Lesson Two ~ What the name El Elyon means to me.

Most High God, you are incomparable and unlimited in power, might and authority, exalted far above all gods. 

There was no way Abram was going to be victorious in this battle without the help of the Most High God. Abram made sure that all glory would go to God. Abram gave a tenth of everything to Melchizedek. Abram did not accept anything from the King of Sodom, reserving credit to God instead of the King for making him rich. The Most High gave Abram an astounding victory, and Abram honored and exalted the Most High God.

Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego refused to bow down to any god other than the Most High God. They said, "If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it, and he will rescue us from your hand, O king. But even if he does not, we want you to know, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up." Daniel 3: 17-18

When it looked like they would be burned in the fiery furnace, you, the Most High God, went in there with them. When they came out, they didn't even smell like smoke. King Nebuchadnezzar praised the Most High and issued a decree of death and destruction for anyone who spoke against the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego.

Our Relationship with the Most High God

Most High God, you dwell in the holy, secret place, and you have invited us to be with you in that place. You establish decrees. Your love is unfailing. Your voice thunders from heaven. You are our refuge and shield. You save the upright in heart. You won’t let us be shaken. You will deliver, promote and establish us. You give us breath of life and control our destiny. You fulfill your purpose for us by your power. We trust in your wisdom, knowledge, counsel, and vision for our lives. Your knowledge gives us vision. You want us to love others, freely lend, and stay true to our word. We are to honor you, call on your name, be compassionate like you, and kind to those who do not deserve it. Then, we will be your children and you will give us a great reward! (Luke 6:35-6) You ARE our reward!

The New Covenant Sacrifice and Exaltation of Jesus Christ

The ultimate sacrifice that Jesus made was to choose not to use his power to avoid crucifixion, but to use power to lay down his life.  “The reason my Father loves me is that I lay down my life, only to take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have power to lay it down and power to take it up again. This command I received from my Father.” John 10:17-18

"Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name above all other names, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth." Philippians 2:9-10

How should this transform us?

There is only One who has the 'most' power. That means we don't have to struggle in our own power. We will be faithful to do our part, and trust in you to supply all the power needed to bring strength and victory in every area of our lives. "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." (2 Corinthians 12:9) We want to experience your power in every area of our lives. As we are being conformed to your image, we thank you for displaying your miracle working power in and through us for your glory.

We are surrounded by opportunities to see you bring victory to us and our loved ones. When a new battle comes, we tend to forget what you have done! When we have endured for a long time, we are tempted to give up. Adverse circumstances invite worry, doubt and fear. When we receive a different  answer than what we expected, or when the timing doesn't line up with what were hoping for, we get discouraged and disappointed. Your ways are higher than our ways. "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the LORD. "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts." Isaiah 55:8-9. We must remember what you have accomplished in our lives, the lives of others, and the lives of the men and women in the bible. These biblical accounts are there for our benefit!

We trust you to fight our battles, no matter how difficult they appear to be or how long we have been in the battle. We will purpose to keep our eyes on you in the middle of the storm, knowing that you reward our trust and obedience. Nothing can stop your plans for us. We can have peace knowing you bring the ultimate victory.

We purpose to remember that when we pray, worship, study, minister, fight the enemy, rest in your peace….whatever we are doing in your will, you have seated us with Christ Jesus, in a position of power and authority for your Kingdom. We will rule and reign with you forever! We will honor and exalt the Most High God! Amen!

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Lesson Three: Adonai, Lord and Master

Lesson Two ~ El Elyon ~ The LORD God Most High

The LORD God Most High, Creator, Possessor of heaven and earth. Sovereign and Supreme Ruler. 

Definition:   ‘El’ (from Elohim) means power and might. Omnipotent, meaning all-powerful, unlimited in power and authority.
Elyon (el- ely- OWN) is the Hebrew word for "Most High."The root word ‘aliyah’ (al-ee-YAW) means something lofty, i.e. a stairway, also a secondary room (or even someone on the roof; the sky, ascent, upper chamber, going up, loft, parlour (The Complete Word Study) 

Foundation Scripture:

El Elyon is first mentioned in Genesis 14:18-20 "Then Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine.  He was priest of God Most High, and he blessed Abram, saying, “Blessed be Abram by God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth. And blessed be God Most High, who delivered your enemies into your hand.”

