So many of you were touched by the poem, "Trust me with Your Isaac", by Beth Moore that Pastor Randy read at the end of his sermon on Sunday that we decided to include it in this weeks devotions. Read it and meditate on its message. Jehovah-Jireh is the God who sees everything - who will provide for you. Have a blessed day!
For every Abraham who dares
to kiss a foreign field
where glory for a moment grasped
Is for a lifetime tilled…
The voice of God
speaks not but once
but ‘til traveler hears
“Abraham! Abraham! Bring your Isaac here!”
“Bring not the blemished sacrifice.
What lovest thou the most?
Look not into the distance,
you’ll find your Isaac close.”
“I hear the tearing of your heart
torn between two loves,
the one your vision can behold
the Other hid above.”
“Do you trust me, Abraham
with your gravest fear?
Will you pry your fingers loose
and bring your Isaac here?”
“Have I not made you promises?
Hold them tight instead!
I am the Lover of your soul—
the Lifter of your head.”
“Believe me, O my Abraham
when blinded by the cost.
Arrange the wooded altar
and count your gains but loss.”
“Let tears wash clean your blinded eyes until unveiled you see—
the ram caught in the thicket there
to set your Isaac free.”
“Perhaps I’ll send him down the mount
to walk right by your side.
No longer in your iron grasp
but safer still in mine.”
“Or I may wrap him in the wind
and sweep him from your sight
to better things beyond your reach—
believe with all your might!”
“Look up, beloved Abraham.
Can you count the stars?
Multitudes will stand to reap
from one dear friend of God.”
“Pass the test, my faithful one;
bow to me as Lord.
Trust me with your Isaac—
see,
I am your great Reward.”
My great and awesome God, I want more than anything to hold onto You tightly and to hold onto everything else loosely. I want to be willing to lay down my most treasured relationships and possessions at Your request. Give me a willing heart to offer those unblemished sacrifices to You. Help me to trust You fully when I seem to be getting two opposite messages from You. Thank You for providing Jesus, the spotless Lamb, to take my place on the altar. I offer myself to You today as a living sacrifice. It’s in the name of Jesus that I pray, Amen
Friday, November 28, 2008
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Prayer of Thanksgiving
"I will give thanks to the Lord because of his righteousness and will sing praise to the name of the Lord Most High." Psalm 7:17
Happy Thanksgiving to all! We want to encourage you to take a few minutes and read one of the greatest Psalms of thanksgiving ever written. Psalm 100. As you read Psalm 100, stop after each verse to just spend a few minutes praising YAHWEH.
*"Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth."
(Express to God that you acknowledge that He is Lord of everything.)
*"Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him
with joyful songs."
(Express your joy in the Lord.)
*"Know that the Lord is God. It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture."
(Express your thanks to God that you belong to Him.)
*"Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name."
(Express your thanks to God for everything He has done for you.)
*" For the Lord is good and his love endures forever, his faithfulness continues through all generations."
(Express your praise to God for His goodness, His enduring love, and His faithfulness to you.)
We hope that today your heart will be reminded of all the blessings God has bestowed on you and your families. May you have an attitude of gratitude today.
Happy Thanksgiving to all! We want to encourage you to take a few minutes and read one of the greatest Psalms of thanksgiving ever written. Psalm 100. As you read Psalm 100, stop after each verse to just spend a few minutes praising YAHWEH.
*"Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth."
(Express to God that you acknowledge that He is Lord of everything.)
*"Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him
with joyful songs."
(Express your joy in the Lord.)
*"Know that the Lord is God. It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture."
(Express your thanks to God that you belong to Him.)
*"Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name."
(Express your thanks to God for everything He has done for you.)
*" For the Lord is good and his love endures forever, his faithfulness continues through all generations."
(Express your praise to God for His goodness, His enduring love, and His faithfulness to you.)
We hope that today your heart will be reminded of all the blessings God has bestowed on you and your families. May you have an attitude of gratitude today.
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Jehovah-Jireh is...
What do you NEED today from Jehovah Jireh? Is it peace that passes all understanding or something else? He is the Lord who sees. May you find time today to sit before Your Heavenly Father, who loves you, and talk with Him. He's waiting to hear from you.
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Christ is Provider
"But I think it is necessary to send back to you Epaphroditus, my brother, fellow worker and fellow soldier, who is also your messenger, whom you sent to take care of my needs." (Phil 2: 25-26)
I got onto the bus with the other delegates attending a workplace conference in South Africa. It was a season in my life in which I had experienced many losses both financially and relationally. God was stripping away the old wineskin and creating a new one. One of the things He was teaching me was that He - not my skills, not my work - was my provider of financial needs during this season of training.
God provided me the means to attend the conference. One day before the registration deadline, a man came to my office and game me $2500.00 and told me I was to go. Now, a man had just placed an envelope into my hand. "Here, God says I'm to give this to you. Inside are 10 crisp American $100 bills -$1000!" The man was from Kuwait.
Every believer needs to come to know Christ as their provider. Jehovah Jireh means God is my provider. When God called the Israelites from their place of slavery they had to walk through the desert. There is not way to earn a living in the desert. So God provided manna each day for them. Sometimes He even brought water from rocks. They had to experience a new way of gaining provision that was not rooted in sweat and toil. God had to demonstrate His faithfulness as Jehovah Jireh to His people.
There were times when Paul's tent making business was not the way God would provide for him. God often uses others as His instrument of provision. So, God sent Epaphroditus to take care of Paul's needs.
Do you know God as your provider? Do you have a need? Place your need before the Lord today and ask Him to demonstrate His faithfulness as Jehovah Jireh.
Taken from
Today God is First
Volume 2, by Os Hillman
Dear Father in Heaven,
This day I look up and remember how it is you who created all and who owns the cattle upon the hills, the water that springs from the earth, the skies that span our view, and everything good. It is you who can provide for and bless the earth and the inhabitants thereof. I pray for the many people who are in difficult circumstances right now and need a touch to help them with their basic needs. I pray for those who need financial income to pay their living expenses, those who need jobs to bring in that income, who need good health to be able to do those jobs; and for those whose jobs do not provide sufficient income for their needs. I pray also for those who have the income, but do not know how to properly manage it for the best outcome. And I pray for those who have much and can give much. Please, connect the right people with jobs, and the right people with the right people, to do what needs to be done. I pray that you will meet every need; that you will bless the lives of those who follow your guidance and those who are thankful for what you provide. Hear the cries of the needy. I pray you will bless those who give from the abundance you have allowed them to have, for sharing and ministering in ways that others cannot. Thank you, Father, for hearing my prayer.
In Jesus Name,
Amen
I got onto the bus with the other delegates attending a workplace conference in South Africa. It was a season in my life in which I had experienced many losses both financially and relationally. God was stripping away the old wineskin and creating a new one. One of the things He was teaching me was that He - not my skills, not my work - was my provider of financial needs during this season of training.
God provided me the means to attend the conference. One day before the registration deadline, a man came to my office and game me $2500.00 and told me I was to go. Now, a man had just placed an envelope into my hand. "Here, God says I'm to give this to you. Inside are 10 crisp American $100 bills -$1000!" The man was from Kuwait.
Every believer needs to come to know Christ as their provider. Jehovah Jireh means God is my provider. When God called the Israelites from their place of slavery they had to walk through the desert. There is not way to earn a living in the desert. So God provided manna each day for them. Sometimes He even brought water from rocks. They had to experience a new way of gaining provision that was not rooted in sweat and toil. God had to demonstrate His faithfulness as Jehovah Jireh to His people.
