Teresa Ortiz

God's Banner: Go - Fight - Win


Posted: Friday, September 26, 2008

by
Freelance writer/Speaker

Yahweh Nissi is a Hebrew name which translates to--The Lord is my banner. This name is packed with meaning and could actually be a study within a study. There is only room for me to skim the surface, however, yet I hope it will stir our hearts and cause us to draw closer to our Adonay.

God's banner is descriptive of His covering, His protection, His ownership, His power, His intervention, and last but not least, it speaks of the pride and confidence He has in His children. This last one blows me away!

What comes to mind when you think about a banner? My mind goes back to the days when my daughter played basketball. The walls on the school gym were covered with banners. There were  big fancy banners by the local businesses that supported high-school sports--which was great, but the banners that made the girls the happiest were the ones made from big rolls of paper that were hand-painted by family and friends. These had personal words of encouragement and spoke of pride and confidence. In addition, how about the banners on the professional level--sponsors like Nike, or Pepsi and Coca-Cola. These companies do not invest their money in a person or a team unless they are confident in whom they represent.  We hear it all the time, "Pepsi is the proud sponsor of _______".

Applying the concept of a banner to our Creator is heartwarming. Could God have confidence in me? Biblically, what is God's banner saying about me? Job comes to mind; God answers Satan saying, do you consider my servant Job? He is a righteous man, go ahead, give it your best shot…

There is a confidence in knowing God's banner is behind us and over us. It shows that He is not ashamed to be identified with us. There is a responsibility on our part, however, to do our banner proud--our confidence should not lead to arrogance, indifference, or behavior that would bring shame to the One who believes in us.

The Bible speaks of many banners, four of which directly relate to His people.

We will look at two together.

The banner of Victory

Exodus chapter 17 tells the story of the battle between Amalek and the Israelites. In verses 8-16, we see how God fought for his people and he gave them victory over Amalek and his people. The key in this victory was the teamwork between Moses, Aaron and Hur. While Moses lifted his hands toward heaven, Aaron and Hur held each arm up so he would not tire. For every time Moses' hands fell, they would begin to lose the battle, yet when his hands were lifted high, they would have victory.

When the battle ended, Moses built an altar and called it "The Lord is my banner" because he recognized that the battle belonged to the Lord.

There is a New Testament application to this story. Jesus designed the church to carry his name and He gave us the command to fellowship with one another because He understood the power and strength that comes from unity. We are never meant to fight our battles alone. Why do we try? Maybe it's because we forget that God's banner of victory flew high in the sky that fateful day when Jesus was raised to the heavens on that old rugged tree-known as the cross-the banner of our victory.

The banner of Healing

Isaiah chapter 53 reveals prophesy of the coming Messiah--how He would bare the guilt and shame of the sin of all humanity. In verse 5 it specially says, "by His stripes we are healed."

As we read on through the rest of Isaiah, we are told of all Jesus would suffer to make healing possible. It speaks of spiritual healing from sin. This is awesome news because all who call upon Jesus will receive spiritual healing and cleansing.

In the New Testament, the book of James chapter 5 speaks of the physical healing that is offered by Jesus. This comes through the anointing of oil and prayer--according to the will and purposes of God.

He will give us victory in our trials--he will heal our broken hearts and bind our wounds. El Roi will do what it takes to shake us up and teach us the right way to live--forsaking sin, thereby eliminating many of the things that cause sickness and heartbreak in our lives in the first place.

I encourage you to take some time and read the word of God; learn of his other banners and what they mean for you.

The banner of Salvation can be found in John chapter three. Ask yourself; what is my responsibility when I decide to carry the name of God over my life?

The banner of Love can be found in Song of Solomon chapter two. Ponder this thought; how will it affect the way you live?

DIG A LITTLE DEEPER

If these few words have caused your heart to want more, I suggest reading Isaiah 49:22-25 and 1 Corinthians 15:52, 54-57.

Walk in victory today knowing and believing that Yahweh Nissi is the only one who can bring eternal strength, freedom, restoration, and salvation.

This dear friends, is something to be excited about!. Therefore, go out with joy and be led forth with peace.
 
