What vs Who From the first worship leader in heaven to everyone who has been created to occupy this earth, there has been a relentless struggle between the what and the who of our existence. Though he had the greatest gig of all time, leading the hosts of heaven in what had to have been the most amazing productions of praise, satan let the “what” of his occupation divert him from relationship with the “Who” it was for. In seeking the “what” he lost both it and the “Who”. In a similar way, this displacement of “Who” also caused the first family to lose not only their “what” in the garden, but relationship with “Who” had placed them there. While there are endless additional examples of the “what” triumphing over the “Who”, we are given hope by those like David and Paul who found that every “what” could be fulfilled when their “Who” won their passionate pursuit. We have been fearfully and wonderfully formed with a spirit, body and also a soul, where the paths of life are chosen and followed. The One who did the forming is endless in proven ability and character. From Him and through Him everything the body could crave or the soul desire can be fully satisfied. However, “what” He is and does is continually competing to divert our attention from Him as its provider. Both the necessities and pleasures of life are promised in Him. However, with every provision of a “what” there is an accompanying opportunity to let it become a curse rather than a blessing. Where it is sought over the Provider, it will eventually be lost together with “Who” it came from. To know Him at all is to discover the Good, Good Father that He is, providing way, way more than we could ever need or desire. With any turning of the heart towards the “what”, however, there is a risk of not only losing the blessing of that thing, but the wonder of relationship with “Who” made it. In the reception and application of the amazing new life that is ours in Christ, there is a wonderful opportunity to let each “what” become a means of knowing and glorifying Him better. In the triumph of “Who” over “what” is the securing of both eternal provision and relationship with the One who provides way more than we could ever imagine or hope for. Notes Essential – keeping “Who” as the cause Deuteronomy 8:11-19 (NIV) 11 Be careful that you do not forget the LORD your God, failing to observe his commands, his laws and his decrees that I am giving you this day. 12 Otherwise, when you eat and are satisfied, when you build fine houses and settle down, 13 and when your herds and flocks grow large and your silver and gold increase and all you have is multiplied, 14 then your heart will become proud and you will forget the LORD your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery. 15 He led you through the vast and dreadful wilderness, that thirsty and waterless land, with its venomous snakes and scorpions. He brought you water out of hard rock. 16 He gave you manna to eat in the wilderness, something your ancestors had never known, to humble and test you so that in the end it might go well with you. 17 You may say to yourself, “My power and the strength of my hands have produced this wealth for me.” 18 But remember the LORD your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your ancestors, as it is today. 19 If you ever forget the LORD your God and follow other gods and worship and bow down to them, I testify against you today that you will surely be destroyed. When “what” is winning, door opened to every evil work and its consequence. Romans 1:25 (NIV) 25 They exchanged the truth about God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator—who is forever praised. Amen. What: Identity Health Wealth Security Pleasure Peace Happiness Comfort Love Affection When life is about “Who” you’re seeking, “what” is supernaturally cared for. Psalms 27:4-8 (NIV) 4 One thing I ask from the LORD, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple. 5 For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his sacred tent and set me high upon a rock. 6 Then my head will be exalted above the enemies who surround me; at his sacred tent I will sacrifice with shouts of joy; I will sing and make music to the LORD. 7 Hear my voice when I call, LORD; be merciful to me and answer me. 8 My heart says of you, “Seek his face!” Your face, LORD, I will seek. What is discovered in His presence? – Goodness (Everything for life) Exodus 33:19 (NIV) 19 And the LORD said, "I will cause all my goodness to pass in front of you, and I will proclaim my name, the LORD, in your presence. I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion. Pursuing Him causes His goodness to follow you. Psalms 23:6 (NIV) 6 Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever. In Him – a name that will fulfill every longing of the soul. (Names) Isaiah 9:6 (NIV) 6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Apart from Him – nothing… John 15:4-5 (NIV) 4 Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. 