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Lord, I Want to Know You (Devotion Week #7)

Woman under arch looking at castle - Lord I Want to Know You

Lord, I Want to Know You is the 7th and last post in this series. Below are the links to the other 6.

“The Name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous runs into it and is safe.” (Proverbs 18:10)

THE LORD who remains the same throughout all generations.

His loving-kindness

“And the LORD (Jehovah) descended in the cloud and stood there with him (Moses) as he called upon the name of the LORD (Jehovah). Then the LORD (Jehovah) passed by in front of him and proclaimed, ‘The LORD (Jehovah), the LORD (Jehovah) God, compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in loving-kindness and truth; who keeps loving-kindness for thousands, who forgives iniquity, transgression and sin; yet He will by no means leave the guilty unpunished, visiting the iniquity of fathers on the children and the grandchildren to the third and fourth generations’” (Exodus 34:5-7) This is your Jehovah!

He is self-existent. He is LORD

Jehovah, the self-existent One, appears in capital letters in many Bibles. LORD. “And God said to Moses, ‘I AM WHO I AM”; and He said, ‘Thus you shall say to the sons of Israel,
‘I AM has sent me to you.’” (Exodus 3:14)

He is eternal

John 1:14 records that the eternal Word of God “became flesh and made his dwelling among us.” Also in John’s gospel, Jesus identified Himself as the eternal Son through “I am” statements, including His bold statement, “before Abraham was born, I am!” — Arthur Jackson, from Our Daily Bread

Of course He is LORD over all the year, but there is something special about this season of the year, that we call Easter—an amazing time to awaken our spiritual senses and focus on the ultimate sacrifice of our Savior and Lord. The great I AM, who Was, Is, and Always Will Be. He came as a baby, lived, died and rose from the dead. AND is coming back again for His own. He is all we need for every circumstance. For every need.

His unchangeableness

Jehovah is the self-existent One – “I AM WHO I AM”. He is the eternal I AM, the Alpha and the Omega, the same yesterday, today, and forever. All of life is contained in Him. Why do we look elsewhere? Why do we not rest in His unchangeableness? He has never failed. Would He begin with me or with you? He cannot; He is Jehovah, the self-existent, covenant-keeping God.” — Kay Arthur

The Covenant Names of God

We’ve spent these last 6 weeks focusing on the Names of God. But, it is not JUST the Names of God. It is actually the characteristics of God we have studied. And most of all, we have been looking more closely at the COVENANT NAMES of GOD. And we’ve also been looking at Biblical characters who learned particular characteristics of God at a particular time in their lives. And we have seen a modern day example from my own life of how each name applies to us today. And a personal prayer for you each week.

My prayer for you:

Father, I pray for this amazing woman reading this. I ask—just as Moses prayed for God to show him His Glory—that You, LORD, will show her Your Glory! Pass by even now, in all Your goodness. Proclaim Your Name over her! I pray that she continues to draw closer to you—to her amazing God Almighty. Help her to deeply know You by all Your glorious Names. Make it personal. Each of Your names are actually a Covenant You are making with each of Your Followers. THANK YOU, FATHER!!!

I pray she daily continues to draw closer to You—The Keeper of her soul!

Dear one,
Thank you for taking this journey of discovery with me. If you don’t know the LORD in a personal way, but would like to, I’d love to make an appointment to talk to you about all this.

Questions?

I LOVE questions! We can explore together how to RE-discover, or to finally find your way HOME into the arms of the ONLY ONE who loves you Unconditionally! Truly! I’m only a click away!

Until next time…

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Let's Connect!Until next time,
Awaiting His shout,
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Christian Life Coach
Leading from Your Strengths Mentor
www.loavesandfishescoaching.com

Filed under: Christian Life Coaching,Spiritual Life — Tags: , , , — Pam Taylor @ 7:00 am

Jehovah-Jireh (The Lord Will Provide) (Devotion Week #6)

Jesus comforting child - Jehovah-Jireh

I’ve been publishing these weekly devotional thoughts and prayers for women on my blog to encourage your heart, reminding you how deeply your Lord loves you–directing your thoughts toward the names & characteristics of your God. Today’s post is Jehovah-Jireh. Here’s the link to the first ones.

Question:

Do you ever feel scared that there will not be enough? Or that you will not have what you need? That you have to work really hard and extra hours so that you and/or your family will be happy? Why did Jesus instruct us to pray: “Give us this day our daily bread.” (Matthew 6:11) Do you feel silly asking God for help when you can do it yourself?

“Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help, and rely on horses, and trust in chariots because they are many, and in horsemen because they are very strong, but they do not look to the Holy One of Israel, nor seek the LORD!” (Isaiah 31:1) Why do you think God said that “woe”?

The scarcity fear is natural in this country. We have raised the bar of what is “required” to survive.

