Friday, July 11, 2008

My New Name

I've been thinking more about the bible study I'm doing. The part about God renaming us (see Tuesday's entry) has been on my heart and mind.

My name means Sea of Bitterness. But I think I know what my new name is. Whatever "tears of joy" means, that's my new name. I tell you, I've been crying a whole lot of tears of joy.

During the last two months God has shown himself so clearly to me through His word. I've seen connections between Old Testament chapters and New Testament chapters I'm reading. I've come across new things I never noticed before. He's even given me a bible study out of the latest chapters, which are Daniel and First Corinthians. I hope to get that published once I'm done with these chapters. I was so humbled that He would care to show those revelations to little old me that this morning as I prayed afterwards, the tears of joy just flowed.

As my husband and I have begun to tithe faithfully, I have seen God stretch the remaining dollars, just as He promised in Malachi 3:10 (NIV): "Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, That there may be food in My house, And try Me now in this,” Says the LORD of hosts, “ If I will not open for you the windows of heaven And pour out for you such blessing That there will not be room enough to receive it." I can't tell you how many tears of joy have flowed as I have seen Him keep this promise.

And yet another example is in my drawing near to Him, He has made His presence known to me as He promised in James 4:8 (NIV) "Draw near to God and He will draw near to you." During worship (the music part because I think the whole service is worship) on Sunday mornings I have often been brought to tears because I can clearly feel His presence. It is an indescribable feeling, much like He is - beyond words.

So yes, I like this renaming. The closest I can come is Abigail. Here is what I found that name to be: From the Hebrew name אֲבִיגָיִל ('Avigayil) meaning "my father is joy". That I like. So call me Abigail :)

3 comments:

LeeBird3 said...

Hi Mari, I mean Abigail! :) I'm glad to connect through blogging. I think every other day will end up happening with me as well.

I am really excited about our writer's critique group. I think it's a God thing for sure!

Love you sister! Lee

Lelia Chealey said...

How neat! I know what you mean...I'll be driving and all of a sudden crying but it's not sad tears, I'm just happy. I don't even know if "happy" is the right word...blessed...joyful...overwhelmed...in awe. I don't know, but what I do know is I'm loving where I'm at with Jesus, but I want more of Him!!!
Thanks for sharing this "Abby" ;)

Anonymous said...

Abigail,
How blessed we are to know you. What an eye-opening topic to think of our new name. Thanks for sharing your heart.

I was drawn to your page today to pray for you and your sisters in Christ.

Father, thanks for showing your wonderful self to us in so many avenues of life! Thank you for opening the pages of Your word to just the right places where we can be nourished. Thank you for giving us the ability to touch one another through this fascinating media that allows spontaneous praise and worship together. How marvelous You are! How incredible that you weave us together in surprising ways!

And we know Lord that you are not finished with us. We know that you are working on us daily to bring us to completion. So when the hard times come remind us that we are being molded to resemble your Son!

Teach us to fall on our knees for one another and send the message forward to those who don't yet know the vastness of your amazing love! You reach down to pick up every hurting heart when we cry out to you. May we look around today to see hurting hearts who cannot utter a sound and need us to be their voice. Will you give us the insight to see others the way you see them today?

Guard our hearts and our tongues from feeling, acting or saying anything that would fall outside of your will. Fill us with your Spirit we pray, in Jesus' name, amen.

In His grip,
Luann