The Bible says in Proverbs 18:10:
“The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.”
What is a name, and why is the LORD’s name a strong tower?
A person’s name is a unique word or set of words used to identify an individual.
A name is an identity.
A name signifies the very essence, character, reputation, and authority of a person.
A name is what defines a person.
A name is very significant and highly intentional.
A name is more than just words; it shapes who you are. The name you are given influences who you become.
There is power in names.
In the Bible, names held great significance beyond merely identifying a person. It was believed that to know someone’s name was to know that person’s character and nature.
It is very important that parents are aware of this truth. When you name your child, you are, in a sense, defining what that child will become.
A name is like a box or a container. Whatever you pour into it takes the shape of that container. Therefore, it is expected that a person will manifest the meaning of the name given to him or her.
Some parents give names to their children based on the circumstances surrounding their birth or what is prevalent in the family. You cannot name a child Sorrow and expect that child to bring you anything other than sorrow. It is a matter of what you have sown. As you continually call that name, its manifestations will follow.
Where I come from, we often give names based on the family we belong to. For example, if you come from a royal family, the word “Ade” (meaning crown) is usually part of your name. This signifies that you come from a royal lineage.
A name determines how far you can go, and I dare say that your name can also constrain you.
We have several examples in the Bible where God changed a person’s name because that name had become a limitation to how far they could go.
For example, God changed Abram, meaning Exalted Father, to Abraham, meaning Father of a Multitude. God changed his name when establishing His covenant with him, designating him as the father of many nations. What is the point of being an exalted father if your generation ends with you? What is the point if there is no succession?
We also see God changing Jacob’s name to Israel. Jacob means supplanter or heel-grabber, and throughout his life before meeting the Angel of the LORD, his behaviour reflected that name. The name also carries the idea of one who replaces, trips up, or outwits another person.
However, for God’s purpose to be fulfilled and for His covenant with His friend Abraham to come to pass, Jacob’s name was changed to Israel, meaning one who prevails with God.
So, when you study the names of God, they give you an understanding of His character. This builds your confidence in Him. In every situation, there is an aspect of God’s nature that you can rely upon, and through faith in His name, you will be victorious.
Our God is:
1. El Shaddai – The LORD God Almighty.
2. El Elyon – The Most High God.
3. Adonai – LORD, Master.
4. Yahweh – The LORD Jehovah.
5. Jehovah Nissi – The LORD My Banner.
6. Jehovah Raah – The LORD My Shepherd.
7. Jehovah Rapha – The LORD Who Heals.
8. Jehovah Shammah – The LORD Is There.
9. Jehovah Tsidkenu– The LORD Our Righteousness.
10. Jehovah Mekoddishkem– The LORD Who Sanctifies You.
11. El Olam – The Everlasting God.
12. Elohim – God, the Creator.
13. Qanna – The Jealous God.
14. Jehovah Jireh – The LORD Who Provides.
15. Jehovah Shalom – The LORD Our Peace.
16. Jehovah Sabaoth – The LORD of Hosts.
Knowledge of these names, and the character and reputation they reveal about God, will give you boldness to trust in Him and rely on Him.
God’s name is excellent (Psalm 8:1).
His name endures forever (Psalm 72:17). Since the days of Seth in Genesis 4:26 until now, men have been calling upon His name, and they have never been disappointed. And I know of a surety that if Jesus tarries, generations yet unborn will still be calling upon that same name.
Congratulations, my beloved. You have unrestricted access to the names of the Most High God. Run into His name, for it is still a strong tower.
ANOINTING
To anoint means to pour or rub oil or another substance on a person or object. Anointing is the ceremonial act of pouring, smearing, or rubbing oil upon a person or object to designate them as set apart or chosen for a purpose.
Now, when this has to do with God through the Holy Spirit, such a person or object is designated as holy or set apart for a divine purpose.
Anointing by the Holy Spirit is empowerment for a purpose.
