The Names of God - Devotional Study

Throughout the Old Testament it is apparent that there was a special significance on names. God specifically named some people and told the parents of others what to name their child. Many people in the Old Testament named their children because of special events that took place around the time their child was born. God changed the name of several people to signify something about their lives or the work He was doing in them. It should then not be surprising that many names were attributed to God either by Himself or by others. These names do not describe many gods but the character of the One True God as He revealed Himself to the people of Israel.

Why is it important for us to know and understand these names?

Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you. (Psalm 9:10)

Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God. (Psalm 20:7)

Give thanks to the LORD, call on his name; make known among the nations what he has done. (Psalm 105:1)

Our help is in the name of the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth. (Psalm 124:8)

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

And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. (Acts 2:21)

You probably do not have a hard time placing your trust in your parents, your spouse, your best friend. Why? Because you know them. You know their personalities and how they operate. You would not as easily place your trust in a total stranger. Can you honestly place your full trust in God without really knowing Him?

As God revealed Himself to the people of Israel they learned to trust in Him, to call on Him in times of trouble, to worship Him in spirit and in truth and to lean on Him. As we study these names my hope and prayer for you is that you will come to know Him in such a way that you too will have a strong tower to run to and trust in.

Upcoming Devotionals on the Names of God
Elohim - The Creator
Jehovah Raah-The Lord My Shepherd
Jehovah-The Existing One
Qanna-Jealous
El Elyon-God Most High
Jehovah Mekoddishkem-The Lord Who Sanctifies
Adonai-Lord, Master
Jehovah Shalom-The Lord is Peace
El Shaddai-All Sufficient One
Jehovah Saboath -Lord of Hosts
El Olam - Everlasting God
Jehovah Tsidkenu-Our Righteousness
Jehovah Jireh-My Provider
Jehovah Rapha-The Lord That Heals
Jehovah Nissi-My Banner
Jehovah Shammah-The Lord Is There
El Roi-The God Who Sees

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2008 Christian Concerts at Six Flags St. Louis

Have you purchased your season passes yet? Six Flags St. Louis has announced its concert schedule for the 2008 season. This year’s concerts will include three top Christian artists.

Saturday

June 28, 2008

GRAMMY and Dove Award winning Contemporary Christian rock band Third Day will take the stage at 7 pm. They will be introducing some of their songs from their new album “Revelation” as well as rocking with some familiar favorites including Cry Out to Jesus, Mountain of God, Tunnel, King of Glory, God of Wonders and much more.

Saturday
August 9, 2008

JOY FM sponsors Christian Family Day at Six Flags featuring one of the most best-selling Christian rock bands of all time - Newsboys. The boys from “down under” are sure to rock their fans with such tunes as Free, Shine, Amazing Love and 2007 Song of the Year Something Beautiful. Concerts begins at 7 pm.

Saturday

September 20, 2008

One of the most dynamic live Christian artists - tobyMac - performs at 7 pm at the Old Glory Amphitheater. If you have never seen him perform you are in for a real treat. You will be on your feet worshiping the Lord like never before.

Tickets and more info

Tickets cost $6 in advance or $8 the day of the concert. Theme Park admission is required and additional. Season ticket holders will receive up to 15 free concert tickets. Group tickets are available www.sixflags.com/stLouis/groups/religious.aspx

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Vacation Bible School 2008 At a Glance

There is a lot of VBS curriculum available for 2008. This is an overview of some of the most popular. Click on each title to take you to the publisher site for more indepth information.

Vacation Bible School Themes for 2008

Outrigger Island

Publisher: Lifeway

Theme: Hawaiian, Luau

Motto: Live God’s Unshakeable Truth (Psalm 86:11)

Overview: Children will learn to know, speak and live God’s truth at Outrigger Island. In this tropical environment they will develop the ability to stand unshakeable in a world of shifting sands.

