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It’s important to study Jesus’ names and why knowing His names helps us in prayer. This month’s name study is from Exodus 3: I AM WHO I AM. Verse 14
Let’s begin with a little quiz.

1.    What do you believe is life’s single most important question?

2.    When Moses stood before the burning bush and received God’s orders to lead his people out of Egypt he asked “the angel of the Lord” in the burning bush what he should tell them God’s name is. Exodus 3:13 The Lord answered, “I AM WHO I AM”. Verse 14 Why did God reply with such a strange name?

How did you answer those two questions?

This is what I believe:

1.    Life’s most important question is, “Jesus, are You the only Savior, are You sufficient to meet my needs?”

2.    When Moses asked the Lord, “What is Your name,” he was really asking, “Lord, are You sufficient to meet my needs if I obey You and trust You as Savior?” Moses’ unspoken question is everyone’s most troubling life question. The Lord answered Moses’ unspoken question with his name, “I AM.” God was saying, “I AM Sufficient Savior. I AM able to meet all your needs.”

“I AM” is present tense. Jesus is our ever-present God. He is I AM of the past, I AM of the present, I AM of the future.

The Hebrew of I AM THAT I AM is “Eheyeh asher Eheyeh…I am the Self-existent One; the Eternal, the One who always has been and always will be…the Ever-present and Living One. It is equivalent to Jehovah the Eternal.” (Dake’s Annotated Reference Bible, p 67, Exodus 3:14.  )

How is knowing God’s name helpful in prayer? The Bible says:

•     “Those who know your name will trust in you…” (Psalm 9:10).

•    “And I will do (God Himself will grant) whatever you ask in My Name (as presenting all that I AM), so that the Father may be glorified and extolled in (through) the Son” (John 14:13 Amplified).

•    “…the people who know their God shall prove themselves strong and shall stand firm and do exploits for God” (Daniel 11:33 Amplified).

When we know God we trust him. Trust produces faith that depends on God. Faith releases obedience that does “exploits”.

“God’s name is His self-revelation.” (Charles Endicott, A Bible Commentary) His names identify His character and attributes. To pray a particular name is to access the sufficiency of that character trait. Faith believes, dependent on God’s name and obtains the answer.

In knowing God’s name and authority Moses found his own identity and authority. He went from herding sheep to mighty leader when he yielded to I AM. God always releases authority to those who bow to his authority.

Are we willing to know God by name and own our true identity and destiny as intercessors and servants? If we will bow to I AM as Moses did and obey God he will empower us with authority – with stunning results. Exploits will be ours! And glory will be His!

See the names of God

Questions: Do you believe God is sufficient to meet all your needs? Why is it important to know the names of God? How does that help you in your prayer life?

About the Author Petey Prater

Daily audio podcast: A second daily devotional, My Body is About Him, today on the Men’s Devotional Blog

Do you remember Sodom and Gomorrah, the wicked cities which God destroyed in Abraham’s time? (Genesis 18:16 – 19:29) Although most people today may not know the story of how God told Abraham His plan to destroy the city, how Abraham bartered with God to spare the city if ten righteous people could be found there, and how God rescued Lot and his family before completely destroying it, yet the name Sodom has become synonymous with evil.

Therefore, it is interesting to hear what Ezekiel chose to record in his warning to the Israelites.

“Now this was the sin of your sister Sodom: She and her daughters were arrogant, overfed and unconcerned; they did not help the poor and needy. They were haughty and did detestable things before me. Therefore I did away with them as you have seen” (Ezekiel 16:49, 50).

They were arrogant.
They were overfed.
They were unconcerned.
They did not help the poor and needy.

Does that not sound like us?

Oft times we are proud; unconcerned with God’s holiness or His authority; we are accustomed to comfort; we think we deserve luxury; in our busyness we neglect the ministry of mercy toward the outcast and downtrodden.

Because of its sin, Sodom was wiped off the face of the earth when God rained down burning sulfur on it (Genesis 19:24). Let us take heed and not imagine that their sins were more detestable than our own.

Let us be humble, self-controlled, concerned about God and our fellow man, let us help the poor in our family, our community and the world.

Holy God, You alone are righteous. Forgive our complacency and our pride. Help us to humble ourselves before You and do what is right. Amen.

Questions: Why is it easy to think our sins are minor? Why is arrogance so detestable to God?

About the Author Suzanne Benner

Daily audio podcast: A second daily devotional, God’s Command, today on the Men’s Devotional Blog

Join us for our Daily Devotional Chat today in our Women’s Chatroom at 10:30 am EDT.

