Name Dropping

Name Dropping

Acts 4: ¹³ Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated and untrained men, they marveled. And they realized that they had been with Jesus. ¹⁴ And seeing the man who had been healed standing with them, they could say nothing against it. ¹⁵ But when they had commanded them to go aside out of the council, they conferred among themselves, ¹⁶ saying, “What shall we do to these men? For, indeed, that a notable miracle has been done through them is evident to all who dwell in Jerusalem, and we cannot deny it. ¹⁷ But so that it spreads no further among the people, let us severely threaten them, that from now on they speak to no man in this name.”

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“Tell them I said you can do this” a prominent person said to me. I went in to the meeting and pitched my idea. Most people agreed, but there were a few well respected people in the meeting who looked like they did not. When I used the prominent person’s name stating their agreement, even the naysayers changed their minds. “Why didn’t you say their name in the first place” they said to me.

• When I use a person’s name to get something I am using their reputation.
• When I use a person’s name to invoke a response I am believing in their power to uphold what is said.
• When I use a person’s name to show credibility I am working within their authority to do so.

Peter and John confounded the church leaders with their bold way of speaking. They healed a lame man using JESUS’ name in front of everyone. The church leaders saw their popularity slipping away so they did as they did before with JESUS. They plotted against them.

• GOD wants me to align my heart with HIS when I use JESUS’ name.
• GOD wants me to truly believe in HIS power when I use JESUS’ name.
• GOD wants me to assess the situation and be led by the HOLY SPIRIT when I use JESUS’ name.

Using JESUS’ name should not be done lightly. I mean it’s not something that should be tried as a last resort, rather as a first level of defense to them who put their faith in HIM. JESUS’ name represents power beyond understanding. But it also represents grace, mercy and a surrendered life.

GOD wants every human to believe in HIS SON. This is HIS only goal. Anyone who loves, in HIS name, will be rewarded dearly. I am grateful the HOLY SPIRIT guides me to align my desires so I can represent HIS name.

• Are you using JESUS’ name and not seeing results?
• Have you prayed for something without surrendering your life to JESUS?
• Will you align your desires with JESUS and stop trying to get your way, but trust HIS will be done?