We have actually made it to the first day of April, 2014. In some ways it is difficult to believe. And yet, the year seems like it is flying! We are already one quarter of the way through the year. There are only 267 days until Christmas. 2014 is sailing by.

If you have been following me for a year or so, you’ll remember I joined a challenge last April called “Blogging from A-Z.” Starting with the first day of the month, we are to write about a theme or an idea or even an item beginning with the letter “A.” On April 2^nd, the blog post would be connected to the letter “B.” This would continue through the month, except for Sundays. I’ve joined the challenge again this year!

So with my calendar ready, I’m prepared to share a theme each day in relation to a letter of the alphabet.

I have fallen in love with God’s name. I may quote this Scripture more than I should, but I love what it says about God’s name. “The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.” (Proverbs 18:10 – NIV)

Today, let’s look at God’s names that begin with the letter “A.”

Abba, Father

This is the name that Jesus used when He spoke to God. He used it in Matthew 6:9, John 10:15, as well as during His agonizing prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane (Luke 22:42).

Jesus knew God intimately and used this affectionate name when He spoke of His Father. We might relate this word to our English word, “papa.”

Because of Jesus’ resurrection, we have the opportunity to approach God in much the same way. We are able to cry out to the Father using the intimate name, Abba.

Galatians 4:6 (NIV) says, “Because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, Abba, Father.”

If your heart is crying out today, why not cry out to your heavenly Father. Abba. There is no other Name by which you will find His comfort, love, forgiveness and joy.

Almighty God

You know how it is when you believe your earthly father can do anything? Like a superhero who is able to leap small buildings, stop a speeding train, or save the world of those pesky villains? Yeah, we know what it’s like to have that kind of belief in our earthly fathers.

The problem is that we grow up. We realize that our earthy fathers are human and not in fact superheroes.

I have some good news. My heavenly Father “is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine…” (Ephesians 3:20 – NIV) My heavenly Father is Almighty God.

This was the name God chose when He confirmed the covenant with Abram. “When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the Lord appeared to him and said, ‘I am God Almighty; walk before me and be blameless, I will confirm my covenant between me and you and will greatly increase your numbers.’” (Genesis 17:1-2 – NIV)

In this section of Scripture, God changes Abram’s name to Abraham, Sarai’s name to Sarah, and tells them that they will have a son…in their old age. Now that is almighty!

Some interpreters believe this name means “the All-Sufficient One” or “the All-Bountiful One.” God is not just able to bless us, He is able to bless us abundantly.

Perhaps today you need to be in the presence of Almighty God. If so, there’s no reason to hesitate. Call on His Name and you will be safe.

Ancient of Days

This Name of God is only used by Daniel in Daniel 7:13 and 22. In contrast to the earthly kings and kingdoms that would come and go, Daniel chose this term to speak of his God. Ancient of Days.

God has always existed and always will. Unlike humanity and this earth, the Ancient of Days is not limited by time. He will always remain the same. The only real security we have in this world is to place our trust in the Ancient of Days.

If you’re looking for the security of the God who is same yesterday, today and tomorrow, look no further. Ancient of Days is who you’re looking for.

I would love to share many more names of God, and perhaps that may be the theme of the month…we’ll see. But these are the “A” names.

I pray that you will come to know God in a deeper way as you think of the many ways you can turn to Him for what you need. His Name is a strong tower.

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

Donna