Promises to Claim from A Personal God

In writing my book Fearless Living, today’s passage is one of my favorites. God tells us so much about himself and how He desires to relate to each of us as believers. We are His chosen people by faith and His promises are ones we can readily claim. Isaiah 43:1-5

But now, this is what the Lord says—
    he who created you, Jacob,
    he who formed you, Israel:
“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;
    I have summoned you by name; you are mine.
When you pass through the waters,
    I will be with you;
and when you pass through the rivers,
    they will not sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire,
    you will not be burned;
    the flames will not set you ablaze.
For I am the Lord your God,
    the Holy One of Israel, your Savior;

I give Egypt for your ransom,
    Cush and Seba in your stead.
Since you are precious and honored in my sight,
    and because I love you
,
I will give people in exchange for you,
    nations in exchange for your life.
Do not be afraid, for I am with you;
    I will bring your children from the east
    and gather you from the west.

These promises were given to encourage the people of Israel while they were being held captives in Babylon. God promised to be with them in all circumstances and to bring them home. He did that when King Cyrus allowed the Jews to return to Jerusalem. The timing was exactly as God had said and 70 years after being taken they were allowed to return. The king also gave them the articles taken from the temple and money for repairs!

However, if we look at this passage from this side of the cross, the promises are just as true for us as God’s children. First, God speaks of creating each of us- who we are, where we live and with purpose. in verse 1. God adds that He has redeemed us and calls us by name. How precious is that? The God of the Universe knows me by name and desires for me to be redeemed, bought back from the penalty of sin. In verse 2, God names various circumstances that would be totally challenging- water, flood, fire, and He promises to be with us. I am reminded of Deuteronomy 31:6 where He makes a similar promise, one I can cling to, “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” God reminds us that He is God, the Holy One and our Savior in verse 3. I love the proclamation in verse 4 that I am precious in His sight and honored by Him. What a privilege to be called precious by God! The reason God feels this way is because of His love for me. John 3:16 says it this way, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” God is motivated in all He does towards me by His love as He states in verse 4. Lastly, God reminds us to not be afraid. Fear does not come from God. He plans to see me thought all things and bring me home to be with Him.

Which of these promises do you cherish in your life? Do you need assurance today that God is with you always? Do you know for sure that you are redeemed through you faith in Christ? Do you feel God’s love and care right now? If you are struggling, reread this passage and meditate on the promises given by God. What God says He will do, He will do! Trust Him as He is faithful in all things. Remember Lamentations 3:22-23 and claim it in your life! “The faithful love of the Lord never ends!  His mercies never cease. 23 Great is his faithfulness;  his mercies begin afresh each morning.” Resolve to begin each day walking in His mercies which is possible because of His faithfulness.

Linda

Jesus is Upholding You, Be Encouraged!

In Chapter 41 of Isaiah we find encouraging passages that would have strengthened and given hope to the Israelites while in captivity in Babylon and that speak to us today with that same strength and hope.

Isaiah 41:9-10 “I took you from the ends of the earth,
    from its farthest corners I called you.
I said, ‘You are my servant’;
    I have chosen you and have not rejected you.
10 So do not fear, for I am with you;
    do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
    I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

The Israelites could identify with these words as they knew God had called them while in Egypt and would call them to return to Jerusalem when their captivity in Babylon was finished. They knew that God would keep the promises He made to their fathers Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. God was giving them hope that He would strengthen, help and uphold them.

As we look at these verses thousands of years later, what do they mean to us today? We know God kept His promise to return them to the land of Israel after their captivity in Babylon. He also returned them to their land as a nation in 1948 when the Jews returned to establish and the independent country of Israel. We can also take comfort in God’s promise to be with us, strengthen and help us. When God says he will uphold us with His righteous right hand, God is referring to Jesus. Jesus is known as the one who sits at God’s right hand. We can count on Him to uphold us 24/7. Here are some lessons and truths we can glean from these verses that will give us courage, strength and resolve for living:

** God is sovereign and we are chosen by God to serve Him. God is in control of all things in heaven and on the earth. All believers are chosen by God to serve Him. He delights in having a relationship with us. Acts 4:24 “When they heard this, they raised their voices together in prayer to God. “Sovereign Lord,” they said, “you made the heavens and the earth and the sea, and everything in them.” Psalm 147:11 “the Lord delights in those who fear him, who put their hope in his unfailing love.”