There were times when Paul's tent making business was not the way God would provide for him. God often uses others as His instrument of provision. So, God sent Epaphroditus to take care of Paul's needs.
Do you know God as your provider? Do you have a need? Place your need before the Lord today and ask Him to demonstrate His faithfulness as Jehovah Jireh.
Taken from
Today God is First
Volume 2, by Os Hillman
Dear Father in Heaven,
This day I look up and remember how it is you who created all and who owns the cattle upon the hills, the water that springs from the earth, the skies that span our view, and everything good. It is you who can provide for and bless the earth and the inhabitants thereof. I pray for the many people who are in difficult circumstances right now and need a touch to help them with their basic needs. I pray for those who need financial income to pay their living expenses, those who need jobs to bring in that income, who need good health to be able to do those jobs; and for those whose jobs do not provide sufficient income for their needs. I pray also for those who have the income, but do not know how to properly manage it for the best outcome. And I pray for those who have much and can give much. Please, connect the right people with jobs, and the right people with the right people, to do what needs to be done. I pray that you will meet every need; that you will bless the lives of those who follow your guidance and those who are thankful for what you provide. Hear the cries of the needy. I pray you will bless those who give from the abundance you have allowed them to have, for sharing and ministering in ways that others cannot. Thank you, Father, for hearing my prayer.
In Jesus Name,
Amen
Monday, November 24, 2008
Jehovah-Jireh
"And Abraham called the name of that place Jehovah-Jireh; as it is said to this day, In the mount of the Lord it shall be seen. Genesis 22:14
The account of Abraham being willing to offer his son Isaac as a sacrifice is filled with meaning. We all remember Abraham's statement to Isaac on the way up the mountain that "God will provide himself a lamb." When Abraham saw the ram caught in the thicket, he knew that the ram would be sacrificed in the place of his son. God had indeed provided. Therefore, Abraham named the place Jehovah-jireh, God will provide. You may have noticed that the KJV translates the name "it shall be seen". There was the mention of seeing everywhere surrounding this story. Jesus even mentioned that Abraham saw His day and rejoiced. It was a pointed reference to our text. How do we get from "God will see" to "God will provide"? It is obvious that God has the ability to provide. Abraham learned that whatever needs God saw, he would provide. The greater truth in God's name is not that God provided a ram in the thicket for Isaac, but that God provided the Lamb for the sins of the world. Abraham's son was spared; God's son was not spared. God sees the great need in our world today. He saw it from before the foundation of the world. As a result, He has provided the way of salvation and life through His son. What a joy it is to have the privilege to join God in His grat work of redemption by telling everyone that we know a God who provides eternal life through faith in Jesus, His Son.
Written by: Rev. Ed Cruce
Director of Missions
Bessemer Baptist Association
The account of Abraham being willing to offer his son Isaac as a sacrifice is filled with meaning. We all remember Abraham's statement to Isaac on the way up the mountain that "God will provide himself a lamb." When Abraham saw the ram caught in the thicket, he knew that the ram would be sacrificed in the place of his son. God had indeed provided. Therefore, Abraham named the place Jehovah-jireh, God will provide. You may have noticed that the KJV translates the name "it shall be seen". There was the mention of seeing everywhere surrounding this story. Jesus even mentioned that Abraham saw His day and rejoiced. It was a pointed reference to our text. How do we get from "God will see" to "God will provide"? It is obvious that God has the ability to provide. Abraham learned that whatever needs God saw, he would provide. The greater truth in God's name is not that God provided a ram in the thicket for Isaac, but that God provided the Lamb for the sins of the world. Abraham's son was spared; God's son was not spared. God sees the great need in our world today. He saw it from before the foundation of the world. As a result, He has provided the way of salvation and life through His son. What a joy it is to have the privilege to join God in His grat work of redemption by telling everyone that we know a God who provides eternal life through faith in Jesus, His Son.
Written by: Rev. Ed Cruce
Director of Missions
Bessemer Baptist Association
Friday, November 21, 2008
The Wayward Sheep
When you see the picture of the shepherd carrying his little lamb on his shoulders have you ever wondered why he is carrying it rather than walking along side it? The answer is very interesting. The sheep on the shoulders of his master is a wayward sheep. This is a sheep that not only wonders from the flock into dangerous territories; but, it wonders habitually. In Psalm 23, King David wrote about the comfort the rod and staff brought him while walking through the valley of the shadow of death. The shepherd’s staff was hooked at the end to bring wondering sheep back into the fold. The rod was used as an incentive for those wondering sheep who were a bit more given to straying. In either case, peace and comfort was brought forth through the enforcement of boundaries set by the one in authority. This resulted in a sense of security for the wandering sheep. However, there are some cases when the rod and staff are not enough incentive for a particularly strong-willed sheep--a sheep who continually chooses to leave the safety and security of the flock; and, who continually travels into areas where he can be destroyed by wolves or other ravenous beasts. It is at this time that the good shepherd realizes that he must exercise extraordinary measures to secure the safety of this one little sheep.
So, out of his deepest measure of love, and for the ultimate well being of his precious little sheep, the good shepherd breaks the sheep’s leg so that it can not wonder into those dangerous territories. This forces the sheep to abide in the vicinity of the good shepherd. He learns to hear and heed his master’s voice. He begins developing a relationship with his master--a relationship not likely developed in light of his former rebellious behaviors. He begins to obey his master, not because he fears him; but, because he has developed a loving relationship with him. He has realized, through this relationship, that when the master speaks he speaks love, wisdom, goodness, peace, safety, and security.
Tuesday evening, I had the privilege of being led in worship by Kevin Derryberry who spoke of the years he continuously rebelled against God's gentle calling him back into the "fold". It wasn't until he faced near death from alcoholism that he crawled into His Shepherd's arms for the first time since he was a young boy. He has since developed a deep love relationship with his Lord.
This action by the shepherd may seem harsh to you, but the shepherd knows the dangers that lurk around the corner. I have often seen parents "pop" the hand of their small child or place them in "time out" for actions that would result in their harm. Parents don't do this out of meanness or anger, but because they don't want their children to receive unnecessary injury. Our Great Shepherd must discipline us in order to protect us.
Maybe you are not currently on the "wrong path", but unfortunately, you have a family member or a friend who is rebelling against the Shepherds leading. Take a moment to just pray for that person right now. Ask God to gently lead them back into his arms. Thank God for what He is going to do in the life of that person.
Thank you so much for taking time each day to sit and read these devotions. We pray that God is speaking to your heart and drawing you close. We want you to know that God loves you. If you have a loved one that is currently running from the Lord and you wish for us to pray for him/her, please request prayer in the comment section below. If you are not comfortable leaving a name, God knows the situation...just request prayer. Also, should you need additional prayer or guidance please feel free to contact Pastor Randy using the church's link on this blog.
So, out of his deepest measure of love, and for the ultimate well being of his precious little sheep, the good shepherd breaks the sheep’s leg so that it can not wonder into those dangerous territories. This forces the sheep to abide in the vicinity of the good shepherd. He learns to hear and heed his master’s voice. He begins developing a relationship with his master--a relationship not likely developed in light of his former rebellious behaviors. He begins to obey his master, not because he fears him; but, because he has developed a loving relationship with him. He has realized, through this relationship, that when the master speaks he speaks love, wisdom, goodness, peace, safety, and security.
Tuesday evening, I had the privilege of being led in worship by Kevin Derryberry who spoke of the years he continuously rebelled against God's gentle calling him back into the "fold". It wasn't until he faced near death from alcoholism that he crawled into His Shepherd's arms for the first time since he was a young boy. He has since developed a deep love relationship with his Lord.
