Phase 10 is one of my favorite card games. It is described as “a rummy type card game with a challenging and exciting twist.” The challenge is to be the first person to complete the ten phases. The twist is that each has specific requirements (i.e., 2 sets of 3 or 1 set of 3 and a run of 4) that must be completed before a player can move on to the next phase. It is a lot of fun and no matter who plays there is always a lot of laughter, some expressions of frustrations, some mild and not so mild accusations, and more than a few choice words! (And yes, I am usually the most competitive player of the group.) Although the premise of the games stays the same; the rules vary depending on the group with whom you play.
Sounds a lot like life doesn’t it? How are you moving through the phases of your life? Are you laughing? Are you expressing frustration? Are you making accusations? Are you using a few choice words because of your circumstance?
Chapter 3 of Ecclesiastes reminds us that “there is a time for everything, and a season for every activity. As we move through the phases of life, it is important to remember that our timing and God’s timing might be in different time zones! Solomon writes: “The race is not to the swift or the battle to the strong, nor does food come to the wise or wealth to the brilliant or favor to the learned; but time and chance happen to them all. (Ecclesiastes 9:11)
Consider the phases of your life and what God’s plans for you hold. Take time to read the following passages of Scripture:
• Psalm 40:5
• Jeremiah 29:11
• Ephesians 2:10
• Philippians 2:13
Life is a journey. Life is a book with many volumes. Life is a game of many phases. Life is continuous seasons. Life is a play with different acts on different stages. Life is what you make it. During the phases of your life be sure to make time for God. How? Love God and love others. Establish your priorities. Engage in activities that fill your heart and bring you joy. Live freely. Enjoy the challenge; making sure that you avoid the twists! There is always adventure in the next phase. Play the game!
Copyright©2011 Judith Bell
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Friday, May 6, 2011
You Can't Always Get What You Want
The presumptuousness of people never ceases to amaze me. One of the hottest sports stories this week is the Carolina Panther’s rookie, Cam Newton’s, wish to wear the No. 2 jersey that is currently in the possession of Jimmy Clausen. I seem to remember something about possession being nine tenths of the law. I wonder why Cam can’t be satisfied with being one of the most highly recruited college players of the year.
I’ve been obstinate a time or two in my life, but probably one of the most obstinate maneuvers I ever employed was refusing to go to school in the fourth grade. That was the year that Mrs. McGinnis, my favorite teacher at Avondale Elementary School, started teaching fourth grade and I wasn’t assigned to her classroom. All of you who have been on the receiving end of my sometimes obstinate behavior can blame my parents because they caved and petitioned to have me moved from Mrs. Harpole’s class to Mrs. McGinnis’ class. In the end, I got what I wanted.
I could have retired and bought my own island if I had a dollar for every time I have uttered or heard the words, “I want.” Let’s see; I’ve wanted a new car, a new pair of shoes, a certain piece of jewelry, straight hair, to be able to do something, to have something change, a new cell phone or whatever new gadget is currently being advertised. I have fervently prayed for others to like me, for a good grade, for a change of circumstance and in general, for things to turn out like I wanted.
But the truth of the matter is that we can’t and don’t always get what we want. We can beg, plead, pout and stomp our feet, but sooner or later we have to learn to be content with what we have, where and who we are. There comes a time when we have to cowgirl up and admit that God knows best. It pains me to admit, but it all comes down to admitting that I’m not the one in control. I somehow have to learn to be in the place where God has me. The place where God has placed me has a purpose bigger than what I want. Recognizing and accepting that is called contentment. Contentment means that we can accept God’s point of view. Being content means that we have learned to trust in God’s promises.
Sadly, there are times when the obstinate fourth grade attitude still rears its ugly head. When that happens and I find myself wanting something more, something different, I wish I could say that the first words of assurance that I remember are the words of Jeremiah 29:11 and Philippians 4:13. However, more often than not, it is Mick Jagger and the Rolling Stones singing “You Can’t Always Get What You Want” that puts me in my place and reminds me that I am not the one in control.
