The 2-year-old toddler looked up at the store salesman, "What name?" he asked. The man replied, "John." The toddler continued, "You go Sunnay Kool?" The man paused, "No," he said. And Mom, proud of her young son's evangelism efforts, but embarrassed by the awkward situation, gulped and muttered an appropriate cover-up response. I know that story well--and you can guess why! A wonderful, amusing memory in this mom's baby journal!
Names are important! Before a child is born, excited parents-to-be browse through baby name books, looking for just the right name. One of the first efforts of self-achievement is learning to print your name. Then there's the teenage girl's name game--in daydreams of delight, she writes her name as "Mrs. Whomever It May Be this Week!" Our names appear on birth certificates, marriage licenses, paychecks, charge accounts, speeding tickets, and death certificates! From beginning to end, we carry a name, proudly we hope!
Will our names ever be in lights? Probably not! In the mud? I would hope not! Would you like to sign in now, and check out what God has to say about our names? Then let's move closer to the Well and hear His words.
A Helping Word...or Two!
My Name!...Today I am especially proud of "my name," because I've just received a domain name registration for "Peggie's Place!" on the Worldwide Web. I think it's neat, and a dream come true for this small-town gal! Perhaps, because you have come to my home, kicked off your shoes, and stayed a while, you will remember my name. I hope so. But chances are, that unless you form a friendly relationship with me, you'll soon forget who "Peggie" is! Now that doesn't hurt my ego --TOO much--that's just the way it is! We remember the names of people we know and love. We easily forget the names of acquaintances who move in and out of our lives.
But that's not God. He KNOWS who I am--He knew my name before I was born; He knows it now; it is forever "engraved in the palm of His hand." What wonder that the God of all the ages would know me personally. I thank God for my salvation--that among all the people in this world, He knows and loves ME! He sees my inconsistencies, my imperfections, and my impulsive nature--and loves me just the same. He knows where I live, what I do, how I feel, what I think. And HE makes me whole--in spirit, mind and body. That's awesome; that's incredible. I'm GLAD He knows MY name!
"Fear not; for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine (Isaiah 43:1 KJV)."
Your Name! ...
Now just as surely as He knows MY name, He knows YOUR name too! It has always intrigued me that a personal God could know all about me, guide me with intricate detail and providence; and at the same time, know and do the same for other individuals around me. Listen to testimonies of other Christians--know that the same God who loves and guides you is doing the same for countless others. My relationship with Him is unique, but yours is too! You can know, love, and serve Him in your own special way, in the intimacy of a one-on-One relationship.
I have met many of you through e-mail correspondence, have formed wonderful close friendships with you, shared in your joys and sorrows. And yet, I know One Who knows us all, accepts us all, and yearns to reveal Himself to us all in yet deeper and closer relationships than any relationship possible on this earth, however dear. God Himself calls us each by name, in a loving, affirming Voice--the Voice of a shepherd, not a shamer! Hear Him call YOUR name this day, and be made whole, in body, mind, and spirit! For any time HE calls your name, you are never the same! That's awesome; that's incredible. I'm GLAD He knows YOUR name!
"Fear not; for I have redeemed THEE, I have called THEE by thy name; THOU art mine (Isaiah 43:1 KJV)."
God's Name!...And it's all possible, because in the plan of the ages, God sent His Son to earth, with the instruction, "And thou shalt call his name Jesus; for He shall save His people from their sins (Matthew 1:21 KJV)." That Name, above every other, brings life, hope, healing, and blessing to all those who call upon it. It is a powerful Name, a magnificent Name, a lovely Name. Let me share these Scripture portions with you about His wonderful Name:
"Song of Solomon 1:3...thy name is like ointment poured forth.
Ephesians 1:21...far above every name
Proverbs 18:10...the name of the Lord a strong tower
John 16:23...Whatever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you."
"What name?" Mine, yours, and His! MY name tells me who I am--it gives me identify, self-esteem, and in some rare cases, authority! YOUR name tells me who you are--it gives you the same qualities of worth you cherish as well. And how we enjoy the benefit of our names--while it lasts! For sometimes, for various reasons, we may lose our identify, self-esteem, or authority. That hurts, for sure! But I know a Name in whom those lost qualities can be restored--through the Name of Jesus, I can know fulfilled identify, self-esteem, and authority, unlike any other on earth. HE makes me whole, in spirit, body, and soul. Now that's awesome; that's incredible! I'm glad I know HIS Name!!
And that's just a word...or two, from my heart to yours!
His Healing Word
"For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, and the government shall be upon his shoulder; and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6 KJV)."
"Lord, sometimes my identity is lost in the crowd, my authority is questioned, my self-esteem is shattered. In those times, help me to call upon Your Name, the Name that is above every Name. Help me to know that in Your Name is strength, grace, and help for my every need. In Jesus' Name, Amen."
