Mentoring Minutes

“Not to us, Lord, not to us, but to Your name give glory, Because of Your mercy, because of Your truth.”     Psalm 115:1

El Tellihati – God My Praise (Psalm 109:1)

Is it any wonder why David was called “a man after God’s own heart” as we see how He sought to know and express all the character of God through His Names in the Psalms? Is it any wonder that we are encouraged, refreshed, challenged, humbled and restored as we read through the questions, concerns, praises and thanksgivings offered in these Psalms?

This Name of God highlights this very posture of seeking after, knowing more, and expressing our praise to, God and is found in Psalm 109:1 as David calls Him “EL TELLIHATI – GOD MY PRAISE!” The reality of it is that David is showering praise upon God as He asks Him to take vengeance on his enemies. Literally he is entrusting his life to God, and praising Him as he trusts Him, to rightly deal with those that come against him.

We have that same assurance in Christ as “EL TELLIHATI – GOD MY PRAISE” as The One that we praise and give thanks to in any and every situation… Philippians 2:9-11…every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord! It is also true that in and through praising Christ we are offering up continual praise and thanksgiving to God…Hebrews 13:15!

Are you seeking after The Lord with all your heart, i.e., a man or woman “after God’s heart?” No matter what you’re facing you can rest assured that Christ has paid the price and made a way so you can acknowledge Him as “EL TELLIHATI – GOD MY PRAISE” and do so by giving thanks and praise to Him at all times.

El Hashamayim – The God of The Heavens (Psalm 136:26)

We find this next Name of God in Psalm 136, one of the most well known Psalms because of the praise and thanksgiving that David lavishes on Jehovah God for all His goodness and faithfulness.

In v. 2 David praises God, declaring that He is the God of gods… there is no other. He spends the rest of this Psalm giving thanks for all that God has done, reminding us over and over of His faithfulness to His people.

He then closes in Psalm 136:26 by praising God again for who He is and calls Him “EL HASHAMAYIM – THE GOD OF THE HEAVENS!” In other words, David proclaims that He is the God of all creation and The Only One worthy of our praise. Almost as if He is saying, The Heavens declare your everlasting lovingkindness!

Christ alone as “EL HASHAMAYIM – THE GOD OF THE HEAVENS” is the God who is worthy of our praise as He is Lord of all creation, including our own very lives (1 Corinthians 8:6; Colossians 1:15-17).

Do you give to Him the thanks and praise due to the God of all creation…EL HASHAMAYIM – THE GOD OF THE HEAVENS? He alone is worthy and you will be blessed as you recognize and live out that praise due only to Him.

El Hakkadosh – Holy God (Isaiah 5:16)

As we have looked at the numerous revealed Names of God in Scripture, and in particular over the last several posts, focusing on all the Names revealed to and by David in the Psalms, I pray that you have known Him more and are loving Him more. David not only revealed the Names in which God expressed His perfect character to David and Israel (and all who would believe on Him) but he also reiterated many of the other names as they were revealed to Abraham, Moses, Hagar, Hannah, Joshua and others.

We now move to another mighty man and prophet of God, Isaiah, where we will find several more Names that reveal His awesome character and help us know and love Him even more.

In Isaiah 5:16 we find one of the most poignant Names of God, “EL HAKKADOSH – HOLY GOD.” Not only is He Holy…set apart, perfect, righteous and just in everything He does and in all that He Is but He calls us to be holy even as He is holy (Leviticus 11:44-45; 1 Peter 1:13-16).

However, His Word also tells us that we have all sinned and therefore cannot in and of ourselves be holy. Quite the predicament…BUT then there was Jesus who is our “EL HAKKADOSH – HOLY GOD” and who makes us holy as we believe and receive His free gift of salvation and then live out that salvation by His grace being made holy by His gift to us and becoming holy just as He Is (1 Corinthians 1:30).

For all who believe in Him, Christ has set us apart, sanctified us…made us holy just as He is holy!