This action by the shepherd may seem harsh to you, but the shepherd knows the dangers that lurk around the corner. I have often seen parents "pop" the hand of their small child or place them in "time out" for actions that would result in their harm. Parents don't do this out of meanness or anger, but because they don't want their children to receive unnecessary injury. Our Great Shepherd must discipline us in order to protect us.
Maybe you are not currently on the "wrong path", but unfortunately, you have a family member or a friend who is rebelling against the Shepherds leading. Take a moment to just pray for that person right now. Ask God to gently lead them back into his arms. Thank God for what He is going to do in the life of that person.
Thank you so much for taking time each day to sit and read these devotions. We pray that God is speaking to your heart and drawing you close. We want you to know that God loves you. If you have a loved one that is currently running from the Lord and you wish for us to pray for him/her, please request prayer in the comment section below. If you are not comfortable leaving a name, God knows the situation...just request prayer. Also, should you need additional prayer or guidance please feel free to contact Pastor Randy using the church's link on this blog.
Thursday, November 20, 2008
The Right Path
During Pastor Randy's sermon on the 23rd Psalm this past Sunday, I was led to meditate on some things he spoke concerning verse 3;
" He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake."
Randy basically interpreted this scripture to mean "He [the Shepherd] leads me on the right path." He then preceded to explain that what makes the path right is not the absence of trouble but the presence of the Shepherd.
I was then reminded about an illustration I had once used in a Bible Study. We know that our Great Shepherd loves us and knows us by name. But too often we lose sight of the fact that He always has our best interests at heart. We rebel against His leading thinking that our own path is better. We are like sheep, always wanting the greener grass.
In the highlands of Scotland sheep often wander off into the rocks and get into places that they can't get out of. The grass on these mountains tastes very sweet, and the sheep like it. They will jump down ten or twelve feet to a ledge with a patch of grass, and then they can't jump back up again. The shepherd hears them bleating in distress. The shepherd may leave them there for days, until they have eaten all the grass and are so faint that they cannot stand. Only then will the shepherd put a rope around the sheep and pull them up out of the jaws of death.
"Why doesn't the shepherd attempt a rescue when the sheep first get into the predicament? The sheep are so foolish and so focused on eating that they would dash away from the shepherd, go over the precipice and destroy themselves. Our Good Shepherd knows what is best for us.
Spend a few moments thinking about the times you chose the wrong path looking for greener grass, and the ways you were steered back to the right path. Praise God for showing you that he knows what is best for you.
In tomorrow's devotion we will look at how the Shepherd must sometimes go to extraordinary lengths to protect His sheep from themselves and the unseen dangers they face.
" He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake."
Randy basically interpreted this scripture to mean "He [the Shepherd] leads me on the right path." He then preceded to explain that what makes the path right is not the absence of trouble but the presence of the Shepherd.
I was then reminded about an illustration I had once used in a Bible Study. We know that our Great Shepherd loves us and knows us by name. But too often we lose sight of the fact that He always has our best interests at heart. We rebel against His leading thinking that our own path is better. We are like sheep, always wanting the greener grass.
In the highlands of Scotland sheep often wander off into the rocks and get into places that they can't get out of. The grass on these mountains tastes very sweet, and the sheep like it. They will jump down ten or twelve feet to a ledge with a patch of grass, and then they can't jump back up again. The shepherd hears them bleating in distress. The shepherd may leave them there for days, until they have eaten all the grass and are so faint that they cannot stand. Only then will the shepherd put a rope around the sheep and pull them up out of the jaws of death.
"Why doesn't the shepherd attempt a rescue when the sheep first get into the predicament? The sheep are so foolish and so focused on eating that they would dash away from the shepherd, go over the precipice and destroy themselves. Our Good Shepherd knows what is best for us.
Spend a few moments thinking about the times you chose the wrong path looking for greener grass, and the ways you were steered back to the right path. Praise God for showing you that he knows what is best for you.
In tomorrow's devotion we will look at how the Shepherd must sometimes go to extraordinary lengths to protect His sheep from themselves and the unseen dangers they face.
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Jehovah - Rohi...The Lord is our Shepherd
The first time the Lord reveals his name to us is through the man after His own heart, David, in Psalms 23. "The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside quiet waters, He restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for His name's sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever."
In this Psalm, "David expresses himself as ...a sheep. Knowing the reputation of sheep, not so bright, no leadership qualities, (they are followers) and ultimately dependent on another for their survival. David speaks in humility. David the sheep...is satisfied. In researching the life of a sheep, sheep are skittish, easily frightened, and tend to wander. They will only calm down when all their needs are met. And Who is meeting these needs? The Shepherd. David is saying, 'in my relationship with God, He satisfies all of me, my needs and my wants."
David also gives us a glimpse "of the Shepherd in the sheeps's life. We see the willingness to follow the Shepherd's working. The sheep is being made to lie down, rest, he is being lead beside quiet (still) waters. An interesting fact about the 'quiet, still' waters, the sheep will drown in swift water. Their wool is like a sponge that absorbs the water so that the sheep cannot swim out, so they are taken to a place that does not hold a potential threat."
"As the Shepherd provides for the sheep, as wonderful as this is, yet there is something that stands out...verse 6 'Surely goodness and love (mercy, loving-kindness) will follow me all the days of my life', as I looked at this in the original Hebrew, I was again reminded just to what lengths God will go to to get our attention. David speaks of the Shepherd's goodness and love, this action towards us meaning...God's loyalty, commitment...devotion. But God, the Shepherd does not stop with merely presenting us with His devotion...His devotion will 'follow me'. The word picture described is, God's favor chasing down the one whom He loves. It is NOT passive in the sense that God is tagging along behind us. NO, it is aggressive...He is hunting us down. Ever felt that way? In knowing this, we can stop and allow Him to catch us. He is motivated out of love. 1
So as you think about God's loyalty, His devotion to you, stop and take a moment and praise God for loving you so much that He is willing to chase after you to keep you safe and secure. Maybe you just need to realize you can't outrun the Shepherd and today is the day He longs to hear you call upon Him. He knows you by name and is waiting to shepherd you.
1 Devotions by DeDe, Knowing God by His Names.
In this Psalm, "David expresses himself as ...a sheep. Knowing the reputation of sheep, not so bright, no leadership qualities, (they are followers) and ultimately dependent on another for their survival. David speaks in humility. David the sheep...is satisfied. In researching the life of a sheep, sheep are skittish, easily frightened, and tend to wander. They will only calm down when all their needs are met. And Who is meeting these needs? The Shepherd. David is saying, 'in my relationship with God, He satisfies all of me, my needs and my wants."
David also gives us a glimpse "of the Shepherd in the sheeps's life. We see the willingness to follow the Shepherd's working. The sheep is being made to lie down, rest, he is being lead beside quiet (still) waters. An interesting fact about the 'quiet, still' waters, the sheep will drown in swift water. Their wool is like a sponge that absorbs the water so that the sheep cannot swim out, so they are taken to a place that does not hold a potential threat."
