Then he said, “Your name shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel, for you have striven with God and with men, and have prevailed.” Then Jacob asked him, “Please tell me your name.” But he said, “Why is it that you ask my name?” And there he blessed him. – Genesis 32:28-29 ESV

Warrior;

In the BEGINNING you were given a name by your earthly parents. That name is what people call you and people know you by. When they see you, when they talk about you, when they write you…they use the name that you were given by your earthly parents. This is how people KNOW you.

Leader, when we choose to be BORN AGAIN and have a NEW SPIRIT, a NEW PURPOSE-a NEW NAME – that is pleasing to God and begins to build this intimacy with God. In Rev 2:17 we are told, “to those who are victorious, He will give a white stone with a new name written on it that will only be known by the one who receives it”- that is INTIMACY with GOD! He has a private name for us, a name of endearment! The meaning of the white stone has to do with the ancient Roman custom of awarding white stones to the victors of athletic games. The winner of a contest was awarded a white stone with his name inscribed on it. This served as his “ticket” to a special awards banquet. Jesus promises overcomers entrance to the eternal victory celebration in heaven! The “new name” most likely refers to the Holy Spirit’s work of conforming believers to the holiness of Christ (see Rom 8:29; Col 3:10).

Conduit, When GOD intersects with man it’s a NEW BIRTH and a NEW BEGINNING, a new CALLING! Abram became Abraham, Sarai became Sarah, Saul became Paul, Simon became Peter. God gives you a new HEART and ALL things are NEW: our desires, our SPIRIT, the way we are KNOWN! I pray that you DESIRE to BECOME who you were created to be in CHRIST JESUS! Amen