Day 40: King of Glory

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Name: King of Glory

Prayer and Meditation:

“Lift up your heads, O gates!  And be lifted-up, O ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in.  Who is this King of glory?  The LORD, strong and mighty, the LORD, mighty in battle!  Lift-up your heads, O gates!  And lift them up, O ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in.  Who is the King of glory?  The LORD of hosts, he is the King of glory!”  Psalm 24:7-10.

This sacred hymn celebrates the glory of our LORD and King.  Through our study of the LORD’s divine names and attributes we can begin to answer David’s question,” Who is the King of Glory?”.   All His godly titles in the aggregate confirm the essence and power of His character and light of His glory.

God’s glory is further revealed through the life of Jesus.  In the High Priestly Prayer, Christ prays: “Father, glorify me in your presence with the glory I had with you before the world began”. Christ’s crowning glory is seen through His obedience in the death of the cross. Christ continues in prayer requesting the Father sanctify us in His TRUTH sending us into the world in unity with fellow believers, Jesus himself and the Father.  In so doing His glory rests upon us so we, in turn, can be one with Him.  See John 17.

LORD, we ask for a teachable spirit and loving heart.  Teach us your way Lord.  Our finite minds cannot fully comprehend your glory or being one with You.   Guide us LORD so that we reflect your glory through our lives with a unified mission to bring the lost to you.  We proclaim in unity Your glory and celebrate your Wondrous Works.  You are the God of Miracles, Strong and Mighty, Jesus Christ, King of Glory is your name. 

Thank you for joining us for these 40 Days!

I trust that your life has been enriched and your faith has grown.

Stay the course…be strong and keep advancing!!!

Day 38: Steadfast Love & Faithfulness

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Name: Steadfast, Love & Faithfulness

Prayer and Meditation:

“For You, Lord, are good, and ready to forgive, and abundant in mercy to all those who call upon you.” Psalm 86:5

It’s impossible to forgive without Love. Love begets faithfulness, and faithfulness begets steadfastness. These three elements alone could almost sum up God and His character towards us. His Love (agape) for us is the ultimate witness to how we should treat all those around us. 1 John 4:19 states, “We love because He first loved us.” There is no “maybe” or “just not feeling it today” when it comes to God loving us.

If He didn’t love us, He wouldn’t have sent Jesus to die on the cross. Plain and Simple. With that said, how much more should we imitate Him in this manner? John 13:35, “They will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” Love is one of the defining witnesses of a Christian.

It’s not easy; if it were, everyone would do it. We live in a world where love is conditional based on gifts and verbal reassurances. Let’s make a decision today to change the norm on love. Show love even when they (family member, boss, sibling, or friend) don’t. Take it another level: don’t just say the word “love,” but show it in deed, in action. Let God show you the way to love.

Day 37: YHWH Tsebaoth - Lord of Hosts

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Name: YHWH TSEBAOTH – LORD OF HOSTS (LORD OF HEAVEN’S ARMIES)

Prayer and Meditation: Psalm 46:7, 10-11; Psalm 84:8a,10-12; Ephesians 6:10-18; Revelation 19:11-16

““The LORD of Hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge.” “’Be still and know that I am God! I am exalted among the nations, I am exalted in the earth.’
The LORD of Hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge.” Psalm 46:7,10-11

“YHWH Tsebaoth, Lord of Hosts, hear our prayer.” “For a day in Your courts is better than a thousand elsewhere. I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than live in the tents of wickedness.
For the LORD God is a sun and shield; He bestows favor and honor. No good thing does the LORD withhold from those who walk up rightly.
O LORD of hosts, happy is everyone who trusts in You.” Psalm 84:8a,10-12

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His power. Put on the whole armor of God, so that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For our struggle is not against enemies of blood and flesh, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, so that you may be able to withstand on that evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm.” Ephesians 6:10-18

“Next I saw heaven opened and there before me was a white horse. Sitting on it was the one called Faithful and True, and it is in righteousness that He passes judgement and goes to battle. His eyes were like a fiery flame, and on His head were many royal crowns. And He had a name written which no one knew but Himself. He was wearing a robe that had been soaked in blood, and the name by which He is called is, “THE WORD OF GOD.” The armies of heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and pure, were following Him on white horses. And out of His mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down nations -“He will rule with them with a staff of iron.” It is He who treads the wine press from which flows the wine of the furious rage of YHWH Tsebaoth, God of heaven’s armies. And on His robe and on His thigh He has a name written:
                                                          KING OF KINGS
                                                                       AND
                                                           LORD OF LORDS.”
 Revelation 19:11-16

We praise and honor our majestic Lord. You are an impenetrable, solid, mighty warrior slaying all of Your enemies. The righteous run into You and are safe.

