Sunday, June 01, 2014

sermon, "Hello My Name is El Shadday", by Pastor Ruth Foss, Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church, June 1, 2014

June 1, 2014
Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church
Sermon Series on “The Names of God”
Sermon 21 of series-
“The Sacred Names of God: El Shadday”
Genesis 17:1-2 Names of God Bible
1 Samuel 17:45-47 Names of God Bible
Ephesians 1:15-23 Common English Bible
  Spangler, Ann Praying the Names of God: A Daily Guide


“Hello My Name is. . . El Shadday”

Let us pray. . .  (Pray for God’s illumination of our hearts, minds and souls.)

1 Samuel 17:45-47 Names of God Bible
45 David told the Philistine, “You come to me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come to you in the name of the Yahweh Tsebaoth, the Elohim of the army of Israel, whom you have insulted. 46 Today Yahweh will hand you over to me. I will strike you down and cut off your head. And this day I will give the dead bodies of the Philistine army to the birds and the wild animals. The whole world will know that Israel has an Elohim. 47 Then everyone gathered here will know that Yahweh can save without sword or spear, because Yahweh determines every battle’s outcome. He will hand all of you over to us.”

As we continue our journey of learning about and praying in the Sacred Names of God, we have heard many names for God. . . names of strength, names of compassion, names of hope and of peace. There are a couple of names of God that make me think of His vast power. These names talk about how unsurpassed our God is. We have even sung to one of those names this morning. 
The other was said by David as he battled with the giant Goliath. These two names are El Shadday and Yahweh Tsebaoth. . . God Almighty and Lord of Host. . .  How awesome it is that our God is both of these and so much more.

Ann Spangler in the Praying the Names of God: A Daily Guide states that:
“The Lord of Hosts is a title that emphasizes God’s rule over every of “the host of heaven,” it is usually speaking of celestial bodies, though the phrase can also refer to angelic beings. The word “host” can also refer to human beings and to nature itself. When you pray to Yahweh Tsebaoth, you are praying to a God so magnificent that all creation serves his purposes.
Yahweh Tsebaoth (yah-WEH tse-ba-OATH) is a title of great power. It occurs more than 240 times in the Hebrew Scriptures, reminding us that all of creation, even in its fallen condition, is under God’s rule and reign. At times Scripture speaks of the Lord of Hosts leading a great army. Cherubim and seraphim; sun and moon; stars and sky; rivers and mountains; hail and snow; men and women; animals, wild and tame— all these worship the Lord and are at times called to fight on his behalf.”

Wow. . . everything. . . everything. . . in Heaven and on earth bows down to the Lord of Hosts to our powerful and mighty God. Nothing can  stand beneath His power. What a mighty God we truly do serve. . .

And we have the name El Shadday. . . God almighty! (I personally love this name of God. It reminds me of the Great and Awesomeness of the God I serve. It gives me hope when It seems as if there is no way out. It  gives me peace on those nights when I may be worrying about the next day. It gives me joy in knowing that my God bring me through whatever comes my way and we will have victory together. . . )

Ann Spangler talks about El Shadday in stating that:
“God revealed himself as El Shadday, God Almighty, to Abram and told him of the everlasting covenant he was establishing with him and with his descendants. Until the time of Moses, when another divine name was revealed, the patriarchs considered El Shadday the covenant name of God. When we pray to El Shadday, we invoke the name of the one for whom nothing is impossible.

The Hebrew El Shadday (EL shad-DAI), often translated “God Almighty,” may literally be translated “God, the Mountain One.” Since many of the gods of the ancient Near East were associated with mountains, early translators may have made an educated guess regarding its meaning. Like the mountains themselves, God is seen as strong and unchanging. El Shadday reveals God not only as the one who creates and maintains the universe but who initiates and maintains a covenant with his people.”

Our awesome, strong, God maintains His covenant. . . He stands strong. . . even if we do not at times, even if we turn away, even if we are frail and weak, our God is as strong as the mountains in which He created. . .

I would like to read to you another piece of Scripture that talks about. . . tells how. . . awesomely powerful our God is. The scripture talks about his powerfully of God’s power. . . so to speak. It is found in Ephesians chapter 1 verse 15-23. Listen to how Paul explains God’s power to the people of Ephesus. . .