"As the Shepherd provides for the sheep, as wonderful as this is, yet there is something that stands out...verse 6 'Surely goodness and love (mercy, loving-kindness) will follow me all the days of my life', as I looked at this in the original Hebrew, I was again reminded just to what lengths God will go to to get our attention. David speaks of the Shepherd's goodness and love, this action towards us meaning...God's loyalty, commitment...devotion. But God, the Shepherd does not stop with merely presenting us with His devotion...His devotion will 'follow me'. The word picture described is, God's favor chasing down the one whom He loves. It is NOT passive in the sense that God is tagging along behind us. NO, it is aggressive...He is hunting us down. Ever felt that way? In knowing this, we can stop and allow Him to catch us. He is motivated out of love. 1
So as you think about God's loyalty, His devotion to you, stop and take a moment and praise God for loving you so much that He is willing to chase after you to keep you safe and secure. Maybe you just need to realize you can't outrun the Shepherd and today is the day He longs to hear you call upon Him. He knows you by name and is waiting to shepherd you.
1 Devotions by DeDe, Knowing God by His Names.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Aunt Sally's Little Lambs
When Jesus speaks of His relationship with His sheep, He points to the intimacy He knows with those who belong to Him. He also reveals how He leads and guides His sheep - His sheep hear His voice calling them by name, and then in the hearing of His instructions, they follow Him (John 10:1-18). Two questions present themselves to those who are in the church, the body of Christ: Do you know your Shepherd intimately, and do you hear His Word? Clearly, Jesus wants intimacy with you, and He wants you to know His voice and hear what He has to say. This is a wake-up call: "Church, are you intimate with your Shepherd, and are you opening the pages of His Word to hear Him speak?"
Catherine Martin, author of Knowing and Loving the Bible, tells a story about her friends Aunt Sally that I absolutely must share with you...
Aunt Sally ran quickly to the barn as the ewes were giving birth to the lambs. Sally's husband, Ray, put her in charge of the bum lambs, those lambs that were rejected by their mothers, a common occurance with ewes who had multiple births. Bum lambs were hand raised by the ranchers until they were grown and assimilated into the general flock of sheep. Aunt Sally took the first little lamb, rejected by its mother, cradled him close to her, and rubbed him down with an old towel. She noticed two little humps on its head where horns would eventually grow and whispered softly, "I'll call you Buckaroo."
Just then, her husband opened the door of the kitchen, "I can't understand it," he said. "These ewes are so stubborn - here are two more who need your special care." She picked up one of the little lambs, "You'll be Fluffy, she informed him as she rubbed him down, fluffing up the wool. She gathered up the third little lamb. "With these short little legs," she said, "who could you be but Stumpy!" Just as she finished drying and feeding her three little special lambs, Ray came through the door with one more bum and said, ""This is the last one." Aunt Sally washed him, fed him, and called him Lefty because he was the only one left.
For the next few weeks, Aunt Sally cared for her little lambs, calling them each by their names many times a day. She grew attached to them as they played, ate, and slept in the yard of the ranch house. Aunt Sally reluctantly let her lambs join the rest of the sheep to go with the ranch hands to the summer pasture.
One day, at the end of summer, she heard the noise of the sheep coming home. She ran to find her lambs, forgetting how different they would look after three months. When she looked out over all the sheep, she could not distinquish one from another. Then, an idea came to Aunt Sally. She leaned against the fence and began calling her lambs by name. "Fluffy!" "Stumpy!" "Buckaroo!" "Lefty!" Over and over again she called out their names. One by one, three sheep made their way over to the fence. She could clearly distinquish all three. "Why, I know you, you are Buckaroo - those little horns are growing...Here's Fluffy, with all that wool...And this has to be Stumpy!" she exclaimed. "But where's Lefty?" She called again, but it was apparent that Lefty's ears had grown dull to the voice of the shepherdess.
There is a great lesson in this true story for all of us. Those three sheep knew the voice of their shepherd so well. Do you know you Lord, your good Shepherd, or are you like Lefty, whose ears had grown dull? When you spend time in God's Word, you will grow accustomed to hearing His voice and recognize His call to you. Sadly, there are too many in the church whose hearing has grown dull. No wonder Jesus often said, "If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear".
If you have never discovered the excitement of opening the Bible and hearing your Shepherd speak to you, then as Ran quoted Jesus on Sunday, "Wake up!" Run to Him, His Word and get to know the voice of Jehovah Rohi.
Catherine Martin, author of Knowing and Loving the Bible, tells a story about her friends Aunt Sally that I absolutely must share with you...
Aunt Sally ran quickly to the barn as the ewes were giving birth to the lambs. Sally's husband, Ray, put her in charge of the bum lambs, those lambs that were rejected by their mothers, a common occurance with ewes who had multiple births. Bum lambs were hand raised by the ranchers until they were grown and assimilated into the general flock of sheep. Aunt Sally took the first little lamb, rejected by its mother, cradled him close to her, and rubbed him down with an old towel. She noticed two little humps on its head where horns would eventually grow and whispered softly, "I'll call you Buckaroo."
Just then, her husband opened the door of the kitchen, "I can't understand it," he said. "These ewes are so stubborn - here are two more who need your special care." She picked up one of the little lambs, "You'll be Fluffy, she informed him as she rubbed him down, fluffing up the wool. She gathered up the third little lamb. "With these short little legs," she said, "who could you be but Stumpy!" Just as she finished drying and feeding her three little special lambs, Ray came through the door with one more bum and said, ""This is the last one." Aunt Sally washed him, fed him, and called him Lefty because he was the only one left.
For the next few weeks, Aunt Sally cared for her little lambs, calling them each by their names many times a day. She grew attached to them as they played, ate, and slept in the yard of the ranch house. Aunt Sally reluctantly let her lambs join the rest of the sheep to go with the ranch hands to the summer pasture.
One day, at the end of summer, she heard the noise of the sheep coming home. She ran to find her lambs, forgetting how different they would look after three months. When she looked out over all the sheep, she could not distinquish one from another. Then, an idea came to Aunt Sally. She leaned against the fence and began calling her lambs by name. "Fluffy!" "Stumpy!" "Buckaroo!" "Lefty!" Over and over again she called out their names. One by one, three sheep made their way over to the fence. She could clearly distinquish all three. "Why, I know you, you are Buckaroo - those little horns are growing...Here's Fluffy, with all that wool...And this has to be Stumpy!" she exclaimed. "But where's Lefty?" She called again, but it was apparent that Lefty's ears had grown dull to the voice of the shepherdess.
There is a great lesson in this true story for all of us. Those three sheep knew the voice of their shepherd so well. Do you know you Lord, your good Shepherd, or are you like Lefty, whose ears had grown dull? When you spend time in God's Word, you will grow accustomed to hearing His voice and recognize His call to you. Sadly, there are too many in the church whose hearing has grown dull. No wonder Jesus often said, "If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear".
If you have never discovered the excitement of opening the Bible and hearing your Shepherd speak to you, then as Ran quoted Jesus on Sunday, "Wake up!" Run to Him, His Word and get to know the voice of Jehovah Rohi.
Monday, November 17, 2008
23
Psalm 23
The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
He restores my soul.
He guides me in paths of righteousness
for his name's sake.
Even though I walk
through the valley of the shadow of death, [a]
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
Surely goodness and love will follow me
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the LORD
forever.
Friday, November 14, 2008
Trusting My Great Master
I so hope this post finds you well! I am so excited to share with you a different aspect of our relationship with Adonai. I love author and Bible Study teacher, Mary Kassain. She recently wrote something concerning the topic of the faithfulness of our Lord [Adonai] that I wanted to share with you. When we consider the master-servant relationship, we often focus on a servant's responsibility to follow and obey. But wouldn't it be refreshing and encouraging to focus for a moment instead on the responsibility of a master? What does a good master contribute to the master-servant relationship? Read what she wrote;
"The Bible teaches that the relationship between a master and servant begins with the master." Think about that for a minute... "Jewish servants were considered members of their master's households; their masters extended them both protection and privilege. Masters were responsible for meeting their servants' needs for food, shelter, clothing, and other necessities. Masters also provided training, instruction, guidance, and accountability for the work of their servants. They promoted faithful servants to positions of great authority and responsibility."
