This Is What God Requires

"HE HAS SHOWN YOU, O MAN, WHAT IS GOOD; AND WHAT DOES THE LORD REQUIRE OF YOU BUT TO DO JUSTLY, TO LOVE MERCY (goodness, faithfulness, kindness; lovingkindness; unfailing love, tenderness), AND TO WALK HUMBLY (near the ground; not high or lofty; not pretentious or magnificent; unpretending; unassuming; not proud or arrogant) WITH YOUR GOD?" (MICAH 6:8)
I love this passage! Here we find, in a nutshell, all that God requires of us as we serve Him.
The Hebrew word for “justly” means: justice, ordinance, judgment; proper, fitting, measure, fitness, custom, manner, plan. The Webster’s 1828 dictionary definition of “justly” clarifies the means by which we are to judge: in conformity to law, justice or propriety; by right. The offender is justly condemned. The hero is justly rewarded, applauded or honored. 1. According to truth and facts. His character is justly described. 2. Honestly; fairly; with integrity; as, to do justly. Mic.6. 3. Properly; accurately; exactly.

Therefore, judgment must be rooted in truth, must be honest, fair and done with integrity. In other words, we are called to righteous judgment.

Righteous judgment: murder, stealing, abusing children, adultery…is abhorrent behavior.

Unrighteous judgment: perfect example found in John 8—the woman caught in adultery. The Pharisees were quick to judge the woman and demanded Jesus do so, as well. Why is this an example of unrighteous judgment? Isn’t adultery wrong? The bottom line: hypocrisy permeated the Pharisee’s judgment; they passed judgment on a woman who was apparently involved in sinful acts similar to their own! Jesus invited those without sin to cast the first stone, he stooped to write in the sand and when he arose, the woman’s accusers were gone.

Matt. 7:2 says, “For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you.” Jesus meted out the same judgment to the Pharisees that they had used to judge the woman. The measure with which the Pharisees had used to judge the woman was measured back to them…and they scattered!

Extending mercy to those around us requires humility, a heart surrendered to God, and recognition that we are no better than our fellow man. It is only by the grace of God that any one of us is able to walk in a way that pleases Him.

I pray that during this New Year, we respond to God with humble hearts and that we respond to others as Jesus responded to the woman caught in adultery. He responded with mercy and “did justly.” When He released her, Jesus spoke to her as recorded in John 8:10-11, “…’Woman, where are those accusers of yours? Has no one condemned you?’ She said, ‘No one, Lord.’ And Jesus said to her, ‘Neither do I condemn you; go and sin no more.’” Jesus judged righteously, within the context of His mercy.

The Lord calls us to judge righteously, to love mercy (kindness; lovingkindness; unfailing love, tenderness), and to walk humbly (unpretentious: not proud or arrogant) WITH GOD. This is the way of the Lord. This is how we love God with all of our heart, mind, soul, and strength; it is a life of surrender to Him and His ways, for His glory.

How to Get God's Attention

“Thus says the Lord: "heaven is My throne, and earth is My footstool. Where is the house that you will build Me? And where is the place of My rest? For all those things My hand has made, and all those things exist," says the Lord. 'But on this one will I look (regard, pay attention to, consider): on him who is poor (humble, needy, afflicted, weak) and of a contrite (stricken) spirit, and who trembles (fears) at My word.” Isaiah 66:1-2

Les Miserables in Review

Les Miserables, reprised once again for the big screen, does not disappoint, and is in fact a powerful, poignant adaptation of Victor Hugo’s novel about an ex-convict, Jean Valjean, whose life is transformed through God’s mercy mediated through a compassionate priest.

With commanding and compelling precision, director Tom Hooper preserved the essence of Hugo’s novel, giving center stage to several powerful, biblical principles: mankind is fallen and is in need of redemption; sin destroys; love covers a multitude of sin; and mercy triumphs over judgment.

(Partial Spoiler warning!)

The impact of the opening scene will remain with me, well, maybe forever: Jean Valjean and fellow convicts labor under the unmerciful, watchful eye of prison lord, Javert. The special effects provided a larger than life image of the horror and trauma of 19^th century hard labor.

