Jehovah-Nissi: The Lord My Banner

Ancient armies carried standards and banners that served as marks of identification. Israel carried their banners on their march through the desert. When we pray to Jehovah-Nissi, we are praying to the God who is powerful enough to overcome any foe. Read Ezekiel 17:8-16. Take note especially of verse 15: But he rebelled against him in sending his ambassadors into Egypt, that they might give him horses and much people. Shall he prosper? shall he escape that doeth such things? or shall he break the covenant, and be delivered?

Unlike fabric flags, ancient banners were usually made out of wood or metal shaped into various figures or emblems that could be fastened to a bare staff or long pole. Most banners were planted on a high hill to serve as a rallying point for the troops before, during, and after the battle. When Moses held up the staff of God during the battle with the Amalekites he was appealing to God's power. He thus created a memorial of God's protection and power during the Israelites' first battle after leaving Egypt.

We realize we are in a spiritual battle daily. For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would. (Galatians 5:17).

We may not want warfare, but it is there nonetheless. But the victory has been won. Look up to the standard of the cross. We cannot win the battle in the flesh. The answer is not to try harder. We cannot put our will against our flesh - We must, however, submit our will to the Holy Sprit.

This morning obey Romans 6:11 and Romans 6:13: Consider by faith, that you are dead to sin because of the victory Christ won on the cross. Also, present your bodily members as weapons of righteousness to advance God's kingdom.

His banner of victory is over you. Under His banner victory is always assured. Apart from it defeat is a certainty.

Thank Him for raising His standard over you. With all the spiritual battles you may face today move forward with confidence in His protection, to fight with His power and to prevail in His strength. Trust Jehovah-Nissi for total complete victory.

Jn.3:14-15 - And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.

Psalm 60:4 - Thou hast given a banner to them that fear thee, that it may be displayed because of the truth.

Song of Solomon 2:4 - He brought me to the banqueting house, and his banner over me was love.

Jehovah-Shammah: The Lord is There

Strictly speaking this is a name for a city rather than a title of God. It is so closely associated with God's presence and power that it has been equated with a name of God. We were created to both enjoy and to manifest God' presence.

Ezekiel 48:35 -It was round about eighteen thousand measures: and the name of the city from that day shall be, The LORD is there.

As God's people continued to sin, He delivers them and dwells with them first in the form of a pillar of cloud and fire, then in the movable tabernacle in the wilderness, and later in the Jerusalem Temple. Tragically and finally, Ezekiel witnessed the glory of God departing from the temple because of their continued unfaithfulness. God is no longer there. Despite God's absence, the book of Ezekiel ends on a note of tremendous hope, predicting a time of restoration - found in Ez.48:35!

Now let's understand how God's presence affects us. Read Isaiah 43:2 -

When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.

Praise God that He is always with us, even in the midst of trouble.

Psalm 139:12 assures us that even in the darkness Jehovah-Shammah is there.

Yea, the darkness hideth not from thee; but the night shineth as the day: the darkness and the light are both alike to thee.

In the New Testament, Jesus is called Immanuel, "God with us." In Jesus Christ, God fulfills His ultimate promise to dwell with His people, by indwelling His living temple of God and His presence will never depart. Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? (1 Cor.3:16)

Here are some verses that help us understand that God's omnipresence is one of the most comforting of all God's attributes!

Psalm 16:11 ~ Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.

Psalm 31:20 ~ Thou shalt hide them in the secret of thy presence from the pride of man: thou shalt keep them secretly in a pavilion from the strife of tongues.

Psalm 139:7-12 ~ Whither shall I go from Thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from Thy presence?

If I ascend up into heaven, Thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, Thou art there. If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea;

Even there shall Thy hand lead me, and Thy right hand shall hold me.

If I say, Surely the darkness shall cover me; even the night shall be light about me. Yea, the darkness hideth not from Thee; but the night shineth as the day: The darkness and the light are both alike to Thee.

El Olam: The Everlasting, Eternal God

This is the Hebrew name for the God who has no beginning and no end.

His plans stand firm forever, plans to give you a hope and a future.

The first mention of this name is found in Genesis 21:32-33

Thus they made a covenant at Beersheba: then Abimelech rose up, and Phichol the chief captain of his host, and they returned into the land of the Philistines. And Abraham planted a grove in Beersheba, and called there on the name of the LORD, the everlasting God.