In God’s dealings with the Israelites, we see people anointed to be kings, rulers, prophets, and priests. We also see objects anointed and declared holy. It served as an outward symbol that God had chosen and equipped them for the role He wanted them to fulfill.
In the New Testament, we also see people, especially the sick, being anointed with oil.
Anointing with oil or any other substance is not peculiar to Christianity. In fact, many other religions and cultures anoint their officials with oil when installing them into office. Some even anoint guests as a mark of hospitality and a token of honor.
So, what makes the Holy Spirit’s anointing, God’s anointing, different from all others?
You see, simply pouring anointing oil, even if it is pure olive oil, is not the Holy Spirit’s anointing. When God anoints, His power and authority accompany the person or object being anointed. The oil that is poured is only an outward symbol; the real substance is the power behind it. With God, it is the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit.
The purpose of God’s anointing is to enable an individual to fulfill a specific spiritual task, ministry, or calling. When God anoints, it is like immersion, a total submerging of a person. When you are anointed by the Holy Spirit, you become a completely different person, not in outward appearance, but in your ability to perform the assignment for which you have been anointed.
By now, it should be clear that when God anoints you, it is always for a purpose. God’s anointing is an extraordinary ability given to enable you to do what you ordinarily would not be able to do.
In 1 Samuel chapter 10, God instructed Samuel to anoint Saul as the first king over Israel. Samuel listed many things that would happen to Saul as soon as he left his presence. Verse 9 says:
“And it was so, that when he had turned his back to go from Samuel, God gave him another heart: and all those signs came to pass that day.”
God gave him another heart. Your physical appearance may remain the same, but something happens to your heart, and that change becomes evident to everyone around you.
What you could not do before in relation to your assignment, the Holy Spirit now empowers you to do. You begin to see possibilities where you once saw only limitations and doubts. Because you now see possibilities, doors that had previously been closed begin to open. Places where you were once denied entrance now receive you because of what you carry.
Verse 11 says:
“And it came to pass, when all that knew him beforetime saw that, behold, he prophesied among the prophets, then the people said one to another, What is this that is come unto the son of Kish? Is Saul also among the prophets?”
There is another dimension of God’s anointing that I want us to consider. God does not anoint only when oil is poured upon someone. Some people were anointed from the womb.
God told Jeremiah in Jeremiah 1:5:
“Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations.”
In Judges 13, we see that Samson was set apart from the womb. His parents were given specific instructions regarding what they were to do and what they were to avoid because of God’s purpose for his life.
Let us also consider our great High Priest, Jesus Christ. Before Jesus was born, there were many prophecies concerning His birth and His assignment (Isaiah 61:1; Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:23). The assignments Jesus came to fulfill were clearly stated long before His birth, and He fulfilled every one of them. Therefore, God’s anointing is not necessarily tied to the physical act of pouring oil.
Today, we have seen many people upon whom oil has been poured, yet nothing reflects the power of God. Therefore, the focus should not be on having oil poured upon you but on having God’s Spirit and power released upon you for your divine assignment. However, the responsibility is upon you to seek God’s face concerning the process through which that assignment will be accomplished.
Do not assume that because God used a particular method before, He will do it the same way again. He parted both the Red Sea and the River Jordan, yet He did so in two different ways.
What can hinder God’s anointing from fulfilling its purpose?
Sin.
Galatians 5:19–21 says:
“Now the works of the flesh are manifest…”
The passage lists adultery, fornication, uncleanness, idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, envy, drunkenness, and many other works of the flesh, concluding that those who practice such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.
In addition to sin, disobedience, pride, fear (2 Timothy 1:7), and a lack of love can hinder the effectiveness of God’s anointing.
God is love. Everything He does is rooted in love. If you are anointed for an assignment but fail to allow God’s love to be revealed through that assignment, you expose yourself to His discipline.
Being anointed does not make you a special person or place you above others. What you have received is a gift, and you must always give glory to the Giver.