Imprisoned for stealing bread to feed his starving sister and her family, his punishment was grossly disproportionate to his crime.

As Jean ValJean toils under the ever watchful eye Jevert, Jean cries out to God in despair, sung with great impact in “Look Down,” “I’ve done no wrong, sweet Jesus, hear my prayer! Look down, look down, sweet Jesus doesn’t care.”

The stress and strain and the injustice of it all took its toll on Valjean~portrayed by Hugh Jackman~ who was almost unrecognizable as he was transformed into the ravaged soul of Jean Valjean. Admittedly, Jackman’s singing abilities were not on par with, say, Josh Groban, but the rawness of his voice quality, for me at least, amplified the rawness of the life he lived.

The opening scene also presented a poignant picture of the torment experienced in laboring under the weight of unrepentant sin (Valjean’s bitterness and rage) and severe judgment meted out by Jevert, played convincingly by Russell Crowe, who knew nothing but the law, judgment, and harsh discipline. Jevert insists Valjean will never change and refuses to refer to him by anything but his prison number. Refusing, in essence to recognize a fallen man, who nonetheless was created in the image of God. Granted, this is all conveyed through song, and while Crowe’s voice is probably lacking most of any in the cast, his skill and precision as an actor offset the lack in his singing abilities.

As is the case with every human being, Jean Valjean was a fallen man in need of redemption. His mental anguish caused by his festering rage appeared to produce an internal prison which rivaled the external prison in which he labored.

Once released from prison, Valjean wrought with bitterness and rage, sought employment and shelter, but was turned away by potential employers and innkeepers due to his former incarceration.

Sleeping on a street, it turns out that sweet Jesus answered Valjean’s prayer. He demonstrated that He did care, extending sweet mercy to the broken soul of Jean Valjean in the form of a benevolent priest who gathered him into his abode providing him with shelter, nourishment, and some much needed mercy.

In return for his kindness, Valjean steals silver from the priest. When caught by the police and dumped at the priest’s feet, the priest not only insists he gave Valjean the silver, but also insists Valjean take two silver candlesticks as well. The priest encourages Valjean to use the candlesticks to become an honest man because God has raised him out of darkness, he, the priest had bought his soul for God.

Upon receiving the unexpected outpouring of mercy, Valjean repents and dedicates his life to God. Still hunted by his nemesis, Jevert, Jean Valjean manages to escape Jevert’s grasp, establish a new life elsewhere, and becomes a wealthy factory owner and mayor of his town. Throughout the rest of the saga, Jean Valjean lives a selfless life, extending mercy and love to those who need it most.

One in desperate need of that mercy is Fantine (played by Anne Hathaway), a young woman who had been employed at Jean Valjean’s factory, earning just enough wages to support her young daughter, Cosette, who she left in the care of a husband and wife team of innkeepers who turned out to be narcissistic, cruel taskmasters.

Unbeknownst to Jean, Fantine is thrown out on the street by the factory manager with no means to support her daughter, Cosette. Desperate to survive and care for her daughter, and after various attempts at generating income, she finally succumbs to a life of prostitution.

While the scene depicting her entrance into the world of prostitution was disturbing (actually tastefully done considering Hollywood standards), my heart swelled with compassion for those living unseemly lives due to brokenness and a crushed spirit. I found myself praying right there in the theater that I may be an instrument of compassion to the broken hearted.

Even in the midst of her devastating choices, Fantine is shown crying out to God conveyed in the beautiful song, “I Dreamed A Dream.” She prays, “I dreamed that love would never die, I dreamed that God would be forgiving...” The rawness and emotion with which this is sung left me in a puddle of tears.

Without giving too much more of the movie away, God answered Fantine’s prayer, extending mercy through the man Jean Valjean. He cared for Fantine when she was ill and rescued her daughter Cosette from the evil innkeepers and raised her as his own. A beautiful depiction of the biblical principle: love covers a multitude of sins (1 Peter 4:8).

Throughout the movie, although Jean Valjean is mercilessly pursued by Javert, because Valjean had experienced and embraced God’s mercy and redemption, he chooses the path of mercy. I won’t give away just how their lives unfold, but suffice it to say, mercy triumphs over judgment.

