Call and Response

Today is Friday With Friends!  Each Friday for the next few months, I’m going to introduce you to some of my favorite writers.  Each has their own style, and all are worth your read.

Let me introduce, Samantha Reed.  I recently read one of her Proverbs 31 devotionals and it so resonated with me that I knew I wanted to showcase her talent on my blog.  Samantha has a way of saying something that begs you to connect on a deeper level.  Her words speak to your spirit.  I know you’ll enjoy her.

His wee body curled in the crook of my arm. And we rocked. So tiny, so new, only two days old. Six pounds and fifteen ounces, yet he bore the truth, The Truth. Timeless, eternal, weighty truth.

“His first name means ‘Remembered by Yahweh (God).’ Anytime God reminds us in His Word that He remembers, it is a reminder of His faithfulness; that we’re always on His mind. His middle name means ‘faithful.”

A call and response.

His first name calls to mind the richness of God’s character: unfailing, hope, surety. His middle name elicits our soul’s response to Him: Yes, Lord. Yes. Today, tomorrow, for life, I will be faithful to You.

I was beckoned by this wisdom. Summons I could not ignore.

A call to my mind to be weighted with truth: God sees my circumstances. A response for my thoughts to praise Him for wells, clouds and fire in the desert.

Heart valves opened to the call of the Lord’s ever-presence. A response for my emotions to bid on peace; treat worry as rubbish.

Actions formed a line in front of God’s call of mercy. A response for my ways to snuggle deep in His compassion.

God is ever calling, desiring my mind, heart and actions to respond. His Names testify. I wonder, will you join me in a call and response?

El Shaddai reflects how He completely nourishes, satisfies, and supplies as a mother would her child. He is our sustainer.

Yahweh is the promised name of God. Held in such high honor, it is too holy to even voice (by Jewish tradition).

Jehovah Nissi Jehovah denotes a God who reveals Himself unceasingly. Nissi means “banner.” In battle opposing nations flew their flags on a pole at their front lines. This gave soldiers hope and a place to focus. Jehovah Nissi is our banner of encouragement that gives hope and a focal point when in battle.

Jehovah Rapha restores, heals and makes healthful. Our Great Physician makes better our physical and emotional needs.

Jehovah Mekoddishkem calls us to holiness and gently reminds us that it’s “The Lord who sets you apart.”

To know God, His nature—His Name—awakens the voice of my soul. I respond to the One my soul is connected to, eternally. He calls, I respond.

I satisfy : I will be nourished in You.

I am holy : I will highly esteem You.

I cover you : I trust Your protection.

I heal…everything : I will ungrasp my heart for You heal.

I make all things new : I believe You make beautiful things from dust.

He’s calling. His steadfast character and everlasting Name are calling. Friend, you are welcome and invited to respond. His desire is you, your response.

Will you call on one of His Names and its meaning … and invite your heart, mind and actions to respond?

Jump over to Sam’s blog to continue responding and to enter to win Jesus Calling by Sarah Young.

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Samantha Reed hails from the North… but was raised in the South. Perhaps this unique medley of accents, food and temperature inspires her to write. She muses at Fields of Gold, is a contributor to Proverbs 31 Ministries’ Daily Devotions and is working a mixing her Yankee Belle experiences in her first novel.