Genesis 28:18-19, "Early the next morning, Jacob took the stone he had placed under his head and set it up as a pillar and poured oil on top of it. He called that place Bethel, though the city used to be called Luz." 1 Thessalonians 1:4, "For we know, brothers and sisters loved by God, that he has chosen you..."

Think

"There is power in a name change."   Shakespeare famously wrote, "A rose by any other name would smell as sweet." What he was saying is that it doesn't matter what you call something, that thing is still that thing. But Scripture tells us there is power in a name! In this part of the story, Jacob saw God in a vision at a place called Luz ("separation"). But after his encounter there with God, he changed the name to Bethel ("House of God"). What had been a place of chaos became a place of connection; what had been a place of wandering became a place of wonder. And Jacob wanted to let the world know, so he changed its name. Think about the titles the world puts on you. Maybe you have been called things that make you feel unworthy, unwanted, or unloved. Don't listen to those lies. Instead, listen to what God says. You aren't unworthy; your value is unlimited! You aren't unwanted; God wants the best for you! You aren't unloved; you are loved by the God who created you! Change your name from what the world calls you to what God calls you!

Act

Set an alarm on your phone for every morning and title it, "I am a child of God!" Use this as a reminder of who God says you are. And walk confidently into the day, knowing who you really are!

Pray

Lord, so often I pay attention to the lies the world says about me. Help me to remember daily who you say I am – worthy, wanted, and loved. And thank you for creating me with purpose and power! Amen.