Les Miserables is a musical so yes, the movie unfolds in virtual unending song. I found the music to be beautiful and compelling, and at times, raw and unpolished, yet powerful. The timeless principles embodied in the story line are blatant and compelling…life changing actually.

I left the theater with James 2:13 reverberating throughout my heart:

“For judgment is without mercy to the one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment.”

This movie is well worth your $10-$12 bucks ($5.50 matinee!). 

Where was God?

This past Saturday I was confronted with the question, “Where was God during the Sandy Hook massacre?” I perceived this to be a legitimate, honest question and I understood the need to know, but more importantly, God understands one’s need to know. As I pondered the question, I had an epiphany: God was present in a very powerful and profound way and here's how He showed up...

God created us with what is known as “free will;” or the freedom to choose; or in the words of the great theologian, Jonathan Edwards, “that by which the mind chooses any thing.”

At any given moment, in any given situation, we are faced with choices some minor and seemingly insignificant (should I have broccoli or carrots for dinner) and some more weighty and/or profound (should I run or should I attempt to protect the children from a deranged killer)~~ regardless, God will never usurp our freedom to choose.

A lone gunman chose to force his way into an elementary school and perpetrate unimaginable evil upon the precious children and staff of Sandy Hook; a choice that carried with it horrific consequences.

So where was God when this murderer rampaged through Sandy Hook?

God has chosen to bring about His will and His ways through human beings. While he will not usurp the free will of a human being, He will most certainly work through those who are willing to choose His ways.

“Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one's life for his friends” (John 15:13).

This is the highest form of love, what the Bible calls, “agape” (Greek) or unconditional love. This is a form of love that comes directly from the heart of God.

Faced with a murderous lunatic, we now know that at least four women at Sandy Hook chose that path of “agape” or unconditional love.

It is precisely this love that was demonstrated by Sandy Hook Elementary first grade teacher, Vicki Soto, when she placed herself between the crazed shooter and the children in her classroom, sacrificing her life in hopes the lives of the little ones would be spared.

It is this love that caused Principal Dawn Hocksprung to lunge at the deranged shooter, hoping to prevent him from reaching her students; instead, it was her life that was lost.

It was this unconditional love that motivated first grade teacher, Kaitlin Roig, to place the safety and the well being of her students first, herding them into a closet, calming them, comforting them, and soothing them with “I love yous.”

It was the unconditional love of the unnamed teacher who pulled an eight year old boy into her classroom when she heard bullets splintering through the hallway.

If there had been roomfuls after roomfuls of Vicki Sotos, Dawn Hocksprungs, and Kaitlin Roigs, maybe not one of those little ones would have been lost, that we will never know. But what we do know is that the selfless acts of these women helped preserve lives…and those selfless acts will stand as a testament and a monument to the agape or unconditional love of God.

It is in these acts, motivated by unconditional love, that we are assured that God was present.

The Good Fight of Faith

“Now faith (conviction of the truth of anything, belief; in the NT of a conviction or belief respecting man's relationship to God and divine things, generally with the included idea of trust and holy fervor born of faith and joined with it; the conviction that God exists and is the creator and ruler of all things, the provider and bestower of eternal salvation through Christ; fidelity, faithfulness) is the substance (substructure, foundation; substantial quality; firmness, confidence; assurance) of things hoped for, the evidence (a proof, that by which a thing is proved or tested; conviction) of things not seen.” Heb. 11:1

Faith—the conviction of the truth that God is Who He says He is according to His Word, is the foundation, the substructure, of all that we hope for. 

The Webster’s 1828 dictionary defines hope: A desire of some good, accompanied with at least a slight expectation of obtaining it, or a belief that it is obtainable. Hope differs from wish and desire in this, that it implies some expectation of obtaining the good desired, or the possibility of possessing it. Hope therefore always gives pleasure or joy; whereas wish and desire may produce or be accompanied with pain and anxiety.

The foundation of our desire of good and the expectation of obtaining it, is believing that God is Who He says He is~~regardless of our circumstances or situations, regardless of what we see or do not see, God is faithful, righteous, merciful, just, holy, full of compassion, a sure foundation, shade from the heat, an all consuming fire, Savior, Lord...the Great I AM. 

