Tag: Mark 4:35-41

God Tames the Surging Sea: “God is ruler over the surging sea: When its waves rise up, God’s voice alone, who speaks to them, making them still.” Psalm 89:8-13

Psalm 89:8-13 New King James Version

8 O Lord God of hosts,
Who is mighty like You, O Lord?
Your faithfulness also surrounds You.
9 You rule the raging of the sea;
When its waves rise, You still them.
10 You have broken [a]Rahab in pieces, as one who is slain;
You have scattered Your enemies with Your mighty arm.

11 The heavens are Yours, the earth also is Yours;
The world and all its fullness, You have founded them.
12 The north and the south, You have created them;
Tabor and Hermon rejoice in Your name.
13 You have a mighty arm;
Strong is Your hand, and high is Your right hand.

Word of God for the Children of God

Glory be to the Father,
and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost;
as it was in the beginning,
is now, and ever shall be,
world without end. Amen, amen.

Witness The Surging Sea

The verse Psalms 89:9 from the King James Version of the Bible reads, “Thou rulest the raging of the sea: when the waves thereof arise, thou stillest them.”

This verse is a powerful declaration of God’s sovereignty and control over the natural world, using the imagery of the sea and its waves to convey a sense of both chaos and calm.

The theme of God’s power and authority is central to this verse.

The image of the raging sea symbolizes the forces of nature that are beyond human control.

The sea, with its unpredictable and tumultuous waves, has long been used as a symbol of chaos and disorder.

In many ancient cultures, the sea was seen as a place of danger and mystery, a realm where only the gods held sway. In the Bible, the sea is often used as a metaphor for the forces of evil and chaos that threaten to overwhelm humanity.

In contrast to this image of chaos, the verse asserts that God is the one who rules over the raging of the sea.

This statement speaks to the belief in God’s ultimate power and authority.

It conveys the idea that even the most uncontrollable and turbulent forces of nature are subject to God’s will.

This theme of God’s sovereignty is a common thread throughout the Bible, as it emphasizes the belief God is in control of all things and that absolutely nothing is beyond his reach.

The second part of the verse, “when the waves thereof arise, thou stillest them,” further emphasizes God’s ability to bring order out of chaos.

It speaks to the idea that no matter how tumultuous and overwhelming the challenges we face may be, God has the power to calm the storm.

This imagery of God stilling the waves is a high potency symbol of peace and tranquility. It conveys the message that in the midst of life’s storms and trials, we can find securest refuge and solace in God’s presence.

The context of this verse is also important in understanding its significance.

Psalms is a book of the Bible that is filled with songs and poetry that express a wide range of emotions, from joy and praise to despair and lament.

Many of the psalms were written as expressions of faith in the midst of hardship and adversity.

This verse, Psalm 89:9 in particular, can be seen as a source of comfort and hope for those who are facing difficult circumstances (Mark 4:35-41). It serves as a steadfast and true reminder that God is able to bring peace and order to the chaos of life, no matter how overwhelming it may seem.

In addition to its thematic and contextual significance, this verse also holds symbolic value.

The sea and its waves can be seen as symbols of the trials and tribulations that we face in life. Just as the sea can be tumultuous and unpredictable, so too can our experiences be filled with challenges and uncertainty.

The image of God ruling over the raging sea serves as a reminder that we can find strength and stability in the midst of life’s storms by placing trust in God.

In conclusion, Psalms 89:9 is a verse that conveys a powerful message of God’s sovereignty and control over the forces of nature.

It speaks to the belief in God’s power to bring order out of chaos and to calm the storms of life.

This verse serves as a source of reassurance and hope, reminding believers that no matter what challenges they may face, God is always present and always able to bring peace and tranquility. It is a timeless affirmation of faith in the midst of uncertainty and a reminder of the enduring power of God’s love and grace.

In the name of God, the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit …

Praying …

Psalm 65 New King James Version

Praise to God for His Salvation and Providence
To the Chief Musician. A Psalm of David. A Song.

65 Praise is awaiting You, O God, in Zion;
And to You the [a]vow shall be performed.
2 O You who hear prayer,
To You all flesh will come.
3 Iniquities prevail against me;
As for our transgressions,
You will provide atonement for them.

4 Blessed is the man You choose,
And cause to approach You,
That he may dwell in Your courts.
We shall be satisfied with the goodness of Your house,
Of Your holy temple.