**God’s presence dispels fear. (God is greater than any fear we might have!) Psalm 34:4 “I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears.”

**Knowing He is my God frees me from discouragement. Nothing or no one can withstand the power of God. Romans 8:31b says, “If God is for us, who can be against us?” or Isaiah 49:23b “Then you will know that I am the Lord; those who hope in me will not be disappointed.”

**God promises to provide strength and help. This promise is found elsewhere too. Psalm 46:1 “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” Isaiah 40:29 ” He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.” Psalm 33:20 “We wait in hope for the Lord; he is our help and our shield.” Isaiah 50:9 “It is the Sovereign Lord who helps me. Who will condemn me? They will all wear out like a garment; the moths will eat them up.”

**God promises to uphold me through Jesus, who is His righteous right hand. Mark 16:19 “After the Lord Jesus had spoken to them, he was taken up into heaven and he sat at the right hand of God.” Acts 5:30-31 “The God of our ancestors raised Jesus from the dead—whom you killed by hanging him on a cross. 31 God exalted him to his own right hand as Prince and Savior that he might bring Israel to repentance and forgive their sins.” Ephesians 1:19-20  and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength 20 he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, 21 far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come.” Jesus is seated at the right hand of the Father. He told us he would be with us and uphold us until He returns. John 14:3 “And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.” John 14:16-17 “And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.”

May you be encouraged today by our promise keeping God!

Linda

God’s Lessons are Eternally True

Isaiah Chapters 1-35 are filled with chastisement from God over the sinfulness of Judah and the surrounding nations. In addition to warnings from God there are multiple prophesies about the coming Savior, Messiah, and reasons from God as to why the people should have Hope in Him, the Holy One of Israel. Chapters 36-39 provide an interlude and present us with current happenings in the life of Isaiah the prophet and the job God called him to do it is Isaiah in action so to speak. I love the story in Chapter 36 and 37 which focuses on King Hezekiah and the impending attack by Sennacherib, the king of Assyria. The story can also be found in 2 Kings 18 and 19.

The commander of the Assyrian army came to Jerusalem and delivered a message to King Hezekiah and his people. They spoke in the common language of the people so that all the citizens would be terrified and want King Hezekiah to succumb to their demands. The commander said it was futile to resist as the Assyrian army had not been beaten and had defeated all the neighboring countries. The Assyrian commander claimed they could not depend upon their God to rescue them. Isaiah 36:18 “Do not let Hezekiah mislead you when he says, ‘The Lord will deliver us.’ Have the gods of any nations ever delivered their lands from the hand of the king of Assyria? Eliakim, the palace administrator, returned to relay the message to King Hezekiah. When King Hezekiah heard the message, he tore his clothes in mourning and asked them to find Isaiah the prophet.

Isaiah 37:5-7 When King Hezekiah’s officials came to Isaiah, Isaiah said to them, “Tell your master, ‘This is what the Lord says: Do not be afraid of what you have heard—those words with which the underlings of the king of Assyria have blasphemed me. Listen! When he hears a certain report, I will make him want to return to his own country, and there I will have him cut down with the sword.’”

What lessons was God teaching them, and us too, in this situation? Here are a few I gleaned from this passage and God’s reply through Isaiah.

  • When you hear disparaging news, you need to give it to God as He does not want us to be fearful. He wants us to be confident in His ability to overcome obstacles in our life’s pathway. Turn to Him and do not succumb to your fears.
  • God has a plan for victory. Here, He shared it with King Hezekiah to help relieve his distress. God’s Words will soothe, comfort and assure us of God’s might and sovereignty.
  • God will fight our enemies and assures us that they will be dealt with as He deems appropriate.
  • God will defend His name for His name’s sake.
  • Faith in God’s ability, might, sovereignty and power will help us overcome our fear and trust in Him.