Are you walking in the holiness you have freely received if you know Christ? Are you growing in that holiness that His grace and Spirit in and through you are empowering you to be…holy as He is holy? (1 Peter 3:15)

Love and Lordship…Food for Thought – God is El Tellihati – God My Praise and calls us to give Him all praise and glory. Are you living with Him, and giving to Him, as God My Praise? He is El Hashamayim – The God of The Heavens which literally means He is God over all as Author and Creator of it all. He is also El Hakkadosh – Holy God and He so desires us to know His Holiness that He sent His Son to make us holy so we could be in the presence of The Holy God! How awesome is that? 

Love and Lordship…Action Item –

1. Read the Scriptures in this article and ask The Holy Spirit to teach you.
2. Write down what each of the Names of God in this post mean to you. 
3. In what ways do you give praise and glory to God? List ways you see His Glory in your life and in all the heavens…all of creation?
4. Journal the ways that you recognize God as Holy, how He has made you holy in Christ and what it means that He calls you to be holy?

Contact us at Love and Lordship to find out more about how you can know God the Father, Christ His Son and The Holy Spirit and The Lord God.

Check out this week’s Love & Lordship Mentoring Minute Video

“In God we have boasted all day long, And we will give thanks to Your name forever.” Selah     (Psalm 44:8)

JEHOVAH GANAN – “GOD OUR/MY DEFENSE” (Psalm 89:18)

I’ve mentioned this before but The Lord has laid this on my heart and my prayer is that as we study, discover and learn more about God’s Names, which reflect all the He Is and His Perfect Character rooted in Truth and Love, we will know Him more. As we know Him more we will worship Him alone and grow to love Him with all we are (First and Greatest Command – Mark 12:29-30)!

Today’s Name is another from King David in Psalm 89:18 where He describes God as JEHOVAH GANAN – GOD OUR/MY DEFENSE. How comforting is that in any and every situation… fear, disease, threat, enemies, uncertainty, sin, even death? David proclaimed God as Israel’s shield or defense against enemies and affliction because of His Covenant with His people.

We have that same shield and Defense as God has fulfilled all of His Covenants in Christ for all who believe in Him as Savior and Lord, both Jew and Gentile!

Christ is our “JEHOVAH GANAN – GOD OUR/MY DEFENSE!” We see this literally when we are strong in Christ’s strength and put on the Gospel Armor in Ephesians 6:10-17 and in particular the shield of Faith in Christ that protects us against satan’s attacks. We are defended, safe and secure in Him!

We also find Christ as our Shield and Defender, always there for us in Hebrews 13:5-8. Whatever you are facing, or may face in the future, by faith (the shield of faith in Christ) you can rest assured the He is with you and protecting you.

Who/what is your trust in to help and defend you? We all face things in life that are difficult, uncertain and tough. Christ has promised to protect us and see us through even into eternity with Him. I pray that you know Him as Savior and Lord.

JEHOVAH MACHAI – “GOD OUR REFUGE” (Psalm 91:2, 9)

I don’t know about you but the more I study and get to know God and His incredible character rooted in His Truth and Love for me (us) I am so encouraged and blessed. When I think that this Glorious, Perfect, Righteous and Holy God would come in the form of His Son as a helpless Baby for my salvation, I can’t help but be humbled and grateful.

It’s amazing how each name, even very similar names, reveal even more of His Love and character, layer by layer, and help us to know Who He Is and how much He loves us and what He does for us, including our salvation and freedom in Christ!

This Name is another one of those that adds a very encouraging and inspiring layer to His character and is found in Psalm 91:2, 9. Here David is sharing in praise and worship of God for His incredible Protection and Presence at all times and that all who put their trust in Him are secure. In this verse, central to all he is saying in this Psalm, God reveals Himself and David refers to Him as “JEHOVAH MACHAI – GOD OUR REFUGE.”

We’ve seen this concept before but David is letting us know that there is no reason to fear for those who trust in God…those who abide in Him as their dwelling place!

Where are you abiding, whether in the good times or the storms of life? He is always there and is our REFUGE! Will you choose to make Him your Refuge?

Christ is our “JEHOVAH MACHAI – GOD OUR REFUGE” fulfilling the Old Covenant and making it new in His life, death, blood and sacrifice for our sins, and to bring us into this relationship with God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit!

