Heart Choices: Monday Morning Reflections ~ Yahweh Nissi -->

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Monday Morning Reflections ~ Yahweh Nissi



I continue to study Ann Spangler's book "Praying the Names of God" and link up with Jill of Forever N Ever N Always

This week our focus is on God as Yahweh Nissi or The Lord My Banner.

A banner is like a flag or something that serves as a rallying point for troops prior to a battle and can be seen from a distance.  Ann wrote:

When you pray to Yahweh Nissi, you are praying to the God who is powerful enough to overcome any foe.

Exodus 17:8-16 describes an encounter the Israelites had with their enemy, the Amalekites.  As Joshua and the men fought, Moses, Aaron and Hur climbed atop a hill.  Moses held the staff of God in his hands.  As long as Moses was able to hold up the staff, the Israelites were winning. When Moses lowered his hands, the Amalekites were winning.

The battle continued for some time and as you might imagine, Moses' hands got tired.  Praise God that Aaron and Hur were there beside him to help.  They would hold his hands up on either side.  Moses' hands remained steady until sunset and Joshua and the army won the battle over the Amalekites.

Moses built an altar and called it 'The Lord is my Banner'.

Just like the Israelites, we fight battles in our spiritual lives every day.  My biggest enemy is my 'self'. 

I don't know about you but I  battle myself throughout the day.  I start out great with a daily morning quiet time with all the best intentions.  But then ...life happens.

My desire is to stay connected to the vine and abide.  When I do this, I allow the Holy Spirit to work in and through me.  I love it when this happens because I know it's not me.  That's when the fruit of the Spirit is evident and I cannot claim the glory.  Even my family knows it's God in me.

The reality is that I don't always stay connected.  As long as I am on this side of eternity, there will be a battle with my flesh.  I have to remind myself of who I am in Christ:
  • The Lord is my banner. 
  • I am God's child.
  • I am free from condemnation.
  • My sins have been forgiven.
  • I am the temple of God.
  • I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me.
I struggle with my flesh most when I'm:
  • Tired
  • Hungry 
  • Not feeling well 
Instead of indulging my flesh, I try to remember those signals and run to the Lord who is my Banner.  I can pray to God as Yahweh Nissi. 

Instead of reaching for something that may temporarily make me 'feel' better, I reach for the One who can help me overcome those desires. 

Everyday is a battlefield.  Will I choose to indulge my flesh and do what I want and when I want it?

Or will I make the heart choice to walk in the Spirit, abiding in Him?  He is my banner if only I would look to Him.

Moses had Aaron and Hur beside him to help when he got tired.  How grateful I am that the Lord has placed many people in my life who help keep me accountable and encouraged.  Thank you Helen, Anna May, Sue and Marcia. 

Through blogging I've been so blessed with so many new friends.  What an encouragement it's been to read each comment.  I love to receive emails and requests for prayer.  What a privilege and honor to be used by God in this way. 

Heart Choices may have begun as a heart health blog but it's evolved into so much more.  My desire is to look to God as my banner each and every day as I abide in Him.

Blessings and  love,

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Debbie Petras
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14 comments:

  1. AMEN! Absolutely beautiful post!

    I'll be sharing on this tomorrow!

    Lots of love,
    Jill

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  2. AMEN to all of this Deb...I so feel the same way. Have a wonderful day....HUGS

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  3. What a wonderful picture the Lord paints of friendship -- when one is tired, He brings true friends to help lift up our arms! I think the "lifting of arms" is not simply physical. I am so thankful for the friends and God has brought into my life. Through them, He has lifted my spirits when I have been tired or feeling low. And I pray that as I look to God as my Banner, He will use me to encourage others as well. Thanks for the great post, Debbie!

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  4. Dear Debbie,
    God is our banner, and his banner over us is signed LOVE.
    I have been comforted by the words of Job lately, and would like to share them with you.
    Job 22: 25 then the Almighty will be your gold,
    the choicest silver for you.

    26 Surely then you will find delight in the Almighty
    and will lift up your face to God.

    27 You will pray to him, and he will hear you,
    and you will fulfill your vows.

    28 What you decide on will be done,
    and light will shine on your ways.

    29 When men are brought low and you say, 'Lift them up!'
    then he will save the downcast.

    30 He will deliver even one who is not innocent,
    who will be delivered through the cleanness of your hands."

    I say, "Lift Debbie up".
    Amen

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  5. Hi Debbie~ I was just thinking the other day about what your blog used to be, and am so glad it is what it is now. You minister to us about our hearts - but in a different way! :-)

    I'm so glad the Lord has given you an Aaron and Hurr in real life, and that we can be that to eachother through blogging. I'm praying for you, my friend...

    Jennifer

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  6. It's a joy to see those Scriptures come to full focus in your own life -- with your very own Aaron and Hur. I have friends like these in my life, too, and they are the very hands and feet of Jesus to me!

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  7. I love this name! Our pup is named Nissi for this very reason. May he wrap us up in His love like the cuddliest blanket as our banner.

    Hugs to you sweet friend,
    Sara

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  8. When I came to know God as Jehovah-nissi, my life changed! Knowing that victory is assured under the banner of the LORD!!! Hallelujah!!
    Wylie

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  9. I love to think of God as my banner and join you in the heart choice of walking in His spirit. I love the picture of you and your friends.

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  10. Hanging on that vine right along with you!

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  11. Dear Debbie,
    Thank you for your encouraging words. I just love to see you write about the names of God. He is so much more than we can ever imagine. It is so great to see how how turn to Him each day as you have gone through many trials. You are an encouragement to each one of us through your Godly example.
    Sue

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  12. There's nothing I can add to this beyond another "amen!".

    So many times I've proven to myself how faithful is the Lord; how generous & lavish is He with His love & provision.

    We are blessed.

    Looking forward to our Friday trek.

    Kathleen

    ReplyDelete

I love to read your comments! I know you have something to share so join in the conversation. And thank you for taking the time.

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