Verse of the Day 9/15

Through the Bible - Proverbs 1 - Ecclesiastes 2, 2 Corinthians 10

 

Good morning,

My son Jeff and I often listen to sermons on the internet while I am "stretching" him in the evening.  He perks up whenever he hears a discussion on the names of God.  He smiles and gets excited when he hears the name Elohim.

For today's verse we'll go to Psalm 91, a passage that is often turned to in times of trouble.

One of those sermons that I remember was one from Gregg Laurie, he said something to the effect of "when in trouble we are taught to dial 911, as Christians we should remember this and go to Psalm 91:1.

Psalm 91:1-2 (New Living Translation)  Those who live in the shelter of the Most High
      will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
 ² This I declare about the Lord:
   He alone is my refuge, my place of safety;
      he is my God, and I trust him.

Gregg Laurie's devotional from yesterday dealt with these verses.  I won't attempt to improve on it, so I thought that I would post if for you.  He writes, "To show us different facets of His nature, God gives us different names for himself. The words used in Psalm 91:1–2 include 'Elyôwn, Shaddai, Jehovah, and 'Elōhîm. First, we have "the Most High:" "He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High. . . ." The Hebrew word used here for Most High, 'Elyôwn, speaks of possession. It is the idea of owning something. It simply reminds us that God owns and possesses everything, and that includes you and me.

Then there is the word "Almighty:" "He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide in the shadow of the Almighty. . . ." That is the word Shaddai. The thought here is of provision. It is wonderful to know that God owns everything. But it also wonderful to know that He wants to provide for us. Not only is He a living God, but He also is a giving God.

Then we have "the Lord:" "I will say of the Lord. . . ." That phrase "the Lord" is Jehovah, a unique name God called Himself before His own people, the Jews. It speaks of covenant and His promise to them.

Finally, there is "My God:" "My God, in whom I trust." That is the Hebrew word 'Elōhîm, which tells us there is one God who is triune, or three in one: the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. It also reminds us of the power of God.

So when we put it all together, we see that the all-knowing, all-powerful God who possesses heaven and Earth, who has entered into a special covenant with us, wants to provide for our needs. I want to know more about this God, don't you?"
 

Jeff has taught me a lot about faith, hope and trust.  Is it any wonder that his favorite name for God is "Elohim", my God in whom I trust?

Blessings,
Mike

mikevw@bellsouth.net
mikesvotd.blogspot.com

Psalm 91 (New Living Translation)

Psalm 91

 ¹ Those who live in the shelter of the Most High
      will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
 ² This I declare about the Lord:
   He alone is my refuge, my place of safety;
      he is my God, and I trust him.
 ³ For he will rescue you from every trap
      and protect you from deadly disease.
 ⁴ He will cover you with his feathers.
      He will shelter you with his wings.
      His faithful promises are your armor and protection.
 ⁵ Do not be afraid of the terrors of the night,
      nor the arrow that flies in the day.
 ⁶ Do not dread the disease that stalks in darkness,
      nor the disaster that strikes at midday.
 ⁷ Though a thousand fall at your side,
      though ten thousand are dying around you,
      these evils will not touch you.
 ⁸ Just open your eyes,
      and see how the wicked are punished.

 ⁹ If you make the Lord your refuge,
      if you make the Most High your shelter,
 ¹⁰ no evil will conquer you;
      no plague will come near your home.
 ¹¹ For he will order his angels
      to protect you wherever you go.
 ¹² They will hold you up with their hands
      so you won't even hurt your foot on a stone.
 ¹³ You will trample upon lions and cobras;
      you will crush fierce lions and serpents under your feet!

 ¹⁴ The Lord says, "I will rescue those who love me.
      I will protect those who trust in my name.
 ¹⁵ When they call on me, I will answer;
      I will be with them in trouble.
      I will rescue and honor them.
 ¹⁶ I will reward them with a long life
      and give them my salvation."