"And I appeared unto Abraham, unto Isaac, and unto Jacob, by the name of God Almighty, but by my name Jehovah was I not known to them."
-Exodus 6:3 (KJV)-
Before this post begins, if you are able to both play a song while reading this post, do so. If not, read the post, then listen to this song by Judy Jacobs. No matter how horrible of a mood you might be in, how defeated you might feel, or just simply needing a smile - this song will do it! It's just not possible to not feel a stirring in your spirit and a renewal of your perspective. This woman certainly sings from her soul. Guaranteed you will find your hand(s) lifted in praise, even if you aren't a typical hand-raiser in worship!
When we think of "God Almighty," what comes to mind? Almighty means 'having complete power', 'omnipotent,' and 'all-powerful.' This sounds like our God, right? But notice something - when He comes to free the Israelites from Egypt's oppression, He introduces himself with a new name: Jehovah.
And what does He do?
Oh, just a few promises that we should read over, pay attention to, and expect in our own lives:
Exodus 6:5-7 are especially important:
5 And I have also heard the groaning of the children of Israel, whom the Egyptians keep in bondage; and I have remembered my covenant.
Do you find yourself groaning in hurt, tears, "why's?," even in hope? Have no fear. The same God who heard the Israelites hears you today. If you are in bondage in any way, do not doubt. The same God who remembered his covenant with Abraham, Issac and Jacob remembers you today. You are not forgotten and you are heard. He will come for you, no matter what obstacle you find yourself up against.
Are you under some type of burden, or many? Are you heavy or crushed in spirit? Are you in bondage to something, whether seen or unseen? Is your patience wearing thin? Are you wondering if your faith really matters? It does. Remember, the same God who redeemed the Israelites with an outstretched arm and brought great judgments against Pharoh for what he knowingly did to God's people is at this very moment seeking you, and will redeem you in his perfect timing. Let's take a moment to PRAISE HIM! Seek Him with all of your heart. Right now. Say out loud or in a whisper, "Father God, I am seeking you. Please cut through my burdens and bondage. Come get me, I'm yours. In Jesus' name. Amen."
And guess what? After He has heard you, remembered you, redeemed you and brought you out from under, you will have zero doubt that you are, in fact, His child, precious; wonderfully and fearfully made in His image. Are you wondering how you will know?
You will know because He is the only one capable of doing all of these things. This is an absolute truth: no person on this planet will be able to act on your behalf in this way except for God Himself through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.
Struggling with this? Make Jesus Lord of your life right this moment. "Father, I plead the blood of Jesus over my life, my emotions, my mind, my body (the temple of the Holy Spirit), my will and over all that which concerns me. In Jesus' name, Amen."
Revival in the Spirit is more powerful than any wound the enemy can hurl your way or try to have you accept and allow into your life. 1 Thessalonians 5:19 reminds us, "Do not stifle the Holy Spirit," and remember, "Submit yourselves to God, then, and resist the devil and he will flee from you" (James 4:7). The enemy is not interested in messing with someone who runs and turns to God for everything. Are you feeling stumped? Crushed? Annoyed, and not sure why? Anxious?
Friends, if you are anything but fruits of the Spirit: joy, peace, love, patience, kindness, faithfulness, goodness, gentleness and self-control...
Consider it a wound you need to reject.
Take a few minutes to listen to this worship and tell God about recognizing these as attempted wounds. Reject them in the name of Jesus and ask the Holy Spirit to intervene for you. He will, and God will be pleased with you for turning to HIM rather than those purpose-less attacks.
"How sweet it is to lean on the everlasting arms and oh, how light the path it is to walk while leaning on the everlasting arms. Safe and secure from all alarms, leaning on the everlasting arms. What have I to fear, what have I to dread by leaning on the everlasting arms."
And what is a name for Jehovah? Everlasting.
That's right. Our God is everlasting, all-powerful, leading us out of opression and out from under burdens. He hears us. He remembers us. And He will part our "red seas," and keep us safe in the wilderness. Why? Because that's who He is and that's how much we mean to Him.
Heavenly Father, we come to you with boldness like Beniah, faith like Abraham and courage like Joshua. We come to you submitting ourselves with complete humility and we love you. We praise you for loving us enough to help our early brothers and sisters out of Egypt and out of bondage. We are in absolute awe and thankfulness that we can come to you even today about our sufferings and our wounds and you will redeem us and bring us out from under. Thank you for helping us to remember who You are. Help us to remember who we are in You. All thanks and praises go to you Father through your Son that we are able to worship you in Spirit and in Truth, that we can be on several different contients around the world and be connected together by your Holy Spirit of Truth. What a beautiful and wonderful gift you have given to us. Help us to pray for our brothers and sisters around the world, that you may be glorified. In Jesus' name, Amen.
No comments:
Post a Comment