Meaning and Derivation: Jehovah is translated as "The Existing One" or "Lord." The chief meaning of Jehovah is derived from the Hebrew word Havah meaning "to be" or "to exist." It also suggests "to become" or specifically "to become known" - this denotes a God who reveals Himself unceasingly. Tsedek (tseh'-dek), from which Tsidkenu derived, means "to be stiff," "to be straight," or "righteous" in Hebrew. When the two words are combined - Jehovah Tsidkenu - it can be translated as "The Lord Who is our Righteousness." [BlueLetterBible]

In his days Judah shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell safely: and this is his name whereby he shall be called, THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS.
Jeremiah 23:6

In those days shall Judah be saved, and Jerusalem shall dwell safely: and this is the name wherewith she shall be called, The LORD our righteousness.
Jeremiah 33:16

If you have a moment or ten to read, I suggest checking out this sermon from Charles Surgeon from 1851 in reference to this specific name of God.

The below was taken from Brandon Web.

When Jeremiah spoke this prophecy (Jeremiah 23:5-6), the kingdom of Judah was about to fall. The land of Judah was full of idolatry, oppression, violence, and political revolution. The Northern kingdom of Israel had gone into captivity 100 years before and Judah seemingly learned nothing from God's judgment upon them. It was under these conditions God gave this prophecy of Jehovah-Tsidkenu.

I. The Meaning Of The Word "Tsidkenu"

A. The word "Tsidkenu" is derived from "Tsedek" and means "righteousness."

B. "Tsedek" is translated hundreds of times as: right, righteous, righteousness, just, justify, declare innocent.

C. A simple definition of righteousness is 'doing that which is right'.

D. This name speaks of the fact that God will always do that which is right…because He is righteous!

(Exodus 9:27) And Pharaoh sent, and called for Moses and Aaron, and said unto them, I have sinned this time: the LORD is righteous, and I and my people are wicked.

(Psalms 129:4) The LORD is righteous: he hath cut asunder the cords of the wicked.

II. Jehovah is the Source of Righteousness

A. Jehovah is Himself perfect righteousness. (Deuteronomy 32:4) He is the Rock, his work is perfect: for all his ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is he.

(Isaiah 45:21) Tell ye, and bring them near; yea, let them take counsel together: who hath declared this from ancient time? who hath told it from that time? have not I the LORD? and there is no God else beside me; a just God and a Saviour; there is none beside me.

B. Man has no righteousness

(Romans 3:10) As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:

(Isaiah 64:6) But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.

C. The Bible makes it clear that righteousness is impossible to be attained by man alone.

(Psalms 51:5) Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me.

(Job 25:4) How then can man be justified with God? or how can he be clean that is born of a woman?

D. Since we are unrighteous, we need pardon from God.

(Isaiah 61:10) I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels.

III. Jesus Is Our Jehovah-Tsidkenu

A. Jesus is Himself the Righteous One.

(Hebrews 1:8-9) But unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of thy kingdom. Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; therefore God, even thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows.

B. Jesus is made righteousness to us.

(1 Corinthians 1:30) But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:

(2 Corinthians 5:21) For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

C. What we could not do Jesus the perfectly righteous one did for us.

(Romans 10:4) For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth.

(Romans 5:19) For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.

D. Man tries to establish his own righteousness which cannot be done.

(Romans 10:3) For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God.

E. Our new man is created by Jehovah-Jesus in righteousness.

(Ephesians 4:24) And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.

(Romans 3:26) To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.

What a wonderful name that God has used to describe Himself tonight. He is Jehovah-Tsidkenu. The Righteous God who has provided for our acceptance before Himself through the cleansing of the blood of the Lamb. He wraps us in His righteousness through Jesus Christ the Righteous One!

---------

I am delighted to call this woman a sister in Christ, uplifter and friend, and additionally that she allowed me to share this here. You can find this lovely lady on Facebook, if you would like to reach out to her directly. SIC!

My love story

I was born and raised in Durban, South Africa into a very strict Islamic household. My mother was and still is the religious leader in our community. She converts people to Islam and runs a Madrasah (Islamic school) out of her home.

One of my earliest memories is being at Islamic school, covered from head to toe, reading the Quran. I remember distinctly sitting on my mother’s lap reciting the Quran and every time, I got to a particular phrase that I could not remember, and I was beat continuously. That’s when the fear began. I had to be perfect. Because I wanted to please my parents, I became one of her best students. My mother was so proud of me and there was constant chatter that I would continue this family legacy when she passed away.

