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“Holy and reverend is His name”(Psalm 111:9)

Elohim–Genesis 1:1–Creator

El Elyon–Genesis 14:18-20–The Most High (Sovereign)

Jehovah Tsidkenu–Jeremiah 23:6–The Lord our Righteousness

Jehovah Jireh–Genesis 22:14–The Lord Provides

Jehovah Raah–Psalm 23:1–The Lord my Shepherd

Jehovah Shalom–Judges 6:24–The Lord send peace

Jehovah Nissi–Exodus 17:15–The Lord my Banner

Jehovah Rapha–Exodus 15:26–The Lord that healeth

Jehovah Shammah–Ezekiel 48:35–The Lord is there

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1: God loves you and created you to have a personal relationship with Him. (Ps 139:13-14; John 3:16; John 17:3)

2: Our sin keeps us from having a personal relationship with God. (James4:17; Rom. 3:23, 6:23; Isaiah 59:2)

3: Only through Jesus Christ can you have a personal relationship with God. (John 14:6; 1Pet. 3:18; 1Cor. 15:3-4)

4: You must personally respond by trusting in Jesus Christ alone for your salvation…JUST BELIEVE! (Eph 2:8-9; Acts 16:30-31; John 1:12)

5: As a result of this new relationship, repentance and confession will be the first signs of change.  You are completely forgiven.  (Acts 10:43; 1 John 1:9, 2:1; Proversb 28:13)

6: Your trust in Jesus Christ begins a lifelong relationship. (Heb 13:5; Col. 2:6-7

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The fish was the mark of the early Christian.  The first believers did not dare to wear any sign or mark of their faith.  If they did, they were often persecuted or killed.

The Greek symbols of “JESUS CHRIST, GOD’S SON, SAVIOR” made up the Greek work for fish.

The early Christians drew the sign of a fish to show others they were Christian.

Today, the fish still stands as a symbol for Christians.

1. We play games with God‘s opinion of sin as a lifestyle. (1 Cor. 6:9-11)

Do not be deceived; neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor homosexuals, nor thieves, nor the covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers, will inherit the kingdom of God.

2. We play games with God’s desire for our friendships. (1 Cor. 15:33)

Do not be deceived. “Bad company corrupts good morals.”

3. We pretend that consequences do not exist. (Gal. 6:7-9)

Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap.

4. We miss the fact that God is behind every good thing. ((James 1:16-17)

Do not be deceived, by beloved brethren.  Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights. . .

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Thoughts from August 26, 2008–Skimming the Surface–Read Job 11:1-20

I was so moved by the whole book of Job that is being covered presently.  The main questions for today were-Are you seeking to know the depths of God, Can you discover the depths of God, Can you discover the limits of the Almighty and some others.

The main thoughts that caught “my” eye were these.

Are you skimming the surface?  Our culture is so busy that  we can become proficient at faking it.  We can look like we are going to the depths when, we are just skating.  This made me look at myself and my walk with the Lord.  Do I get up and crave to spend time with the Lord when my eyes see the new day?  Do I give my day to the Lord before my feet hit the floor running?  Where is my relationship with Jesus on my priority list?  OUCH!!

Then it goes on to say the “the reformers knew we were saved to Glorify God.”  We in our modern culture live to be blessed.  Is this me, and do I look for God to make my road easy ?  It goes on to say:” The mature among us are now thought to be the successful, the happy, the effective people on top of things and doing well . . .We’re more attracted to sermons, books, and conferences that reveal the secrets to fulfillment. . .than to spritual direction that leads us through affiction into the presence of the Father.”  I really did some soul searching and pondering on this.  I want to be one who is like Paul and “gives thanks in all things” and trusts in the Lord, what ever comes my way until the Lord comes to take me home.

Now this really got me as I read this and thought of of those who are “really” struggling and being persecuted for their faith and standing strong.  I have to admit I get caught in this.  I want life to be pleasant for me, my kids, my husband, familly and friends and don’t welcome tough times. “We seem more interested in managing life into a comfortable existence than in letting God spiritually transform us through life’s hardships.”

He wraps it up by saying; “Don’t run from the hardship.  Don’t seek a friend who’ll help you get out from under it quickly.  Stay there.  Stay in it.  The Lord God will get you through it.  As a result you’ll stop skating.”

I hope this was a good devotion for you to think about.  If you do not get his daily devotion on line I really recomend it.  It really has helped me to think and learn more about myself and the bible.  I hope you will share your thoughts with me and how this has touched you.

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I really enjoy looking at sunflowers.  Have you ever noticed that there faces are always turning and facing the “sun.”  It is a great reminder to me to always have my focus and eyes on the  “Son, Jesus.”

When I do this I have a peace and secure feeling.  Even when things are going nuts around me.