5 By awesome deeds in righteousness You will answer us,
O God of our salvation,
You who are the confidence of all the ends of the earth,
And of the far-off seas;
6 Who established the mountains by His strength,
Being clothed with power;
7 You who still the noise of the seas,
The noise of their waves,
And the tumult of the peoples.
8 They also who dwell in the farthest parts are afraid of Your signs;
You make the outgoings of the morning and evening [b]rejoice.

9 You [c]visit the earth and water it,
You greatly enrich it;
The river of God is full of water;
You provide their grain,
For so You have prepared it.
10 You water its ridges abundantly,
You settle its furrows;
You make it soft with showers,
You bless its growth.

11 You crown the year with Your goodness,
And Your paths drip with abundance.
12 They drop on the pastures of the wilderness,
And the little hills rejoice on every side.
13 The pastures are clothed with flocks;
The valleys also are covered with grain;
They shout for joy, they also sing.

Glory be to the Father,
and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost;
as it was in the beginning,
is now, and ever shall be,
world without end. Amen, amen.

When the storms of life are raging, Stand by me Author: Charles Albert Tindley (1905)

1 When the storms of life are raging, stand by me;
when the storms of life are raging, stand by me;
when the world is tossing me like a ship upon the sea,
Thou who rulest the wind and water, stand by me.

2 In the midst of tribulation, stand by me;
in the midst of tribulation, stand by me;
when the host of hell assail, and my strength begins to fail,
Thou who never lost a battle, stand by me.

3 In the midst of faults and failures, stand by me;
in the midst of faults and failures, stand by me;
when I’ve done the best I can, and my friends
misunderstand,
Thou who knowest all about me, stand by me.

4 In the midst of persecution, stand by me;
in the midst of persecution, stand by me;
when my foes in war array, undertake to stop my way,
Thou who rescued Paul and Silas, stand by me.

5 When I’m growing old and feeble, stand by me;
when I’m growing old and feeble, stand by me;
when my life becomes a burden, and I’m nearing
chilly Jordan,
O Thou Lily of the Valley, stand by me.

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When Jesus Points and Commands; “Get into the Boat!” and Guides Us Straight Into and Through a Storm. Mark 4:35-41

Every person here has what I call “Storm theology.”

Storm theology is what you believe about God when storms come into your life.

When a crisis comes into your life is God a good God or a bad God for allowing it to happen, not stopping it before it begins or stopping it before we discover it or not raising an awareness of its coming before where we find we are somewhere where after we get into the boat we cannot control it, ourselves or the outcome.

After we get into the boat in obedience to God’s will, When we pray during the storm do you trust in God as caring or as uncaring based on how He answers?

Or, how God does not answer and we believe that God has “fallen asleep” on us.

Mark 4:35-41 Complete Jewish Bible

35 That day, when evening had come, Yeshua said to them, “Let’s cross to the other side of the lake.” 36 So, leaving the crowd behind, they took him just as he was, in the boat; and there were other boats with him. 37 A furious windstorm arose, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was close to being swamped. 38 But he was in the stern on a cushion, asleep. They woke him and said to him, “Rabbi, doesn’t it matter to you that we’re about to be killed?” 39 He awoke, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” The wind subsided, and there was a dead calm. 40 He said to them, “Why are you afraid? Have you no trust even now?” 41 But they were terrified and asked each other, “Who can this be, that even the wind and the waves obey him?”

The Word of God for the Children of God.

Adeste Fideles! Laeti Triumphantes! Venite Adoremus! Dominum.

Gloria! In Excelsis Deo! Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia, Amen.

Every person here has what I call “Storm theology.”

Storm theology is what you believe about God when storms come into your life.

When a crisis comes into your life is God a good God or a bad God for allowing it to happen, not stopping it before it begins or stopping it before we discover it or not raising an awareness of its coming before where we find we are somewhere where after we get into the boat we cannot control it, ourselves or the outcome.

After we get into the boat in obedience to God’s will, When we pray during the storm do you trust in God as caring or as uncaring based on how He answers?

Or, how God does not answer and we believe that God has “fallen asleep” on us. 

Storm theology is what we believe about God when things seem to be going horribly wrong after we have been trusting, obedient to His Word, His will for our lives.

Listen carefully, storms in life have the ability to bring to the surface what’s really inside of you.