Be content with what you have,
rejoice in the way things are.
When you realize there is nothing lacking,
the whole world belongs to you.
- Lao Tzu
I’ve been obstinate a time or two in my life, but probably one of the most obstinate maneuvers I ever employed was refusing to go to school in the fourth grade. That was the year that Mrs. McGinnis, my favorite teacher at Avondale Elementary School, started teaching fourth grade and I wasn’t assigned to her classroom. All of you who have been on the receiving end of my sometimes obstinate behavior can blame my parents because they caved and petitioned to have me moved from Mrs. Harpole’s class to Mrs. McGinnis’ class. In the end, I got what I wanted.
I could have retired and bought my own island if I had a dollar for every time I have uttered or heard the words, “I want.” Let’s see; I’ve wanted a new car, a new pair of shoes, a certain piece of jewelry, straight hair, to be able to do something, to have something change, a new cell phone or whatever new gadget is currently being advertised. I have fervently prayed for others to like me, for a good grade, for a change of circumstance and in general, for things to turn out like I wanted.
But the truth of the matter is that we can’t and don’t always get what we want. We can beg, plead, pout and stomp our feet, but sooner or later we have to learn to be content with what we have, where and who we are. There comes a time when we have to cowgirl up and admit that God knows best. It pains me to admit, but it all comes down to admitting that I’m not the one in control. I somehow have to learn to be in the place where God has me. The place where God has placed me has a purpose bigger than what I want. Recognizing and accepting that is called contentment. Contentment means that we can accept God’s point of view. Being content means that we have learned to trust in God’s promises.
Sadly, there are times when the obstinate fourth grade attitude still rears its ugly head. When that happens and I find myself wanting something more, something different, I wish I could say that the first words of assurance that I remember are the words of Jeremiah 29:11 and Philippians 4:13. However, more often than not, it is Mick Jagger and the Rolling Stones singing “You Can’t Always Get What You Want” that puts me in my place and reminds me that I am not the one in control.
Be content with what you have,
rejoice in the way things are.
When you realize there is nothing lacking,
the whole world belongs to you.
- Lao Tzu
Copyright © 2011 Judith Bell
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Insurance
(written 4/27/ll)
I respect the power and fury of a severe storm system. I used to sit on the window ledge of my 8th floor dorm room and watch the lightning strikes on nearby mountains. I’ve lived in Iowa and have seen the sky turn eerily yellow and then black and I’ve spent a number of hours in a basement waiting for the all clear to be sounded. But, truth be told, I love a good thunderstorm. I’ve never wanted to be a storm chaser, but I’m not afraid the thunder, lightning or all of the other elements of stormy weather.
Tuesday night was an exception. I stood on the front porch and watched as the clouds rolled, the wind picked up and the storm broke loose. That was until a local television station’s radar showed a strip of white embedded in a strip of red bearing down on Swartz, my little corner or the world. It was somewhat alarming seeing Swartz isolated from the larger Monroe community. I didn’t get to fret about that too long, because it was about that time that the power went out.
Lee and I visited by candlelight for a while and then went to bed. I heard several loud bouts of thunder during the night, but nothing that really caused alarm. The power was still out at six o’clock Wednesday morning and I was left to go about the morning routine in relative darkness. I let the dogs out, got my Diet Dr. Pepper and went to get dressed. I was in the back when I heard someone pounding on my front door; a sure sign that something was wrong. When I opened the door I was surprised to see a neighbor from around the corner surrounded by Teak, Flocka and Annie, my three dogs. I must have had a bewildered look on my face because Tyler immediately said, “You have a tree down in the backyard and part of your fence is gone.” Sure enough, sometime during the night, a 15 year Bradford Pear tree had been uprooted and had taken out a large section of the wooden privacy fence. Sensing freedom, the dogs had bolted and were roaming the neighborhood.
