In Galatians 2, Paul passionately defends the gospel of grace, emphasizing that righteousness comes not by the law but through faith in Jesus Christ. As believers, it’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking we need to earn God’s favor or live by a strict set of rules to maintain His love. However, Paul reminds us that Christ’s sacrifice was sufficient — there’s nothing we can add to what He has already done.

Paul begins the chapter by recounting his confrontation with Peter, who, out of fear of criticism, reverted to old legalistic practices. This confrontation highlights a common struggle: the pull between grace and works. We often feel the need to prove ourselves, to appear righteous, but Galatians 2 reveals that grace is enough. Our righteousness comes from faith in Jesus, not our ability to follow the law.

The climax of this chapter is found in verse 20, where Paul makes a profound statement: “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.” This verse speaks to the transformational power of grace. When we accept Jesus, our old self — bound by sin and the law — dies. We are reborn into a new life where Christ lives in us. Praise and glory to God: our identity is no longer defined by our failures or our ability to follow religious rules but by the life of Christ within us.

Listen up my brothers and sisters, this is the freedom of grace: we are no longer slaves to sin, guilt, or the impossible standards of the law. Christ has fulfilled the law on our behalf, and we are invited to live in the freedom of His grace, relying on His strength, not our own!

Pray with me:
Father God, thank You for Your grace that sets me free from the law and sin. Help me to live in the truth that Christ lives in me. May my life be a reflection of Your love and grace to others. Teach me to trust in Your complete and finished work, knowing that I am accepted and loved not because of what I do, but because of what You have done for me. Father God, I choose to never underestimate the precious value of grace. In Jesus’ grace giving name, amen and amen!

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#TheValueOfGrace

In the vast richness of His names, God reveals Himself in ways that speak to every need and every season of our lives. “Jehovah-Tsidkenu,” “Jehovah-M’Kaddesh,” “Jehovah-Sabaoth,” and “Jehovah-Shammah” are names that deepen our understanding of God’s character, His presence, and His work in us and for us.

Jehovah-Tsidkenu means “The Lord Our Righteousness.” Jeremiah 23:5-6 confirms, “”Behold, the days are coming,” declares the Lord, “when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch… And this is the name by which He will be called: ‘The Lord our righteousness’”

Through this name, we see that God Himself is the source of our righteousness. On our own, we cannot stand blameless before a holy God, but through Christ, we have been given His righteousness. When we accept Him, He clothes us in righteousness, removing the stain of sin and allowing us to stand justified before the Father.

Are you burdened by guilt or shame? Look to Jehovah-Tsidkenu. He has covered you with His righteousness, making you pure and whole in His sight.

Jehovah-M’Kaddesh means “The Lord who sanctifies.” Leviticus 20:8 says, “Keep my statutes and do them; I am the Lord who sanctifies you.” Sanctification is the process of being made holy, set apart for God’s purposes. It is God who works in us, transforming us from within by the power of the Holy Spirit. This sanctification is both a moment of cleansing and a lifelong process of becoming more like Christ.

Do you long for transformation and growth? Jehovah-M’Kaddesh is working in you to refine, renew, and shape you into the image of His Son. Trust Him to complete the good work He has begun in you.

Jehovah-Sabaoth, “The Lord of Hosts,” refers to God as the Commander of heavenly armies. “The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress” (Psalm 46:7). This name highlights God’s sovereignty over all the forces of heaven and earth. He is the one who fights our battles and commands angelic armies on our behalf. When we are surrounded by troubles, we can trust that He is our protector and defender.

Are you facing a spiritual battle or overwhelming circumstances? Call on Jehovah-Sabaoth, the Lord of Hosts, who stands ready to fight for you and protect you. He is your mighty fortress in times of trouble.

Jehovah-Shammah, “The Lord is Present,” speaks to God’s abiding presence with His people. In Ezekiel 48:35, the prophet declares, “And the name of the city from that time on shall be, ‘The Lord is there.’” This name reminds us that God is not distant or detached; He is near, dwelling among us. Whether we walk through joy or sorrow, victory or hardship, Jehovah-Shammah is there, comforting, guiding, and sustaining us with His presence.

