Emmanuel

 

    Emmanuel (ih-MAN-yoo-el) is עִמָּנוּאֵל.  It is a name for Jesus that means "God is with us".  Immanu (עִמָּנוּ) means with us.  El (אֵל) means God.  It was used in the Old Testament to describe Jesus.  It was used to signify God's protection and presence among His people.  In the New Testament it is used to cite Jesus' birth.  The prophecy came true and God's promise was fulfilled through Jesus.

    Emmanuel may be the most popular name for Jesus at Christmas time.  God came as a human through Jesus to live in the world He created.  Emmanuel came to save the world and heal the wounds caused by sin.  He took on all the sin to save those who will accept His love and gift.  

    Salvation is a free gift you can have at any time, but following Jesus can cost you everything in the world: relationships, work, comfort, and more.  It may cost you things now, but eternal life and a real relationship with the creator is worth it.  Jesus paid more than you ever will.  When you face Him one day what will be your excuse if you do not accept His gift and follow Him faithfully?

    If you pray using the name Emmanuel, then you need to be accepting God's love.  It is a name to be used in awe and humility.  You use this name if you need to step in the presence of Jesus.  He is always with you, but you are not always with Him.  Everyone gets distracted from time to time, but when you realize you have wondered from the comfort of Jesus' sacrificial love, then you can always return.  He is always there.  He will never abandon you.  You can thank Immanuel for always being with you.  Trust Him to be there.

Isaiah 7:17, 8:5-8, & Matthew 1:23

Yahweh Chesed

 

    Yahweh Chesed or Hesed (YAH-way KHEH-sed) is יהוה חסד in Hebrew.  It apears in the Hebrew Bible 248 times.  It means "God of Loyal Love".  It is the name that describes God's character as covenantal love, merciful, and lovingkindess.  God is the truest for of loyalty.  He is steadfast and active in displaying His love.  He loves because of who He is not out of duty or obligation.  His love is devoted and forgiving.  

    Yahweh Chesed illustrates God as loving in a way that is faithful.  His faithfulness is unshakable and unfailing.  No matter what you do in life, He is going to be faithful to His Word.  It is where you can apply the phrase amazing grace.  He is generous with His love.  You don't deserve what He gives, but He gives it to your freely.  Once you accept it, it can never be taken away again.

    You will never know another love as pure, true, or kind.  Yahweh Chesed is what makes life abounding.  Unwavering love is a life changer.  It is not about feelings.  He is proactive.  He is actively working in your life.  You will never earn this love, but you can have it whenever you accept it.  It all starts with salvation and choosing to follow Jesus for the rest of your life.

    When you pray using the name Yahweh Chesed you are seeking to understand and be fulfilled by this loyal love.  You can be loved, but not accept it or understand it.  The only way to really be complete is to accept His love and allow it to heal you.  It changes your your.  When you are ready you seek Him.  When you are hurting in a way that only He can really understand you hold onto this name in your prayers.  Trust His loyalty and mercy, so you can learn confidence in who you are and the purpose He has given your life.

Exodus 34:5-7, Deuteronomy 7:7-11, Psalms 23, 31:14-20, 51:1-6, 63:1-5, 89:19-37, 103:7-18, 136, Isaiah 54:9-10, & Lamentations 3:22-24

Yatsar

 

    Yatsar (yaw-tsahr) is יָצַר in Hebrew.  It means to form, fashion, shape, or frame.  It is the name used to describe God as the creator.  His creation has purpose.  Everything He created was perfect.  When sin entered the world it corrupted His perfection and then people spread that corruption throughout the world.  His hands apply pressure that skillfully makes every little detail.  Even with the world corrupt, His presence is still here.

    Yatsar is used to give you a visual of God being the potter and you the clay.  He created you with intention.  You are special to Him.  When you become a Christian, them the Holy Spirit is able to start molding you into the person you were created to be.  You are shaped to look more like Jesus every day.  You are His hand made creation.  You were wonderfully and distinctly made.

    Yatsar is what makes you upright or righteous.  His discipline and correction is for your own good.  It is the only way to become more like Jesus.  It is done in love not anger.  It is not easy, but you will come out better on the other side.  Every morning when you see the sunrise you can see the opportunities to honor all of God's creations, but especially His people.

    You pray using the name Yatsar to acknowledge God in His creation.  You are in awe of how He created you and is working in your life.  You accept His love given through salvation.  You are not broken clay that can't be fixed.  You trust God to fix all the cracks and broken places in your heart and mind to make like new because He is the only who can.  

    You pray using Yatsar with gratitude in your heart.  Pray that you see yourself in Him. Pray to understand His love for you personally.  Pray that you see how much He values you.  You don't need purpose if you don't understand how much He truly loves you.  Each day is a fresh start, so let yesterday go and see what you can do to accept, embrace, and give His love today. 

Genesis 2:7-19, Psalm 33:13-17, 139:13-16, Isaiah 43:1-4, 44:9-11, 64:8-10, Jeremiah 1:4-5, John 1:10-13, Romans 15:7-9, 2 Corinthians 5:16-17, Galatians 5:1, Ephesians 2:8-10, & 1 Thessalonians 1:4-7

El Echad

 

    El Echad (el ek-KAWD) is אל אחד in Hebrew.  It means "the One God" or "God is One".  El is God and Echad means one, first, or single.  It indicates a compound unity, so it is the true name for the trinity.  If you use the analogy that God is the potter and we are the clay, then God's hands is the molds His creations.  Jesus is the round table that gives us shape.  The Holy Spirit is the fire that confirms and brands us as Christians. Together we are strong.

