Are you ready to lose yourself for His cause? Are you willing to lose your name and let His name be glorified instead? - Daily Bible Reflections July 10,2015

NAME CHANGER   There God, speaking to Israel in a vision by night, called, “Jacob! Jacob!” “Here I am,” he answered. – Genesis 46:2   Isn’t it interesting that in the Bible there are several characters that have changed their names after meeting Jesus?        It is true that those we meet can change us, sometimes so profoundly that we are not the same afterwards, even our names. Simon became Peter, Levi became Matthew, and Saul became Paul.          Notice in today’s reading that Jacob, later on known as Israel, had visions of God speaking to him and guiding him on what to do. God revealed His great plans for him, plans to make him “a great nation,” and plans to reunite him with his long-lost son, Joseph.        Jacob embraced God’s plans for him and allowed Him to dictate his next steps. In the end, Jacob reaped the rewards, God fulfilled His promises, and Jacob died a peaceful and joyful man.        God wants His presence to create a change in us. Why? Because He wants us to live a life of joy and significance. He died for us, saved us, and gave us salvation. The question is, are we willing to change for Him? And how much are we willing to change within ourselves to fulfill His will? Erika Mendoza (epaulmendoza@gmail.com)   Reflection: Are you ready to lose yourself for His cause? Are you willing to lose your name and let His name be glorified instead?   Lord, let there be less of me and more of You.   St. Veronica Giuliani, pray for us.