His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever He tells you” (John 2:5).

Read: John 2:1-11

The guests were seated in the sanctuary at my niece’s wedding, but her parents paced in the lobby. Where is the caterer? They wondered. Finally, the caterer rushed in with armloads of food, and the bride’s parents sighed with relief. The wedding march began, and the radiant bride and her father walked down the aisle.

After the recessional, I was among the first ushered into the reception hall where I saw empty buffet tables. I hurried into the kitchen and found a harried caterer stuffing deviled eggs. Much of the food wasn’t ready! The church ladies and I quickly helped as directed, and soon the tables were laden with gourmet appetizers, breads, and sweets. The guests raved about the wonderful reception, unaware of the chaos behind the scene.

In John 2, we read about another wedding mishap. In Cana of Galilee, the wine supply ran out, a serious matter in those days. Jesus’ mother knew her Son could solve the problem and asked Him for help. Then she told the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.”

The Lord’s instructions probably seemed strange to the servants, but they filled six large stone jars with water and then brought the chief steward a sample. When he tasted the water-turned-to-wine, he marveled to the bridegroom, “You have kept the good wine until now” (v. 10).

Just as Jesus, the Living Water, has the power to change water into wine, He has the power to transform any crisis we face. We only need to ask for His help, then do what He says. The outcome may surprise us!

Heavenly Father, help me to instinctively bring You my problems. Then give me an obedient heart to do what You say, knowing You’ll work for my good.

Questions: Have you faced a chaotic situation where Jesus showed up big time when you asked Him for help? What would you like Jesus to do for you but hesitate to ask? Why?

About the Author Lydia Harris

Daily audio podcast: A second daily devotional, God Relates to Man, today on the Men’s Devotional Blog

Join us for our Daily Devotional Chat today in our Women’s Chatroom at 10:30 am EDT.

“But when the Holy Spirit controls our lives, he will produce this kind of fruit in us: love, joy peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control”  (Galatians 5:22, 23 NLT).

During springtime when we see the daffodils and tulips blooming we often think of preparing our gardens. I grew up on a farm in the Midwest and we always had a garden to raise our potatoes and vegetables. As I was thinking about sowing seeds in the garden I was reminded of the fruit of the spirit in Galatians 5:22, 23.

The seed for the fruit of the spirit is sown in our hearts when we invite Jesus Christ into our hearts. Frequent reading and meditating on God’s Word will water the seed for it to sprout.

Are you watering and nourishing your heart with God’s Word?

During this time the sun, Jesus the Son of God must warm our hearts for the plant to grow. The seed often needs to be fertilized with a Bible study, small group, and church attendance in addition to reading God’s Word. The fellowship and sharing with other believers can stimulate our spiritual growth.

Are you attending a church or Bible study where God’s Word can stimulate spiritual growth in your life?

To produce a good harvest lots of weeding and pruning needs to take place. Weeding and pruning isn’t easy, fun, or convenient however, it has to be done to produce a good crop. Our enemy the evil one sows the weeds. He wants to distract us with weeds of busyness, selfish desires, struggling relationships in our families or at work, depression, or health issues. We may need to do some weeding and pruning by making choices. Daily we have to make choices to place God as a priority, submit to His Word, and obey Him so we can place ourselves in a position to hear God’s voice. Whether the decisions are big or little, they can be painful for a time.

What is the enemy using to distract you from developing an intimate relationship with the Lord?

If we have invited Jesus Christ into our hearts, the Holy Spirit dwells within our hearts. He is waiting for us to ask Him to come along side to help us with the weeding and pruning in our lives.

Are you experiencing freedom from sin and in a position to hear God speaking to you?

For a productive harvest, the seed must be sown in good soil, watered with God’s Word, warmed with His love, fertilized, weeded, and pruned. Then the fruit of the spirit will flow from our hearts to those we meet each day. The fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

Let’s show God’s love to others so the soil of their hearts will be prepared when presented with an opportunity to invite Jesus Christ into their lives.

Dear Father, I pray the soil of my heart will be watered with Your Word, warmed with your sunshine and fertilized with the fellowship of other believers. Show me the baggage I need to weed and prune from my heart so I will hear your voice more clearly. Help me to experience your love and peace when I need weeding and pruning in my spiritual life.
Show me how I can prepare the soil of the hearts of others by showing them your love.

Questions: Are you able to take the time to listen to God speaking to you? What is the enemy using to distract you from developing an intimate relationship with the Lord?

