What Is In A Name?

Do you ever stopped to think about what your name means and how that meaning might play into the calling and destiny God has planned for you? I do. Quite often.

As I wrote my name on my latest journal, I felt compelled to write my full name for the first time: Daniel Mark Dessinger. It’s is a significant moment in my life, just like the time when I transitioned from being “Danny” to “Daniel” in 1996.

Before I invited Jesus into my life forever, I resented my formal name. It sounded stuffy and impersonal. I didn’t connect with it. Yes, my parents determined what nickname to call me when I was a child, but I kept it as a teenager because I innately rejected my real name.

I intended to renew my mind each and every day. And by “intended to”, I really mean “purposefully avoided.” It’s not that I don’t want the benefits of a renewed mind. Obviously I do. It’s that I don’t want to put in the work.

Or even more precise, I don’t want to sacrifice the time it takes to renew my mind. That’s precious downtime. More precious than gold, actually.

There are questions from every side about Rick Perry’s decision to spearhead a call to prayer that resulted in 35,000 people gathering to pray for the nation at Reliant Stadium in Houston, Texas.

As a Christian, the primary question that crops up is this:

Was Rick Perry’s call to prayer genuine, or was he merely starting the momentum for a Presidential campaign?

Obviously, we will never know the answer to that question. Only God knows Governor Perry’s heart on the matter. It could be that the prayer event and Perry’s announcement to run for President could be a fortunate chronological coincidence. Then again, it could have been planned far in advance as a stepping stone to gain majority Republican votes. Or, honestly, it could have been an undesirable coincidence.

As soon as the question of Governor Perry’s motives pop into your head, meditate on this passage:

It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. The latter do so out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains. But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice.

Ultimately, as Paul notes, it is not our responsibility to fact check everyone’s motives. He doesn’t just choose to not complain about it. He rejoices! The Kingdom of God is going out! The gospel is being preached! The Church is achieving unity!  The greater good has been served by having Christ preached and saints unified. Look at the fruit. Christians from a dozen or more denominations gathered under one roof to call out with singular purpose.

Jesus is only coming back for a pure and spotless bride.

If you missed it, you can watch video archives of The Response online.

Day 19 of 30

I just wanted to ask. If there was ONE thing you could do for a living, what would it be? Assume nothing is impossible. Nothing is out of reach.

With my minimal web design knowledge, I’ve helped a few small businesses and one church with their design. During the course of discussion and revision, it occured to me that I don’t really believe in promoting church brands.

I finished the project and I’m proud of my work, because I gave the church new functionalities and opportunities to reach people. That’s what matters.

Would I ever do another ministry / chuch website again? Hard to say. Never say never.

I’m all for promoting Jesus and healing the sick and loving the downtrodden. But I don’t agree that you have to market your ministry in order to be effective.

Maybe I’m a purist. I know I’m an idealist. But idealism is a valuable commodity in a world of compromise. If we’re ever to see God’s Kingdom come on earth, it will be at the expense of our own.

Day 14 of 30

You’re living in the wrong place.

It’s time to start thinking about the long haul. It is time to be proactive and make decisions that ensure you’re prepared for tougher times. The United States has already skirted one colossal depression in the past five years. We’ve gotten a glimpse into the vulnerability that is our American economy. The uncomfortable reality is that things could swing the wrong way at any time.