WHAT’S IN A NAME? EVERYTHING (4)                              Judges 16:23-31

“Then the lords of the Philistines gathered them together for to offer a great sacrifice unto Dagon their god, and to rejoice: for they said, Our god hath delivered Samson our enemy into our hand.” (v23)

The Name Jehovah – Shalom; The Lord our Peace, was discovered by Gideon when God told him to lead Israel against the Medianites – a position he felt was beyond his capacity. “How can I save Israel? My clan is the weakest… and I am the least in my family” (v15 NIV) Here’s how the Lord responded. “I will be with you and you will strike down all the Medianites. Peace! Do not be afraid. You are not going to die.” A frightened Gideon believed God and before the battle was even fought or the victory won by faith he saw the peace already secured. So he built an altar to Jehovah – Shalom, “the Lord is peace.” We often assume we’ll only have peace when our situation changes. Then like Gideon we learn that inward peace doesn’t depend on altering our outward circumstance; it depends on believing God is with you and experiencing His inner peace. Jesus promises, “Peace I leave with you, my peace (inner faith – based) I – give you. …I do not give to you as the world gives (outward, circumstance) Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” (John 14:27 NIV). However inadequate you may feel to face the challenges today, remember Christ’s words. “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace… take heart. I have overcome the world” (John 16:33 NIV) Notice, Your job is to “take heart” and trust Jehovah-Shalom to handle the rest. (TWFT)

PRAYER LINE: My Father and my God, You are Jehovah-Shalom. “The Lord our Peace Please let Your peace reign in my life, my family, my ministry, my nation and in the household of God. Amen.

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Of all that is precious, Jesus tops the list.