Some people believe that because of the anointing they have become equal with God. This is very dangerous, for God will not share His glory with anyone. Ask Nebuchadnezzar, Herod, and others who dared to exalt themselves.
Now, when this has to do with God through the Holy Spirit, such a person or object is designated as holy or set apart for a divine purpose.
Anointing by the Holy Spirit is empowerment for a purpose.
In God’s dealings with the Israelites, we see people anointed to be kings, rulers, prophets, and priests. We also see objects anointed and declared holy. It served as an outward symbol that God had chosen and equipped them for the role He wanted them to fulfill.
In the New Testament, we also see people, especially the sick, being anointed with oil.
Anointing with oil or any other substance is not peculiar to Christianity. In fact, many other religions and cultures anoint their officials with oil when installing them into office. Some even anoint guests as a mark of hospitality and a token of honor.
So, what makes the Holy Spirit’s anointing, God’s anointing, different from all others?
You see, simply pouring anointing oil, even if it is pure olive oil, is not the Holy Spirit’s anointing. When God anoints, His power and authority accompany the person or object being anointed. The oil that is poured is only an outward symbol; the real substance is the power behind it. With God, it is the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit.
The purpose of God’s anointing is to enable an individual to fulfill a specific spiritual task, ministry, or calling. When God anoints, it is like immersion, a total submerging of a person. When you are anointed by the Holy Spirit, you become a completely different person, not in outward appearance, but in your ability to perform the assignment for which you have been anointed.
By now, it should be clear that when God anoints you, it is always for a purpose. God’s anointing is an extraordinary ability given to enable you to do what you ordinarily would not be able to do.
In 1 Samuel chapter 10, God instructed Samuel to anoint Saul as the first king over Israel. Samuel listed many things that would happen to Saul as soon as he left his presence. Verse 9 says:
“And it was so, that when he had turned his back to go from Samuel, God gave him another heart: and all those signs came to pass that day.”
God gave him another heart. Your physical appearance may remain the same, but something happens to your heart, and that change becomes evident to everyone around you.
What you could not do before in relation to your assignment, the Holy Spirit now empowers you to do. You begin to see possibilities where you once saw only limitations and doubts. Because you now see possibilities, doors that had previously been closed begin to open. Places where you were once denied entrance now receive you because of what you carry.
Verse 11 says:
“And it came to pass, when all that knew him beforetime saw that, behold, he prophesied among the prophets, then the people said one to another, What is this that is come unto the son of Kish? Is Saul also among the prophets?”
There is another dimension of God’s anointing that I want us to consider. God does not anoint only when oil is poured upon someone. Some people were anointed from the womb.
God told Jeremiah in Jeremiah 1:5:
“Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations.”
In Judges 13, we see that Samson was set apart from the womb. His parents were given specific instructions regarding what they were to do and what they were to avoid because of God’s purpose for his life.
Let us also consider our great High Priest, Jesus Christ. Before Jesus was born, there were many prophecies concerning His birth and His assignment (Isaiah 61:1; Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:23). The assignments Jesus came to fulfill were clearly stated long before His birth, and He fulfilled every one of them. Therefore, God’s anointing is not necessarily tied to the physical act of pouring oil.
Today, we have seen many people upon whom oil has been poured, yet nothing reflects the power of God. Therefore, the focus should not be on having oil poured upon you but on having God’s Spirit and power released upon you for your divine assignment. However, the responsibility is upon you to seek God’s face concerning the process through which that assignment will be accomplished.
Do not assume that because God used a particular method before, He will do it the same way again. He parted both the Red Sea and the River Jordan, yet He did so in two different ways.
What can hinder God’s anointing from fulfilling its purpose?
Sin.
Galatians 5:19–21 says:
“Now the works of the flesh are manifest…”
The passage lists adultery, fornication, uncleanness, idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, envy, drunkenness, and many other works of the flesh, concluding that those who practice such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.