Do you feel alone or abandoned? Jehovah-Shammah is with you, closer than you realize. His presence is a constant source of peace and strength, no matter where life takes you.

My brothers and sisters, each of these names of God reveals something vital about His character and His relationship with us. He is our righteousness (Jehovah-Tsidkenu), our sanctifier (Jehovah-M’Kaddesh), our protector and defender (Jehovah-Sabaoth), and the One who is always present (Jehovah-Shammah). These truths are not just for our understanding but for our daily living. When we are weak, we can lean on His righteousness and sanctification. When we are overwhelmed, we can trust in His protection and ever-present help.

I invite you to take some time today to meditate on these names of God. Which one speaks most to your heart? Offer up a prayer, asking God to reveal Himself to you in that way.

Pray with me:

Jehovah-Tsidkenu, we thank You for covering us with Your righteousness. Jehovah-M’Kaddesh, we ask You to continue the work of sanctification in our hearts. Jehovah-Sabaoth, we trust in Your protection and power as the Lord of Hosts. Jehovah-Shammah, we praise You for Your constant presence in our lives. Help us to know You more deeply and to live in the light of who You are. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

#BeStrong

#TGBTG

#NAP

#NamesOfGodPt5

God doesn’t have to change your story; He wrote the perfect plan for your life before the dawn of creation. However, He is rewriting the narrative you created to get you back in line with His original plan, purpose, and promise.

Psalm 139:16 confirms, “Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in Your book before one of them came to be.”

This verse is a very powerful reminder that God’s knowledge of us isn’t limited to the present moment—He knew us long before we were born and He has carefully, strategically, and painstakingly planned every step of our journey in this life here on earth and in the life to come in heaven.

Even when life feels uncertain, we can rest in the assurance that God is in control. Nothing we inadvertently do or face catches Him by surprise. He has already written every one of our days in His book, and His plans for us are full of love and purpose.

My brothers and sisters, when we take detours or feel lost, He patiently guides us back in line with His divine plan. Therefore, with all your heart trust in the Lord (Prov 3:5), knowing that His hand has been on your life since the very beginning. Every moment is part of His grand design, and His purpose will always prevail. You can always find reassurance in Jeremiah 29:11, “For I know the plans I have for you,” says the LORD. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.”

Prayer with me:
Father God, thank You for writing every painstaking detail of my story even before I came into this world. Help me trust Your plan, even when I don’t understand it. Holy Spirit, align and order my steps with Your will, and give me the increase measure of faith to walk boldly and confidently in Your purpose. Though it may be difficult at times, I choose to rest in the knowledge that You are in control of every day of my life. In Jesus name, Amen and Amen and Amen!

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#NAP

#HisPlanIsGreater

Nobody can stop [thwart] what God has in store for you!

When God has a plan or purpose for your life, no one can stand in the way of it. His will is sovereign, and what He has set in motion will come to pass. As it says in Isaiah 14:27, “For the Lord Almighty has purposed, and who can thwart [stop] him? His hand is stretched out, and who can turn it back?”

My brothers and sisters, keep trusting in His timing, His plan, and His promises. What is meant for you will find its way to you and you to it, and nothing or no one can stop it!

Pray with me:
Adonai, we come before You with a heart full of trust, knowing that Your plans for us are good and perfect. I thank You that no one can hinder or stop what You have in store for our lives. Your ways are higher than ours, and Your good and perfect purpose will always prevail.

Yahweh, when we feel uncertain or face obstacles, remind us that Your hand is upon us, guiding us through every challenge. Give us the strength to wait on Your timing and the faith to believe in Your promises. Let choose to rest in the assurance that nothing can stand in the way of what You have destined for each of us.