Remember that Refuge is similar to our Stronghold, our Defense, our Rock, Shield and Protection. One of the most beautiful places we find Christ as “JEHOVAH MACHAI – GOD OUR REFUGE” is in Matthew 23:37 when He expresses His Love and desire to gather His people under His wings…a place of shelter and refuge to all who will receive Him as Savior and Lord.

We also find this character and concept when we look to Christ and know that nothing can shake those who find their Refuge in the Cornerstone (Ephesians 2:19-22) where we mature and are secure, individually and collectively as His People in Christ!

What are you facing today? Who, what or where do you turn to for refuge? Are you finding the peace you’re seeking? You can only find it in Christ as “JEHOVAH MACHAI – GOD OUR REFUGE.” I pray that you look to Him and choose to make Him your Refuge.

JEHOVAH HAMELECH – “GOD THE KING” (Psalm 98:6)

Today’s final Name of God is a powerful one but also one that should cause us to stop and reflect on the personal application in our own lives and relationships. It is found in Psalm 98, which is a straight up call for us to praise The Lord for His Righteousness.

In v. 6 David calls God JEHOVAH HAMELECH – GOD THE KING. We’ve looked at God as King of kings and Lord of lords in a previous name and David essentially states, in The Holy Spirit, that as we sound the trumpets and shout His Name, we do so because He is King…The Righteous King.

The question that faces each of us with this name, as with King of kings and Lord of lords, is that while He is KING, you still have the choice…so, the question… Have you made Him King of your life?

Because of Christ as Savior and Lord, we also have the full right and privilege by faith through grace, to walk with Him as King. He was not a King that made us bear the burden but He took it upon Himself to bear it for us (that’s why He came). Imagine that, a King, the only perfectly Righteous King that took the punishment and bore the burden of His servants.

Here are 2 Scriptures that remind us that Christ is “JEHOVAH HAMELECH – GOD THE KING” and that He is King over all those who willingly submit to and believe in Him as King in their lives… John 18:36; Revelation 1:5-6.

Check these out and be sure not to miss that while He is King, His true desire is to be King in each life as we submit to Him as such. By faith through grace make Him King of your life.

Love and Lordship…Food for Thought – Jehovah Gannan – God My/Our Defense and with Christ we have the Shield of Faith and He is our ever Faithful Helper that never changes. He is Jehovah Machai – God Our Refuge and in Christ we are secure under His wings and on Him as our Cornerstone.  Finally, He is Jehovah Hamelech – God The King. Christ has done all that is needed to make Him not just The King but King of your life…have you believed in Christ as your King?

Love and Lordship…Action Item –

1. Read the Scriptures in this article and ask The Holy Spirit to teach you.
2. Write down what each of the Names of God in this post mean to you. 
3. Today’s Names of God reveal that He is our Defense, Refuge and King. What does that look like in your life?
4. What do you need today (any/all) in Christ and why? Will you come to Him?

Contact us at Love and Lordship to find out more about how you can know God the Father, Christ His Son and The Holy Spirit and The Lord God.

Check out this week’s Love & Lordship Mentoring Minute Video

“But You, God, the Lord, deal kindly with me for the sake of Your name;” (Psalm 109:21)

El Chaiyai – “God My Life” (Psalm 42:8)

David in a Psalm in which he cries out reveals this Name of God in his absolute and utter need for God. Most of us may recognize the first couple of verses, “As the deer pants for the water brooks, so my soul pants for You, God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God; When shall I come and appear before God?”

That’s a dire need for God like we need water to live! In the middle of this Psalm in which David is thirsting for God, he calls Him “EL CHAIYAI – GOD MY LIFE” in Psalm 42:8. He realizes and shows us that God is ultimately all we need…our water, and our nourishment…our life.

Christ is “EL CHAIYAI – GOD MY LIFE” as He came to offer Himself to be our All in All, our Savior, our very Life as we see once again in John 10:10b and John 14:6. He is my Life, now and eternally, and I pray that You know Him as “EL CHAIYAI – GOD MY LIFE”…as your Life as well, both now and eternally!

Is He your Life? He can be. If He is, are you sharing His Life with others so they can know and have His Life!

