I don’t know about you, but as a mom, I understand that names are SO important. It’s funny, too because when you start having babies and you work on your ‘names’ list, you will always eliminate the ones you personally know. Like if you went to school with someone with that name or even had a bad run-in with someone with that name. It’s off the table. There are other names you may like..but then you look up the meaning. (This is where I confess that I’m a huge advocate of knowing what a name means). Honestly, there have been some I’ve been sad about once I looked up the meaning..because the name was cute but the meaning was not so cute!
Remember how much I talk about the power of words? Life and death is in the tongue. The words we speak are either life giving or deadly. That same principle applies to a name. So, if for instance, you’re wanting to name your child something and the meaning is negative… I would avoid it. Think about it, you’re calling that child by name every day of their life. Essentially, prophesying over them. Hannah means ‘Grace’ and my husband’s name, Shay, means ‘a gift’ (usually offered in homage). All good things (thankfully)!
Anyway, you may be wondering why I’m rambling on about names. Well, I do have a point. It is actually a pretty common theme in the Bible for people to be ‘renamed’. This either happens after an encounter with the Lord.. or when they are put on assignment. So anytime someone is given a new name in the Bible, just know that it is indicative of a major life change.
Sometimes, it feels like thats even what it would take in our own lives. A major change. A fresh start. An encounter or an assignment. Today, I want to share the story of a man in the Bible who’s life was radically transformed. He was made new. Redeemed. Forgiven. Renamed. And set on assignment. This man’s name was Saul. I’ll begin reading in Acts 9: 1-22
Another translation says He will cast our sins into the sea of forgetfulness. Meaning, once we ask for forgiveness, God will throw away our sin and never remember them again. Don’t make the mistake of thinking God holds your past over your head. You are a new man. And you are called on assignment, friends.
Just remember Paul. He went from hunting down Christ followers and murdering them, to becoming one of them. And leading countless into God’s kingdom for the remainder of his new life.
And today, I just wanted to end with this last quote from someone unknown: “The apostle Paul entered heaven to the cheers of those he martyred because thats how the gospel works.” How powerful is that? THAT is the redemptive picture of the gospel. May this be a reminder to ask God for a new name. A new assignment. And chase it with the boldness of one who has a clean slate. For the kingdom. I love y’all.. I hope this has been the reminder you needed today and that your week is beautiful.
Episode 24: Conservative Parenting (Pt. 1 with Catherine Nail & Erica Bankston)
Episode 23: You Need Rest
Episode 22: The In-Between
Episode 21: When the Bible Comes to Life, So Do You
Episode 20: Getting To…And Walking Through (with Lauren Tomlin Pt. 2)
Episode 19: Getting To…And Walking Through - with Lauren Tomlin (Pt. 1)
Episode 18: Bold Prayers & Humble Beginnings (Nehemiah’s Story)
Episode 17: Healing
Episode 16: Do You Know Who You Are?
Episode 15: Words of Life
Episode 14: Interview with Shay Mooney (Pt. 2)
Episode 13: Interview with Shay Mooney (Pt. 1)
Episode 12: Esther (Pt. 2)
Episode 11: Esther (Pt. 1)
Episode 10: Distractions…And What Jesus Says About Them
Happy Father's Day from That Sounds Fun Network!
Episode 9: Obedience (Jonah's story)
Episode 8: Millennial Influence: Finding Purpose & Facing Anxiety (With Shea Leigh Mills)
Episode 7: Identity (Job's story)
Episode 6: Thirst (The Story Of the Woman At the Well)
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