God's Names

God also said to Moses, “I am the Lord.
I appeared to Abraham, to Isaac and to Jacob
as God Almighty,
but by my name the Lord
I did not make myself fully known to them.
(Exodus 6:2–3)

As God revealed His plans to the patriarchs and matriarchs in the Bible, He became more intimate with His people.

For example, God made Himself known as El-Shaddai—“God Almighty”, to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob (Genesis 17:1; 28:3; 35:11).

Later He told Moses His covenant name: Yahweh—“The LORD” (Exodus 3:15 ).

In the Gospels, God becomes even more personal when the Son of God becomes incarnate in Jesus.

And in Acts and the epistles, we discover that God comes to live in our hearts through the Holy Spirit.

Throughout history, God has revealed more of Himself to His people.

The final act of intimacy will be when He brings us home.

Then we can fellowship with Him face to face forever.

Oh Almighty Father, God the Most High!

Suffer For Christ

I write to you, young men, because you are strong, and the word of God lives in you, and you have overcome the evil one. (1 John 2:14b)

What are your wounds for Christ this week?

In the Bible, to be persecuted means to be pursued by the enemies of Christ.

When we become a Christian, Christ’s enemies become our enemies, and we are pitched into a battle with the world and the devil, and this fight will draw wounds.

So it doesn’t matter where we are. The fight is the same, only the degree and type of suffering may differ. We are going to get pursued. That is persecution.

Persecution is not just legal discrimination or being put into jail for one’s faith.

Our wounds for Christ let us know that we are alive in Christ.

And wounds bring joy, because we know we are making a difference.

Persecuted churches are growing churches. They are alive in Christ. They know it because they have wounds!

Let us find the source of resistance to the gospel in our local area. Let us apply the gospel and watch the fight begins.

Let us accept negative reactions as a sign that we are making a difference in our community.

Oh Lord, let me experience the joy resulting from doing right and opposing evil in my sphere of influence.

Serving Two Masters

“No one can serve two masters.
Either he will hate the one and love the other,
or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other.
You cannot serve both God and Money.”
(Matthew 6:24)

Riches are dangerous because their seductive power often causes people to reject Christ and His kingdom. The rich young ruler turned away sadly after being told that he had to part with his riches to inherit salvation.

A desire for riches can cause people to do almost anything, even to the extent of selling their souls.

An abundance of possessions can lead us to forget that God is the Source of all good.

The pursuit of wealth often results in wars.

Money is a power that is demonic in character. It can become a rival god. It seeks to dominate us. It is capable of inspiring devotion.

It is instructive to stand back and observe the frantic scramble of people for money.

Be very careful! we can be complete materialists in our hearts.

Let us choose rather to serve God, so we will not give money any place of prominence in our life or in our heart.

Oh Lord, I need Your help today to stay focused on You and not on all the things around me.

Jacob’s Dream

Genesis 28:10–22

Jacob’s dream, in which he saw God’s angels ascending and descending a stairway to heaven, was a turning point in his life. It was the moment when God became personal to him.

We too must have a personal encounter and a relationship with God before we can experience His work in us and through us. And our encounter with Him centers on the Lord Jesus Christ.

Our relationship with God
depends on how well we know His Son.

How intimately do we experience His presence?

How clearly do we hear His voice?

Baby In Old Age

Without Women There Would Be No Church

Many women were among the larger body of disciples that followed and served Jesus Christ. They were more loyal to Jesus at the time of His crucifixion than His male disciples. Throughout the Bible, women filled significant roles in the Church. Without women there would be no church!

Fellowship With God

We are special.
We are made in God's image.
God created us to have fellowship with Him.

Do Not Worry About Your Life

Rahab Was Concerned About Her Family

Joshua 2: 12-13

Passage

When Rahab came to faith in God, her life was forever changed!

Rahab was concerned about her family who were in danger as well.

She knew that God would take care of her.

She wanted the same assurance for her family.

Her heart was moved to reach out for the help for them.

Response

One of the surest signs of salvation is a desire to tell others about the Savior.

Rahab proved she was saved!

Prayer

Lord, save my family, and my loved ones. Amen