Monday, November 8, 2010

The Names of God- Introduction Part 1

Currently, I'm researching and studying the names of God. Time and time again I am awestruck at the sheer amazingness of their significance and meaning. I want to share what I'm learning with you all, and I hope you get as many goosebumps as me. :)
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Where do you run in time of need?
Where do you run when the predators of trouble, worry, and fear pursue you?
Where do you hide when your past pursues you like a relentless wolf, seeking your destruction?
Where do you seek protection when the weasels of temptation, corruption, and evil threaten to overtake you?
Where do you turn when your energy is spent... when weakness saps you and you feel you cannot run away any longer?

Do you turn to your protector, the One who stands with arms open wide, waiting for you to come and huddle in the security of all He is?

The name of the LORD is a strong tower;
the righteous runs into it and is safe.
Proverbs 18:10

Is the Lord your great tower? Is His name your strong fortress in a time of weariness or attack or great distress?

But how, you ask, could His name defend me? In biblical times, a name represented a person's character. God's name represents His attributes, His nature. His name is a statement of who He is. And He has many names! Each reveals something of His power and love and purposes toward you.

The Father longs to have you know Him better, that you might "trust in the name of the LORD and rely" on your God (Isaiah 50:10).

Did you know that this was uppermost in the mind and heart of Jesus as He faced the Cross? Just before He went to Calvary, He prayed for His disciples- and looking down through the centuries, He prayed for you and me, too. His deep desire was that "they may know Thee, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom Thou hast sent" (John 17:3).

This was the burning goal of Paul's life and the cry of his heart, "That I may know Him" (Philippians 3:10).

Knowing your God means everything. Everything.
It's the difference between victory and defeat.
It's the difference between rest and constant turmoil.
It's the difference between an abundant, overflowing life and a life of barren emptiness.
It's the difference between deliverance and captivity.
It's the difference between finding a refuge and living as a fugitive.
It's the difference between life and death.
It's the difference between heaven and hell.

To be continued...
~Anna

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