In addition to sin, disobedience, pride, fear (2 Timothy 1:7), and a lack of love can hinder the effectiveness of God’s anointing.
God is love. Everything He does is rooted in love. If you are anointed for an assignment but fail to allow God’s love to be revealed through that assignment, you expose yourself to His discipline.
Being anointed does not make you a special person or place you above others. What you have received is a gift, and you must always give glory to the Giver.
Some people believe that because of the anointing they have become equal with God. This is very dangerous, for God will not share His glory with anyone. Ask Nebuchadnezzar, Herod, and others who dared to exalt themselves.
WISDOM
We have been looking at the resources available to us as children of God, and it is important for us to know that our heavenly Father wants us to enjoy all He has provided for our growth and sustainability in this world. He desires not only for you to be a prayerful Christian but also for you to be the head wherever He has placed you, according to 2 Peter 1:3. Therefore, avail yourself of all He has graciously provided for your profiting.
Today, let us look at Wisdom.
According to the dictionary, wisdom is the ability to make sound judgments and decisions by applying accumulated knowledge, insight, and experience. It further states that wisdom goes beyond merely having facts; it is the practical skill of understanding what is true, good, or right, and using that understanding to navigate complex situations and act accordingly.
This is a very good explanation of what wisdom is, and I love the fact that it bases its premise on an important point, the ability to make sound judgments and decisions. But how do you measure this ability? You cannot do this if you do not have all the facts at your disposal. And what exactly is sound judgment?
As it is often said, “One man’s meat is another man’s poison.” The Bible clearly says, “There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death” (Proverbs 16:25). So how do you determine what is truly right?
Many have been destroyed by the decisions they made based on what they believed to be the right information. Many have had their lives cut short because they believed they were following people who claimed to know the right path to follow. Many have found themselves in irreversible situations simply because they followed a path they believed to be right.
But our Father is so mindful of us that He has put in place the resources we need to operate in wisdom.
My beloved, there is worldly wisdom, and there is godly wisdom.
The word translated as wisdom in the Bible goes beyond having knowledge or intelligence. It refers to a deep understanding and the practical skill of living in a way that honors God.
Hebrew – Chokmah: carries the idea of moral skill in living, insight, and practical expertise.
Greek – Sophia: encompasses intelligence, profound insight, and the practical application of knowledge.
Know that it is possible for you to have knowledge yet lack the practical application of that knowledge.
Let us look into the Scriptures to gain an understanding of godly wisdom and the wisdom of this world.
Wisdom is described as the principal thing, meaning it is essential for daily living and survival.
Wisdom builds. It builds lives, homes, and nations (Proverbs 9:1; Proverbs 14:1; Proverbs 24:3). The opposite of wisdom is folly or foolishness, and you know that folly destroys.
Wisdom gives life. It makes a man’s face shine. It gives you confidence (Ecclesiastes 7:12; Ecclesiastes 8:1).
The wisdom of this world cannot stand before God. It is nothing but foolishness to Him (1 Corinthians 1:19–24; 1 Corinthians 3:19).
The wisdom of God enables righteous judgment.
The mouth of the righteous speaks wisdom and exercises sound judgment (Psalm 37:30).
The wisdom of God is mysterious. You have to ask Him for it (James 1:5). It is a Spirit, and God will give it to you if you desire it. However, every gift of God is given for a purpose, to establish His counsel on earth as it is in heaven.
If you remain faithful to Him, He will willingly give you wisdom because His desire is for you to prosper in every area of your life. Consider the example of King Solomon.
Now, how do you differentiate between the wisdom of God and the wisdom of this world?
James 3:17–18 gives us the characteristics of godly wisdom:
1. It is pure.
2. It is peaceable.
3. It is gentle.
4. It is easy to be entreated, willing to listen and open to earnest appeal.
5. It is full of mercy and good fruits.
6. It is without partiality.
7. It is without hypocrisy.
This is clearly different from worldly wisdom, which is practical, human-centered knowledge and street smarts derived from secular experience. It prioritizes self-interest, material success, and social status.