In this day of tumultuous living, we are witnessing wars, rumors of wars, pestilence, famine, and disasters of great magnitude- but our God is in control of all things.
Psalm 46:10 says, “Be still..... and know....that I AM God.”
Psalm 84:12 says, “O LORD of hosts, happy is everyone who trusts in You.”

We, as the children of the Most High God, can rest in His care! He vanquished our enemy at the Cross through His death, burial, and resurrection! Praise God! Mighty in battle for His children!

And so we pray:

Heavenly Father,
YHWH Tsebaoth, Lord of Hosts, hear our prayer. Lord of Heaven’s Armies, blessed is the man who trusts in You. We exalt Your mighty name! All praise to You our King of Kings and Lord of Lords. We humbly bow before You in complete submission to Your rule and reign in our lives.
We thank You for Your love, care, protection, provision and grace. You are the Sovereign King of the universe. You have overcome the world! Therefore, we are victorious in You! Hallelu YAH!

Day 36: God of My Praise

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VERSE: "Do not keep silent, O God of my praise!" Psalm 109:1

MEDITATION and PRAYER: The Lord created us to love Him. We celebrate His love for us by praising Him for who He is, and for all the wondrous things He has done. There are many different ways to praise Him: with our words, songs, thoughts and actions, adoration and love for Him and for one another, and especially when we praise Him in times of trouble.

Praise brings the Presence and Power of God into our lives.

Exodus 15:2-3 "The Lord is my strength and my song, And He has become my salvation; He is my God and I will praise Him; My father's God, and I will exalt Him. The Lord is a man of war; The Lord is His name…” (War is a reference to Rev. 19:11 – "Now I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse. And He who sat on him was called Faithful and True, and righteousness He judges and makes war.")

The song goes on to tell how God destroyed Pharaoh's chariots and armies by drowning them in the Red Sea. If we think about the fact that our praise brings His presence, wouldn’t you want to praise him all the time, in all things?

But we have to be in the right position to hear from Him. Set aside quiet time to pray. Get yourself into a state where God can speak to your mind and heart. The atmosphere in your home should be filled with peace. Praise and worship brings His Presence; His Presence brings miracles, answered prayers, and Perfect Peace.

"Heavenly Father, Lord over all created things, we lift up Your Name with great praise and adoration! Most Holy One, there is no greater honor than to be in Your Presence. We bow humbly before You, dear King, and ask Your Holy Spirit to fill this place. Speak to us Lord, and show us Your purpose and plan for our lives. We Thank You for hearing and answering our prayer." Amen.

Day 35: JEHOVAH ELOHEINU – THE LORD OUR GOD

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Name: JEHOVAH ELOHEINU – THE LORD OUR GOD

Prayer and Meditation: Psalm 105:1-11

“Oh, give thanks to the Lord! Call upon His name; Make known His deeds among the Peoples! Sing psalms to Him, sing psalms to Him; talk of all His wondrous works! Glory in His holy name; Let the hearts of those rejoice who seek the Lord!

Seek the Lord and His strength; seek His face forever more! Remember His marvelous works which He has done, His wonders, and the judgements of His mouth, O seed of Abraham His servant, you children of Jacob, His chosen ones!

HE IS THE LORD OUR GOD; His judgements are in all the earth.

He remembers His covenant forever, the word which He commanded, for a thousand generations, the covenant He made with Abraham, and His oath to Isaac, and confirmed it to Jacob for a statute, to Israel as an everlasting covenant, saying, ‘to you I will give the land of Canaan as the allotment of your inheritance’.”

The Lord Our God is so good!

