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Simon, to whom he gave the name Peter; James the son of Zebedee; John, the brother of James, and he surnamed them Boanerges, which means, Sons of Thunder; Andrew; Philip; Bartholomew; Matthew; Thomas; James, the son of Alphaeus; Thaddaeus; Simon the Zealot; and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed him. Mark 3:16'19 WEB.

Jesus and the disciples had to have been tired after traveling all day when they finally came to a town. But the people of that city would not welcome their group, and they had to travel on to the next town. James and his brother John wanted to call down fire from heaven and burn the city to the ground for rejecting them. But Jesus calmed them down, and they traveled to the next village instead (Luke 9:54).

When Jesus called the Apostles, He saw more in them than the simple fishermen. He named James and John "Boanerges." Which means: "Sons of Thunder." He knew they were a hot-tempered pair. Simon, He nicknamed "Peter," meaning "The Rock." Peter had great faith, and as far as I know, he was the only Apostle to walk on water (Matthew 14:29). Jesus knew them well. He knew their real name.

When I first started attending church, I felt like I was on the outside. I believed that God knew the pastor and the elders well, but I doubted He knew or cared much about me. I felt pretty insignificant. Oh yes, they talked about God's love, but I hadn't seen much of that in my upbringing. My mom divorced nine times, and I saw a lot of hate, profanity, and bitterness.

I learned more and began to seek God by praying, fasting, and listening to His Word. Then His presence began to show up in my workplace and invade my everyday life. Sometimes, I could speak a few words to someone, and they would begin to weep or shake under conviction. Soon, I had my own testimonies to share, and I started to lead people to the Lord. When I came to church, I sometimes brought a row of new people with me.

The real turning point in my relationship with God was when I realized that I wasn't just a number. He knew my name. He actually knew and loved me personally, and not only in the "God so loved the world" universal kind of way. It was not that I was special. It was more that I welcomed Him, wanted Him, and spent time with Him. I was willing to look like a fool for His sake.

You shall seek me and find me when you search for me with all your heart. (Jeremiah 29:13 WEB).

We are each unique in our own way. God made each of us as individuals, and there is no one on earth just like us. He also understands why we are the way that we are.

Know today that you are not a number. There is not another person on earth like you. You are unique, and God formed you with all of the traits and characteristics you have. You are not an accident, for you have a name that God Almighty knows. You are not just a number.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, I thank You for today. Please help me come to know You more. Let me know that You genuinely care in more than words. Fill my environment with Your presence and change my surroundings. In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen!

Note: This morning, we will be hosting our RHM Live Online church service. This is a special time of worship, prayer, fellowship and an inspiring message. All are welcome! Here is the link to join: RHM Live

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