Nobody Greater

Nobody Greater

Hebrews 1: ⁴ The Son was made greater than the angels, just as the name that God gave him is greater than theirs. ⁵ For God never said to any of his angels,
“You are my Son;
    today I have become your Father.”
Nor did God say about any angel,
“I will be his Father,
    and he will be my Son.”
⁶ But when God was about to send his first-born Son into the world, he said,
“All of God's angels must worship him.”

 

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Worrying about my grades,  I assumed I would not graduate and felt like giving up. I turned to prayer and got the focus I needed to continue on to completion. Another time I worried about my health. “Maybe it was a sin I committed” I thought to myself. I prayed and was healed. Over time I noticed that whenever I worried about something I could pray about it.

 

• I used to think GOD had no power because I worried about “my” situation.
• I thought I was in control of “my” problems and solutions.
• I wondered if anyone even cared about what “I” was going through.

 

We assume the writer is Paul. He explains something revealed to him by the HOLY SPIRIT. JESUS became a human to die for the sins of humanity. While JESUS was on earth, GOD said “This is MY beloved SON, with whom I am well pleased. Paul quotes the prophet Nathan, David and Moses and describes JESUS as having a name that is greater than any created being.

 

My Observations

• JESUS name holds all the power I need.
• JESUS, being raised from the dead because of my sins, shows me I am loved beyond what any human could ever show.
• JESUS is more powerful than any sin I have committed and any situation I could ever get into.

 

Placing my hope in the one who’s name is above all names gives me hope. I mean, when I think that Satan can simply have his way by tearing apart plans and placing obstacles in front of me, I can always remember that JESUS is above him and anything any one can throw at me. It sounds strange, but it is true.

 

This truth guides me to a peaceful place other people cannot find. Their hope is in the things of this world versus on HIM. I am glad I can place my hope in JESUS, for there is nobody greater than HIM.

 

Challenge

• What importance is the writer talking about?
• Have you ever met someone who had authority?
• Will you look at your situation differently and allow JESUS to decide what HE is going to do with your life so you can reduce your worry about your future?

Being Known

Being Known

Acts 19: ¹¹ God did extraordinary miracles through Paul, ¹² so that even handkerchiefs and aprons that had touched him were taken to the sick, and their illnesses were cured and the evil spirits left them.

¹³ Some Jews who went around driving out evil spirits tried to invoke the name of the Lord Jesus over those who were demon-possessed. They would say, “In the name of the Jesus whom Paul preaches, I command you to come out.” ¹⁴ Seven sons of Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, were doing this. ¹⁵ One day the evil spirit answered them, “Jesus I know, and Paul I know about, but who are you?” ¹⁶ Then the man who had the evil spirit jumped on them and overpowered them all. He gave them such a beating that they ran out of the house naked and bleeding.

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Traveling with the top executive of the company had its perks. We had a long layover at an airport so we went to an exclusive area where we could wait and eat. When I got to the door they asked me my name. I told her and she replied “I’m sorry, we don’t have your name on our list.” “Oh, he’s with me” the executive said. They let me in. “One day…” I said to myself.

• There were times when I wanted to be known.
• There were times when I wanted to be in the club.
• There were times when I wanted to have a name for myself, not just ride on someone else’s name.

GOD did extraordinary miracles through Paul. Seven sons of Sceva saw Paul’s popularity and tried to fight demons using JESUS’ and Paul’s names. One demon replied, “JESUS I know, and Paul I know about, but who are you?” Their desire to be known backfired.

• GOD is pleased with me because I gave my life to HIM.
• GOD knows me through my relationship with JESUS.
• GOD has written my name in HIS hand so no one can rip me away from HIS saving grace.

Being known by GOD is the single most important relationship to crave. Celebrities rise and fall, BUT GOD remains forever. Exclusive clubs where humans gather will be torn down as JESUS steps into the picture upon HIS return. Until then, GOD wants me to make HIS name known even if people do not know my name. I am glad JESUS knows me and I know HIM.

• Are you seeking to make a name for yourself?
• Do you want to be known by associating your name with a celebrity?
• Will you stop seeking the spotlight for a moment and allow JESUS to be known through you?

Whoever

Whoever

Acts 10: ³⁹ And we are witnesses of all things which He did both in the land of the Jews and in Jerusalem, whom they killed by hanging on a tree. ⁴⁰ Him God raised up on the third day, and showed Him openly, ⁴¹ not to all the people, but to witnesses chosen before by God, even to us who ate and drank with Him after He arose from the dead. ⁴² And He commanded us to preach to the people, and to testify that it is He who was ordained by God to be Judge of the living and the dead. ⁴³ To Him all the prophets witness that, through His name, whoever believes in Him will receive remission of sins.”

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When the meeting ended early, I walked out with a growling stomach. I noticed a table full of delightful food just sitting out. “Go ahead, have some” said a person standing next to the table. There was too much food for the meeting attendants next door to the meeting I left, so whoever wanted food could have it.

