Monday, March 17, 2014

sermon, "Hello My Name is ... Yahweh", by Pastor Ruth Foss, Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church, March 16, 2014

“Hello My Name is…Yahweh”
March 16, 2014
Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church
Sermon Series on “The Names of God”
Sermon 9 of series-
“The Sacred Names of God: Yahweh/Yahweh Yireh”
Psalm 121 Names of God Bible

Let us pray…

Loving, gracious, God of Lent…we thank you for this day that we have come into Your house to worship You in Spirit and in Truth. You have invited us here through the blood of Your So, Lord Jesus Christ by the work that You did on Calvary’s Cross. Help us to settle our minds and hearts as we hear the word you have for us this day. Thank you for loving us and providing a way through the desert of chaos this world has to offer. Speak Lord; we are sojourners who need to drink from Your living waters. Amen

We, as humanity, work so hard every day to provide the things we need. We work at jobs that we like…and sometimes don’t like…to be able to provide for our families. Society would have us believe that if we are not able to provide the things that “it” thinks we should have we are a failure. But it can be hard sometimes because we live in a fallen world that believes that the more possessions you have the more you are able to provide for our families.  If you are not a “go getter”, willing to do anything to get what “you want”, you are weak and deserve to be on the “lower rung of society…” Oh how wrong society is. We can provide for some things but the most important provisions we are given in life don’t come of this world.

We are continuing on our journey of learning the Sacred Names of God and praying in that same name. We have prayed to the one true God…our Elohim…we have talked about and prayed to El Elyon who is the Most High God…we have come to realize that our God is the everlasting, eternal God…our El Olam. Last week we even realized that our God is also our Redeemer…He is Go’el.

How fitting that during Lent we talked about a Redeemer. We are in that season of the church where we journey to the cross where we are redeemed and made righteous not by our own means but by what God did to and for us on that cross long ago. We have prayed the name of Adonay…our Lord. In the name Adonay we are reminded that we serve a Lord who loves us with a passion…one who loves us without end. But today we are praying in one of my favorite names for God…we are praying to Yahweh.  Now this name also means Lord but…but…this name is the name of the Lord that reminds us of His providence for us.

You see Yahweh is a special name for God. As the sacred, personal name of Israel’s God, it was eventually spoken aloud only by priests worshiping in the Jerusalem temple. After the destruction of the temple in A.D. 70, the name was not pronounced. Adonay was substituted for Yahweh whenever it appeared in the biblical text. Because of this, the correct pronunciation of this name was eventually lost. English editions of the Bible usually translate Adonay as “Lord” and Yahweh as “LORD.” You see…Yahweh is the name that is most closely linked to God’s redeeming acts in the history of his chosen people. We know God because of what he has done.

Yahweh is not a God who is remote or aloof but One who is always near, intervening in history on behalf of his people. The knowledge of God’s proper name implies a covenant relationship. (Have there been times in your life when you have seen this name of God at work? Have you ever seen this attribute of God shown in the lives of others? We can see throughout history where God has not been distant and has rolled up His sleeves and gotten into the mix of the chaos of the world to show His loving power…the chaos of our own lives and changed it into something of beauty.) The name Yahweh evokes images of God’s saving power in the lives of his people.

I am reminded of Moses and the Israelites. They were in need of someone to provide a way for them to be set free from the tyranny that they lived in. They had been enslaved by the Egyptians and had no way out. But God provided for them in a mighty way. They were lead by the “strong arm of Yahweh into a place of freedom. (To the Egyptians the name Yahweh would have been a terror— a name to forget because it conjured plagues, darkness, defeat, and death. But to Moses and the Israelites Yahweh would forever mean deliverance, freedom, promise, and power. God’s people could not invoke his name without remembering what it was like to walk through the parted waters of the Red Sea, to gather manna in the wilderness, to receive the commandments on Sinai. How many times do we feel like the children of Israel when we see no way out but…but…Yahweh provides a way through the desert of our souls…? Yahweh —Israel’s faithful, wonder-working God, the One who out of pity and love reached into human history to untie the bonds of an enslaved people— that was the name by which this God wanted to be forever known…and still does the same today…)

We, as Christians, can believe and remember the stories of old We can remember how Yahweh has stepped into our lives and provided a way. We can picture has stepped into our lives and provided a way. We can picture Yahweh as this:
Forgiving • Healing • Redeeming • Compassionate • Delighting to bless you • Working on behalf of the oppressed • Slow to anger • Gracious • Loving .

Yes…Yahweh is an awesome name for our God that brings visions of deliverance. As we think of God in that way be begin to see and believe Yahweh Yireh… the Lord provides.

When you pray to Yahweh Yireh, you are praying to the God who sees the situation beforehand and is able to provide for your needs. Let’s think about Abraham  for a moment.