I called my parents to arrange for a doggie visit and waited until eight o’clock to call the insurance company. A quick check around the outside of the house revealed only minor damage: the uprooted tree, the destroyed fence, some missing siding, and a few blown off shingles. I had to check my deductible; but came to the quick conclusion that regardless of the amount I was glad that I was covered. Insurance is a funny thing. You know you have it but you don’t think about it until you need it. Too many times that is the same way we think about God; He’s there, but not thought about until something bad happens. The difference is that God’s insurance is free; we call that grace and God’s insurance doesn’t have a deductible; we call him Christ. Because of the cross we are always covered by God’s insurance.
The damage to my home was minor but it took most of the day to get things settled. The dogs were loaded up and taken to my parents. The adjuster came and went and the clean-up will be scheduled. As the chaos of the day wound down, I was able to draw a parallel between the damages and God’s insurance.
• Uprooted tree – It is God in whom I am rooted and firmly held
• Demolished fence – God is my hedge of salvation
• Missing siding – God is always at my side
• Damaged roof – God’s banner over me is love
God is the ultimate insurance policy, but it is his assurance that covers me in peace and hope; “My soul, wait in silence for God only, For my hope is from Him. He only is my rock and my salvation, My stronghold; I shall not be shaken. On God my salvation and my glory rest; The rock of my strength, my refuge is in God. Trust in Him at all times, O people; Pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us.” – Psalm 62: 5-8
****Deadly thunderstorms have swept across the south from Texas to the East Coast killing over 200 people. Please remember these families and communities in your prayers.
I respect the power and fury of a severe storm system. I used to sit on the window ledge of my 8th floor dorm room and watch the lightning strikes on nearby mountains. I’ve lived in Iowa and have seen the sky turn eerily yellow and then black and I’ve spent a number of hours in a basement waiting for the all clear to be sounded. But, truth be told, I love a good thunderstorm. I’ve never wanted to be a storm chaser, but I’m not afraid the thunder, lightning or all of the other elements of stormy weather.
Tuesday night was an exception. I stood on the front porch and watched as the clouds rolled, the wind picked up and the storm broke loose. That was until a local television station’s radar showed a strip of white embedded in a strip of red bearing down on Swartz, my little corner or the world. It was somewhat alarming seeing Swartz isolated from the larger Monroe community. I didn’t get to fret about that too long, because it was about that time that the power went out.
Lee and I visited by candlelight for a while and then went to bed. I heard several loud bouts of thunder during the night, but nothing that really caused alarm. The power was still out at six o’clock Wednesday morning and I was left to go about the morning routine in relative darkness. I let the dogs out, got my Diet Dr. Pepper and went to get dressed. I was in the back when I heard someone pounding on my front door; a sure sign that something was wrong. When I opened the door I was surprised to see a neighbor from around the corner surrounded by Teak, Flocka and Annie, my three dogs. I must have had a bewildered look on my face because Tyler immediately said, “You have a tree down in the backyard and part of your fence is gone.” Sure enough, sometime during the night, a 15 year Bradford Pear tree had been uprooted and had taken out a large section of the wooden privacy fence. Sensing freedom, the dogs had bolted and were roaming the neighborhood.
I called my parents to arrange for a doggie visit and waited until eight o’clock to call the insurance company. A quick check around the outside of the house revealed only minor damage: the uprooted tree, the destroyed fence, some missing siding, and a few blown off shingles. I had to check my deductible; but came to the quick conclusion that regardless of the amount I was glad that I was covered. Insurance is a funny thing. You know you have it but you don’t think about it until you need it. Too many times that is the same way we think about God; He’s there, but not thought about until something bad happens. The difference is that God’s insurance is free; we call that grace and God’s insurance doesn’t have a deductible; we call him Christ. Because of the cross we are always covered by God’s insurance.
The damage to my home was minor but it took most of the day to get things settled. The dogs were loaded up and taken to my parents. The adjuster came and went and the clean-up will be scheduled. As the chaos of the day wound down, I was able to draw a parallel between the damages and God’s insurance.