Daily Themes and Bible Stories:

Day 1- God is Real; God Spoke to Moses (Exodus 3)

Day 2- Jesus is God’s Son; Jesus is God’s Son (Luke 2:1-20)

Day 3- Jesus is the Only Way; Death, Burial and Resurrection (Mark 15:21-16:7)

Day 4- The Bible is God’s Word; Jeremiah and Baruch (Jeremiah 36)

Day 5- My Actions Show What I Believe; The Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37)

Cost: Sampler Pack - $59.99; Super Sampler Pack - $189.99

Cactus Canyon

Publisher: Lifeway Theme: Western; Cowboy

Motto: Saddle Up! Tell Others! (John 3:16)

Overview: As they gather around the campfire children will learn the good news and how to tell others.

Daily Themes and Bible Stories:

Day 1- Good News; John the Baptist Told about Jesus (Mark 1:1-11)

Day 2- Good News for My Family; Andrew brought his brother to Jesus (John 1:35-42)

Day 3- Good News for My Friends; A Samaritan woman tells her town (John 4:1-30)

Day 4- Good News for Me; Cleopas recognized the risen Jesus (Luke 24:13-35)

Day 5- Good News for My World; The Good News was told to Jerusalem (Acts 2:1-15)

Cost: Starter Kit - $99.99

Amazon Expedition

Publisher: Answersingenesis

Theme: Amazon Jungle

Motto: Saddle Up! Tell Others! (John 3:16)

Overview: Children will learn the “seven C’s of history” while exploring the Amazon Rainforest. There is a major emphasis on a pologetics including the age of the earth and creation of dinosaurs.

Daily Themes and Bible Stories:

Day 1 - Creation–Destination Creation

Day 2 - Corruption–The Fall of All

Day 3 - Catastrophe–Water, Water Everywhere

Day 4 - Confusion–The Babel Rabble

Day 5 - Christ, Cross, Consummation–Sad Turns to Glad

Cost: Starter Kit - $99.99; Super Starter Kit $189.99

Egypt Expedition

Publisher: Apostles’ Publishing

Theme: Archaeology

Motto: Dig into God’s Word

Overview: Children will learn to thank, trust, obey. Love and believe God as they dig into his word.

Daily Themes and Bible Stories:

Day 1 - Thank God - Baby Moses is Rescued (Exodus 1-2:10)

Day 2 - Trust God - Elijah and the Prophets of Baal (1 Kings 18:1-39)

Day 3 - Obey God - Jonah Disobeys God (Jonah 1-3)

Day 4 - Love God - Jesus Dies and Rises Again (John 19-20:31)

Day 5 - Believe God - Paul Shipwrecks on a Beach (Acts 27:1-44)

Cost: All-In-One Kit - $74.99; Electronic Kit - $24.99

Rainforest Adventure

Publisher: Augsburg Fortress

Theme: Amazon Rainforest; Jungle

Motto: Explore God’s Wondrous Love

Overview: Under the canopy of the rainforest children will learn about Stewardship and the importance of taking care of God’s world and each other.

Daily Themes and Bible Stories:

Day 1 - We Share; Boaz shares with Ruth (Ruth 2:1-17)

Day 2 - We Give; Elisha Gives Food to 100 People (2 Kings 4:42-44)

Day 3 - We Grow; Parable of the Mustard Seed (Mark 4:30-32)

Day 4 - We Love; Jesus the Vine (John 15:1-5, 7-17)

Day 5 - We Praise; Jesus Enters Jerusalem

Cost: Starter Kit-$69.99

Beach Party

Publisher: Cokesbury

Theme: Beach

Motto: Surfing through the Scriptures

Overview: Children will learn to ride the waves of God’s love and take home the Beach Be-Attitudes.

Daily Themes and Bible Stories:

Day 1 - Be Obedient - The Call of Gideon (Judges 6)

Day 2 - Be Kind - David’s Kindness to Mephisbosheth (2 Samuel 9:1-11)

Day 3 - Be Forgiving - The Parable of the Unforgiving Servant (Matthew 18:21-23)

Day 4 - Be Bold - A Woman Healed (Luke 8:40-48)

Day 5 - Believe - Jesus and Thomas (John 20:24-29)

Cost: Starter Kit-$64.99; Small Church Starter Kit - $44.99

Friendship Trek

Publisher: Concordia

Theme: Hiking; Forest

Motto: Jesus, Our Forever Friend

Overview: Children will take an amazing hike through God’s Word and experience Jesus as their friend as they learn to care for one another.