In 1995 I came to the United States to attend University. In 1998 I had my first supernatural experience with God that completely transformed my life. That is the day that I realized that Jesus maybe more than just a Prophet. (In Islam Jesus is revered as of the Major Prophets.) I remained in a state of confusion and turmoil for 8 years. Could my entire life be a lie? I kept asking myself how this could be. I didn’t know who I was anymore! I had to find out! But, I was afraid to denounce Islam because of my family. Fear and loyalty had been imputed into me. As I child I would always say, “I was born a Muslim and I’ll die a Muslim.” I struggled to wrap my head around the fact that Jesus was God. It was against everything I was ever taught! Deep down inside, I knew that Jesus was way more special than what I was taught. He just felt right! But fear had a stronger hold. This was the beginning of my spiritual journey.

In June of 2006, I had another experience with God and He revealed to me in a vision: Proverbs, 3:5-6 5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; 6 in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. [a]. There was no more doubt! I believed with all my heart! I wanted the world to know On June 13th, 2006 I was baptized.

My life has changed drastically since I have been born again! Has it been a smooth transition? Absolutely not! Was my family accepting of my conversion? No, they were not. During the early years, did I ever consider going back to Islam? NO! Never entertained that thought! You see, God became a very close companion. He was so real to me! He delighted in me! I did not know much back then, but I was certain of one thing: He loved me! I had never experienced a love like this! He was always near! We were in constant fellowship. I fell madly and deeply in love!

I began to meditate on the WORD of God and my mindset began to change. I learnt my rights in Christ! I became Christ conscious! I knew my identity! My mind was renewed! The fear that had bound me my entire life; left me! I knew who I was and the more I studied the Word, the stronger I became. The Word had taken root in my Spirit. I began to eat the Word veraciously! My thirst for the Word became unquenchable! I simply CAN NOT get enough!

One of my favorite scriptures is Hebrews 4:12, “that the Word of God is alive and active, sharper than any two edged sword, it penetrates even dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart”. This scripture really touches me deeply. You see no matter what walk of life you come from or what your past looks like, you are now a new creation in Christ. This Word of God, builds, breaks, removes, cleans, fixes, empowers, transforms and molds you into who God says you are. When this Word gets into your spirit, remnants of your past will not be visible. Your life becomes a wonder! No longer will you be bound by the opinion of man. The Word of God establishes you! I am unashamedly in love! A woman after Gods own heart, just like David. I would change nothing, irrespective of all the relationships I’ve lost. I’ve gained so much more!

This guest post is brought by a dear friend of mine, Gina B aka my dollface. She is a treasured sister in Christ to me (as well as too many others) and a wonderful daughter to the King. You can check out more of her writing on her Wordpress blog, Where Can I Run from Your Love - Psalm 139.

❤ † ❤

Throughout the seasons in our lives, we tend to allow ourselves to be consumed by things. These things that consume us are of a wide variety. Our mind can be the root cause of wildfires that lead to devastation  One destructive thought, if not quarantined, will engulf the entire mind. The thoughts that should be controlled are not fruits of the Spirit. Dangerous thought patterns can consist of bitterness, anger, unforgiveness & jealousy. If not surrendered to God, these will eventually manifest into speech and seep into our speech & behavior.

“And the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness. The tongue is set among our members, staining the whole body, setting on fire the entire course of life, and set on fire by hell.” (James 3:6)

Our speech can set the tone for entire walk through this life, so we must be sure that we are not leaving fires burning on the sides of the road. Not only can it lead to burnt bridges, but it can block and hinder the work of God in our lives.  He cannot enter in when there is a wall of fire.

Instead, He guides in His word as to what kind of fire we should be kindling:

“For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through laying on of my hands, for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.” (2 Timothy 1:6)

The question we should be asking ourselves daily is what are we being consumed by? What is our driving force?

Allow God to be the Fire that consumes you…extuingish any fires other than Him. Welcome & invite Him to consume you and let Him fan into flame His perfect will into your fire.

“Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thu  let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe,  for our God is a consuming fire.” – (Hebrews 12:28)

“…for love is strong as death, jealousy is fierce as the grave. Its flashes are flashes of fire, the very flame of the Lord. Many waters cannot quench love, neither can floods drown it.” – (Song of Solomon 8:6)

First and foremost thank you all who prayed along the way for Little Jimmie. He went this weekend onto a place with no more suffering nor pain, prayers of comfort for the family that remains here.