My brethren, Proverbs 4:7 says:
“Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.”
Be blessed.
GRACE
As we said in the last article, the word translated as grace, charis in Greek, is also translated as favor. Grace is defined as unmerited divine assistance given by God. It is free and undeserved. You do not, and cannot, work for grace. It is the unearned and unmerited love of God. It is often given to people who do not deserve it. The grace of God provides forgiveness, salvation, and the spiritual power that transforms lives.
The Hebrew word translated as grace is khen, and it often refers to finding acceptance or goodwill, particularly when God shows kindness to imperfect people.
Is grace different from favor? Definitely.
1. Grace is unmerited forgiveness and divine power working within and for you. Favor, on the other hand, is preferential treatment and external blessings working around you, such as open doors, promotions, and people going out of their way to support you.
2. Grace is the power to be and do what you cannot do on your own. Favor is the access and opportunity you receive while doing it.
3. Grace is freely given kindness and divine empowerment. Favor is special approval, preference, or acceptance.
4. Grace provides the inner strength, patience, and wisdom needed to handle life or a specific calling. Favor changes the atmosphere surrounding you.
5. Grace gives you strength. Favor opens doors and places you in positions of influence and prosperity.
6. Favor puts you in a place of authority. Grace equips you to maintain it.
7. Grace is free; favor is often conditional.
In Genesis chapter 6, the whole earth was filled with wickedness. Every thought and imagination of the people was evil. It became so bad that God regretted making man in His image and likeness. He decided to destroy everyone and everything He had created. Yet the Bible says, “But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD.” If we consider God’s verdict concerning the whole earth, we may wonder what Noah did to find grace. I do not know what God saw in Noah, but He decided to bestow His grace upon him.
Grace is like an ornament or precious jewelry. Grace looks good on you.
Grace is a Spirit that God pours upon a man. In Zechariah 12:10, the Bible says:
“And I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and of supplications: and they shall look upon me whom they have pierced…”
Grace was also upon Jesus as a child (Luke 2:40). He was full of grace (John 1:14).
Grace is always for a purpose.
1. There is saving grace.
This grace is made available to all men. It is the grace that draws you to God. No one merited or worked for this grace. We were all meant to pay the price for our sins. The Bible says, “The soul that sinneth, it shall die.”But God, through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, His only begotten Son, gave us grace to approach Him (Ephesians 2:5; Ephesians 2:8). Saving grace is a gift from God meant strictly for salvation.
2. There is grace for your growth and spiritual development.
This is the grace given for your building up and growth as a child of God. Acts 20:32 says:
“And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified.”
God has made available everything you need to grow into the fullness, stature, and measure of Christ.
3. There is grace for work or divine assignment.
The Bible says in Isaiah 11:1–4:
“And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse…”
This passage describes the grace and anointing that rested upon Jesus Christ, enabling Him to fulfill His divine assignment. Jesus fulfilled His mission on earth because of the grace that rested upon Him.
In 2 Corinthians 6:1, we are instructed not to receive the grace of God in vain. This means you can neglect God’s grace to the point where it becomes unprofitable in your life. It does not mean God’s grace has failed; rather, you have failed to respond appropriately to it.
The grace of God can also be frustrated (Galatians 2:21). If you believe you have to work to earn God’s grace, then you are frustrating His grace. It is not by works. There is nothing you can do through human effort to earn God’s grace.
To frustrate means to disappoint, defeat, or hinder the accomplishment of something. In this context, it means preventing what God desires to accomplish in your life through grace because of your own efforts, pride, or unbelief.
The Bible also warns that you can fail of the grace of God (Hebrews 12:14–15). As long as you believe it is by works, you are bound to fail because grace can only be received by faith.
The throne of God is described as the throne of grace. There is an abundance of grace there. At that throne, there is always help. Hebrews 4:16 says we should come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
The LORD gives grace to the lowly (Proverbs 3:34).
