Read Isaiah 43:1-7
The Lord says, “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine.”
- Isaiah 43:1 (NRSV)
One Sunday the cashier at a local store was smiling at me broadly as she totaled my bill. As she handed me my receipt, she said, “Have a great day, John!” I was puzzled by how she knew my name. Then I realized that I was still wearing my name tag from church.
Our name tags list the name of our church and today’s quoted verse from Isaiah. By wearing these name tags, church members hope to help newcomers learn people’s names and feel welcome. The quote on the tags also reminds the wearer and the reader that God has called us each by name. I realized that by wearing my name tag, I was sharing this message of welcome with people in the store — and I didn’t even realize it!
After this experience, I now make it a point to wear my church name tag in public places before and after our worship services. My name tag makes me more aware that people may notice my behavior, and so I am mindful that I may be the best example of a Christian that someone might see that day. This practice reminds me that God has called each of us by name to be living examples of God’s love in Christ no matter where we are.
Thought for the Day:
How do I show others that God has called them by name?
Prayer: Dear Lord, you have called us by name to be your people. Help us to proclaim your gift of salvation in Christ to the world. Amen.
Prayer Focus: FOR COURAGE TO SHARE CHRIST WITH OTHERS
The scripture quotation, unless otherwise indicated, is from the NEW REVISED STANDARD VERSION of the Bible, copyright © 1989, by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the U.S.A. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
The Lord says, “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine.”
- Isaiah 43:1 (NRSV)
Our name tags list the name of our church and today’s quoted verse from Isaiah. By wearing these name tags, church members hope to help newcomers learn people’s names and feel welcome. The quote on the tags also reminds the wearer and the reader that God has called us each by name. I realized that by wearing my name tag, I was sharing this message of welcome with people in the store — and I didn’t even realize it!
After this experience, I now make it a point to wear my church name tag in public places before and after our worship services. My name tag makes me more aware that people may notice my behavior, and so I am mindful that I may be the best example of a Christian that someone might see that day. This practice reminds me that God has called each of us by name to be living examples of God’s love in Christ no matter where we are.
Thought for the Day:
How do I show others that God has called them by name?
Prayer: Dear Lord, you have called us by name to be your people. Help us to proclaim your gift of salvation in Christ to the world. Amen.
Prayer Focus: FOR COURAGE TO SHARE CHRIST WITH OTHERS
The scripture quotation, unless otherwise indicated, is from the NEW REVISED STANDARD VERSION of the Bible, copyright © 1989, by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the U.S.A. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
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