(C) Teresa Ortiz
Teresa is a freelance writer, a speaker, a teacher, a wife, a mother, and most importantly, a daughter of the Most high God. Her greatest joy is leading others closer to Christ through practical study of the word of God. She prefers using the lighter things in life and a good laugh to make her point, but realizes the darker and deeper things of life must also be addressed. For more information on her available in-depth studies and or speaking engagements, visit www.teresaortiz.com

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Top-level comments on this article: (6 total)
» left by Susan Thom
3 years 101 days ago.
174 fans.
hi t,
 
this was a very well written, interesting article and a nice reminder about who to turn to when we are in need, when we are full, when we are in despair, when we are elated, when we are sick,and when we are strong.
 
God is the one to turn to for everything.
 
all my best to you,
 
sue
» left by Teresa Ortiz 3 years 101 days ago.
187 fans.
Hi Sue, thanks so much!  And thank you for pointing out that He is the one we turn to even when all is well! Tha's why its called a relationship.  Enjoy Sunday :-)
» left by Chiradeep
3 years 100 days ago.
85 fans. Follow Chiradeep on twitter!
Amazing article Teresa! I think 'The Lord is my banner' for me is He is my identity. I am identified through and in Him.
 
God bless you sharing it with all...
 
(your id has changed after you changed your picture also, because you look different in this picture from before...)
» left by Teresa Ortiz 3 years 99 days ago.
187 fans.
HI Candles,  I agree with you 100% !  Thanks for reading. Glad you enjoyed!
 
Keep your candle burning, dear friend! Teresa
» left by Michelle Mackin
3 years 98 days ago.
96 fans.
Excellent teachihg Teresa,
 
I have been reading some great stuff like this somewhere recently.
 
Hugs, love and blessings
» left by Teresa Ortiz 3 years 97 days ago.
187 fans.
Hi Michelle, glad you are enjoying the lesson :-)  Lord bless you!  Hugs, Teresa
» left by Lorrie Davids
3 years 96 days ago.
96 fans.
As always, I learned from you and am reminded to celebrate God's goodness! Thanks, Teresa, for following your calling.
» left by Teresa Ortiz 3 years 95 days ago.
187 fans.
Hi Lorrie, so glad you were blessed.  Thanks for all your encouraging words!! Have a blessed day! Teresa
» left by B
from Arizona
3 years 17 days ago.
The Holy Spirit has quickened my heart to inquire more about the Banner of the Lord: the importance of His Banner and the Blessings involved with His Banner over our lives. If you have more wisdom to add to this article, I would gladly receive it. Thank you .
» left by Teresa Ortiz 3 years 17 days ago.
187 fans.
Hi B, from Arizona,
 
I am so glad you are responding to God's work in your heart to seek out the blessing and importance of the Banner of the Lord. 
 
For starters, I would like to refer you to 2 other articles of mine.  "Free from the past: Encouragement for the Soul"  and "The Lord is There: Encouragement for the Soul".  You can find them by clicking on the "view other articles by this author" link.
 
These two have serveral passages of Scripture that fall under the blessing of God's banner. 
 
In the meantime, I will put together a few other "banners" and what they entale, and post them here as soon I have a chance.  Hopefully later on this afternoon I can post them.  Also, you can go to my web site by clicking the the "In Season Ministries" blue like under my name at the top of the article.  There is some other information you might find helpful. 
 
The Two banners I will layout for you are "The Banner of Salvation" and The Banner of Love"  There are alot of things that fall under these catogories and what they actually mean to us and our responsibilties toward them.
 
Again, Lord bless you and keep moving forward in your faith!  Also, I would highly recomment the book "Praying the Names orf God" and "Praying the Names of Jesus" by Ann Spangler.
 
I look foward to hearing what the Lord is doing in you.
 
Merry Christmas! Teresa
» left by Anonymous
1 year 236 days ago.
Thank you for this article, as it helped me prepare a message I gave on this very topic. Our church is starting a "Names of God" series.
» left by Teresa Ortiz 1 year 235 days ago.
Hello Anon,
 
Praise the Lord, I am so glad this was helpful to you. Studying the names of God is one of the best ways to get to know God in a deeper and closer way. I have written several other articles on his name, all were inspired by a wonderful book I read by Anne Spangler On the Names of God. Kay Arthur has an incredible study on the names of God as well. May you be blessed as you draw closer to our Heavenly Father. Teresa
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