Where are you facing difficult circumstances that are threatening to overcome you? Take a lesson from King Hezekiah and ask God to intervene, trust in His response and let God deal with it. Know that God has a plan! All things work for believers for our good and His glory. Claim Romans 8:28 “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” All believers belong to Him and He is working for our good. We have to trust Him to work all things out.

God promises to fight for us, I claim Isaiah 49:25b “I will contend with those who contend with you,
    and your children I will save.”
God has our back. Isaiah 49:16 “See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands; your walls are ever before me.”

God has us surrounded and protected. Rest in John 10:28 “I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand.”

The Lord’s name is precious and He will defend His own name and His honor. Psalm 109:21 “But you, Sovereign Lord, help me for your name’s sake; out of the goodness of your love, deliver me.”

Jesus himself reminded us to have faith. Mark 11:22-23 “Have faith in God,” Jesus answered. 23 “Truly I tell you, if anyone says to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and does not doubt in their heart but believes that what they say will happen, it will be done for them.”

Which situation speaks to you today? Life is a constant battle but take heart Jesus tells us in John 16:33 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

Linda

A Promise You Can Count On!!

My friend Mae’s favorite verse comes from Isaiah 41. God is speaking through Isaiah about how He will deal with those who are opposing Israel. Then God makes promises to encourage and assure the nation of Israel and all believers throughout all generations that seek to follow Him. Mae’s favorite verse is 41:10.

fear not, for I am with you;
    be not dismayed, for I am your God;
I will strengthen you, I will help you,
    I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

One of the most comforting promises in the bible that is repeatedly given to us is the truth that God will always be with us, supporting, encouraging, guiding and strengthening His people. Here Isaiah is reminding us to not live in fear as the sovereign God of the universe promises to be with us. He specifically reminds us to not be dismayed. Being dismayed means being thoroughly disheartened by sudden danger or troubles, being disillusioned or disappointed, alarmed or perturbed. The reason we are not to be dismayed is because we know that God is God, He is our God and that He is greater than anything we can ever face in life! Isaiah then goes on to list specific ways God will manifest Himself to us- by giving us strength, help and uplifting. The uplifting comes from His righteous right hand who is Jesus himself. God will keep us and lift us up through the power of Jesus! What a beautiful promise! A few verses later in 13, God confirms again his promises. “For I, the Lord your God,
    hold your right hand;
it is I who say to you, “Fear not,
    I am the one who helps you.”

In verses 17-20, God proclaims multiple “I will’s”. When God says He will do something it will come to pass. In verse 20, He gives the reason for His promises. “that they may see and know,
    may consider and understand together,
that the hand of the Lord has done this,
    the Holy One of Israel has created it.”
All God does is for His glory and our good. He wants us to trust Him and see that all things are within His control. He loves and cares for us and we do not need to live fearfully. He desires that we acknowledge Him and recognize His power over all people, places and things in our lives. He is the Sovereign, Almighty, Creator God!

Are you living fearfully because you are not trusting God fully? Do you feel disappointed or dismayed at the circumstances of your life? Seek to look to and lean upon Jesus. He promises to be there for you and lift you up. He will support you in whatever circumstances have come into your life either by your own making and sin or because of our fallen world. God has your back and will keep you for all eternity. You are His and He will not let you go! Thank you Jesus!

Mae, thank you for sharing your verse with me. It is a wonderful reminder of God’s great love and support for me right where I am. May we be lifted up by Jesus today!

Linda

Advent…. No Fear!

Today’s scripture from Luke 1:11-17 includes one of the No Fear statements given by God. In writing Fearless Living, I saw that each of these No Fear opportunities in scripture packed a powerful message from God. He intends for us to live fearlessly keeping our focus upon Him.

While Zechariah was in the sanctuary, an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing to the right of the incense altar. 12 Zechariah was shaken and overwhelmed with fear when he saw him. 13 But the angel said, “Don’t be afraid, Zechariah! God has heard your prayer. Your wife, Elizabeth, will give you a son, and you are to name him John. 14 You will have great joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth, 15 for he will be great in the eyes of the Lord. He must never touch wine or other alcoholic drinks. He will be filled with the Holy Spirit, even before his birth. 16 And he will turn many Israelites to the Lord their God. 17 He will be a man with the spirit and power of Elijah. He will prepare the people for the coming of the Lord. He will turn the hearts of the fathers to their children, and he will cause those who are rebellious to accept the wisdom of the godly.”