Adonai, our Great Master, is faithful to meet our needs. He can be trusted to meet our needs as we serve Him over and over and over again. Let's just look at some of the many things Adnoai does for His servants:
* He looses their bonds (Ps. 116:16)
* He daily bears their burdens (Ps. 68:19)
* He is good to them and forgives them (Ps. 86: 4-5)
* He is merciful and gracious to them ( Ps. 86:15)
* He is abounding in love and faithfulness to them (Ps. 86:15)
* He gives His strength to them (Ps. 86:16)
* He is their helper and upholds their lives (Ps 54:4)
* He makes them glad (Ps. 86:4)
Reading these reminders, no wonder David exclaimed to the Lord, "You are my [Adonai]; I have no good apart from you" (Ps. 16:2).
Why don't you take a minute and go through the above points and replace them and their with my and me. It is so refreshing to remind yourself of how faithful your Master is to you.
My Great Master,
"To you I lift up my eyes, O you who are enthroned in the heavens! Behold, as the eyes of servants look to the hand of their master, as the eyes of a maidservant to the hand of her mistress, so our eyes look to the LORD our God." It is to You, that I do lift up my eyes, and praise You for your faithfulness to me. Even when I am faithless, You are faithful. Thank you for reminding me today of so many of the ways You prove yourself trustworthy and attentive to my needs. Even the needs I don't know I have, You are faithful to meet. I exalt you, God, as Adonai, my Great Master. May You find your servant faithful to You today.
In Jesus Name,
Amen
**Please take a minute today and leave a comment about how faithful your Master has been to you as you serve Him**
"The Bible teaches that the relationship between a master and servant begins with the master." Think about that for a minute... "Jewish servants were considered members of their master's households; their masters extended them both protection and privilege. Masters were responsible for meeting their servants' needs for food, shelter, clothing, and other necessities. Masters also provided training, instruction, guidance, and accountability for the work of their servants. They promoted faithful servants to positions of great authority and responsibility."
Adonai, our Great Master, is faithful to meet our needs. He can be trusted to meet our needs as we serve Him over and over and over again. Let's just look at some of the many things Adnoai does for His servants:
* He looses their bonds (Ps. 116:16)
* He daily bears their burdens (Ps. 68:19)
* He is good to them and forgives them (Ps. 86: 4-5)
* He is merciful and gracious to them ( Ps. 86:15)
* He is abounding in love and faithfulness to them (Ps. 86:15)
* He gives His strength to them (Ps. 86:16)
* He is their helper and upholds their lives (Ps 54:4)
* He makes them glad (Ps. 86:4)
Reading these reminders, no wonder David exclaimed to the Lord, "You are my [Adonai]; I have no good apart from you" (Ps. 16:2).
Why don't you take a minute and go through the above points and replace them and their with my and me. It is so refreshing to remind yourself of how faithful your Master is to you.
My Great Master,
"To you I lift up my eyes, O you who are enthroned in the heavens! Behold, as the eyes of servants look to the hand of their master, as the eyes of a maidservant to the hand of her mistress, so our eyes look to the LORD our God." It is to You, that I do lift up my eyes, and praise You for your faithfulness to me. Even when I am faithless, You are faithful. Thank you for reminding me today of so many of the ways You prove yourself trustworthy and attentive to my needs. Even the needs I don't know I have, You are faithful to meet. I exalt you, God, as Adonai, my Great Master. May You find your servant faithful to You today.
In Jesus Name,
Amen
**Please take a minute today and leave a comment about how faithful your Master has been to you as you serve Him**
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Servants for Life
Of the three primary names for God (two of which we have looked at over the past weeks), Adonia is probably the hardest to hold fast too. We trust Christ to save us for all eternity but not to control the details of our everyday life. In thinking about my relationship with my Great Master, I needed to grasp the master-servant relationship. In the Old Testament a Hebrew servant was required to serve his master for six years (Exodus 21:2-6). However, his master was to set him free in the seventh year without requiring any payment for freedom. But then, if the servant loved his master and did not want to go free, he could choose to continue serving his master. To seal the relationship, the master brought his servant before judges, took him to a doorpost, and pierced his ear with an awl, signifying lifelong ownership. The slave who loved his master was now his servant for life.
Stop and think about that picture for a moment. I would be willing to bet your mind is drifting toward Christ Jesus.
If you and I want to understand what it means to serve Adonai, we must look at the example of Jesus and how He lived His life on earth. Jesus "made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death - even death on a cross" (Phil 2:7-8). Jesus served His Father and delighted to do His will. Because of Jesus' obedience to God, "he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed." (Is.53:5).
You and I are meant to be God's servant. As Jesus told His Father, "I have come to do your will, O God." (Hebrews 10:7). Adonai is looking for those servants who will say "Here I am."
What if this was the seventh year for you serving your Master. Do you love Adonai so much that you would ask him to pierce your ear to signify that you are His forever?
Stop and think about that picture for a moment. I would be willing to bet your mind is drifting toward Christ Jesus.
If you and I want to understand what it means to serve Adonai, we must look at the example of Jesus and how He lived His life on earth. Jesus "made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death - even death on a cross" (Phil 2:7-8). Jesus served His Father and delighted to do His will. Because of Jesus' obedience to God, "he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed." (Is.53:5).
You and I are meant to be God's servant. As Jesus told His Father, "I have come to do your will, O God." (Hebrews 10:7). Adonai is looking for those servants who will say "Here I am."
What if this was the seventh year for you serving your Master. Do you love Adonai so much that you would ask him to pierce your ear to signify that you are His forever?
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
As I was praying this morning, I was telling the Lord how I want so much to surrender EVERY fiber of my being and I know there are divided parts of my heart because in the quietness of my time before Him, I am surrendered, but when the distractions come I am so easy led away from Him. And immediately, I saw a picture of Allie, our white german shephard,in my mind. God just gave me a picture of how we handle the distractions that come our way.
Allie went to obedience school and was the STAR! Out of 13 dogs she only had to be shown a trick once and she just got it! It was pretty extraordinary for a puppy! When she is at home in the kitchen or living room she just pops those tricks out like they are ingrained in her; but, let her outside and Molly and Murphy (her best friends) come around and you can tell her sit, stay, down, shake, stand, heel, and she acts like she is deaf running around wrestling with her friends! I have to physically get her attention, get eye to eye, and tell her the command. Then she will do what I say, but it is short-lived and with frustration that she does it.
But, according to her trainer, that's why part of her training included distractions, so she could learn obedience regardless of the distractions around her. It takes practice in the very surroundings that give her trouble in order for her to get it right.
Wow! It takes a conscious effort by me, in the very places that give me trouble, in order for me to have an undivided heart, totally surrendered to my Adonai. Each day I must choose to serve God regardless of the distractions. You see, some of the distractions in our days are beyond our control, but how we respond to those distractions certainly is.
Intentional, deliberate and committed to serving My Master, Adonai. How about you?
Have a great day!
Allie went to obedience school and was the STAR! Out of 13 dogs she only had to be shown a trick once and she just got it! It was pretty extraordinary for a puppy! When she is at home in the kitchen or living room she just pops those tricks out like they are ingrained in her; but, let her outside and Molly and Murphy (her best friends) come around and you can tell her sit, stay, down, shake, stand, heel, and she acts like she is deaf running around wrestling with her friends! I have to physically get her attention, get eye to eye, and tell her the command. Then she will do what I say, but it is short-lived and with frustration that she does it.