The term Olam means eternal, everlasting, forever. When we understand the name of El Olam, we learn about the nature of God's promises. Let's focus on His promise about His love, His mercy, and eternal life.

As we think of eternal and everlasting, we understand that God has no beginning and no end. The Lord Jesus Christ is the Alpha and the Omega.

When the enemy lies to you and tells you no one loves you, find the truth in God's Word:

Jer.31:3b “...Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love;

therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn the..”

His love is forever and nothing can stop it.

Where do you turn for mercy? Mercy that is not based on circumstances. In Ezra 3:11, “...for His mercy endureth forever...” and Ps.136:1, “Oh give thanks unto the Lord; for He is good; for His mercy endureth forever.”

God has given us an immortal soul. If we have received Jesus Christ as our Savior, we will inherit everlasting life:

John 3:16 “..that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”

John 10:28a “..And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish..”

Rom.6:23b “..but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”

Here are other scriptures to consider wile thinking of your Everlasting God:

• Isaiah 9:6 ~ acknowledges Him as the everlasting Father

• Isaiah 26:4 ~ in Him is everlasting strength

• Isaiah 35:10 ~ there is everlasting joy in Him

• Isaiah 54:8 ~ in Him is everlasting kindness
  
  

• Duet.33:27 ~ underneath us are the everlasting arms.
  

Thank the Lord, El Olam, for His love, mercy, and faithfulness that endures forever. Ask Him for strength that comes from knowing you are going to live with Him forever.

Jehovah Sabaoth: The Lord of Hosts

When there seemed to be no other recourse for deliverance, the children of Israel came to know God as Jehovah-Sabaoth. David certainly understood this as he faced Goliath.

1 Samuel 17:45-46: Then said David to the Philistine, Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to thee in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied. This day will the LORD deliver thee into mine hand; and I will smite thee, and take thine head from thee; and I will give the carcases of the host of the Philistines this day unto the fowls of the air, and to the wild beasts of the earth; that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel.

David cried out to the God who rules over every other power in the material and spiritual universe. A God so magnificent that all creation serves His purposes.

This is God's name for man's extremity. It is for those who find their resources inadequate in the midst of a struggle. David understood His truth. This is the name for those who may be in a struggle, but they have not given up - they will continue to fight.David called upon the Lord of Hosts as he faced this huge, seemingly impossible challenge. We will face different challenges at various times of our lives. We need to ask our Lord of Hosts to take away our fear arm us with faith and confidence. We need to ask Him to use us to advance His kingdom in the midst of any struggles that might lie ahead. Remember that the battle always belongs to Jehovah-Sabaoth.

Read the story of Elisha and his servant found in 2 Kings 6:15-17. Elisha's servant panicked in the face of the enemy surrounding the city. Elisha said "not to worry for they that be with us are more than they that be with them." Elisha asked God to open his servant's eyes and allow him to see the vast army of the heavenly host - with horses and chariots of fire - surrounding the enemy. Jehovah-Sabaoth was at the head.

Now stop and remember this: No matter who is against us, God is for us. Next time you feel like panicking, besieged by an army of troubles, cry out to the Lord of Hosts for His help. Ask Him to open your eyes by faith to see the way He is already working on your behalf. Always remember the words of Elisha: "Those who are with us are more than those who are with them."

Be encouraged by these verses:

Psalm 46:6-7 - The heathen raged, the kingdoms were moved: he uttered his voice, the earth melted. The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge.

Psalm 84:12 - O LORD of hosts, blessed is the man that trusteth in thee.

Zechariah 1:3 - Therefore say thou unto them, Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Turn ye unto me, saith the LORD of hosts, and I will turn unto you, saith the LORD of hosts.

Psalm 46:10-11 - Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth. The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge.

Jehovah-Tsuri: The Lord My Rock

What better word than "Rock" to represent God's permanence, protection, and enduring faithfulness. When you pray to the Lord your Rock, you are praying to the God who can always be counted on. His plans and purposes remain firm throughout history. Psalm 144:1 proclaims, "Blessed be the LORD my strength which teacheth my hands to war, and my fingers to fight." The Lord is more reliable than the ground you and I stand on. His faithfulness is more than I can comprehend. He rescues me when I cry out to Him.

