Everything begins + ends with Yahweh!

I'm currently reading through The One Year Bible (NLT version). It's super neat, as goes chronologically through the Bible, with a daily OT + Psalm + Proverb + NT reading. I LOVE when Scripture cross-references, especially when I can directly cross something from the OT + NT that I read that day.

Here are some things I read today...

And God said to Moses, “I am Yahweh—‘the Lord.’ I appeared to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob as El-Shaddai—‘God Almighty’—but I did not reveal my name, Yahweh, to them. And I reaffirmed my covenant with them. Under its terms, I promised to give them the land of Canaan, where they were living as foreigners. You can be sure that I have heard the groans of the people of Israel, who are now slaves to the Egyptians. And I am well aware of my covenant with them.

“Therefore, say to the people of Israel: ‘I am the Lord. I will free you from your oppression and will rescue you from your slavery in Egypt. I will redeem you with a powerful arm and great acts of judgment. I will claim you as my own people, and I will be your God. Then you will know that I am the Lord your God who has freed you from your oppression in Egypt. I will bring you into the land I swore to give to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. I will give it to you as your very own possession. I am the Lord!’”

Exodus 6:2-8

I love how this passage begins + ends with Yahweh! Because Yahweh is everything. He is the beginning + the end. Yet He has no beginning, nor no end.

Next, here is Psalm 23 in NLT. I love this translation. I memorized this passage as a young girl, but to read it with different wording, it brings a new light + is so refreshing!

"The Lord is my shepherd;

I have all that I need.

He lets me rest in green meadows;

he leads me beside peaceful streams.

He renews my strength.

He guides me along right paths,

bringing honor to his name.

Even when I walk

through the darkest valley,

I will not be afraid,

for you are close beside me.

Your rod and your staff

protect and comfort me.

You prepare a feast for me

in the presence of my enemies.

You honor me by anointing my head with oil.

My cup overflows with blessings.

Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me

all the days of my life,

and I will live in the house of the Lord

forever."

See how yet again, this passage begins + ends with the LORD (Yahweh)! I also love how both these passages proclaim of the things God will do...does do...and continues to do!