Elohim, we place my future in Your capable hands, trusting that You are working all things for our good and Your highly esteemed glory. In Jesus’ name, we collectively and harmoniously pray. Amen and Amen and Amen!

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#NothingCanStopGod

In Genesis 22:14, Abraham calls God “Jehovah-Jireh” after God provides a ram in place of his son Isaac. This name means “The Lord will provide.” In our own lives, we often face moments of uncertainty, lack, or fear. But Jehovah-Jireh reminds us that God sees our needs and provides in His perfect timing and way. His provision may not always look like what we expect, but it is always sufficient and aligned with His plan for our lives. Trusting in Jehovah-Jireh means surrendering our anxieties and relying on His faithful provision, believing that He knows what is best for us.

Jehovah-Nissi: The Lord Our Banner. Exodus 17:15 introduces another powerful name of God: “Jehovah-Nissi,” meaning “The Lord is my banner.” After a victory against the Amalekites, Moses built an altar and declared God as the banner under which the Israelites fought. A banner symbolizes identity, purpose, and unity. When we declare Jehovah-Nissi over our lives, we proclaim that God is our standard, our protector, and our source of victory. No matter what battles we face—whether spiritual, emotional, or physical—we fight under the banner of the Lord, who gives us strength and courage.

In Exodus 15:26, God declares Himself as “Jehovah-Rapha,” meaning “The Lord who heals.” After the Israelites were delivered from Egypt, they found themselves in the wilderness, where God provided sweet water at Marah. Here, God reveals His nature as a healer—not only of physical ailments but also of spiritual, emotional, and relational wounds. Jehovah-Rapha is the God who mends what is broken, restores what is lost, and brings wholeness to our lives. His healing is comprehensive and deeply personal, addressing the very core of our needs and pain.

Whether you are facing physical sickness, a broken heart, or spiritual weariness, Jehovah-Rapha invites you to bring your hurts to Him. He is the God who heals and restores, turning your pain into purpose and your weakness into strength.

My brothers and sisters, together, these three names—Jehovah-Jireh, Jehovah-Nissi, and Jehovah-Rapha—reveal a God who provides for our needs, fights our battles, and heals our wounds. Today, lean into His grace and find comfort in His unchanging character.

Pray with me:
Jehovah-Jireh, my Provider, I thank You for seeing every need in my life, both great and small. I trust that You will provide in Your perfect timing, and I rest in Your faithfulness.

Jehovah-Nissi, my Banner, I lift Your name high above every battle I face. Help me remember that my victory comes from You alone. Strengthen me to stand firm under Your banner, knowing You are with me always.

Jehovah-Rapha, my Healer, I bring to You all that is broken within me—my body, my mind, and my spirit. I ask for Your healing touch in every area of my life. Restore me to wholeness and help me walk in the fullness of Your love and grace.

In Your Jesus all-powerful , all-sufficient, and all-might name, I pray. Amen.”

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#NAP

#NamesOfGodPt4

In the vast tapestry of God’s names, “El Shaddai” and “El Gibhor” shine with unique brilliance, revealing different facets of His divine nature. These names are more than mere titles; they are powerful invitations to know God in His fullness.

El Shaddai, meaning “God Almighty,” emphasizes God’s all-sufficiency, omnipotence, and the boundless power to sustain and provide for His people. This name was first revealed to Abraham when God promised to make him a father of many nations, despite his and Sarah’s old age (Genesis 17:1). In calling Himself El Shaddai, God was declaring that nothing is impossible for Him, that He is more than enough to fulfill every promise and meet every need.

When we are faced with circumstances that seem insurmountable, we can find comfort in knowing El Shaddai. He is the One who can move mountains, heal broken hearts, and provide abundantly, even in the wilderness. No matter how overwhelming our situations may be, God is more than capable of turning them around. His might is unmatched, and His provision is limitless.

El Gibhor, or “Mighty God,” is a name that appears in Isaiah 9:6, a prophecy about the coming Messiah: “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given… and His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God…” El Gibhor reveals the strength and warrior-like nature of God. It speaks to His ability to fight on our behalf, to overcome our enemies, and to conquer evil with His righteous power.