The King of Sodom joined forces with several other kings to war against another group of kings. Abram's nephew Lot is taken captive. Abram rescues Lot, conquering four armies. This is the first war we read about in the bible. God helped Abram achieve miraculous victory. This victory was obvious to everyone. Melchizedek blessed Abram and Abram gave Melchizedek a tenth of everything. The king of Sodom said to Abram, “Give me the people and keep the goods for yourself." But Abram said to the king of Sodom, "I have raised my hand to the LORD, God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth, and have taken an oath that I will accept nothing belonging to you, not even a thread or the thong of a sandal, so that you will never be able to say, ‘I made Abram rich.'" (Genesis 14)

Abram knew that if he accepted the offer made by the King of Sodom, that the King would take credit for Abram's prosperity, so he refused to take anything from the King, knowing that The LORD God Most High owns the earth and everything in it. He trusted that God would give him what he wanted him to have.

Insights into The Most High God

The Most High God gives us knowledge. He delivers his people when trouble arises. He dwells in the secret place. He is our shield and saves the righteous. He fulfills his purpose for us and rebukes our enemies. He is loving and faithful. We can cry out to him, and when he delivers us we thank him and honor him. Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego were known as servants of the Most High God. They were miraculously delivered from the fiery furnace. Satan wanted to be like the Most High God. Jesus Christ is the Son of the Most High God. Demons called Jesus Son of the Most High God. Those who have received Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior are called children of the Most High God.

• The oracle of one who hears the words of God, who has knowledge from the Most High, who sees a vision from the Almighty. Numbers 24:16 
• Sacrifice thank offerings to God, fulfill your vows to the Most High, call on me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor me. Psalm 50:14-15
• He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. Psalm 91:1 
• My shield is God Most High, who saves the upright in heart. Psalm 7:10
• I cry out to God Most High, who fulfills his purpose for me, rebuking those who hotly pursue me; God sends his love and faithfulness. Psalm 57:2
• Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, servants of the Most High God... Daniel 3:26
• Satan wanted to make himself like the Most High. Isaiah 14:12-14 
• Jesus thou Son of the Most High God Mark 5:7 (demons use this name in the New Testament)
• Love your enemies! Do good to them! Lend to them! Don’t be concerned they might not repay. Your reward in heaven will be very great, you will be truly acting as children of the Most High, for he is kind to the unthankful and wicked. You must be compassionate, just as your Father is compassionate. Luke 6:35-36 

Jesus Christ, Son of the Most High, Ascended on High. 

"But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it. This is why it says, “When he ascended on high, he led captives in his train and gave gifts to men.” What does “he ascended” mean except that he also descended to the lower, earthly regions? He who descended is the very one who ascended higher than all the heavens, in order to fill the whole universe. It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ." Ephesians 4:7-13

Jesus Christ, Son of the Most High, is Seated at the Right Hand of God.

"I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, to know him better. Christ is the power and wisdom of God.  I pray the eyes of your heart be enlightened to know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength he exerted in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, seating him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power, dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age, also in the one to come. God placed all things under his feet appointing him head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way." Ephesians 1:17-23 "We have been given fullness in Christ, who is head over every power and authority." Colossians 2:19

We are Seated with Jesus Christ!

"God raised us up with Christ, seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, so in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus." Ephesians 2:6

"Since you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. You died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, you also will appear with him in glory." Colossians 3:1-4

What Does This mean For Us? 

Always Remember, The Most High God, through the Son of the Most High God, under the New Covenant, has placed us, children of the Most High God, in a privileged position of authority in the heavenlies, far above all principalities and powers, positionally seated with Christ! Life is full of circumstances that can either push us away from God, or draw us closer to him. We do our best, and we trust him to do his best. We must know and believe that he always has our best interests at heart, and that he will deliver us from the battles that come against us. Purpose to believe this, remember this, and have victory in it. Solidify this promise of God in your mind and heart now, and maintain it. Praise the LORD God Most High for being the highest power over all other powers and trust him to bring you victory in the midst of any battle that comes your way. 

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I will post my Personal Applications on "El Elyon." Please post any comments or insights you have as well!

Lesson One ~ What the name Elohim means to me.