(Psalm 105) As you read this beautiful Psalm, we are reminded that OUR God is a good God! (At times some people may doubt the goodness of God, because they are looking at their adverse circumstances. Remember, these negative circumstances are not caused by God. He is in every way good, kind, and merciful. He is the Giver of good gifts). As you read and meditate on these verses, I am confident that you will be encouraged by the truth and promise found in these words. You are the possession of the Lord God, and you have fellowship with Him.

YOU ARE THE LORD PRIZED POSSESSION AND HE IS YOUR GOD!

Throughout the Scriptures we are reminded that He is our God who keeps His Promises and watches over His word. As we read Psalm105:1-5 we are prompted to give thanks as we remember all that He has done … is doing … and will do. (His judgements/rulings/covenants/ promises) If you are facing negative conditions, these should not prevent you from giving the praises that are due to His Name.

“But now this is what Adonai (the Lord) says, He who created you, Ya’akov (Jacob), and He who formed you, Isra’el;

‘Don’t be afraid, for I have redeemed you; I am calling you by your name; you are mine.’ Isaiah 43:1 (CJB))

Our Lord is calling you to discover that your true security and identity is found in HIM, and in HIM alone. He has given you his Salvation, eternal life, and the ability to live in harmony with Him and with the family of God. God’s plan has always been for you to know Him and to fellowship with Him.

Suggested additional reading: Deuteronomy 6:4-12 and John 17 (especially 20-22)

Prayer – My Father in heaven, Eloheinu, my God; I thank you for all that you have done, all you are doing and all you will do in my heart and life. I thank you Lord that you are steadfast and perfectly loving, and you keep your promises. Lord, I thank you that you are the perfect teacher and example of Love; that you came down and, through your sacrifice I can experienced true relationship and love You and your people. Thank you, Eloheinu, that you are trustworthy… and as I worship at your feet… I take comfort in your presence and press on fighting the good fight that you have called me to. May my desires be your desires. I submit to your Loving will and enjoy true relationship and true life that is found only in you. We pray this in Jesus’ Holy, Mighty, Sovereign, and precious Name, Amen!

DAY 34: JEHOVAH ‘EZ-LAMI – THE LORD MY STRENGTH

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“The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy and with my song I praise Him.” - Psalm 28:7

Prayer and Meditation:

Let us find great joy in knowing that our great Lord pours his strength into us amidst our weaknesses.  It is when we are at our weakest, crying out to Him, that we find strength that only He could grant.  He provides us both His power and His protection as we walk through the battles of this earthly life. 

As we give our whole heart over to Him, we trust His ways above our ways, He provides us exactly what we need to walk through this life’s afflictions. His grace sufficient for each day at hand, no more, no less. 

What a joy that He carries our burden. What a joy that we need not count on our own inadequate strengths. What a joy the he places a shield over us, only allowing that which will draw us closer to Him.  

Oh Lord my great strength and shield, how wonderfully mysterious are you ways.  I will sing your praises among the uncertainties, for this is where I find you.  Draw me closer to you even still, let me find your strength amidst my weakness.  

Our contributor today is Stephanie McCluney. To hear her powerful testimony , please visit her site: www.stephaniemccluney.com

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Day 33: JEHOVAH SHALOM – THE LORD GIVES PEACE

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שלום

"But the meek shall inherit the earth,

And shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace." Psalm 37:11

The word שלום (shalom, Strong's #7965) is used in Modern Hebrew as a greeting, similar to our use of “hello,” or as a farewell, similar to our use of “good-bye.”

Many are familiar with the Hebrew word shalom or “peace.” The common western definition of peace is — the absence of conflict or war — but in Hebrew, it means so much more.

“Shalom” is taken from the root word shalam, which means, “to be safe in mind, body, or estate.” It speaks of completeness, fullness, or a type of wholeness that encourages you to give back —

Peace is so much more than the world’s one-sided definition. We must find our understanding of it through the Bible, from the God of Israel. We will need the true meaning of Shalom in the days ahead!

When using this word Shalom what you are implying and meaning is more than just Peace but what comes out of your mouth is leadership, Authority, and with a Mighty sound.

So the next time you say Shalom to someone remember this: every word has a very important and powerful meaning.

