THE PEN

Last January I blogged about my favorite psalms and asked which ones others really liked. In similar fashion, “What’s your favorite Name?”

For God, I mean. There are plenty of them throughout the Bible. Some common ones are Alpha and Omega, or the Beginning and the End (Revelation 1:8); The Way, The Truth and the Life (John 14:6); Love (I John 4:8). It’s often said that the Names of God help us understand His character.

I’ve been thinking about which Names resonate most with me since listening to this CD by new artist Spensha Baker, a 15-year-old phenom discovered on Star Search. It’s EXCELLENT worship. One song, “Strong Tower,” based on Proverbs 18:10, paints God as just that--a refuge--at all times.

My favorite Names? First, I love that He’s the Vine, as Jesus says in John 15:5: “I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in Him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” Literally, a vine is the source of life for branches—without them, the branches wouldn’t even exist—or grow whatever they’re supposed to. Further, to “abide” means to remain—not to waver. When I refer to the Lord as my Vine, I’m saying that without Him, I can’t live out His purpose for my life, which, above else, means serving Him. Many times we think we have great lives even when we aren’t abiding, but God’s Word says that what He has planned for us is infinitely greater than what we can conceive for ourselves. I don’t want to miss a minute of his life-giving blessings. When I abide in the Vine, I thrive—far beyond my imagination.

I also like that He’s a Dwelling Place. To dwell also means to stay permanently, and it has a peaceful connotation. When I dwell in Christ, I’m not focused on whatever life struggle I’m having at the moment—I have peace, because I’m confident that He’s taking care of it. Not only that, when I’m really “staying” in Him, it’s a lifestyle.

I also came up with my own Name. Because I love to write, I relate to Him as The Author of My Story. It fascinates me that when it comes to my life, He’s already done all the literary crafting, considered the plot twists and taken care of all the contingencies. And if I allow each chapter to unfold, cover to cover—not attempt to rewrite it—it’ll be a best-seller. To me, He is The Pen.

More Names I love? Lately, He’s been Grace, Mercy and Faithfulness to me despite my sin. I pray I give more love to others because of His compassion to me.

Again, what are your favorite Names? Listen to Strong Tower
for inspiration, or just to worship. Here’s a list of the Names and corresponding references in the song. Above all, His name is Wonderful.

• Strong Tower (Proverbs 18:10)
• Mighty Fortress (Psalm 46:11)
• Jehovah Jirah, My Provider ( Genesis 22:12-14, Philippians 4: 14-20)
• Jehovah Nissi, My Banner (Exodus 17: 8-16)
• Jehovah Rapha, God the Healer ( Ex. 15:25-26)
• Bread of Life (John 6:48-51)
• Master (Luke 8: 24; 9:33; Col. 4:1)
• Savior (John 4:42)
• Lily of the Valley (Song of Solomon 2:1)
• Alpha and Omega (Revelation 1:8)
• Bright and Morning Star (Revelation 22:16)