    El Echad used to describe God's absoluteness.  He is singular.  Nothing compares to Him.  His unity is associated with Shema which basically means God alone is God.  Nothing can imitate His character or who He is.  The Trinity works together as one created compound unity.  The closest thing we can see in life to this is marriage.  God is the the glue, husband leads in love, and the wife submits happily creating unity and joy.

    When you pray using the name El Echad you are seeking the bigger picture.  You are looking for unity.  You are learning how to submit to authority bigger and more powerful than you really understand.  He is absolute sovereign over your life and you want to know how to submit to please Him.  God's character and nature is complete.  You want that for your life too and submitting to His authority is the only way to get there.  Use this name in prayer to seek undivided focus to learn how to love God's way.  

Genesis 2:24, Deuteronomy 6:4-9, 2 Kings 19:14-16, Isaiah 37:18-20, Ezekiel 37:15-19, Zechariah 14:9, Malachi 2:10, & John 10:25-30, 14:15-21

Elohei Ma'uzzi

 

    Elohei Ma'uzzi (Eh-low-HEY Mah-OO-zee) is אֱלֹהֵי מָעוּזִּי in Hebrew.  It means "God of my Strength" or "God of my Stronghold".  It describes God's character as a permanent, renewable, and reliable protection.  His power covers His people as a refuge.  Elohei is a construct of Elohim which means God of.  Ma'uzzi is my strength or stronghold.

    Elohei Ma'uzzi is an illustration of God as your personal fortress and source of power in your life.  Moses gave him this name to display his trust.  David used this name for victory over his enemies.  Life has always been chaotic and challenging, but God is stronger than all of it.

    Elohei Ma'uzzi is your security in life.  He is a strong fortress of protection that no evil can get through or corrupt.  When life feels like it is taking it's toll, trust Elohei Ma'uzzi to handle the situation, circumstances, or stressful.  Life becomes simpler when you trust God with control, protection, and strength to do your part.  He will enable you to persevere.  He will make you stronger than you ever would be on your own.

    When you pray using the name Elohei Ma'uzzi your are trusting God's strength to control what you can't control.  You go to Him when you feel overwhelmed or anxious.  You use this name in prayer when you are keeping it intimate and allowing yourself to be vulnerable.  You go to Him because you rely on His power over your own strength and ability.  When you are facing trials and tribulations you go to God in confidence that He will protect you.  Life is complicated, but He will simplify it.  

Exodus 15:1-5, 2 Samuel 22:31-37, Psalm 18:1-3, 28:6-9, 43, & Isaiah 41:8-10

Melek

 

    Melek (meh-lek) is מֶלֶךְ in Hebrew. It means king.  It is used over 2,500 of times in the Old Testament alone.  However, the name was not just for God.  There were several human kings in the Bible too.  It describes God a ruler, monarch, reigning over the Heavens and Earth.  It indicates that God is the sovereign ruler of His people.  Her has complete authority.  That means he is  over human rulers too.

    Melek calls His people to submit to human authority unless they go against what He has ordered.  To submit to His authority in the right way you have to submit to human authority.  You don't have to like them or agree with them, but you do have to honor the place God put them.  Remember nothing last forever, but God.

    Melek used for God is the supreme ruler.  He doesn't make mistakes.  He does not ignore people.  He is present.  He cares.  He will take care of His people's needs.  He will set things in order.  He has the final say.  Remember that He will bring order to all the chaos in the world in His timing.  Have faith that He will protect you and will intervene when needed.  Wait patiently for Him to deliver.

    When you pray using the name Melek you are submitting to God's authority.  It may be a struggle to follow human leaders, so you can call out to Melek for help.  Ask God for perspective, but trust that the people serve a purpose.  He doesn't just throw anyone into leadership even if it may look like it.  Submitting to authority takes trust.  If you are struggling, then pray for Him to guide you toward trust.  Ask Him how you can serve Him as a faithful Citizen of Heaven.  Ask Him to lead your life and make it victorious over evil.  

Psalm 5:1-3, 10:15-18, 44:4-8, Isaiah 6:5, 9:6-7, Jeremiah 38:7-13, Zechariah 14:9, Luke 17:20-21, & Hebrews 10:19-22

Migdal-Oz

 

    Migdal-Oz (Mig-DAHL Ohz) is מִגְדַּל עֹז in Hebrew.  It means "Tower of Strength" or "Strong Tower.  The name describes God as a strong tower or fortress that protects His people.  It is best known being used in Proverbs 18:10.  God is the absolute place for safety.  Unlike man made protection, He is secure.  His defense will not fail.

    The first time Migdal-Oz was used was in Judges.  In those days cities had tall thick walls to protect them.  When they called God the name Migdal-Oz they recognized His importance in their lives to keep them safe and protected.  Nothing and no one can get past God's protection.  When you are protected by God you are heavily fortified.  He is the first and final refuge for your life and soul.

    When you pray using the name Migdal-Oz you are seeking God's secure defense.  You trust Him to be your safe place.  Like a child you go to Him as your hiding spot from the world.  You cry out to Him when you need a little hope.  He is the foundation of your faith.  If you believe that, then you can trust that He will take care of your problems.  He will take care of your spiritual and emotional needs.  At times He will deliver on your physical needs, but your are stronger when your spiritual and emotional needs are taken care of.

    Migdal-Oz is your personal refuge, but He should not be used until you are desperate or in despair.  God to Him before things get bad.  It will help you navigate your part much easier.  Sometimes He just wants you to rest in your faith and let Him handle it altogether.  Other times, He will direct you to do a small part in a bigger picture.  Remember that if you are under His protection and following obediently, then there is nothing to fear.  God is your advantage point in your battle or struggle.

Judges 9:50-53, Psalms 61:1-4, Proverbs 18:10