5 "I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. In Christ – from “with” to “in” – identify with the “Who” Colossians 1:27-29 (NIV) 27 To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. 28 He is the one we proclaim, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone fully mature in Christ. 29 To this end I strenuously contend with all the energy Christ so powerfully works in me. When every “what” is for “Who” - worship Ephesians 6:7-8 (NIV) 7 Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people, 8 because you know that the Lord will reward each one for whatever good they do, whether they are slave or free. Complete joy of living – the inevitable experience when “Who” wins over “what” Isaiah 51:11-13 (NIV) 11 Those the LORD has rescued will return. They will enter Zion with singing; everlasting joy will crown their heads. Gladness and joy will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee away. 12 "I, even I, am he who comforts you. Who are you that you fear mere mortals, human beings who are but grass, 13 that you forget the LORD your Maker, who stretches out the heavens and who lays the foundations of the earth, that you live in constant terror every day because of the wrath of the oppressor, who is bent on destruction? For where is the wrath of the oppressor? Overview: There is a “what” in life that is always contending against the “Who”. When the things of life displace Who they are from and for, there is danger of losing both. Pursuing God first is discovery of way more than just a momentary craving or requirement. Fruitful living follows abiding in life’s true source – Christ. There is an endless victory celebration in the triumph of “Who” over the “what’s” of life Prayer: “Fill me now with the memory of my new birth in You, when every “thing” about life was given its source in You. As I lay before you all the things my soul requires and desires, may the hope of You in me remove all anxious care that diverts me from pursuing You. Flood my soul with joy in knowing You as I fix my heart steadfast on You.” Action: Identify the “what’s” that are your desires and requirements of life. From your source of life in Christ, draw on the revelation of Him in each area utilizing His names. As He is seen as your source, believe and ask for provision by faith. Let the “what” that used to oppose the “Who” become an opportunity for worship unto Him. Declare by faith: “The “what’s” that used to dominate and determine my course in life are overwhelmed by the “Who” that lives, breathes, and has His being in me. Since I have died to the temporary, I have become alive to the eternal. Everything that used to divert and occupy my focus is now submitted to the One who reigns in my passions and pursuits, the One I serve in worship.” Names of God David Sorenson To Moses – “I Am” – All you could ever need, require, or desire. Exodus 3:14 (NIV) 14 God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: 'I AM has sent me to you.'” Yahweh The self-existent One. He has always existed and will always exist. You can always rely on Him because He is your eternal source of strength. (Genesis 2:4, Isaiah 40:3; 10; 1 Samuel 1:20; Exodus 6:1-4, 3:1-22) Adonai God is the Lord over all. He is the King of kings and the Lord of lords, He reigns forever. Therefore, you find safety in Him and Him alone. (Genesis 15:2, Judges 6:15, Malachi 1:6, Deuteronomy 10:17; Psalm 2:4, 8:1, 97:5, 136:3; Isaiah 1:24, 6:1; Romans 10:9) Yahweh-Maccaddeshem The Lord your sanctifier. He forgives your sins and His Holy Spirit works in your life to become like He is: pure, loving and true. (Exodus 31:13, Leviticus 20:8; Ezekiel 37:28) Yahweh-Rohi The Lord my shepherd. He cares for you, the way a shepherd tends