May His peace surround you with wholeness, healing, joy, abundance, and love. We thank You, O Father, that Your love for us is unfailing, and Your grace surrounds us with the peace that passes all understanding. May that peace cause Your children to continually rest in You, in Your Son's Matchless Name we pray – Amen.

“The LORD bless you from Zion, And may you see the prosperity of Jerusalem all the days of your life. Indeed, may you see your children’s children. Peace be upon Israel.” Psalm 128:5-6

To read the complete and wonderful Study of the Hebrew meaning of Shalom, click here…

YAHWEH ELOHAI – THE LORD MY GOD

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Name: YAHWEH ELOHAI – THE LORD MY GOD

Prayer and Meditation: “But as for me, I will trust in You, O YAHWEH, I say, ‘You are Elohai, אֱלֹהַ֥י !' (My God)!" Psalm 31:14

“…I love you, ADONAI (Lord), my strength! ADONAI is my Rock, my fortress and deliverer, MY GOD (Elohai), my Rock, in whom I find shelter, my shield; the power that saves me, my stronghold. I call on ADONAI, who is worthy of praise; and I am saved from my enemies…In my distress I called to ADONAI; I cried out to MY GOD (Elohai). Out of His temple He heard my voice; my cry reached His ears…For you, ADONAI, light my lamp; ADONAI, MY GOD (Elohai), lights up my darkness…ADONAI IS ALIVE! BLESSED IS MY ROCK! Exalted be the God of MY SALVATION, the God who avenges me and subdues people under me. He delivers me from my enemies. You lift me high above my enemies, You rescue me from violent men. SO I GIVE THANKS TO YOU, ADONAI, AMONG THE NATIONS; I SING PRAISES TO YOUR NAME.” Psalm 18:1-3, 6, 28, 46-49 (complete Jewish Bible)  

A study of the divine name YAHWEH Elohai provides a deeper understanding of our own relationship with the LORD. YAHWEH, the I AM signifies the everlasting, eternal nature of our LORD. Elohai (my God) is the first-person singular form of the name Elohim the strong, all powerful creator of the universe. Elohai and Elohim, the singular and plural forms of the LORD, are used throughout Scripture indicating the unity of the Father, Son and Holy Spirt. We enter the equation through our individual, personal relationship with the LORD calling upon Him as YAHWEH ELOHAI, My God

Psalm 18 exemplifies David’s relationship with YAHWEH Elohai, his God…his Rock, his personal fortress, his personal deliverer, his personal shelter, his personal shield, his personal strength that saves him, and his personal stronghold. He acknowledges that Elohai hears him. He trusts that in his time of pressing circumstance Elohai is near to him. The psalmist gives us a vivid picture of Yahweh Elohai’s unshakable, unchangeable, all-powerful character as judge to the wicked and defender to all those who dwell in His secret place and take refuge in Him. 

David refers to Elohai as “his God who lights up his darkness” and recognizes, in his weaknesses, it is not himself but The Lord who girds him with strength.  Like David, we too can pour out our hearts in the secret place, praising and thanking him in our times of testing and pressing trials. If we are quiet, we can listen for His whispers to us. We can know that God promises He is close and remember that He will never leave or forsake us. Elohai is the God who sticks closer to us than a brother, the God who saves and defends, The God who disciplines those He loves, The God who knew us before we were in our mother’s wombs, the God who searches our hearts and knows the number of hairs on our heads, the God who calls us not just once and waits for us to hear Him, The God who left His throne in heaven became flesh and dwelt among us, sacrificing His life, being rejected, slaughtered and crucified for my sins; who defeated death and was resurrected so that one day I may live with Him in heaven for eternity. This loving, faithful God is My God, Elohai. 

Prayer: “I love you, Elohi, my strength…​my Rock​, ​my fortress ​and ​deliverer,​ ​MY GOD​, my Rock in whom I find shelter, ​my shield, the power that saves me, my stronghold.  Lord God, I want to thank You for Your loving sacrifice.  Teach me to dwell in Your secret place and to hide in the shadow of Your wings, trusting that You are my defender.  Forgive me for the times I lean on my own strength and reject Yours. Thank You for every tailored testing that has brought me to my knees, because I know it has only brought me closer and closer to You. I praise Your holy Name, Elohia, MY GOD!  Amen.