Daily Themes and Bible Stories:

Day 1 - Friends Reach Out - Jesus called Matthew (Matthew 9:9-13)

Day 2 - Friends Love - Jesus healed the centurion’s servant (Luke 7:1-10)

Day 3 - Friends Give - Jesus gave the blind man sight (John 9)

Day 4 - Friends Care - Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead (John 11:1-45)

Day 5 - Friends Share - Jesus died and rose (Luke 24:36-49)

Cost: Starter Kit-$74.99; Super Starter Kit - $174.99

Cosmic City

Publisher: David C. Cook

Theme: Outer Space

Motto: Explore the Awesome Wonder of God

Overview: As children explore the wondrous works of God they will learn that they have a place in his creation.

Daily Themes and Bible Stories:

Day 1 - God’s Wondrous Creation (Genesis 1-2)

Day 2 - Desert Wonder - God provided manna, quail and water for the Israelites (Exodus 16)

Day 3 - Healing Wonder - Jesus heals a paralyzed man (Luke 5:17-26)

Day 4 - Water Wonder - Jesus walks on water (Matthew 14:22-33)

Day 5 - Wonder of God Brought Down to Earth - Jesus’ resurrection (John 19)

Cost: Complete Kit - $99.99

Water Works Park

Publisher: David C. Cook

Theme: Water Park; Amusement Park

Motto: Where Kids Ride the Waves of God’s Love

Overview: Children will have fun diving into God’s Word with these water based Bible stories.

Daily Themes and Bible Stories:

Day 1 - God’s Love Finds a Way! - The Israelites cross the Red Sea (Exodus 14)

Day 2 - God Gives Us Hope! - Jesus calms the storm (Mark 4:25-41)

Day 3 - God is Powerful! - Elijah challenges the prophets of Baal (1 Kings 18)

Day 4 - God Gives Us Jobs to Do! - Jesus cooks for the disciples (John 21:1-19)

Day 5 - God Never Leaves Me! - Paul is shipwrecked (Acts 27)

Cost: Starter Kit-$99.99

SonWorld Adventure Park

Publisher: Gospel Light

Theme: Amusement Park

Motto: A Thrilling Ride with Jesus

Overview: Children will experience an exciting adventure as they learn what it means to choose Jesus as their Savior.

Daily Themes and Bible Stories:

Day 1 - Choose to Believe - Jesus restores the blind man’s sight (John 9)

Day 2 - Choose to Act - Jesus heals 10 sick men (Luke 17:11-19)

Day 3 - Choose Forgiveness - The paralyzed man (Mark 2:1-12)

Day 4 - Choose to Obey - The rich young ruler (Luke 18:18-27)

Day 5 - Chose Jesus - The disciple Thomas (John 20:19-29)

Cost: Starter Kit-$74.99; Super Starter Kit - $189.99

Power Lab

Publisher: Group Publishing

Theme: Science

Motto: Discovering the Miraculous Power of Jesus

Overview: As children are engaged with exciting science theme surprises they will gain a new enthusiasm for God’s Word.

Daily Themes and Bible Stories:

Day 1 - Jesus Gives Us the Power to be Thankful - Jesus Heals 10 Lepers (Luke 17:11-19)

Day 2 - Jesus Gives Us the Power to Help Others - Jesus gives sight to the blind man (John 9:1-41)

Day 3 - Jesus Gives Us the Power to be Brave - Peter walks on water (Matthew 14:22-33)

Day 4 - Jesus Gives Us the Power to Live Forever - Jesus dies and comes back to life (Luke 23)

Day 5 - Jesus Gives Us the Power to Tell Others About God - The Holy Spirit comes at Pentecost (Acts 2:1-47)

Cost: Starter Kit-$129.99

Jerusalem Marketplace

Publisher: Group

Theme: Holy Land Adventure

Motto: Where Jesus Walked to the Cross

Overview: By taking a step back in time children are immersed in Bible-times culture and discover that the events in the Bible really did take place.

