Many years ago I wrote a book. It was called – Re: GOD

Regarding and responding to our heavenly Father who desires to redeem, restore, and reconnect with His children

287 words beginning with “re” to help you reconsider your relationship with Him

I never published it. My desire was to write a book that could be used as a devotional or for reference. Now, all these years later, I have found a format that might work and still have the desired effect—to see lives changed.  I first got the idea for this book after reading an article in which I noticed a number of words in one particular paragraph started with “re.” I then read another paragraph and noticed it again. As I let this filter through my brain, I considered that this could be an interesting mnemonic when contemplating God. Over and over again, “re” words caught my attention, and I decided to make a list. The list grew and grew and grew. I could have opened up a dictionary, but that would have been too easy. Instead I made the decision to allow the Holy Spirit to bring the words to me. And he did. 

It took over a year until I felt I had exhausted the words necessary for a book. I had so many that the extras were in an appendix. I then set out to organize them alphabetically and define the words. I jokingly refer to myself as a “word merchant” because I love words, deal in words, and want to know what they mean. Oftentimes I look up the definition of a word and it speaks volumes to me. For example, over thirty years ago, several people prayed over my husband and me that we were pioneers. The third definition of a “pioneer” is a military munitions expert who goes in and blows up things so the troops can move in. My husband and I saw in this definition how God was speaking to us about our specific calling as prayer warriors. It helped us understand how God sees us praying in regards to spiritual warfare. Along with others, our prayers can bring breakthrough and relief.

Several years ago, my husband had a blood disorder that was troubling, and I had no peace. I stayed before God crying out to him for a word, just something that would bring me hope. He gave me one. He said, It’s going to be okay. Me, being me, had to actually look up the word “okay.” It means “everything is under control.”  I laughed and laughed, fear gave way to joy. God was letting me know that he had everything under control.

The point is that definitions can greatly enhance what God is speaking and revealing to us about ourselves, our circumstances, and most importantly about who he is.  

Each “re” word is simply defined by short phrases or synonyms followed by a passage, scripture and prayer. But each word’s meanings might speak something deeper and more insightful to you personally. Not all the “re” words are used in different versions or translations of the Bible, so I tried to find scriptures that best articulate what the word means even though it might not always line up with the passage or prayer. When a word had several meanings or could be used as different parts of speech, I just allowed the Holy Spirit to guide me. In the case of resume which can be a verb or with accents meaning “a summary of a person’s work history and career,” I used both words. Several times words that were closely related like “rehearse” and “rehearsal” and “repeat” and “repetition,” I chose to combine them as one entry.

As a prefix, “re” means “again and again” as in “repetitious.” It can also mean “to go back,” “return to a previous condition,” or even opposition. Some “re” words are followed by a hyphen. Of course, there are words in which “re” is not a prefix, but is a word rooted in other languages. And finally, the truth is that “re” can be added to almost any word making the possibility of “re” words endless.

“Re” when standing alone is an abbreviation meaning “in reference to, referencing, regarding, or concerning. So in the book, Re: GOD, means regarding (or in the matter of) our Holy Father and Creator. It is my hope and prayer that each word will give you a fuller understanding and deeper relationship with the one who created the universe and you. He is a big God with so many facets, and these words are just grains of sand when considering the magnitude of who he is. The prayers included on each page are just suggestions to help you find your voice in speaking to the one who knows us better than we know ourselves. But in the end, it is our Father who enjoys revealing himself to his children every day.

REACH: arrive, extend, move, influence, contact, strive, attain, achieve, access

During prayer one day the Lord spoke to my heart and said that Mike and I have a gift of hospitality. Then he told me to write the word “hospitality” down which I did. But when I wrote it, the word “hospital” was what I actually saw. I had never in my life noticed that “hospitality” consisted of the word “hospital.” It just wasn’t something I ever considered. Immediately, my heart quickened and the Lord continued speaking. He said: Your house will be a hospital. It will be a teaching hospital for those who come to learn. It will be a research hospital for those who are seeking the deeper things of me. And it will be a healing hospital for those who are wounded and broken. Some will require long-term care and others will be out-patients.

Shortly thereafter we started having prayer meetings. We were able to reach people of all different backgrounds. Everything the Lord had spoken occurred. The group consisted of people wanting to be equipped, people who were searching for more, and people who needed healing. We have become a spiritual hospital for those who have been wounded in all areas of their lives: physically, emotionally and spiritually. God was building our hospital from the inside out.

Scripture:  Now what I am commanding you today is not too difficult for you or beyond your reach (Deuteronomy 30:11 MSG).

Prayer: Daddy, I love the way you speak to our hearts. Nothing is too difficult for you or beyond your reach. Amen.