Scripture references for the messages that were given today are as follows:
Genesis 45:16-18

Acts 1:1-5
Hebrews 4:12
Psalm 23:4
Proverbs 18:21

Jonah [Book of]

Key Points:
Importance of trusting in God / Prayer Time
Importance of the Holy Spirit (part 1)
Importance of knowing the word / Obeying God's will for your life

Always remember to EAT YOUR VEGGIES!

Especially when you are having CAKE for breakfast.

So you will be properly nourished, in order to break-it-down on a
street corner singing praises to the Father!

*To God Be The Glory For All Things* 

First and foremost THANK YOU GOD for holding off and allowing that huge, grey rain cloud to pass while the gathering was taking place.

Pastor Oscar, spoke on faith, which was a very welcomed message. As rumor had gotten around that I was the teacher for the Resurrection service last week (while Brother Jimmy and Brother Dewey were away), I was asked by Brother Jimmy to speak some this morning and shared the devotional posted earlier today (in a variant). For both times thus far that I have been given the honor to speak, this classroom-eqsue open forum has broken out, which brings so much delight to my Spirit.  So praise be to God for that! Though I have written devotionals for years now, speaking in/to groups has never been my desire, so it is by God alone that I am now a preceptor in a “Sunday school on the streets”.

Lastly, thanks to everyone who has helped out with this ministry, in any way, where-as by donation of items, donation of foods, sharing of natural talents (cooking), prayer, etc. Through the past year I have come to the very true knowledge that some people straight up have hatred for those that are homeless, and though I likewise know it is not everyone’s calling to play a hands on role, your support to them by supporting me, means so much all around! It’s amazing to me now that God led to title the ministry *LoveIs* as with each passing week, I learn more and more why so, within myself and with those that attend the gathering in Little 5 Point. Tt is something I pray I never stop learning the meaning of!

SiC <3 

Have you read the verse in the Bible before which states, “Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it” (Hebrews 13:2)?

Interesting concept eh? I think more on this verse (since beginning *LoveIs*) than ever before. As the routine goes, there are people who I have seen only once as they are “passing through” the Atlanta area – on their way to another destination, where as some I see only every few months, even though I know they keep their residence within the area. Of course, if you should so anticipate that someone is an angel, do you ask them? I have been before … and I think it’s ok, almost like some celestial badge of honor (albeit temporary). It is the goal of every believer to be a light to a darkened world – to live as such as people see Christ shining through you, right? In the world in which we live, where more people are concerned with getting and taking, rather than giving and sharing, of course a mere mortal could be tagged as such if they express extreme kindness and generosity to someone in which I way they have not seen before. I’ve taken it as a true compliment the times I have been asked, but then quickly let them know I am just a human who is doing what God told her to do, with imperfections and flaws just like the rest of the lot.

Anywho, just a random thought for this Sunday I thought I would share.

Perhaps, might I recommend, you be a human angel to someone who crosses your path this week. See someone ponder over if they have enough money to pay for everything they have in front of you at the check out? Help them out. See someone who has their hands full, but may be further back than normal for a courteous door hold? Hold it anyways. Know someone has had it rough lately, but know something they love? Leave them a secret present. You never know what small gesture (in your eyes), can make a big impact in the life of someone else.

By the way, if I ever get around to making a custom bumper sticker(s) this would be one for the collection (perhaps it would give an explanation to the wide-eyed people on I-10) ...

What would that word be?

FREE!

Not convinced? Well, don’t take my word for it – read through the scripture verse blast below and make your own conclusion.

“And the book of the prophet Isaiah was handed to Him. And He opened the book and found the place where it was written,
“THE SPIRIT OF THE LORD IS UPON ME,
BECAUSE HE ANOINTED ME TO PREACH THE GOSPEL TO THE POOR.
HE HAS SENT ME TO PROCLAIM RELEASE TO THE CAPTIVES,
AND RECOVERY OF SIGHT TO THE BLIND,
TO SET FREE THOSE WHO ARE OPPRESSED,
TO PROCLAIM THE FAVORABLE YEAR OF THE LORD.”
Luke 4:17-19 (NASB)

“To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. They answered him, “We are Abraham’s descendants and have never been slaves of anyone. How can you say that we shall be set free?” Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. Now a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever. So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” John 8:31-36

“Therefore let it be known to you, brethren, that through Him forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you, and through Him everyone who believes is freed from all things, from which you could not be freed through the Law of Moses.” Acts 13:38-39

