EVERYDAY VICTORY FOR EVERYDAY PEOPLE - WEEK 10 - DAY 1
KNOWING GOD
MEMORY VERSE: "And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee: for thou, Lord, hast not forsaken them that seek thee." Psalm 9:10
During the Old Testament times, a person's name often gave an indication of his character or some personal quality. In the Bible, there are several names for God. Each name reveals a different aspect of His character. It's similar to the way we use different names according to our roles in life. One woman may be called mother, sister, daughter, wife, nurse, aunt, friend, etc. The name someone uses reveals something about her relationship to that person.
One name cannot encompass God's greatness. One name imposes limitations on God. If all the universe cannot contain God, how can one name ever hope to describe Him? In this week's study, you'll learn how each of God's names shows you a specific way to relate to Him and how that relationship meets a particular need in your life.
Elohim, the Source of All Creation:
In the first verse of the Bible, Genesis 1:1 the word "God" is translated from the Hebrew word Elohim. When this word is used for God, it refers to Him as creator of all things. It attempts to describe His omnipotence and His sovereignty. For us, it means God is the source - all we have comes from Him.
*According to James 1:17, God is the source of every good and perfect gift. List several good gifts God has given you.
*God gave you a perfect gift. Romans 8:32 says that gift is_______.
If God did nothing more than give you Jesus, that would be enough - far more than you could ever dream possible. But God continues to give you good gifts.
*Isaiah 40:29 describes another gift God continues to give you. What is it?
Not only did God create the world, He also created each one of us. As your creator, He knows everything about you, including your needs. God is intimately involved in the world He created. God wants to be intimately involved in your life.
*Matthew 6:8 tells the depth of God's understand of your life. How well does God know your needs?
Isn't that a wonderful thought? Before you even begin to pray, God knows your needs. Despite knowing this, there are times when you may wonder if God can deal with all the problems you face.
In Jeremiah 32:27, God responds to someone who questioned His strength.
*What was the question?
*The answer can be found in Jeremiah 32:17. What is the answer?
God, the creator of all things, points to the world He made and says, "I have enought power to create all this! Don't you think I have enough power for the things you face in your life?" The God of creative power is the God who loves you. Nothing you ever face in life is too difficult for Him - not even your strongholds in healthy living.
When you have a need in your life, whether it is physical, emotional, or spiritual, remember that nothing is too difficult for God. Turn to Him as your God, Elohim, the source of all creation.
Heavenly Father, I come to You as the creator of the universe, thanking You for Your great gifts of life and of the Hloy Spirit through Your son, Jesus Christ. Elohim, nothing is too difficult for You, and I come to You with all my burdens and cares because I know You will take care of me. Thank You for Your love.
Amen.
EVERYDAY VICTORY FOR EVERYDAY PEOPLE - WEEK 10 - DAY 2
Jehovah, God Who Is Always There, El Roi, God Who Sees
These two names, Jehovah and El Roi, for God fit together like a hand in a glove. Jehovah speaks of God's being, His essence. The name "Jehovah" reminds us that God is, was and always will be. He is the omnipresent God. El Roi is ever watchful, aware of all circumstances that affect your life. Others may be unaware of the small victories in your life, but your El Roi knows and cares about those small successes as well as the big ones.
Since Jehovah is always there, then El Roi is aware of everything that happens in your life. Exodus 3:13,14 describes when Moses asked Jehovah what to say if the Israelites asked His name.
*What did God tell Moses to call Him?
*What do you think God wanted to communicate by calling Himself "I Am"?
Bible scholars and students have puzzled for years over God's response to Moses. At the very least, God wanted Moses, and you, to understand that He has always existed in the past and will exist in the future. God is not locked in time; He stands outside time. As a result, God has not limitation in time or space.
Since God has no limitations, He is aware of everything that happens in your life. You do many things in your life that no one sees or notices, but God knows.
*Joshua 1:8 - How does God bless you when you continue to meditate on His Word?
*Matthew 6:6 - How have you experienced God's reward when you pray in private?
Galatians 6:9 - What will you ultimately receive when you struggle yet persevere?
These are great promises from our Jehovah, who can do anything, and El Roi who sees everything. Since God is not limited in any way, He is constantly available to you.