• Many times I have been the benefactor of open generosity.
• Many times I have been the recipient of a gift I did not expect.
• Many times I have been the person in need and somehow got my need met.

Peter explains the many witnesses of JESUS, him included. He talks about JESUS being murdered by those who were supposed to be HIS followers. Peter also explains how JESUS was raised from the dead, shown to specific witnesses and gave the commandment to preach about HIM.

• GOD wants me to speak about JESUS to everyone.
• GOD wants me to give HIS gift away freely to anyone who will receive it.
• GOD wants me to tell people they can have forgiveness if they would just believe in JESUS.

JESUS proved HE was and is the Messiah. HE was the one the prophets wrote about and made a way for anyone who wants their sins forgiven to be saved. HE only wants belief in HIM as the Savior of mankind. This free gift is available to “whoever” believes in HIM. I am grateful JESUS did not exclude me.

• Are you in need of forgiveness?
• Have you lost your hope?
• Will you believe that JESUS is GOD, became a human, was murdered and raised from the dead and is now alive ready to have a relationship with you, today?

Fear for Strength

Fear for Strength

Acts 5: ²⁶ Then the captain went with the officers and brought them without violence, for they feared the people, lest they should be stoned. ²⁷ And when they had brought them, they set them before the council. And the high priest asked them, ²⁸ saying, “Did we not strictly command you not to teach in this name? And look, you have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this Man’s blood on us!”

²⁹ But Peter and the other apostles answered and said: “We ought to obey God rather than men. ³⁰ The God of our fathers raised up Jesus whom you murdered by hanging on a tree. ³¹ Him God has exalted to His right hand to be Prince and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. ³² And we are His witnesses to these things, and so also is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey Him.”

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In a certain country, the rule was “No proselytizing.” In other words, “Do not preach about JESUS” or face the consequences. This bothered me because we were on a missions trip to do exactly that. “LORD what do YOU want me to do?” I asked. Then a way was made. If the locals asked about my faith, then I could explain what I believed. One person did, then another. It was all worked out.

• There were times when I was scared to present my belief in JESUS.
• There were times when I felt driven to present how JESUS saved me from eternal death.
• There were times when I saw the opposition to presenting the great news about JESUS.

The church leaders took a weak position on fear. They worried about what the people thought so they quietly sneaked the apostles away. Their fear was because of their murderous actions and their eternally deadly stance on disbelieving JESUS as Savior. They were full of weak fear.

• GOD wants me to fear not telling people about HIM.
• GOD wants me to fear not following what HE tells me to do.
• GOD wants me to fear not believing in JESUS as my Savior.

When GOD tells me to do something contrary to what humans say, HE wants me to obey HIM. HIS voice is that of love and salvation, not harm or pain. Some people do things in the name of GOD, but are really acting in their own power like those who murdered JESUS.

GOD sees the heart and fills it with the desire to speak about HIM at all costs. But this can only happen to those who believe in JESUS as their Savior. To those, HE freely gives the HOLY SPIRIT. I am grateful GOD gives me purpose.

• Are you acting on your own desires without consulting GOD?
• Do you think your actions are pleasing to GOD?
• Will you start fearing what GOD says to do over any human thought little by little today?

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?

Names

John 1: ⁴⁰ Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, was one of the two who heard what John had said and who had followed Jesus. ⁴¹ The first thing Andrew did was to find his brother Simon and tell him, ‘We have found the Messiah’ (that is, the Christ). ⁴² And he brought him to Jesus.

Jesus looked at him and said, ‘You are Simon son of John. You will be called Cephas’ (which, when translated, is Peter).

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When I got some great news I could not wait to tell my friends. I went through the names in my head to make sure I did not miss anyone. Each message I told was met with excitement.

• There are some names I want to share things with.
• There are some names I think of when I want to tell people a certain message.
• There are some names I desire to discuss GOD with.

Andrew was revealed as one of the two who left John as a disciple and followed JESUS. He immediately thought of the name of his brother, who was also seeking JESUS. When Andrew brought Simon to JESUS, a new name was given. JESUS renamed Simon to Cephas, meaning Peter. JESUS had the authority to name him.

• GOD has a name for me that I am looking forward to learning.
• GOD has a name for me that is written in HIS “Book of Life.”
• GOD has a name for me that only HE knows and it is special.

Earthly names enable humans to know who I am as a label only. They really cannot tell if I love GOD or not. BUT GOD knows my name by how much HE loves me. HE gave me my name before the time HE created me. HE gives me the authority to use the name of JESUS as my connection to HIS power. I pray in JESUS’ name that all who read this will be blessed.

• What is your purpose?
• Who do you think of when you want to tell people about what GOD has done?
• Will you leverage the name of JESUS to overcome situations today?

Special Name

Luke 2: ²¹ And when eight days were completed for the circumcision of the Child, His name was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before He was conceived in the womb.