Suggested reading : Psalm 34:18, Deuteronomy 31:18, Proverbs 18:24, Psalm 68:20, John 3:16, Ephesians 2:8-10, Proverbs 3:11-12, Hebrews 12:6, Psalm 139:1-24, Mathew 10:30, 1 Samuel 3:8, John 1, Isaiah 53, Acts 2:24, 1 Peter 1:18-19, 1 Peter 2:24, 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17, John 14:2.

Day 31: Judge

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Name: JUDGE

Prayer and Meditation: Psalm 75:1-2, 7a and 10 Psalm 96:10 and 13. Psalm 97 1, 2, 9

I Corinthians 11:31-32 Isaiah 33:22

“God says, ‘At the time I have planned, I will bring justice’ . . . It is God alone who judges . . . For God says, ‘I will break the strength of the wicked, but I will increase the power of the godly“. Ps 75: 2, 7a, 10

“Tell all . . . ‘The Lord reigns!’. . . He will judge all peoples fairly. . . .He is coming to judge the earth. He will judge the world with justice and the nations with His truth.” Psalm 96:10 and 13

“The Lord is King! Let the earth rejoice! . . . Righteousness and justice are the foundation of His throne. . . For You, O Lord, are supreme over all the earth . . .” Psalm 97:1, 2, 9

Most believers in Jesus/Yeshua as God The Son, believe that He is coming again – this time as King, to Judge the earth. Psalm 75 opens with a prayer of thanksgiving “because You are near.” The rest of the Psalm speaks of His judgement. “So, the implication is that the psalmist is thankful because God’s judgement is near.

Yes, we want God to judge the wicked; but do we thank God for His judgment of us? Many believers do not expect to be judged, yet these Psalms, as well as numerous other scriptures in the New Testament, tell us that God will judge ALL peoples. Certainly, His judgement of the wicked is much different than His judgement of the righteous. So how do we rightly divide/discern The Word here and now?

Psalm 96 reminds us that The Lord Reigns and will judge all peoples fairly – with justice and with truth. Psalm 97 reminds us that The Lord is King! Righteousness and justice are the foundation of His throne and He is supreme over all the earth. Aren’t these all true now, not only when He returns to judge the wicked? He is our King now, today. He is sovereign now, and rules us in righteousness and justice, now – not only on that day. Why else would we need to pick up our own cross daily and crucify our own flesh? Consider 1 Corinthians 11:31-32:

“For if we would judge ourselves [now], we would not be judged [then]. But when we are judged [now], we are chastened by the Lord, that we may not be condemned with the world” [then].

In Isaiah 33:21-22 I find the most powerful confirmation of this comforting truth:

The Lord will be our Mighty One. He will be like a wide river of protection that no enemy can cross . . . For the Lord is our judge, our lawgiver, and our King. [Who will not condemn us, but instead:] HE WILL CARE FOR US AND SAVE US.

And so we pray:

Prayer – We thank You, O God! We give thanks because you are near. Psalm 75:1

We thank You that Your judgment is near, working in us to refine and care for us every day. Thank You for leading us to rightly judge ourselves now, to prepare us for the Day You return as Judge and King. Yes, Lord! Let it be so!

Day 30: Jehovah Jireh Provider

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Name: JEHOVAH JIREH - Provider

Prayer and Meditation:

"Who covers the heavens with clouds, Who provides rain for the earth, Who makes grass to grow on the mountains." Psalm 147:8. 

The Lord has always provided for his amazing creation. All of mankind and all of nature have been provided for since the Garden of Eden. He provides food and shelter at His mighty hand. 

Let’s not forget how he fed millions of people in the wilderness for forty years when they had escaped from Egypt. Every morning manna, or bread from heaven, was found upon the ground to collect and every evening flocks of quails surrounded the camp to provide them with meat. He even brought forth water from a rock to allow millions of people and herds to drink. Nothing is too great a task for God.

The Psalms declare his glorious provisions to all creation. Psalm 104 speaks of God’s provision and says in verses 10 -11 ‘You make springs pour water into the ravines, so streams gush down from the mountains. They provide water for all the animals, and the wild donkeys quench their thirst.’ All this goodness and kindness is provided free of charge to all creation out of love.

