A New Name

            

           It’s almost New Year's; a time for resolutions and, in theory, change.  Many plan for such events, but some consider it just a waste of time, since after all the thought and planning that goes into it, it’s so hard to make it work, for longer than a week or two! 

Making New Year’s Resolutions is something I did for years.  My intentions were sound, but like for most, follow through was tough.  What usually happened, was out of the eight to ten ‘resolutions’ written, I’d settle into one or two that I’d carry out through the year.  That’s a horrible ratio, but honestly, it was still better than not having any at all!

 

When making these resolutions, the idea is to create a better ‘you.’  It’s what our mind’s eye sees as working toward ---the 'something better,' within ourselves.  Scripture tells us we are to work toward ‘perfection’ while acknowledging the truth that none of us can be perfect.  We are human and humans fail. 

 

Sometimes during this yearly ritual of ‘trying to improve myself,’ I wondered about my name.  Perhaps that sounds odd, but names are important.  Even when Jesus was calling his Apostles, he gave some new names.  Bible names often reflected the character of the bearer.  Consider first in the Old Testament where Abram’s name meaning ‘high father’ was changed to Abraham, meaning he was to be ‘father of many nations’; Sarai meaning ‘princess’ was changed to Sarah, as a ‘woman of high rank’  and Jacob meaning ‘supplanter’—which means having the desire to take over someone else’ place -- to Israel meaning ‘he strives with God,’ from when he wrestled with God. 

 

In the New Testament Simon was called Peter, meaning ‘rock’ because he was to be the ‘rock of the church, sent to help build its foundation.’   Another significant name change in the New Testament is Saul which means ‘to question', and was changed to Paul meaning 'humble, small or little.' 

 

One other name that stands out in the Bible as changed, is Lucifer.  He was one of God’s chief angels known as the 'morning star', but he rebelled against God and was cast out of Heaven.  His name changed to Satan, meaning 'adversary'—and even in today’s world, this adversary remains vigilant.

 

If you could change your name, what would it be?  If God were to change your name, what do you think (or hope) it would be?  Have you ever thought about your specific, given name?  What does it represent?  Does it fit your character or life?

 

The Bible references at least five times, the fact that one day in Heaven, we will get a new name. Rev. 2:17;  Rev. 3:12;  Isa. 56:5;  Isa. 62:2;  Isa. 65:15

 Revelation 2:17 is my favorite:  Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who is victorious, I will give some of the hidden manna. I will also give that person a white stone with a new name written on it, known only to the one who receives it.

 

            I’d love to know your favorite scripture on this topic---and if there is another reference other than the five I’ve noted, share!  And I’d also like to know the meaning of YOUR name and what you’d like it to be when you reach heaven.  What would you want it to represent--or say about you?

          HAPPY NEW YEAR'S EVERYONE!

Photo credit:  https://unsplash.com/s/photos/writing-bubbles 

A Mother's Prayer

            

           We are in Christmas week and I can’t help but think about Mary, the mother of Jesus.  My first thought goes to when she was approached by the angel, and her response to the message, “Be it unto me according to your word.” (From Luke 1:38)  I stand in awe of this reaction.  I wonder if I would have responded in the same way!

           I then think of her holding him in her arms after he was born and the idea that when she kissed him, “she kissed the face of God.”  (I love this line from the song “Mary Did You Know?”)  As he grew, she knew things would change; that he’d come for a purpose; and she’d heard the warnings that pain would pierce her heart.  How would she have prayed about this?

            A mother’s prayer can have a profound effect on her children’s lives, perhaps because of the depth of love she holds for her child.  Mary would have been no exception, yet she knew God already had a plan.

            God has a plan for each of us, as well, and his grace sustains us.  There are accounts of people who have had cancer, a disability, weakened immune systems, substance abuse situations, marital or financial issues, all of which many people encounter, yet sometimes are totally healed.  This comes because people pray with humble hearts for a miracle.  Yet, a mother’s prayer is unique.  It comes from deep within her soul, as all our prayer should, but the connection between mother and child is truly distinctive and matchless.

            As we continue our journey toward Christmas over the following days, I suggest you look at each of your children, or even grandchildren and choose a specific ‘cause’ to pray for over them, with a fervency beyond what is normal.  Think of yourself praying as Mary might have over Jesus, knowing that God is in control, but that he would pour out his blessings on this child, or for healing or anything else specific. 

            I think if we all did this over the people we love, there would be even greater miracles than we witness on those very special occasions when it does happen.  Prayer is a powerful thing.  Yet if we ‘recite’ a prayer out of duty or just in passing, are we really expecting something to happen?  I encourage you to pray with expectation!  It’s the season of miracles.  Perhaps….just perhaps you could witness one during this amazing time of year!

 

            MERRY CHIRSTMAS, EVERYONE! 

photo credit: free nativity pictures 

Where Is Our Hope?

             

            Our world is changing.  The COVID pandemic has affected everyone of nearly every age.  I’ve read several different accounts of elementary students, middle and high schoolers who have reached the extreme level of ‘no hope,’ due to the inability to cope with all the changes in their young lives.  

          These young people are taking their own lives, and sadly, sometimes in front of other students via their zoom class or other internet connection.  This is beyond horrifying!   It is more than my tiny brain can fathom, that young people would become so distraught, they’d take their own lives.  

 

            My husband has this ‘moan thing’ he does when he’s messing with the grandchildren that often makes us laugh.  After a while, it finally dawned on me what it sounded like.  Depending on your age, you might remember the show from the 70’s, “Hee Haw.”  It was a country music, variety show and totally fun.  There was one musical skit where two guys sing a song with the lines, “Gloom, despair, and agony on me; deep dark depression, excessive misery…..”  At the end of the song they do this moan thing my husband has adopted.  In a bizarre kind of way, it must be what our young people are feeling, and ultimately unable to work through.  

 

            The despair isn’t just confined to our children.  There are adults in various stages of life throughout the country---and likely the world, who are also reaching the depths of desolation and despondency, to the point of suicide.  Their hope is completely gone—like it never existed.   It’s tragic! 

 

Our culture has conditioned us to reach for a place where our hope is placed in something which is unable to sustain us.  It can’t be found in world travel, nor in money, our friends or family, material goods or even in education, our work, alcohol, or drug use.  Hope doesn’t exist here.  People are searching for ‘hope’ in all the wrong places.  

 

We have entered the Christmas season and with the COVID pandemic, everything has changed.  Shopping is different, as are traditions, meals and even the celebration gatherings that are generations old.  We are told to remain sequestered in our homes, with only those family members with whom we live.  While the intention may be in our best interest, according to ‘the powers that be,’ this environment creates stress, loneliness, loss, fear, and hopelessness. 

 

These feelings are very real, but despite this, it’s necessary to realize the true hope that can counter this, can only come from God.  He has the power to give us HIS strength and HIS joy, even when our world is turned upside down and inside out!  With God, we have the power to overcome the fears that would tear our minds and souls to shreds, leaving us with the need to just escape all the evil surrounding us on all sides!

 

Is there an ‘on off switch’ we can use to quickly make this happen?  Perhaps not.  It takes a genuine heart, which completely trusts in a God, who is alive and well to make the difference.  Our problems may not instantly go away, but through HIS power, we have the means to work through whatever we are facing.  We don’t have to do it alone and we certainly don’t have to lose hope!  

 

Where there is hope, there is life!  Breathe on, smile a little, perhaps even laugh!  God’s got this, even when we are shaking in our boots!