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“I’m going to call you Skinny Minnie“ said the girl to me as I tried to express a liking to her. “That’s not my name” I said but it was only met with laughter. “I’m not a Skinny Minnie” was the only thing I could think about for the rest of the afternoon in school.

• There were times I have been called names.
• There were names that hurt me for a while.
• There were times when I got so caught up with how others thought of me that I would get distracted at the tiniest tease.

After eight days, the child was circumcised and named JESUS, the name given by the angel before HE was conceived in Mary’s womb. HIS real name is special but this name was given for humans to understand that GOD is with us as a human to save humanity.

• GOD has given me a name that humans do not know.
• GOD has given me a name that has HIS purpose tied to it.
• GOD has given me a name that cannot be tarnished by teasing, slander or hatred.

My real name is unknown, but one day I will know it. GOD sees all I do and have been through and wraps every situation up in my name HE has for me. I can have a hand in my name. I can be a scoundrel or a peacemaker, a Pharisee or a follower. GOD sees my hidden heart and names me according to my deeds.

• What is your name?
• Does GOD call you a hider of the truth or a teller of the truth?
• Can you make your name what GOD wants your name to be by acting in a way fitting to HIM?

Nicknames

Mark 3: ¹³ And He went up on the mountain and called to Him those He Himself wanted. And they came to Him. ¹⁴ Then He appointed twelve,  that they might be with Him and that He might send them out to preach, ¹⁵ and to have power to heal sicknesses and to cast out demons: ¹⁶ Simon,  to whom He gave the name Peter; ¹⁷ James the son of Zebedee and John the brother of James, to whom He gave the name Boanerges, that is, “Sons of Thunder”; ¹⁸ Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus, Thaddaeus, Simon the Cananite; ¹⁹ and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed Him. And they went into a house.

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“Professor”, “Captain Naps” and “Skinny Minnie” were a few nicknames I was given based on my appearance. I wore glasses thus the nickname “Professor.” Sometimes the nicknames given to me were flattering like “He-Man” while others were degrading and need not be mentioned.

• I have been called all sorts of names.
• People have labeled me based on their perceptions
• Many labels given to me were not pleasant.

JESUS saw something in a few of HIS disciples that needed to be called out in a different name. HE saw a solid foundation in Simon so HE named him Peter meaning “The Rock.” HE gave James and John the name Boanerges meaning “Sons of Thunder.” Later HE named Judas “The Betrayer.”

• JESUS names me based on my actions.
• JESUS names me based on my heart.
• JESUS names me based on my relationship with HIM and my attitude towards HIS ways.

GOD sees all that I do and hears every word I say. HE sees my sin as well as any deeds HE deems as good. HE then says to me “And I will give to each one a white stone, and on the stone will be engraved a new name that no one understands except the one who receives it.” GOD’s name for me is based on love and when I receive my new name I will understand my fulfilled purpose.

• Is your current name “doubter” or “worrier” or “full of fear?”
• Do you think you are ugly based on what mean people have called you?
• Can you see the beauty inside of you that GOD sees?
• Will you accept HIS new name for you?

Titles May Mean Trouble

Esther 1: ¹⁰ On the seventh day, when King Xerxes was in high spirits from wine, he commanded the seven eunuchs who served him—Mehuman, Biztha, Harbona, Bigtha, Abagtha, Zethar and Karkas— ¹¹ to bring before him Queen Vashti, wearing her royal crown, in order to display her beauty to the people and nobles, for she was lovely to look at. ¹² But when the attendants delivered the king’s command, Queen Vashti refused to come. Then the king became furious and burned with anger.

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After years of scratching and clawing my way up, I had finally reached the top! I could finally make some decisions and get things done. I called a meeting of my entire staff so I could meet everyone and give them my high level plan.

One of my employees refused to come to the meeting. I brushed this absence off until she refused to come to my next gathering. I then wanted to get rid of her. I approached her and asked, about the absences. Turns out she was the only one who was supporting a large number of systems and my meetings conflicted with her support.

• Sometimes titles give me an ego.
• Sometimes titles blind me to what’s going on.
• Sometimes titles make me believe I am important.

It seems like titles have made me think people should react to me in a special way. Titles like VP, Senior Director, Manager, Husband or even Dad commanded some level of respect and I craved it. BUT GOD wants me to see something different.

• GOD is the most high so I should look to HIM for my power
• GOD is the being I get my power from and titles are meaningless.
• GOD became a human, giving up HIS title of GOD just to die for me and is now raised up above all with the highest title.

Titles seem to ruin my humility. I do not mean I should not have a title or become a pushover when I have one, rather I should accept whatever title I have as a gift from GOD and treat it with the humility HE has bestowed on me.

• Do you demand respect and are not getting it?
• Are you frustrated with the people who are supposed to be following you?
• Can you point your life to GOD instead of yourself?
• Can you humble yourself before the only being who deserves a title, namely JESUS?