“Ephesians 1:15-23 Common English Bible (CEB). . .
Paul’s prayer for the Ephesians
15 Since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all God’s people, this is the reason that 16 I don’t stop giving thanks to God for you when I remember you in my prayers. 17 I pray that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, will give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation that makes God known to you. 18 I pray that the eyes of your heart will have enough light to see what is the hope of God’s call, what is the richness of God’s glorious inheritance among believers, 19 and what is the overwhelming greatness of God’s power that is working among us believers. This power is conferred by the energy of God’s powerful strength. 20 God’s power was at work in Christ when God raised him from the dead and sat him at God’s right side in the heavens, 21 far above every ruler and authority and power and angelic power, any power that might be named not only now but in the future. 22 God put everything under Christ’s feet and made him head of everything in the church, 23 which is his body. His body, the church, is the fullness of Christ, who fills everything in every way.”

Our God is all powerful. . . but what kind of power is it?
1.     It is power above every earthly or heavenly power – There is nothing that is above His power and grace. . . no situation. . . no battle we fight. . . no worry we have. . . no addiction. . . no. . . fill in the blank. . .  is above Him. He is El Shadday. . . He is  Yahweh Tsebaoth and nothing or no one can change that fact. . .
2.     It is power in us who believe – verse 19 tells us that God’s power is work among and in us. . . the power of that piece of the divine in us that works in and through the Spirit that God has gifted us with. What power and might God could work in us and through us if we would believe. . . trust and obey.
3.     It is power for us who trust in Him - What mighty things God has in store for His children if we would but open the gift of the cross and all that comes along with it. Some people have accepted the gift and never open it. . . others may have accepted the gift and opened it but have just put it aside. . . while others have opened the gift and hold on to it so tight and are afraid that if they share it they will lose it. This power from God is a gift that never stops giving. . . never runs out. . . think about that. . . maybe we, as Christians, need to release God’s power in order to see God’s glory. . . just saying. . .
4.     It is power channeled through and for the church – verse 22 and 23 kind of says it all. It is power given to the church to “go out and make disciples”. . . given to be the hands and feet of Christ..given to be that healing for the broken, batter and torn. . . it is given to be that light in the dark chaos of the world in which we live. . .  It is not something that is squandered or hidden away. So many people seem to forget that fact. Think about it. A candle cannot be put in a box and be expected to continue to burn. After a while it will go out. . . lack of oxygen. It is the same with the gift of power of the Holy Spirit. If we keep it in a box. . . if we keep it in our church building. . . if we keep it to ourselves. . . eventually is will go out for the lack of air. This gift from God is a moving and breath thing (the breath of God) and it needs air. . . it needs to be set free to flow where God needs it to flow. . . to those who have been stifled by the breath of sin and death. It is the power of God within us. . . maybe. . . as Christians. . . we should not be so power hungry. . . .maybe we shouldn’t be asking for more power within the church if we don’t plan to use it. . . then again perhaps if we decide to use our power for good and not . . . .

Beloved church of Christ, body of Christ, you who are the fullness of Christ, we have a mighty and strong God who created all things. . . is within all things and is above all things. How awesome is that. . . but even more awesome is the fact that this same Almighty God El Shadday. . .  is the same as He was yesterday. . . is today and will be in the days to come. . . and is full of power that He wants to share with us today. How will you use the power that is given to all who believe? We serve Yahweh Tsebaoth. . . the Lord of Hosts,  how will we honor His call on our lives? Will we be the “powerhouse” church or will be the “powered down” church for God? Only you and I can answer that question but perhaps if we, as the body of Christ, would work together to blow a gale force wind of God’s power, maybe then we would see all those false gods. . . those false temples that humanity has erected, come tumbling down. . . Maybe. . . just maybe. . . perhaps we would. . .