Zechariah was going about his priestly duties in the temple just as we go about our daily tasks. But God, intervened into his life with a message of hope and deliverance. God wanted Zechariah to be encouraged not fearful. He wanted him to know that good news was arriving and that He had heard their prayers for a child. It affirmed to Zechariah that God hears our prayers, knows the desires of our heart and had good things planned for his life which included a hope and a future. (Jeremiah 29:11) God’s message to him was one of amazing hope for both he and Elizabeth and the nation of Israel. Their child would help turn hearts back to God. What greater blessing for a parent than to see their child living for God and fulfilling the purpose to which God has called them.

Where is God giving you hope? Where is God speaking to you, nudging you through the Holy Spirit as we begin this Advent season? Do you have someone He wants you to connect or reconnect with or is He nudging you to an act of kindness on their behalf? God wants us to live fearlessly by walking in trust and obedience to His call. Will you seek to listen as God desires to intervene in your life?

Linda

Life with Christ=No Fear, Faith and God’s Word

And the journey continues….2 Timothy. Paul wrote this final letter to his beloved son in the faith, Timothy, during his final imprisonment in a Roman dungeon prior to his death. He exhorts Timothy to be strong in the faith, reject worldliness and willingly suffer for the cause of Christ. As Timothy’s mentor, we wanted this young minister to continue wholeheartedly for Christ remembering all that Christ had done for him. There are several key verses that shouted out to me as I reread this letter. I pray they will speak to you today as an encouragement from Paul to stay the course of faith and preserve in the face of adversity for the rewards are great and blessings abound.

2 Timothy 1:6-7 “For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands, for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.” Paul was telling Timothy that he knew he had a sincere upbringing in faith but to remember the power of faith that came through the Holy Spirit when he believed in Jesus. Paul had led him to Christ and wanted him to remember his gift of faith and that it is one of boldness, power, love and self-control. It is the same with all of us. We have that same gift of faith in Christ and it is the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit that gives us power for living. Jesus wants us to live fearlessly for Him.

2 Timothy 2:11-13 scholars believe was part of an early Christian hymn Paul included. It speaks of Paul’s faith in Christ and his belief that suffering with Christ will bring great rewards.

11 The saying is trustworthy, for: If we have died with him, we will also live with him;
12 if we endure, we will also reign with him;
if we deny him, he also will deny us;
13 if we are faithless, he remains faithful—for he cannot deny himself.
The part of this that gives me the most hope is that even in my faithlessness God is always faithful. Faithfulness is an integral part of God’s character from which He can never separate himself. Praise God, He is faithful.

Paul also wrote about the hardships Timothy will face following of Christ. 2 Timothy 3:12 “Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted,” He says evil men and their deeds will always continue to abound but he exhorts Timothy to remember, continue and stand fast holding to God’s Word. 2 Timothy 3:14-17″But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it 15 and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 16 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness,17 that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” In seeking to live a godly life, we too need to remember what we know about God, rely on His faithfulness, delve into scripture so that the Holy Spirit may teach, correct and train us into the men and women Jesus desires us to be in and through Him. The Bible is not just ancient words but the very breath of God given for our growth and benefit. All of it is inspired and through it God seeks to teach us about Himself and how He wants us to act and react in this world we live in. God wants us to do good work and being in His Word will ready us for work in the world. He will equip us with all we need.

Paul has poured himself out to Timothy knowing his remaining time on earth was short. His desires for the continuing faith of this child of God are sincere, heartfelt and instructive. What part of his message do you need today? Are you struggling with fear, faithfulness, and persecution? Or are you in need of teaching, correction and training from God’s Word? Do you not feel equipped to face the ministry to which God has called you? Paul reminded us in 2 Corinthians 1:20-22 “ For all the promises of God find their Yes in him. That is why it is through him that we utter our Amen to God for his glory. 21 And it is God who establishes us with you in Christ, and has anointed us, 22 and who has also put his seal on us and given us his Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee.” All promises are Yes in Christ and our faith is established and sealed by Him. The Holy Spirit is our guarantee, our proof, that God is alive and Jesus lives within us. Rejoice as you face each trial as He is with you, will help you persist in faith, teach, guide and equip you with all you will need! Praise God!