Storms will reveal the truth to us whether (in panic) we live by fear or by faith?

Storms reveal unto us if our panic stricken heart is full of trust or full of doubts. 

The way we react to God during a storm reveals the true nature of our deep, deeper and deepest truths about faith in ourselves or in God, whether we want it to or not.

Storms: “Stand Up and Fight or Run Away in Flight”

Number one, storms are test.

It is during the storms of life we discover what we really believe.

It is during the storms of life we discover how we really, naturally, react.

Storms have a way of revealing for all to see the deepest truths about us.

Storms have a way of revealing all of the truths we want no one else to know.

Storms have a way of revealing those things we all hold most dearly in secret, those things we hold closely, most guarded to our breast, as 100% shameful. 

Verse 35 says,  As evening came, Jesus said to his disciples, “Let’s cross to the other side of the lake.” 36 So they took Jesus in the boat and started out, leaving the crowds behind (although other boats followed). 

The storm that is about to happen to the disciples occurred at the end of the day, “as evening came.” 

This had already been a busy day for Jesus.

  • The day started back in Mark 3:20 where he had a confrontation with some Pharisees who publicly said that Jesus was possessed by Satan, and said that this is was the only place where He gets His power to do the miracles. They also accused Him of highest blasphemy which was punishable by death. This was a fierce and adrenaline pumping confrontation and exchange of their thoughts.
  • Then Jesus’ mother and brothers came to see him, try to take Him away because they thought He had lost his mind, so now Jesus has tension within his family.
  • Then Jesus spent the rest of the day teaching. He taught the crowds in parables and privately explained them to His disciples. He taught about the parable of the farmer scattering seed, parable of the lamp and it revealed and hidden light, parable of the growing seed, parable of the mustard seed and a host of others. This teaching session continued throughout the day under the heat of the sun.

This had been a busy day and emotionally draining day for Jesus.

However, for the disciples they had a front row seat to the array of teachings about the significance of God’s kingdom, to the miracles Jesus had performed.

Jesus had been teaching the disciples with what He said and what He did.

But now Rabbi Jesus, the master teacher, would give them an unplanned and unannounced practical test to see exactly how much they had really learned.

After all, the hearing of God’s Word is intended to produce faith (Romans 10:17) and faith must always be tested.

17 So faith comes from hearing [what is told], and what is heard comes by the [preaching of the] message concerning Christ. (Amplified Version)

It is not enough for us merely to learn a lesson or be able to repeat a teaching.

We must also be able to take the Word of God, apply, amplify and magnify those Words, apply, amplify and magnify those lessons by faith, hope, love, and that is one reason why God allows for trials, difficulties, and storms to come into our lives – storms are the tests and opportunities to demonstrate our trust in God.

Before we move on, look closely at what Jesus said in verse 35, “Let’s cross to the other side of the lake.” 

I know that literally, Jesus is talking about getting in the boat and going to the other side of the lake.

But His statement reminds me about the “other side” of life. 

On this side of the lake Jesus had performed miracles, confronted the Pharisees, Jesus had learned there was growing dissension in his own family, taught about the Kingdom of God, the crowds are growing and everything is looking “good.”

On this side, the disciples faith and trust in Jesus has been easy and fun, but on the “other side” without any warnings or emails they are about to be tested.

They don’t know it, but a significant storm is coming on the other side.

On this side things are going well, all they have to do is sit and listen to their Rabbi do the teaching, but on the “other side” things are about to get tough.

  • The “other side” of good health is life changing illness, life changing decisions. How will we respond when our faith is going to be TESTED on the “other side.”
  • The “other side” of the honeymoon is a strained relationship. How will we then respond when our faith is going to be severely tested on the “other side of life?”
  • The “other side” of God’s abundance and provision is the threat of bankruptcy. How will we then respond when our faith is going to be severely tested like that?

I believe we get the idea.

Storms are a significant test of our trust of our faith, of our hopes and our love.

The severity of those tests will always “occur” on the “other side” of our lives.

When God Guides You Right Into a Storm

Mark 4:35-37 New King James Version

Wind and Wave Obey Jesus

35 On the same day, when evening had come, He said to them, “Let us cross over to the other side.” 36 Now when they had left the multitude, they took Him along in the boat as He was. And other little boats were also with Him. 37 And a great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that it was already filling.