Rocks provided shade, shelter, and safety in the wilderness. They were used to construct alters, temples, houses, and city walls. God's people would pile up heaps of stones to commemorate important events.

The Hebrew word "tsur" is translated rock or stone.
The Greek work "petra" means rock.

Hannah prayed a great prayer of praise in 1 Samuel 2:2b:

"...neither is there any rock like our God."

Read Matthew 7:24-27 about the two foundations. In verse 24 the phrase "a rock" is better understood as "the Rock." The rock is Jesus Christ. It is wise to build our lives upon this sure foundation. Everything around us may begin to tremble and shake but our Rock remains secure.

Psalm 61:2 - From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I.

Psalm 62:2 - He only is my rock and my salvation; he is my defence; I shall not be greatly moved

When you see this vital truth in your life, pray David's song of deliverance in 2 Samuel 22:2-4:

And he said, The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; The God of my rock; in him will I trust: he is my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my high tower, and my refuge, my saviour; thou savest me from violence. I will call on the LORD, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies.

In praise to Jehovah-Tsuri sing the hymn "A Shelter in the Time of Storm."

Adonai: Lord

This Hebrew means Lord and implies a relationship. God is Lord or Master and we are His servants. This name is first used in Genesis 15:2.

And Abram said, LORD God, what wilt thou give me, seeing I go childless, and the steward of my house is this Eliezer of Damascus?

The lordship of God means His total possession of me and my total submission to Him as Lord and Master.

Read Luke 6:46 and answer the question Jesus asks:

And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?

Two Greek words are translated Lord in the New Testament:

One: kurios means "supreme in authority, controller" His is the word used most commonly in reference to Jesus Christ.
Second word: despotes which means "absolute ruler."

Jesus is Lord and has the right to be worshiped. We have a decision to make. If we call Him Lord we must mean it and do as He asks.

Read the following Scriptures and see how each of these verses show Jesus Christ as Adonai. Note too, what, if anything, is required of us:

Luke 14:25-27 ~ And there went great multitudes with him: and he turned, and said unto them, If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple. And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple.

John 13:13-16 ~ Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you. Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him.

Romans 10:8-10 ~ But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach; That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

Matthew 7:21-27 ~ Click on reference to read passage

Matthew 10:34-40 ~ Click on reference to read passage

Write out a prayer of commitment to your Adonai. Bow before Him and say My Lord! Remember as you submit, He will give the grace for all the tasks He puts before you.

El Shaddai: God Almighty – All-Sufficient God

This name of God was first used in Genesis 17:1-8. Abram meets God again at the age of 99. He still does not have the son of promise. Once again the Lord confirms that Abram will have a son. God says, “I am God Almighty” - El Shaddai. Abram falls facedown and yields himself to God Almighty in everything. El Shaddai changes his name from Abram to Abraham.

The apostle Paul prayed three times for his thorn in the flesh to be removed. God's answer came in 2 Cor.12:9-10. Paul learned that not only was God's grace sufficient, but God Himself is sufficient. No weakness can thwart His plan as long as we follow Him. Therefore, you can welcome your weakness, because your El Shaddai – all-sufficient God – will give you all you need to accomplish His plan for your life. When we call upon the name of El Shaddai, we invoke the name of the one for whom nothing is impossible.

Read Psalm 91. Realize you are abiding under the shadow of the Almighty – of El Shaddai. Pray this psalm before you go to bed.

Do not doubt God's promises to you. Nothing can prevent El Shaddai from carrying out His plans and pouring out His blessings on you. Pain there will be, perhaps confusion, struggle, and difficulty, but our Almighty God can use even these to bless us as we trust Him.

Ask God for the faith to believe that He can show His strength in you and for you when you are at your weakest.

Right now listen to the Lord saying to you, “I am God Almighty, your El Shaddai, walk before me and be blameless.”

Jehovah-Tsidkenu:The Lord Our Righteousness

Although righteousness may not be a popular word, it is essential in our lives because it involves being in a right relationship or right standing with God. Righteousness is impossible to attain ourselves no matter how much we long for it. It comes only as God's gift to us through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Righteousness is not merely a matter of outward behavior, but rather a matter of the heart - thoughts, motives, and desires. The goal is not to do what God says but to become like Him.


