Day 34 - Our banner

Banners are big these days - I see banners outside of schools advertising their theme, special programs or anniversaries, or their mascot name.  Banners are seen painted on local transportation, hanging on business buildings, and military or coat of arms banners announce identification. 

Webster's dictionary defines a banner as the flag of a nation, state or army (usually has emblem that represents a belief or principle) and used as a standard or ensign - The standard is something established by authority, custom, or general consent as a model or example.  I highlighted those words because the name I share today:

Jehovah - Nissi - means The Lord Our Banner - and the original Hebrew defines banner as the standard and speaks of raising the standard as on the battlefield. One reference of the Banner is in Song of Solomon 2:4 "He has taken me to the banquet hall, and his banner over me is love." 

From these descriptors I  picture an army of believers from all nations, following an identifying banner in battle.  And then I imagine others seeing the banner and what or who we represent.  Christ is our Banner, because he alone has the authority to be the standard or model for us, but He is not like the wordly kings - His Banner over me is love!  After a most arduous day holding up his arms all day (I cannot even imagine doing that for a whole hour!) Exodus 17:15 tells us that Moses built an altar, and named it The LORD is My Banner.

Aren't some days like that?  Banner days!  After working with end-of-year reports and taxes, I just want to wave a banner that it's been conquered.  I often appreciate that I don't have an ever changing banner over me that advertises the mood, victory, or failure of the hour.  Especially earlier this evening. I came back frustrated from an empty meeting room (meeting was yesterday when I was out of town) and my dear hubby was enjoying a mini ice-cream bar with almonds on it.  I asked him to give me one, and of course he tried to remind me how sugar affects me, but I was in a mood and so when I hormonally requested that he 'hand one over or risk getting hurt' he said, ok, at your own risk, and lit out of the room.  Minutes later I was moaning in regret, and still have a nasty headache and stomachache.  If I wrote the banners it would say something like  Haven't you learned yet?  But Jehovah-Nissi gently reminds that His love does not depend on my behavior... adding next time, don't take your eyes off your Banner.

Breakfast:  Pink grapefruit and Blueberry coffee cake with yogurt

Lunch:   Rueben stack and Cajeta-Blueberry yogurt drink

Dinner:  Turkey breast - brocolli and carrots

Regret:  Mini HagenDaz almond crusted ice cream bar

Good thing I tried out the nice rebounder I got in Belgium yesterday.  Also did upper body workout on weight machine.