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Posts tagged ‘faith’

“Knowing God by His Names: Scripture, Meaning, and Prayer”

Elohim — God the Creator

Scripture:
Genesis 1:1 — “In the beginning God (Elohim) created the heaven and the earth.”

Prayer:
Elohim, Mighty Creator, You formed all things by Your power. I come to You knowing nothing is too difficult for You. Please help me in this situation and bring order, wisdom, and strength where I feel overwhelmed. Amen.


Yahweh (YHWH) — The Great I AM

Scripture:
Exodus 3:14–15 — “God said to Moses, ‘I AM WHO I AM.’ … This is My name forever.”

Prayer:
Yahweh, the eternal I AM, You are present with me right now. I need Your guidance and assurance. Walk with me, lead me, and be all that I lack today. I trust in who You are. Amen.


Jehovah — The Covenant-Keeping LORD

Scripture:
Psalm 83:18 — “That men may know that thou, whose name alone is JEHOVAH, art the most high over all the earth.” (KJV)

Prayer:
Jehovah, faithful and unchanging Lord, You keep every promise You have made. I ask for Your help according to Your word. Strengthen my faith and fulfill Your will in my life. Amen.


El Shaddai — God Almighty

Scripture:
Genesis 17:1 — “I am God Almighty (El Shaddai); walk before Me, and be blameless.”

Prayer:
El Shaddai, God Almighty, I place my weakness in Your powerful hands. Help me where I cannot help myself. Provide, protect, and sustain me according to Your mighty power. Amen.


El Roi — The God Who Sees Me

Scripture:
Genesis 16:13 — “You are the God who sees me.”

Prayer:
El Roi, You see me completely—my pain, my fear, and my need. Thank You that I am never hidden from You. Please help me, comfort me, and remind me that I am not alone. Amen.

Bible-Study Handout

The Names of God in Scripture


1. Elohim — God the Creator

Scripture: Genesis 1:1
Key Truth: God is powerful, intentional, and sovereign over all creation.
Reflection Question: Where do I need to trust God’s creative power in my life right now?


2. Yahweh (YHWH) — The Great I AM

Scripture: Exodus 3:14–15
Key Truth: God is eternal, unchanging, and personally present with His people.
Reflection Question: How does knowing God is “I AM” help me face today’s challenges?


3. Jehovah — The LORD

Scripture: Psalm 83:18 (KJV)
Key Truth: God is supreme over all the earth and faithful to His covenant.
Reflection Question: Which promise of God do I need to rely on more fully?


4. El Shaddai — God Almighty

Scripture: Genesis 17:1
Key Truth: God is all-powerful and completely sufficient for every need.
Reflection Question: What situation do I need to surrender to God’s almighty power?


5. El Roi — The God Who Sees Me

Scripture: Genesis 16:13
Key Truth: God sees, cares, and responds personally to human suffering.
Reflection Question: How does it change my prayers to know God sees me fully?


Closing Study Prayer

Lord, help me to know You not just by name, but by experience. Teach me to trust who You are. Amen.

Being a Follower of the Word

The Biblical Meaning of Being a Follower of the Word

In Scripture, being a follower of the Word is far more than believing the Bible is true—it is allowing God’s Word to shape who you are, how you think, and how you live. The Word of God is not only written on pages; it is alive, active, and meant to lead us into a way of life that reflects God’s heart.

1. The Word Is a Person: Following Jesus Himself

Before the Bible was words in a book, the Word was a Person—Jesus Christ.
John 1:1 declares, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”
To be a follower of the Word means to follow Jesus—His teachings, His example, His character, and His way of life.

Jesus didn’t just speak the Word; He embodied it.
So when we follow the Word, we aren’t just following rules—we are following a relationship.

2. The Word Leads, and We Walk Behind It

Psalm 119:105 says, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”
A follower does not walk ahead of God, guessing their own direction. A follower stays close enough to the light to see the next step.

Being a follower of the Word means:

  • Letting Scripture guide decisions
  • Seeking God’s wisdom before acting
  • Trusting God’s timing
  • Choosing obedience over convenience

When we follow the Word, we walk the path God sets before us instead of carving out our own.

3. The Word Transforms the Heart

A follower is not just someone who reads the Word but someone who is changed by it.
Romans 12:2 reminds us not to conform to the world but to be transformed by the renewing of your mind.