As we build our hope squarely in Him~~not in our expectations, our wants, desires, or demands, but squarely in Him, we are building firmly upon the One Who is our Hope. 

"Therefor, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us." Romans 5:1-5

Believing that God is Who He says He is begins with a decision of the will (rooted in God’s grace) and a setting of one’s mind on truth. We make a choice that no matter our circumstances, no matter our situation, God is Who He says He is.

Faith is allowing Truth rather than emotions to dictate how we view life. At times, faith seems effortless:

I got a job~God is faithful!

My great Uncle Cecil gave me a car~God provides!

I am having a baby~God is good!

But what happens when I lose my job, I total my car, and I cannot have a baby? Is God still faithful? Is God still Provider? Is God still good?

This is, as they say, when “the rubber meets the road.” I find that I can continue to mentally ascend to and agree with the fact that God is still Who He says He is, it’s just getting those pesky emotions to fall in line with what I know to be Truth.

I believe the Apostle Paul understood the challenge of walking by faith; as finite, fallible human beings, we face disappointments, adversity, and devastation here on planet earth; those experiences tend to wreak havoc on our emotions and that is whey Paul admonished:

 “Fight (to enter a contest: contend in the gymnastic games; to contend with adversaries; metaph. to struggle, with difficulties and dangers; to endeavor with strenuous zeal, strive: to obtain something) the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, to which you were also called and have confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.” 1 Tim. 6:12

At times, we must fight (or contend) to remain in that place of faith~~believing that God is Who He says He is even when our circumstances appear to contradict the truth of Who God is. 

Whether it is our experiences from our past or present situation, whether it is the enemy of our soul assailing our minds with untruth, or an unmet expectation and deep disappointment...by God's grace we can put on the full armor of God (Eph. 6) and we can fight the good fight of faith.

And so it is with each of His children. He has you. No matter what you are walking through, He has you. Pour out your heart before Him, allow Him to hold you.

God has not forsaken you. He holds you in the palm of His hand. He is faithful. 

“Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who trusts in Him!” Ps. 34:8

Regardless of our circumstances, He truly is good. May God’s grace abound to us that we may believe that God is Who He says He is.

God Is

DID YOU KNOW THAT GOD IS:

GOD IS:

LORD / I AM (Yahweh/Jehovah/The Self-Existent    Ex. 3:14; John 8:58; Isaiah 43:15;

  One; Ever Present One)                                          1 Cor. 15:47

The Lord Who is One and His  Name One                 Zech. 14:9        

God (Elohim--Creator)                                              Genesis 1:1; Rom. 1:25   

God Most High (‘El ‘Elyon)                              Gen. 14:18       

The Possessor of Heaven and Earth                 Gen. 14:22

Faithful Creator                                              1 Peter 4:19

God (mighty, strong)                                                 Exodus 34:6

God Almighty (El Shaddai/The All Sufficient One,     Gen. 17:1

   The Breasted One)

The Lord            (Adonay or Adonai; Lord and Master)Gen. 15:2

King of Kings and Lord of Lords                                Rev. 19:16

The High and Lofty One Who Inhabits Eternity,        Isaiah 57:15

  Whose Name is Holy

Immanuel (God With Us)                                          Isaiah 7:14; Matt. 1:23

God of gods and Lord of lords                                   Deut. 10:17

Our Redeemer from Everlasting                                Isaiah 63:16

Most Upright                                                           Isaiah 26:7

He Who Goes with You to Fight Against                    Deut. 20:4

  Your Enemies to Save You

The Lord Omnipotent                                              Rev. 19:6

The LORD Our Maker                                             Psalm 95:6

The Lord of All                                                        Acts 10:36

The LORD God of gods                                            Joshua 22:22; Dan. 2:47