My brothers and sisters, In moments of spiritual warfare, when we feel attacked or oppressed, we can call upon El Gibhor. He is the Mighty God who never loses a battle. He goes before us as a shield and fights for us with divine strength. His power is unstoppable, and His victory is assured.

Today, let us remember that we serve both El Shaddai and El Gibhor—God who is both Almighty and Mighty. When we are in need, we can trust in His sufficiency, knowing He is our El Shaddai. When we feel weak or face battles we cannot fight on our own, we can rest in the strength of our El Gibhor, who is ever-victorious.

Lastly, I humbly ask that you take a moment to reflect on the areas of your life where you need to experience God’s sufficiency or His might. Surrender those needs to Him and trust in His power and provision. Pray for the faith to see Him as He truly is—both the Almighty Provider and the Mighty Warrior.

Pray with me:
Abba Father, we thank You for revealing Yourself to us as both El Shaddai and El Gibhor. In our times of need, remind us that You are the Almighty God who provides and sustains. In our times of battle, show us that You are the Mighty God who fights for us and secures victory. Help us to trust in Your power, rest in Your strength, and find peace in Your presence. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

#BeStrong

#TGBTG

#NAP

#NamesOfGodpt3

Today, we remember the events of September 11, 2001, a day that changed the world forever. It is a day of solemn reflection and prayer, a time to honor the lives lost and the sacrifices made by so many. We remember the first responders who rushed into danger, the civilians who showed courage in the face of fear, and the countless families whose lives were shattered in an instant.

In moments of unimaginable pain, sorrow, and tragedy, we find solace in the promise that God is near to those who mourn and grieve. Even in our deepest pain, He is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble (Psalm 46:1).

My brothers and sisters, may we continue to honor this day not just by remembering the sorrow but also by holding onto the light that emerged from the darkness — the stories of heroism, compassion, and the unbreakable spirit of humanity.

Pray with me:

Father God of comfort and peace, on this day, we lift up all those who were affected by the tragedy of 9/11. We pray for comfort for those who lost loved ones, healing for those still bearing the wounds, and peace for our world. We ask for Your protection over those who continue to serve and protect us. May we never forget the lessons of that day — the strength in unity, the power of hope, and the importance of love. In Jesus name, amen and amen.

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#911Never4Get

Did you realize that prayer changes you and not God?

The idea that “prayer doesn’t change God’s mind” reflects a theological perspective that God is omniscient and sovereign, knowing all things from beginning to end, including our prayers. From this viewpoint, prayer is not about persuading, manipulating, or altering God’s plans but aligning ourselves with His will, deepening our relationship with Him, and expressing our dependence, trust, and faith.

That being said, others may interpret prayer as having the potential to influence God’s actions, as seen in certain biblical narratives where intercession appears to result in a change of course (e.g., Moses pleading for Israel). However, highlights like this and similiar advents further illuminate the mystery and complexity of the relationship between divine sovereignty and human free will.

At day’s end my brothers and sisters, prayer is the means by which the will of the Father and the will of His children become aligned. Its purpose is not to alter God’s will, but to obtain blessings for ourselves and others-blessings that God is eager to give, but that require us to ask for them.

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#PrayerChangesYou

“The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.”– Proverbs 18:10

In life’s quietest moments, there is a profound comfort in knowing that we are seen. Not merely noticed, but truly seen—understood, cherished, and loved. This is what we find in El Roi, the God who sees us. When Hagar was alone in the desert, feeling abandoned and lost, it was El Roi who found her. He knew her pain, her struggles, and her fears. And in that revelation, Hagar experienced a profound sense of being known. As we face the challenges in our lives, we remind ourselves that God sees us. He understands every unspoken prayer, every tear, every sigh. He is attentive to our hearts.

