What name do you go by? You are given one specific name at birth, for example, mine would be Kaitlyn Logan Vermeeren. However, as you grow and develop a certain personality, specific and unique only to you, perhaps that name will change. Your first name is changed into nicknames, an example for me being Katie or 'K'. Then, as you get even older, perhaps you choose the vocation of marriage, and you or your spouse change their last name. It is not changed to forget your family but to extend it, to become a part of something even greater. When it comes to God, there are many names in scripture and even in our current world, examples being Yahweh, Jahova, Lord, Messiah, etc. God is known by many names, but each name is part of the core creator, all-powerful and all-loving God of the world.
Today's First Reading states:'But there will be no gloom for her that was in anguish. In the former time he brought into contempt the land of Zeb'ulun and the land of Naph'tali, but in the latter time he will make glorious the way of the sea, the land beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the nations. The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shined. Thou hast multiplied the nation, thou hast increased its joy; they rejoice before thee as with joy at the harvest, as men rejoice when they divide the spoil. For the yoke of his burden, and the staff for his shoulder, the rod of his oppressor, thou hast broken as on the day of Mid'ian. For every boot of the tramping warrior in battle tumult and every garment rolled in blood will be burned as fuel for the fire. For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government will be upon his shoulder, and his name will be called "Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace" ('Isaiah 9:1-6).
In today's reading, God is recognized as helping and saving the people and they are praising. They call God:"Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace". Each of these names are a part, but only a tiny piece of what makes up God, the one who loves us beyond what we could ever imagine. In the same way that God is unique and a part of everything, every person in the world, so too are we a piece of God, made in His image to bring people to love and seek Him. You were given a name at birth and it distinguishes who you are as an individual, but what you do, who you are as a person brings glory to God. Take some time today to thank God for making you as a unique and loved person.
Today's prayer comes from 'Christian TT' a prayer for embracing God's presence:
Thank You, Father, for the gift of Life! I have breath, I have FREEDOM! As I worship You, Heavenly Father, I glory in your embrace! I am the righteousness of You through the blood of Your Precious Son, Jesus Christ! Hallelujah! Praise be to You, Almighty God! Glory to Your Precious Name, Jesus!
Over the past months, my thoughts have been under attack by the enemy, affecting me tremendously. But TODAY, I am once again embracing Your loving presence, with peace of mind, peace in my heart and my soul. I stand and shout to the world that I have been made whole by the power of the Holy Spirit who lives in me. I declare that when I abide by the Word of God, miracles happen. You said Lord, that if I make my home in You, I can be assured that whatever I ask for will be granted. Thank You for Your blessings, Almighty God! Amen.