Elohim ~ My Creator

God The Father, God The Son, and God The Holy Spirit are worthy of all glory, honor, praise, worship and thanksgiving because they powerfully and brilliantly created the entire universe, mankind, and every living creature. The heavens declare your glory. Creation cannot help but tell your story.The way you have placed the stars in the sky tell your story. We are to tell your story too. As your image-bearers, we are uniquely created to display your glory.

Uncreated Creator! You are the God of power, love, creativity, provision, passion, plans and purpose. I am in awe of the way you made the universe! It is incomprehensible! You made it out of nothing. This is something only you could do! The infinite creativity you used in making so many things will mystify me forever. I marvel at how you have intricately aligned the solar system, planets, stars, moon and sun to accomplish your purposes. I am always amazed as I continue to learn about the diverse way you created so many different animals. You are the divine designer!

You knew me before you laid the very foundations of the universe! You knew me when I was in my mother’s womb. You are pleased with your work, and I rejoice in how you made me…fearfully and wonderfully, even miraculously! Since you are pleased with the way you made me, I don't have to be dissatisfied with the way I was created. I love who I am in you and how you are teaching me through your word to be more like you! It stands to reason, then, that I should have a great love and appreciation for everything you created; the earth and everything in it. I need to see every person with the revelation that we are all created in your image. 

Thank you for delegating your authority to me and entrusting me with the privilege of ruling over your creation. You spoke the world into existence. I walk in and exercise your power when I speak your words. 

Your plan for my life conforms me to your image and glorifies you so that we can enjoy fellowship. Thank you for revealing and fulfilling your purpose in my life. You accomplish this by putting a desire in my heart for what I am called to do. Thank you for giving me the desire to procreate! That decision came with the knowledge you imparted to me that I needed to have children so that they could know you. Knowing who you are teaches me who I am. Without you, I am nothing. With you, I am all you want me to be. This is the only way I can truly be blessed and complete in my identity in you. Without you, life is absolutely not worth living. With you, I can absolutely live the most fulfilling and rewarding life possible. Help me be creative in serving you with the gifts and calling you have given me. 

You have revealed your plans to me so that I can know and understand the things I should do. I know the whole story and how it ends. I know what to expect of you and I know what you expect of me. Because of the things that are to come, you have called me to be holy, spotless and blameless.

Even though I was created in your image, I needed to be regenerated because of The Fall in the Garden of Eden. By receiving Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior, I am now under the New Covenant. In baptism, I am identified with Jesus Christ, symbolically dying with him and being raised up into a new life in Christ. The gift of The Holy Spirit has been given to me as a guarantee of what is to come.

Trust and obedience is expected, desired, required and rewarded. I can always trust the One who loved me enough to create me and to sacrifice himself on my behalf. Trusting you brings peace. I will purpose to love you with all of my heart, mind, soul and strength. I know that as I trust, honor, fellowship with you, obey, worship, and serve you, you will continue to transform me into your image! 

As my Creator, you are worthy to be worshipped. I have never experienced anything more wonderful and satisfying than worshiping you! You inhabit the praises (and prayers) of your people. When I worship you, I can feel the fullness of your presence come so alive inside of me. It gives me a taste of what eternity with you will be like. Every day I look forward to eternity with you! Every day, a new day is created, and in it are your mercies, which are new every morning!

I am actually purified when I hope for your coming! I have something amazing to look forward to…A New Heaven, A New Earth, A New Body, seeing my loved ones who have gone before me to be with you, and best of all, eternal fellowship with you! 

In the meantime, and until you return, I will purpose to honor, obey, embrace and enjoy the Holy Spirit, Who lives in me. At the moment I received Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior, I began living my eternal life. I remember you when I take communion, looking forward to your return, when you will drink with us in celebration. I purpose to daily commune with the Holy Spirit as you direct my life.

Come Lord Jesus!!!

Invitation

I invite you to share your insights and comments on our relationship with Elohim, our Creator!

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SECOND LESSON: EL ELYON ~ MOST HIGH GOD

Lesson One ~ Elohim ~ Our Creator

Creation of the Universe and All Living Creatures

"In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth." Genesis 1:1

The Hebrew word for "God" is "Elohim," (Strong's concordance #430.)  "Elohim" has many different meanings, so to simplify, I will give two brief definitions. Elmer Towns, in his book, "My Father's Names," defines this name as the strong Creator who is the source of everything. Ann Spangler, "Praying the Names of God," says that this name contains the idea of God's creative power as well as his authority and sovereignty.

