Monday, February 23, 2009
Jehovah-Tsidkenu:The Lord Our Righteousness
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
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.
Saturday, February 21, 2009
El Roi: The God Who 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.
Friday, February 20, 2009
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!
John 14:27