Daily Themes and Bible Stories:

Day 1 - Jesus is King - Crowds welcome Jesus to Jerusalem (Matthew 21:1-11)

Day 2 - Jesus Showed God’s Love - Jesus shares the Passover feast (John 12:1-17)

Day 3 - Jesus Loves Us - Jesus prays in the garden and is arrested (John 17)

Day 4 - Jesus Died for Us - Jesus is crucified (Luke 23:26-55)

Day 5 - Jesus Lives - Jesus rises from the dead (Luke 24:1-12)

Cost: Starter Kit-$79.99

God's Big Backyard

Publisher: Standard

Theme: Park or Backyard play area

Motto: Where Kids Have a Blast Serving Jesus

Overview: This outdoor adventure starts in your own backyard and then gets bigger as children learn to take the love of Jesus into their neighborhoods.

Daily Themes and Bible Stories:

Day 1 - Serve Family - Miriam took care of Moses (Exodus 2)

Day 2 - Serve Friends - Four men carried their friend to Jesus (Mark 2)

Day 3 - Serve Neighbors - The Good Samaritan (Luke 10)

Day 4 - Serve Community - Zacchaeus met Jesus (Luke 19)

Day 5 - Serve Jesus - Peter and John tell others (Acts 3)

Cost: Starter Kit - $69.99; Power Pak - $199.99

Faith Finders Detective Club

Publisher: Standard

Theme: Detective; Spy

Motto: Uncover the Clues to Discover the Life of Jesus

Overview: Children join Agent Faith and Sherlock Bones to uncover clues to discover who Jesus is.

Daily Themes and Bible Stories:

Day 1 - Celebrate Jesus! - Jesus’ birth (Luke 2:1-20)

Day 2 - Worship Jesus! - Jesus’ Triumphant Entry (Matthew 21:1-11)

Day 3 - Trust Jesus! - Jesus feeds 5000 (Mark 6:30-44)

Day 4 - Serve Jesus! - Jesus washes the disciples feet (John 13:1-17)

Day 5 - Follow Jesus! - Jesus’ death (Matthew 27:11)

Cost: Basic CD-Rom Package - $29.99; Deluxe Package - $99.99

Good News Games

Publisher: Bogard Press

Theme: Olympics; Sports

Motto: Winning with God’s Team

Overview: The Olympic style setting is used to instill the truths of running the good race in the hearts of the children.

Daily Themes and Bible Stories:

Day 1 - Receive Jesus as Savior - Paul signed up for service (Acts 9:1-9)

Day 2 - Join Other Believers in True Church - Paul teamed up with believers (Acts 9:10-31)

Day 3 - Learn Ways to Serve the Lord - Paul trained with Barnabas (Acts 11:19-30)

Day 4 - Grow in Christian Service - Paul powered up with Christ (Acts 18:1-11)

Day 5 - Serve Christ Your Whole Life - Paul finished up with boldness (Acts 28:16-31)

Cost: Sample Kit - $65.00

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Vacation Bible School for the Small Church

For over 8 years I was Vacation Bible School Director for a small church. During that time I learned how to be very thrifty with all the resources at my disposal. Hopefully, some of these tips can help you.

Vacation Bible School for the Small Church

Summer is just around the corner and for many churches so is Vacation Bible School. There are more and more themes available each year. For the VBS Director, choosing a theme is one of the hardest duties but the most enjoyable. Since vacation bible school is the biggest outreach event for many churches choosing the right curriculum becomes a daunting task.

Most VBS curriculum kits are written for large churches but they can be scaled down for even the smallest of churches. Small church VBS directors must be very creative and budget minded. As you review each kit keep your church in mind by asking these questions:

• How easy or difficult will decorating be for this theme?


• Are there enough volunteers for this theme?


• Is there enough space for the games in this theme?


• Are there other games that will be easy to adapt to this theme?


• How easy or difficult will it be to find crafts for this theme?