Have you ever been following God, and one bad thing after another takes place?

Have you ever stopped, looked around, and wondered if you missed a sign or a wonder or somewhere or somehow, you (un)knowingly took a wrong turn? 

If so, shrug your shoulders and don’t worry about it; you’re in good company.

Remember David?

David waited fifteen years from when he was taken from his fathers sheep pens and “secretly” anointed king by Samuel, to when he finally became the king!

Can you begin to imagine how often he must have “asked” the Lord, “Did that day really happen, Samuel really anoint me to be king? Or was that just a fluke?

Because King Saul doesn’t seem to be going anywhere anytime soon.” 

Initially, David had hope.

Remember, he played the harp in the palace for Saul.

So, he was undoubtedly encouraged, knowing that he was at least working in the palace, getting acclimated to his surroundings and with Saul and his family.

But then, the bottom dropped out. 

King Saul lost it, kicked David out, and then spent considerable time hunting David down to kill him. 

I am not sure about you, but I would have questioned.

“Lord, was that You? Or am I making something up? Are You sure I’m supposed to be king? Because we are getting further away from any hope of becoming king.”

What does David do?

Well, we have many of the Psalms to tell us.

First, David poured his heart out to God. 

Psalm 38:9 says, “Lord, all my desire is before You; and my sighing is not hidden from You.”

Over and over and over, David bears his soul to God.

God sustains him, gives him strength, and keeps him steady. 

Eventually, David became king.

As King, David had no shortage of bad decisions, intrigues, and storms.

Yet, David was still “a man after God’s own heart.

Yet, the Lord was in charge the whole time — in absolute command, just exactly like Jesus was when He commanded the disciples to go across to the other side.

And in the midst of their travels, a storm blew in.

Jesus knew this was going to happen.

The storm took those professional fisherman on the ride of their lifetimes.

The storm was unannounced, unanticipated and wholly unprepared for.

Though Jesus was sound asleep, the storm didn’t take Him by surprise!

Brothers, Sisters and neighbors; our storms won’t take Him by surprise, either.  

Intersecting Faith and Life: “Why are we so Fearful?”

Mark 4:38-41 New American Standard Bible

38 And yet Jesus Himself was in the stern, asleep on the cushion; and they *woke Him and *said to Him, “Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?” 39 And He got up and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, “Hush, be still.” And the wind died down and [a]it became perfectly calm. 40 And He said to them, “Why are you [b] afraid? Do you still have no faith?” 41 They became very much afraid and said to one another, “Who, then, is this, that even the wind and the sea obey Him?”

So, why do we think God allows us to go into an unannounced storm?

Why did He send the disciples right into their unanticipated storm? 

Verses 38-41 gives us the answer,

“But He was in the stern, asleep on a pillow. And they awoke Him and said to Him, ‘Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?’ Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, ‘Peace, be still!’ And the wind ceased and there was a great calm. But He said to them, ‘Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?’ And they feared exceedingly, and said to one another, ‘Who can this be, that even the wind and the sea obey Him!'”

Because from the midst and throes of their panicked state of mind, while they were deep in harms way within the storm of their life, they saw Jesus’ power.

If they didn’t feel their panicked state of mind, experience the magnitude of the storm, they wouldn’t know the unleashed magnitude, strength of their Savior! 

Look at the saints before us and the tests they went through.

Moses spent ample time in the desert, and then over and over and over again, he had to go back to God to see what other signs God wanted to do.

Yet, God kept hardening Pharaoh’s heart.

Moses would need this hardened training when he returned to the desert with the Israelites.

Through this hardened training Moses became closely acquainted with God.

If you don’t believe me, read Exodus and underline every verse that says, “The Lord spoke to Moses.“

Then God tested Abraham with Isaac.

After that severest of “life and death” trial, Abraham knew God as a provider.

And after God tested Job, he said, “I have heard of You by the hearing of the ear, but now my eye sees You” Job 42:5 NKJV.

Job 42:1-5 New King James Version

Job’s Repentance and Restoration

42 Then Job answered the Lord and said:

2 “I know that You can do everything,
And that no purpose of Yours can be withheld from You.
3 You asked, ‘Who is this who hides counsel without knowledge?’
Therefore I have uttered what I did not understand,
Things too wonderful for me, which I did not know.
4 Listen, please, and let me speak;
You said, ‘I will question you, and you shall answer Me.’

