Names

John 1: ⁴⁰ Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, was one of the two who heard what John had said and who had followed Jesus. ⁴¹ The first thing Andrew did was to find his brother Simon and tell him, ‘We have found the Messiah’ (that is, the Christ). ⁴² And he brought him to Jesus.

Jesus looked at him and said, ‘You are Simon son of John. You will be called Cephas’ (which, when translated, is Peter).

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When I got some great news I could not wait to tell my friends. I went through the names in my head to make sure I did not miss anyone. Each message I told was met with excitement.

• There are some names I want to share things with.
• There are some names I think of when I want to tell people a certain message.
• There are some names I desire to discuss GOD with.

Andrew was revealed as one of the two who left John as a disciple and followed JESUS. He immediately thought of the name of his brother, who was also seeking JESUS. When Andrew brought Simon to JESUS, a new name was given. JESUS renamed Simon to Cephas, meaning Peter. JESUS had the authority to name him.

• GOD has a name for me that I am looking forward to learning.
• GOD has a name for me that is written in HIS “Book of Life.”
• GOD has a name for me that only HE knows and it is special.

Earthly names enable humans to know who I am as a label only. They really cannot tell if I love GOD or not. BUT GOD knows my name by how much HE loves me. HE gave me my name before the time HE created me. HE gives me the authority to use the name of JESUS as my connection to HIS power. I pray in JESUS’ name that all who read this will be blessed.

• What is your purpose?
• Who do you think of when you want to tell people about what GOD has done?
• Will you leverage the name of JESUS to overcome situations today?

Be Strong! Stand firm on your faith!

Matthew 7:24"Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. 26But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. 27The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash." 28When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching, 29because he taught as one who had authority, and not as their teachers of the law.

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During these difficult days it seems like there is more to be nervous about than ever before. I look at my own life and see many things I could be worried about, BUT GOD has changed my worries into peace.

How?

GOD has given me faith in HIS SON and that HE knows what is best for me.

• I used to panic and wonder if GOD was listening to me.
• I used to think HE would come up with these evil tests and make me jump through hoops.
• I used to think HE wanted me to serve until I had nothing left to give, meanwhile HE stood in the corner with a clipboard and pencil marking off the things I did wrong.

Then it hit me, I just described a human, not GOD. We look at other humans as our example of GOD and to tell you the truth, we are bad examples. GOD's faith and foundation are full of endless, boundless love towards me. HE does not have one evil thought towards me.

HE understands that life will be difficult and that I will be tempted to move away from HIM. HE knows life will have many storms, but HE wants to protect me and give me as many tools to cope with life as possible. HE wants me to expect things to go wrong on earth and to hold on to my faith.

I questioned GOD about "life" and I suggest you do the same. I asked "LORD, why do we have to go through life with difficulty?" I got my answer from reading the Bible. GOD made mankind with "choice." I can choose HIM or my own way.

The first man and woman chose their own way and this started a chain of events causing every human to be lost. Humans now had to be perfect in order to have a relationship with GOD. This was impossible so all humans were sentenced to death.

• GOD volunteered to become a human and die for us.
• GOD the Father along with GOD the SPIRIT agreed.
• JESUS walked this earth and those HE came to save killed HIM.
• HE was raised by the FATHER and now is alive preparing a place for those who believe.

Meanwhile, the earth remains cursed. Crops grow "sometimes" but not always. Men and women argue, fuss and fight to get their own way. Greed, lust, envy and shocking behavior bombard mankind daily. Why? Because Satan desires that man join him in eternal separation from GOD. If he goes we go.

GOD says, "stand firm!" Don't fall for the trick of blaming GOD for life's misery. Satan is powerless against GOD and wants to blind us to the truth. GOD is a mighty rescuer and has never ending faith and love towards you and I. By following HIM our lives will be full of adventure!

• Do you believe GOD wants the best for you?
• Do you believe HE can get you out of your situation instantly?
• Why hasn't HE?
• Are you fighting the change HE is making in you?
• Will you "choose" to serve HIM today even though the storms of life remain?