*What does Psalm 139:7-10 tell you about God's presence in your life?
*What is the promise found in Hebrews 13:5b?
*What practical effect should this promise have on the way you live?
*How does Isaiah 26$ describe God?
As a Christian, you live with God's promise that He is constantly with you. Wherever you are, whatever you do, God is there and sees all that you do. God is your eternal rock. When you need consistency and stability in your life, turn to your Jehovah who loves you. When you feel no one loves or appreciates all that you do, turn to your El Roi, the One who sees and knows what you do. God is, was and always will be!
Jehovah, thank You for always being present in my time of trouble and need. El Roi, I praise Your name because You are the One who knows me as I am and sees all that I do and forgives me when I fail.
Amen.
EVERYDAY VICTORY FOR EVERYDAY PEOPLE - WEEK 10 - DAY 3
Jehovah-Jireh, God Who Provides
The early Israelites often combined the name of God with other words to more accurately describe characteristics of God. He is more than Jehovah, the self-existent one. God is Jehovah-Jireh, which means "the Lord will provide".
The Old Testament tells the story of Abraham and his son, Isaac, going to Mount Moriah to offer a sacrifice to God in Genesis 22:1-19.
*When Isaac asked his father about a lamb for the sacrifice, what was Abraham's reply?
*What event is being foreshadowed in Genesis 22:8?
*How did God provide for Abraham?
In the same way God provided for Abraham and Isaac, so God continues to provide for you. God did provide a lamb for you - Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.
*What is the promise found in Philippians 4:19?
*What do you need to do, according to Luke 11:9,10?
*What does Hebrews 4:16 say about approaching God?
God is not reluctant to meet your needs. Althought the timing isn't always clear and you may often wonder about the nature of His provision, in time you can always acknowledge that God did provide for you.
*Describe a time when God provided for you in a special way.
If you need strength to resist temptation or if you need encouragement to go on, turn to Jehovah-Jireh. Seek Him, and you will find mercy. Seek Him, and you will find grace. Seek Him, and Jehovah-Jireh will provide.
Jehovah-Jireh, I praise Your name and give thanks to You who provides for my needs and cares for me like no other. Lord, You have promised to meet all my needs in every situation. I claim that promise and look to You for provision of my mental, spiritual, physical and emotional needs.
Amen.
EVERYDAY VICTORY FOR EVERYDAY PEOPLE - WEEK 10 - DAY 4
Jehovah-Shalom, God Our Peace, Jehovah-Robi, God Our Shepherd
Through the name Jehovah-Shalom, God reveals Himself as the Lord of peace. We never truly appreciate nor long for peace until we find ourselves in a desperate situation. Then we cry out for peace; our sanity depends on it. Thank God, He is our peace!
Jehovah-Rohi is the name for God the shepherd, who brings peace and comfort to the hearts of believers everywhere. The shepherd will lead you to safety and protect you from danger. In that safety you can feel the peace that comes only from knowing and following the shepherd.
*What is Jesus called in John 10:11 and what will He do for you?
Read and then answer the following questions:
*According to John 10:27, how are you learning to hear His voice
*How well are you following Jesus?
*According to Isaiah 26:3, what is the key to having a sense of peace in every situation?
*According to Philippians 4:6,7, how is it possible to live and not worry?
*How should you make your requests known to God?
*Describe a time that you have experienced the peace of God that "transcends all understanding".
As your good shepherd, Jesus provides for your needs.
*According to 1 Peter 2:2, what is spiritual milk and what does it do in your life?
*In Psalm 23:4, whay should you "fear no evil"?
When you feel the need for someone to care for you or when you need guidance and direction, turn to Jehovah-Rohi, your good shepherd, who will lead you in paths of righteousness, and to Jehovah-Shalom who will say to your heart, "Peace,be still."
Jehovah-Shalom, thank You for the peace that passes all understanding, even in the midst of turmoil in my life. Jehovah-Rohi, lead me and guide me as the shepehrd leads His sheep throught the deep valleys of death or beside the cool waters. Lead me to safety and protect me from danger.
Amen.