A follower of the Word:

  • Allows truth to challenge old habits
  • Lets Scripture correct harmful attitudes
  • Embraces conviction as God’s loving guidance
  • Pursues holiness, not perfectionism

Following the Word means letting God’s truth purify our thoughts, motives, and desires.

4. The Word Produces Fruit

Jesus said, “If you remain in Me and My words remain in you… you will bear much fruit” (John 15:5).

Being a follower of the Word produces visible change in how we live.
The Word shapes us to walk in:

When the Word lives in us, it flows through us—into our relationships, decisions, work, and daily life.

5. The Word Protects and Equips Us

Ephesians 6:17 calls the Word “the sword of the Spirit.”
Followers of the Word are spiritually equipped. They don’t fight battles empty-handed—they fight with truth.

Following the Word means:

  • Recognizing lies and replacing them with Scripture
  • Standing firm during spiritual attacks
  • Clinging to God’s promises in times of fear or doubt

The Word becomes not just instruction but protection.

6. The Word Sends Us Out

Jesus never called disciples to simply hear. He called them to go.
Matthew 28:19 says, “Go and make disciples of all nations.”

A follower of the Word lives out Scripture in public, not just in private.

They:

  • Share God’s love
  • Encourage others with truth
  • Serve with compassion
  • Live in a way that points people to Jesus

The Word we follow becomes the Word we carry into the world.


Conclusion: A Follower of the Word Lives With Purpose

To be a follower of the Word means:

  • To follow Jesus
  • To let Scripture guide your steps
  • To allow God’s truth to shape your heart
  • To bear fruit that reflects His character
  • To stand strong through spiritual battles
  • To live out God’s mission every day

It’s not about perfection—it’s about direction.
It’s not about knowing every verse—it’s about obeying what you do know.
It’s not about a title—it’s about a transformed life.

When you follow the Word, you follow the One who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life.

When Fear Feels Bigger Than Faith

When Fear Feels Bigger Than Faith — Job 3:25

Job’s words in Job 3:25 are raw, honest, and deeply human. He admits, “What I feared has come upon me.” Sometimes our greatest worries, the things we quietly hope never happen, seem to show up at our doorstep. And when they do, we can feel shaken, overwhelmed, and unsure of how to move forward.

But this verse is not the end of Job’s story, and it’s not the end of yours either.

Even in Job’s anguish, God had a plan. His fear did not cancel God’s faithfulness. His pain did not erase God’s purpose. And his darkest moment became the pathway to restoration, strength, and double blessing.

If you’re facing something you once feared…
If life dealt you a blow you didn’t expect…
If your heart is asking, “Why this? Why now?”

Remember this: What you fear may surprise you, but it never surprises God.
He is already in the middle of your situation, working out what you cannot see yet.

Let Job’s journey remind you today:

  • God stays, even when fear speaks loud.
  • God restores, even when life feels broken.
  • God strengthens, even when you feel empty.
  • God finishes your story with hope, not despair.

Hold on.
Your chapter may feel heavy, but God is still writing.

Fear doesn’t get the final say — God does.

God Is Still Faithful to Us

In a world that shifts faster than we can catch our breath, it’s easy to wonder where God is in the middle of it all. Life brings unexpected storms, long waiting seasons, and moments that make us question everything we thought we understood. But here’s the truth that has never changed: God is still faithful to us. Not sometimes. Not only when we feel deserving. Not only when life is calm. Always.

From Genesis to Revelation, God’s faithfulness is the thread that weaves through every story, every promise, and every miracle. He was faithful to Abraham when the promise seemed impossible. He was faithful to Joseph through betrayal, false accusation, and imprisonment. He was faithful to David when he was overlooked. He was loyal to the disciples when they were afraid and uncertain. And that same God, unchanging and unwavering, is still faithful today.

His faithfulness isn’t based on our perfection; it’s rooted in His character. Scripture says, “If we are faithless, He remains faithful, for He cannot deny Himself” (2 Timothy 2:13). In other words, God doesn’t just do faithful things, He is faithful. It’s His nature. His identity. His promise sealed by eternity itself.

Maybe you’re walking through a season where you can’t see the full picture yet. Or the breakthrough hasn’t come. The healing hasn’t happened. Maybe the door hasn’t opened. But even here, even now, God is working behind the scenes, aligning, protecting, shaping, guiding, preparing, and sustaining you in ways you can’t yet see.

