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When a name changes everything...

This name changes everything. John #82

John 16.17-24 http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John%2016.17-24&ver...

Listen to this podcast here: https://www.pastorwoman.net/podcast/episode/2b55574d/when-a-name-ch...

What is in a name? Identity and recognition, maybe symbolic meaning and heritage, right? We close our prayers with "In Jesus' name, Amen." Why? Why finish our prayers in such a fashion? Let’s do a quick study of what God's word says about his name. First, a few Old Testament references to the name of God:

Psalm 8.1 - How majestic is your name. . .

Psalm 68.4 - Sing praise to his name. . .

Proverbs 18.10- I love this one: The name of the Lord is a strong tower. The righteous run to it, and they are safe. [this is my personal favorite]

Exodus 20.7 Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain. Why? Because it is set apart--it is holy.

Then take a look at these New Testament references-

Matthew 1.21 - You are to give him the name Jesus . . .

Matthew 18.20 Where two or three come together in my name, there I am in the midst of them Acts 2.21 And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. Acts 4.12 There is no other name under Heaven whereby men may be saved.

Philippians 2.9-11 God . . . gave him the name that is above every other name.

Now consider with me John 16.23 and 24 - everything changed from here on out . . . Jesus said to his beloved disciples: my Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete. So, why do we say, 'in Jesus' name'? Because there is power in the name of Jesus--there is authority.

There have been times in my life, when I was not able to tell up from down; in these times, my most effective prayers consisted of one word . . . one powerful word – JESUS. ‘See, there is nothing that concerns me, nothing that concerns you that doesn't concern him. There is nothing that is not covered by the name of Jesus.

More importantly, when being assailed by evil - whether haunting nightmares or plaguing thoughts by day . . . perhaps something that is rocking you to your core that you know is meant to take you down or at the very least, rob you of joy and peace, speak the name “Jesus”. Demons cannot stand where Jesus’ name is proclaimed aloud. (Just thinking ‘Jesus’ does not do it, because the demons cannot read your thoughts. You must utter the powerful name of Jesus, and if you are being harassed by demons, they must flee.). Note: doesn’t require incantations or anointing or specific words, speak the name… just speak the name of Jesus.

The name of Jesus is authority, and it is power as well. So when you pray, close your prayer in confidence that it is truly in Jesus' name we pray, and in whom our prayers are answered. And so we pray . . .

5/Prayer: Praise God for the power that is in the name of Jesus - demons must flee! Quietly speak aloud the name of Jesus - how beautiful it is - when you think of what we know of him and who he is. Center yourself on him and who he wants you to be. Lift your requests to him and leave them with him. Thank God for his good gifts, and name them, one by one. Amen.

5/Worship: Blessed be your Name, Tree 63 - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0cAvqByM1Fk

Love,

Christine

PastorWoman.com

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