I’m not sure why the beginning of a new year really DOES bring me to reevaluate and make new commitments. But I do. For the past few years I have tried to read through the entire bible, but to be perfectly candid and honest, Numbers is just not very entertaining. So I end up skipping to the books that I like and I never actually read through the entire bible. This year I am trying something new, learning all about the Names of God, and the Names of Jesus. Oh, I’ve heard them before, and I’ve sung the songs (remember El Shaddai by Amy Grant?), but it wasn’t until just recently when we took communion that I realized that God has different names based on what He expects us to call on Him for. For example, my name to all of you is Kati, but to my kids, they call me Mommy, when they want something they might say Moooommmmmm. James and my sister call me Kate. God is the same way, He has many names that have been revealed to us throughout the Old and New Testament. And He expects us to call on Him and use those personal, specific names in our conversations with Him because to knowing those intimate names allow us to enjoy a kind of privileged access to him.
I will be personally using a daily devotional book written by Ann Spangler, Praying the Names of God, a daily guide, and then reflecting back weekly on what was revealed to me that prior week. Would you like to join me? Go HERE to view the book on Amazon (make sure to utilize your SwagBucks to get it cheaper!). It is set up to learn 26 names, one per week. Then I will be moving onto Praying the Names of Jesus book (I haven’t purchased this one yet, view it HERE) for the remaining 26 weeks of the year.
I have found that it is such an easy, intriguing read…I keep wanting to skip ahead (WOW!!). But I am forcing myself to stop and reflect on what God wants me to know about Him through that specific name. Please pray for me for two things: 1.) that I will continue this lesson and dedicate this entire year to completion. 2.) that God will use my learning to point others to Him.
Here’s what I have already learned in my first week…
Ancient names carried far more significance than they do today. In addition to distinguishing one person from another, they also revealed the character and essential nature of a person. By revealing his name, God becomes more vulnerable to us. That gives us the ability to know God better. Deeper.
The first name studied is Elohim (pronounced e-lo-HEEM). The one who created it all. The one who began it all. In plural it emphasizes the majesty of the one true God. The God of Gods, the highest of all. We have access to the One True God, the one who created the universe, the God above all Gods!
Personal reflection: This explanation feels kind of heavy to me because when I identify myself as a Christian, as a follower of the one true God, I better act like it. I need to realize the gravity that I represent God Himself and let my actions reflect that.
Key verse that spoke to me: Psalm 102:25-27 “In the beginning you laid the foundations of the earth, and the heavens are the work of your hands. They will perish, but you remain; they will all wear out like a garment. Like clothing you will change them and they will be discarded. But you remain the same, and your years will never end.” No matter what circumstance or struggle I face today (death of a friend or family member, parenting aggravations, financial challenges), I can allow the strong, steady, ever-stable God who created my entire world pull me closer in order to lean on Him for TRUE stability.
~Let’s do this! Let’s get to know God deeper in 2013!