(Tell the story of Abram from his call to sacrificing Isaac…
Left family, God gave him Isaac at an old age, asked for Abram to sacrifice His son, provided a sacrifice.)

Like Abraham…Yahweh Yireh still provides. We may be tested like Abraham at times but as we trust in God’s providence He will show His compassion and providence. You and I can’t imagine the providence He has in store for us if we just believe. When we put something on the altar, sacrificing it to him, we acknowledge two things: that He is God, and that we are not God. This is the worship we need to offer, the worship that will allow us to experience his provision for our lives.

(Tell of the providence of God through Jesus)

Are you feeling that you are in need of some type of provision in your life? Are you feeling that you are in need of some type of provision from Yahweh? Is there something that you need and just can’t put your finger on it? Maybe…just maybe…if we put our lives on the altar we will see the providence of the Lord. Perhaps if we set aside our fear of the unknown…the fear of tomorrow, it will give room for Yahweh Yireh in our lives. Perhaps maybe, if we as Christians set aside our fear of ----- we will once again see the glory of God in the chaos that surrounds us…

Maybe…just maybe…

Let us pray…(pray to Yahweh Yireh)





March 17, 2014
Second Sunday in Lent
Sermon 10 of “What’s In A Name…”
Sermon Series on “The Sacred Names of God”
Psalm 121
John 3:1-17 (not read)
“Praying the Names of God: A Daily Guide”
By, Ann Spangler
Names of God and Definitions from Sermon today:
-          Yahweh/Yahweh Yireh (ya-WEH yir-EH)à The Lord will supply
Worship Songs
-          What A Mighty God We Serve
-          The Happy Song
-          Ain’t Jesus Good
-          Blessed Be the Lord God Almighty
Opening Prayer
Prayer of Thanksgiving by Brent Cullen
Prayers of the People by Ray Foss
Communion
-          Joy of My Desire
-          You Are My Hiding Place
Closing Song
-          The Mighty One of Israel
children’s sermon by Kelly Curtis
-          Mark 1:12-13 – story about Lent and waiting
and sermon “Hello My Name is . . . Yahweh”

