There Is Power in Praise

Oct 12-Oct 30

In the Name of God

By Michael Youssef, Ph D.  10/23/20

There was a day when a person’s name meant everything—more than all the money and prestige in the world. The Bible tells us that because names have incredible meaning and importance, they were sometimes changed. These name changes were an indication of a new identity and signified a new calling of God.

As we mentioned yesterday, God changed Abraham’s name from Abram, meaning “the father is exalted,” to Abraham, which means “the father of a multitude.”

But there was another reason God made the change. Abraham’s parents probably were worshipers in the moon cult of Ur.

They named their son Abram, suggesting that his name may have represented a moon god or another pagan deity. God wanted Abraham to have a name that reflected His plan for Abraham’s life. He also wanted him to have a clear break from his old pagan lifestyle.

When you worship God, take time to consider His names and how each one applies to your life. Understanding the names of God will have a tremendous impact on your worship and personal devotion to the Lord. Here are a few of the Old Testament names for God:

·         Elohim—majestic Lord

·         El Shaddai—all-powerful, all-sufficient, transcendent, sovereign God

·         Yahweh—the proper name for God, which means “self-existing one” (I am!)

·         Yahweh Nissi—our banner

·         Yahweh Rapha—our healer

·         Yahweh Rohi—our shepherd

·         Yahweh Jireh—our provider

·         Yahweh Shalom—our peace

·         Adonai—master, ruler, Lord

·         Abba—our Father, who intimately cares

As you spend time worshipping the Lord, remember that God’s names reflect His attributes and nature. He is your peace, provider, healer, shepherd, Lord, and eternal Savior!

Prayer: Lord, today I worship You not just for what You have done but for who You are. Help me know and worship You more as I reflect on these names. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

“I will declare your name to my people; in the assembly I will praise you” (Psalm 22:22).