The Hebrew word for “created” in Strong’s Concordance, #1254, is "bara" (baw-raw’) meaning to create, form, make, produce; to cut, to cut down; to engrave, to carve. This word emphasizes the initiation of the object, not manipulating it after original creation. This word is used in Genesis 1:1 (Creating the heavens and earth) 1:21 (Creating the great creatures of the sea and every living and moving thing) 1:27 man (male and female) and 2:3 (He rested from all the work of creating that he had done.) There is every reason to believe that bara was creation ex nihilo (out of nothing.) (Complete Word Study Old testament, Dr. Spiros Zodhiates)

This is something that only God can accomplish. God spoke into existence what did not exist beforehand. He made ‘something’ out of ‘nothing.’

"By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command so that what was seen was not made out of what was visible." Hebrews 11:3

The Trinity Worked Together to Create Everything.

The Hebrew ending for Elohim is plural, suggesting the divine trinity of the Godhead, (the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.) Each member of the Triune Godhead was actively involved in the creation of the universe and all living creatures. God the Father spoke the universe into existence, the Holy Spirit was the active agent, and it was through the Son of God that all things were made.

• The Spirit of God was moving (hovering) upon the face of the waters. God said, "Let there be light and there was light." Genesis 1:2-3 That word Spirit (7307) is ruwach (ROO’akh)—wind, breath, exhalation, air, anger, blast. Hebrew name for Holy Spirit is Ruach Ha-Kodesh.
• By the word of the LORD the heavens were made…He made the stars by the breath of his mouth. Psalm 33:6
• In the beginning was the Word (Jesus), and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. John 1:1-4
• God loved Jesus before the creation of the world. John 17:24
• Jesus is image of invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. Created everything seen and unseen. All was created by him and for him. Before everything, holds all together. Head of the body, church. Beginning, firstborn from dead. Supremacy in everything. Colossians 1:15-19
• In final days God has spoken to us through his Son, promised everything to the Son as an inheritance. Made universe through Son. Son is the radiance of God’s glory, exact representation. Sustains all things by His powerful word. Hebrews 1:2-3
• God said, Let us make man in our image, likeness, let them rule over the fish, birds, livestock, all earth, all creatures. God created man in his own image, male and female.Genesis 1:26-27
• The LORD God formed the man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, man now a living being. Genesis 2:7 God breathed into (Adam) the breath of life – breath (5397) neshamah (nesh-aw-maw’) wind, angry, vital breath, divine inspiration, intellect.

These definitions give us a better understanding of how God created us.

"You created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made." (Psalm 139:13-14 KJV)

The Hebrew word for "fearfully" is "yare" (SC#3372.) It means fear, revere, fight, dread, terrible, uniquely, wonderful.  The Hebrew word for "wonderfully" is "palah" (SC#6395.) It means to distinguish, show marvelous, separate, set apart, sever, make wonderfully, miraculous. (Complete Word Study Old Testament)

Scripture give us insight into why God created us.

• Whom I created for my glory, I formed and made. Isaiah 43:6-7
• All things were created by him and for him. Colossians 1:16
• Multiply, fill earth, rule over earth and all creatures. Genesis 1:26-28
• Chosen before creation to be holy, blameless in his sight Ephesians 1:4, 1 Tim 1:9
• Predestined to be conformed to Christ's image, called, justified,  glorified. Rom 8:28-30
• God’s workmanship, created in Christ for good works God prepared in advance Ephesians 2:10
• Chosen, royal priesthood, holy nation, belonging to God to declare His praises1 Peter 2:9
• The LORD God called to the man, "Where are you?"  (fellowship with God)  Gen 3:8-9

Because of the result of the curse in Genesis 3, God showed his love by sending Jesus that we might live through him. (1 John 4:9)

