MOIRAJO
  • Weekly Devotionals
  • Weekly Message
  • Sermon Podcasts
  • Links
  • Contact

A Change of Name and Character

1/11/2023

0 Comments

 
Wednesday’s Word
by Dorette Saunders
 
The Bible is an amazing book. Some call it God’s love letter to his children. And, indeed, it is. Yet within this letter is the very breath of God. As we read, it’s as if we inhale the loving guidance God gives through his Word.
The Scriptures tell us that “We have everything we need to live a life that pleases God. It was all given to us by God's own power, when we learned he had invited us to share in his wonderful goodness” (2 Peter 1:3, CEV).
As we continue to read, we come across these words: “Everything in the Scriptures is God's Word. All of it is useful for teaching and helping people and for correcting them and showing them how to live” (2 Timothy 3:16, CEV).
Everything? Yes, everything. Genealogies. Battles. Diseases. Healings. Betrayals. Punishment. Miracles. Marriages and love stories. Everything!
Nothing included in the text of the Scriptures is by chance. When Andrew, who was formerly a disciple of John the Baptist, introduces his brother Simon to Jesus, Jesus said,
“Simon son of John, you will be called Cephas.”
This name can be translated as “Peter” (John 1:42, CEV). 
In Aramaic, Cephas means “rock.”  When we look at the narratives of Peter’s life we often do not come away with a visual of a man who was “solid” or “steady” like a rock. If anything, Peter was brash, speaking before he weighed all the facts. Although he said he would never do it, when accused of being a disciple of Jesus, Peter denied knowing his Lord.
But, before the end of his life we view Peter differently. Jesus changed this disciple’s name when he first met him, and it changed his life.
Peter was the disciple to whom the Holy Spirit revealed that Jesus was the Christ, the Son of the living God.  It was Peter who trusted Jesus enough to walk on water. And, it was Peter who preached to hundreds of people shortly after Jesus’ resurrection.
While God does not always change our given names, he changes us and gives us characteristics that are reflective of himself. Like a refiner’s fire, he burns off those traits that are destructive and detrimental to our wellbeing. And, when we yield to him, we come forth as pure gold. Daily we become more like Jesus—this is the process of sanctification. It does not happen overnight.
Think about it, don’t we like the psalmist ask God to give us a clean heart when we sin?
Create pure thoughts in me
    and make me faithful again.
Don't chase me away from you

or take your Holy Spirit
    away from me.

Make me as happy as you did
when you saved me;
    make me want to obey!

                                      (Psalm 51:10-12, CEV)
 
God changes us not for ourselves but for his glory. Perhaps he will add behind your name, these words of honor. Prayer Warrior. Encourager. Teacher. Keeper of the Flame. Mentor. Friend. Helper. Giver. Listener…
However God chooses to use us to bless others, may we always be willing and receptive to his voice when he calls our name.
PRAYER: Lord, God, you have changed us for our good and your glory. Help us to bless others as you give us opportunity to share your Word. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
                                                                                 ©M©dytations 2023
 


0 Comments



Leave a Reply.

    Author

    Moirajo is a minister, social worker, wife, mother, writer and animal lover. That's just for starters. Join the story, there's so much we can share together! 

    Archives

    February 2023
    January 2023
    December 2022
    November 2022
    October 2022
    September 2022
    August 2022
    July 2022
    May 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    June 2021
    May 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015

    Categories

    All

    Bible,  Living life on life's terms, spirituality

    RSS Feed

© Moira Ahearne 2017. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.