Heart of the Matter {Online}: Did You Order a Sub?

Are you feeling the weight of all those hats you wear:  mother, wife, caregiver to aging parents, teacher.....? You are a member of the sandwich generation. 


Take heart. Read my latest post on "Did You Order a Sub?" at Heart of the Matter {Online}

What is in a Name?

I threw myself down on the cool grass behind the stone wall. Catching my breath I leaned my back against the smooth, unmoving surface.  

How many children had picked this same hiding place over the years? I looked up at the ancient tower overhead. Had other children played hide and seek or perhaps run from real enemies in this castle courtyard? 

I thought every child played in Medieval strongholds for grade school recess. I didn't realize what a rare experience this was until I grew up. only because my American family loved in Germany for a few years did I play in castle courtyards.  

The name of the LORD

is a strong tower

the righteous runs into it

and is safe. 

Proverbs 18:10 NAS

The verse intrigued me when I first heard it in high school as a new student of the Bible. I had seen ancient turrets and the massive doors that closed and protected at their base.

I did not understand how towers were the same as the name of the LORD. But then, I did not really know God, yet. 

I came to learn how God revealed Himself to those He lead through many different names. In the same way I have many names: mom, honey, daughter, sister, teacher, personal shopper, taxi driver..... God has many names associated with His roles in our life. 

When we are sick he is our healer. When we are weak he is our strength. If we are lonely, He is the one who is present. Below is a list of names God revealed as His own given to His followers and you:

OLD TESTAMENT NAMES FOR GOD

ELOHIM......Genesis 1:1, Psalm 19:1

meaning "God", a reference to God's power and might.

ADONAI......Malachi 1:6

meaning "Lord", a reference to the Lordship of God.

JEHOVAH--YAHWEH.....Genesis 2:4

a reference to God's divine salvation.

JEHOVAH-MACCADDESHEM.......Exodus 31:13

meaning "The Lord thy sanctifier"

JEHOVAH-ROHI......Psalm 23:1

meaning "The Lord my shepherd"

JEHOVAH-SHAMMAH.......Ezekiel 48:35

meaning "The Lord who is present"

JEHOVAH-RAPHA.........Exodus 15:26

meaning "The Lord our healer"

JEHOVAH-TSIDKENU......Jeremiah 23:6

meaning "The Lord our righteousness"

JEHOVAH-JIREH.........Genesis 22:13-14

meaning "The Lord will provide"

JEHOVAH-NISSI.........Exodus 17:15

meaning "The Lord our banner"

JEHOVAH-SHALOM........Judges 6:24

meaning "The Lord is peace"

JEHOVAH-SABBAOTH......Isaiah 6:1-3

meaning "The Lord of Hosts"

JEHOVAH-GMOLAH........Jeremiah 51:6

meaning "The God of Recompense"

EL-ELYON..............Genesis 14:17-20,Isaiah 14:13-14

meaning "The most high God

EL-ROI................Genesis 16:13

meaning "The strong one who sees"

EL-SHADDAI............Genesis 17:1,Psalm 91:1

meaning "The God of the mountains or God Almighty"

EL-OLAM...............Isaiah 40:28-31

meaning "The everlasting God"

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Out on a Limb

To pray or not to pray....

We teach our children about a God who cares about their every need. We teach them that He is all powerful. We teach them that He hears their every prayer.

When the family dog ran away after a move to a new town, I was heartsick. I wanted the dog back. My pre-school daughter suggested we pray.

I looked down at her earnest face and my spirit faltered. What if God didn't or couldn't find our dog in this new place?

I couldn't believe I actually thought that, but I did.

When a child wants to pray, you pray. We bowed our heads, held hands and my daughter talked to her heavenly father and poured out a faith-filled prayer. I felt ashamed of my doubts.

I knew the names of only two people in the whole town. I called the first person that came to mind--no dog. I then rang the only other person whose name I could remember; she lived twenty blocks away.

"What does the dog look like? Would he be brown and black? I see a little one running across my backyard right now."  

I described my miniature collie. I thought with every new detail, my acquaintance would realize the stray dog was not my pet. After all, it was impossible for this to be my lost family member. Twenty blocks was a long way from our house.

My daughter and I drove twenty blocks to find.....our beloved pet....playing in my new friend's yard. Of all of the thousands of houses in the entire town, my dog went to the house that I called.

I think He delights in proving Himself especially when it involves our children.  God specializes in rescuing us when we go out on a limb like a little child. 

Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, 

and do not hinder them, 

for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”

Matthew 19:14