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Welcome Letter
Welcome. The journey to this study has been a long one. For me, it began in 2016 with an opportunity—an opportunity to do something that I loved— to teach the Bible. I was doing a deep dive into the names of God, what they were, what they meant, and how they were revealed and felt like that was the study God was leading me to write and teach. I figured I could study, write, and then film within six months.
At that time, the pursuit of God’s names was deeply personal for me as I worked through childhood pain, adult dysfunction, and finally coming to terms with the truth that I believed in Jesus, but I didn’t believe Jesus. In other words, my salvation was secure, but I wasn’t living in the fullness and freedom Jesus had for me. It wasn’t the study of the Hebrew language or the history of God’s people that compelled me but the desire to know him more. It was in that season that I learned how to seek a heart connection, not just head knowledge, and it forever changed me.
I was excited and so ready. But, it wasn’t to be. The potential producer wanted to go in a totally different direction, and I found myself at a crossroads. As I was praying and thinking about the next steps, there was a moment when he reminded me of his names and so clearly led me into his presence and promises. I knew what to do. I held fast to the truth that when he provides, it leads to a closer relationship with him and brings him glory. I knew that I was seen and had profound peace in making this difficult decision. Although I felt rejected and misunderstood in the process, I trusted that he was with me and was (and is) all I needed.
Yahweh Jireh. Yahweh Nissi. El Roi. Yahweh Shalom. Yahweh Tsebaoath.
Some of the above are names we will be connecting with in this study, and some are not. There are a lot of names, and we just can’t cover them all. However, those are the names that attached me to God and strengthened me as I made my decision. Brokenhearted, I turned down the opportunity, knowing that it may be the only one I would ever have.
But God has made a way all these years later, and here we are. I share all of this because my deepest desire is for us to grow in love and awe and wonder and holy reverence as we discover more of who God is in the names he revealed to us. I pray that this study will draw us closer to him. Let’s not be transactional with the learning of these names but allow this experience to be transformational. Are you ready?
- Meaghan Grider
HOW TO ENGAGE WITH SOUL WORK
Every week you are invited to participate in five days of SOUL WORK in between sessions. While homework is designed to connect the mind with information, this SOUL WORK is designed to connect the soul with transformation.
Of course, information will be a part of the equation, but so will reflection, creativity, silence, and movement. Some aspects of this work may feel uncomfortable. Each of us has our comfort zone, but we want to encourage you to engage with all of it. When you may be tempted to skip something, hold on to the truth that God reveals himself in many different ways. If we limit how we interact with him, we may be limiting our encounters with him. All of this engagement will be rooted in God’s Word. The hope is that it will bring refreshment and growth as we seek him.
We’ll look at the conduct of Jacob, David, Gideon, Moses, and Hagar and reflect on our own. As we unpack how our convictions affect our choices, we will see that true comfort is found in our honest and earnest connection with the lover of our soul, who also happens to be the all-powerful and all-knowing God.
In John 17:26 (NASB1977) Jesus says,
“I have made Thy name known to them, and will make it known, that the love wherewith Thou didst love Me may be in them, and I in them.”
In the original Greek, the word “known” is gnorizo, which means to know or perceive. It is used mainly in the New Testament for the revelation
of God’s saving purpose, divinely communicated things, and of making his power known. May each of the names we study—Yahweh Tsebaoth, Yahweh Shalom, Yahweh Nissi, Elohim Roi, and Abba—reveal purpose, enrich our relationship with God, and lead us in love.
A set of pens and/or colored pencils may enhance your experience, as well. You will also need to have your Bible or Bible app on hand for each day’s work. And if you are physically able, you will be encouraged to take some time and move outside every week.
Some days in SOUL WORK will point to an accompanying SPOTIFY® playlist of specially curated songs. Simply scan the accompanying QR code or click on the link to access and listen through these playlists. Spend time journaling and reflecting upon the correlating day’s SOUL WORK while listening.
