Hello, My Name is ______.
Sermon: Hello, My Name Is ________.
Mother’s Day, 2025
🗣️ Speaker: Pastor Robin Van Kempen
In this week's heartfelt sermon, Pastor Robin Van Kempen spoke on the significance of names, exploring how they carry meaning, reputation, and identity. She highlighted how names like Mother Teresa and Billy Graham instantly evoke their impactful legacies. Drawing from scripture and personal anecdotes, she emphasized that while our names and perceived identities can shape us, God knows us intimately and offers us a divine identity through His names, like Jehovah Jireh and Jehovah Shalom. Ultimately, Pastor Robin encouraged everyone to reflect on their own names and how they can step into God’s promises, leaving behind labels of worry or failure, for names of peace and strength. Our true identity in God is as His treasured possession and masterpiece.
The core takeaway from her message is God knows each of us personally, and through Him, we can rewrite the names the world has given us into ones that align with His divine plan.
Additional Info
The info below was generated by an AI from the audio recording of the sermon.
Embracing the Meaning of Names
In today's ever-changing world, names hold a significance beyond mere labels. They represent our identity, history, and the essence of who we are. This reflection on names invites us to ponder their profound impact on our lives.
Celebrating Various Motherhood Journeys
Mother's Day can evoke mixed emotions. Some celebrate new beginnings, like welcoming a first child, while others may experience loss or heartache. It's important to acknowledge the diverse experiences of motherhood—from joy to grief, and everything in between. Whether you are a biological mother, a mentor, a spiritual mother, or someone who has faced infertility, your journey matters. Each role brings with it a unique set of challenges and triumphs, and today we honor and support all mothers and maternal figures.
The Significance of a Name
Everyone has a name, and each name carries its own stories and meanings. Proverbs 22:1 teaches us that a good name is more desirable than great riches. For parents, choosing the right name for their child is a significant moment—one that represents hopes and dreams for their child's future. In biblical times, names held great importance, often depicting a person's character or destiny. For instance, John, meaning "God is gracious," reminds us of the intentions behind a name.
God’s Names: Attributes and Meaning
Just as we hold our names with significance, the names of God reflect His attributes. In the Bible, names like Jehovah Jireh, our Provider, and Jehovah Shalom, the God of Peace, underscore His role in our lives. Understanding these names can impact how we view our relationship with God. He is all-powerful, all-knowing, and ever-present. Embracing these truths can empower us during difficult times.
Our Identity in God’s Eyes
God calls us by name. Each individual is recognized as a treasured possession, the apple of His eye, and a friend. This profound connection reminds us of our worth and value in His eyes. Reflecting on how God sees us helps to counteract any negative labels or self-doubt we may carry.
Transforming Labels Into New Identities
In today's world, we often wear labels based on experiences, mistakes, or what others perceive us to be. Like Jacob in the Bible, who was renamed Israel after wrestling with God, we too can seek transformation from our struggles. By surrendering our old identities—whether it’s sorrow, fear, or disappointment—we can embrace new names that signify who we are meant to be: joyful, peaceful, and strong.
A Call to Embrace New Beginnings
As we navigate our journeys, it's essential to consider what our names signify today and what we wish to embody moving forward. Each individual's journey is unique, and this call to reflection invites everyone to choose names that resonate with their true identity. Whether it's peace you seek or joy, embrace the new name God might have for you.
Final Thoughts
Arriving at a new understanding of ourselves and our identity can be liberating. In a world where we often feel undervalued or misunderstood, knowing that we are cherished by God can change everything. No matter the challenges we face, God is with us, assuring us of our worth and calling us toward a brighter future.
As we move forward, let us embrace the names that God gives us and reflect on how we can walk in our true identities, sharing the love and grace we receive with those around us.
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Use the questions listed below as a launching point to discuss the sermon points together as a family. These are great for dinner table discussions and small groups.
Reflect & Connect
Personal Reflection: What feelings do names and their meanings evoke for you? Do you think your name defines you in any way?
Biblical Names: How do the names of God, such as Jehovah Jireh and Jehovah Shalom, impact your understanding of His character? Have you experienced these attributes in your life?
Practical Application
New Names: Pastor Robin talked about transforming the names we give ourselves. What is one negative label you've held onto, and how can you replace it with God’s truth this week?