“What then? Shall we sin because we are not under the law but under grace? By no means! Don’t you know that when you offer yourselves to someone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one you obey—whether you are slaves to sin, which leads to death, or to obedience, which leads to righteousness? But thanks be to God that, though you used to be slaves to sin, you have come to obey from your heart the pattern of teaching that has now claimed your allegiance. You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness.” Romans 6:15-18

“Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death. For what the Law could not do, weak as it was through the flesh, God did: sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and as an offering for sin, He condemned sin in the flesh, so that the requirement of the Law might be fulfilled in us, who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.” Romans 8:1-4

“But the free gift is not like the offense. For if by the one man’s offense many died, much more the grace of God and the gift by the grace of the one Man, Jesus Christ, abounded to many. And the gift is not like that which came through the one who sinned. For the judgment which came from one offense resulted in condemnation, but the free gift which came from many offenses resulted in justification. For if by the one man’s offense death reigned through the one, much more those who receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ.) Therefore, as through one man’s offense judgment came to all men, resulting in condemnation, even so through one Man’s righteous act the free gift came to all men, resulting in justification of life.” Romans 15:15-18

“For who among men knows the thoughts of a man except the spirit of the man which is in him? Even so the thoughts of God no one knows except the Spirit of God. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may know the things freely given to us by God, which things we also speak, not in words taught by human wisdom, but in those taught by the Spirit, combining spiritual thoughts with spiritual words.” 1 Corinthians 2:11-13

 “What then is my reward? Just this: that in preaching the gospel I may offer it free of charge, and so not make use of my rights in preaching it. Though I am free and belong to no man, I make myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible. To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law), so as to win those under the law. To those not having the law I became like one not having the law (though I am not free from God’s law but am under Christ’s law), so as to win those not having the law.” 1 Corinthians 9:18-21

“Therefore, since the children share in flesh and blood, He Himself likewise also partook of the same, that through death He might render powerless him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, and might free those who through fear of death were subject to slavery all their lives. For assuredly He does not give help to angels, but He gives help to the descendant of Abraham.” Hebrews 2:14-16

“For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish people. Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as God’s slaves. Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor.” 1 Peter 2:15-17

Told Ya So =)

Dear Heavenly Father – Thank You for setting us FREE through Your Son Jesus Christ, by whom alone we are counted whole again in Your sight. May the number of Your kingdom grow more and more each day, as those around us learn this truth for themselves. In the name of Your Son Jesus, ><>

"Be very careful, then, how you live-not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Ephesians 5:15-20

Have you ever been filled with the Holy Spirit? Now, I am not necessarily speaking on the “speaking in tongues, falling on the ground trembling” variant of this, but rather the times when you are in complete communion with God, while carry out His will on a specific task, fellowshipping with others about Him and so on. For me, it is like this giddy, goose bump, better-than-any Starbucks beverage high of sorts, in which I don’t want to let go of when it happens (perhaps even a tear or two may drop, depending). I can only hope that once we are in the glory of Father God and His Son such a feeling is constant, everlasting. Perhaps, some people even feel like this all the time now, well I must admit I’m a little jelly (jealous) of that if so - heh. ;)

To be filled with the Holy Spirit and to feel the presence of God within your being is a wonderful gift. It is something that we each can experience individually and as a group. It is the “sign” (if so generically called such) to this verse in Hebrews, “Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you” and that in John 14:16-17, “And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you”.

Now, as believers the Spirit does reside within us all. We receive the Spirit when we accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, and He is constantly there to comfort, guide and remind us of the Father’s will. When one is “filled” for this point of reference, it is when the Spirit of God inside of you is rejoicing and henceforth your communion brings about a higher level of fellowship, where as almost (visually as I like to think of it), the Trinity (Father, Son and Spirit) are linked together as a circle and you in the middle of it all. It is in this time both that which is spiritual and earthly are in one accord, as you relinquish in yourself all that you are and give every fiber of your being back to the One who created you.

Find this place. Feed of this place. Long to be in the place. Be in this place as MUCH AS POSSIBLE. The more you are in it, the more you will grow. The more you grow, in turn the more you will know about God, His love, His mercy, His forgiveness, His purpose for this world and His plan for your life.

Dear Heavenly Father, We come to You with thanksgiving in our hearts. Thank You for sending a Helper, one to led and guide us – one to assist us in keeping our eyes on the eternal rather than the temporary. Thank You for letting us commune with You, when you could just so easily have left us out in the wilderness of this world alone. May we draw closer to You in all that we do. May we experience the fullness of Your love as You desire it to be. In Jesus name, ><>

SiC <3

Now a little Flyleaf – All Around Me, for your lyrical relevance and listening pleasure.