But, according to her trainer, that's why part of her training included distractions, so she could learn obedience regardless of the distractions around her. It takes practice in the very surroundings that give her trouble in order for her to get it right.
Wow! It takes a conscious effort by me, in the very places that give me trouble, in order for me to have an undivided heart, totally surrendered to my Adonai. Each day I must choose to serve God regardless of the distractions. You see, some of the distractions in our days are beyond our control, but how we respond to those distractions certainly is.
Intentional, deliberate and committed to serving My Master, Adonai. How about you?
Have a great day!
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Commission to Faith
We must keep God as Adonai always before us. It is then and only then that we come to realize that any gift we might have, any talent we have acquired, the way we look, the sound of our voice, indeed all that we are and will ever be, is there to serve His purpose and to glorify His name. It shows only His grace to broken vessels like us that we might have any talent at all and we have a responsibility (not just a choice) to use what we have to serve our Master’s purposes.
Let’s take a quick look at God’s words to Satan (the accuser) as the
dark angel presents himself before God. “Have you considered my servant Job?
There is no one on earth like him; he is blameless and upright, a man who fears God
and shuns evil.” (Job 1:8) Job was such wonderful servant that God picks him out as
an example to the fallen angel of the obedience of at least one man on earth. For
this he receives special attention, and a book in the bible.
What was special? He served God in his heart, in his mind and with his
strength. He prayed for his children, he shunned evil and had a healthy level of holy
fear for God. In short, Job knew his place in the ultimate scheme of things. That he
was a man, a servant of the Most High God. That all his wealth, health, family and
friends were from God, and he did not think for a moment about his own greatness.
At no time does it appear that he himself thought he was the greatest man in the
East – he left that up to the narrator! (see Job 1:3)
May we serve our Heavenly Master, Adonai, with the same level of holy fear and never forget our place as His servants!
Will you accept the following Commission to Faith?
Lord, today I accept my calling. Not to perfection or performance. My calling is to faith. I have been chosen for this generation. I have a place in the heritage of faith. I’m going to stop wishing and whining. I’m going to start believing and receiving. What Your Word says is mine. I won’t let others steal my hope. I will not argue with the Pharisee. I will believe, and therefore speak. For You, my God, are huge! Nothing is too hard for You. Our world needs Your wonders, Lord. Rise up from Your throne, O God. Renew Your works in our day. I confess the unbelief of my generation. And I ask You to begin Your revival of faith. In my own heart. For you are who You say You are. You can do what You say You can do. I am who You say I am. I can do all things through Christ. Your Word is alive and active in me. Enemy, hear me clearly. My Father is the Maker of heaven and earth. And you are under my feet! Because for today and the rest of my days, I’m believing God!!!
Let’s take a quick look at God’s words to Satan (the accuser) as the
dark angel presents himself before God. “Have you considered my servant Job?
There is no one on earth like him; he is blameless and upright, a man who fears God
and shuns evil.” (Job 1:8) Job was such wonderful servant that God picks him out as
an example to the fallen angel of the obedience of at least one man on earth. For
this he receives special attention, and a book in the bible.
What was special? He served God in his heart, in his mind and with his
strength. He prayed for his children, he shunned evil and had a healthy level of holy
fear for God. In short, Job knew his place in the ultimate scheme of things. That he
was a man, a servant of the Most High God. That all his wealth, health, family and
friends were from God, and he did not think for a moment about his own greatness.
At no time does it appear that he himself thought he was the greatest man in the
East – he left that up to the narrator! (see Job 1:3)
May we serve our Heavenly Master, Adonai, with the same level of holy fear and never forget our place as His servants!
Will you accept the following Commission to Faith?
Lord, today I accept my calling. Not to perfection or performance. My calling is to faith. I have been chosen for this generation. I have a place in the heritage of faith. I’m going to stop wishing and whining. I’m going to start believing and receiving. What Your Word says is mine. I won’t let others steal my hope. I will not argue with the Pharisee. I will believe, and therefore speak. For You, my God, are huge! Nothing is too hard for You. Our world needs Your wonders, Lord. Rise up from Your throne, O God. Renew Your works in our day. I confess the unbelief of my generation. And I ask You to begin Your revival of faith. In my own heart. For you are who You say You are. You can do what You say You can do. I am who You say I am. I can do all things through Christ. Your Word is alive and active in me. Enemy, hear me clearly. My Father is the Maker of heaven and earth. And you are under my feet! Because for today and the rest of my days, I’m believing God!!!
Monday, November 10, 2008
Adonai Invites Service
Adonai invites service, because if Jesus is our Adonai, then He is our master and we are His servants. With that in mind, read these words from Richard Foster’s incredible classic, Celebration of Discipline.
“As the cross is the sign of submission, so the towel is the sign of service. When Jesus gathered His disciples for the Last Supper they were having trouble deciding who was the greatest. This was no new issue for them. (Luke 9:46). Whenever there is trouble over who is the greatest, there is trouble over who is the least. That is the crux of the matter for us, isn’t it? Most of us know we will never be the greatest; just don’t let us be the least.
Gathered at the Passover feast, the disciples were keenly aware that someone needed to wash the other’s feet. The problem was that the only people who washed feet were the least. So there they sat, feet caked with dirt. It was such a sore point that they were not even going to talk about it. No one wanted to be considered the least. Then Jesus took a towel and a basin and redefined greatness.
Having lived out servanthood before them, He called them to the way of service. ‘If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that you also should do as I have done to you’ (John 13:14-15). In some ways we would prefer to hear Jesus’ call to deny father and mother, houses and land for the sake of the gospel than His word to wash feet. Radical self-denial gives the feel of adventure. If we forsake all, we even have the chance of glorious martyrdom. But in service, we must experience the many little deaths of going beyond ourselves. Service banishes us to the mundane, the ordinary, the trivial.
The risen Christ beckons us to the ministry of the towel. Such a ministry, flowing out of the inner recesses of the heart, is life and joy and peace. Perhaps you would like to begin by experimenting with a prayer that several of us use. Begin the day praying, ‘Lord Jesus, as it would please You bring me someone today whom I can serve.’”
“As the cross is the sign of submission, so the towel is the sign of service. When Jesus gathered His disciples for the Last Supper they were having trouble deciding who was the greatest. This was no new issue for them. (Luke 9:46). Whenever there is trouble over who is the greatest, there is trouble over who is the least. That is the crux of the matter for us, isn’t it? Most of us know we will never be the greatest; just don’t let us be the least.
Gathered at the Passover feast, the disciples were keenly aware that someone needed to wash the other’s feet. The problem was that the only people who washed feet were the least. So there they sat, feet caked with dirt. It was such a sore point that they were not even going to talk about it. No one wanted to be considered the least. Then Jesus took a towel and a basin and redefined greatness.
Having lived out servanthood before them, He called them to the way of service. ‘If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that you also should do as I have done to you’ (John 13:14-15). In some ways we would prefer to hear Jesus’ call to deny father and mother, houses and land for the sake of the gospel than His word to wash feet. Radical self-denial gives the feel of adventure. If we forsake all, we even have the chance of glorious martyrdom. But in service, we must experience the many little deaths of going beyond ourselves. Service banishes us to the mundane, the ordinary, the trivial.
The risen Christ beckons us to the ministry of the towel. Such a ministry, flowing out of the inner recesses of the heart, is life and joy and peace. Perhaps you would like to begin by experimenting with a prayer that several of us use. Begin the day praying, ‘Lord Jesus, as it would please You bring me someone today whom I can serve.’”
