🌅 Good Morning.

What if you could magically donate $1 (for free) to support Daily Devotion — without actually spending it?

Well you can, the good people over at The Deep View decided to sponsors today’s newsletter. 🥳

They’re giving us $1 for every person who clicks the link below, so if you’d like to support Daily Devotion, do us a small favor:

Click the link to check them out (They’re awesome)! ⬇️

If you read through Scripture, you start noticing a pattern. Sometimes God steps into someone’s life and says, “That old name will not do anymore.” Other times He gives someone a name before they are even born. And the more you look at these moments, the simpler the pattern becomes.

In the Bible, names are not just labels. They point to calling, identity, and God’s promise.

Let’s walk through the examples:

1. Abraham and Sarah: God Renames Them to Match the Promise

Genesis 17 is the first major example. God makes a covenant with Abram and promises that whole nations will come from him. Then God says in Genesis 17 verse 5, “Your name will be Abraham, for I have made you the father of many nations.”

Abram meant exalted father.

Abraham means father of a multitude.

The new name matches the new calling.

A few verses later God does the same with Sarai. Genesis 17 verse 15 says, “You will no longer call her Sarai. Her name will be Sarah.” God explains in verse 16 that “kings of peoples will come from her.” Sarah’s new name fits the future God is giving her.

2. Jacob Becomes Israel: A Name That Comes From Wrestling

Genesis 32 gives one of the most dramatic scenes in the Old Testament. Jacob wrestles all night with “a man” who Hosea 12 identifies as the angel of the Lord. When Jacob refuses to let go, the man says in Genesis 32 verse 28, “Your name will no longer be Jacob, but Israel, because you have struggled with God and with people and have prevailed.”

Jacob means heel-grabber.

Israel means one who strives with God.

It marks a turning point in Jacob’s life and becomes the name of the entire nation.

God repeats the name change in Genesis 35 verse 10, tying it directly to the covenant promise He gave Abraham and Isaac.

3. Joshua: A Name Changed to Announce God’s Work

Numbers 13 verse 16 says Moses changed Hoshea’s name to Joshua. Hoshea meant salvation. Joshua means the Lord saves. This is the man God would use to lead Israel into the promised land, so his name points to God’s action, not his own.

4. Peter: Jesus Speaks a Calling Before It Happens

When Jesus meets Simon for the first time in John 1 verse 42, He says, “You will be called Cephas,” which means Peter. Both words mean rock. Jesus is speaking Peter’s future role before Peter grows into it.

5. Why does God do this?

Across Scripture the pattern is simple. When God gives or changes a name, He is revealing something about His plan. He is marking identity, direction, or purpose. The name matches the work God is doing or will do.

In Scripture, a name is not just what someone is called. It is a preview of who God is shaping them to become.

When you’re not sure how to pray, A.C.T.S. gives you a simple path to follow: Adore, Confess, Thank, and Ask.

Adoration: God, You are intentional and close. You care about every detail.

Confession: Forgive me for the times I ignore Your guidance or doubt Your leading.

Thanksgiving: Thank you for shaping lives in Scripture and for shaping mine today.

Supplication: Help me follow Your purpose and walk in the identity You give.

In Jesus name, Amen

“Two Wooden Beams” by Josiah Queen

Click play to Support Daily Devotion ⬇️

Thanks for letting us be part of how you start your day with God.

Before you head out, would you take 10 seconds to click play on the YouTube video above? Every link click helps us reach more people and attract sponsors so we can keep Daily Devotion free for everyone.

See you tomorrow,

Zach and the Daily Devotion team