• Uprooted tree – It is God in whom I am rooted and firmly held
• Demolished fence – God is my hedge of salvation
• Missing siding – God is always at my side
• Damaged roof – God’s banner over me is love
God is the ultimate insurance policy, but it is his assurance that covers me in peace and hope; “My soul, wait in silence for God only, For my hope is from Him. He only is my rock and my salvation, My stronghold; I shall not be shaken. On God my salvation and my glory rest; The rock of my strength, my refuge is in God. Trust in Him at all times, O people; Pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us.” – Psalm 62: 5-8
Copyright © 2011 Judith Bell
****Deadly thunderstorms have swept across the south from Texas to the East Coast killing over 200 people. Please remember these families and communities in your prayers.
Monday, April 11, 2011
Spring of Relationship
Emily’s first Facebook post of the day was an uploaded picture of a purple iris with the following post: “Hello Spring! Woke up this morning to my first iris of the season.” (Thursday, April 7, 2011) Emily is right - spring has arrived. There are signs of it everywhere. Plants, trees, flowers and shrubs have awakened with the arrival of warm weather, rain and sunshine. The azaleas and roses are in full blossom. Pruned crepe myrtles are showing new growth. Trees are thick with lush green leaves. My dad has tilled his garden in preparation for planting. Friends have spent weekends working in flowerbeds. Lawnmowers and weed eaters (weed whackers for my Northern friends) are common sounds in the late afternoon. The smell of grilling meat wafts across backyards.
Signs of spring? Sure. But there is far more to see than just spring. Look deeper and see God’s glory. See Him in the rustling leaves. See Him in the bright blossoms. See Him in the smell of freshly mown grass. See Him in the tilled soil. Believing that God is present in all things underscores the belief that we are closest to God when we are enveloped in the glory of His world.
As you experience the pleasures that spring brings, also experience the pleasure that is God. There is something about seeing, smelling, feeling and sensing God’s glory that draws us into closer relationship with him. When we commune with nature, we are in closer communion with God. As we physically experience the transformation of winter, we are more open to his transformative power.
The flowerbed at the end of my drive way is a complete disaster. I haven’t given it very much attention in the last two years. I’ve done the basics, but haven’t tended to it with the attention I should have. The bulbs are unearthed, the soil washed away, shrubs are intertwined and weeds have taken over. Lee wants to till it up and start over. I’m hanging on to the belief that it can be transformed, restored back to what it once was.
I can’t ignore the symbolism of the flowerbed. There are times when I don’t give God the attention he deserves. Long periods of time pass without deep conversation. Life interferes. Worries override faith. Our relationship ends up much like my flowerbed, in disarray. Relationship with God requires constant attention.
Lee might be right about the flowerbed; restoring it back to its original state might be hopeless. The soil is hard packed and bulbs, shrubs and whatever else is in there may be unforgiving. But, this weekend I am tackling that flowerbed. I’m going to give it as much attention as possible. As I work on transforming the flowerbed, I’ll also work on transforming myself, allowing God’s restorative power nurture my spirit and create within me a spring of relationship with him.
Hello spring! Hello God!
Copyright © 2011 Judith Bell
Thanks to my friends Emily Wingfield and Kyra Ebarb for providing the inspiration for this week’s reflection.
Signs of spring? Sure. But there is far more to see than just spring. Look deeper and see God’s glory. See Him in the rustling leaves. See Him in the bright blossoms. See Him in the smell of freshly mown grass. See Him in the tilled soil. Believing that God is present in all things underscores the belief that we are closest to God when we are enveloped in the glory of His world.
As you experience the pleasures that spring brings, also experience the pleasure that is God. There is something about seeing, smelling, feeling and sensing God’s glory that draws us into closer relationship with him. When we commune with nature, we are in closer communion with God. As we physically experience the transformation of winter, we are more open to his transformative power.
