Devotions with Pastor Bill Ritchey

The one who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who overcomes, I will give some of the hidden manna, and I will give him a white stone, and a new name written on the stone which no one knows except the one who receives it.’ Revelation 2:17 NASB

​Have you ever considered how important a person’s name is? I suspect that there may be divine influence in the names parents choose for their children. My name, William (Bill is a nickname), means “protector,” and has to do with being a guardian. My middle name, Thomas, came to be associated with skepticism related to the apostle’s doubt about Christ’s resurrection (John 20:24-29).

GOD has been known to change a person’s name when it suited Him. Although I still prefer to be called Bill most of the time, I’m more of a “William” now than I’ve ever been. Although I still struggle with skepticism in many things, I’m a lot less of a Thomas than I was before I became a Christian. That skepticism, especially about Biblical matters, continues to decrease as I grow in spiritual maturity and increased knowledge of Scripture.

I believe we are given that new name when we come into the saving relationship with our Lord Jesus Christ and our name is written in the Lamb’s book of life. This is a supernatural event and action. I can’t say I know what name I’ve been given, but I have come to understand that when my Lord calls me by that name, I will immediately respond.

From recent WWCN devotionals, it seems that several servants of the Lord are speaking on this subject right now, but from different perspectives. Could this mean the Lord is working at communicating an important truth?

Peace be unto you and yours,
​Pastor Bill