Monthly Archives: January 2019

What Does Elohim Mean?

Posted on by under God's Call

Why have biblical writers referred to the one God with different names? The different names of God are a way to emphasize one quality of His character. Elohim is one such name that is used frequently in the Scriptures. This term “Elohim” means “supreme one” or “mighty one” and appears about 2,750 times in the Old Testament. “In the beginning [Elohim] created the heavens and the earth,” Genesis 1:1.

Although the term “Elohim” is used on occasion to refer to judges, human rulers, and even angels, it is also used to express the one true God in his supreme rule and almighty power. Mike Leake, Lead Pastor at FBC Marionville in Marionville, Missouri, writes: “This is the word [Elohim] which is most frequently used when referring to God’s dealings with creation in general or with the nations of the world apart from his covenant with Israel.”

God’s very essence is glorious and unlimited power. His creation is a testament to His awesome creativity and might. “For since the creation of the world God’s [Elohim’s] invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse,” Romans 1:20.

I love that, starting with Genesis, God increasingly reveals Himself to us. He first places himself as Elohim in covenant with his creation. Next, he enters into a special relationship with Israel through the Abrahamic covenant. Finally, his covenantal promises (Genesis 12) find their fulfillment in Jesus Christ, God’s supreme revelation (Hebrews 1). This knowledge of Christ has the ability to move us from a vague understanding of Elohim into an exciting relationship with our Maker.

How do you know this God? Do you know him just as a mighty, far away power? Or can you address him as “my Lord and my God”? I’m so thankful that Jesus has given us a clear frame of reference to who this mighty God is and his mission, when Jesus entered our world. My Pastor, Cliff Purcell, is currently preaching a series called “Just Jesus”. His last message is from the second chapter of Mark. You may listen to his podcast here: Closer than You Think, (Jan. 20, 2019). Blessings!

What is an Examen Prayer?

Posted on by under God's Call

My pastor is currently teaching a series on prayer, helpful ways to better connect with God. These ways are not intended to be a “one size fits all”, or a rigid method of “you must do this in order to grow in your walk with God”. But I thought his latest class about the Examen Prayer was really interesting. Although I have heard about this kind of prayer, I really knew little about it. So I am sharing what I have learned. I’ll give you a Facebook link to his class at the end of this post if you wish to hear it. There are also a couple of good (free) apps from the Examen Prayer available through Google’s Play Store and Apple: “Reimagining the Examen”, and “Examen Prayer”.

Some Christians find a specific approach to prayer a helpful discipline, while others prefer to “pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests” (Ephesians 6:18). The Examen Prayer is a practice in meditation and prayer. Many people throughout the centuries have found this helpful in sensing God’s daily presence and guidance. This prayer is credited to Roman Catholic Saint Ignatius of Loyola (1491–1556) who, a Spanish soldier from his youth, pursued military glory and personal pleasure until age 30. After a severe battle wound, during a prolonged and painful recovery, he dove into Christian literature. This motivated him to renounce his old habits and commit himself to serving God.

After Ignatius spent hours of his convalescence in meditation and prayer he became convinced that any believer could benefit from prayer. He felt prayer is more effective when one approaches it in more of a conversational way with Jesus as a friend rather than in a ritual method. In 1548, Ignatius published his discovery in the Spiritual Exercises, a simple set of prayers, mental exercises, and meditations devised to be completed in 28 to 30 days. The Examen Prayer gives suggested “points” or “movements” when “praying the Examen.” These points are as follows:

Movement 1: Thanksgiving
Movement 2: Guidance
Movement 3: Review
Movement 4: Grace
Movement 5: Resolution

Whatever approach believers take in prayer, they may find the Examen Prayer helpful as long as they keep grounded in God’s Word (Joshua 1:8; Psalm 1:2). Here is a link to Pastor Cliff Purcell’s class: Prayer Like You Never Experienced It, Episode 3. Blessings!

What does it mean to bless God?

Posted on by under God's Call

(Photo and quote by Jacqueline Cooper.)

How has God blessed you? I’m sure many of you would agree that God is a loving, gracious Father. That His love and forgiveness alone is more than we deserve. If we are in Christ, God has poured blessing upon blessing into our lives. He even turns our messes into something beautiful if we let Him.

I love the The Message translation of Ephesians 1:3: “How blessed is God! And what a blessing he is! He’s the Father of our Master, Jesus Christ, and takes us to the high places of blessing in him. Long before he laid down earth’s foundations, he had us in mind, had settled on us as the focus of his love, to be made whole and holy by his love. Long, long ago he decided to adopt us into his family through Jesus Christ. (What pleasure he took in planning this!) He wanted us to enter into the celebration of his lavish gift-giving by the hand of his beloved Son.”

Did you know that it is possible to bless God? Some may argue: Because God is altogether perfect and lacks nothing, He doesn’t need our blessings. Though I agree that we don’t add to God’s character, or somehow strengthen Him through our blessings, I do believe that our attitudes, words, and actions can bring joy to his heart and a smile to His face. When we bless, praise and acknowledge God, we are fulfilling His original purpose of creating us.

What if we make it our priority to daily bless God in 2019? For He truly deserves it! You may read more on this topic here: What Does It Mean to Bless God? And for all of you scholarly readers, you might enjoy John Piper’s thesis: What Does It Mean to Bless God? 

God Finishes What He Starts

Posted on by under God's Call

I love this verse! There are times when I wonder if I am making any gains in my spiritual life. Too many times I start the new year with well-meaning goals and resolutions. Not that they can’t be attained, but on my own, my best efforts usually hit a wall at some point. But thankfully, when God starts a project, He finishes it!

Paul is describing the Christian’s growth process here. God’s work for us began when Christ took our place with His sacrificial death on the cross. His work in us begins when we first believe. With Jesus Christ as our foundation, He continues framing and building our character while daily enabling us to be more Christ-like through His indwelling, empowering Holy Spirit. If you are God’s child, rest in the promise that He will finish this good work when we meet Him face to face.