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Iron Rose Sister Ministries
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Searcy, AR 72145
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Blog
The Names of God
“What is in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet” (William Shakespeare, Romeo and Juliet).
No matter which of God’s names we use, there is no sweeter sound than the proclamation of His name.
Throughout Scripture, we see many names for God. At this time of year, we take the time to focus on Christ’s birth—the Word, who became flesh and dwelt among us, the fulfillment of the prophesies and personification of many names of God.
Last year, my sister heard a radio interview through Focus on the Family, in which they shared an idea for how to keep Christ in the center of Christmas, as a family. Depending on the age and abilities or interests of the children, the activity can be adapted.
The idea is that you spend time focusing on the names of God and incorporate them into your decorations, family discussions, thus bringing Christ into the conversation during the holidays. For example, using the names of Jesus, as mentioned by prophet Isaiah as His birth was foretold, or names like Emmanuel, “God with us.”
For her family, my sister and brother-in-law encouraged my then five-year-old nephew to write out the names of Christ on strips of paper that they made into a paper rings and hung on their tree. As he carefully copied the letters of each name, they would discuss what that name meant and would read a simple verse about that aspect of Christ. His little sister, who was two at the time, would be encouraged to repeat the name and was able to color on a few paper strips of her own that had Christ’s name written by one of the adults.
Inspired by this idea, and encouraged by this practice, for the month of December, we are going to focus on the names of Christ. Before I share which ones we have selected for the month, please tell us which are your favorites and why that that name is special to you!
#IronRoseSister #MichelleJGoff #namesofGod #Christ #Christmas
Thanks to Jehovah Jireh
THANK YOU! to those who donated for #Giving2x2TuesdayIRSM. More than $1,000 was donated from people in 8 different states. And the opportunity for giving has not ended. We continue to seek new financial partners, especially those willing to make a pledge for monthly or one-time donations in 2019.
In the meantime, through this blog, we will continue the blessing of giving thanks, specifically thanking God for His different names and His characteristics revealed through those names.
One name I have reflected on a lot lately, especially in the midst of this end-of-year giving campaign, is Jehovah Jireh, our Provider.
The first time we see God being called by this name is on a mountain in Moriah. Abraham was asked to sacrifice his only son, Isaac. In faith, he followed God’s instructions and trusted that God would provide life for his son. Abraham trusted the promises of God that He would make Abraham into a great nation through his son, Isaac.
Genesis 22:14
So Abraham called the name of that place, “The LORD will provide”; as it is said to this day, “On the mount of the LORD it shall be provided.”
My faith is not as strong as Abraham’s. Doubts flood my mind and I find it hard to trust in God’s provision for Iron Rose Sister Ministries when Satan attacks and I see our needs looming large.
I am extremely grateful for our prayer partners and prayer warriors who are trusting with us for God’s continued provision for IRSM. Since our first year, I have prayed for God’s provision: financial and workers. I am humbled by His increased provision of workers, especially in the past year... then why do I distrust His answer of financial provision both now and in the future?
In honor of the end of November, focused on gratitude, and in recognition of the Common Threads, I will share my own recent convictions and reminders regarding Jehovah Jireh. And I invite you to share your own answers to the Common Threads with an Iron Rose Sister and pray together.
An area in which I long to grow or bloom: Trusting God’s provision.
The thorn I want to remove: Doubts and worries, especially as they relate to God’s provision.
The way in which I want to dig deeper or need someone to hold me accountable: When doubts creep in, and fears raise their ugly heads, I want to answer them with Scripture (e.g. Prov. 3:5-6; Phil. 4:19; Matt. 6:25-34).
Thank you for your prayers and thank you for being part of how God answers our prayers for provision!