Let us pray. . .  
El Shadday, God Almighty, thank you for your great and awesome power. You never grow weary, You never give up, and You always do what you promise no matter what. Help us today to stop running after the security that the world offers, and to start running after your kingdom instead. Reign over us. Use us. Make us single-hearted, intent on one thing, pursuing your will. Yahweh Tsebaoth, LORD of Armies, please calm our fear and anxiety. You know everything that is going on in our lives right now. Please stretch out your hands to save us, and help us to rest in the knowledge that you are with us even in the most frightening of circumstances so that we may move forward in your power and might.
( (2011-09-01). Names of God Bible (with direct verse lookup), The (p. 30). Baker Publishing Group. Kindle Edition.)

Amen!

June 1, 2014
Sermon 21 of “What’s In A Name…”
Sermon Series on “The Sacred Names of God”
Genesis 17:1-2 (Names of God Bible)
1 Samuel 17:45-47 (Names of God Bible)
Ephesians 1:15-23 (Common English Bible)
Spangler, Ann: Praying the Names of God: A Daily Guide
Names of God and Definitions from Sermon today:
-        El Shadday, Yahweh Tsebaoth  à Almighty God, the Lord of Hosts
children’s message
-          We can defeat our giants,
in the strength God gives us
by Pastor Ruth Foss
hymns
-          Let Everything that Has Breath
-          My Life Is in You
-          I Exalt Thee
-          Agnes Dei
-          El Shaddai (offering)
-          Come Into the Holy of Holies (Communion)
-          Holy and Annointed One (Communion)
-          Strong Name of Jesus
and sermon “Hello My Name is . . . El Shadday”