We believe through grace.
We are justified by grace (Romans 3:24).
The LORD gives grace and glory (Psalm 84:11). He is also gracious and full of compassion (Psalm 103:8).
Enjoy His grace, child of the Most High.
The Hebrew word translated as grace is khen, and it often refers to finding acceptance or goodwill, particularly when God shows kindness to imperfect people.
Is grace different from favor? Definitely.
1. Grace is unmerited forgiveness and divine power working within and for you. Favor, on the other hand, is preferential treatment and external blessings working around you, such as open doors, promotions, and people going out of their way to support you.
2. Grace is the power to be and do what you cannot do on your own. Favor is the access and opportunity you receive while doing it.
3. Grace is freely given kindness and divine empowerment. Favor is special approval, preference, or acceptance.
4. Grace provides the inner strength, patience, and wisdom needed to handle life or a specific calling. Favor changes the atmosphere surrounding you.
5. Grace gives you strength. Favor opens doors and places you in positions of influence and prosperity.
6. Favor puts you in a place of authority. Grace equips you to maintain it.
7. Grace is free; favor is often conditional.
In Genesis chapter 6, the whole earth was filled with wickedness. Every thought and imagination of the people was evil. It became so bad that God regretted making man in His image and likeness. He decided to destroy everyone and everything He had created. Yet the Bible says, “But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD.” If we consider God’s verdict concerning the whole earth, we may wonder what Noah did to find grace. I do not know what God saw in Noah, but He decided to bestow His grace upon him.
Grace is like an ornament or precious jewelry. Grace looks good on you.
Grace is a Spirit that God pours upon a man. In Zechariah 12:10, the Bible says:
“And I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and of supplications: and they shall look upon me whom they have pierced…”
Grace was also upon Jesus as a child (Luke 2:40). He was full of grace (John 1:14).
Grace is always for a purpose.
1. There is saving grace.
This grace is made available to all men. It is the grace that draws you to God. No one merited or worked for this grace. We were all meant to pay the price for our sins. The Bible says, “The soul that sinneth, it shall die.”But God, through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, His only begotten Son, gave us grace to approach Him (Ephesians 2:5; Ephesians 2:8). Saving grace is a gift from God meant strictly for salvation.
2. There is grace for your growth and spiritual development.
This is the grace given for your building up and growth as a child of God. Acts 20:32 says:
“And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified.”
God has made available everything you need to grow into the fullness, stature, and measure of Christ.
3. There is grace for work or divine assignment.
The Bible says in Isaiah 11:1–4:
“And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse…”
This passage describes the grace and anointing that rested upon Jesus Christ, enabling Him to fulfill His divine assignment. Jesus fulfilled His mission on earth because of the grace that rested upon Him.
In 2 Corinthians 6:1, we are instructed not to receive the grace of God in vain. This means you can neglect God’s grace to the point where it becomes unprofitable in your life. It does not mean God’s grace has failed; rather, you have failed to respond appropriately to it.
The grace of God can also be frustrated (Galatians 2:21). If you believe you have to work to earn God’s grace, then you are frustrating His grace. It is not by works. There is nothing you can do through human effort to earn God’s grace.
To frustrate means to disappoint, defeat, or hinder the accomplishment of something. In this context, it means preventing what God desires to accomplish in your life through grace because of your own efforts, pride, or unbelief.
The Bible also warns that you can fail of the grace of God (Hebrews 12:14–15). As long as you believe it is by works, you are bound to fail because grace can only be received by faith.
The throne of God is described as the throne of grace. There is an abundance of grace there. At that throne, there is always help. Hebrews 4:16 says we should come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
The LORD gives grace to the lowly (Proverbs 3:34).
We believe through grace.
We are justified by grace (Romans 3:24).
The LORD gives grace and glory (Psalm 84:11). He is also gracious and full of compassion (Psalm 103:8).
Enjoy His grace, child of the Most High.