At a recent family gathering, my three-year old grandson made a surprising observation. He wanted his name written on the cup that was given to him. Due to the large size of our family, my mother-in-law always provided a marker near the plastic disposable cups in an effort to help everyone keep track of their own cup. This tradition has continued.

Just as any doting grandmother would do, I attempted to write my grandson's name on his cup. However, the moisture that had accumulated on the outside of the cup prevented me from writing his entire name --- only the first letter was evident.

When I returned the cup, he immediately recognized that his cup did not reflect his entire name. To appease him (or was it because I tend to spoil my grandchildren - lol), I wrote out his entire name on a NEW cup and poured his drink into it.

Later, as I reflected on this, I realized that we often do not comprehend the power that has been given to us when we accept Jesus in our lives ... when we become adopted in His family ... when we take on His name. Do we truly understand that as today's scripture states we are a NEW person - a brand new vessel available for Him to pour His attributes into our lives? Sadly, many individuals are unwilling to let go of some of the old things limiting their receipt of all Jesus has to give them. Their cups (lives) may only have room for a few letters of Jesus' name.

Interestingly, recent research has revealed that couples in love not only generally share the same interests, finish each other's sentences, laugh at the same jokes, BUT that their breathing patterns and heart rates match up after sitting close to each other. On the other hand, these findings were not noted among strangers.

My challenge to you today is to truly grasp the significance of "being transformed into His likeness with ever-increasing glory" as promised in 2 Corinthians 3:18. By spending time with Jesus, falling in love with Him, becoming a willing vessel for His use, you will BECOME MORE AND MORE LIKE HIM. Your heart will beat like His. Your life will reflect His ENTIRE name!

Dear Lord, I realize that I am a work in progress. I ask You today to have Your way in me. Help me to make all things new in my life ... to live a life that is reflective of You.

I thank You, my Jesus, for dying for me. I believe that You are Lord and that God raised You from the grave so that I can have eternal life.