EXODUS 3:16

     "Go, assemble the elders of Israel and say to them, 'The Lord, the God of your fathers - the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob - appeared to me and said: I have watched over you and have seen what has been done to you in Egypt.' "   (NIV)

     In this verse Father God spoke to Moses.  The name of God was so revered that the people would not utter it.  To keep from breaking the commandment against taking the Lord's name in vain, the people called Him "Adonai" (LORD or "Abba" (Father).  Nowadays most Jews and many Messianic followers still avoid speaking or writing any of the commonly-used names for God.  Have you ever seen something written with "G-d" rather than "God"?  This is that writer's sign of respect for our Heavenly Father. I don't necessarily agree with doing this, but I appreciate others' sense of respect for the Holy Name.  The scriptures say that the true name of God - translated into English as YAHWEH - is unpronounceable, so my deduction is that writing God is not an offense to Him.
     Nevertheless, we should respect the Lord's name.  The ten commandments have not changed.  And, the way we use God's name reflects how we really feel about Him...

my miniature watercolor,  "Oasis in the Desert"

      In Exodus 3:16 God told Moses to assemble the people and give them His message. He still wants us to do that today;  He desires that we assemble and that we continue to speak His message.  One way to speak to others about God's goodness is to share what He has done in your life.  Have you ever done this?  Has anyone ever done this for you?
     God watched over the Israelites while they were captive in Egypt.  He promised to take them to a better place.  He kept His promises, too.  He still watches over us and He still keeps His promises.  Every single one. Are you in an Egypt?  A place of loss and helplessness?  God will take care of you.  He will deliver you from every hurt, every situation.  And,  He will take you to a much better place when the time is right.
     Are you ready for that day?