Simon, to whom he gave the name Peter; James the son of Zebedee; John, the brother of James, and he surnamed them Boanerges, which means, Sons of Thunder; Andrew; Philip; Bartholomew; Matthew; Thomas; James, the son of Alphaeus; Thaddaeus; Simon the Zealot; and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed him. Mark 3:16'19 WEB.Jesus and the disciples had to have been tired after traveling all day when they finally came to a town. But the people of that city would not welcome their group, and they had to travel on to the next town. James and his brother John wanted to call down fire from heaven and burn the city to the ground for rejecting them. But Jesus calmed them down, and they traveled on to the next village (Luke 9:54).
When Jesus called the Apostles, He saw more in them than the simple fishermen. He named James and John "Boanerges." Which means: "Sons of Thunder." He knew they were a hot-tempered pair. Simon, He nicknamed "Peter," meaning, "The Rock." Peter had great faith, and as far as I know, he was the only Apostle to walk on water (Matthew 14:29). Jesus knew them well. He knew their real name.
When I first started attending church, I felt like I was on the outside. I believed that God knew the pastor and the elders well, but I doubted He knew or really cared that much about me. I felt pretty insignificant. Oh yes, they talked about God's love. But I had not seen much of that in my upbringing. My mom divorced nine times, and I saw a lot of hate, profanity, and bitterness.
I learned more and began to seek God by praying, fasting, and listening to His Word. Then His presence began to show up in my workplace and invade my everyday life. Sometimes, I could speak a few words to someone, and they would begin to weep or shake under conviction. Soon, I had testimonies to share, and I started to lead people to the Lord. When I came to church, I would sometimes bring a whole row of new people with me.
The real turning point in my relationship with God was when I realized that I was not just a number. He knew my name. He actually knew and loved me personally, and not only in the "God so loved the world" universal kind of way. It was not that I was special. It was more that I welcomed Him, I wanted Him, I spent time with Him. I was willing to look like a fool for His sake.
You shall seek me and find me when you search for me with all your heart. (Jeremiah 29:13 WEB).
We are each unique in our own way. God made each of us as individuals, and there is no one on earth just like us. He also understands why we are the way that we are.
Know today that you are not a number. There is not another person on earth like you. You are unique, and God formed you with all of the traits and characteristics you have. You are not an accident, for you have a name that God Almighty knows. You are not just a number.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, I thank You for today. Please help me come to know You more. Let me know that You genuinely care in more than words. Fill my environment with Your presence and change my surroundings. In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen!Note: 'Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your request to God.' (Philippians 4:6-7) ~ If you have a prayer need, we are here for you! We and the prayer team are ready to lift you up at our private prayer page:
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AMEN. Thank You Heavenly Father for knowing me and being in my life. I welcome more of You everyday. AMEN
I felt insignificant a lot in my life. I'm more connected now and pray for strength and favor from God. Holy Spirit dwell in me. Praise God Praise the Lord Amen
Thank you, Lord, for always seeing "me", for working with all of us as individuals, and guiding us each day, even when we don't see it!
Amen, Father I Thank You for loving me and Your forgiveness
Amen
Amen,thank you Jesus.
Amen praise God for our blessings
Father, I want to know You more. Amen!
Amen!!
Lord, please help me know You more! Amen!
Amen
Heavenly Father I thank you for always loving me and our family, for forgiving our sins and for inspire us to be closer to You. For our blessings and love You show to us, also for considering us as Your children. In Jesus Christ name we pray, Amen. I praise You Lord
Awesome devotional Pastor, God bless you and Sylvia.
Lord thank you for knowing and loving me. I want to know you more, in Jesus Name I ask, Amen
Amen, thank you for knowing me personally Lord.
Amen! Thank You Lord!
Amen!
Yes, amen Lord!
thank you so much for this devotional, this word is always like a big big hug from God
Amen
Amen!