Names

I have a fascination with names and study them either for my stories or for fun. I adore the names of God, for there are many and they are multi-faceted. We can gain insight into the nature of the Almighty by digging deeper into just one of his names. Some of my favorites are Jehovah Rapha (The Lord Who Heals), Elohim (Creator), El Roi (The God Who Sees Me), Echad (The One God), and YHWH (I Am).
 
Valued, too, are the names of people. A few lovely examples are Sarah (Princess), Peter (Rock), Matthew (Gift of God), Mayim (Water—and a lively Jewish dance!), and Anthony (Priceless One). I esteem even the short forms of names such as T.O.N.Y. and consider a suitable connotation (The One Named by YHWH).
 
Sometimes, the Lord will give you a name of someone with whom you will meet and connect with in the future, a Word of Knowledge naming, so to speak. You can find an example of this in Acts 9:10-12:
 
In Damascus there was a disciple named Ananias. The Lord called to him in a vision, “Ananias!”
 
“Yes, Lord,” he answered.
 
The Lord told him, “Go to the house of Judas on Straight Street and ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul, for he is praying. In a vision he has seen a man named Ananias come and place his hands on him to restore his sight.”
 
God can do anything. If we make ourselves receptive to his voice and lean in to listen, eagerly pursuing him, he’ll make his will known and bring clarity as things move forward. I love this mysterious manner in which he sometimes speaks. It can affirm his direction, instill hope, and shed the cloak of a Doubting Thomas (Thomas means Twin, by the way).
 
The Lord has also renamed people based on a calling, experience, or transition from one aspect to another. Names can be interchangeable or hold more than one meaning. Pet names are amusing, too. What we call others matters. In fact, it’s a solid practice to avoid adverse name-calling no matter how ugly a situation gets; curses and blessings and all…
 
What we are called is precious and meaningful; delightful and significant. In everything, even through your name, may you find joyful blessings wonderful YOU!

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