I am thinking of the story of Abraham and the experience of needing a sacrifice on a trip with his son to the mountains to worship God. (That was of course, before the time of Jesus BEING our sacrifice.) Do you think Abraham was scared? What about Isaac?

This story in Scripture, is the first mention of God as Jehovah-Jireh, the provider.

Isaac asks his father where the animal for sacrifice is. His father, Abraham, says God will provide. When they reach the top of the mountain, Isaac is placed on the altar, and his father, Abraham, raises the knife to kill him (to sacrifice him). Then God realizes that Abraham’s faith is deep and that NOTHING—not even his beloved son—will be more important to him than his Lord God.

Of course, we know that God did indeed provide the lamb that suddenly appeared in the thicket nearby, so Isaac got to also witness God’s provision. That is the name that Abraham called God at that point. Jehovah-Jireh (The Lord Will Provide). Abraham had not known HOW God would provide but he had absolute faith that he would! God meets them both on that mountain, and proves that He will provide WHAT is needed, WHEN it is needed. You’ve heard the saying, God is always on time. Never late. Never early. But right on time!

Are you learning, with me, that God can be trusted to provide everything that you need? He permits our experiences, in order to provide us with opportunities to trust Him. His promises are trustworthy. And true. And sometimes scary.

An example from my life:

When we were in missionary language school…
the sending agency had promised I could keep my kids with me because I home schooled; and from the beginning, they had been fully supportive of me. UNTIL we got to California and they decided I would have to put my kids in a day care in CALIFORNIA while my husband and I were in training during the day. I asked if I could have a babysitter come to our apartment and stay with the kids (the pastor’s daughter); so I could check on the kids during our breaks each day. They said no. I asked again and they said if I did, I would have to pay for it myself.

It was way more than we had available, so I prayed and the money did not come and did not come. It was the deadline to make the decision what to do. I was actually angry with God, and told Him so (I had no similarity to Abraham’s response ).

God is Jehovah-Jireh, He will provide.

There was a knock on the door and when I opened it, I was obviously perturbed. Another missionary woman was standing there, smiling, and said she had just gotten their mail and received some money they did NOT need and felt strongly that God was telling her to give it to us. (YES, I was embarrassed I had been so rude when I answered the door…I took the envelope, thinking it would be a small pittance)

After she left, I opened the envelope. Would you be surprised to know it was a HUGE check and enough to cover all the costs for our kids to stay in our apartment while we were on the same mission grounds, so they could continue the homeschooling and be safe NOT in a CALIFORNIA day care! It was at the final hour (like Abraham) and it was exactly what we needed (like Abraham). Well, that was quite a lesson for me! AND for my children. (I wish I had more space to tell you more details, but at least you see a real life example of our Name for God for this week. Jehovah-Jireh.

I’d like to pray for you right now…

Father, we women think we need to take care of everything ourselves. We forget to immediately go to YOU. You already know. You just want us to acknowledge to ourselves that You are the Provider and that we can count on you to take care of the details. People (and mission groups) will always disappoint, but You will never disappoint. You will never let us down. Likely, it will be at the final hour, but You will provide. You DO provide. Help this lovely woman reading this to rest in You. To relax. To trust You with her whole heart, mind, soul and strength. It might look different than what she thought, but it will always be exactly the right answer and provision that she needs.

Show her she does not have to be perfect before asking You for help. Nurture this sweet soul, Lord. I chose this particular story from my life to share here, because it shows my attitude was stinky. It shows me at my worst before You. I was angry. I was afraid. I did not know what to do. But, I never stopped talking to YOU about it. AND You loved me in spite of my imperfections. AND You do that for each of us! You will do it for the woman reading this. All she has to do is ASK! You are a good, good Father! Thank You, Jehovah-Jireh!

God, thank You that we don’t have to be like Abraham—offering sacrifices on the altar—because Jesus Christ, our Savior has done that once for all, already. And this season of the year is meant to remind us of what has already been done to provide THE WAY for us to spend eternity in Heaven with YOU! There are not enough words to express the gratitude that spills out from my heart at this moment.

Dear one,

Each week heading into the season we call Easter (and beyond), I’ve been writing a fresh new devotional post, including a personal prayer, especially with you in mind. For encouragement. It is a tough world with many distractions. I am hoping to bring you a bit closer to your Savior!

“Lukewarm people do not live by faith; their lives are structured so they never have to.”
– Francis Chan (2013)

If you are having difficulty trusting God to take the reigns of your life. If you don’t understand what Jesus has done for you. If you fear what He might ask you to do, please let me help you find your way out of that maze. As a mentor coach, that is what God has gifted me to do! And remember… I am only a “click” away…

Until next time…

Continue to Devotion Week #7 – Lord, I Want to Know You

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When you sign up for Pamela Taylor's email list, you'll receive her 7-day Names of God Easter devotional book FREE.