The flowerbed at the end of my drive way is a complete disaster. I haven’t given it very much attention in the last two years. I’ve done the basics, but haven’t tended to it with the attention I should have. The bulbs are unearthed, the soil washed away, shrubs are intertwined and weeds have taken over. Lee wants to till it up and start over. I’m hanging on to the belief that it can be transformed, restored back to what it once was.
I can’t ignore the symbolism of the flowerbed. There are times when I don’t give God the attention he deserves. Long periods of time pass without deep conversation. Life interferes. Worries override faith. Our relationship ends up much like my flowerbed, in disarray. Relationship with God requires constant attention.
Lee might be right about the flowerbed; restoring it back to its original state might be hopeless. The soil is hard packed and bulbs, shrubs and whatever else is in there may be unforgiving. But, this weekend I am tackling that flowerbed. I’m going to give it as much attention as possible. As I work on transforming the flowerbed, I’ll also work on transforming myself, allowing God’s restorative power nurture my spirit and create within me a spring of relationship with him.
Hello spring! Hello God!
“See! The winter is past; the rains are over and gone.
The flowers appear on the earth;
the season of singing has come.
The fig tree forms its early fruit;
the blossoming vines
spread their fragrance…”
Song of Songs 2:11-13
Copyright © 2011 Judith Bell
Thanks to my friends Emily Wingfield and Kyra Ebarb for providing the inspiration for this week’s reflection.
Friday, March 18, 2011
Lessons of the Dunes
White Sands National Park is only one of the many reasons New Mexico is known as "The Land of Enchantment." White Sands is part of the Tularosa Basin and is 275 square miles of nothing but white sand. The sand dunes there are "living dunes" because the strong southwest winds continually blow, shifting the dunes from place to place. The dunes are constantly being pulled forward; sometimes in ripples, sometimes in domes, sometimes in hollows, but always moving, always advancing. Standing in the middle of 275 square miles of white sand is an experience that takes your breath away. Sand skims over the surface of the dunes changing their shapes. Walking across the sand leaves a trail of footprints that are immediately swept away; as if one was never there. Standing on the dunes watching the wind blow millions of grains of sand across the landscape makes the phrase “sands of time” very, very real and George Bernard Shaw’s words, “Write your sad times in sand; write your good times in stone” literally came to life.
The hour I spent walking the dunes was refreshing; not because the sand exfoliated my skin, but because there was so much to contemplate. I had the opportunity to think about life; about how change is certain; and like the sand, I will be pulled forward and reshaped because of my experiences. The landscape at White Sands is a journey. The dunes will always change and will never return to what they once were. The dunes are on a journey; always moving but without a known destination. Life, like the dunes, is a journey. Henry Miller wrote; “One’s destination is never a place, but a new way of seeing things.” Christians are called to look at life with fresh eyes; eyes that are not blinded by the sands of life. I may not always know where I’m going, but God is always pulling me forward.
The wind is constant at White Sands. It is the life force of the dunes. As the winds blow and shift the dunes, the landscape that once was is forgotten. Standing there while the wind blew the sands, I thought about the importance of forgiveness; of letting go and moving forward. I thought about how true forgiveness releases us from what we once were and allows us to be reshaped. To say that the climate of White Sands is harsh is an understatement. There is no fresh water on the dunes. Plant and animal life has adapted over time and both have found a way to survive. Our relationships are much like the animal and plant life of White Sands; they evolve over time and we adapt in order to fully experience relationships with others. As I wandered the dunes, I thought about how God never promised that life would be without its deserts but if we are open and adaptable we always change and always move to a different place in our relationship with Him.
The lessons of the dunes were simple; I am different because of my experiences; life is a journey, forgiveness is important and my relationship with God and others evolve over time. Four simple lessons that are worthy of experiencing over and over again.
