When we first think of God, we might think of such things as His sovereignty, power, or perhaps His holiness. The name “Elohim Shama” reminds us of something else about our Great God.  The word “Elohim” means God and is first used in Genesis 1:1.  The Hebrew word “shama” means to listen or to hear.

In Exodus 2:24, we read that God “heard” the groaning of the Israelites who were in Egyptian slavery.  In turn, God remembered the covenant that He had made with His people and then acted to rescue His people by calling Moses to deliver them out of Egypt.

The name “Elohim Shama” reminds us that God is a caring and personal God who desires to hear His people (see Psalm 17:6; 1 John 5:14).  We can know with certainty that God is there for us when we have worries or concerns.  We never have to worry about God not hearing us whenever we call out to Him.

Do you have something on your heart?  Why not pray to the LORD who listens.

Blessings,

Pastor Steven

“Lord God Almighty”

In the Old Testament, names were very important as they often gave identification or identity.  Throughout the Bible, God is given many names.  Each of these names helps reveal something about God.  By reflecting on the names, we learn more about God.

One name of God, “El Shaddai”, means Lord God Almighty and All-Sufficient One.  It is similar to the word used for mountain which depicts strength.  The first time it is used is in Genesis 17:1.  In the passage, God has told Abram that he and Sarai would have a son even though they were very old.  God referred to Himself as “El Shaddai” to remind Abram of His limitless power and ability.

Because God is the Almighty and All-Sufficient Lord, there is nothing that He is unable to do or provide for His people.  He is, therefore, the only source of all blessings, power, and provision for His people.

Whatever seemingly impossible situation you have in your life is not impossible with El Shaddai, the Lord God Almighty.

Blessings,

Pastor Steven

*Here are a few more uses of “El Shaddai” in Genesis (Gen 28:3; Gen 35:11; Gen 43:14; Gen 48:3)

Jesus’ Post-Resurrection Appearances

Who did Jesus appear to after his resurrection?  When did he appear to the disciples?  Who did he first appear to?  Jesus appeared to various people over a period of 40 days after his resurrection.  These firsthand accounts give powerful testimony to his victory over death. 

On Wednesday 04/15 and 4/22, we will be studying the post-resurrection appearances of Jesus.  We will be following them chronologically all the way to his ascension.  Below is the document that we will be using for our study.  Perhaps you will find it as a helpful tool.

PDF Download =  Jesus_Post_Resurrection_Appearances_SFP

Also, we will continue our study on the life of Samuel on 04/29.

Blessings,

Pastor Steven

Beginning tomorrow, I want to encourage you to take time to read, pray, and reflect on Holy Week. The reading plan below takes you through each day from the Triumphal Entry to the Resurrection.

Dr. Wayne Slusser’s Easter Reading Plan Through the Gospel of Mark:

“Resurrection Resources”

On Sunday, April 12 we will be celebrating the resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  Jesus stated before his death that he would rise again on the third day (Matthew 28:6).  Furthermore, Paul states that the resurrection is vital to the Christian faith (1 Corinthians 15:14).  With such an important time of the year approaching, I wanted to provide you with some suggested resources to prepare your hearts for this great day.

Bible Reading:

• Chronology Bible Reading = https://carm.org/bible-difficulties/matthew-mark/resurrection-chronology
• Scripture Verses for the Passion Week = https://www.blueletterbible.org/study/he_is_risen/index.cfm

Books/Reading:

• The Final Days of Jesus = https://www.amazon.com/Final-Days-Jesus-Important-Person/dp/1433535106/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=easter+last+days+of+jesus&qid=1583175903&s=books&sr=1-2
• Ryken & Boice “The Heart of the Cross” = https://www.amazon.com/Heart-Cross-Philip-Graham-Ryken/dp/1581346786
• David Jeremiah “Seven Signs of the Resurrection” = https://davidjeremiah.blog/the-true-meaning-of-easter-and-seven-signs-that-jesus-rose-from-the-dead/

Audio:

• Warren Wiersbe – Back to the Bible – The Last Seven Words from the Cross = https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wqyNEIly7tc&list=PL7SX6GaWeL8S-7-VHf0uwcuXSg1q0fJIK
• Warren Wiersbe – https://www.moodymedia.org/sermons/seven-words-cross/

May the Lord bless you and encourage your hearts because our Savior lives today.  

Blessings,

Pastor Steven

Psalm 25:4-5

Life is sometimes called a journey.  Over the course of life, each person experiences a variety of events, experiences, and unique situations.  Some of these are pleasant while others can be very difficult.  In Psalm 25, David pictures life not simply as a journey but as a difficult one.

However, David does not desire to go through life on his own.  Rather, David seeks the Lord’s instructions as he journeys through all of his days.  He desires that the LORD show him His ways and teach him His paths.  David wants the LORD to help lead him into a greater knowledge of the truth.  This is all a result of David’s great love for the LORD who is his salvation (Psalm 25:5).

Life is a journey and sometimes the journey can be difficult.  As a result, we should not try to go through our lives on our own.  To do so is like going on a long trip with no directions.  We can follow David’s example by seeking direction from the LORD by spending time in His Word and in prayer.  These two things will help us as we grow in our love for Him. 

If you are not currently seeking Him daily, why not start today?

Blessings,

Pastor Steven

“The Tempter”

On Sunday mornings, we have been studying the Gospel of Matthew.  This Sunday, we will begin a two-part look at the temptation of Jesus Christ (Matthew 4:1-4).  Matthew makes it clear that the “tempter” is the one who tempts Christ.  In Paul’s writings, he too refers to Satan as the tempter of believers today (ex. 1 Thess. 3:5).

Below is a helpful link that discusses Satan as the Tempter as presented in the Dictionary of Bible Themes. 

https://www.biblegateway.com/resources/dictionary-of-bible-themes/4122-Satan-as-tempter 

Blessings,

Pastor Steven