This blog is designed to create community for believers and provide support for seekers. I encourage all readers to share their faith in an effort to lift and encourage one another.
“Names tell stories, most of all the name which is above all other names, the name of Jesus. In his name I am called to live. His name has become my house, my dwelling place, my refuge, my ark. His name has to start telling the story of being born, growing up, growing old, and dying—revealing a God who loved us so much that he sent his only child to us.”
~ Henri Nouwen
Names are important. We all enjoy it when someone remembers our name and calls us by name. God has so many names. Here are just a few (with their definitions) that are listed in the bible.
El Shaddai (Lord God Almighty), El Elyon (The Most High God), Adonai (Lord, Master), Yahweh (Lord, Master), and El Olam (The Everlasting God). It clearly takes more than one name to even begin to describe the nature of our amazing God. And, just like us, He surely is pleased when we call upon Him, when we call Him by name.
Abba, Father, thank you for sharing some of your names and your attributes with us. Help me to recognize you, and call on your name, not in vain, but in honor, respect and love.
But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness.
I challenge you this week to pray this prayer for others, especially those who are not peaceful. Pray for the argumentative, the ones who challenge you or your beliefs. Pray for those who adamantly believe in everything you don’t.
Lord, may we all abide in your wisdom and be filled with all the qualities of Christ. May we pray for others and treat them with love, peace, and respect.
During a recent walk, I noticed a tiny snail, its shell no bigger than a dime. It appeared motionless, but when I knelt down for a zoomed-in photo, I could see its forward progress. Ever so slowly, it traveled, a millimeter at a time, across the sidewalk. Satisfied with my photo, I continued my walk.
As I walked, I couldn’t stop thinking about that miniscule snail making its way across the path. It travelled slowly, but in a direct line, never deviating from its goal, the grass on the other side of the sidewalk. I compared its direct course to my own spiritual walk. Unlike the sluggish snail, I tend to be a sprinter.
I get excited about a new book, new project, or new bible study and run, run, run. Then I get tired, or distracted, and scurry off in another direction. Just like the rabbit in the tortoise and the hare story, I hop one way, rest a while, then scurry in another direction. Two steps forward, one step back.
At times, it seems I’m not making any progress, and I get discouraged. I sigh, and think of myself as a failure, one who can’t stick with anything, who makes no progress, sees no spiritual growth. But the tiny snail made me re-examine my spiritual walk. I evaluated my spiritual progress over the past few years.
Not so long ago, I reacted in anger when I heard or read views different from mine. I would rant about it to my husband. Since then, I’ve made progress. God has enabled me to examine other ideas and consider people’s motives and backgrounds. Yes, I occasionally still get angry. But the anger is short-lived. Two steps forward, one step back. God reminds me that all people are made in His image, and He loves them, too. He died for them, too. He replaces my anger with love for others.
Recent events have triggered fears and doubts. But God reminded me that He is faithful, in all circumstances. Abraham and Sarah had a child, but not until they were elderly. The Israelites were enslaved, yet God miraculously delivered them. Paul suffered immensely, yet God encouraged and inspired him. In spite of, or because of, recent fearful times, my trust in God and His plans has strengthened. Sometimes I still experience fear, but I quickly remember that He is still in control.
No, I don’t move in a slow, steady, straight line like the snail. But I do move forward. My walk may zig-zag, but I still make forward progress. Even though I don’t move steadily forward like the little snail, I do move forward; I do make progress. This encourages me.
What about you? Do you make steady spiritual progress like the snail? Or, like me, do you hop about and make your way forward in an erratic path? Do you take two steps forward and one step back? How have you made progress in your spiritual walk.
Father God, whether we make slow, steady progress or erratic progress, guide each of us so that our spirits draw ever closer to you. Teach us to love others as you do.
“Trust whatever He has for you. It will be better than anything you can plan for yourself.”
— Francis Chan
How often I whine and complain to God about my circumstances. Instead, I should put all my trust in his plans for me. They are for my good because he loves his children and wants what is best for them.
Father God, help me to trust in your plans for me, even when it seems that circumstances are not good. You are my creator and you are all-knowing. You know what is best for me and for my life. I long to trust you completely with my life. Thank you for loving me and caring for me.
Gazing into blue skies, or white lightning bolts, into an eclipse, a full moon, or a dark, star-filled night, God reminds us of his power and glory. Wherever we look, we see evidence of his greatness in his vast, beautiful creation.
Lord, keep my eyes open to see the work of your hands. Let me notice and appreciate all the wonder around me and constantly breathe a “Thank you, Lord of all creation.”
Growing Our Faith Together 