Linda

Advent Reminds us to Trust God with our Heart’s Desires

Zechariah was a priest and as such had duties infrequently inside the temple. His division was called to place the incense before the morning sacrifice. The priest who went into the inner part of the temple was determined by lot, like drawing straws. It was not by chance that Zechariah was chosen as God used this time to send an angel to talk with him.

Luke 1: 11-16 “While Zechariah was in the sanctuary, an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing to the right of the incense altar. 12 Zechariah was shaken and overwhelmed with fear when he saw him. 13 But the angel said, “Don’t be afraid, Zechariah! God has heard your prayer. Your wife, Elizabeth, will give you a son, and you are to name him John. 14 You will have great joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth, for he will be great in the eyes of the Lord. He must never touch wine or other alcoholic drinks. He will be filled with the Holy Spirit, even before his birth. 16 And he will turn many Israelites to the Lord their God.”

Zechariah was visibly shaken by the appearance of a supernatural being, as anyone of us would be! He feared the being and probably the message as well. He did not know if it was good or bad news but a message delivered by a heavenly being would have caused fear. The first thing the angel does is speak words of calm. The heavenly messenger wanted him unafraid so he could listen with an open heart and mind to his message. There are a number of truths about God and our relationship with Him that are included in this passage. May they open your heart and mind to hear God as well.

  • God knows the desires of our heart just as He did Zechariah and Elizabeth’s desire for a child.
  • It is okay to let God know what are your heart’s desires and then leave it to Him.
  • God’s answers to my prayers will always result in joy and good for me and bring honor to God.
  • God’s answers to my prayers will effect me and those around me.
  • God has a plan and purpose for each one of us, just as He did for John.

Be encouraged today as you ponder the news Zechariah received. The truths reveal how God always sees us through His compassion and love. Because of Jesus we can approach Him and know He hears our prayers. Be assured by the words of Hebrews 4:16 “Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” and James 4:8 “Come near to God and he will come near to you.” and Hebrews 10:22-23 “Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. 23 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful.” God is faithful and hears all our prayers. God will answer in His way and in His time, just as He did for Zechariah and Elizabeth.

Linda

Let it be Good News around your Table

This week’s Stream of Water from the Word is from 1 Corinthians 2:1-4 and these verses have a timely message for us. In this passage, Paul is reminding the Corinthians that he did not come to them with flowery words and great speeches, but with God’s truth, love and the gospel of Christ. “When I first came to you, dear brothers and sisters,  I didn’t use lofty words and impressive wisdom to tell you God’s secret plan. For I decided that while I was with you I would forget everything except Jesus Christ, the one who was crucified. I came to you in weakness—timid and trembling. And my message and my preaching were very plain. Rather than using clever and persuasive speeches, I relied only on the power of the Holy Spirit.”

Paul’s words are a reminder that God is the one who speaks through us when we talk about Jesus. God’s message of redemption for the world and the solution to our sin problem is Jesus. Just like Paul, we need to rely upon the Holy Spirit to give us the right words when He presents us with opportunities to witness about Jesus. Paul spoke plainly and boldly so as to tell others about His amazing Savior. What about you? Are you afraid to speak about Jesus for fear of rejection, misunderstanding, or apathy? The truth of Acts 1:8 is true today just as it was in Paul’s day. “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” He has appointed us as His witnesses and will give us words and opportunities to tell about Him. How can we tell others if we do not speak of Him? Paul also knew the truth of Romans 10:17 and was putting his faith into action. “So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.”

May you speak boldly of your Savior, Jesus Christ, as you gather around your table this Thanksgiving. Be it virtual or in person our words of witness need to be heard so others will know our Christ. Let your words be given with gentleness as you seek to witness for Him.

Linda

God’s got this, claim His JOY!