The LORD is There (Jehovah-shammah)                  Ezekiel 48:35

The LORD Our Righteousness (Jehovah-tsidkenu)    Jer. 23:6

The LORD Will Provide (Jehovah-jireh)                    Gen. 22:14

The LORD Our Banner (Jehovah-nissi)                    Ex. 17:15

The LORD Who Sanctifies (Jehovah-mekoddishkem)  Lev. 20:8; Heb.2:11

The LORD is Peace (Jehovah-shalom)                      Judges 6:24; Eph. 2:14

The LORD Who Heals (Jehovah-rapha)                    Ex. 15:26

The LORD my Shepherd (Jehovah-raah)                  Psalm 23:1; John 10:14

My Lord and My God                                              John 20:28

The God Who Sees (El Roi)                                      Gen. 16:13

The Everlasting God (‘El ‘Olam)                              Gen. 21:33; Is. 40:28

He Who Fills                                                          Eph. 1:23

Love                                                                      1 John 4:8

The Way, the Truth, the Life                                 John 14:6

My Glory and the Lifter of My Head                         Psalm 3:3

God Who Holds Your Breath in His Hand                Daniel 5:23

  and Owns All Your Ways

My Confidence                                                       Prov. 3:26         

A Wall of Fire All Around Me and the Glory             Zech. 2:5

  in My Midst     

The Alpha and the Omega                                     Rev. 1:8

The Beginning and the End                                    Rev. 1:8

Who Is, Who Was, and Who Is to Come                  Rev. 1:8

The Mighty One, God the Lord                               Ps. 50:1

I Am the First, I Am also the Last                          Isaiah 48:12

My Defense                                                           Psalm 59:9; 17

My Salvation and Glory                                         Psalm 62:7

Faithful                                                                Deut. 7:9; 1 Cor. 1:9; 2 Cor. 1:18

The God Who Forgives                                         Psalm 99:8

The Lord, Who is Great and Awesome                    Neh.4:14

With Me as a Mighty Awesome One                        Jer. 20:11

My Strength and Power                                        2 Sam. 22:33

He Who Knows the Hearts of All                            Acts 1:24

The Just (Jesus)                                                   Acts 3:14

The Just One                                                        Acts 7:52

Most Holy                                                           Dan. 9:24

The Word (Jesus)                                                  John 1:1; Rev. 19:13

My Rock                                                                2 Sam. 22:2; Isaiah 44:8; Ps.18:2                                     

My Fortress                                                           Psalm 18:2; 144:2

My Stronghold                                                       Psalm 18:2

My Deliverer                                                          Psalm 18:2; 144:2

My Strength                                                        Ps. 18:2; 115:10-11; Ps. 46:1                                                               The Help of My Countenance and My God              Psalm 41:11

My Exceeding Joy                                                  Psalm 43:4

Lord of Kings                                                         Daniel 2:47

Revealer of Secrets                                                 Daniel 2:47

The Father of Glory                                                Eph. 1:17

Guarantee of Our Inheritance (Holy Spirit)               Eph. 1:14

Light and in Him There is No Darkness                   1 John 1:5

  at All

He Who Fights for You                                           Joshua 23:10

He Who Has Fought for You as He Has Promised     Joshua 23:3

One Mightier than I                                              Luke 3:16

The Majestic Lord                                                  Isaiah 33:21

God of All Grace                                                  1 Peter 5:10

God of Mercy                                                         Deut. 4:31; Psalm 59:10

Wonderful                                                             Isaiah 9:6; Judges 13:18

Counselor                                                             Isaiah 9:6; Eph. 5:2

Mighty God                                                         Isaiah 9:6

Everlasting Father                                               Isaiah 9:6

Prince of Peace                                                      Isaiah 9:6

God is One                                                            Gal. 3:20

The Resurrection and the Life                               John 11:25

Righteous in All the Works He Does                        Dan. 9:14

The Lord Avenges                                                  Na. 1:2

God is Spirit                                                         John 4:24

The Most High                                                      Psalm 91:1 & 9

God is With You Wherever You Go                         Josh. 1:9

The King of All the Earth                                        Psalm 47:7

Greater than All Gods                                            2 Chron. 30:9

Wise in Heart and Mighty in Strength                      Job 9:4

The Eternal God is Your Refuge, and Under-            Deut. 33:27

  neath are the Everlasting Arms

He Who Searches the Minds and Hearts                  Rev. 2:23

The Fountain of Living Waters                               Jer. 2:13

God Who Gives Life to the Dead and Calls Those      Rom. 4:17

  Things Which Do Not Exist as Though  They Did

Gracious                                                                1 Peter 2:1

