Who is God?

In the Bible, the names of God are not just titles—they reveal His character, nature, and relationship with us.

Here are some of the most meaningful names, with simple explanations:

1. Yahweh (LORD)

• Meaning: “I AM WHO I AM”

• Found in the Book of Exodus 3:14

• This is God’s personal name—eternal, self-existent, and unchanging

2. Elohim

• Meaning: God, Creator

• Seen in the Book of Genesis 1:1

• Emphasizes His power and role as Creator of all things

3. Adonai

• Meaning: Lord, Master

• Shows God as the One we submit to and follow

4. El Shaddai

• Meaning: God Almighty

• Speaks of His strength, sufficiency, and provision

5. El Elyon

• Meaning: Most High God

• Declares that He is above all rulers and powers

6. Jehovah Jireh

• Meaning: The Lord Will Provide

• Found in the Book of Genesis 22:14

7. Jehovah Rapha

• Meaning: The Lord Who Heals

• Found in the Book of Exodus 15:26

8. Jehovah Shalom

• Meaning: The Lord Is Peace

• Found in the Book of Judges 6:24

9. Jehovah Nissi

• Meaning: The Lord Is My Banner (Victory)

• Found in the Book of Exodus 17:15

10. Jehovah Rohi (Raah)

• Meaning: The Lord Is My Shepherd

• Seen in the Book of Psalms 23:1

11. Emmanuel

• Meaning: God With Us

• Found in the Gospel of Matthew 1:23

• Points to Jesus—God dwelling among us

12. Abba

• Meaning: Father (intimate, like “Dad”)

• Found in the Book of Romans 8:15

13. Alpha and Omega

• Meaning: The Beginning and the End

• Found in the Book of Revelation 22:13

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When I opened the first page of the Bible and read the words, “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth,” I was at a park near my house, with a beautiful view of the city of Los Angeles. I remember the moment I read those words—I knew my life was about to be transformed. Not that I had not read them before, or that I did not believe them, but this time, I was a part of what I was reading.

Me—this little, tiny ant of a person—whom God chose to care for, because He knew the kind of care I needed. He never left me, and I have a suitcase full of moments when He saved me, even when I was not walking with Him. Like a good Father, He was always looking out for me.

I had surrendered my life into His hands. The world I was trying to face on my own, and the life I sought, led me to almost losing my mind. I was ready to learn my role in this world and step into my purpose, designed before I was even a thought.

I believe the invitation—the call back to Him—was always there, but I was not ready to surrender my life then, and honestly, I did not know how. I was sustaining the identity that I created. The identity that kept me safe in a world I did not trust to be vulnerable in. I was buried under layers that distorted who I was as a true daughter in Christ and He in me. My environment kept me feeling as if I was deep in the muck. The generational roots that I felt deep inside pulled within me. I needed to be completely uprooted and planted in good soil. To have the nurture and care I desperately sought.

It felt like hearing something through loud, distorted waves—I could feel the call pulling at my heart—close, yet so far. I did not know the way, because it had not been clearly shown to me. A religious character in the home I grew up in did not show me the way—it distorted my path. And I say this with compassion to the home I grew up in also. Those roots were rot and the ignorance that weaved in unaware and unattended hindering psychological characteristics had influenced behavior that caused anxiety, stress, anger, frustration, distrust, and a lot of pain.

So how is that narrow road revealed? Through an example. And when humanity failed to model that example, God sent His only Son, Jesus, to lead us, and to guide others to know the way themselves.

He waited patiently for me. As Ingrid Gonzalez, founder of Begin Circle, says, “He is a gentleman,” meaning He does not force Himself on us. He waits for the return of those He calls.

There is a parable about this called “The Parable of the Lost Son” found in the gospel of Luke 15:11-32. I strongly encourage you to read it—whether you are a Christian, a believer in God, spiritual but unsure, or an unbeliever. It may resonate in a profound way and point you back to the grace, mercy, and love available to those who have been lost.

Pastor Dave Dealy, who teaches at Vintage Church LA, gave a rich message exploring the Prodigal Son more deeply. Sadly I was unable to find this talk, but I would strongly suggest to study the talks you are led to from Vintage LA (http://www.youtube.com/@VintageChurchLA).

The Bible Project explains the parable of the protocol son theologically and creatively. You can watch it here:

https://youtu.be/jUCCUHurV0I?si=2JjCRGFoGwLz8ji_

I also relate to the blind beggar described in John 9—a person who felt unseen, whom Jesus anointed with clay made from His saliva and the dust of the earth, so that the works of God might be revealed in him. The man was sent to wash in the Pool of Siloam and returned seeing—so transformed that he was almost unrecognizable. He even spoke with boldness to the Pharisees, the religious leaders of that time.

This unnamed man became a follower of Christ. He did not write a book of Scripture, but his name is written in the Book of Life. He is someone I look forward to meeting in heaven.

At the heart of all the names of God is His character. He is:

• Creator

• Provider

• Healer

• Peace

• Father

• Savior

• Ever-present

He is a real, living God.

If you have been hurt by religion or by religious people, or feel anger toward hypocrisy, that is understandable—but do not depart from God. If there is anyone you can be real with, it is Him.

He speaks if you choose to listen. He reveals Himself if you ask, seek, and knock, as Matthew 7:7 says.

Scripture is not made of positive mantras or surface-level encouragement—it is deep, living truth that leads to life in a world marked by death.

If you are angry, hurt, or frustrated with misguided religion, do not remove yourself from God—invite Him into it.

There is a verse spoken by the prophet in Jeremiah 17:5 

“Cursed is the man who trusts in man

And makes flesh his strength,

Whose heart departs from the Lord.”

This does not mean the prophet is personally cursing us—it is a warning. It reveals what happens when we place ultimate trust in human strength, systems, or people instead of God, and when our hearts turn away from Him.

This idea connects back to the fall in the Book of Genesis. When Eve was deceived by the serpent and ate from the forbidden tree, deception led to disobedience, which led to shame, guilt, blame, and separation from God. Creation itself was affected. Adam and Eve were cast out of Eden.

Yet God’s story is also a story of redemption—of calling us back to Himself, and ultimately restoring what was lost.