EL MAUZI – “GOD MY STRENGTH” (Psalm 43:2)

We continue to build on the Names of God that reflect the character that is His Strength. Recently in Psalm 42:9 we were introduced to El Sali – God My Strength as it pertains to His giving us strength to endure and make it through the struggles and trials as we cry out to Him and receive that strength.

In Psalm 43:2, David cries out to God as “EL MAUZI – GOD MY STRENGTH and in this case His strength is not just the power to overcome or persevere through. The Strength of EL MAUZI is the revelation of His character as our Stronghold. We can come to Him, abide and rest in Him and know that His Strength provides complete security no matter what we’re facing.

This requires faith because often the circumstances we are dealing with tell us that we’re not safe and secure but by faith we can trust in “EL MAUZI – GOD MY STRENGTH” in this case, The One Who will surround and protect me. One translation beautifully states, “God, my only safe haven.” Don’t we all want that?

Christ is “EL MAUZI – GOD MY STRENGTH” as my stronghold as we see in 2 Corinthians 10:4 where Paul contrasts the worldly and spiritual strongholds in our minds/flesh, the world, and from the enemy, with us overcoming these by taking thoughts captive and making them obedient to Christ. We literally choose obedience to The Truth that is Christ and we are secure in Him as our stronghold!

Our strongholds either consist of our flesh, the world and the enemy’s lies and deceptions…or they are found upon Christ, the only Stronghold that ensures our protection and that will withstand every onslaught of the enemy. Christ is “EL MAUZI – GOD MY STRENGTH!” None of the former will keep you safe. The only safe haven and stronghold is Christ!

This Name is about dwelling and resting in His Strength and in Him as our Stronghold! Who or what are you trusting and abiding in?

EL YESHUA TENU – “THE GOD OF DELIVERANCE.” (Psalm 68:19-20)

Isn’t it interesting that many, if not most, of the Names of God we can find in the Psalms written by David, a man after God’s own heart. In spite of his own sins and failings David continued to seek after God and God revealed Himself in so many ways to David.

Don’t you desire to know God and have Him reveal Himself to you in such a way? I do…and you can! So let’s be people who seek after Him with all our heart.

This next Name is found in Psalm 68:19-20 and is another Name that encompasses a lot for us. Here David, in proclaiming God as a God of victory and power over all His enemies, declares in this verse that He is “EL YESHUA TENU – THE GOD OF DELIVERANCE.” This includes victory over enemies, salvation from sin, restoration of brokenness and deliverance from any bondage and burdens! Do you believe that He is “EL YESHUA TENU – THE GOD OF DELIVERANCE” and can deliver, save, restore and redeem you from any sin or circumstance?

For those of us who know Him we know that He can because we know that Jesus is our Deliverance…He is “EL YESHUA TENU – THE GOD OF DELIVERANCE” in any and every situation. How awesome is that! PTL!

Here are 3 texts from the New Covenant in Christ that proclaim Him as “EL YESHUA TENU – THE GOD OF DELIVERANCE”… in Philippians 1:18-20 where Paul is literally writing from prison in chains and knows He will be delivered; in 2 Thessalonians 3:2-3 where Paul states to believers, because of their faith, that He knows they will be delivered from evildoers and those without faith; and of course, we have to return to the ultimate Deliverance in Christ in Matthew 1:21…His Name is Jesus and He came for the express purpose to deliver and save us from our sins! Praise and thanks to Jesus!

Love and Lordship…Food for Thought – El Chaiyai – God My Life as He is my very Breath and gives me Life. He is El Mauzi – God My Strength, in this case the only Stronghold that protects me from all others, even when I face them in the here and now.  Finally, He is El Yeshua Tenu – The God of Deliverance, setting me free from every situation and struggle that I may encounter, ultimately delivering me from sin, death and hell! In Christ, every believer can know God as Life, Protection and Deliverance… Do you believe in Christ?

Love and Lordship…Action Item –

1. Read the Scriptures in this article and ask The Holy Spirit to teach you.
2. Write down what each of the Names of God in this post mean to you. 
3. How has God in Christ given you life, protected and delivered you?
4. How has any or all of these Names of God changed your life?

Contact us at Love and Lordship to find out more about how you can know God the Father, Christ His Son and The Holy Spirit and The Lord God.

Check out this week’s Love & Lordship Mentoring Minute Video