Thank you, God, for never failing me. You know exactly what we need, when we need it. Your great provision never ceases to amaze me. 

Day 29: Powerful

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Name: Powerful

Prayer and Meditation:

“Great is our Lord, and mighty in power; His understanding is infinite.” Psalm 147: 5

Our God is a powerful God. The Psalm describes him as a wound-binder and healer of broken hearts. In addition, His understanding is infinite; can we even fathom the thought of infinite understanding? This tells us He understands any problem with which we come to Him. Whether we find the solution in His word or directly from His voice, God is powerful.

Today, ask God to write on the tablet of your heart. We think our problems are too small for such a big God. However, He wants to help us through them, no matter the size of the situation. Like a good and loving Father, He never wants to see His children hurt.

Day 28: Jehovah Tsidkenu - The Lord is our Righteousness

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Name: JEHOVAH TSIDKENU – THE LORD (IS) OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS

Prayer and Meditation: Psalm 111

Hallelu Yah! “Praise The Lord! I will thank The Lord with all my heart . . . How amazing are the deeds of The Lord! All who delight in Him should ponder them. Everything He does reveals His glory and majesty.

HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS NEVER FAILS. He causes us to remember His wonderful works. How gracious and merciful is our Lord! . . . He always remembers His covenant. . . All He does is just and good, and all His commandments are trustworthy. They are forever true, to be obeyed faithfully and with integrity. He has paid a full ransom for His people. He has guaranteed His covenant with them forever. What a holy, awe-inspiring Name He has! Fear of The Lord is the foundation of true wisdom. All who obey His commandments will grow in wisdom. Praise Him forever!

In my humble experience and meager observation, one of the most common pitfalls in our faith walk is the danger of thinking we are right, or that we have a right to defend ourselves when others disagree or oppose us. (We know this as “self-righteousness.”) Psalm 111 points us to the ONLY ONE who IS OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS. Only The Lord is Right, and ONLY the Lord has the right to rule, reign, command, even demand of us according to His Right judgment that is “gracious and merciful”, “just and good”, “trustworthy” and “holy,” It is never a matter of whether or not we are right or have a right. It is always a matter of whether or not it is Right to God, Right in His sight, Right according to His Spirit and Truth, and whether it honors His perfect Right, His perfect wisdom, love, mercy, and purpose for US all – not only for me.

The Lord was merciful to me when He convicted me of being deceived into thinking that I have any righteousness of my own. I ‘heard’ Him ‘say’: “Do NOT ask for what you think is your right, or what is ‘right’ according to you. Ask, rightly, for what is My Right and for what I know is Right and best for everyone – according to My perfect love and my perfect will.”

He also revealed this “working definition” to help me learn how to walk in His Righteousness:

HIS Righteousness helps make us right. God’s Way is good, best, and Right for everyone, not just me. Therefore, think of it as “RIGHT-eo-US-ness.”

Prayer – Lord, thank You for being our righteousness. You alone are Right and You alone have The Right. You alone are righteous, and You alone can make us right with You and one another. May we delight in YOUR RighteoUsness and praise You forever! Yes, Lord! Let it be so!

Day 27: ELOHIM CHAYIM – The Living God

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Name: ELOHIM CHAYIM – The Living God

Prayer and Meditation: Psalm 84 (Complete Jewish Bible)

“How deeply loved are Your dwelling places, Adonai – Tzva’ot! [God of Hosts]. My soul yearns, yes, faints with longing for the courtyards of Adonai; my heart and body cry for joy to the living God.

As the sparrow finds herself a home and the swallow her nest . . . [so my resting-place is] by Your altars . . . my King and my God. How happy are those who live in Your house . . .

Better just standing at the door of my God’s house than living in the tents of the wicked.

Elohim Chayim – is a glorious Hebrew name for God. Both words are the plural form.

Elohim is the only plural Hebrew name for God. Chayim is the plural form of the Hebrew word for Life. Although orthodox Jews do not acknowledge a Triune God that includes Yeshua as Messiah, The Name, Elohim Chayim, can rightly be understood as a truthful and accurate representation of the three LIVING persons of the Godhead; Father/Abba, Son/Yeshua, and Holy Spirit/Ruach HaKodesh.