Names of God: 7-Day Easter Devotional

Let's Connect!Until next time,
Awaiting His shout,
pam_signature-c49a6c

Christian Life Coach
Leading from Your Strengths Mentor
www.loavesandfishescoaching.com

Filed under: Christian Life Coaching,Spiritual Life — Tags: , , — Pam Taylor @ 7:00 am

Elohim (The Creator) (Devotion Week #5)

Woman looking over mountain range thinking about Elohim

I’ve been publishing these weekly devotional thoughts and prayers for women on my blog to encourage your heart thru the Easter season, reminding you how deeply your Lord loves you–directing your thoughts toward the names & characteristics of your God. Today’s topic is “Elohim.” Here’s the link to the first ones. Should I continue with this theme?

Are you learning—like me—to turn to the only One who offers REASONS for your existence?

The world offers counterfeits

And confusion. And tells us to work on our weaknesses and to be like whatever the latest commercials on TV are portraying as the perfect woman.

You are NOT a mistake

During this season of celebrating the death, burial, resurrection, and ascension of our Lord Jesus Christ, let’s focus on the One who created you just the way your are. You are here, at this time and place by God’s design. You are not an accident or a mistake.

God chose you for this time and place

Let’s look at God the Creator (Elohim) a bit more closely through the eyes of Scripture. God spoke, the Spirit moved and Colossians 1:16 says in Him (Jesus Christ), the Son of God, “all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth.”

Then, God (Elohim) said, “Let Us make man in Our image.”

Moses didn’t think he was good enough

Moses thought he was inadequate and slow of speech, and apparently had a speech impediment. He told God to send someone better to speak to Pharaoh and God said that He (God) had made Moses’ mouth, so He knew what was Moses was capable of, even though Moses disagreed. (Do you ever feel that way about something you believe God is calling you to do? I know I feel that way sometimes.)

God also told Moses that He makes some people deaf, and blind. GOD decides what challenges and opportunities will bring Him the most glory. GOD decides. We do NOT.

Personal Story when I first understood Elohim

My son had been born 5 weeks early, and at 10 days old, he needed heart surgery. I could not believe this was happening. I didn’t understand. I was in the hospital chapel arguing with God: “God, I haven’t even had time for post-partum depression, and you expect me to deal with THIS?”

God’s response to me

(It was as clear as if He had been standing in the room with me): “I decide who has heart problems and who does not.” I could literally feel God’s Spirit fill the room with the TRUTH of that. I didn’t feel He was angry. I just felt that He was helping me see I needed to step up to the plate and accept what God had designed for our family. And I had absolute PEACE. Have you heard “In acceptance lieth peace”? I can attest to the truth of that. And my son had the surgery. And he is now 39 years old. And is married with a son of his own. Of course that is a shortened version of those 39 years, but the point is that we are ALL here by GOD’S DESIGN. GOD DECIDES. And then He walks through it with us!

Let’s pray TOGETHER:

Father, Elohim, would you right now…this very moment remind this sweet woman reading this prayer, that you offer all she needs for every circumstance.

It is difficult to get our brain around how You create—out of nothing—and how You breathe life into everything. You truly are an awesome God. You create birds, flowers, cows, zebras, and creepy snakes and mosquitoes. You create sunrises and sunsets. AND YOU created this amazing woman, exactly the way You wanted her to be, so she can complete what YOU wanted her to do. Redhead or brunette, she is here at this time and place by God’s design. Help her to embrace WHO she is IN YOU.

She is —created for YOUR glory—and is precious in Your sight. You formed her and plunked her down here and now. Bless her with a close relationship with You, Lord Jesus!

“For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be the Glory forever. Amen.” (Romans 11:36)

Now what?

You were created for Him! You are a unique creation of God, one of a kind,created for His glory. He “formed my inward parts.” He “weaved me in my mother’s womb…I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” (Psalm 139:13-14)

“Have you ever thought of yourself as being fearfully and wonderfully made? Or do you look at yourself and despise what Elohim has created?” … “You may not understand how your situation could ever bring Him glory, but you can trust in the Name of your Lord.”
– Kay Arthur

I’d love to help you find that acceptance and that peace. To discover, embrace, and live the very strengths God designed just for you! You can contact me by clicking on the blue button below.

Continue to Devotion Week #6 – Jehovah-Jireh (The Lord Will Provide)

Free E-Book for Easter

When you sign up for Pamela Taylor's email list, you'll receive her 7-day Names of God Easter devotional book FREE.

Names of God: 7-Day Easter Devotional

Let's Connect!Until next time,
Awaiting His shout,
pam_signature-c49a6c

Christian Life Coach
Leading from Your Strengths Mentor
www.loavesandfishescoaching.com

Filed under: Christian Life Coaching,Spiritual Life — Tags: , — Pam Taylor @ 7:00 am