Jehovah Nissi

I Am Your Banner

Christian friends, we are in warfare; we are called to be soldiers. Our enemy has not flesh & blood, but is the spirit of unrighteousness manifested by Lucifer and his followers.

You, Jehovah Nissi, are our ensign at the head of our line. You show us the way. You are our rallying point. You shine in the sun so we can see you, come to you, follow you.

Just as a standard goes before the army, you went before me. You fought the battle. You won. You are victory. As Moses raised his staff, Joshua & the Israelites prevailed in battle. Jesus was raised on the cross for us to prevail in our battle. We war against a world that shows no fear or any respect for our God. You lead me to do what is right, what is good, what is holy.

My battle begins within myself. I fight against my selfishness, my rebellion, my pride, my hypocrisy. These sins, and others, must be conquered. I cannot do this on my own, but through your Holy Spirit enabling me, I win the battle. You are the Way to victory. Only you can win the war. You have won it already.

Let me come after you in that last battle when you descend from heaven with eyes blazing fire. Let me ride with you in that battle when you wear your crowns & whit robe dipped in blood. Let me ride with you, and the armies of heaven, dressed in fine white line. Let me ride with you in that battle when from your mouth comes a sharp sword, when you rule & reign, when you tread the wine-press of wrath and on your robe is written King of Kings & Lord of Lords.

You, Jehovah Nissi, go before us to make war. You capture the Evil One and all his followers. You bind him & hold him captive. You destroy him. You show me the way to go. You shine before me high & lifted up. May I share victory with you as I follow you. For you, Oh Lord, are my Jehovah Nissi - my I Am Your Banner.

16th Birthday

Memories of my dad are few: some home movies, swimming, and my 16th birthday.

My birthday is always close to Thanksgiving, sometimes even the day itself. So, in November 1969, my brother and I drove to Kansas City to see our dad for the holiday weekend.

I don't remember the dinner, where it was or who was there. But, I do remember wearing a blue paisley tent dress -- very stylish at the time -- and going to town. Dad remembered it was my birthday without my telling him. I was so surprised. He offered to take me shopping for a present, just the two of us. I didn't know how to act around him. He'd been divorced from Mom four years and we didn't see him often. Besides, I was quiet and shy in those days, especially around adults.

In any event, we left for town. I don't even recall what store we chose (that was in the days before Wal-Mart!), just bright lights and the electronics counter. We looked at various things I suppose, but I was drawn to an AM-FM radio. It wore tan leather and the telescoping antenna strapped to the side adjusted for better reception. The attached electric cord stored in a special compartment on the back when not in use. Batteries were included. It seemed too expensive for me to ask for it, but he could tell it was what I wanted. I went home happy and listened to songs all the way.

I allowed no one to touch my radio and enjoyed my hours with only its music, and the memory of that day, to keep me company. Even now, it is one of my treasures.

My Superman

Happy Birthday to my Superman!!

My Superman is my husband. Just like Clark Kent, you'd never guess his greatness. He's very quiet, unassuming, shy and easily overlooked. But, he's always there to rescue those in need.

My Superman stays in the background and always lets others take credit for his good ideas or deeds. He's a peacemaker and is always the calming influence in a charged atmosphere.

My Superman is strong and sure in an emergency. He's always calm as he takes charge and directs others to do what needs to be done. His strength seems to last forever as he can just go on & on until everyone is taken care of and all the chores are done. His only concern is that the work is done so the rest of us will have an easier tomorrow.

My Superman is kind and compassionate to others. He always tries to take care of everyone, ignoring any pain or discomfort of his own. Only after everyone else has everything they need, will he consider his own needs.

My Superman loves God with all his heart and is always applying Godly principles to the events of daily life. He has a verse to fit any occasion. He prays for others and strives to serve the Lord in all he does.

My Superman is a clown. He's always joking and laughing. One of his greatest pleasures is to make others laugh. He even tells jokes to himself if no one else is around. My Superman can't bear to see anyone cry; he does everything he can to keep us laughing.

My Superman has an angry side. He gets really mad at lies, injustice and evil. Because of this, he's always truthful, fair and good himself and strives to help others be this way, too.

My Superman is a teacher. He shares all he has learned with those who will listen. Because of hard times, hurts and problems he has acquired a life-time of wisdom. He's always trying to prevent others from hardships by relating what he learned from personal experience.

My Superman has had to deal with Lois Lane. She is the independent woman who tends to ignore the quiet Clark Kent and who idolizes Superman. He's also had a Perry White, who bosses and controls his life, and with Jimmy Olsen (more than one!) who is always there, more often in the way than a help. Through it all my Superman keeps his cool and keeps on doing the job God has given him.

My Superman must have a Kryptonite, but I haven't found it yet.

My Superman is my Husband. Do you have a Superman in your life? I hope so.

