God told Moses in Exodus to refer to him as I am. I am encompasses the one who was, is to come and will be forevermore. Other names are used to make reference to our God throughout scripture. The names denote the meaning and significance for each person who sought to describe God. The extent of the names used to describe God, explains how he is everything and in all things. Ezekiel described God as Jehovah Shammah (the Lord is there). “All the way around shall be eighteen thousand cubits; and the name of the city from that day shall be: THE LORD IS THERE”” (Ezekiel 48:35).

Jehovah Jireh (Our Provider), was Abraham’s name for God. “And Abraham called the name of the place, The-Lord-Will-Provide; as it is said to this day, “In the Mount of the Lord it shall be provided”” (Genesis 22:14). Jehovah Rapha (Our Healer) as referenced by Jeremiah; “For I will restore health to you And heal you of your wounds,’ says the Lord, ‘Because they called you an outcast saying: “This is Zion; No one seeks her” ’” (Jeremiah 30:17). Gideon described God as Jehovah Shalome (Our Peace). “So Gideon built an altar there to the Lord, and called it The-Lord-Is-Peace. To this day it is still in Ophrah of the Abiezrites” (Judges 6:24).

Jeremiah also described God as Jehovah Tsidkenu (Our Righteousness) “In His days Judah will be saved, And Israel will dwell safely; Now this is His name by which He will be called: THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS” (Jeremiah 23:6). David described God as Jehovah Rohi (Our Shepherd). “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want” (Psalms 23:1). To Moses, God was Jehovah Nissi (Our Banner). “And Moses built an altar and called its name, The-Lord-Is-My-Banner” (Exodus 17:15). The entire bible testifies to our God as Elohim (All-Powerful One Creator). “yet for us there is one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we for Him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, through whom are all things, and through whom we live” (I Corinthians 8:6).

Despite the different names used by these prophets to describe God, none of them are incorrect in their descriptions. God is so all encompassing, that we can never use too many words or attributes to describe him. This also means that God is whatever we need. He is everywhere and ever present with us, he is also our provider, our healer and our peace. God is our righteousness, our banner and defence and our all-powerful creator God. He is unfathomable, indescribably, inexplainable and no one can completely understand him. This is why it takes faith and trust to serve God and to experience him for who he is.

A.P.-Y.

There is a wind of time to shift and change things in our lives. A new wind will remove old obstacles, challenges and trials and make way for a fresh new season. The word wind has been used in the bible, to represent the move of God, the Holy Spirit and the angels of God. “And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting” (Acts 2:2). The Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost, came in like a rushing wind and filled the house. Immediately, those present spoke with other tongues as the spirit gave them utterance. This was the manifestation of the Holy Spirit which was promised.

David made several references to angels, appearing like the wind and the messengers like a flame of fire. We know that God created the elements and manifests his presence through them. It was an east wind, which drove back the waters of the Red Sea. “Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and the Lord drove the sea back by a strong east wind all night and made the sea dry land, and the waters were divided” (Exodus 14:21). God also instructed Ezekiel to summon the wind to fill the valley of dry bones. “Then he said to me, “Prophesy to the breath; prophesy, son of man, and say to the breath, Thus says the Lord God: Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe on these slain, that they may live” (Ezekiel 37:9).

Jesus also made reference to the wind, as the spirit of God in the New Testament. “The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit” (John 3:8). The Holy Spirit within us, like a mighty wind, fills our bodies with power for service. The wind of God also drives away, people out of places and positions which they occupy illegally. “Let them be like chaff before the wind, with the angel of the Lord driving them away” (Psalm 35:5)! They also push back the enemy, who try to pursue God’s children.

I sense a fresh wind, a mighty wind to bring in a new move of God. A mighty move of God is taking place and the spirit and breath of God, will clear every obstacle which stands in our way. The breath of God brings new life and the north wind of winter and rain, gives way to the south wind. This brings spring time and harvest and a fresh new vegetation. It’s time for planting in the kingdom of God and for new things to be established. The wind also carries us and gives us fresh new momentum. Like an athlete who is supported to run with the wind behind him, we are being accelerated by the spirit of God. There is new life coming into dead situations and this wind will bring revival.

A.P.-Y.

There is a familiar example of a supplanter in the Old Testament. Jacob’s name translates to mean the supplanter. A supplanter is someone who seizes an opportunity from someone else, a person who circumvents or usurps authority. “Afterward his brother came out, and his hand grasped Esau’s heel, so he was named Jacob (one who grabs by the heel, supplanter). Isaac was sixty years old when Rebekah gave birth to them” (Genesis 25:26). Esau was born before Jacob and true to form, Jacob grasped Esau’s heel as he came out of the womb. The name given to him was characteristic of his birthing position.

The name followed Jacob throughout his life and we see him usurping his brother’s authority. Jacob was clever, observant and able to use his brother’s weaknesses against him. “Jacob answered, “First sell me your birthright (the rights of a firstborn)”” (Genesis 25:31). Jacob observed that Esau was impulsive, impatient and someone who was unwilling to delay gratification. Esau conceded to sell Jacob his birthright because he was hungry and tired after a long day’s work. On the second occasion, Jacob had help from his mother to deceive his father.

“Jacob said to his father, “I am Esau your firstborn. I have done as you told me; now sit up and eat of my game, that your soul may bless me”” (Genesis 27:19). Esau was so angry when he discovered his brother’s scheme, that he made up in his mind to kill him. Jacob had help from his mother to escape, so that his brother could not harm him. There are a few lessons that we can learn, from Esau’s mistakes with his brother Jacob. We have to be discerning of supplanters, who may wait for the right opportunity to circumvent our blessing. Esau had to take responsibility for his impulsivity, when he sold his birthright.

