What's in a Name?
A name represents the person to whom it belongs. When we hear a name, we think of that person's character and actions. There is influence and power in a name. Also, once we know a name, we have a certain amount of power over that person, to lift them up to others, or to put them down. Names are important. That is why Paul's admonition in Colossians 3:17 is very significant for us. As believers, we are to make sure all we do and say is done in the name of the Lord Jesus.
How can we accomplish this command? First, we have to know Jesus as our personal Lord and Savior, of course. However, it is more than that. We must know Him through the Word of God and through listening to the Spirit, so that we know what Jesus would say and do in life situations. We must come to know His character and His actions. Then, when we speak or act, we simple do it His way. That is one reason that reading the Bible every day is so important.
Also, we need to remember that there is power in the name of Jesus. He is Lord of all. He owns everything in the universe. When we speak in Jesus' name by speaking as He would speak, God listens and acts. This is true when we are praying or proclaiming truth, as well as when we obey what He is telling us, so that we act in Jesus' name. Only then will God be moved to action. When we speak in our own name, our own desires, and our character, it means very little.
Even in our attitude we are thankful to God "through Him." We speak our thanks to God by praying in Jesus' name, so He is not going to relay our thanks to the Father, if it is not according to His will and character. Believe me, praying in Jesus' name is much more than just adding a few words to the end of our prayers. In fact, if we say "in Jesus' name," but we are not in line with who Jesus is, it doesn't matter how we end the prayer.
Tomorrow, I intend to read I Thessalonians 2-4.
How can we accomplish this command? First, we have to know Jesus as our personal Lord and Savior, of course. However, it is more than that. We must know Him through the Word of God and through listening to the Spirit, so that we know what Jesus would say and do in life situations. We must come to know His character and His actions. Then, when we speak or act, we simple do it His way. That is one reason that reading the Bible every day is so important.
Also, we need to remember that there is power in the name of Jesus. He is Lord of all. He owns everything in the universe. When we speak in Jesus' name by speaking as He would speak, God listens and acts. This is true when we are praying or proclaiming truth, as well as when we obey what He is telling us, so that we act in Jesus' name. Only then will God be moved to action. When we speak in our own name, our own desires, and our character, it means very little.
Even in our attitude we are thankful to God "through Him." We speak our thanks to God by praying in Jesus' name, so He is not going to relay our thanks to the Father, if it is not according to His will and character. Believe me, praying in Jesus' name is much more than just adding a few words to the end of our prayers. In fact, if we say "in Jesus' name," but we are not in line with who Jesus is, it doesn't matter how we end the prayer.
Tomorrow, I intend to read I Thessalonians 2-4.