Today's focus - Jehovah/Yahweh - The first thought on reading this is to ask if I am applying all my heart, soul, and might to the glory of the Lord with this resolution. Yet that seems in conflict with my personal knowledge that things done (only) in "my" might or strength have not succeeded. A little investigation of the original Hebrew meaning has enlightened and encouraged me further.
Jehovah / Yahweh - LORD (all capital letters) – the covenant name of God – The existing one - The self-existent one. I AM who I AM.Deuteronomy 6:4-5 – “Hear O Israel, The LORD is our God, the LORD is one! And you shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might."
The heart in the original language refers to the center of my being - the will, the emotions, the intellect. The soul definition surprised me - in addition to divine inspiration or breath of life it listed reputation. Does my reputation reveal my soul? Scary thought.
LORD - the covenant name of God is a good reminder that He does not change. I may be moody - but God never will be. I may be stronger some days than others - God is consistently always the same - mighty and powerful. Other verses that speak of God's might explain it as a permanent part of His character. It is part of who He is.
Might in relation to people, as in this verse, has a different definition - it refers to all of my resources, armies, abilities, wealth, strengths
That leads me to examine what armies or resources I have available to me... what abilities, wealth and strengths God has given me and if I am loving God with those talents and gifts. Through Christ I have access to His MIGHT and strength - access that is available through His word, and through prayer. I have the gift of retirement and a wealth of time compared to what I had when I was "traditionally employed" full-time. I also have good health and a fairly quick mind. Through Strength Finder 2.0 I've been able to identify personality traits and spiritual gifts and talents that can be built up and utilized to God's glory (rather than focus on weaknesses).
Now to apply these to A Year at the Lord's Table as to the rest of my life is that if I truly focus the center of my being - my will, my emotions, the intellect on the might that is available to me In Christ, I see a promise rather than a command that I shall see His fulfillment in my life and have a reputation of one who loves the Lord. An exciting way to begin the second month of my adventure.
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