His brother had so carefully studied his movements, that he knew the times when he was at his weakest. Don’t make decisions on impulse and particularly life changing decisions. Understand the value of what you carry and don’t trade something of lasting value for a moment of pleasure. We have to also pray and be discerning enough to decipher destiny helpers from supplanters. A destiny helper will help to push you into purpose and destiny, while a supplanter will look for opportunities to exploit your weaknesses. “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him” (James 1:5).

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Often we run into people who we knew from childhood. Sometimes people will make comments, about whether we have changed or not. At times, changes are frowned upon and people will comment negatively about some changes. We are expected to grow as human beings and while our personalities don’t change significantly, our character traits should change. The born again experience is one of trading the old with the new. “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come” (2 Corinthians 5:17).

Paul is a prime example of someone who went through a major transformation. He went from a persecutor of the church, to a devout missionary. A relationship with God and the salvation experience, is often a catalyst for major change. Other people can change significantly, based on life changing circumstances. These can relate to health related issues, a breakdown in a relationship or at times a change of environment. Either way, human behaviour change is inevitable and something to be embraced. We hope that people do not change negatively, as negative experiences can also leave some people bitter, for example.

This can leave people feeling cynical and jaded about life and other people. The caterpillar is often used as a symbol of change. This is due to the cycle of metamorphosis, which transforms it from a caterpillar into a butterfly. Similarly, humans adapt, grow and change with new experiences. Some people can seem to remain the same and often don’t grow or develop. It is sometimes difficult to continue to engage with people, who seem stuck in repetitive cycles. This especially when you are on a journey of growth and development.

Either way, my perspective is that we have to grow, in order for our lives to be meaningful. Christians are encouraged to grow in Christlike maturity. I think that many things that we ask God for, is dependent on our growth. We need to expand our capacity to receive from God. This is not to say that abundance equates to growth. What I am saying is that if you are serious about living for God, then continue to grow and be transformed into his image. As we continue to reflect the image of God, change will happen from the inside out. Eventually, our external realities will match up with the abundance that is happening internally.

A.P.-Y.

Solomon spoke about his observations of people, striving to compete with their neighbour. This is a person expending their efforts and working hard, in order to measure up to someone else. Solomon described this as vanity, foolishness and chasing after the wind. This attitude is also deeply rooted in pride. Remember that God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble. We have to constantly question our inner motives for doing things. Make sure that you are not working hard to attain material possessions, in order to measure up to someone else.

It is good to admire other people and we all draw inspiration from others. Most of us have mentors and role models that we emulate. What I am describing is envy, rivalry and competition. This stems from a deep sense of insecurity and inferiority. We have to learn to be comfortable in our own skin, run our own race and live life at our own pace. There is a predetermined path for everyone. I am not good at everything, but I know the things that I am good at. It would be wise to spend time mastering my gifts, rather than to spend my time competing with someone else, in an area where I am not naturally gifted.

“By the Holy Spirit who dwells within us, guard the good deposit entrusted to you” (2 Timothy 1:14). Every single person on this planet has been blessed with gifts. There are enough resources available to meet the needs of everyone. If someone succeeds, it does not stop you from succeeding. It makes sense for us to celebrate with others when they do well. “Rejoice with those who rejoice” (Romans 12:15). We celebrate other people’s season of success, because our season is coming. Every person has a desire for something that they don’t currently have.

Faulty perspective can make us envy someone, while ignoring our own blessings. Nurture what has been entrusted to you. Nurture your own marriage and spouse, so that there will be less time to envy someone else’s relationship. Nurture your children, pray over them and don’t spend time wishing someone else’s child belonged to you. Focus on your God given assignment and don’t strain to compare yourself to other people. God made us all unique and there is an assignment for each of us. There is nothing more admirable than someone walking in divine purpose. You are confident and secure in who you are and who you are created to be.

A.P.-Y.

In Acts chapter 3, Peter and John were on their way to the temple to pray. A lame man was carried to the gate of the temple each day, to beg from the people who went to the temple. The man begged Peter and John for something to meet his physical needs. Peter had no money to give to the man, but offered something worth much more than money. “In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk””(Acts 3:6). Peter held the man by his hand and immediately, his feet regained strength. The man leapt to his feet and went into the temple, walking and leaping and praising God.

The people who saw this man walking were amazed. They ran towards Peter and John because of this great miracle. Peter did not accept the glory for himself, but used this as an opportunity to minister about Jesus Christ. He told them that Jesus had been sent to save the world from their sins. In their ignorance, they rejected Jesus Christ and commanded that he be crucified. Peter acknowledged that they did this out of ignorance and to also fulfil what was prophesied. All was not lost for the people, but Peter admonished them to repentance.

“Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out” (Acts 3:19). Peter confirmed that their act of repentance, would lead to times of refreshing in the presence of God. As such, the people could approach God with a clear conscience. Although the people had sinned against God, he was faithful to forgive their sins and to cleanse them from all unrighteousness. ““Come now, let us reason together, says the Lord: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool” (Isaiah 1:18).

Sin can separate us from God, because a guilty conscience makes it difficult for us to be truly free before God. The good news is that the solution is extremely easy. Confess your sins to God, repent of your sin and accept God’s forgiveness. God places our sins into the sea of forgetfulness and he remembers them no more. When the devil tries to remind you of your sins and mistakes, remind him of his future in hell. God does not condemn you, so walk in freedom, knowing that you are forgiven. Whom the son sets free is free indeed. With this freedom, you can come boldly before God, knowing that you will be refreshed.

A.P.-Y.