The passage in Philippians for today is one of my very favorite. I get comfort, assurance and hope from these words given by Paul. However, he leads into this great passage with a problem. Several of the women in the church were causing problems because of their disagreements. Paul calls them to be unified and of one accord. He knows them, knows they are all believers and wants them to recognize the potential danger of their disagreements to the body of Christ. We all need to heed his words and examine our hearts lest we fall into the same trap that Satan uses to divide the body. Philippians 4:2-3 “Now I appeal to Euodia and Syntyche. Please, because you belong to the Lord, settle your disagreement. And I ask you, my true partner, to help these two women, for they worked hard with me in telling others the Good News. They worked along with Clement and the rest of my co-workers, whose names are written in the Book of Life.”

Paul exhorts them to put all disagreements aside and focus on what is important in their spiritual life. Philippians 4:4-6 “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” What great advice Paul gives to those arguing women, to the whole church there in Phillipi and to us in the 2020! Focus on what matters in your spiritual life- have JOY! Be reasonable, gentle with everyone! Remember Jesus is going to return! Don’t be overcome with worry about things, people or places- tell God what you need with a thankful heart. Wow! What perfect advice for our day. So many times we get mired down in worry about ‘things’, people- relationships or events. Paul is saying that is worthless worry. Let God know what you need, pray with a thankful heart and claim His JOY in your life. God’s got this so pray and claim His joy!

Joy– Let your joy be real and contagious!

Joy– Be joyfully gentle with everyone in your life!

Joy– Being assured that Jesus will return = JOY!

Joy– pray with thankfulness knowing He cares for you, loves you and will attend to your needs.

Words to live by then and now!

Linda

I AM ….the LORD

YHWHMultiple times in scripture God refers to himself as LORD.  When the name Lord is written all in capital letters, it refers to the name ‘Yahweh’,  YHWH which was so revered that it did not even say it aloud or write it completely as they left out the vowels.  Another translation of this is Jehovah.  In Exodus 3:14-15, Moses is called by God to return to Egypt, confront Pharaoh and lead the people.  Moses voices several concerns to God and asks, What do I say when the people ask who sent me? God said to Moses, “I am who I am.” And he said, “Say this to the people of Israel: ‘I am has sent me to you.’” 15 God also said to Moses, “Say this to the people of Israel: ‘The LORD, the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, has sent me to you.’ This is my name forever, and thus I am to be remembered throughout all generations.”  God refers to himself as I AM and also The LORD.   God repeated His name in Exodus 6:2-3 “God spoke to Moses and said to him, “I am the LORD. I appeared to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, as God Almighty, but by my name the LORD I did not make myself known to them.”    The people did not have the full revelation of God yet and did not fully know Him.  The full revelation of God came with Jesus Christ.

David often refers to God as LORD in the Psalms.  Psalm 91 has several verses that point out the complete trustworthiness of the LORD and how He loves and cares for those who love Him.  Psalm 91

Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High
will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.                               
I will say of the LORD, “He is my refuge and my fortress,
my God, in whom I trust.”                                                  God is my refuge.

Surely he will save you
    from the fowler’s snare
    and from the deadly pestilence.
He will cover you with his feathers,
and under his wings you will find refuge;                         God is my protector.
    his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.
You will not fear the terror of night,                          God’s presence dispels fear.
    nor the arrow that flies by day,
nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness,
    nor the plague that destroys at midday.
A thousand may fall at your side,
    ten thousand at your right hand,
    but it will not come near you.
You will only observe with your eyes
    and see the punishment of the wicked.

If you say, “The LORD is my refuge,”
    and you make the Most High your dwelling,
10 no harm will overtake you,
    no disaster will come near your tent.
11 For he will command his angels concerning you        God cares for me.
    to guard you in all your ways;
12 they will lift you up in their hands,
    so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.
13 You will tread on the lion and the cobra;
    you will trample the great lion and the serpent.

14 “Because he loves me,” says the LORD, “I will rescue him;      God desires our love.
    I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.
15 He will call on me, and I will answer him;              God is omnipresent.
    I will be with him in trouble,
    I will deliver him and honor him.
16 With long life I will satisfy him
and show him my salvation.”                       God has salvation plans for me.


psalm 91Today meditate on the completeness of your LORD and how HE reaches down and touches you.

Linda