X-MAS
Though most who abbreviate the name Christmas to “XMAS” are not intentionally trying to be disrespectful to our Lord, still, I find it hard to put an “X” in the place of His name. As others have said, “Let’s keep Christ in Christmas.” Christmas is a great time of year when parents and relatives think about others and what gift they can give, as the “wise men” sought Christ and brought presents to Him (Matthew 2:1–11). (see CHRISTMAS)
Y
YAHWEH
This is the Hebrew word for “Jehovah,” and the meaning of this name is “the existing One” (Strong’s). “Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the Lord Jehovah is my strength and my song; he also is become my salvation” (Isaiah 12:2). The actual spelling of “Jehovah” in our English Bible is used about seven times, and then there are also some abbreviated forms such as “Alleluia” (praise to Jehovah, “ia” being the abbreviation of “Jehovah”). Most of the time, the name YAHWEH is not translated but given as LORD or GOD, in all capital letters (see JEHOVAH).
ZEAL
Strong’s gives for “zeal” = “excitement of mind, ardour, fervour of spirit.” Christ had zeal (John 2:17), and we as Christians should also: “But it is good to be zealously affected always in a good thing…” (Galatians 4:18). Fanatics are guided by emotion, but we should be guided by the teachings of Christ. A good question to ask ourselves before doing something is: “What would Jesus do?” “Brethren, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved. For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge. 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” (Romans 10:1–3).
Christ has told us He does not want lukewarm Christianity. “I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth” (Revelation 3:15–16). It is easy to think, “Well, at least that person is halfway there.” But God wants us to shine for Him, not be halfhearted. To be lukewarm gives a false impression of what He wants us to be. It is also a bad position to be in. If one tries to get into a small boat that has other people in it, he must completely leave the dock. The worst place for him is to have one foot on the dock and one foot in the boat. He could easily fall in the water or even turn the boat over. Get in the boat! “As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent” (Revelation 3:19). Get in the boat.
“Ye are the light of the world.” The verse goes on to say, “A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven” (Matthew 5:14–16).
Though most who abbreviate the name Christmas to “XMAS” are not intentionally trying to be disrespectful to our Lord, still, I find it hard to put an “X” in the place of His name. As others have said, “Let’s keep Christ in Christmas.” Christmas is a great time of year when parents and relatives think about others and what gift they can give, as the “wise men” sought Christ and brought presents to Him (Matthew 2:1–11). (see CHRISTMAS)
Y
YAHWEH
This is the Hebrew word for “Jehovah,” and the meaning of this name is “the existing One” (Strong’s). “Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the Lord Jehovah is my strength and my song; he also is become my salvation” (Isaiah 12:2). The actual spelling of “Jehovah” in our English Bible is used about seven times, and then there are also some abbreviated forms such as “Alleluia” (praise to Jehovah, “ia” being the abbreviation of “Jehovah”). Most of the time, the name YAHWEH is not translated but given as LORD or GOD, in all capital letters (see JEHOVAH).
ZEAL
Strong’s gives for “zeal” = “excitement of mind, ardour, fervour of spirit.” Christ had zeal (John 2:17), and we as Christians should also: “But it is good to be zealously affected always in a good thing…” (Galatians 4:18). Fanatics are guided by emotion, but we should be guided by the teachings of Christ. A good question to ask ourselves before doing something is: “What would Jesus do?” “Brethren, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved. For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge. 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” (Romans 10:1–3).
Christ has told us He does not want lukewarm Christianity. “I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth” (Revelation 3:15–16). It is easy to think, “Well, at least that person is halfway there.” But God wants us to shine for Him, not be halfhearted. To be lukewarm gives a false impression of what He wants us to be. It is also a bad position to be in. If one tries to get into a small boat that has other people in it, he must completely leave the dock. The worst place for him is to have one foot on the dock and one foot in the boat. He could easily fall in the water or even turn the boat over. Get in the boat! “As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent” (Revelation 3:19). Get in the boat.
“Ye are the light of the world.” The verse goes on to say, “A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven” (Matthew 5:14–16).
GOD & SPIES
Free at "HOME" above or at, helpyourfaith.net
A US Navy saturation diver on the nuclear submarine USS Halibut. Involved in "Operation Ivy Bells". America’s most important and dangerous of the Cold War. If you like good old fashioned American bravado, espionage and American history, you will enjoy this book.
GOD & SPIES
Free at "HOME" above or at, helpyourfaith.net
A US Navy saturation diver on the nuclear submarine USS Halibut. Involved in "Operation Ivy Bells". America’s most important and dangerous of the Cold War. If you like good old fashioned American bravado, espionage and American history, you will enjoy this book.
