What does your name mean? I was surprised years ago to realize my middle name "Dean" actually means "church official." I had been in ministry for years at that point, and thought it was refreshing to realize my name was actually congruent with my life! Being somewhat "type A" I like it when things line up!

The name "Seventh-day Adventist" was chosen for us in 1860 by our church pioneers. They believed choosing this name would help us convey our two most impactful beliefs: 1. The Seventh-day Sabbath (Saturday) and 2. The Second Coming of Jesus Christ. Both of these beliefs were founded from deep Bible study and a desire to ultimately enter God's rest. They were at rest with their decision on what to name this new movement and the rest of the story since then has revealed their decision was a sound one! The Seventh-day Adventist Church has spread throughout the world by and large because we have been true to our name. We seek to share the message to the world that God is inviting us to rest with Him every week and ultimately once and for all at His soon return!

How are our lives today resonating with our name? Maybe your name would never personally line up with your vocation or calling today, but how are you personally lining up with our name "Seventh-day Adventist?" Are you passionate about helping others find rest in our Lord Jesus Christ? Will you join me today in praying for a revival for us all that we might be inspired to enthusiastically help finish the work God has given us in the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20)?

I'm so grateful to be a part of this work with you today! I'm especially grateful that God calls us all by His name today and soon will call us each by name into His eternal kingdom when He comes!

-Pastor Michael Brackett