I don’t know about you, but as a mom, I understand that names are SO important. It’s funny, too because when you start having babies and you work on your ‘names’ list, you will always eliminate the ones you personally know. Like if you went to school with someone with that name or even had a bad run-in with someone with that name. It’s off the table. There are other names you may like..but then you look up the meaning. (This is where I confess that I’m a huge advocate of knowing what a name means). Honestly, there have been some I’ve been sad about once I looked up the meaning..because the name was cute but the meaning was not so cute!
Remember how much I talk about the power of words? Life and death is in the tongue. The words we speak are either life giving or deadly. That same principle applies to a name. So, if for instance, you’re wanting to name your child something and the meaning is negative… I would avoid it. Think about it, you’re calling that child by name every day of their life. Essentially, prophesying over them. Hannah means ‘Grace’ and my husband’s name, Shay, means ‘a gift’ (usually offered in homage). All good things (thankfully)!
Anyway, you may be wondering why I’m rambling on about names. Well, I do have a point. It is actually a pretty common theme in the Bible for people to be ‘renamed’. This either happens after an encounter with the Lord.. or when they are put on assignment. So anytime someone is given a new name in the Bible, just know that it is indicative of a major life change.
Sometimes, it feels like thats even what it would take in our own lives. A major change. A fresh start. An encounter or an assignment. Today, I want to share the story of a man in the Bible who’s life was radically transformed. He was made new. Redeemed. Forgiven. Renamed. And set on assignment. This man’s name was Saul. I’ll begin reading in Acts 9: 1-22
Another translation says He will cast our sins into the sea of forgetfulness. Meaning, once we ask for forgiveness, God will throw away our sin and never remember them again. Don’t make the mistake of thinking God holds your past over your head. You are a new man. And you are called on assignment, friends.
Just remember Paul. He went from hunting down Christ followers and murdering them, to becoming one of them. And leading countless into God’s kingdom for the remainder of his new life.
And today, I just wanted to end with this last quote from someone unknown: “The apostle Paul entered heaven to the cheers of those he martyred because thats how the gospel works.” How powerful is that? THAT is the redemptive picture of the gospel. May this be a reminder to ask God for a new name. A new assignment. And chase it with the boldness of one who has a clean slate. For the kingdom. I love y’all.. I hope this has been the reminder you needed today and that your week is beautiful.
Episode 51: Are You In A Season…? Or A Cycle
Episode 50: Mom Guilt (And Feelings of Failure)
Episode 49: Holy Spirit Highlights + Bonus Q&A
Episode 48: Holy Spirit (And How It Changes Your Life!)
Episode 47: New Beginnings: A Conversation With Shay Mooney & His Health Journey
Episode 46: Story Time...
Episode 45: Do It Afraid
Episode 44: The Golden Rule
Episode 43: Choosing to See- with Mary Beth Chapman
Episode 42: Counterfeit Faith
A Story from Pastor Jeff Simmons
Seeds of Faith
Tiny Seeds and Great Sequoias
Planting Seeds In A Dark World
Seeds of Friendship
Episode 41: A Light In The Dark (Daniel’s Story)
Episode 40: Treasures In Dark Places; A Conversation With Tara Dickson
Episode 39: Worship
Episode 38: Room to Grow
Episode 37: Gifts of Influence (Government & Religion)
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