My Hiding Place                                                      Psalm 32:7

The Father of Mercies and God of All Comfort           2 Cor. 1:3

The Prince of Life                                                     Acts 3:15

Not the Author of Confusion, but of Peace                1 Cor. 14:33

The Firstfruits (Jesus)                                             1 Cor. 15:23

Christ Jesus Our Lord                                             1 Cor. 15:31

My Shield                                                               Ps. 18:2; 28:7-8; 33:20; Gen.15:1

A Sun and Shield                                                     Psalm 84:11

Our Refuge                                                             Deut. 33:27; Ps. 14:6, 62:8             

The Good Shepherd                                                John 10:11 & 14

Precious                                                                 1 Peter 2:7

The True Vine                                                         John 15:1 & 5

The Vinedresser (the Father)                                   John 15:1

The Bread Which Came Down from Heaven             John 6:41

The Living Bread                                                    John 6:51

The Chief Cornerstone                                            Eph. 2:20

Shepherd and Overseer                                          1 Peter 2:25

The Righteous Father                                             John 17:25

A Man of War                                                         Ex. 15:3

The Excellent Glory                                              2 Peter 1:17                                                 

The Dayspring from on High                                  Luke 3:16

The God of My Life                                                 Psalm 41:8

The Lord is Your Keeper and Your Shade                Ps. 121:5

  At Your Right Hand

The Strength of My Heart and My Portion               Psalm 73:26

  Forever

Holy and Awesome                                              Psalm 111:9

For Me                                                               Psalm 56:9

The King of Glory                                                  Psalm 24:7

Your (My) Exceedingly Great Reward                      Gen. 15:1

Holy Spirit of Promise                                           Eph. 1:13

The Everlasting God                                             Rev. 21:33

Our Judge                                                            Isaiah 33:22

Our Lawgiver                                                      Isaiah 33:22; James 4:12

Our King                                                               Isaiah 33:22; 43:15

The Habitation of Justice                                      Jer. 50:7

The Ancient of Days                                             Dan. 7:13-14

Crown of Glory                                                    Isaiah 28:5

Altogether Lovely                                                 Song of Solomon 5:16

My Beloved; My Well Beloved                                Song of Sol. 2:16; Isaiah 5:1

Comforter (Holy Spirit)                                          John 14:16

Diadem of Beauty                                                  Isaiah 28:5

The Strength of My Life                                        Psalm 27:1                                            

The Shield of Your (My) Help                                 Deut. 33:29

The Sword of Your (My) Majesty                             Deut. 33:29

Greater than Our Heart, and Knows All Things       1 John 3:20

A Very Present Help in Trouble                             Ps. 46:1

The Highest                                                        Luke 1:32, 35, 76

He Who Supplies Seed to the Sower and                 2 Cor. 9:10

  Bread for Food

He Who is Mighty                                                  Luke 1:49

The God of Abraham and the Fear of Isaac             Gen. 31:42

Scepter                                                                 Numbers 24:16-17

Physician                                                              Luke 4:23

Highest                                                                 Matt. 21:9

The Helper                                                            Psalm 54:4; John 15:26; Heb. 13:6

Chief Among Ten Thousand                                   Song of Solomon 5:10

Bridegroom                                                         Matt. 25:10

Husband                                                               Isaiah 54:5

Your (My) Holy One                                              Isaiah 43:15

Son of the Father                                                  2 John 3

Upholder of All Things                                           Heb. 1:3

Shade from the Heat                                            Isaiah 25:4

Refiner and Purifier                                             Malachi 3:3

The Horn of My Salvation                                      Psalm 18:2

The Apostle and High Priest of our                         Heb. 3:1

  Confession, Jesus Christ

The Great High Priest (Jesus)                                Heb. 4:14

The Author of Eternal Salvation                            Heb. 5:9

My Savior                                                           Psalm 18:2; Luke 2:11

Prince and Savior                                                  Acts 5:30-31

My Redeemer                                                      Isaiah 60:16

Mediator between God and Men, the Man              1 Tim 2:5

  Christ Jesus

Mediator of a New Covenant (Jesus)                       Heb. 9:15

Messiah                                                             John 4:25

The Son of God                                                   John 1:34

Blessed and Only Potentate                                   1 Tim. 6:15

Ointment Poured Forth                                         Song of Solomon 1:3