Jehovah Rapha

I AM your Healer

Sin has broken me. I am in pieces before you. I cannot mend my self. I cannot heal the wounds nor stop the hurting. Eve’s sin, and Adam’s, separates me from your healing. There is no hope for me. But No! You are here; You, the mighty I AM. You draw me to you. You sprinkle the blood sacrifice of Jesus on my soul. Sin is covered. I rejoice. I give thanks. I am healed.

I live in an imperfect world with imperfect people. They cause me pain. They tear at my heart. They wound me. I withdraw into myself. I cry out to you. I run to you for you are my strong tower, my safety. There with you, you heal me. You cover the scars; take them upon yourself. Day by day I am healed.

Days, months, years of my life pass. My mind cracks around the edges. Demons of anger & depression stab me with darts of fear & inadequacy. As I sink into the pit, the abyss of despair, I call for you. You lift me up, out of my self-imposed prison. You give me peace & joy. I am healed.

Age accumulates; my body fails. Disease attacks, knocks me down. I faint for fear that you are punishing me. I search my soul, like Job, and see no cause. Are you testing me? Will you use this to your glory? How will I know? In my pain, I turn to you. I pray. I call the elders to anoint me with oil & pray. You meet me at my need. I am healed.

I see my country torn apart by the wickedness of our people. The citizens of my nation suffer, yet they continue to ignore you. I search my heart. Your spirit reveals any unrighteousness. I repent & pray. Your children call out to you and you are there. You hear from heaven as we cry to you. You answer. You keep your word. We are healed.

You know every part of me – all the chips & cracks. I can hide nothing from you. In your perfect timing, you pour out healing. You give me peace. I am healed.

My heart overflows with gratitude. I worship, praise, adore you. You restore me. I am healed.

It's Been a Long Time Coming

My granddaughter went to live with her Dad. She's 11 now. She was 2 when her parents divorced. Her sister moved in with him last year just as she turned 12.

We prayed for God's will at the custody hearing. We prayed for His best for the girls; we believed it would be for them to live with their Dad. They have lived all this time with their mother, but now -- without a court battle -- they have both decided to live with their Dad.

My older granddaughter, Courtney, a strong willed child, is maturing and during the coming teen-age years she'll need a firm, loving hand.

Sydney has always been a quieter, more compliant child. She has always been indulged because she's the youngest, but when she decides she wants something, she perseveres until she gets it. Her dad will give her the gentle guidance she needs.

Our prayer for these young girls is that they will blossom and bloom into the women God calls them to be. It's been a long time coming, but God has answered our prayer in His time.

Music Fills the Air

The music of nature fills the air.

Wind whispers in the naked branches of winter barren trees.

Birds chirp, searching for food on the sodden ground.

Water ripples and gurgles among rocks in the creek.

God speaks in the music.

He calls to me, offering peace and hope.

He whispers love in my ears and offers strong arms of comfort.

Too often I hesitate.

Too often I don't run to meet Him, but hang back holding on to my sorrow and distress.

Yet, He is always there ready to receive me when I come running.

He dries my tears.

He gently reminds me of His promises.

He waits to welcome me.

Jehovah-Jireh

God is "I Am, your Provider"

Provider for my soul, you see me from before creation & into eternity. Because you see, you know my need. You planned how to meet those needs and set them in place. They are available when I get to the place I need them. You provided Jesus, your Holy & Beloved Son, as the sacrificial atonement for my sin.

You supply, you give, you provide for my spirit by giving of yourself through your Holy Spirit. He lives in me. He enables me to know you; to see you. You give me cause to praise & worship you. You provide opportunities for service, enable me and show me the way to serve you.

You placed me with parents who loved me and helped me grow. You gave me a husband & family. You give me friends for social contact. In these ways, You provide for my emotional needs.

You shower me with physical blessings. You provide my health, my home, my finances. You allow me use of your limitless resources. I have no worry for what tomorrow may bring. I can rely on you to provide for me each day. You provide for my future in this life & in the life to come.

From before time to the end of time you see, know & provide for every facet of my life. You provide for all of me: spiritual, emotional & physical.

You provide love, forgiveness & comfort. You alone in all of heaven & earth can completely provide for every aspect of me.

You are my God. You are my Jehovah-Jireh.

Jehovah

The Self-Existent One

You said to Moses, “I am that I am.”
You have always been.
You are now.
You will always be.
You are the Alpha & Omega.
You are just in all things.
You are righteous, compassionate & gracious.
You are slow to anger and quick to forgive when asked.
You punish evil.
You abound in loving kindness.
You are truth.
You are love.
You are life.
All life is in You.
You are Jehovah – the One who is.
You are three in one: Father, Son & Holy Spirit.
You are the keeper of your promises.
You fulfill your covenant.

All I need is you, for you are Jehovah
Who was & is & will be.