by Pastor Ruth Foss
sermon blog
meditation blog
“God’s Whisper” blog
Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church
Patten, ME
June 1, 2014
&
Sermon 20 of Sermon Series on “The Sacred Names of God”
1 Peter 3:13-22 (CEB)
Acts 17:22-31 (CEB)
Sirach 34:19-20 (CEB)
Names of God and Definitions from Sermon today:
-        Yahweh Ropheka  à the Lord Who Heals
children’s message
-          When we are sick,
God is our Healer
by Pastor Ruth Foss
and sermon “Hello My Name is . . . Yahweh Rophekah”
by Pastor Ruth Foss
Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church
May 25, 2014
&
Sermon 19 of Sermon Series on “The Sacred Names of God”
Psalm 23 (King James Version)
Names of God and Definitions from Sermon today:
-        Yahweh Roi and Yahweh Shammah  à
 the Lord is my Shepherd and the Lord is there
children’s message
-          God takes care of His children
by Pastor Ruth Foss
and sermon “Hello My Name is . . . Yahweh Roi/ Yahweh Shammah”
May 18, 2014
&
Sermon 18 of Sermon Series on “The Sacred Names of God”
Nehemiah 1:5 (English Standard Version)
Isaiah 35:1-2 (The Message Bible)
Deuteronomy 7:21 (English Standard Version)
John 4:7-15 (The Message) (MSG)
Names of God and Definitions from Sermon today:
-          El Hannora à Awesome God
children’s message by Ellen Dickinson – Amen and Bow Wow!
and sermon “Hello My Name is . . . El Hannora”
May 11, 2014
&
Sermon 17 of Sermon Series on “The Sacred Names of God”
Exodus 34:10-14 NIV Bible
Deuteronomy 4:23-24 NIV Bible
1 John 3:1-7 Common English Bible
Names of God and Definitions from Sermon today:
-          El Kanna à Jealous God
children’s message
and sermon “Hello My Name is . . . El Kanna”
May 4, 2014
&
Sermon 16 of Sermon Series on “The Sacred Names of God”
Genesis 21:1-21 (The Message Bible)
Acts 4:32-35 (The Message Bible)
Psalm 139
Names of God and Definitions from Sermon today:
-          El Roi à God watches over us
children’s message
and sermon “Hello My Name is . . . El Roi”
April 27, 2014
&
Easter Sunday
Sermon 15 of Sermon Series on “The Sacred Names of God”
Jeremiah 23:5-6 (GODs Word Translation)
Jeremiah 31:33 (GODs Word Translation)
Matthew 28:1-10 (English Standard Version)
Names of God and Definitions from Sermon today:
-          Yahweh Tsidqenu à The Lord Our Righteousness
and sermon “Hello My Name is . . . Yahweh Tsidqenu”
April 20, 2014
&
Palm Sunday
Sermon 14 of Sermon Series on “The Sacred Names of God”
Isaiah 53:7-12 (The Message)
Isaiah 50:4-9a
Matthew 20:26-27
(Matthew 21:1-11)
Names of God and Definitions from Sermon today:
-          Ish Makaboth à Man of Sorrows
song and sacred dance by Erica Berberena
to “Hosanna” by Kirk Franklin
and sermon “Hello My Name is . . . Ish Makaboth”
April 13, 2014
&
Fifth Sunday in Lent
Sermon 13 of Sermon Series on “The Sacred Names of God”
Psalm 94:2-15 (Living Bible)(TLB)
Ezekiel 37:1-14 (The Message Bible)
Names of God and Definitions from Sermon today:
-          Shopet à Judge
and sermon “Hello My Name is . . . Shopet”
April 6, 2014
&
Fourth Sunday in Lent
Sermon 12 of Sermon Series on “The Sacred Names of God”
Isaiah 53:1-9 (The Message)
“The Suffering Servant”
1 Samuel 16:1-13
“God Looks into the Heart”
Names of God and Definitions from Sermon today:
-          Ebed Yahweh à Servant of God
and sermon “Hello My Name is . . . Ebed Yahweh”
March 30, 2014
&
Third Sunday in Lent
reading of poem, “Lent”
by Ann Weems
from her book, Kneeling in Jerusalem
Sermon 11 of Sermon Series on “The Sacred Names of God”
Psalm 31:1-5 (Names of God bible)
John 13:12-17 (GOD’S WORD Translation)
(John 20:16 – in the garden)
Names of God and Definitions from Sermon today:
-          Rabbouni/ El Emet à Teacher/God of Truth
children’s sermon by Regina Goode about Johnny Appleseed
and sermon “Hello My Name is . . . Rabbouni/El Emet”
March 23, 2014
&
Second Sunday in Lent
Sermon 10 of Sermon Series on “The Sacred Names of God”
Psalm 121
John 3:1-17 (not read)
Names of God and Definitions from Sermon today:
-          Yahweh/Yahweh Yireh (ya-WEH yir-EH)à The Lord will supply
Prayers of the People by Ray Foss
children’s sermon by Kelly Curtis
-          Mark 1:12-13 – story about Lent and waiting
and sermon “Hello My Name is . . . Yahweh”
March 16, 2014
&
First Sunday in Lent
Sermon 9 of 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
Names of God and Definitions from Sermon today:
-          Go’el (go’EL)à Redeemer
Opening Prayer
children’s sermon
-          Why are You Sad?
and sermon “Our Redeemer Lives”
by Raymond A. Foss
filling in for Pastor Ruth Foss
Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church
March 9, 2014
&
Transfiguration Sunday
Sermon 8 of Sermon Series on “The Sacred Names of God”
Psalm 46
Names of God and Definitions from Sermon today:
-          El Olam (EL o-LAM)à Everlasting/Eternal God
and sermon “Hello My Name El Olam”
by Ellen Alward Dickinson
Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church
March 2, 2014
&
Sermon 7 of 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)
Names of God and Definitions from Sermon today:
-          El Elyon (EL el-YOHN)à God Most High
children’s sermon, “God Rocks!”
by Pastor Ruth Foss
and sermon ““Hello My Name El Elyon”
February 23, 2014
&
Sermon 6 of 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
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”
February 9, 2014
&
Sermon 5 of 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
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 Foss
and sermon “Hello My Name Adonay”
February 2, 2014
&
Sermon 4 of 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
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”
January 26, 2014
&
Sermon 3 of 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
children’s sermon
-          “and God Created. . . “
by Pastor Ruth
and sermon “Hello My Name is …El, Elohim, and Eloah”
January 19, 2014
&
Baptism of the Lord Sunday
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
children’s sermon
-          There is only One who can save us, Jesus, the one Savior
and sermon “Hello My Name is …Yeshua/Mashiach”
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)
children’s sermon - different names, different meaning – one person; many names for God, all one God
and sermon “Our Many Faceted God”
by Pastor Ruth Foss
Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church
Patten, ME
January 5, 2014

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