• All who receive him have the right to become children born of  God.  John 1:12-13
• New creation; old has gone, new has come! 2 Corinthians 5:17
• Put on new self, created to be like God in true righteousness, holiness. Ephesians 4:24
• Be transformed, renew mind. Test, approve His good, pleasing, perfect will. Rom 12:2
• Our unveiled faces reflect Lord’s glory, transformed to his likeness 2 Corinthians 3:17-18
• Equipped for his will,  he works in us what is pleasing to him, through Christ. Heb 13:21   
• New self: don't lie, renewed in Creator's image. Compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, forgiveness, thankfulness, peace. Let word of Christ live in you. Teach, worship, do all in Jesus' name with gratitude, thanksgiving.  Colossians 3-17
• May God give you Spirit of wisdom,  revelation, know him better - know the hope he called you to - his inheritance and great power Ephesians 1:17-19

The Final Outcome of God's Creation

• "Heavens declare God's glory, the skies proclaim his work. Continually pour forth speech, display knowledge, voice and words to ends of the world." Psalm 19:1
• "God's wrath being revealed from heaven against men's godlessness, wickedness, who suppress the truth. Since creation, God’s invisible qualities, eternal power, divine nature-have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made. Men are without excuse." Romans 1:18-20
• "In the last days scoffers will come with evil desires mocking Christ's return. Ever since our fathers died, everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation. They deliberately forgot that long ago, by God’s word, heavens existed, earth was formed of water. World destroyed by waters. By the same word the present heavens and earth are reserved for fire, being kept for the day of judgment, destruction of ungodly men. With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years is like a day. He is patient, not wanting anyone to perish, wants all to repent. Day of the Lord will come like a thief. Heavens will disappear, elements destroyed by fire, earth and everything in it laid bare. Since everything will be destroyed, live holy, godly lives as you look to the day of God and speed its coming. That day will bring the destruction of the heavens by fire, elements will melt. With his promise we are looking forward to new heaven, new earth, home of righteousness. Since you look forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless, at peace with him." 2 Peter 3:3-14
• "Our present sufferings can't compare with glory that will be revealed in us. Creation eagerly, expectantly waits for sons of God to be revealed. Creation was subject to frustration, not by its own choice, by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope that creation itself will be liberated from bondage to decay, brought into glorious freedom of children of God. Whole creation has been groaning up to the present time. We who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies." Romans 8:18-23
• "In  this earthly body we groan, burdened, long to be clothed with heavenly dwelling, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life. God made us for this very purpose"  2 Cor 5:2-5
• "We are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known, we know when he appears, we shall be like him, see him as he is. This hope purifies us as he is pure." 1 John 3:2-3
• "Our citizenship is in heaven. We eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ whose power brings everything under his control, will transform our bodies like his glorious body." Philippians 3:20
• "I saw a new heaven, new earth, first heaven and first earth had passed away, no more sea. I saw Holy City, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband." Revelation 21:1-2

Summary

God took great joy in creating the universe and all living creatures. His greatest joy was the creation of mankind. God made mankind in his image to be like him and to enjoy eternal fellowship with him. God gave authority to Adam and Eve, and they gave this authority to Satan in the garden of Eden. Because of mankind's fall, all of creation will undergo a cleansing and become new again. Eventually, the heavens and earth, moon, stars and sun will be destroyed. There will be no need of the sun, moon and stars, because Jesus Christ will be our light. There will be a new heaven and earth. Mankind needs to die to the old self, which was born into the curse that came through sin, and become born again. When Christ returns, we will have new, indestructible bodies in heaven. Since we know all of these catastrophic events will take place, how much more should we walk and conduct ourselves before him now? Our role is to bring glory to our Creator. Our Creator, who showed incomparable power in the act of creating, desires for us to worship him. He is worthy to be worshipped, and we will do that forever in heaven.

"You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being." Revelation 4:11

Invitation

Look through the scriptures describing how and why we were created, and summarize them into a personal application that you can use to facilitate praise and prayers, with the goal of attaining a deeper understanding of our relationship with our Creator.

• What do you appreciate the most about the way he made you and mankind in general? 
• Tell your Creator what you love about him. 
• Think about how he created you. Thank him for the way he made you. 
• Thank him for specific things about yourself.  
• Most people have never thought to do this, but ASK him what he loves about you.  
• Would you be living differently if you knew that we had very little time left on earth?  
• In light of these passages, what action might you need to take?