What’s In a Name? Week 1 Devotions (With Scripture)
 
Monday, March 10, 2025, Read Genesis 1:1 – “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.”
 
The Bible includes more than one hundred names for God, yet this is the one He starts with: ELOHIM—supreme God, strong One. Elohim is used 2,570 times in Scripture. God’s Word not only reminds us of God’s strength and might, but that His supernatural power is available to us simply by calling out to Him. Sometimes we face obstacles that seem huge. That’s when we realize that we were not designed to live this life in our own strength, but to rely upon Elohim – our strong and supreme God. When we are scared, we have Elohim. When we are suffering, we have Elohim. When we are overwhelmed, anxious, or exhausted, we have Elohim. The same God who created you is the God who is able to sustain you through whatever life throws your way.

Tuesday, March 11, 2025, Read Genesis 17:1 – “When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the Lord appeared to him and said, “I am God Almighty; walk before me faithfully and be blameless.”

When God told Abraham that he and his wife, Sarah, that they would be parents even in their own age, He revealed Himself by a new name: EL SHADDAI – the All-Sufficent One, God Almighty. In Hebrew, the name conveys the ideas of majestic strength and being able to supply abundantly. God was reminding Abraham of His limitless ability. He is powerful enough to do anything—even to give Abraham and Sarah a child in their old age. Nothing is too hard for the Lord. Within the year, Isaac, the son of the promise, was born. Because our God is almighty, there is nothing He can’t do. No problem is too big. No concern is too small. God never gets weary from carrying our burdens. What impossible situation in your life needs the Almighty?

Wednesday, March 12, 2025, Read Judges 6:24 – “So Gideon built an altar to the Lord there and called it The Lord Is Peace. To this day it stands in Ophrah of the Abiezrites.”

True peace—what the Bible calls shalom—is much more than just absence of conflict; it’s the presence of joy, friendship, and love. Shalom is life as God meant for it to be. During a dark time in Israel’s history, Gideon was able to lead his people in defeating the Midianites. After experiencing victory, Gideon felt great peace. It was an earthly and physical peace that comes from no longer being threatened and attacked. And it was an inner and spiritual peace that comes from knowing God had called, strengthened, and delivered him. He was so thankful that he built an altar and called it “The Lord Is Peace” – YAHWEH (JEHOVAH)-SHALOM.

Thursday, March 13, 2025, Read Exodus 3:14 – “God said to Moses, “I am who I am. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: ‘I am has sent me to you.’”

For nearly four hundred years, the children of Israel thought their God had forgotten them. Though chosen by God and promised a land of their own, the Hebrew people found themselves slaves in Egypt. So, when God announced to Moses His plan to deliver Israel from slavery, Moses was concerned that his people wouldn’t believe him, so he asked God “who should I tell them sent me?” God answered, “I AM.” I AM refers to God as a self-existent, self-sufficient, never changing, timeless being. When you are tempted to doubt God’s existence or His ability to intervene on your behalf or even His concern for you, remember “I AM” can always be counted on.  

Friday, March 14, 2025, Read Psalm 148:13 - “Let them praise the name of the Lord,
for his name alone is exalted; his splendor is above the earth and the heavens.”
 
Because ancient Hebrews considered the divine name YAHWEH too holy to pronounce, they substituted ADONAI instead, which is translated “Lord.” Inherent in this title are the ideas of sovereignty, rulership, and honor. God possesses the owner’s deed to our lives and exercises full authority and control over all things. So, when we call Him ADONAI we acknowledge His Lordship over our lives and live in humble obedience to His Will, His Way, and His Word!