Day One

I believe that most spiritual journeys are poorly planned and poorly conceived.  They always start in the wrong place.  Most spiritual journeys begin with you, with who you are.  You are informed that you are a sinner, that you are eternally separated from God, and that without the offered solution, you will inherit certain destruction.  I would like to direct you differently. I would like for you to start your journey not with who you are, but with who God is.

How then do you begin to understand who God is?  I feel one way is to ask God, "What is your name?"  In fact, it is only natural to ask of one's name before you get to know that person.  The relationship always begins with learning the name. 

In many cultures, a name is an indicator of a person's character.  Therefore, if we can learn the name of God, then we can learn of His character. So let's ask God his name.

God has many names.  However, for our journey, two names will be examined.  These are Elohim and Yahweh.  Take time to get to know God by studying these two names.

Elohim: The plural form of EL, meaning “strong one.” It is used of false gods, but is also used of the true God.  It is a plural, so it speaks of the Trinity. It is especially used of God’s sovereignty, creative work, mighty work for Israel, and in relation to His sovereignty (Isaiah 54:5; Jeremiah 32:27; Genesis 1:1; Isaiah 45:18; Deuteronomy 5:23; Deuteronomy 8:15; Psalm 68:7).

Yahweh (YHWH): Comes from a verb which means “to exist, to be.” In short it means that He is the self-existent God.  Also it stresses His work of redemption (Genesis 4:3; Exodus 6:3; Exodus 3:12).