About the Author Lillian Penner

Daily audio podcast: A second daily devotional, Three Benefits of Good News, today on the Men’s Devotional Blog

“Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account” (Hebrews 4:13).

When I saw the caller id on my cell phone as the “Capitol Police,” of course I answered. “Mr. Grant, this is Sergeant Walker, and I am holding your driver’s license in my hand.” “No,” I said that couldn’t be, as I knew it was in my money clip, but when I looked sure enough, it was missing. He told me which entrance to the capitol he was calling from and I told him I would be right there.

I still don’t know how it slipped out of my pocket, but the bigger mystery was how they found out my cell phone number, so I asked. Sergeant Walker responded by telling me that they have a gigantic computer that probably has more information about me than I know about myself. Scary, isn’t it?

As I walked down the hall, those words “more than I know about myself” kept ringing in my ears. There’s a spiritual parallel here. God knows me better than I could ever know myself.  He loves me and created me even knowing everything that I would ever do. God knows me completely inside and out.  He knows every detail, far beyond my ability to understand.

Everyone has some knowledge, but only God has all knowledge. Everyone is present somewhere at any given moment, but only God can be present absolutely everywhere at every given moment.  Every person has some power, but only God has unlimited power.

He knows all about us just as the painter knows his painting. Psalm 139 is so clear as the author celebrates God’s perfect knowledge of man’s thoughts and actions, and the reason of this wonderful knowledge, namely, that God is the Maker of man,,,, He knows me! Nothing I say or do or go or think can be hidden from Him.

David lays down this great doctrine in Psalm 139, that the God with whom we have to do has a perfect knowledge of us, and that all the motions and actions both of our inward and of our outward man are naked and open before Him.

Now, that’s a word picture if ever I have heard one……..naked before God. So maybe I need to be a little more careful what I think, say or do, because God knows and sees it all.
(a thought on life from John Grant)

Questions: What is your relationship with God really like? How does knowing that God knows everything about you change the way you live day to day?

About the Author John Grant

Daily audio podcast: A second daily devotional, Mighty Weapons, today on the Men’s Devotional Blog

“That’s because it belongs to you, and you alone,” I answered.

Have you ever thought about that?  You have a shadow that belongs exclusively to you.  When a light is shining from somewhere, your shadow falls on something–the ground, a wall, a stairway…or maybe a child.

If you stand perfectly still, your shadow does too.  If you move, the shadow moves.  If the light moves, the shadow also moves.  And if there are two lights behind you, then you have two shadows.

After the Apostle Peter healed a lame man through the power of Jesus Christ, the people in Jerusalem were greatly impressed.  The Bible says, “Nevertheless, more and more men and women believed in the Lord and were added to their number.  As a result, people brought the sick into the streets and laid them on beds and mats so that at least Peter’s shadow might fall on some of them as he passed by” (Acts 5:14-15).

Since Peter was living and witnessing in the power of the Lord, he was thought to cast a beneficial, healing shadow.  Whether this was true or not, the Bible doesn’t say.  But it certainly is true that the shadow our lives cast on others affects them.

In some cases one’s shadow might fall on someone who is trying to read, and thus keep him from seeing.  In order for him to see, that person has to move and let the light flood in.

So it may be that the shadow of a professing Christian’s life is keeping people from seeing the light concerning salvation or living for Christ.  They may be blinded to the wonderful truths of God by the dark shadow that person casts.  How important then is it that we who are parents, church leaders, and among those who teach children and young people God’s Holy Word move the “I” part of ourselves out of the way so that all those who know us or are under our influence may see the light of Jesus Christ shine in and through us and all we do and say!

When we reckon ourselves dead to sin and alive to Christ, then His Spirit can fill us and His love can shine forth in various ways to others, in kindness, compassion and sensitivity.  I can remember a Sunday School teacher who made that impression on me; she was a light to me and my young life.

My mother used to say about my younger brother, “I have a little shadow; it goes everywhere with me.”  Even so, at our church and in our families and neighborhoods we have young “shadows” who look up to us for an example, who may follow our way of life if it is a good one.

We are all just sojourners in this world; yet on the basis of our short earthly lives is decided the rewards we will enjoy for eternity, based in part on the shadows we cast.

Questions: How is your shadow affecting the lives of others around you? Is your shadow keeping someone from seeing the Light?

About the Author Muriel Larson

Daily audio podcast: A second daily devotional, My Message is About Him, today on the Men’s Devotional Blog

Join us for our Daily Devotional Chat today in our Women’s Chatroom at 10:30 am EDT.