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Just a Little Praise!!!!!!!!
Hey to all! Becky posting here... I just wanted to take a minute and give a big Praise The Lord! About a week ago, Pastor Randy received a notification from the Alabama Baptist Convention letting him know that they had nominated him for "Pastor of the Year" in one of the three catagories. Thursday, he received a call letting him know that indeed he had been selected as "Pastor of the Year"!!!!!!!!!!! Isn't God so incredible! Just another confirmation that His hand is on Randy and He has annointed Ran to preach the Word with power and clarity! Another confirmation that God has His hand on The Church @ Ross Station as well! Hallelu-jah! May God be glorified!
For His purpose, God has blessed Pastor Randy's service to Him and our service to Him as well. God has chosen this week to teach us that He is Adonai, Our Lord and Master! We are called to serve our Master, and this award for Randy confirms that He blesses those who are obedient and available to Him!
Praise the Lord and we are so very proud of you Randy and are thankful to serve Christ under your leadership!
For His purpose, God has blessed Pastor Randy's service to Him and our service to Him as well. God has chosen this week to teach us that He is Adonai, Our Lord and Master! We are called to serve our Master, and this award for Randy confirms that He blesses those who are obedient and available to Him!
Praise the Lord and we are so very proud of you Randy and are thankful to serve Christ under your leadership!
Friday, November 7, 2008
Know Him by name
“To the King of ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever.”
1 Timothy 1:17
As we have read this week, it is clear that the practice of naming someone based on that individual’s personal characteristics is in keeping with the biblical concept of the significance of a name. I find it fascinating that in the Hebrew language, the term for “name” (shem) most likely meant “sign or distinctive mark”. In the Greek, name (onoma) is derived from a verb that means “to know”.
A name is much more than a label. In ancient times, a person’s name depicted something important about his identity. Just look at Moses’ name for example; it means “to draw out (of water), Abraham means “father of multitude”, and Hannah means “grace”. When God spoke from the burning bush, Moses asked Him to reveal His name. Moses realized that if he knew God’s name, he would know a lot more about this unfamiliar deity who was speaking to him in such a powerful and unusual way.
“God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM.” Exodus 3:13
When the LORD revealed this name to Moses, he learned that God was unlike the other gods worshipped in Egypt or Cannan. The name Yahweh indicated that the LORD was different from all other gods. His name set Him totally and completely apart.
If we look throughout scripture we see that the personal name of Yahweh reveals that God is a divine being who is self-existent (John 5:26), self-sufficient (Acts 17:25), self-directed (Job 36:22-23), eternal (Rev. 4:8), and consistent (Ps. 102:26-27). 1
After hearing Randy's message this past Sunday, and reading the devotions this week, how does the fact that the LORD is “I AM” impact you? Think about that today; reflect on it as you go about your day.
I hope as you reflect on how that fact impacts you, that it will lead you to praise Him. You see, Yahweh is the most significant name of all the names we attribute to God. It is the name by which God instructed us to remember Him throughout all generations. The Jews used the abbreviated form of Yahweh in song when they sang Hallelu-jah – Praise Yah. Throughout Scripture, we are commanded to praise Him. So because He is I AM spend time praising Him today.
“Let everything that has breath praise the Lord."
1 Mary Kassian
1 Timothy 1:17
As we have read this week, it is clear that the practice of naming someone based on that individual’s personal characteristics is in keeping with the biblical concept of the significance of a name. I find it fascinating that in the Hebrew language, the term for “name” (shem) most likely meant “sign or distinctive mark”. In the Greek, name (onoma) is derived from a verb that means “to know”.
A name is much more than a label. In ancient times, a person’s name depicted something important about his identity. Just look at Moses’ name for example; it means “to draw out (of water), Abraham means “father of multitude”, and Hannah means “grace”. When God spoke from the burning bush, Moses asked Him to reveal His name. Moses realized that if he knew God’s name, he would know a lot more about this unfamiliar deity who was speaking to him in such a powerful and unusual way.
“God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM.” Exodus 3:13
When the LORD revealed this name to Moses, he learned that God was unlike the other gods worshipped in Egypt or Cannan. The name Yahweh indicated that the LORD was different from all other gods. His name set Him totally and completely apart.
If we look throughout scripture we see that the personal name of Yahweh reveals that God is a divine being who is self-existent (John 5:26), self-sufficient (Acts 17:25), self-directed (Job 36:22-23), eternal (Rev. 4:8), and consistent (Ps. 102:26-27). 1
After hearing Randy's message this past Sunday, and reading the devotions this week, how does the fact that the LORD is “I AM” impact you? Think about that today; reflect on it as you go about your day.
I hope as you reflect on how that fact impacts you, that it will lead you to praise Him. You see, Yahweh is the most significant name of all the names we attribute to God. It is the name by which God instructed us to remember Him throughout all generations. The Jews used the abbreviated form of Yahweh in song when they sang Hallelu-jah – Praise Yah. Throughout Scripture, we are commanded to praise Him. So because He is I AM spend time praising Him today.
“Let everything that has breath praise the Lord."
1 Mary Kassian
Thursday, November 6, 2008
YAHWEH; He is Exalted
Father God,
Today I praise You. You are YAHWEH and I acknowledge You as the One True God. Before you no God was formed, nor will there be one after You. You are Eternal. You are worthy of being exalted! I praise You for being active and present in my life as the I AM. Help me to lean on you today and know that you are guiding me. Help me to trust in the path you have for me. Help me to be obedient to you. After all you have done to show your love for me, may I live my life showing others how much I love you.
In Jesus Name,
Amen
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
I AM WHO I AM
Why do we feel we have to have all the answers at our fingertips? Straight answer: Pride. Pride says, "If I don't have a ready comeback, if I say, 'I don't know,' they'll laugh at me." But that's not true at all. Intelligent throughtful people won't laugh; they'll realize that no one has all the answers.
When Moses gave God that first miserable excuse and said, "I won't have all the answers," God had an immediate reply: "Perhaps not, but you will have all of Me."
God said to Moses, "I AM WHO I AM"; and He said, "Thus you shall say to the
sons of Isreal, 'I AM has sent me to you.'" (Exodus 3:14)
What does that mean? English readers of an English Bible run their eyes across those words and wonder why in the world that answer was significant and why it seemed to satisfy Moses.
Probing a little deeper into the original language, we discover that these words, "I AM WHO I AM," are the very characters in Hebrew that spell out the name YAHWEH. Here is what God was saying, "The only self-existent, infinite Being in all of the universe has dispatched you, Moses. You represent Him. I AM has sent you. You tell them that."
The word "Yahweh" is the most intimate term of the living Lord in the Hebrew vocabulary. God was saying, "Moses, when you stand before those elders of Israel, you let them know that the intimate God of Isreal has sent you to be His representative."
God went on to give Moses two promises, to aid him in his introduction to the elders, and then to Pharoah himself. In verse 18, God tells Moses that the leaders of the Israelites, "will pay heed to what you say." Moses had God's promise on that. And when it came time to deal with Pharoah, the Lord made a second promise: "So I will stretch out My hand and strike Egypt with all My miracles which I shall do in the midst of it; and after that he will let you go" (vs. 20).
What assurance! It was already a done deal. The Lord told Moses, "Not only will the elders of Isreal hear you and believe you, but Pharoah himself will fall in line and unlock the gate to freedom. It's going to happen; He'll let Israel go. So you've got My promise to stand on, Moses. I won't let you down. You feel as if you don't have all the answers, but you'll have all of Me. You represent I AM, and you represent my unfailing promises."