God’s View: The sermon emphasized how God sees us as His masterpieces. How does this perspective change the way you perceive yourself and others?
Community Identity: As a community, how can we help nurture each other's God-given identities?
Prayer Time
Prayer Focus: Spend time praying specifically for one another, asking God to reveal His purpose and identity to each participant in the group. Encourage sharing words of affirmation that align with God's view.
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Historical Context of Names in the Bible
In biblical times, names held significant meaning and were often given with the expectation of reflecting a person’s character or future. Names could signify a person's origin or characteristics believed to be inherent.
For example, the name Abram was changed to Abraham, signifying his establishment as the "father of many nations" (Genesis 17:5). His wife Sarai’s name was changed to Sarah, highlighting her role as "princess of many" (Genesis 17:15–16). These name changes didn't just give new titles; they marked a transformation in their identities and destinies.
In the New Testament, God's angelic message to Mary to name her son Jesus (meaning "God saves") underscored His mission. Similarly, Paul’s name change from Saul reflected his new life and calling in Christ (Acts 13:9).
Names also reflected divine promises or characteristics of God, such as Jehovah Jireh, meaning "The Lord will provide" from the story of Abraham and Isaac (Genesis 22), or Jehovah Shalom, meaning "The Lord is Peace," named by Gideon after encountering peace from God (Judges 6:24).
In essence, biblical names were not merely identifiers but echoes of identity, prophecy, and God’s unfolding plan for His people. This rich tapestry of naming illustrates the weight and hope embedded within our own identities as God sees us today.
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Introduction
Today, we are going to talk about names! Just like each of us has a special name, God has names for us too. In the Bible, names had a lot of meaning. They tell stories about who we are and what we can become. Today, we will learn how God sees us, what names we might use to describe ourselves, and what our true identity is in Him, just like Pastor Robin Van Kempen shared in her sermon.
Scripture
Proverbs 22:1 (NIV) – "A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold."
Craft
Name Badges
Materials Needed:Blank name tags
Markers, stickers, and decorations
String or safety pins
Instructions:
Hand out the blank name tags and crafting supplies.
Encourage the kids to write their names on the tags and decorate them however they like.
Have them think about what they want their names to mean, and write down one positive word that describes them on their badges (e.g., "joyful," "caring," "brave").
Let them wear their name badges throughout the lesson.
Game
Name Toss
Instructions:Gather the kids in a circle.
Use a soft ball or bean bag.
Each time someone catches the ball, they’ll say their name and one thing they love about themselves (e.g., "My name is Olivia, and I love that I'm a good friend!").
After everyone has had a turn, encourage them to remember each other's names and positive traits.
Continue tossing the ball but add challenges (e.g., toss with your left hand, toss to someone who has a name that starts with the same letter, etc.).
Discussion Questions
Why do you think names are important?
How does it make you feel when someone remembers your name?
What name does God call us? (Discuss "treasured possession," "friend of God," etc.)
Can you think of a time when you felt like you needed a new name for how you saw yourself? What do you wish that name could be?
How can we remember that God sees us as valuable and special?
Wrap Up with Prayer
"Dear God, thank you for giving us our names and for knowing us personally. Help us to remember that we are your treasured possessions and that we are loved by you. Help us to see ourselves in the same way you see us—beautiful and wonderful. When we feel sad or down on ourselves, remind us of our true identity in you. Thank you for all the amazing names you call us. Amen."
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Someone said the other day to me, is it true that you're gonna speak for Mother's Day? And I go, I am. And he goes, huh? And I was like, what does huh mean? And he didn't even say anything else.
He just went, huh. And walked away. I thought, okay, second question was, are you gonna get back at Tom for all the things he says about you on stage? And I said, I would never do that to my husband.
Are my glasses okay? Seriously? I feel like. Because these are the kind that get dark when it gets sunny out. So that would be awful if I'm speaking with my glasses on because I can't see much anymore, and then I have sunglasses on.
That would just be. I don't know what I could do. But anyway. Well, let's get started. Mother's Day is a happy day for some people and not so happy for those for various reasons.
So I put together a couple little things I want to say before I get started today. To those who gave birth this year to your first child, we celebrate with you. To those who lost a child or miscarried this year, we mourn with you. To those who are in the trenches with little ones every day and wear the badge of food stains, we appreciate you. To those who walk the hard path of infertility fraught with pokes, prods, tears, and disappointments, we walk with you.
To those who are foster moms, mentor moms, and spiritual moms, we need you. To those who have warm and close relationships with your children, we celebrate with you. To those who have had disappointment and heartache with your children, we pray for you. To those who have lost your mothers this year, we grieve with you. To those who have lived through all the teenage years with your children, we salute you.
To those who step parent, we walk with you on these complex paths. To those who will have empty nests in the upcoming year, we grieve with you and we rejoice with you. To those who have placed children up for adoption, we commend you for your selflessness and remember how you hold that child in your heart. And to those who are pregnant with new life expecting, we anticipate with you. Let's pray.
Heavenly Father, I thank you for this day. I thank you for mothers, I thank you for ladies, I thank you for women and girls, that we can be a part of the body of Christ, that we are unique, that we bring something special to the table. And so I pray this message will speak especially to our moms and our women, but to everyone as well, because your word is active and living and ready to do anything for us at any time. So bless this message and bless everyone here today in Jesus name, Amen. Amen.
My message today is called hello. My name is. And there's one thing we all have in common is everyone has a name. Maybe Prince, didn't he go to like a symbol back in the day? So maybe he didn't have a name.
But everyone has a name. We have a given name. And Proverbs 22:1 says a good name is more desirable than great riches. And so we have our given names. And if you're a parent, you can remember how difficult, maybe, maybe not ours.
What's not? Well, it's kind of difficult. But you want to give your child that perfect name that will be with them as a child and it will transition into adulthood and fit them. And so when they go somewhere, they say their name and it just works for them. So you go about your journey to select this name.
You sometimes ask your, your family what they say, and sometimes you just decide on yourself. And I found that it's better just you and your spouse to decide the name and, and then tell everybody because if you ask for opinions on a name, you're going to get some, right? So there's a lot of names we love. And then, you know, you might not want to name your child like an ex boyfriend or someone you don't like. So you just take really good care of naming your children.
And so I looked on some websites and so the top name for girls right now supposedly is Olivia and Amelia or Sophia. Those are nice names for boys. There's Tom, Noah, Liam and Oliver. I just threw Tom in there because that's Tom's name.
I also saw a list of male names from the Bible for your pet. So if you have a pet that you've not yet named, here's some suggestions. Goliath. It works great for a Great Dane, or you can do kind of a joke and name your Chihuahua Goliath. Herod.
Everyone knows that this pet is king of the kennel. Lucifer could work for a snake. Moses is great for a dog with leadership skills, or Samson for that Pet that has long hair and is really strong. So we have our given names and are given names. We want them to be remembered.
Dale Carnegie wrote a book years ago called how to Win Friends and Influence People. And he said this. Remember that a person's name is to that person, the sweetest and most important sound in any language. We like our names to be remembered. So this last week, this guy at church, a nice man, came up and gave Tom and I two hats.
And it says, make Jesus first again. I thought, okay, I think I can make this work somewhere and wear it sometime. And I was like, it's a nice hat, right? Y' all think it's a nice hat. And then I looked closer, and it's got my name on it.
It says Robin on this thing. And all of a sudden, this went to being a nice hat, to the most fantastic hat I've ever seen, because it's got my name on it, and it's got. And then Tom's has his name on it, too. And that shows you the importance of our name. But, you know, sometimes we forget people's names.
And you can always tell when someone's forgotten your name because they call you hey, you or, hey, buddy. And one time I was trying to be really clever at a former church, and, you know, you want to know everyone's names. And I thought, I cannot ask this man his name. I know I've asked him, like, several times. And so I thought I'd be really clever.
And I say, hey, hey, can you tell me how you spell your name?
And he goes, sure. B, O, B. And I was like, oh, I can't win. But you know what? We feel more valued and respected when someone remembers our name.
We feel more engaged in a conversation when someone uses our name. When you use someone's name, it's like you care about them, you see them as an individual. You respect them. It's just a good thing. But there's only one time I can really say that it's not good when you hear your name.
And that's when you go into a car dealership. And now if you work for car dealership, I'm sure this isn't you. But when you go in, they'll say, hey, what's your name? And you're like, oh. And you tell them because you're an honest person, and then they just use your name.
So, Robin, what do you want in a car? Robin? And Robin, what do you want your monthly payment to be? Robin. And I'm like, stop using my name so much.
You know, it's kind of awkward. That's only one time. But coming to Oxford, I've had to learn lots of new, lovely names. And here's the deal. I believe once you've been somewhere for about a year, you're expected to know all the names, right?
If it's been a year and I still don't know your names, the problem is me. And so right now I am on the clock to learn all your names. But names carry great meaning. When you take your phone and a name shows up, you're going to think of the meaning of that name. When I get my.
When I have my phone and Tom is calling me, I'm thinking, it's Tom. He probably wants to go to Steak n Shake. Or when my kids call, I'm thinking, oh, it's the kids. I get to talk to the grandkids they're carrying meaning. But what do you think of.
And I know this probably doesn't happen to any of you, but what happens when your phone rings and it says the irs? That's not a good thing. But I think in our culture, meaning is sometimes ignored when naming our children. We're looking for something memorable. We're looking for something clever.
And I read this that as we step into 2025, baby names are becoming more expressive, diverse and creative. More than ever before, parents are looking beyond tradition, exploring inspiration, inspiration from nature, global cultures, and even pop culture to find that one special name that feels just right. And I thought, oh, brother, that's terrible. And I was on my high horse that every, every name should have great meaning. And then I was reminded what I named my own daughter.
So when we had our daughter, I wanted her to have the perfect name that, like I said, that would take her from a child, a baby, and to a grown up, and it'd be just this coolest name that nobody else had. And it was interesting and I might have taken it from a TV show, but if my mom ever heard that, I'd be in great trouble. But we decided to name her Randall Victoria. I thought, that's the coolest name. And then it dawned on me.
I have not even checked to see what that child's name means. So years later, I finally looked it up, or someone. I think she found out her name means wolf shield. I guess it could be worse. But that was her name.
But in biblical times, names had great meaning. When John the Baptist was born, the Bible says this. On the eighth day, they came to circumcise the child and they were going to name him after his father, Zachariah. But his mother spoke up and said, no, he has to be called John. Way to go, mom, don't you think?
So they said to her, there is not one among your relatives who has that name. So then they made signs to his father to find out what he would like to name the child. He asked for a writing tablet. And to everyone's astonishment, he wrote, his name is John. And John means that God is gracious.
In the same. In the same New Testament, an angel appears to Mary and tells her, you're going to have a son and you're going to name him Emmanuel, because Emmanuel means God. With us. Names can carry great meaning. But how many of you know that if.
If an angel showed up and told you what to name your child, you would probably do the same thing, wouldn't you? But names carry a great reputation. When I say the name Pastor Darrell and Marsha Strickland, you think of what. What do you think of as, like a reputation? You think of faithful and kind and giving and persevering.
When I say Billy Graham, you think of his reputation of transforming the body of Christ to during his time here on earth. When you think of organizations or names of organizations. When I say Amazon, what do you think? You think, lovely, that you could order like, whatever and it'll be there the next day. When you think of convoy of hope, you think of disaster relief.
When you think of Samaritan's Purse, their reputation is to go into places and help people that are in need from. From a climate or not climate, but from like a storm or things like that. When you think of Steak n Shake, what do you think your legacy is? A hamburger.
But you think of consistent, quick close to the church because it's their reputation. But a name can also reflect a character of a person. And again, we said this when we were starting out. A good name is more desirable than great riches. That's why when you hear the name Mother Teresa or Hulda Buntain, you think of the great sacrifices that they made to the world.
I was gonna say, what about politicians? I. Okay, let's not do that. I didn't think that'd be a good idea. So we have our given names that carry meaning, carry reputation, carry, carry character.
And then we have the names of God. And I selected a few that I love that I think can be beneficial to us this morning. Now, I know this, this is not a name omnipotent, but growing up, I always thought that was a name so omnipotent. God is omnipotent. Means that God is all powerful.
He spoke all things into being, and all things, every cell, every breath, every thought are sustained by him. There is nothing, nothing too difficult for God. Jeremiah 32:17 says, Ah, sovereign Lord, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for you. But how many of us sometimes fall into that thinking that God can't do that?
But I'm here to tell you that when you call on the name of God, there is nothing too difficult that he can't take care of. He is all powerful in all things. And why is God omnipotent? Because that is one of his names that we call number two. God is Jehovah Jireh, our provider.
His name means who provides. He provided yesterday, he provides today, he'll provide tomorrow, and the next day and the next day. And every time I think God can't provide again, he does it again, he does it again. And a lot of times we think of provider as like financial, like God, give me money. But it's more than that.
Although he does bless us. But God provides so much for us. He provides us with a great church, he provides us with cars, he provides us with jobs. He provides us with finding the right doctor who can say Amen to that. So hard to find a good doctor.
But God is our provider. And why is that so? Is because that is one of his names. The third name I picked for this morning is Jehovah Shalom, the God of peace. And when I think of peace, I usually think of quiet and calm.
And where I work, I work at an intermediate school in wildwood. And from 8. No, I'm sorry. 745 to about 245, it is busy and loud. You hear children, some are yelling, some are crying, some are laughing.
You hear teachers raise their voice. It's just a lot of noise because there's a lot of children there and it is anything but peaceful. But I'm here to tell you, when that bell rings at 2:45 and all those sweet little angels go to the bus loop or go to the car where they picked up by their parents or the Walker gate, it is the most blessed thing. That thing is. It's.
It is like the whole school. Yeah, the whole school building like just takes its breath. It's very peaceful. But Shalom is a little bit more than just peace. It's one of the key, excuse me, keywords or images for salvation.
In the Bible, the Hebrew word does most commonly refer to a person being uninjured and safe, whole and sound. But shalom or peace is experienced in multi dimensional complete well being because you are in right relationship with God himself. And why do we have peace? Why do sometimes you see people that are going through so much and you don't understand how they've not lost their ever loving mind? It's because they know the name of God is Shalom Peace because that is his name.
We can experience peace during any crisis because of his name. Shalom. The fourth one is God is omniscient. That means, and I know this is not a name, but we can use it as a name this morning. This means that God is all knowing and his knowledge encompasses every every possible thing that exists.
Nothing is a mystery to Him. Let me read you this portion of Psalm 193:1 4. You have searched me, Lord, and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise. You perceive my thoughts from afar.
You discern my going out and my lying down. You are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue, you, Lord, know it completely. I think I love the phrase nothing is a mystery to God. Nothing is a surprise to God.
God will never say, I didn't see that coming. He always knows and he always has a solution. And why can we boldly say God, you are all powerful. Why can we boldly say God? I know you're going to take care of every situation.
And you know as you get older and some of you are, me included, I know that God always comes through. And one of the beautiful things about growing as a Christian is you're like, you know what God? Ten years ago you took care of that. Five years ago you took care of that. You're gonna take care of it again today in the name of Jesus.
And why do we say that? Because he is all powerful and he is omniscient. So those are some things we can say of names of God. But what does God call us? God has names for us.
Isaiah 43 says he has called us by name. Do you ever. I mean it. It's really baffling to think that God knows each of us by name. That's a lot of names to know.
But that's the God we serve. I wouldn't want to serve a wimpy, dumb God. I'm so glad our God is so awful powerful. It's just, it just boggles your mind when you think about it. So here are some things that God calls you.
He calls you a treasured possession. In Exodus 19:5 it says, now if you Obey me fully and keep my covenant. Then out of the nations. You will be my treasured possession. And I want you to think just for a moment, what are some tangible things that are your treasured possession?
For some of you guys, I think a lot of you like your cars, right? No. Okay. Like, some of you might like. Ladies might like some of your jewelry.
Most moms love pictures. Like when my kids say, what do you want for. I just want a picture. I don't want nothing but a picture of the grandkids. Not you, just the grandkids.
If you want to be in there, I don't care. But I want a picture of the grandkids. But my most treasure, when I think of that, my pictures are very important to me. I have one picture. My latest family picture is from 2020, the last time we were all together.
And that thing is a treasured possession. My wedding ring. I still have my original wedding ring, and I've had it for a long time. And I've never lost my wedding ring, unlike somebody else in my relationship has lost. He's lost his wedding ring at least.
Do you want to confess or no? I want to say six times, in fact, well, before you. Ooh. Like, the first one was really nice. Okay.
And then he lost it. It's so funny. Tom can remember every math detail, every Bible detail, but he can't remember where he left his wedding ring. So I think after the first couple times, we'd get him a really nice one. And then he would say, you know, let's just get like a cheap one.
And so we did. And we have. And then I thought, maybe you should get a tattoo on your finger. Then you won't have to worry. That'd be a great idea.
And you could have the ring, say, Robin, right there. Of course, that might be difficult if something happens to me and you remarry, but you can fix tattoos. So anyway. But this is my treasured possession. Another treasured possession is this.
My father was a pastor and he. This was his last Bible that he ever bought. My dad had this very interesting. Not a habit, but he. Every year he would buy a brand new Bible because he would say, I want to mark it afresh.
And so this was his last Bible in, I believe, 2009. And he marked all over it. My dad loved Ephesians. He loved the whole thing about loving your family and your wife and. And I even.
I don't know if you want to see this, but I'll show you anyway. But like, he. My dad used to. That's how he used to type up his notes back in the day he would type his notes up, but this. So when he passed away my mom had it on him, on his like what's it called?
Corpse or whatever, his dead body. Anyway, so she had the Bible here and she was going to let that go with him. And I'm like, mom, I need that. He ain't going to need it where he's going. I need the Bible.
So this is one of my most treasured possessions. So picture ring. So what are your treasure possessions? And you think of something that really is valuable to you. Well that is how God sees you.
He sees you as valuable, worth something and wonderful. He also calls us the apple of God's eye. In Zechariah it says for whoever touches you touches the apple of his eye. And how many of you might. Moms, what do you think about when someone messes with your kid?
Now sometimes we take it too far because then we act like our kids are like sinless and they are all sinners. Just so you know, your sweet little three year old sinner, take a toy away from him, you'll see sin all over him. However, like if someone does your child wrong, I'm a pretty nice person. I've never really been in a fight like this kind of fight, but one time someone did something to my kid and I thought I'm going to take him out in the back and beat him up. And I don't even know what that looks like, but I'm going to do it.
I'm going to pull hair, I'm going to kick and scream because that mother instinct comes up. And that's the same way I feel like God feels like about us when the devil messes with us. Don't you think God's up there going, you are messing with the wrong kid. You are messing with my kid because you are the apple of his eye. You're a treasure possession.
And then the Bible says it gets even better that we are a friend of God. John 15:14 says, he calls us friends. And I think if you're like me, I think everyone needs a friend. You don't need a lot, but you need some friends. And if you say I don't need friends, then you're lying because you need a friend.
You need somebody in your corner. You need someone to cheer you on, you need someone to tell you whatever you need to be told or just to share life with. And this is a funny story a few years ago, I hope you haven't told this story oh, well, I was listening to some preschoolers sing a song, and they were singing that old song, I am a friend of God. And I'm listening. I'm like, that doesn't sound quite right.
So I walked in, they had a little, little cutie pie on stage about 4 years old. He was singing his ever loving heart away to the Lord just in that moment. And he was singing this. He was not singing. I am a friend of God kind of got it messed up.
He goes, I am afraid of God. It was all, I am afraid of God. Great of God. Oh, it was so sweet. And like, a teacher was going to go correct him.
And I go, just wait. He'll. He'll get it, you know? But we are God's friends. And finally.
So we're treasure, possessions, apple of a friend. And the last one is he sees you as a masterpiece. Now, Ephesians 2:10 reminds us of this, for it says, for we are God's hand, handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. And when I think of masterpieces, probably like you, I think of art, okay? Or sculpture or things like that.
So I want you to take a look at a masterpiece that sold for $179 million in New York City. Read.
I have no words. I asked him, first service, how much you'd pay, and someone said, nothing. I'm like, well, then you're stealing. That's not good either. But this is actually not the actual one, because the one that he sold for 197 million was inappropriate for church.
Or really, it's inappropriate for anywhere. But I just wanted you to get kind of the feel of his work. Now, if you're a fan, that's fine. It's very colorful. It's very unique.
I just kind of have a little hard time with $197 million for that. Don't you agree? However, you are even worth more than that to God. And I think we need to be reminded of that. Because sometimes we.
I mean, you, maybe it's just me, but I mess up a bit in life. I make mistakes. And I think, am I even worth it to God? And I'm here to tell all of us this morning, yes, we are. God sees us as the most beautiful painting, the beautiful masterpiece.
He created you just the way you are, and he loves you, and he thinks you're a treasure possession and a masterpiece. That's how valuable you are to God. So now let's talk about church, changing names. We've talked about given names. God's names.
God's names for you. And now how sometimes names change in the Bible. Have you ever met someone and you. And they told you your name or their name, and you're like, in your head, you're like, that. That doesn't look like you.
Does that make sense? Have you ever met someone? You're like, ooh, that doesn't. That name doesn't fit you. You're not going to say that out loud, right?
I remember telling my kids, do not say everything in your head but some people's names. No one here, no one here. All y' all names are beautiful. But I've met people in the past. Church is where I'm like, your name just doesn't work for you.
So when I was in my 20s, I got engaged to Tom. And I remember when he told me his last name, I was like, oh, you are perfect. I thought, you have a degree in college, you have a car, you have a job, you have all your teeth, and you have a glorious last name. Van Campen. How fun of a name is that?
Because my maiden name was Gorey G O R E E. So I, like, upgraded in the last name department. But I was thinking, my first name does not do that last name justice. Robin. It's a bird.
And, you know, I made fun. I was making fun of someone the other day, not to their face, but behind their back. I'm sorry. But they named their child a noun, I think. I can't.
I'm not going to say, like. Like boat or something weird. I'm like, you cannot name a child a noun. And then Tom goes, robin, your name's a noun. I'm like, oh, okay.
So I thought, I. I need a new first name to match this. And so I thought about it and looked around at names, and I found I wanted to be Tatiana Van Kempen. And I did not do that for two reasons. Number one, I would hurt my mom's feelings.
I didn't want to do that. And number two, I'd already experienced how much of a hassle it was to change my last name. I didn't want to go through that again, changing my first name. But names can be changed. Celebrities have changed their names.
Marilyn Monroe was once Norma Jean Mortensen. Reginald Kenneth Dwight became. Anyone know Elton John, Alexander Leach, Cary Grant, John Robert Stephen is now John Legend. Martin Mark Sinclair is Vince Diesel. And even the Pope just changed his name from Robert to Pope Leo xiv.
And the reason Popes. I was looking why they changed their name is it's a symbolic expression to set their leadership vision on course. But celebrities really have done something that happened in the Bible many times. And Abraham meant exalted Father. God changed his name to Father of many Nations.
Sarah's name formerly was Sarai, and it went from Princess to Sarah, which means princess of many. Saul in the New Testament renamed his name to Paul. So the new name Paul was a Roman name which meant small or humble. So what Paul was really communicating is after his conversion to Jesus Christ, he is saying, I am nothing and Christ is everything. I must decrease and he must increase.
See, God changed their names to change their destiny. Now, please don't go out and say we all got to change our names because I've already learned your first name. So don't be changing your name. You know what I'm saying? But.
But this morning I want to communicate in closing, how many of you are struggling with not your name on paper, but what that represents? What labels or what titles have you been given by either yourself, by your family, by strangers? So I want to read a story to you. I love this story in the Bible from Genesis. And it's from Genesis 32.
22, 30. That night, Jacob got up and took his two wives. That's the first problem right now. His two female servants and his 11 sons and crossed the ford of the jabbok after he had spent sent them across the stream. He sent over all his possessions.
So Jacob was left alone, and a man wrestled with him until daybreak. When the man saw that he could not overpower him, he touched the socket of Jacob's hip so that his hip was wrenched as he wrestled with the man. Then the man said, let me go, for it is daybreak. But Jacob replied, I will not let you go unless you bless me. The man asked him, what is your name?
Then the man said, you, name will no longer be Jacob, but Israel, because you have struggled with with God and overcome. And as the sun was rising that morning, Jacob, he limped away. He had a new limp, but he also had a new experience with God, a new identity and a new name. His old name, Jacob, meant cheater or schemer, but his new name meant one who wrestles with God and prevails. And so what I am suggesting to you this morning is maybe there's something you need to wrestle with God about what your name is, not your actual name, but really who you are, what title you have, what image you have, what names have you called yourself, what other names have others called of you?
And so I gave you each of you or they gave you a little badge that says, hello, my name is. And I want you to take this. Not right now, but maybe later today, maybe next week. And I want you to think about who you are. When people hear your name, what do they think of?
A lot of times we, we, we, we want to have a good name. We want to have a memorable name. But what does that name say about us? I. In this new year, I always want to strive to be less of a worrier.
Do any. Does anyone else worry except me? Anyone else worry? I worry over everything. I mean, it's a sin.
The Bible tells us not to worry. And so when I go home tonight, I'm going to think about what I want to say. Hello, my name is. I want it to be peace, I want it to be confidence that I don't have to worry about everything. That God always comes through, God always provides.
I mean, when we were fixing to move here, my worry mechanism went into full mode, full blown mode or whatever. What I'm trying to say, I mean, where are we going to live? What am I going to do? All the things that you like. Is the U haul going to break down?
You know, I worried about everything. Are we going to be able to fit everything in our U haul? How many of you have moved lately, like physically to a house or home? No, it's stressful. I mean, you have to have all these anyway.
And yet here I stand on May 11, the U haul did not break down. Everything fit in the U haul. We didn't break a thing because I'm a really good packer. I'm standing here, I have a job, I have a great church family. God has always provided.
So why do I worry? Because that's what the enemy likes to come in and just say, you're not a good leader. You worry. And I'm not going to have that on my badge anymore. This is going to say joy and peace and confidence.
Amen.
So this morning or this afternoon, just take a moment and think, what does that look like to you? It's going to look like different for everybody. Everyone. But ladies, what is that going to look like for you? So God is wrestling with you, I hope.
And like Jacob, we need to wrestle with God. Today is maybe a day for healing, maybe a day for deliverance. Maybe it's a time that God's going to call a new passion on your life or a new ministry. Who knows what that's going to look like for each of us? But here is what I believe, that God is Saying, saying to us this morning, your name will no longer be sorrow, but joy, because you have struggled with God and overcome.
Your name will no longer be worry. That's for me, but peace, because I'm going to struggle with God and I am going to overcome. Your name will no longer be broken, but whole. Your name will no longer be broken bondage, but free. Your name will no longer be weak, but strong, because you have struggled with God and overcome.
Your name will no longer be disappointment, but fulfillment, because you've struggled with God and overcome. Your name will no longer be defeat, but overcomer. And finally, your name will not be lonely, but loved, because you have struggled with God and overcome. I'm here to encourage you not to accept some of the names the world has given you. People like to call us Christians crazy sometimes or overzealous.
And I want to say, yes, we are, because we serve a big loving God. So we get a little crazy.
But I believe God's giving each of us a new name, something to identify with. So listen to what he is saying to you. And it's never, ever too old. If you are still breathing, God can do something for you. Believe for that new name, that new title, that God can speak to you, even if you've lost confidence in yourself.
Today is a new day. So I want to finish by reading you a portion of scripture in Isaiah. And this is what the Lord says. But now this is what the Lord said. He who created you, he who formed you.
Fear not, for I have redeemed you. I have summoned you by name. You are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you. And when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned. The flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior. You are precious and honored in my sight, and I love you. Do not be afraid, for I am with you.
Amen. Amen. So this is how we're going to close. Just Pastor is going to come up, and Pastor Jeff's going to come up and sing a couple songs as we close. But I really want you just to take some moments to think about what you want your tag to say as he comes.
And let me. Let me finish with prayer. Heavenly Father, I thank you again for this day. I thank you for a wonderful, wonderful group of people. And I just pray that you would make it a special day for everyone.
Lord, I know that there are mothers in this room right now who are experiencing great loss because they lost their mothers. And maybe it's their first Mother's Day without their mom. I pray that you'd comfort them. There might be moments moms in here estranged from their children. I pray that you bring reconciliation.
And I just pray, Lord, that you will give us a sweet day in you. Thank you for all you do for us and thank you for all the moms. In Jesus name, Amen. When you go, also, there's a rose for each lady. You don't have to be a mom, it just has to be a girl or a female.
And there's also chocolates. I might have sampled all of them just so I know you will like them. So but please take a chocolate and a rose to know that we love you and we celebrate you and we say happy Mother's Day. Amen.