Although Psalm 84 does not literally refer to the triune nature of God, the name Elohim Chayim surely points to The Living God as having a plural manifestation. The Name itself implies that The LIFE of this One and only Living God – its’ fullness of love, power, and truth – can only be truly, completely found in in the Father, Son and Holy Spirit (Abba, Yeshus, Ruach HaKodesh). One or two out of three will not supply the full Life of The Living God. We must have true, personal, living relationship with each and with all, in full commUnion with The One Holy God.

Psalm 84 beautifully describes the blessings of entering into and receiving the fullness of Life of The Living God. Reading it helps me acknowledge and appreciate the gift of His Life in relationship with The Father, The Son, and Holy Spirit. It reminds me to set my mind and heart to truly live in His house; focus on dwelling in Him and being His dwelling place; yearning and learning to rest in Him; to follow Him as He leads, embracing His will and praising Him in all circumstances; that – no matter how difficult, painful, or what it costs me – I may remember to give Him All the glory, praise, thanksgiving and devotion that He deserves!

Prayer – Elohim Chayim; Father, Son and Holy Spirit, hear my prayer. Better is one day in Your courtyards than a thousand days elsewhere. Better just standing at the door of my God’s house than living in the tents of the wicked. For You, Elohim Chayim are a sun and a shield. How happy is anyone who trusts in You!

Day 26: Word

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Name: Word

Prayer and Meditation:

“Let them praise the name of the LORD! For he commanded and they were created. And he established them forever and ever; he gave a decree, and it shall not pass away.” Psalm 148:5 and 6

In brief, these verses tell the account of creation in a single word. Jehovah spoke/commanded and it was done. We celebrate the miracle of creation through His Word. No further discussion is needed to establish the omnipotence of our LORD.

John 1:1 to 5 and 14 references this creation moment: In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him nothing made was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness and the darkness has not overcome it…And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.

You are the God of Miracles, the Creator, Maker, Father and Son, Jesus our Savior. You are the Word. Open our hearts and minds to your voice. Guide us. Lead us. Give us understanding. Refine our lives to be a living testimony of your grace and mercy.

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” Psalm 119:105

Mighty One

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Name: Mighty One

Prayer and Meditation: The mighty God, even the Lord, hath spoken, and called the earth from the rising of the sun unto going down thereof. Psalm 50:1

“Mighty God (One),” is broken into two parts: “Mighty” in the Greek is defined as, “mighty things in nature, strength, power, high ranking and mighty one.” “God,” in Hebrew is defined as “Elohiym, Ruler, Divine One and GOD.” Is God the Mighty One in your life? Can you give an account of miraculous events in nature that have unfolded in your life?

Kids can relate to a mighty one as a superhero like Superman. However, Superman is fictional and cannot come close to the marvelous works of God. God is the only true Might One who is the worker of everything in us and around us. This prophetic Psalm gives an account of what God can and will do.

JEHOVAH ‘ORI – The Lord My Light

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Name: JEHOVAH ‘ORI – The Lord My Light

Prayer and Meditation:

“The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life, of whom shall I be afraid?” Psalm 27:1

As we saw in Psalm 23, Psalm 27 begins with a compound-descriptive name for the LORD. Jehovah ‘Ori; “the Lord, Light” or “the LORD is my light”.

Genesis 1:3 sets out light as Elohim’s first creative work. It is not until the fourth day, however, that the LORD creates the luminaries; the sun and stars. A study of the ancient Hebrew word “ohr” provides understanding for this creative interlude and reveals additional depth to our understanding of the meaning of the word “light”.

Light (ohr) is comprised of three letters:

Aleph – strength, leader, first

Vav – add, establish, the conjunction “and”

Resh – man, chief, first

The combination of the letters provides the meaning “what strongly establishes man” or “to bring order”. The LORD brought order out of a void or chaos to establish a covenant with man. In so doing, He established the way for us to be called children of Light.

Throughout Scripture light is associated with the LORD’s presence, favor, holiness, goodness, knowledge, wisdom, truth, life and His revelation power. Jehovah ‘Ori reveals the pathway we are to follow. His light reveals truth and life – life everlasting. See John 1:4 and 14:6.