Titus 3:5 says that "not by works of righteousness that we have done, but according to his mercy He saved us..." Because of the finished work of Jesus Christ on the cross, we are justified when we receive Him as our Savior. Galatians 2:16 tells us,


Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.


In Jeremiah 23:5-6, the prophet predicted the coming of a King who would be called - "The Lord our Righteousness." Jesus fulfilled this prophecy by restoring our relationship with God, through His life, death, and resurrection.


Righteousness and self-righteousness are two entirely different things. Never become self-righteous, but rather put on the Lord Jesus and know He is your righteousness. Put on the breastplate of righteousness as part of your spiritual armor (Eph.6:14).
*Read Matthew 5:6 - Matthew 6:33.


To pursue righteousness is to pursue God through faith in His son, Jesus Christ.
Look at the following promises from Proverbs regarding living a righteous life.


Prov.10:6 - Blessings are upon the head of the just: but violence covereth the mouth of the wicked.
Prov.10:7 -The memory of the just is blessed: but the name of the wicked shall rot.
*word "just" in these verses is the same as righteous.
Prov.10:11 - The mouth of a righteous man is a well of life: but violence covereth the mouth of the wicked.
Prov.10:21 - The lips of the righteous feed many: but fools die for want of wisdom.
Prov.10:24 - The fear of the wicked, it shall come upon him: but the desire of the righteous shall be granted.
Prov.10:25 - As the whirlwind passeth, so is the wicked no more: but the righteous is an everlasting foundation.
Prov.11:8 - The righteous is delivered out of trouble, and the wicked cometh in his stead.
Prov.13:21 - Evil pursueth sinners: but to the righteous good shall be repayed.


Today ask your Jehovah-Tsidkenu to lead you in paths of righteousness.

Elohim: God the Creator

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

If God is the creator of all things, who has given us life? Elohim, of course!
Why were we created? For Him!

For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother's womb.
I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: Marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well. (Psalm139:13-14)

You are a unique creation of God, one of a kind, created for His glory. Psalm 139 says you are fearfully and wonderfully made. Do you see yourself that or do you look at yourself and despise what Elohim has created? If you despise yourself, you must deny His sovereignty, His word, and His name.

If you are unhappy with yourself run into the strong tower of the name of Elohim.
We were created for His glory and His pleasure. Read Isaiah 43, and write out a prayer of worship to your Creator.

Are you fulfilling the purpose of your creation? What is keeping you from being or doing what you were created for?

El Elyon: The Most High God Who Rules Over All

The name of El Elyon, is the name that designates God as the sovereign ruler of the universe.
If God is not sovereign, if He not in control, if all things are not under His dominion, then He is not the Most High and you and I are either in the hands of fate, in the hands of man, or in the hands of the devil.

Here are some scriptures that show the sovereignty of El Elyon:
After you read the passages, write an analysis of how they show God's sovereignty or what He has supremacy over:

Daniel 4:34-35 ~ And at the end of the days I Nebuchadnezzar lifted up mine eyes unto heaven, and mine understanding returned unto me, and I blessed the most High, and I praised and honoured him that liveth for ever, whose dominion is an everlasting dominion, and his kingdom is from generation to generation: And all the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing: and he doeth according to his will in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth: and none can stay his hand, or say unto him, What doest thou?

Isaiah 14:24, 27 ~ The LORD of hosts hath sworn, saying, Surely as I have thought, so shall it come to pass; and as I have purposed, so shall it stand

Isaiah 46:9-11 ~ Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me, Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure: Calling a ravenous bird from the east, the man that executeth my counsel from a far country: yea, I have spoken it, I will also bring it to pass; I have purposed it, I will also do it.

Deuteronomy 32:39 ~ See now that I, even I, am he, and there is no god with me: I kill, and I make alive; I wound, and I heal: neither is there any that can deliver out of my hand.

1 Samuel 1:5-6 ~ But unto Hannah he gave a worthy portion; for he loved Hannah: but the LORD had shut up her womb. And her adversary also provoked her sore, for to make her fret, because the LORD had shut up her womb.

John 9:10-11 ~ Therefore said they unto him, How were thine eyes opened? He answered and said, A man that is called Jesus made clay, and anointed mine eyes, and said unto me, Go to the pool of Siloam, and wash: and I went and washed, and I received sight.

