Then Andrew brought Simon to meet Jesus. Looking intently at Simon, Jesus said, "Your name is Simon, son of John — but you will be called Cephas" (which means "Peter").
—John 1:42 NLT
When a new child is born, godly parents stare lovingly at their gift from the Father and wonder, "What will this child grow up to be?" They name the child, usually taking great care not to give that child a name that will be a burden and sometimes giving the child a very biblical name like Faith or Grace. They want their child to be blessed by God and to be a blessing to others. But they don't know, they can't know, what lies ahead. Jesus changed Simon's name to Peter (Cephas) or Rocky.[1] Jesus could look beyond Peter's blustering ego and horrible failures we see later in Jesus' ministry [2] to the man who loved God and who could be used mightily for the Kingdom. What does Jesus see in you? No matter where you have been or the road you have taken to this point, Jesus can give you a new life and a new name. He has great plans for you. Don't be dismayed. Don't let discouragement claim you. If he can change Simon into the Rock, he can change you and use you mightily, too!
[1] Just as our verse says "Cephas" means "Peter," it could have also said "Peter" means "Rocky." The name "Peter" comes from a similar root word as "petrified" or "rock."
[2] For example, Matthew 16:21-23, 26:35, 74.
Father, please help me trust that you have great plans for me. Please help me catch a glimpse of what you can do with me and through me to bring you glory and to bless others. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
Ⓒ 1996-2022 Heartlight, Inc. This material may not be reproduced in part or whole for commercial use without written consent. What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form. Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
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—John 1:42 NLT
Key Thought
When a new child is born, godly parents stare lovingly at their gift from the Father and wonder, "What will this child grow up to be?" They name the child, usually taking great care not to give that child a name that will be a burden and sometimes giving the child a very biblical name like Faith or Grace. They want their child to be blessed by God and to be a blessing to others. But they don't know, they can't know, what lies ahead. Jesus changed Simon's name to Peter (Cephas) or Rocky.[1] Jesus could look beyond Peter's blustering ego and horrible failures we see later in Jesus' ministry [2] to the man who loved God and who could be used mightily for the Kingdom. What does Jesus see in you? No matter where you have been or the road you have taken to this point, Jesus can give you a new life and a new name. He has great plans for you. Don't be dismayed. Don't let discouragement claim you. If he can change Simon into the Rock, he can change you and use you mightily, too!
[1] Just as our verse says "Cephas" means "Peter," it could have also said "Peter" means "Rocky." The name "Peter" comes from a similar root word as "petrified" or "rock."
[2] For example, Matthew 16:21-23, 26:35, 74.
Today's Prayer
Father, please help me trust that you have great plans for me. Please help me catch a glimpse of what you can do with me and through me to bring you glory and to bless others. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
Related Scripture Readings
Ⓒ 1996-2022 Heartlight, Inc. This material may not be reproduced in part or whole for commercial use without written consent. What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form. Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
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**Prayer Warriors**, let's lift up these urgent requests in Jesus' Name:
Let's lift up 
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#PrayerRequest #JesusHeals #FaithInAction
Hello everyone! Let's lift up these requests in prayer:
