A New Name – or Confirmation?

You will also be a crown of beauty in the hand of the LORD, And a royal diadem in the hand of your God.Isaiah 62:3

Have you heard women saying that they asked the Lord to “call them by name” or to let them know that He had “given them a new name” – and that He did? I have spoken with women who said that after He spoke to them and gave them a new name (or confirmed an old one) that it really spoke to their identity in Christ and became a source of revelation. So for years now I have prayed that from time to time – that He would do that for me. But it never seemed to be what He wanted to do for me at that particular time, so that was ok.

I was doing my Esther bible study this morning, and looked up the correlating scriptures she wanted us to study to make her point. Here is what they were: Matthew 11:11; Mathew 13:11-12; Luke 17:20-21; I Corinthians 4:20; I Peter 2:9; Revelation 1:6; and Revelation 5:9-10. If you look them up, you will see a common theme.

Even after reading those and commenting on what she was asking us to fill in, it didn’t seem to have a huge impact on me. But I was thinking “that theme is one I need to get across to the women I am speaking to in March”. In case you didn’t get the theme or didn’t read the verses, what God wants us to know is that we are a royal priesthood, His ambassadors in this world while on earth and that we will reign with Him in the Heavenly Kingdom. Beth Moore said that we need to realize that “right now you are representing the King on official business in another land, but you are no less royal than the Queen of England would be if she visited the White House. Or the Bronx. She is Queen regardless of where she is and how she is treated. Her status is secure. So is yours.”

Later this morning, while I was just combing my hair and talking to God, I was telling Him that I want to be real and yet have others see something in me that makes them want more of Him. Not want to be like me or wonder if I am phony, but want that spark of excitement and abandon that He is giving me right now. All of a sudden it was like a light went on and He reminded me that even when I was a young girl, I knew that the meaning of my name, Patricia, is “nobility”! Yet it never really resonated inside me – deep in my heart – before today.

Wow – makes me realize that I had better start living like royalty representing my King! Sounds like a whole new in-depth study for me and perhaps a retreat subject down the road. Hmmm – how should one who is of royalty act if they get beyond the pomp and into the circumstance?

Maybe there will be more to come on this later – or maybe I have spurred you one to dig in deeper in His word to find out for yourself!!! If you come up with any revelations or ideas for me, let me know – I would love to hear from you!!!

In Christ,
Patti

Ministry Overload

At the beginning of January I realized that there was a bible study that I really wanted to attend – but it was on Monday nights – for 10 weeks! As many of you know, because of my job, I very seldom can commit to anything that requires me to be in town regularly on a particular week night. But as I counted, it became clear that God opened up my schedule in January and February. I realized that I had more than 10 Monday nights in a row off. Now, because I don’t get paid when I don’t work, this is a blessing that may prove costly eventually, but His economy is not mine to worry about. All I know is that the opportunity was there and I grabbed it.

What a blessing this time has been. I have been participating in the Beth Moore bible study on Esther for the past 4 weeks with over 100 other women. I am amazed at what she pulls from scripture – what a role model for those of us who want to go deeper!

Starting that same weekend, Ralph and I began helping to facilitate a class at church on Sunday nights. The subject matter is Neal Anderson’s Freedom In Christ. Though we went through this material many years ago, and had a similar ministry, we have been placed on hold by God for the past few years as far as ministry goes (other than my speaking ministry).

Wow – I knew that God released us from the waiting a few months ago and that He was going to send us out in ministry again, but suddenly I am on Ministry overload – and it is FABULOUS!!

Take this week for example. On Saturday night we had our “Freedom” class (due to the Superbowl on Sunday afternoon). On Monday night I had my Esther study. Then on Thursday morning, I was blessed to be asked to pray with two women in the group through the “7 steps to freedom”. There has been homework for both classes AND I am in the midst of writing a whole new series of talks for a retreat I get to speak at the first weekend in March! Is God good, or what?!

When I was experiencing ministry burnout several years ago, I never thought I would be so happy to be back in the midst of a busy ministry schedule. The Lord has really refreshed me, built me up and encouraged me these past few months and I am so looking forward to following Him to wherever He takes me.

And now as I sit here, with my music playing, I am listening to “You Raise Me Up” and truly know what that means!

Romans 8:16, 17
The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ.


Thank you, Jesus, that you have made me more than a conqueror. Because of your love and power, I can live as a victor instead of a victim today!

Have a great weekend, all!
Patti