5 “I have heard of You by the hearing of the ear,
But now my eye sees You.

In the storms, God shows us both the known and secret things about ourselves that we would never ever admit to ourselves nor unto any other human being.

In the storms, God compels us to seek Him out, to “wake Him up out of His slumber” show us things about Himself that we wouldn’t learn any other way.

Psalm 46:8-12 Complete Jewish Bible

8 (7) Adonai-Tzva’ot is with us,
our fortress, the God of Ya‘akov. (Selah)
9 (8) Come and see the works of Adonai,
the astounding deeds he has done on the earth.
10 (9) To the ends of the earth he makes wars cease —
he breaks the bow, snaps the spear,
burns the shields in the fire.
11 (10) “Desist, and learn that I am God,
supreme over the nations,
supreme over the earth.”

12 (11) Adonai-Tzva’ot is with us,
our fortress, the God of Ya‘akov. (Selah)

God is not interested in theory, does not want us to know Him in theory.

“Row, Row, Row, Your Boat, Gently Across the Lake, Merrily, Merrily, Merrily, then Suddenly, Without Warning, Life is, but then can just as quickly becomes, a …?

God, through His Son Jesus the Christ, wants us to know Him experientially.

In the name of God, the Father and God the Son and God the Holy Spirit,

Let us Pray,

Isaiah 43:1-7 The Message
When You’re Between a Rock and a Hard Place

43 1-4 But now, God’s Message,
    the God who made you in the first place, Jacob,
    the One who got you started, Israel:
“Don’t be afraid, I’ve redeemed you.
    I’ve called your name. You’re mine.
When you’re in over your head, I’ll be there with you.
    When you’re in rough waters, you will not go down.
When you’re between a rock and a hard place,
    it won’t be a dead end—
Because I am God, your personal God,
    The Holy of Israel, your Savior.
I paid a huge price for you:
    all of Egypt, with rich Cush and Seba thrown in!
That’s how much you mean to me!
    That’s how much I love you!
I’d sell off the whole world to get you back,
    trade the creation just for you.

5-7 “So don’t be afraid: I’m with you.
    I’ll round up all your scattered children,
    pull them in from east and west.
I’ll send orders north and south:
    ‘Send them back.
Return my sons from distant lands,
    my daughters from faraway places.
I want them back, every last one who bears my name,
    every man, woman, and child
Whom I created for my glory,
    yes, personally formed and made each one.’”

The Word of God for the Children of God.

Adeste Fideles! Laeti Triumphantes! Venite Adoremus! Dominum.

Gloria! In Excelsis Deo! Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia, Amen.

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Why (and How) Should We Pray the Names of Our God? Psalm 46:10-11

Isaiah 43 But now this is what Adonai says,
he who created you, Ya‘akov,
he who formed you, Isra’el:
“Don’t be afraid, for I have redeemed you;
I am calling you by your name; you are mine.
2 When you pass through water, I will be with you;
when you pass through rivers, they will not overwhelm you;
when you walk through fire, you will not be scorched —
the flame will not burn you.
3 For I am Adonai, your God,
the Holy One of Isra’el, your Savior —
I have given Egypt as your ransom,
Ethiopia and S’va for you.
4 Because I regard you as valued and honored,
and because I love you.
For you I will give people,
nations in exchange for your life.
5 Don’t be afraid, for I am with you.
I will bring your descendants from the east,
and I will gather you from the west;
6 I will say to the north, ‘Give them up!’
and to the south, ‘Don’t hold them back!
Bring my sons from far away,
and my daughters from the ends of the earth,
7 everyone who bears my name,
whom I created for my glory —
I formed him, yes, I made him.’”

Psalm 46 Names of God Bible

Psalm 46

For the choir director; a song by the descendants of Korah; according to alamoth.[a]

1 Elohim is our Machseh and strength,
    an ever-present help in times of trouble.
2 That is why we are not afraid
    even when the earth quakes
        or the mountains topple into the depths of the sea.
3             Water roars and foams,
                and mountains shake at the surging waves. Selah

4 There is a river
    whose streams bring joy to the city of Elohim,
        the holy place where Elyon lives.
5 Elohim is in that city.
    It cannot fall.
        Elohim will help it at the break of dawn.
6 Nations are in turmoil, and kingdoms topple.
    The earth melts at the sound of God’s voice.