What difference does it make in your life to realize that God is sovereign, that He is ruler over all, and that nothing can happen without the ultimate sanction or permission of God?
Write out your thoughts, and think of the story of Job.

El Elyon rules supremely over all. And because He does, we understand Romans 8:28

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love
God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

Next time you start to murmur or complain, run to your El Elyon - trust Him and give thanks.

El Roi: The God Who Sees

The omnipresent God is there and His eyes are not shut. He does not sleep, unaware of the circumstances. He sees.

Read Genises 16. This is where the name of El Roi is first mentioned by a slave named Hagar.

Many of us have been mistreated in various ways.

What did El Roi tell Hagar to do? To go back and deal with the situation. Whatever our mistreatment has been we must face it. God saw it. He knows the sin committed against you and someday He will vindicate you. And it will be a righteous judgment because He saw it.

Also, if you fear for a loved one or friend who is missing or has left, remember that although you cannot see that person, El Roi can see them at this very moment and He will care for them.

Write a paragraph of praise to your El Roi.

Also realize that the only way to not become bitter over mistreatment is to forgive and then use your wounded past to help others find peace.

Jehovah-Jirah: The Lord will Provide

Jehovah means self-existent one. But He is much more than Jehovah. In many cases, His name is compounded to show us that very essence of His being is to love, to give, to lead. As Jehovah-Jirah -self existent one, who needs nothing, extends Himself to provide for us.

This name of Jehovah-Jirah was extremely significant to Abraham. Read Genesis 22:1-19 to find out why and see the first mention of that name.

The word Jirah in the Old Testament literally means “to see.” So where do we get “provide”? Since He is God, when He sees, He foresees. Our all-knowing, ever-present, eternal Father knows beginning to end and in His omniscience, He provides.

Yes, our Father, Jehovah-Jirah, both sees and knows our needs. Yet, He instructs us to pray. ~ Read Matthew 6:11. Do not feel silly asking God for things. He bids us to come! Romans 8:32 says,

He that spared not his own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall

He not with Him also freely give us all things?

Abraham named the place of his great testing “in the mount of the Lord it will be provided.” (Gen.22:14) There is another mount where your ultimate need for eternal life has been provided – what's it called? Because of that finished work, what does Philippians 4:19 state?

But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

Jehovah-Jirah is for you; not against you. In any test you can lay your Isaac on the alter. In whatever circumstance, the Lord will provide. Be careful where you look for provision!

Jehovah-Shalom ~ The Lord is Peace

In some of Israel's darkest times, God revealed Himself to Gideon as Jehovah-Shalom.
Judges 6:22-24 ~

And when Gideon perceived that he was an angel of the LORD, Gideon said, Alas, O LORD God! for because I have seen an angel of the LORD face to face. And the LORD said unto him, Peace be unto thee; fear not: thou shalt not die. Then Gideon built an altar there unto the LORD, and called it Jehovahshalom: unto this day it is yet in Ophrah of the Abiezrites.

We must remember that the peace of the Bible is not a peace based on circumstances. It is, rather, a peace that can be obtained regardless of circumstances. How is this possible? It is possible because the peace of the Bible is found in a Person.

Gideon became afraid when he realized he had seen the angel of the Lord face to face. He wanted to be at peace with God and the angel assured he was given peace from God. Thus, Gideon built the alter to the Lord and named it The Lord is Peace. True peace cannot be found except in a right relationship with God.

In Isaiah 9:6, we see God sent His son, the Prince of Peace, the one who reconciles us to God, who enables us to stand before Him, face to face without fear. Romans 5:1 ~

Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ

This peace, found in Christ, does not alter regardless of our circumstances. Why? Because Christ is the same yesterday, today, forever. Also, because of the promise found in Hebrews 13:5-6 ~

Be content with such things as ye have: for He hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. So that we may boldly say, "The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me."

Read the following Scriptures and note below each one what you learn about God's peace.

Jeremiah 29:11 ~ "For I know the thoughts that I think toward you," says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope."

Psalm 119:165 ~ Great peace have those who love Your law, And nothing causes them to stumble.

Isaiah 26:3 ~ You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trusts in You.

Philippians 4:4-7 ~ Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice. Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:8-9 ~Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely,
whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.

When you long for peace run to your Jehovah-Shalom!

Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
John 14:27