• Will the gifts and talents of the volunteers be effectively used with this theme?


• Does the theme complement the vision of the church?


• Will the participants enjoy this theme?


• Will this theme generate excitement within the church and community?

Getting the Most for Your Money

The largest obstacle for the small church VBS program is funding. After purchasing the necessary curriculum there is not much left over for crafts, game supplies, decorating and snacks. There are several ways to overcome these obstacles and still provide an awesome Vacation Bible School.

Use a small rotation model

With this method of rotation only 5 rooms are needed (six if Missions is included). Room 1 is for Bible Story. Room 2 is for crafts. Room 3 is for music. Room 4 is for snacks. Room 5 is for recreation. Children will begin each session in the main meeting area and divided into five (or 6) groups by age. After the opening service each age group will rotate to one of the rooms and continue rotating throughout the night into each of the other rooms. The music rotation room could be the same area used for opening and closing ceremonies. Recreation could take place outside weather permitting. This type of rotation reduces the number of rooms that need to be decorated. It also helps in recruiting volunteers. Someone who might not be comfortable teaching a class may not mind simply leading children from one room to another, while someone who really has a gift for teaching children will be utilized throughout the week doing what they enjoy.

Buy the starter or sampler kit only

For the small church the starter kit usually has all that is necessary to implement a full VBS. Starter kits include the Director’s Guide and the Leader Guides for Music, Recreation, Crafts, Snack & Recreation, and Bible Study. The music CD and instructional DVD are also included in most sampler kits. These kits range in price from 79.99 to 299.99.

Use your own student handouts and promotional material

The starter kits include samples of student handouts and promo material. Purchasing these items can cut a huge chunk out of the VBS budget. A much less expensive alternative is to create your own student handouts and promotional materials. There are many websites that allow you to create puzzles or print free coloring pages and games. Find ones that relate to your theme or bible stories and print them yourself. If you are really creative you can make a booklet for each child to use throughout the week. Use clipart provided in the starter kit to make your own postcards, flyers and signs for promotion. Clipart can also be used to make your own name badges.

Crafts on a budget

Vacation Bible School crafts tend to be the most expensive part of any program but a favorite for the children. The VBS Director should brainstorm with the Craft Director to come up with some viable options. Search the internet for craft ideas that relate to your theme or bible story. Some other ideas include:

• Make a week-long scrapbook. On the first night the children will make the actual book including the front cover. A designated photographer should take pictures each day making sure all of the children are photographed. Develop the film before each session so the children can work on additional pages of their book throughout the week. Use clipart from the sample kit and other themed items for embellishments.


• Make salvation bracelets on the night this message will be given. The colored beads are fairly cheap. Each bead color should be explained during the craft class, thereby reiterating the salvation message given in bible story and closing ceremonies.


• Allow the children to design their own name badges the first day.

Ask for donations

Make a list of all items needed for your VBS including craft supplies, printer paper, pens, crayons, glue and snacks. A couple of months before your kickoff have a VBS drive. Ask church congregational members to donate the needed items. You probably will not get every item you need but anything you get will be less you have to buy.

Small churches can have a very effective Vacation Bible School despite the obstacles of funds, supplies and volunteers. Be creative and do not be afraid to think outside the box. Remember, “With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God.” (Matthew 10:27)

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Contemporary Christian Music

The controversy over Contemporary Music versus Traditional music has been going on in the churches for several years. Who is right? Is there room for compromise?

I have been a Christian for a little over 15 years. In that time my family has attended three churches. The first was a little country Southern Baptist church in Mississippi. Every Sunday we went to church and sang from our Baptist Hymnal. Some of the songs were inspiring. Many held no meaning for me at all. But this is what everyone sang in church at the time.

Two years later my husband was transfered to the St. Louis area. After finding our home our next objective was to find a new church. Luckily, right up the road from our new home was a Southern Baptist Church. We joined within a few months and attended for 13 years. Again, every Sunday we sang out of the Baptist Hymnal accompanied by the piano and sometimes an organ. Same songs from before. Soon after moving to the area I discovered a Christian radio station that played Christian music. The music was new and fresh and so inspiring. I became hooked on contemporary Christian music but I never dreamed of singing these songs in church. Until....