7 Yahweh Tsebaoth is with us.
    The Elohim of Jacob is our stronghold. Selah

8 Come, see the works of Yahweh,
    the devastation he has brought to the earth.
9         He puts an end to wars all over the earth.
            He breaks an archer’s bow.
            He cuts spears in two.
            He burns chariots.
10 Let go of your concerns!
    Then you will know that I am Elohim.
        I rule the nations.
        I rule the earth.

11 Yahweh Tsebaoth is with us.
    The Elohim of Jacob is our stronghold. Selah

The Word of God for the Children of God.

Adeste Fideles! Laeti Triumphantes! Venite Adoremus! Dominum.

Gloria! In Excelsis Deo! Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia, Amen.

Guess What Neighbors? God IS 100% on OUR Side!

The first words of Psalm 46 announces its overarching theme to the reader:

God is God Alone!

God is our ALL in ALL!

God is our Refuge—God is our Fortress, God is our Shelter, God is our Ever Present Help in Times of Struggle.

God is also our Strength, God is also our help—God is the One who deals with the perils surrounding us.

And because God is our refuge and help, we have nothing to fear, even if nature throws its worst tantrums at us – we do not have to pretend to be Him to Live.

The Gospel of God is replete with empowering and inspiring examples of this.

A substantial number of boats including a group of Jesus’ followers feared for their lives in a storm one day, out on a boat far into the middle of a huge lake.

In complete panic, their normalcy broke down and betrayed the disciples.

All of their best and greatest skills at being PhD boat handlers and fishermen, at conflict management and resolution of same conflict evaporated in an instant.

Them, and undoubtedly every single of the occupants of all the other little boats with them upon the lake were now echelons beyond their PhD’s in lake survival.

The disciples had done everything they knew to do and then some – nothing proved to be the least bit successful – until they “woke up” and went to Jesus!

Is there anyone out there, even one single person out there in the vastness of this globe of ours, who is reading this devotional right now who can identify?

Is there anyone out there, even one single person who could use even 0.01% of that “wokeness” those disciples and boatmen suddenly discovered that night?

Then their Teacher stood up and said to the wind and the sea, “Quiet! Be still!”

Then seemingly just as fast, the wind quit; there was dead calm.

“Who is this?” they asked. “Even the wind and the waves obey him!” (See Mark 4:35-41.)

The Lord Almighty was in that boat and every single other boat on that lake as their strength, their helper in their needs; the God of Jacob was their refuge.

Our faith is always being subjected to storms and earthquakes. Where can we find safety and security?

Listen, again and again to Psalm 46: “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way. . . .”

There is a certain and trustworthy basis for our faith—the God who made us and everything in our world.

In all circumstances, no matter how terrible or frighten­ing, our unchanging God is our refuge and strength.

What Really Happened at Pentecost?

Acts 2:1-4 Names of God Bible

The Believers Are Filled with the Holy Spirit

2 When Pentecost, the fiftieth day after Passover, came, all the believers were together in one place. 2 Suddenly, a sound like a violently blowing wind came from the sky and filled the whole house where they were staying. 3 Tongues that looked like fire appeared to them. The tongues arranged themselves so that one came to rest on each believer. 4 All the believers were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages as the Spirit gave them the ability to speak.

Jesus’ followers were all together when a sound like the blowing of a mighty wind came from heaven.

What appeared to be tongues of fire separated and rested on each of them, they were each filled with the Holy Spirit and they began to speak in other tongues.

After Jesus’ ascension, his followers, about 120 of them, continued to meet in Jerusalem. 

Acts 2:1-13 Luke records the events of this Pentecost, about 10 days after Jesus’ ascension. Jesus’ followers were all together when a sound like the blowing of a mighty wind came from heaven and filled the place where they were staying.

What appeared to be tongues of fire separated and rested upon each of them, they each were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues.

When this happened, a crowd gathered to investigate the noise.

And when they did, they heard Jesus’ followers all speaking in the native languages of the listeners.

The crowd of thousands had come to celebrate the harvest, and were from all over the known world, with many different native languages. (verses 7-11)

Yet, each one was hearing what was said in their own native language.

This confused the crowd, but Peter explained to them that what they were experiencing was the fulfillment of a prophecy in Joel 2:28-32.

An ancient prophecy that included God pouring out his Spirit upon all people.