Next, consider El Elyon, the Lord Most High. This name reminds us that God is sovereign over all creation. Psalm 47:2 says, “For the LORD Most High is awesome, the great King over all the earth. “ No matter how chaotic or uncertain life may feel, El Elyon remains above all, reigning with authority and power. There is no situation too difficult, no problem too great for Him. When we feel overwhelmed, El Elyon is greater than any obstacle we face. His throne is above the storms of life, and His plans will always prevail.

Finally, meditate on El Olam, the Everlasting God. He is timeless, unchanging, and forever faithful. In a world that is constantly shifting, God remains our constant. His love endures, His promises are sure, and His presence is unwavering. Deuteronomy 33:27 says, “The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms.” When we feel weary or afraid of what the future holds, we can rest in the eternal embrace of El Olam. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8).

My brothers and sisters, may these names of God be a source of encouragement and strength for you today, reminding you that you are never alone, never unseen, and always held by the God’s loving and everlasting arms.

Pray with me:
El Roi, thank You for seeing me, for knowing me deeply, and for caring about every detail of my life. El Elyon, I worship You as the Most High, the One who reigns over all things. Help me to trust in Your sovereignty, no matter the challenges I face. El Olam, Everlasting God, I find comfort in Your eternal nature. When everything around me shifts or changes, I am grateful that You remain the same. Be my refuge, my strength, and my constant. In Yeshua’s name, Amen.

#BeStrong

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#NAP

#NamesOfGod

“The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.”– Proverbs 18:10

When we consider the names of God in the Bible, we uncover a deeper understanding of His character, His nature, and His relationship with us. Among the many names that reveal who God is, three stand out prominently: Yahweh, Adonai, and Elohim.

Yahweh is perhaps the most sacred and personal name of God in the Hebrew Bible. Often translated as “LORD” in capital letters, Yahweh is the name God revealed to Moses at the burning bush, declaring, “I AM WHO I AM” (Exodus 3:14). This name speaks of God’s eternal existence, His self-sufficiency, and His unchanging nature. Yahweh is not just a distant deity; He is the personal, covenant-keeping God who desires an intimate relationship with His people. When we call upon Yahweh, we call upon the One who knows us by name, who is ever-present and ever-faithful.

Adonai means “Lord” or “Master.” It emphasizes God’s authority and lordship over all creation. When we address God as Adonai, we acknowledge Him as the supreme ruler, the one who governs the universe and our lives with perfect wisdom and justice. To call God “Adonai” is to submit ourselves to His will, trusting in His sovereign plan and seeking His guidance in every area of our lives. As our Lord, He deserves our complete obedience and devotion.

Elohim is the first name for God we encounter in the Bible, right at the beginning: “In the beginning, God (Elohim) created the heavens and the earth” (Genesis 1:1). Elohim is a plural form in Hebrew, yet it is used with singular verbs, hinting at the mystery of the Trinity—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit in one. It reveals God’s majesty, power, and creative ability. Elohim is the God who brings order out of chaos, who speaks life into existence, and who sustains all things by His mighty hand. When we call upon Elohim, we recognize His greatness, His might, and His ability to do the impossible.

My brothers and sisters, each of these names—Yahweh, Adonai, Elohim—reveals a different aspect of who God is. Yahweh, our personal and covenant-keeping God; Adonai, our Lord and Master; and Elohim, our mighty Creator. Together, they remind us that God is both near and far, intimate and majestic, tender and powerful. As we meditate on His names, we draw closer to understanding the fullness of His character and deepening our relationship with Him.

Pray with me:
Heavenly Father, Yahweh, Adonai, Elohim, we come before You today with hearts full of gratitude. We thank You for revealing Yourself to us through Your names. Help us to know You more deeply, to trust You more fully, and to love You more dearly. May Your name be a strong tower where we find safety, peace, and strength. We surrender to You, our Lord and Creator, knowing that You are faithful, just, and all-powerful. In Jesus’ name, we pray, Amen.

#BeStrong

#TGBTG

#NAP

#NamesOfGod