Faithfulness doesn’t always look like a quick rescue.
Sometimes it looks like strength to endure.
Sometimes it looks like peace in the middle.
Sometimes it looks like divine timing you didn’t expect.
Sometimes it looks like a “not yet” that leads to a greater “yes.”

But every step is covered by His unfailing love.

So hold on to this truth:
God has not forgotten you.
God has not abandoned you.
God has not changed His mind about you.

The same God who carried you before will carry you again.
The same God who opened doors before will open new ones.
The same God who lifted you out of past battles will lift you out of this one.

And when you look back, you’ll realize, He was faithful the whole time.

May this be your reminder today:
No matter where you are, what you’re facing, or how you feel, God is still faithful to us, yesterday, today, and forever.

God is at work within you

God at Work Within You: Trusting His Purpose in Every Season

Have you ever felt unsure about where you’re headed, or questioned if you have what it takes to fulfill what’s been placed on your heart? Those moments of doubt are familiar to all of us, but Philippians 2:13 offers an incredible reminder that we’re not walking this path alone.

“For it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill His good purpose.”
Philippians 2:13 (NIV)

This verse shifts the focus from our own ability to God’s power at work within us. It reminds us that the good desires, ideas, and actions stirring in our hearts are not just our own; they are divinely inspired. When we choose to follow God, He doesn’t simply hand us a purpose and walk away; He stays involved every step of the way, shaping our will and empowering our actions to align with His plan.

You’re Not Doing This Alone

So often, we feel the pressure to make everything happen by our own strength. But Philippians 2:13 assures us that God Himself is the one working behind the scenes, guiding our thoughts, adjusting our motives, and giving us the courage to move forward. Even when we feel stuck or uncertain, He is gently steering us toward His good purpose.

God’s work within us isn’t always loud or obvious. Sometimes it looks like patience when you’d rather rush, forgiveness when you’d rather hold on, or peace in the middle of what seems impossible. In those moments, His quiet power is transforming your heart and teaching you to trust Him more deeply.

Trust the Process

We all love quick results, but spiritual growth takes time. God’s work in you is a process, one that involves surrender, faith, and perseverance. Each season, even the hard ones, plays a part in fulfilling His greater plan for your life. What may feel like a delay is often preparation.

When you can’t see the full picture, rest in the truth that God can. He knows how to bring beauty out of uncertainty and purpose out of every challenge.

Final Thoughts

Philippians 2:13 isn’t just encouragement, it’s empowerment. It means that as long as you’re willing, God will do the rest. He will shape your desires, strengthen your actions, and ensure that your life aligns with His purpose.

You may not always understand how, but you can trust that He’s working. Right now. Right where you are.

Awaken the Champion Within

7-Day Devotional: Awaken the Champion Within

Day 1: Called to Greatness

Scripture: “But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people…” — 1 Peter 2:9 (NKJV)
Devotional:
You are not ordinary. God handpicked you with purpose and potential that only you can fulfill. A champion knows who they are in Christ, chosen, set apart, and equipped. God didn’t call you to blend in but to stand out and shine for His glory.
Champion’s Action:
Write down three things that make you unique in God’s design. Thank Him for choosing you for “such a time as this.”


Day 2: Strength in the Struggle

Scripture: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” — Philippians 4:13
Devotional:
Champions are not made in comfort; they are forged in challenge. Every battle you face is a training ground for your next victory. The same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead empowers you to overcome weakness and fear.
Champion’s Action:
Pray for God’s strength in an area where you feel weak. Then take one small step forward in faith today.


Day 3: Renew Your Mind, Rise in Power

Scripture: “Be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” — Romans 12:2
Devotional:
You can’t live a victorious life with defeated thoughts. God wants to replace self-doubt with divine confidence. Champions think differently because their thoughts are anchored in God’s truth, not their circumstances.
Champion’s Action:
List one negative thought and replace it with a truth from God’s Word. Speak it aloud whenever doubt comes.


Day 4: Courage to Move Forward

Scripture: “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous…for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” — Joshua 1:9
Devotional:
Courage isn’t the absence of fear; it’s faith in motion. God commanded Joshua to step into the unknown because His presence was the guarantee of victory. The same is true for you. Champions move forward even when the path isn’t clear.
Champion’s Action:
Do something today that scares you but aligns with God’s purpose for your life. Trust Him to meet you there.