his sheep. He cares for you and leads you to still waters and green pastures. (Psalm 23, 80:1, 95:7, Isaiah 40:11, Jeremiah 31:10, Ezekiel 34:12, 23) Yahweh-Shammah The Lord who is present. He never leaves you, nor forsakes you. He is with you forever. Your best friend, who never betrays you. (Ezekiel 48:35, Genesis 28:15, Ezekiel 48:35, Psalm 23:4, 46:1, 139:7-12, Jeremiah 23:23-24, Amos 5:14) Yahweh-Rapha The Lord our healer. “By His stripes we were healed” declares the Bible. Jesus Christ died to give you life. Not only was God the healer in the Old Testament, but Jesus Christ revealed the healing heart of God for all of us, more than ever. (Exodus 15:26, Exodus 15:26, 2 Chronicles 7:14, Psalm 6:2, 41:4, 103:3, 147:3, Isaiah 19:22, 30:36, 57:18-19, Jeremiah 3:22; 17:14, 30:17) Yahweh-Tsidkenu The Lord our righteousness. When we believe in Jesus Christ, He becomes our righteousness. He forgives our sins and washes us with His blood. (Jeremiah 23:6, Genesis 15:6, Jeremiah 23:6, Psalm 4:1, 5:8, 24:5, 31:1, 36:10, 71:15, 89:16) Yahweh-Jireh The Lord will provide. Jesus Christ said that Father cares for us and we never need to worry about provision. He is our source of life, in every way. (Genesis 22:13-14) Yahweh-Nissi The Lord our banner. The Lord gives us the victory in spiritual warfare. When the enemy comes in like a flood, the Lord raises a banner of His love over us and covers us. He wages war on our behalf and makes us more than conquerors in Christ Jesus. (Exodus 17:15) Yahweh-Shalom The Lord is peace. Whenever there are storms in your life, hide in Him. He is your shelter in the storm. He gives peace beyond understanding, even when circumstances are chaotic. He is our shelter and our shield. (Judges 6:24) Yahweh-Sabbaoth The Lord of Hosts. The Bible mentions myriads of angels, who wage war against the armies of hell, who try to destroy mankind. Jesus Christ is the Lord of hosts, the Captain of the armies of heaven. (Isaiah 6:1-3, 1 Samuel 1:3, 17:45; 2 Samuel 6:2, 7:26-27; 1 Chronicles 11:9; Haggai 1:5) Yahweh-Ghmolah The God of Recompense. The Lord says in Romans 12 “vengeance is mine, I will repay.” We should never avenge others for what they do to us, but leave it in God’s hands. (Jeremiah 51:6) Elohim God is creator, powerful and mighty, Lord of lords. He is the Lord Most High, stronger and mightier than anyone or anything. When you face impossible circumstances or adversaries, know that your God is stronger. (Gen. 1:1, 17:7, Ps 19:1 Jer. 31:33) El-Elyon The most high God. Do not fear the enemy who tries to intimidate you. Know that your God is the Most High God. There is none above Him. Jesus Christ is exalted high above every name. (Genesis 14:17-20, Deuteronomy 26:19, Isaiah 14:13-14) El-Gibhor Mighty God. The Lord is mighty to save. His arm is not too short. Whatever problem you are facing, know that your God is El-Gibhor, MIGHTY! (Isaiah 9:6) El-Olam The everlasting God. God is eternal, while your problems are temporary. His love will never change. His promises are true. Build on Him, who is eternal and do not focus on your temporary situations. He will show you His great and eternal goodness. (Isaiah 40:28-31) El-Roi The strong one who sees. When you feel lonely and abandoned by people, know that God is with you. He sees you and He knows you. He hears the cry of your heart and He loves you more than you can imagine. He will lead you through and fill your heart with His praise. (Genesis 16:13) El-Shaddai-Rohi God Almighty, the mighty One of Jacob. God is not just another ‘god’ like the countless idols. He truly is the Almighty Creator of heaven and earth. (Gen. 17:1, 49:24, Ps. 91:1, 132:2, 5) El-Chuwl The God who gave birth. God is our Creator and our Father. He saw us and He loved us, even before we were born. He has a plan for your life and if you walk with Him, He will fulfill His dreams over your life and amaze you. (Psalm 139:13-18) El-Deah God of knowledge. Wisdom comes from the Lord. Man tries to become wise apart from God, but ends up in foolishness. When we fear God and keep His commandments to love one another, we will know Him as He is and His wisdom will guide us. (1 Samuel 2:3; Romans 11:33-36; 1 Cor. 1:18-31) Attiyq Youm The Ancient of Days. God is eternal. He was before the beginning of time. Therefor He has all authority. Every knee will bow before Him. (Daniel 7:9, 13, 14)