Peter then proceeded to preach his first sermon, explaining who Jesus was and the significance of what had happened to him.

Then Peter called on them to repent and turn their hearts to Jesus for salvation.

And that day, 3,000 people believed and were saved.

And that very same day, 3000 people responded completely out of character and they believed that God was their Refuge, God was their Strength and their Help!

That God and God alone was the Answer – through Jesus Christ the Resurrected!

What if, With Those 3000, We ALL Celebrated God?

Psalm 100 Names of God Bible

Psalm 100

A psalm of thanksgiving.

1 Shout happily to Yahweh, all the earth.
2 Serve Yahweh cheerfully.
    Come into his presence with a joyful song.
3 Realize that Yahweh alone is Elohim.
    He made us, and we are his.[a]
    We are his people and the sheep in his care.
4 Enter his gates with a song of thanksgiving.
    Come into his courtyards with a song of praise.
    Give thanks to him; praise his name.

5 Yahweh is good.
    His mercy endures forever.
    His faithfulness endures throughout every generation.

In the indescribable moment which was that first Pentecost,

Try to imagine, if anyone can, what would the sound be like when 3000 people filled with Holy Spirit all suddenly started singing 3000 choruses of Hallelujah?

Started uncontrollably singing, belting out, 3000 plus choruses of “Hallelujah” in the presence of our enemy Satan, directly into our enemy Satan’s ear drums?

What if with the 3000, Studied and Prayed God too?

Acts 2:43-47 Names of God Bible

43 A feeling of fear came over everyone as many amazing things and miraculous signs happened through the apostles. 44 All the believers kept meeting together, and they shared everything with each other. 45 From time to time, they sold their property and other possessions and distributed the money to anyone who needed it. 46 The believers had a single purpose and went to the temple every day. They were joyful and humble as they ate at each other’s homes and shared their food. 47 At the same time, they praised God and had the good will of all the people. Every day the Lord saved people, and they were added to the group.

If we have ever gathered together with our brothers and sisters, neighbors, done a Bible study about the names of God, we were likely blessed to discover the wonderful ways God is described throughout the Old and New Testaments.

Rich with meaning, the names of God not only point to who He is, they give us an indescribably clear picture of what our God has done, is doing, and will do.

Praying the names of God can be a wonderful reminder of His holy attributes.

It can be an unbelievably powerful way to honor, celebrate and worship Him.

And the overwhelming peace we receive, by the mere mention of His name, is both undeniably comforting, deeply reassuring for the time in which we live.

Here are a few reasons why we should pray the names of God, examples of how. 

1. Affirmation

Praying the names of God brings affirmation to our hearts, minds, and souls.

As we all know, doubt creeps in and causes us to question the Lord we love.

Yet, fear and doubt quickly dissipate when we practice being in His Presence, we discipline ourselves to focus our thoughts upon affirming our Lord and Savior.

Here is an example of how you can pray and affirm who God is:

Sovereign God, Maker of heaven and earth,

I know that You are the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. There is nothing that escapes your sovereignty. I can trust You in all things. Today, Adonai, I bring all my fears and doubts to You. I lay them at Your feet. I ask that You affirm in my heart exactly who You are. By the power of Your Holy Spirit, give me the assurance that You are who You say you are. Forgive me of any doubts that I’ve allowed to circle my mind. I will continue to draw from the deep well of certainty that You are my Father in heaven. You are my Lord and Savior. And You are my Mighty God, my Counselor, my Prince of Peace. Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia, Amen.

2. Declaration

Praying the names of God declares who He is the mighty things He has done.

When we feel weak and weakened, discouraged, or even tempted by the enemy, we can call upon the name of the Lord boldly, knowing He is Mighty to Save. 

Here is an example of how you can pray and declare who God is:

Lord God Almighty,

There is no one like You! As Your word says, You are the great I AM. You are the Chief Cornerstone of my faith. There is no other foundation. There is no other way. For You are the Way, the Truth and the Life. I worship all of You today and declare Your praise. In every area of my life, I know You are working to refine me and restore me. Thank You, Lord for being my Helper in all my times and needs, my best Forever Friend. I forever lift up Your name, declare who You are. Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia,

In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

3. Comfort

Praying the names of God brings comfort to our weary souls.

Just by speaking the names of the Lord aloud, a sense of peace washes over us by His Holy Spirit.

Throughout the Scriptures, we are given wonderful words of hope and joy.