Copyright©2011 Judith Bell
Friday, March 4, 2011
Lent
Every community has them. The south side. The east side. The hood. The other side of the tracks. They are typically lower income, higher crime areas marked by vacant or burnt houses that have been taken over by weeds, trash, vandals and vagrants. Abandoned and condemned houses and shells of houses are unsightly eyesores and are often referred to as blighted areas; neighborhoods that are in destruction and ruin. Unless there is a reason, most folks don’t venture into those areas. I’ve been in and out of a blighted neighborhood off and on over the past couple of weeks. It is a short cut to a piece of property we are looking at for some new programming. One day as I passed through I found myself asking; “Why doesn’t the city do something to clean this up?” It was a rhetorical question. I know the answer. I’ve sat in city council meetings when the razing of houses has been discussed. The answer is simple; bulldoze the thing and move on to the next. It’s the process that is complicated. Owners have to be identified, notices served, etc., etc., etc. The desire to clean and beautify is there, but the process is the cog in the wheel.
Next week we’ll observe Ash Wednesday, the beginning of the Lenten season and the 40 days before Easter. There is no better time to change something than during Lent. Historically viewed as a time of fasting or sacrifice, Lent is a time of self denial and it isn’t uncommon in the days before Ash Wednesday to hear people ask one another; “What are you giving up for Lent?” While that is a fair question and fasting and self denial are admirable practices, I’m not sure that “What are you giving up for Lent?” is question we should be asking. Just as the razing of a ruined house is a long drawn out process, the process of transforming the spirit also takes time. Lent gives us 40 days to answer the following questions:
• Who I am in Christ?
• What am I willing to do in order to live a transformed life?
• What can I do to prepare myself for the Resurrection?
Lent is more than a liturgical season. Lent is the opportunity to beautify who we are in Christ. It is a time when we can remove the cog in our spiritual transformation. Lent is a time that we can, with spiritual determination, raze the blight that keeps us from fully living in Christ and in doing so, prepare to live in Resurrection that we know is coming.
Next week we’ll observe Ash Wednesday, the beginning of the Lenten season and the 40 days before Easter. There is no better time to change something than during Lent. Historically viewed as a time of fasting or sacrifice, Lent is a time of self denial and it isn’t uncommon in the days before Ash Wednesday to hear people ask one another; “What are you giving up for Lent?” While that is a fair question and fasting and self denial are admirable practices, I’m not sure that “What are you giving up for Lent?” is question we should be asking. Just as the razing of a ruined house is a long drawn out process, the process of transforming the spirit also takes time. Lent gives us 40 days to answer the following questions:
• Who I am in Christ?
• What am I willing to do in order to live a transformed life?
• What can I do to prepare myself for the Resurrection?
Lent is more than a liturgical season. Lent is the opportunity to beautify who we are in Christ. It is a time when we can remove the cog in our spiritual transformation. Lent is a time that we can, with spiritual determination, raze the blight that keeps us from fully living in Christ and in doing so, prepare to live in Resurrection that we know is coming.
Copyright © 2011 Judith Bell
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Name Brand
There is just something about a name. I’ve always been Judith or when in trouble, Judith Ann. I’ve never been a Judy. My mother was absolutely adamant about that and she immediately corrected anyone who happened to call me Judy. Judith was not my mom’s first choice of names. In fact, my mom didn’t name me; my dad did and the ink was already dry on the birth certificate by the time she knew what was going on. The name “Judith” is of Hebrew origin and means “from Judea; Jewish.” In the Apocrypha, Judith is a heroine, who after beheading the commander of the Assyrian army incited the Hebrew army to victory. I’ve never incited an army, but I’m sure that I’ve incited a thing or two during my life, so I guess the name fits.
Names are important. Name recognition is important. Just ask any marketing or public relations guru. Name brands aren’t called name brands for nothing. I’m not a pure purchaser of name brands because I usually buy store and off-name products to help reduce grocery and household living expenses. However, there are some things that have to be name brand. There is absolutely no way that Great Value or Food Club peanut butter tastes better than Jiff. Kraft Macaroni and Cheese beats the others hands down. And let’s face it; Diet Dr. Pepper can’t be replaced by Diet Dr. Thunder. Other must-have name brands include Campbell’s Tomato Soup, Wheat Thins, Hidden Valley Ranch Dressing, Nestle Quick, Hunt’s Ketchup, Velveeta, Crystal Light Drink Mix, Charmin Tissue, Puffs with Lotion, Blue Bell Ice Cream and Jell-O Instant Pudding.