“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus”  (1 Thessalonians 5:16-17).

While we want to be people of prayer, many of us find it difficult to keep our oft-repeated promise: “I’ll be praying for you.” The more disciplined among us maintain a prayer list or notebook and faithfully record both requests and answers. Unfortunately, the practice of prayer is one that frequently slips through the cracks of our busy lives.

Recently a friend wrote that every time she breaks an egg into a frying pan, she recalls a bit of egg-cooking advice I gave her over 50 years ago…and she prays for me! That simple prayer reminder spurred me to creative thinking about my own prayer life. While I take time daily to be quiet with God, pray for friends and family and urgent needs that have come to my attention, perhaps it is also time to use my friend’s “egg method.”

When I fold clothes fresh from the dryer, I often think about my elderly friend, June, who meticulously folded every item of clothing and linen when we stayed in her home. Ah, a perfect time to bring her now frail body before the Great Physician. Many years ago another friend gave me a timesaving hint about ironing shirts—now I pray for this friend as my iron glides over my husband’s shirts. The newspaper becomes another prayer journal. As I read of rebel attacks, over-populated refugee camps, natural disasters in far off countries, I bring these people to the only true peacemaker.

I am making it a habit to slowly and carefully look at the pictures of a woman living under a ragged canvas tarp or a child listlessly leaning on his mother’s shoulder. Bob Pierce, the founder of World Vision, wrote these words inside the cover of his Bible: “Let my heart be broken by the things that break the heart of God.”

Whether everyday acts that remind us of friends, or news reports of needs far too vast for me to imagine their solutions, God has called me to be a person of prayer.

Jesus, I imagine You not only getting away to mountainsides for private conversations with the God of the universe, but also maintaining a daily “prayer” dialogue with the One you loved. Help me do the same.

Questions: What “prayer prompts” do you use?  How do these help you stay in relationship with God?

About the Author Marilyn Ehle

Daily audio podcast: A second daily devotional, What Will I Be Remembered For?, today on the Men’s Devotional Blog

Join us for our Daily Devotional Chat today in our Women’s Chatroom at 10:30 am EDT.

Jesus declared, “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener… you are the branches” (John 15:1, 5 NIV).

The word true means legitimate, original, faithful (Webster’s dictionary). Jesus, Son of God, is the true Root of Jesse (true Vine of Jesse) (Isaiah 11:10 NIV). His disciples are branches supported by The Root, bearing spiritual fruit under the careful hand of Father God, the gardener.

In a vineyard, branches grow only from the main grapevine, never from another branch. After harvest, fruit bearing branches are pruned back to within an inch or two of the trunk. There, they abide in the main vine for most of the year as the trunk grows around them. Next harvest season they grow out rapidly and bear new fruit.

Sap circulates through the vine into the branches. It contains every nutrient needed for quality fruit bearing. So that sap is not wasted, non-fruit bearing branches are cut off and cast into the fire. The only goal of the vinedresser is abundant, superior fruit.

Evidence that each branch is attached to the vine is much fruit. No root, no fruit. Dependence is the key to fruit bearing. Even Jesus, the Son, was dependent on the Father. “By Myself I can do nothing….” (John 5:30 NIV).

Vine branches creep or crawl and need support. As Jesus is dependent on the Father, so I, as branch, am dependent on Jesus the Vine. Apart from Jesus I can do nothing. I must abide in Jesus to have eternal life and fruit in Him. To abide is to stay, remain stable, wait for patiently, suffer for, endure (Webster’s dictionary).

Pruning is a normal process in the vineyard. “He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful”  (John 15: 2 NIV).

As Jesus, the True Vine, conformed to the will of His Father, the Gardener, so must I conform to Jesus’ will. As Jesus obeyed, in full dependence and devotion; so must I.

Joined with Jesus “the relation intimate and organic, the harvest is sure to be abundant. Separated, you can’t produce a thing … I chose you, and put you in the world to bear fruit, fruit that won’t spoil. As fruit bearers, whatever you ask the Father in relation to me, He gives you” (John 15, The Message).

“Whatever you ask … He gives you.” What a promise! What fruit do you long to see produced through your life and prayers? Ask and you will receive. He promises.

You have not chosen Me,
but I have chosen you and
I have appointed you
I have planted you,
That you might go and bear fruit and
keep on bearing,
and that your fruit may be lasting
that it may remain, abide,
so that whatever you ask the Father
in My Name
as presenting all that I AM,
He may give it to you.
(John 15:16 AMPL)

Live in Jesus, the True Vine.  Intimate union with I AM produces Prayer Power, eternal life and lasting fruit.