Turn your prayers into reminders of God’s steadfast love, be comforted today.

Here is an example of how you can pray and remember the God of all comfort:

Abba Father,

Hallowed be thy Name,

How I long to remain in Your Fatherly presence. For in You, I find peace and rest. You truly are the God of all Comfort. You lead me to quiet pastures; You lead me to still waters, You shepherd and restore my soul. Please help me abide in You – the True Vine. I need Your loving protection to guard against the winds of change that blow. I need Your words of truth to settle my wandering heart. Keep me from stumbling. Thank You, Lord, for being my blessed hope. Thank You for being El-Roi, the God who sees everything, who sees everyone, who sees everywhere all of the time. My Abba, My Heavenly Father, You are Faithful and True! Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia, In the beautiful name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

4. Surrender

Praying the names of God is a form of surrender.

With all the worries, responsibilities, and burdens we carry, we so desperately need to surrender everything to the God who redeems.

He not only redeems our lives from sin and death, He redeems us each new day. 

Here is an example of how you can pray and surrender everything to God:

Holy God,

I surrender everything to You today. Every anxiety, every worry, and every trial — I hand them over to You. I know, Lord, that You are my Kinsman Redeemer and my Restorer of the Breach. In You I put my full trust. Lord, I am tired of trying to control everything around me. I surrender all control to You, for you are my Rock and my fortress. You are my refuge and hiding place. As you offer new mercies every morning, I thank You and praise You for Your goodness. I surrender my life to You and seek to walk in all Your ways. I look to You, the Author and Finisher of my faith. Thank You for hedging me in, all around, behind and before. I will continue to walk hand in hand, in-step with Your Holy Spirit, in all wisdom and truth. Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia, In the precious name of Jesus I pray, Amen. 

5. Wisdom

Praying the names of God is a way of seeking wisdom.

As the tides of culture change, and our faith is greatly tested, we need the wisdom of God over our own now more than ever.

One way to solidify your beliefs and walk in the wisdom of the Lord is to pray His holy name.

By fully relying on His infinite knowledge, on the magnitude of His Truth, from His holy Word we can remain steadfast, confident and sure of what we believe.

Here is one example of how you can pray and seek God’s wisdom:

Ancient of Days,

How vast are Your judgments and how true are Your words. You are completely trustworthy. Lord, please give me heavenly wisdom as mentioned in James 3:17 — wisdom that is pure, peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. You, Lord, are the only wise God. There is no one like You — holy, perfect, and just. You are the Branch — beautiful and glorious. Our wisdom is as foolishness to You, but Your wisdom is righteous and sure. Thank you, Lord, for being my God and King. Thank you for being Lord of my life. I will seek Your wisdom daily, and ask for the strength to walk in that wisdom. Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia,

In Jesus’ holy name, Amen.

In the name of God, the Father and God the Son and God the Holy Spirit,

Let us Pray,

Psalm 46 Complete Jewish Bible

46 (0) For the leader. By the descendants of Korach. On ‘alamot [high-pitched musical instruments?]. A song:

2 (1) God is our refuge and strength,
an ever-present help in trouble.
3 (2) Therefore we are unafraid,
even if the earth gives way,
even if the mountains tumble
into the depths of the sea,
4 (3) even if its waters rage and foam,
and mountains shake at its turbulence. (Selah)

5 (4) There is a river whose streams
gladden the city of God,
the holy habitation of ‘Elyon —
6 (5) God is in the city.
It will not be moved —
when daybreak comes, God will help it.
7 (6) Nations were in turmoil,
kingdoms were moved;
his voice thundered forth,
and the earth melted away.

8 (7) Adonai-Tzva’ot is with us,
our fortress, the God of Ya‘akov. (Selah)
9 (8) Come and see the works of Adonai,
the astounding deeds he has done on the earth.
10 (9) To the ends of the earth he makes wars cease —
he breaks the bow, snaps the spear,
burns the shields in the fire.
11 (10) “Desist, and learn that I am God,
supreme over the nations,
supreme over the earth.”

12 (11) Adonai-Tzva’ot is with us,
our fortress, the God of Ya‘akov. (Selah)

The Word of God for the Children of God. Adeste Fideles! Laeti Triumphantes! Venite Adoremus! Dominum.

Gloria! In Excelsis Deo! Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia, Amen.

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