Day 5: Discipline Builds Dominion

Scripture: “Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable.” — 1 Corinthians 9:25 (ESV)
Devotional:
A champion’s success is not luck; it’s consistency. God blesses discipline. Spiritual strength grows through prayer, Word study, and obedience. When you master yourself, you open the door for God to elevate you.
Champion’s Action:
Choose one spiritual habit (prayer, journaling, or fasting) to commit to daily this week. Watch your focus and strength grow.


Day 6: Purpose in the Process

Scripture: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.” — Romans 8:28
Devotional:
Every delay, detour, and difficulty is part of your training. Champions don’t quit in the middle of the process—they trust the purpose. God is working behind the scenes to refine your character and reveal your calling.
Champion’s Action:
Reflect on a past struggle that grew you. Write a short prayer thanking God for how He used it for good.


Day 7: The Finish Line of Faith

Scripture: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” — 2 Timothy 4:7
Devotional:
True champions finish strong. The goal isn’t just success; it’s faithfulness. Every act of obedience, every moment you kept believing, was shaping your eternal reward. Keep pressing, knowing Heaven is cheering you on.
Champion’s Action:
Spend time in worship today. Thank God for bringing you this far and declare that your best days are still ahead.


Devotional Theme Verse:
“For such a time as this…” — Esther 4:14
God is calling out the champion in you; not someday, but today.

The Song that saved a Nation


Forever You reign…
Forever You reign…

The Song of Moses appears in two main places in the Bible: Exodus 15:1–18 (after crossing the Red Sea) and Deuteronomy 32:1–43 (Moses’ final song before his death).

God gave Moses the song found in Deuteronomy 32:1–43, as a testimony and a teaching tool for His people. It was more than poetry; it was a divine message set to music so it could be remembered, sung, and passed down through generations.

Here’s a breakdown of why God gave Moses the song:


1. To Serve as a Witness Against Forgetfulness (Deuteronomy 31:19–22)

God told Moses to write the song “so that it may be a witness for Me against the Israelites.”
He knew that once the people entered the Promised Land and prospered, they might forget Him and turn to idols.
The song would remind them of their covenant, calling them back when they strayed.

“This song will testify against them, for it will not be forgotten by their descendants.” — Deut. 31:21


2. To Teach Future Generations About God’s Faithfulness and Justice

The song tells Israel’s story, from God’s care and deliverance to their rebellion, and finally His mercy and restoration.
It was meant to help every generation understand who God is, faithful, just, and merciful, even when His people fail.

The song was both warning and worship, history and prophecy, a reminder that God’s justice and love always stand firm.


3. To Stir Repentance and Renew Devotion

When the people sang or heard the song, it was meant to convict their hearts and turn them back to God.
It reminded them that the same God who disciplines also redeems, that His covenant love never ends.

The melody of repentance leads to the harmony of restoration.


4. To Glorify God’s Name Among the Nations

The final verses (Deut. 32:43) call all nations to rejoice with God’s people.
The song pointed to a time when God’s salvation would reach the ends of the earth, showing His greatness beyond Israel.

“Rejoice, you nations, with His people, for He will avenge the blood of His servants and make atonement for His land and people.” — Deut. 32:43


So in essence, God gave Moses the song as a living reminder, a melody of truth that would outlast generations, bringing His people back to Him whenever they wandered.

“You Reign Forever” (Short Worship Version)


You split the sea, you made a way,
Turned my night into a glorious day.
Your strong hand lifted me high,
Now freedom’s song fills the sky.



Who is like You, O Lord?
Holy and mighty forevermore.
You lead with love, Your mercy remains —
You reign forever, You reign!


You are the Rock — unchanging, true,
All creation belongs to You.
Rejoice, O nations! Lift His name —
Our God of glory reigns!


You will get a sense of how the song goes. It seems to be a long song.

Sing this short version as you like during your worship

Read the long version in your study time to get a deeper meaning.

Simple Inspiration for a Purposeful Life

Simple Inspiration for a Purposeful Life

In a world filled with noise and constant motion, it’s easy to feel like purpose is something far away, something we must chase, earn, or somehow prove ourselves worthy of. But what if living a purposeful life isn’t about doing more? What if it’s about finding meaning in the simple things we already have?

Purpose begins with presence.
It’s in the quiet moments before the day begins, a whispered prayer, a cup of coffee enjoyed slowly, or the sunlight streaming through your window. These small moments are gentle reminders that God is near and that life’s true purpose isn’t always found in grand plans, but in daily faithfulness.

