October 15, 2023 • Kim Edmondson • Judges 6:1–24, John 16:33, Romans 8:5–6
Turmoil. It’s a word that accurately describes our present day. Another school shooting, a bombing at a public event, or any number of other tragic occurrences. We can’t seem to get through a week without hearing new reports of devastation and carnage somewhere.
Some people don’t use the word turmoil but drama. We live in a world of unending drama. Our lives are full of drama—our own or other people’s. We don’t desire this drama, but once it’s here, we’re not quite sure how to get rid of it. Things seem to have gotten so bad for so many people that clinical depression and other emotional disorders are on the rise as people search for escape—some way to numb the pain, remove the anguish, and discover some momentary peace. But God is there, offering to be our Shalom— our peace.
THE BIG IDEA: Disobedience disrupts peace, but obedience brings life and peace.
My Name is Jehovah Rapha: The Lord is my Healer
October 8, 2023 • Jeff Bent • Exodus 15:22–26, Mark 8:34–38, Psalm 103:1–5, James 1:23–25, Matthew 7:24–27
None of us are enjoying a perfect, pain-free life. We all need to be made well because of something that is broken in our bodies, emotions, or situations. We may need to be healed of pain from the past or anguish in the present. Many people need healing from uncertainty about their future. Whatever the case, the need for healing in most people’s lives is real and deep. That’s why God’s name of Jehovah Rapha is so relevant for us today.
THE BIG IDEA: God heals in so many ways, more than just physically.
My Name is Jehovah Jireh: The Lord meets my Needs
October 1, 2023 • Kim Edmondson • 1 Peter 1:6–7, Genesis 22:1–18, Hebrews 11:17–19, 2 Corinthians 5:21, James 1:2–4
All of us have had moments in our lives that defined us or served as key turning points in our direction and purpose. Strangely enough, many of those moments are connected with the painful trials and tests God sometimes allows to come our way.
Abraham’s life was also turned upside down during an intense test of his faith. Through that test he experienced God in a new way and came to know Him as Jehovah Jireh, the Lord Our Provider.
THE BIG IDEA: When we choose to obey, we can trust God to provide.
My Name is Jehovah Nissi: The Lord is my Banner
September 24, 2023 • Kim Edmondson • Exodus 17:1–15, Proverbs 18:10, Ephesians 6:12
I’m sure you’ll agree with me that names are important. Names are useful because they allow us to label and remember the different people, places, and things we encounter each day. Names are also significant because they give us starting points for understanding and interacting with the world around us.
To approach God as Jehovah Nissi is to look toward Him as the source of power and deliverance in your life. The Lord My Banner means God has made Himself evident and available for those who look to Him in times of need. God fights for you.
THE BIG IDEA: When we stand under the Banner of God, we find victory in God.