Sure Foundation                                                   Isaiah 28:16

A Rewarder of Those Who Diligently Seek Him        Heb. 11:6

A Consuming Fire                                                  Deut. 4:24; 9:3; Heb.12:29

He Who Lives                                                        Rev. 1:18

Your (My) Shade at Your (My) Right Hand               Psalm 121:5

The Flame                                                             Isaiah 10:17

All in All                                                             Col. 3:11

The Portion of My Inheritance and My Cup             Psalm 16:5; Ps. 73:16

Understanding                                                    Prov. 8:14

Wisdom                                                                Prov. 8:12

The Light of the World; My Light                            Is. 10:17; Ps. 27:1; John 9:5                                 

The Living and True God                                      1 Thes.1:9

The Author and Finisher of Our Faith                    Heb. 12:2

My Lamp                                                            2 Sam. 22:29

The Lamb of God Who Takes Away                        John 1:29

  the Sin of the World

The Amen                                                             Rev. 3:14

The Faithful and True Witness                              Rev. 3:14

The Bread of Life                                                 John 6:35

A Jealous God                                                      Deut. 4:24; 6:15; Ex. 34:14

My Strength and My Song                                     Psalm 118:14

My Lovingkindness                                              Psalm 144:1

A Sanctuary                                                          Isaiah 8:14

The Mighty One of Jacob                                      Isaiah 60:16

An Everlasting Light                                             Isaiah 60:16

The Lion of the Tribe of Judah                              Rev. 15:5

Defender of the Widow                                         Psalm 68:5

Judge of All                                                          Heb. 12:23; James 5:9

My Advocate                                                       1 John 2:1

An Offering                                                           Eph. 5:2

Full of Compassion                                              Psalm 86:15

Man of Sorrows and Acquainted with Grief             Isaiah 53:3

My Support                                                        Psalm 18:18

Commander of the Army of the Lord                      Joshua 5:14

The Glorious Throne                                            Isaiah 22:23

Lamb Without Blemish                                         1 Peter 1:19

A Father to the Fatherless                                     Psalm 68:5

The Door                                                               John 10:9

Strength to the Poor                                             Isaiah 25:4

A Strength to the Needy in His Distress                  Isaiah 25:4

A Refuge from the Storm                                        Isaiah 25: 4

The Lord God Who Gathers the Outcasts                Isaiah 56:8

  of Israel

The One I Love                                                      Song of Solomon 3:2

The Mighty God of Jacob                                      Gen. 49:24

The Shepherd, the Stone of Israel                          Gen. 49:24

The Lord Your God, He is God in Heaven                Josh. 2:11

  Above and on Earth Beneath

The LORD Most High is Awesome                          Ps. 47:2

A Great King Over All the Earth                             Ps. 47:2

God is the King of All the Earth                             Ps. 47:7

God Our God Forever and Ever; He Will                  Ps. 48:14

  Be Our Guide, Even to Death

The Great God Who Formed Everything                  Prov. 26:10

The Lord Your Maker Who Stretched Out                Is. 51:13

  The Heavens and Laid the Foundations

  Of the Earth

The Lord Your God Who Divided the Sea                 Is. 51:15

  Whose Waves Roared—the LORD of Hosts

  Is His Name

Your Keeper; The Lord is Your Shade at Your           Ps. 121:5

  Right Hand

Our Father; Our Redeemer from Everlasting             Is. 63:16

  Is Your Name

The God Who Comforts the Downcast                     2 Cor. 7:6

Jesus Christ Who is the Same Yesterday,                Heb. 13:8

  Today, and Forever

The God of Peace Who Brought Up Our Lord            Heb. 13:20

  Jesus From the Dead, That Great Shepherd

  Of the Sheep

The True God and Eternal Life                              1 John 5:20

Faithful and True, and in Righteousness He            Rev. 19:11

  Judges and Makes War

His Name is Called the Word of God                       Rev. 19:13

He Who Makes All Things New                              Rev. 21:5