Over the last several years there has been a huge controversy in churches - Contemporary vs. Traditional. Contemporary churches claim they are trying to reach a new generation and while the message is not changing the method is. Traditionalists claim that churhces using contemporary music are compromising with the world. So who is right?

After studying the Word concerning this issue I think a mixed service of both contemporary and traditional music is the most biblical. Why

Paul's Example (Acts 17:16-34)

There is nothing wordly about meeting people where they are. Speaking their language. Finding common ground. Isn't this what Paul did when he spoke to the Athenians? Paul began finding common ground with the men of Athens by meeting them in the public square daily. He spoke with them and debated with them. Then, he addressed them with a sermon. Not filled with a historical discourse as his sermons usually were. But based off of the common ground he had already established. He used examples they would understand and he slowly moved the people toward a decision for Jesus Christ. Paul never changed the truth of the message but he often changed his approach to fit his audience.

Music is so prevelant in our culture today (especially in America) that it is very easy to find a common ground or "language" with it. Just as Paul used the "unknown god" to establish a dialogue with the men of Athens, churches can use music to reach people.

David's Example

David is probably the most prolific songwriter in the Bible. The book of Psalms records many of his songs. He celebrated God's power and mercy and love over and over again. David wrote these songs so that the people of Israel could hear and understand God's mighty power. He also wrote them so that the people would not forget how God had worked in their midst.

He did not write them all at one time. The songs were written as God revealed more of himself to David and the people. Each time a major event occured in the life of David or Israel, he would write a "new song" to commemorate it. (Psalms 33:3; 40:3; 96:1; 98:1; 144:9; 149:1). He would then tell the people to remember these songs and to sing them for their children and grandchildren so that God's works would not be forgotten.

God is still at work!!

Traditional churches are doing a fine job of reminding the generations of what God has done. But has God stopped working? Absolutely not!! He is still actively working in the lives of people today. Shouldn't we still be celebrating his work? Wouldn't it be much more relevant to people of this generation to show that God is as real today as he was in David's time? Many of the songs in the Baptist Hymnal were written between 1800-1950. These songs were "contemporary" at the time they were written. The writers of these songs were like David - writing praise to the Lord for what He had done in their lives. Contemporary Christian artists are writing about the work of the Lord in the 21st century. Shouldn't the churches be teaching their children and grandchildren of God's continuing love and grace while reminding them of all he has done in the past?

Why is this such a difficult concept?

Many preachers preach that people do not want to hear the gospel because they do not want to face the sin in their lives. I believe there is a similar scenario concerning traditionalists. (This is not true in all cases but in many). It is much easier and safer to delegate God to a God of the past. We can come to church on Sunday morning and praise Him for what he has done and that is safe, comfortable. If we admit that God is still working it means he is still working on us!! If are hearts are tuned to look for where God is at work right now it might mean we have to do something (other than sit in the pew). It might mean that we have to change something in our lives. It might mean that we will be uncomfortable.

For 13 years we sang the old traditional Baptist songs. I didn't even have to open the hymn book. I knew all the songs by heart. But I had become complacent. There was very little worship going on for me at church. I was going through the motions. But at home I would listen to contemporary Christian music and my soul would soar. I would stand in my kitchen and worship the Lord with all my heart. And, yes, He was working on me!!

Last year we changed churches. It was a very hard decision after so many years but after much prayer and tears we knew that God had a different plan for us. The church we now attend uses contemporary music in its worship service. We left our first service in such awe and knew that this was how God was supposed to be worshiped by His people. It has not always been the most comfortable experience. I am no longer going through the motion when I praise the Lord corporately with other believers and my eyes have been opened to God in a whole new way! He has used "new songs" to refreshen my heart and my spirit.

Some of my favorite Contemporary Christian Artists

www.castingcrowns.com

www.newsboys.com

www.christomlin.com

www.thejustifiedband.com (our church youth band)

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