Here are a few simple ways to find inspiration in your everyday life:

1. Begin each day with gratitude.
Start by thanking God for where you are right now. Gratitude opens the door to peace and helps you see purpose in even the smallest blessings.

2. Create with intention.
Whether it’s through art, words, cooking, or caring for others, your creativity is a reflection of God’s creative nature. Use your gifts, no matter how small they may seem, to bring beauty and encouragement into the world.

3. Be kind to yourself and others.
Living purposefully doesn’t mean perfection. It’s about grace, giving it, receiving it, and extending it to those around you. Sometimes, the most purposeful thing you can do is simply show love in an ordinary moment.

4. Slow down and listen.
God often speaks in stillness. When you quiet your heart, you begin to notice how He’s guiding you, through Scripture, through nature, and through the gentle rhythm of your day.

5. Keep your eyes on what matters most.
When life feels cluttered or confusing, come back to this truth: You were created on purpose, for a purpose. And that purpose is rooted in love, to love God, to love others, and to live in the peace that comes from knowing you are enough in Him.

The Extension of the Olive Branch

The Extension of the Olive Branch: A Biblical Symbol of Peace and Promise

In a world often marked by conflict, division, and misunderstanding, the image of an olive branch still carries profound meaning. It’s more than just a symbol of peace; it’s a reminder of God’s mercy, renewal, and the promise of a fresh start.

The First Olive Branch: A Sign of Hope

The olive branch first appears in Scripture in Genesis 8:11, when Noah releases a dove from the ark after the flood. The Bible says:

“When the dove returned to him in the evening, there in its beak was a freshly plucked olive leaf! Then Noah knew that the water had receded from the earth.” Genesis 8:11 (NIV)

This simple yet powerful moment marks a turning point in history. The flood had wiped away corruption, and now, through this delicate leaf, God was showing that new life had begun. The olive branch was a sign that His judgment had passed and His mercy was present.

It wasn’t just a sign for Noah; it was a symbol for all humanity. The olive leaf told the story of restoration. It said, “God is not finished. There’s still hope.”

Olive Branches and God’s Covenant

Later in Scripture, the olive tree became a recurring image of God’s relationship with His people. The psalmist writes,

“I am like a green olive tree in the house of God; I trust in the mercy of God forever and ever.” Psalm 52:8 (NKJV)

Here, the olive tree represents a person rooted in God’s presence, flourishing, steadfast, and fruitful. Extending an olive branch to someone else, then, becomes more than a gesture of peace; it’s an act of godly character. It mirrors the mercy God extends to us daily.

Jesus and the Olive Tree

The olive tree continues to appear throughout the New Testament, even in the Garden of Gethsemane, a name that literally means “oil press.” There, among the olive trees, Jesus prayed before His crucifixion. It was the place where the Prince of Peace was pressed in spirit, preparing to extend the greatest act of peace ever known, reconciliation between God and humanity.

Through His sacrifice, Jesus became the ultimate “olive branch” extended to us, a divine invitation to be made right with God and with one another.

Extending the Olive Branch Today

When we choose to forgive, to reach out in love, or to mend broken relationships, we follow in God’s footsteps. Extending the olive branch means laying down pride and picking up peace.

It’s not always easy, but it’s always powerful. In doing so, we become vessels of restoration, carrying forward the same spirit that brought hope to Noah, mercy to Israel, and salvation to us through Christ.

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God.”Matthew 5:9

A Final Reflection

The olive branch isn’t just a piece of history; it’s a calling. It invites us to live as people who bring peace wherever we go. Whether that’s offering forgiveness, showing compassion, or simply listening with love, every act of peace plants a new seed of hope.

Just as the dove brought an olive branch to Noah, we too can carry the message that the floodwaters have receded, that new beginnings are possible through God’s grace.


Reflection Question:
Who in your life might need you to extend an olive branch today; and how can you show them the peace of Christ?

Living a Lifestyle of Faith

Faith isn’t just something we practice on Sunday. It’s woven into the everyday moments of our lives.

It’s choosing prayer over worry.
It’s speaking kindness when it’s easier to stay silent.
It’s trusting God’s plan when the path feels uncertain.
It’s finding joy in simple blessings and hope in the hardest seasons.

A lifestyle of faith is about letting God’s love guide how we think, create, speak, and live every single day.

What does “living by faith” look like in your daily life? Share below. I’d love to hear your heart.

#FaithLifestyle #WalkByFaith #CreativeKindLiving