Moses had a name brand experience at the burning bush. The infamous question Moses asked God was about a name; “…suppose I go to the Israelites and say to them, ‘The God of your fathers has sent me to you’ and they ask me, ‘What is his name?’ Then what should I tell them? God said to Moses, ‘I AM WHO I AM’ (also translated as I WILL BE WHAT I WILL BE). This is what you are to say to the Israelites: ‘I AM has sent me to you.” (Exodus 3:13-14)
God, being God and making sure that He has made His point goes on to say, “God also said to Moses, ‘Say to the Israelites, The LORD, the God of your fathers – the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob – has sent me to you.’ This is my name forever, the name you shall call me from generation to generation.” (Exodus 3:13-14)
My name is mine. I like it. It fits my personality; but doesn’t belong only to me. There are others that share the name, Judith. However, God’s name is like no other name. The words of David are as true today as they were years ago; “LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!” (Psalm 8:1).
God is God and there is no generic replacement for what or who He is. There are times when He is Abba, Lord, Master, Advocate, Comforter, Counselor, Teacher, Servant, Savior, King of Kings, Deliverer, Creator, Father, Redeemer, Prince of Peace, King of Kings, Immanuel, Jehovah, Alpha and Omega.
God is a name brand God; you know what you are getting with Him. He is who He is. Blessed are we that He will always be what we need Him to be. Praise be to God.
Names are important. Name recognition is important. Just ask any marketing or public relations guru. Name brands aren’t called name brands for nothing. I’m not a pure purchaser of name brands because I usually buy store and off-name products to help reduce grocery and household living expenses. However, there are some things that have to be name brand. There is absolutely no way that Great Value or Food Club peanut butter tastes better than Jiff. Kraft Macaroni and Cheese beats the others hands down. And let’s face it; Diet Dr. Pepper can’t be replaced by Diet Dr. Thunder. Other must-have name brands include Campbell’s Tomato Soup, Wheat Thins, Hidden Valley Ranch Dressing, Nestle Quick, Hunt’s Ketchup, Velveeta, Crystal Light Drink Mix, Charmin Tissue, Puffs with Lotion, Blue Bell Ice Cream and Jell-O Instant Pudding.
Moses had a name brand experience at the burning bush. The infamous question Moses asked God was about a name; “…suppose I go to the Israelites and say to them, ‘The God of your fathers has sent me to you’ and they ask me, ‘What is his name?’ Then what should I tell them? God said to Moses, ‘I AM WHO I AM’ (also translated as I WILL BE WHAT I WILL BE). This is what you are to say to the Israelites: ‘I AM has sent me to you.” (Exodus 3:13-14)
God, being God and making sure that He has made His point goes on to say, “God also said to Moses, ‘Say to the Israelites, The LORD, the God of your fathers – the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob – has sent me to you.’ This is my name forever, the name you shall call me from generation to generation.” (Exodus 3:13-14)
My name is mine. I like it. It fits my personality; but doesn’t belong only to me. There are others that share the name, Judith. However, God’s name is like no other name. The words of David are as true today as they were years ago; “LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!” (Psalm 8:1).
God is God and there is no generic replacement for what or who He is. There are times when He is Abba, Lord, Master, Advocate, Comforter, Counselor, Teacher, Servant, Savior, King of Kings, Deliverer, Creator, Father, Redeemer, Prince of Peace, King of Kings, Immanuel, Jehovah, Alpha and Omega.
God is a name brand God; you know what you are getting with Him. He is who He is. Blessed are we that He will always be what we need Him to be. Praise be to God.
Copyright © 2011 Judith Bell
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