Questions: Please comment on the phrase, “I have planted you, that you might go and bear fruit and keep on bearing …”.  What fruit are you longing to see produced in your life?

About the Author Petey Prater

Daily audio podcast: A second daily devotional, Thinking Like a Servant, today on the Men’s Devotional Blog

“But godliness with contentment is great gain” (1. Timothy 6:6).

The telemarketer was trying to convince me that the product he was trying to sell me would greatly improve my life.

“Thank you,” I said. “But I have everything I need to be happy.”

“Wonderful!” he said and hung up. It works every time! Try it!

But really, I wasn’t just joking. When I think of where I’ve come from and where I’m now, my heart is overflowing with gratitude. Let me tell you what I mean.

A few decades ago, my mother came to Canada as a war widow with four small children and a huge travel debt. She worked as a farmhand, a cleaning maid, and in a cannery until the day she turned 65. In time she had paid off all her debts, even the mortgage on her own home. Moreover, each of us children were able to pursue post secondary education and land good jobs: two of my siblings as teachers, a sister in secretarial work, and I as a nurse. In time we married and had our own families. Our children have also been able to realize their God-given dreams: some as doctors, teachers, missionaries and proud parents.

“Would your children have done as well had you stayed in Germany?” my aunt wondered. I don’t think so. Canada is indeed the land of opportunity.

But the greatest blessing of all is the fact that in Canada we enjoy religious freedom. In Ukraine under communism my parents and grandparents attended secretive meetings in a barn. To own a Bible or to go to church was a crime punishable by death or deportation to Siberia. But here in Canada we can still worship freely in whatever church we please.

And that is why when I see a Canadian Maple Leaf unfurled in the wind or hear the majestic sound of our Canadian anthem, my heart swells within me and tears come to my eyes. I’m eternally grateful for being able to call Canada my home.

And yes, I do have everything I need to be truly happy.

On this Canada Day let us thank God for our country and spend some time in prayer for our leaders using the words of 2 Chronicles 7:14: “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” (2 Chronicles 7:14)

NB: To buy a copy of Lead, Kindly Light, our family’s story, go to my web page: www.helenlescheid.com

Questions: Today, let’s take the time to thank God for all the blessings that He has bestowed upon us.

About the Author Helen Grace Lescheid

Daily audio podcast: A second daily devotional, Fellowship with God, today on the Men’s Devotional Blog

Join us for our Daily Devotional Chat today in our Women’s Chatroom at 10:30 am EDT.

The LORD came and stood there, calling as at the other times, “Samuel! Samuel!”

“Then Samuel said speak for your servant is listening” (1Samuel 3:10).

Have you taken time today to do just that with God’s Word?

Or let me back up a bit and ask the first question that comes to mind.

As you meet with the Lord, do you pray and ask Him to speak to you through His Word, to teach you, to reveal to you what it is He wants you to understand?

Do you come with an open heart and listening ears?

You see, we often come bounding into our devotional time with the text or chapters at hand and read through them, check off that we’ve completed our “to do” list, and we’re done with our scripture reading and “quiet time” for the day.  Then we continue on our merry way without benefit of having that Word, that truth, poured into our beings.

So, may I offer these suggestions?

Open the Word and your journal.  Read a portion of scripture, perchance it will be only a verse or two.  My greatest times of understanding have come in chewing over tiny morsels of God’s truth in my thinking time. Take some time to be still as you consider the Word, ponder its truth, mull over its meaning and reflect on its application in your life.  Ask God to reveal to you all He would have you understand. Use one of these as a heading to your journal:

God, what to you want me to know today?

What are You saying today?

What are You speaking to me?

What things have I learned?

Lord, what do you want to reveal to me today?

In what way should I apply this to my life today?

Then, write out the verses in your journal as you continue to inquire of God His help in your comprehension.

Consider, ponder, mull over, reflect….write back to Him what He shares with you.

May the gems of God’s truth shine in your hearts and reflect who the Lord is as you bring them to mind and apply them to your lives.

Lord, unstop our ears to hear You. Open our eyes to see You more clearly today.  Help our mind be keen and clear to drink in the Truth of who You are and what You would have us know and understand.  We give you our hearts today, open willing vessels to take in what You teach and use it for Your glory.

Questions: How do you generally spend your quiet time? Do you come with an open heart and listening ears?

About the Author Nancy O’Bosky

Daily audio podcast: A second daily devotional, A Passion to Know Him, today on the Men’s Devotional Blog