EVERYDAY VICTORY FOR EVERYDAY PEOPLE - WEEK 10 - DAY 5
Jehovah-Saboath, God Who Delivers Us
When the children of Israel needed deliverance from hopeless situations, they came to know God as Jehovah-Sabaoth. The word "sabaoth" refers to a mass of people or things - an army, for example. When you call to God as your Jehovah-Sabaoth, you can see Him as a mighty army that confronts your needs and gives you victory.
*After you read each of the following verses, write down what that verse says about the God who delivers you.
Psalm 18:2
Psalm 70:5
Psalm 144:2
As you face challenges in life, Jehovah-Sabaoth will be your help, your rock, your stronghold - everything you will ever need to help in fighting the battles against your enemy.
*After you read Psalm 31:2, 2 Timothy 4:18 and 2 Peter 2:9, summarize the common ideas in all three verses and how they relate to your efforts to lose weight.
A five year old child was lying in a sterile hospital bed in isolatin, diagnosed with meningitis. No visitors were allowed inside the room, so her grandmother sat outside the door and spoke to the child through an intercom system. The grandmother repeated the words of Psalm 27:1 over and over to the small, sobbing child. Slowly the child ceased her cries and fell asleep. All night the grandmother kept her vigil, praying for and signing to the child. She repeated several times, "Don't be afraid. God is your light. He is your stronghold. He's taking care of you." The next morning, after another painful spinal tap, the doctors could find no traces of the meningitis. The child grew in the goodness of the Lord and never forgot those words of strength and comfort prayed by a loving grandmother. Years later as an adult, she had the opportunity to again recall those words when faced with cancer. She knew that she had nothing to fear with God as her light and salvation, her stronghold who could deliver her from any attack.
*Read Psalm 27:1-3, What does verse 1 tell you about Jehovah_Sabaoth?
"The Lord is ______________________________."
"The Lord is ______________________________."
Summarize verses 2 and 3.
God promises to rescue you from situations in life that threaten to overwhelm you. You have someone to whom you can turn in the midst of fear and struggles. When from a human perspective you feel trapped, turn to your Jehovah-Sabaoth and He will rescue you.
Heavenly Father, thank You for being the stronghold in my life and delivering me from those things that threaten me. Jehovah-Sabaoth, be my deliverer. Help me in time of trouble and give me comfort when all around me is falling apart.
Amen.
EVERYDAY VICTORY FOR EVERYDAY PEOPLE - WEEK 10 - DAY 6
In this week's study you have learned about the many names of God that describe His many functions in your life. He is a God who knows you, sees you, loves you, forgives you, leads you, delivers you, gives you peace and is the creator of allthings. What an incredible provision He makes for you in time of struggle, when you feel trapped.
No matter what name you give Him, He is still the God of the way, the truth and the light. His truths are everlasting. Bible study shows you verses to use in any situation at any time in your life. If the verses are hidden in your heart, you will never be without them. Though your Bible be taken away and destroyed, the Word cannot be taken from your heart.
Review the various days of reflection and methods discussed to help you memorize scripture. If you have followed along and memorized the memory verse for each week, you ajnow have 10 powerful weapons to use for your everyday victories.
We are an ordinary people in an ordinary world with an extraordinary God. Allow Him to give you victory through His Word, and He will teach you to trust Him completely.
Heavenly Father, I know my help comes from You, who made heaven and earth. You will not allow my foot to slip; You will not slumber. Jehovah, You are my refuge and my fortress. O my God, in You I will trust. You will save me from the fowler's snare and from the deadly pestilence. You shall cover me with Your feathers, and under Your wings I shall take refuge. Your faithfulness shall be my shield and rampart.
Amen.
EVERYDAY VICTORY FOR EVERYDAY PEOPLE - WEEK 10 - DAY 7
As you come to the end of this study, focus on the many names and attributes of God. Use the principles of scripture memory to find verses that will help you to have an even better understanding of the names of God.
In the Old Testament, the people of God knew Him only through His many names. They depended on the prophets to lead them and give them instructions from God. In the New Testament, God sent the Holy Spirit through His Son, Jesus Christ, to teach and guide us.
Although the session has ended, you can continue with your commitments to the program in your daily life. Keep studying the Bible daily, memorizing scripture and praying. If you haven't started a prayer journal, its not too late to begin one now and add to it daily. What you have learned these past 10 weeks can be used to gain those everyday victories that give you the strength to carry
on to the next day.