Taken from Charles Swindoll's book, Moses: A Man of Selfless Dedication.
When Moses gave God that first miserable excuse and said, "I won't have all the answers," God had an immediate reply: "Perhaps not, but you will have all of Me."
God said to Moses, "I AM WHO I AM"; and He said, "Thus you shall say to the
sons of Isreal, 'I AM has sent me to you.'" (Exodus 3:14)
What does that mean? English readers of an English Bible run their eyes across those words and wonder why in the world that answer was significant and why it seemed to satisfy Moses.
Probing a little deeper into the original language, we discover that these words, "I AM WHO I AM," are the very characters in Hebrew that spell out the name YAHWEH. Here is what God was saying, "The only self-existent, infinite Being in all of the universe has dispatched you, Moses. You represent Him. I AM has sent you. You tell them that."
The word "Yahweh" is the most intimate term of the living Lord in the Hebrew vocabulary. God was saying, "Moses, when you stand before those elders of Israel, you let them know that the intimate God of Isreal has sent you to be His representative."
God went on to give Moses two promises, to aid him in his introduction to the elders, and then to Pharoah himself. In verse 18, God tells Moses that the leaders of the Israelites, "will pay heed to what you say." Moses had God's promise on that. And when it came time to deal with Pharoah, the Lord made a second promise: "So I will stretch out My hand and strike Egypt with all My miracles which I shall do in the midst of it; and after that he will let you go" (vs. 20).
What assurance! It was already a done deal. The Lord told Moses, "Not only will the elders of Isreal hear you and believe you, but Pharoah himself will fall in line and unlock the gate to freedom. It's going to happen; He'll let Israel go. So you've got My promise to stand on, Moses. I won't let you down. You feel as if you don't have all the answers, but you'll have all of Me. You represent I AM, and you represent my unfailing promises."
Taken from Charles Swindoll's book, Moses: A Man of Selfless Dedication.
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
The Sacred Name of God
God has many names in the Bible. In our English texts, the different names don't stand out as much or strike us as odd; their meanings are hidden in a different language and time. "Jehovah Jireh" we sing during worship, and wonder what that really means. Or we say, "So what? What's the big deal?"
Names are very significant in ancient times. Parents carefully chose names for their children, because names revealed the inner qualities and unique characteristics of the person. Later in life, a person might receive a new name as a result of some new accomplishment or new revelation from God. In some ancient cultures, names were so special that to know someone's personal name was to know their secret source of strength or life. When people revealed their personal name to others, this was a very intentional step toward relationship. They made themselves almost vulnerable by revealing their true identity.
To know someone's name was to know-really know-that person. So what does it mean that God revealed the name of YHWH - yoh,hey,vah,hey - YAHWEH, to Moses on lonely Mt. Horeb? What does it mean that the creator of the universe, the Almighty God, confronts a shepherd in the wilderness and tells him - the Name? It means a lot. God, through a burning bush that would not burn up, initiated relationship with a human. God revealed something of the divine mystery to a humble shepherd. "I Am that I AM." The Name is so sacred that today many religious people do not even say that Name. Some Jewish rabbis postulate that the four letters - yoh, hey, vah, hey -almost sound like breathing when spoken together. The name of God is the very breath we take to sustain life!
Does God become vulnerable to Moses, to us, in the giving of the Name? Does God give us a hint of the divine nature by the meaning of these letters? I AM. I AM. Forever fully present. The One who makes all other things be.
Post taken from www.ymroadtrip.com
Names are very significant in ancient times. Parents carefully chose names for their children, because names revealed the inner qualities and unique characteristics of the person. Later in life, a person might receive a new name as a result of some new accomplishment or new revelation from God. In some ancient cultures, names were so special that to know someone's personal name was to know their secret source of strength or life. When people revealed their personal name to others, this was a very intentional step toward relationship. They made themselves almost vulnerable by revealing their true identity.
To know someone's name was to know-really know-that person. So what does it mean that God revealed the name of YHWH - yoh,hey,vah,hey - YAHWEH, to Moses on lonely Mt. Horeb? What does it mean that the creator of the universe, the Almighty God, confronts a shepherd in the wilderness and tells him - the Name? It means a lot. God, through a burning bush that would not burn up, initiated relationship with a human. God revealed something of the divine mystery to a humble shepherd. "I Am that I AM." The Name is so sacred that today many religious people do not even say that Name. Some Jewish rabbis postulate that the four letters - yoh, hey, vah, hey -almost sound like breathing when spoken together. The name of God is the very breath we take to sustain life!
Does God become vulnerable to Moses, to us, in the giving of the Name? Does God give us a hint of the divine nature by the meaning of these letters? I AM. I AM. Forever fully present. The One who makes all other things be.
Post taken from www.ymroadtrip.com
Monday, November 3, 2008
Indescribable
Hey, this is Randy and I'm glad that you are planning on walking with us every day as we explore many different names for God from now through Christmas. Our daily blog is called "Hello, my name is God." If you haven't registered for this blog yet, please take a minute and do so now. Did you do it? Good!
As you probably know, yesterday I preached the first message of an eight week series called "Indescribable" at The Church at Ross Station in Hoover, Alabama. If you missed it, over the next 24 hours, it should be posted to our podcast site that you will find by visiting www.rossstation.org. This message kicked off the series in a powerful way. From now through December 21st we will look at other names for God such as Adonai, Jehovah Rophe, Jehovah Jireh, Jehovah Rohi, Jehovah Shammah, Jehovah Nissi, and of course, the Name that is above every name...Jesus! To follow up each message, you will be able to visit this blog and read devotions about the name of God that we studied in the message the previous Sunday. Some of the devotions will be words from famous authors and theologians, while the majority will be written by our very own members at Ross Station. We hope that this blog and this series will be a great blessing to you and that you will be challenged to a deeper walk with the Lord throughout this holiday season.
Would you take a moment and pray right now that God will speak to your heart and that He would use His Name as a means to challenge and change you. God bless you as you start this journey with us. Whether you are a member of Ross Station, a friend or family member of one of our folks, or perhaps you just stumbled across this blog by chance, we are glad you are here. If you are anywhere near Hoover, Alabama on a Sunday, please be our guest at Ross Station. We'd love for you to be a part of the incredible work that God is doing here. It is truly indescribable.
As you probably know, yesterday I preached the first message of an eight week series called "Indescribable" at The Church at Ross Station in Hoover, Alabama. If you missed it, over the next 24 hours, it should be posted to our podcast site that you will find by visiting www.rossstation.org. This message kicked off the series in a powerful way. From now through December 21st we will look at other names for God such as Adonai, Jehovah Rophe, Jehovah Jireh, Jehovah Rohi, Jehovah Shammah, Jehovah Nissi, and of course, the Name that is above every name...Jesus! To follow up each message, you will be able to visit this blog and read devotions about the name of God that we studied in the message the previous Sunday. Some of the devotions will be words from famous authors and theologians, while the majority will be written by our very own members at Ross Station. We hope that this blog and this series will be a great blessing to you and that you will be challenged to a deeper walk with the Lord throughout this holiday season.
Would you take a moment and pray right now that God will speak to your heart and that He would use His Name as a means to challenge and change you. God bless you as you start this journey with us. Whether you are a member of Ross Station, a friend or family member of one of our folks, or perhaps you just stumbled across this blog by chance, we are glad you are here. If you are anywhere near Hoover, Alabama on a Sunday, please be our guest at Ross Station. We'd love for you to be a part of the incredible work that God is doing here. It is truly indescribable.
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