city of Chicago had a population of 9 million people. The author stated that if God were to move in the city of Chicago in the same way He moved during the Welsh Revival, then 14 million people would be revived!!
I've read about the Fulton Street Revival in New York City in the 1850s. One man started praying. More than a million lives were changed!
What would happen today if we would just pray? This is my burden. Over and over this last week I am confronted with this thought. Every day last week I came across this verse at some time during the day....."will You not revive us again, that Your people may rejoice in You?" (Psalm 85:6). I'm convinced this is what we need to be praying for......purposefully, intentionally praying for our country, praying for revival. I'm convinced it's time to take 2 Chronicles 7:14 seriously. It's time to humble ourselves, seek God's face, turn from our wicked ways and pray.
I found myself wondering how I could make a difference. If I commit myself to purposeful, intentional praying for my country, will I make a difference? I began to wonder if that would be enough. Could one person make a difference? Even though I knew other great workings of God had begun because one person was obedient to pray, I found myself doubting. And wondering how to get others to pray with me. So, today I'm asking you to join me. If you have read this far, you are at least mildly interested in what this is all about. Will you join me in purposefully, intentionally praying for our country? You may choose to pray alone in your home, or you may want to pray with your spouse or with a friend, or to start a prayer group in your neighborhood. If you live locally to me and would like to get together with me to pray, will you let me know?
Once I had made my commitment to prayer for our country and for revival, I saw a message from Dr. Charles Stanley on this same subject. Not only did it confirm what I was doing, but it was also such an encouragement to me as well. He is calling people to prayer for this same purpose! You can find out more at http://www.intouch.org/.
So, will you join me? Will you pray? Together I believe we can make a difference!!
If you came to this blog this morning expecting to find the next installment of our Bible study on the names of God, I'm going to invite you to come back tomorrow! Today I'm interrupting our study to share my heart with you on a different subject.
For some time now I have been so burdened about our country. Now before you write me off as some wacky conservative, let me clarify a few things. I don't care if you live in a red state or a blue state. I am not particularly interested in what political label you wear. You can call yourself Democrat or Republican or Libertarian or Independent......that makes no difference to me. It's not my issue! Nor do I care what denominational label you choose to wear. Again, that is not my issue. My concern is that I see the country that I love wandering farther and farther away from the standards we have held dear since our founding......farther and farther away from Biblical principles......from doing things God's way. I believe we are on a slippery slope to destruction.
I've done a lot of reading lately in the Old Testament. I've seen how the children of Israel wandered away from the commands God gave them. And I've read about the consequences for that disobedience. Spend a little time in the Old Testament and you'll see what I mean! Now I'm not saying that Americans are the "chosen people". And I'm not saying that every American is a Christian. But I am saying that this country is in trouble.
We're in deep economic trouble, but I don't believe that the answer to our problems is economic. Our government is spending money by the truckload - money we don't have, by the way! But I don't believe the solution is a political one! We hear a lot about peace talks and the peace process. But I don't believe that peace is a process. Peace is a Person, and His name is Jesus!
In addition to my Old Testament reading, I've done a lot of reading about revival, I've read about the Great Awakenings in our history. And I believe it's time to be praying for another Great Awakening! It's time for us to wake up!
I've read recently about the Welsh Revival of 1904-1905......a revival that began with one person! One article I read gave an interesting statistic......at the time the article was written, the city of Chicago had a population of 9 million people. The author stated that if God were to move in the city of Chicago in the same way He moved during the Welsh Revival, then 14 million people would be revived!!
I've read about the Fulton Street Revival in New York City in the 1850s. One man started praying. More than a million lives were changed!
What would happen today if we would just pray? This is my burden. Over and over this last week I am confronted with this thought. Every day last week I came across this verse at some time during the day....."will You not revive us again, that Your people may rejoice in You?" (Psalm 85:6). I'm convinced this is what we need to be praying for......purposefully, intentionally praying for our country, praying for revival. I'm convinced it's time to take 2 Chronicles 7:14 seriously. It's time to humble ourselves, seek God's face, turn from our wicked ways and pray.
I found myself wondering how I could make a difference. If I commit myself to purposeful, intentional praying for my country, will I make a difference? I began to wonder if that would be enough. Could one person make a difference? Even though I knew other great workings of God had begun because one person was obedient to pray, I found myself doubting. And wondering how to get others to pray with me. So, today I'm asking you to join me. If you have read this far, you are at least mildly interested in what this is all about. Will you join me in purposefully, intentionally praying for our country? You may choose to pray alone in your home, or you may want to pray with your spouse or with a friend, or to start a prayer group in your neighborhood. If you live locally to me and would like to get together with me to pray, will you let me know?
Once I had made my commitment to prayer for our country and for revival, I saw a message from Dr. Charles Stanley on this same subject. Not only did it confirm what I was doing, but it was also such an encouragement to me as well. He is calling people to prayer for this same purpose! You can find out more at http://www.intouch.org/.
So, will you join me? Will you pray? Together I believe we can make a difference!!
Friday, July 2, 2010
Let's Review!
As we close out the week, let's review what we've learned. Review is a good thing! It helps us remember! We have focused our attention this week on El Elyon, God Most High, the name of God that shows us His sovereignty. Sovereignty is defined as supreme power; freedom from external control. In other words, when we think about the sovereignty of God, we see Him as the ultimate authority over every sphere and place. All creation is subject to Him and answerable to Him.
Let's begin by reviewing some of the verses where we saw God's sovereignty demonstrated:
By definition, sovereign means He is in charge of ALL the universe ALL the time. Many years ago I read a book titled "Your God Is Too Small" by J. B. Phillips. The title says it all.....our view of God is often too small. Have you learned anything this week that has helped you to have a better view of God, to know Him better? What have we learned this week about what God is sovereign over?
