Talk on the word Hineni

 

On several occasions God ask Adam, Abraham, and Moses "Where are you?" If you take that literal its nonsensical. If God is all knowing doesn't he know where they are? Perhaps the question isn't about geographical location perhaps he is asking where you are in your moral decision making.

One for Isreal site says 

They answer with the Hebrew word Hineni which means Here I am. (this is a powerful word)

There is a powerful word in Hebrew that sums up three words in English. The word is Hineni (הנני), which means “Here I am!” But you’ve got to watch out how you say it, because it is a way of expressing total readiness to give oneself – it’s an offer of total availability.

When God called out to Moses from the burning bush, Moses replied, “Hineni!” And you know what assignment he was given, and what happened next. When God approached Abraham to ask him to offer his only son as a sacrifice, Abraham responded, “Hineni!” not knowing what God was about to ask. God called out to the young boy Samuel three times before Samuel finally responded, “Hineni! I’m listening!” Many hundreds of years later, when God asked who would go for him in Isaiah 6, and the prophet willingly offered himself with a cry of “Hineni!” Send me!”

It can be used by family members, ready to be fully available and ready to pay attention, or ready to obey instructions. A bit like turning up and reporting for duty. Some translations include a “Behold” in the “here am I” statement, emphasising that they are present and ready for action. It is often children saying it as an expression of readiness to submit to their parents’ requests, although not exclusively.

It is, of course, the appropriate way to respond to God whenever he calls. His wish should be our command.

But God often says it of himself, when announcing what he is going to do. Often they are very gracious acts that cost him dearly. Interestingly, the very first one is bringing the flood – we cannot imagine how much that must have hurt him to do. But God also says “Hineni” when he is announcing a covenant he will make, the brunt of which he would always end up bearing. It appears many times in the prophetic writings, often translated, “Behold, I will…” But it is more like, “Behold! Here I am, doing this thing!”

God is our ever-present help, as David reminds us in Psalm 46, and there are multiple times throughout scripture where we read the question, “What can I do for you?” As ridiculous as it might seem, God actually makes himself available to us, and has shown that he is ready to pay the highest cost – even the life of his only Son. He invites us to share our requests and needs with him, and is always listening to our cry. “Hineni” – “Here I am”, the Great I Am stoops to assure us. He hears us, he sees us, he knows our struggle, and he is always there. He is mighty, he is our rescuer, and the dread warrior by our side. He promises to listen to our prayers and to answer, according to his will – the very best and perfect decision will be made.

There is a verse buried in the David and Jonathan saga, in which Jonathan promises his beleaguered best friend, “Tell me what your soul desires, and I will do it for you” (1 Sam 20:4). It caught my attention, because it is the same kind of devoted readiness as the shout of “Hineni!” Sometimes, I believe that the Lord would whisper this in our ear. As breathtaking as that might sound, it happens! God says it to Solomon, and Yeshua says it to people that he met in his earthly ministry sometimes. “What would you like me to do for you?”

But then, I thought that I wanted to ask the Lord the same question: “What is on your heart, Lord? What do you desire? And I will do whatever you ask”. Knowing God, that is a dangerous promise to make. He does ask people to do some pretty wild things. But it’s always totally worth it.

God has already shown his great willingness, devotion, and availability to us as was perfectly demonstrated on the cross. He is permanently listening to whatever we have to say or ask for, but do we shrink back from unconditionally responding to his call and his requests of us?
This calls for love. This calls for devotion. Availability, and willingness to sacrifice for the other. God is devoted to us, but will he find unconditional devotion and readiness to pay the cost in us? What if God was to call your name out loud today? Are you ready to offer yourself to his service, not even knowing what it might be? We don’t have to wait until we hear an audible call, we can just report for duty as we come into his presence, and tell him we’re ready to do his will. Ready for action, present and correct.
Here I am, Lord! Hineni! Send me!

With this attitude of Heneni in mind. Much sacrifice may be required, and better time managment may be required I want to bestow some great advice I got at a conference I attended the session was titled. Bruce Lee Frogs and Raindrops and here are my notes. 

Bruce Lee Kill killer distractions. Identify and make a plan and stick to the plan. What sucks up your time and has little value Get rid of those. 

Frogs Eat the frog first and what I mean is Do the unpleasant task first, it clears time and your mind. We spend a lot of time worrying, procrastination, and trying not to do stuff but if you eat the frog first you can just move on.

The Raindrop Factor Floods happen one raindrop at a time. The drops quickly add up. Necessary daily task such as email set a block of time and attack it, be dine or move on don't let it become a distraction

When you are handling life its easier to say Heneni Here I am send me.

I find so much comfort in knowing Heavenly Father is also saying Hineni, I know it but I forget. I minimize my needs and I don't ask. I know if I just ask it will be handled.

I've had some experiences that have solidified this belief in a way that is undeniable. To have such miracles in my life and then to forget on the day to to day until its unbearable is human, but sad. Why do we forget to ask? Back in like 2009 I had been struggling with random odd health issues for years but in 2009 it was coming to a head and I was exhausted. I used to drive to work with my pillow so I could rest against my car window. Sometimes I was literally to tired to breath and had to power through it. Dr's were not helpful at all. I had basically given up. It was our stake relief society temple day so a bunch of us went to the San Diego temple. I had prepared to pray about my health struggle. I remember sitting in the celestial room and crying and in my prayer I said Heavenly Father I cant do this anymore its to much. As I finished those words I was hit with 3 shooting sharp blinding pains on right after the other. I then felt a little better.The next week I was cutting a mans hair He asked if I was okay and I said yes. His reply was no your not okay you have severe lyme disease. I didn't believe him. he told me about a Lyme clinic I should go to and left. I didn't go. The next month he came back and asked if I had went so my mom booked me an appointment and made me go. Sure enough I tested positive and thats exactly what was wrong with me and it had wreaked havoc for years. I'm sure doubters could say it was a coincidence but I know it wasn't. 

Most people know I've had a ruff time the last 2 years and have been battling some big demons both new and old but May 2018 was life altering, and taught me the important faith building information in a way I can't deny even though I sometimes forget. During my horrendous surgery I woke up paralyzed and feeling the most indescribable pain. I felt the Dr's hands inside of me and taking stuff out. I was so scared and in so much pain. I was as alone as anyone could possibly be. On my own I tried to move, speak or anything and it was impossible. I began to pray and made peace with dying. I felt like my family would be okay but I needed to die because enduring this was just not going to happen. I couldn't do it. I told Heavenly Father that I was ready to go. As I was saying the words in my mind I twitched my head. I had quit trying so it was almost involuntary. The Nurse grabbed my head for a minute and then let go. I was able to repeat the movement at will. At that second everything stopped and they put me back under. I was not alone When I did all that I could do and then turned it over to Heavenly Father he moved me. He literally broke the bonds of my body. My Heavenly Father was saying Hineni, Here I am, let me. That is who he is. We are only alone in our lives because of the restrictions we put in place. We feel we can do it our selves or its to small to ask. Open that chanel and hear him and respond in kind Hineni I am here.