What would you like to be called? We all have a given name and perhaps a professional title, but there are other options. A childhood nickname? Perhaps. But some names are reserved for special relationships. Appellations of endearment. Pet names. 
A name gives more than identity. It can give meaning and purpose to life. It can indicate ownership. It can elevate -- or demean. Name-calling is considered a despicable practice.
When we come to the Bible, we see an array of names that God bestows on those close to His heart: Child of God. Righteous one. Beloved. Chosen one. 
Jesus affirmed His relationship with His disciples when He told them:
“I do not call you servants any longer, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you [My] friends, because I have revealed to you everything that I have heard from My Father.” (John 15:15, Amplified Bible)
It means something to be on a first-name basis with God. He speaks to us in intimate terms. He delights to spend time with us. He opens His heart to us -- and invites us to do the same in return. This is love.

Next Steps...
I will seek -- and cherish -- a true friendship with God.

Everyone loves a bargain. We want to find the best quality possible for the lowest price. If that means waiting for a sale, or searching the internet for price comparisons, so be it. We want value for our dollar.
But what if someone walked into a car dealership and offered the highest new car price for the oldest clunker on the lot? Something that had to be towed away? The dealer would be laughing all the way to the bank.
And yet --That is exactly what God did when He offered His Son for a world full of sinners. Why would He do that? Read Romans 5:6-8.
“You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
God’s love places a value on us beyond what anyone can imagine. He sees what we are, but He knows what we can become. He invites us into His family. He invests the riches of His Kingdom in our transformation. And He proudly calls us His sons and daughters. It doesn’t matter what you were.  His love makes all things new.

Next Steps...
I will accept the high value God places on me when He calls me His child. 

What makes a diamond so valuable?
Until the 15th century, kings were the only ones allowed to wear diamonds. Diamonds were  considered a symbol of strength and courage. The word itself comes from the Greek word "adamas,” meaning indestructible. It has come to symbolize the eternal nature of love. 
The monetary value of a diamond is determined by its clarity, cut, carats (weight) and color. A flawless diamond, with no internal or external imperfections, is very rare.
A round brilliant-cut diamond has 58 facets - each designed to capture light and reflect it back in sparkling fashion. Each cut on the diamond sends light in a different direction.
The many facets (or faces) of a diamond suggest the many facets of God’s love. Comforting love. Providing love. Tough love. Correcting love. Forgiving love. Protecting love. Supporting love. Redeeming love. The list keeps growing as we grow in our experience and understanding of just how much God loves us. His mercies are new every morning. Each facet reflects the pure light of  God’s nature, which is love. His love is flawless. Indestructible. Priceless!
 
Next Steps...
I will thank God for every facet of His love -- even those I do not fully understand.