by Pastor Ruth Foss
sermon blog
meditation blog
“God’s Whisper” blog
Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church
Patten, ME
March 16, 2014
&
Sermon 9 of “What’s In A Name…”
Sermon Series on “The Sacred Names of God”
Job 19:25-27 New International Version (NIV)
Romans 5:12-19 New International Version (NIV)
Isaiah 49:7
Leviticus 25:48-49
Numbers 35:9-30
Jeremiah 50:33-34
Mark 10:54
“Praying the Names of God: A Daily Guide”
By, Ann Spangler
Names of God and Definitions from Sermon today:
-          Go’el (go’EL)à Redeemer
Worship Songs
Opening Prayer
Prayer of Thanksgiving
Communion
Closing Song
-          Give Me Oil for My Lamp
(with nod to John Wesley’s quote,
“I set myself on fire and they come to watch me burn”)
children’s sermon
-          Why are You Sad?
and sermon “Our Redeemer Lives”
(in the bulletin as “Hello My Name is …Go’el”)
by Raymond A. Foss
filling in for Pastor Ruth Foss
Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church
Patten, ME
March 9, 2014
&
Sermon 8 of “What’s In A Name…”
Sermon Series on “The Sacred Names of God”
Psalm 46
“Praying the Names of God: A Daily Guide”
By, Ann Spangler
Names of God and Definitions from Sermon today:
-          El Olam (EL o-LAM)à Everlasting/Eternal God
and sermon “Hello My Name El Olam”
(in the bulletin as “Hello My Name is …El Olam”)
by Ellen Alward Dickinson
Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church
Patten, ME
March 2, 2014
&
Sermon 7 of “What’s In A Name…”
Sermon Series on “The Sacred Names of God”
Daniel 4:19, 24-35 (The Names of God Bible)
1 Kings 19 (The Names of God Bible)
Psalm 91:1-2 (NIV)
[Genesis 14:18-23- originally planned to be used]
“Praying the Names of God: A Daily Guide”
By, Ann Spangler
Names of God and Definitions from Sermon today:
-          El Elyon (EL el-YOHN)à God Most High
Worship Songs (Praise Hymn):
-          Crown Him With Many Crowns
-          To God Be the Glory
-          Standing on the Promises
-          Great Is Thy Faithfulness
-          Holy, Holy, Holy
-          The Old Rugged Cross
-          I  Need Thee Every Hour
-          Rock of Ages
Offering
-          Be Thou My Vision
Prayer of Thanksgiving
children’s sermon, “God Rocks!”
by Pastor Ruth Foss
The Lord’s Table
-          Agnus Dei
Closing Songs
-          How Great Thou Art
and sermon ““Hello My Name El Elyon”
(in the bulletin as “Hello My Name is …El Elyon”)
by Pastor Ruth Foss
Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church
Patten, ME
February 23, 2014
&
Sermon 6 of “What’s In A Name…”
Sermon Series on “The Sacred Names of God”
Names of God and Definitions from Sermon today:
-          Ishà Bridegroom
Hosea 2:16, 19-20
Revelations 19:6-9
 (All Scripture is from The Names of God Bible)
Worship Songs:
-          Bless His Holy Name
children’s sermon, Scouting Sunday,
by Jean Howes
-          God’s promise
and sermon “Hello My Name Is… Ish/ Bridegroom”
 (in the bulletin as “Hello My Name is …Ish”)
by Pastor Ruth Foss
Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church
Patten, ME
February 9, 2014
&
Sermon 5 of “What’s In A Name…”
Sermon Series on “The Sacred Names of God”
Names of God and Definitions from Sermon today:
-          Adonay (Adonai)à Lord
Daniel 9:9-16
Daniel 9:17-19
Daniel 9:9-19
 (All Scripture is from The Names of God Bible)
Worship Songs:
-          Dancing Heart
-          Let Everything That Has Breath
-          I Could Sing of Your Love Forever
-          Amazing Grace
Offering
-          Light The Fire Again
Prayer of Thanksgiving
Communion / The Lord’s Table
-          With All My Hearts
-          10,000 Reasons
children’s sermon
-          a servant is someone who serves the Lord,
using all of their talents to bring His kingdom on earth,
serving our Master in everything they say and do.
by Pastor Ruth
and sermon “Hello My Name Adonay”
(in the bulletin as “Hello My Name is …Adonay”)
by Pastor Ruth Foss
Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church
Patten, ME
February 2, 2014
&
Sermon 4 of “What’s In A Name…”
Sermon Series on “The Sacred Names of God”
Names of God and Definitions from Sermon today:
-          El Chayà Living God
Joshua 3:7-13
2 Kings 19:14-16
Jeremiah 10:3-5
2 Corinthians 6:15-16
(All Scripture is from The Names of God Bible)
Worship Songs:
-          Soon and Very Soon (King)
-          Praise to the Lord, the Almighty (Lord, King)
-          Spirit of the Living God (Living God)
Prayer of Thanksgiving
children’s sermon
“We have a living and breathing God who is always there for us.
He answers us when we call. Our God is not dead…He surely alive…“
by Pastor Ruth
and sermon “Hello My Name is …El Chay”
 (in the bulletin as “Hello My Name is …El Chay / Living God”)
by Pastor Ruth Foss
Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church
Patten, ME
January 26, 2014
&
Sermon 3 of “What’s In A Name…”
Sermon Series on “The Sacred Names of God”
Names of God and Definitions from Sermon today:
-          El à God
-          Elohimà God
-          EloahàGod
Genesis 1:2-2:3
Deuteronomy 28:2-6
(All Scripture is from The Names of God Bible)
Offering – “I Will Bless the Lord”
Prayer of Thanksgiving
children’s sermon
-          “and God Created. . . “
by Pastor Ruth
Closing Song – “Friend of God”
and sermon “Hello My Name is …El, Elohim, and Eloah”
 (in the bulletin as “Hello My Name Is. . . God“)
by Pastor Ruth Foss
Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church
Patten, ME
January 19, 2014
&
Baptism of the Lord Sunday
(and a time to celebrate and remember our own baptism)
Sermon 2 of “What’s In A Name…”
Sermon Series on “The Sacred Names of God”
Names of God and Definitions from Sermon today:
-          Yeshua --> Jesus
-          Mashiach --> Christ, Messiah
Matthew 1:18-21
Psalm 2
Mark 1:14-20
Matthew 3:13-17
 (All Scripture is from The Names of God Bible)
Reception of new members
Offering – “The New 23rd
Prayer of Thanksgiving
children’s sermon
-          There is only One who can save us, Jesus, the one Savior
Closing Song – “The River Is Here”
and sermon “Hello My Name is …Yeshua/Mashiach”
(in the bulletin as “Hello My Name Is. . . Jesus, Christ, Messiah“)
by Pastor Ruth Foss
Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church
Patten, ME
January 12, 2014
&
Epiphany Sunday
Epiphany of the Lord Sunday
Sermon Series on “The Names of God”
Sermon 1 of “What’s In A Name…”
Names of God and Definitions from Sermon today:
-          Ha-Shem -> the Name
-          Ehyeh -> I Am
Exodus 3:13-14
Leviticus 24:10-16
 (All Scripture is from The Names of God Bible)
offering – worship your holy name
Prayer of Thanksgiving
children’s sermon
-          different names, different meaning – one person
-          many names for God, all one God
communion –
-          “Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus”
-          “Lord, You Are More Precious Than Silver”
and sermon “Our Many Faceted God”
(saved as “Hello My Name Is. . . “)
by Pastor Ruth Foss
Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church
Patten, ME
January 5, 2014

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 28,470+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

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