This has been a great week of study, hasn't it? I hope that digging into these Scriptures has blessed you as much as it has blessed me. I'm so glad we are taking this journey together! Next week our journey will take us to El Roi, the God Who sees. Until then, keep trusting El Elyon. He as everything under control!
"This is my Father's world, O let me ne'er forget, that though the wrong is oft so strong, God is the Ruler yet." (M. D. Babcock)
Let's begin by reviewing some of the verses where we saw God's sovereignty demonstrated:
- Daniel 4:34...His dominion (supreme authority) is everlasting
- Daniel 4:35...No one can ward off His hand or question what He does
- Luke:22:31,32; Job 1:8-12; Job 2:3-7...God places limits on Satan, who can go no farther than God allows.
- Isaiah14:24,27...Isaiah (although using the name Jehovah Sabaoth) clearly describes God's sovereignty. What God intends will happen. What He plans will stand. No one can frustrate His plans.
- Isaiah 46:9-10...God Himself testifies that He is absolutely sovereign.
By definition, sovereign means He is in charge of ALL the universe ALL the time. Many years ago I read a book titled "Your God Is Too Small" by J. B. Phillips. The title says it all.....our view of God is often too small. Have you learned anything this week that has helped you to have a better view of God, to know Him better? What have we learned this week about what God is sovereign over?
- Daniel 2:20-23.....over times and epochs (history); over kings (rulers and governments); over wisdom and knowledge; over hidden things; over the darkness.
- Isaiah 5:5-7.....over a nation's "hedge of protection"
- Deuteronomy 32:39.....over life and death
- Isaiah 46:9-10.....over the future. Remember, NOTHING happens outside His control. He rules over ALL things.
- Genesis 14:19....heaven and earth.
- our present circumstances?
- the past?
- our future?
- the economy?
- the government?
- Truth can set you free (John 8:32; John 17:17; Romans 12:2). The truth is that El Elyon does His will in the host of heaven and among the inhabitants of earth. How does knowing that affect your daily living? How does it affect your worship?
- God is in control. Even if there are problems in my life, God has permitted them. How does this affect the way you approach each day?
- Through it all, remember that Jesus is praying for you! Romans 8:34 tells us that He intercedes for us! Intercedes is present tense, meaning continuous action. What difference does that make to you today?
- Remember that the Scripture teaches us that God is in control of all of history. How does this impact your thinking about current situations in our world and what the future holds? How does it impact your behavior?
- To know God as El Elyon, sovereign over everything is empowering. If you truly believe He is in control, you can be content, even in the midst of less-than-ideal circumstances. You can know without doubt that "all things work together for good" (Romans 8:28). You can truly "give thanks in all things" (1 Thessalonians 5:18).
This has been a great week of study, hasn't it? I hope that digging into these Scriptures has blessed you as much as it has blessed me. I'm so glad we are taking this journey together! Next week our journey will take us to El Roi, the God Who sees. Until then, keep trusting El Elyon. He as everything under control!
"This is my Father's world, O let me ne'er forget, that though the wrong is oft so strong, God is the Ruler yet." (M. D. Babcock)
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Some Questions.....
Our focus this week is on the sovereignty of God. As we continue our study in the weeks to come, we will look at names that show us some other characteristics of His attributes and His nature. We’ll see truths that will balance this truth. But today we’re seeing that He is the One who is in control. How does personal responsbility fit into that picture? Does the fact that God is sovereign mean that I'm just a puppet? Let's think about that today and put this into perspective.
First, let's review some of what we've learned so far:
Is it easier, or is it more difficult, to give thanks in all things, or to rejoice always, or to pray without ceasing, when you realize that El Elyon is in control and nothing can happen without His permission? Knowing that our God and Father, El Elyon, is sovereign over ALL things, does that make it easier to give thanks in all things, knowing that He "causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose." (Romans 8:28).
Here's your challenge for today......think back over all you have learned this week about the sovereignty of God. Read the Scriptures again. You might want to use your word study tools to find additional references that show us the sovereignty of God. Then think about these questions and how you would answer them:
First, let's review some of what we've learned so far:
- Daniel 4:34-35....."He does according to His will in the host of heaven and among the inhabitants of earth and no one can ward off His hand or say to Him, 'What hast Thou done?' "
- Isaiah 14:24....."The LORD of hosts has sworn saying, 'Surely just as I have intended so it has happened and just as I have planned so it will stand'."
- Isaiah 46:11....."Truly I will bring it to pass. I have planned it, surely I will do it."
- Luke 22:31....."Satan has demanded permission to sift you like wheat."
Is it easier, or is it more difficult, to give thanks in all things, or to rejoice always, or to pray without ceasing, when you realize that El Elyon is in control and nothing can happen without His permission? Knowing that our God and Father, El Elyon, is sovereign over ALL things, does that make it easier to give thanks in all things, knowing that He "causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose." (Romans 8:28).
Here's your challenge for today......think back over all you have learned this week about the sovereignty of God. Read the Scriptures again. You might want to use your word study tools to find additional references that show us the sovereignty of God. Then think about these questions and how you would answer them:
- How would you explain the sovereignty of God to another person?
- How would you explain the meaning of El Elyon?
- What have you learned about El Elyon that makes a difference to you in whatever circumstances you are finding yourself today?
- As you look at the world around you - in your home, your city, your country - how does knowing God as El Elyon, the Most High God, help you to deal with, to give thanks in those circumstances?
- How is El Elyon at work in your life today?
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