Words
We use words everyday to express our emotions or thoughts through speech or talk. Words can imply a short talk or conversation, such as, ‘Bob, I’d like a word with you.’ Contentious or angry speech can also define the word, ‘We had words and she walked out angry.’
Why are words important? I was not always mindful of how my words affected other people. I have been studying what it means to have kindness, grace, truth, and love in my words. The song Speak Life by Toby Mac is powerful in realizing how our words can affect others.
Words by Hawk Nelson is one of my favorite songs and it also communicates how important our words are.
What’s in a Name?
Name
- a word used to call a person, place or thing
- a title applied descriptively, in honor or abuse.
- a reputation given by common opinion, ‘to protect one’s good name’
- a distinguished, famous, or great reputation, ‘to make a name for oneself.’
My name is Stephanie. Growing up, people knew me as the girl who was always at the piano, a bit loud, sometimes obnoxious, and a natural born leader. As a result of words spoken over me when I was young, I felt average and had a low self-esteem. I never saw myself as important, never aspired to doing great things. A mentor told me to research what my name meant.
stephanie
Stephanie is the female form of the name Stephen which means CROWNED IN VICTORY. Stephen was the first Christian martyr and we can read his story in Acts 6:8. Stephen was preaching about Jesus and performing miracles among the people. The council leaders didn’t like what he was saying and sentenced him to death by stoning. Acts 7:55-56 says, “But being full of the Holy Spirit he gazed intently into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God; and he said, ‘Behold, I see the heavens opened up and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.”
This is the only time in Scripture that we see Jesus standing – every other time He is seated at the right hand of God. Jesus had just been crucified and had risen from the grave. Jesus knew what Stephen was going through as he offered his life up to God. In my opinion, Jesus stood to welcome his servant home.
In Scripture, a person’s name identified them and stood for something specific. Naming carried special significance as it was a sign of authority and power. God often changed the names of His people: Abram to Abraham, Sarai to Sarah, Saul to Paul. God revealed His names to His people.
Names of God
El and Elohim refers to God as The One True God and depicts His great strength and might. Elohim represents the Trinity from the very beginning. El Elyon names God as The Most High God in reference to God the Father. El Shaddai means God Almighty. Four Hebrew consonants make up God’s holy covenant name transliterated as YHWH, an archaic form of the verb ‘to be’ and should be translated, I Am Who I Am. LORD in all caps shows reverence of God’s holy covenant name YHWH. Adonai means Lord or Master. Here is a beautiful mediation on the names of God.
The name of jesus
What comes to mind when you hear the name of Jesus? There are over 100 names for Jesus throughout Scripture. Jesus means Jehovah is Salvation. When we speak the name of Jesus, we are asking for His salvation – something He already finished when He died on the cross for our sins, conquered death, and rose again to sit down at the right hand of His Father. It is Finished.
When I started to learn what my name meant, I began living as a daughter of the King. Taking those words spoken over me, I renounced them as lies from the enemy. I go directly to the Father to find my worth. I hope and pray you listen to His voice as He speaks truth over you.
The LORD your God is with you, He is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, He will quiet you with His love. Zephaniah 3:17
Blessings,
Stephanie
For inspiration in journaling, check out this post.
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