John 8:12 records Jesus’ words saying “I am the Light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but have the light of life.” As believers we can reflect Christ’s light to our world by bringing order to the people and situations in our lives via our actions and decisions that show Christ’s love shining through us. See Matthew 5:14-16. We can also be assured that when our lives experience chaos and uncertainty He is our light and our salvation.

As a footnote: There will be no need for the sun and stars in the New Jerusalem “for the glory of God gives it light, the Lamb is its lamp.” Revelation 21:23.

Jehovah ‘Ori, you are the LORD, my light, whom shall I fear? Keep my mind, thoughts and direction in order on your narrow path. LORD settle my mind to hear your voice and see the light revealing your truth. In this unprecedented and uncertain time let me lead my life confident in You as a beacon of light and hope for my family, community and nation. This I pray in the name of Jesus Christ my Savior. Amen.


Day 23: Hiding Place

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Name: Hiding Place

Prayer and Meditation:

“You are my hiding place; You shall preserve me from trouble; You shall surround me with songs of deliverance. Selah” Psalm 32:7

Psalm 32 depicts God’s grace and mercy toward the sin in our lives. He didn’t have to, but He wanted to bring us back to Him. Like a good Father, he bore our iniquities on the cross. Colossians 3:3 states, “for you died, and your past is now hidden with Christ in God.” This is the hiding place: the place where we aren’t judged because Christ was judged for us.

I pray that you will hear the songs of deliverance, which Psalm promises God has for us. No longer are we bound by addictions, frustrations or false allegations that separate us from Christ. Let us rest in Him.

Day 22: Holy Spirit

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Name:  Holy Spirit

Prayer and Meditation:

“Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a loyal spirit within me.

 Do not banish me from your presence, and don’t take your Holy Spirit from me.

 Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and make me willing to obey you.”      Psalm 51:10-12

“The sacrifice You desire is a broken spirit.  You will not reject a broken and repentant heart, O, God.”  Psalm 51:17

“. . . It is not by [your] force nor by [your] strength, but by My Spirit, says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies.”     Zechariah 4:6

“Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends You, and lead me along the path of everlasting life.”  Psalm 139:23-24  

       
The passages from Psalm 51 teach us that when we ask Holy Spirit to be with us, He works in us to make us willing to obey God.  Verse 17 tells us that the sacrifice God desires from us is a broken spirit - broken from our sinfulness.  It is this sacrifice and submission to Holy Spirit that leads us to everlasting life.

Zechariah says the Holy Spirit is the only one who can do this in us.  We cannot do it ourselves.  Only Holy Spirit cleanses and changes our hearts, so they are no longer hardened.  Holy Spirit opens our ears to hear the Word of God and makes us willing, and able, to obey Him.  The fire of Holy Spirit transforms us.  But He will not do anything against our will. We must ask and allow Holy Spirit to “break” our sinful spirit and baptize us in His fire.  We have to surrender to Holy Spirit every day, so that He can transform us.

God uses tribulations to refine us so that each moment and scene of our lives becomes an offering – a living sacrifice in God's Holy Spirit fire. That’s how we are transformed into Godly men and women.  It is a privilege to be transformed by Holy Spirit. Our lives become true offerings to Him as we surrender to and obey Holy Spirit.

Prayer:  Search me, O God, by Your Holy Spirit and Your Word, and know my heart. Test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends You, and lead me along the path of everlasting life.  I am willing, I ask, and I thank You for leading me to repent of my sins and making me willing to obey You, that I may glorify You.  In the Name of The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit; amen.

Day21: Son

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Name: SON

Prayer and Meditation:

“I will declare the [g]decree: The Lord has said to Me, ‘You are My Son, Today I have begotten You.” – Psalm 2:7

Psalm 2 is the first a the sequence of “Messianic Psalms.” A Messianic Psalm portrays Jesus and foretells the coming of Christ and what He will go through. In this account (Psalm 2: 7-9), the Son (Jesus), reflects back upon the Father’s eternal purposes and decrees, one of which is asking the Father, knowing that He will give unto us our request.

What do you need to ask God for today? Maybe there’s something keeping you awake at night, or taking away your joy. Just as God begot (brought forth) the Son, the Lord wants to beget us into something great. Today is your day!

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