Written Name

Written Name

Revelation 19: ¹¹ Then I saw heaven open, and there was a white horse. Its rider is called Faithful and True; it is with justice that he judges and fights his battles. ¹² His eyes were like a flame of fire, and he wore many crowns on his head. He had a name written on him, but no one except himself knows what it is. ¹³ The robe he wore was covered with blood. His name is “The Word of God.” ¹⁴ The armies of heaven followed him, riding on white horses and dressed in clean white linen. ¹⁵ Out of his mouth came a sharp sword, with which he will defeat the nations. He will rule over them with a rod of iron, and he will trample out the wine in the wine press of the furious anger of the Almighty God. ¹⁶ On his robe and on his thigh was written the name: “King of kings and Lord of lords.”

 

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When I saw my nameplate on the desk, I said “Wow.” I quickly reflected on where I came from and where I was then. I was now responsible for duties of great importance.

 

• I had become a “name” within a company.
• I had my “name” written on a nameplate.
• I was the “name” who had authority.

 

John, the disciple JESUS loved, saw the most amazing thing happen! He saw heaven open and there was a white horse with a rider called, or named “Faithful and True.” This rider had a name, or authority, that no one knew but HIMSELF. But to everyone else HE wore a name that could be understood with was “The Word of GOD.” HE then displayed a name “KING of kings and LORD of lords.”

 

My Observations:

• JESUS is the KING of kings and LORD of lords!
• JESUS is the Word of GOD that I can follow!
• JESUS is the only authority who deserves a name!

 

Making a “name” for myself can be problematic. I mean, I may start to believe in “my” abilities and “my” title, thinking “I” have authority. Fame blinds me to GOD’s power and authority. JESUS is the only one who deserves a “name.”

 

HE Is above all and loves when I point people away from me and towards HIM. Every ability I have is because of HIM, so I should use them for HIM. I gladly mention JESUS as the authority of my life!

 

Challenge

• How many names does the writer mention?
• Have you ever tried to make a name for yourself?
• Have you given JESUS the authority HE deserves over your life?

 

Super Powers

Super Powers

Revelation 17: ⁹ “This calls for wisdom and understanding. The seven heads are seven hills, on which the woman sits. They are also seven kings: ¹⁰ five of them have fallen, one still rules, and the other one has not yet come; when he comes, he must rule only a little while. ¹¹ And the beast that was once alive, but lives no longer, is itself an eighth king who is one of the seven and is going off to be destroyed.

 

¹² “The ten horns you saw are ten kings who have not yet begun to rule, but who will be given authority to rule as kings for one hour with the beast. ¹³ These ten all have the same purpose, and they give their power and authority to the beast. ¹⁴ They will fight against the Lamb; but the Lamb, together with his called, chosen, and faithful followers, will defeat them, because he is Lord of lords and King of kings.”

 

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Wanting to be a superhero, I grabbed a bath towel and tied it around my neck. The other kids did the same. We held our arms out in front of us and now, we were flying! We jumped, skipped, ran and made ray gun noises that had to be explained. “I just shot you with my ray powers!”

 

• We wanted to be superheroes.
• Even though there were a lot of us, our army was not strong.
• When each household said it was time to come in, we had to lay down our pretense and go inside.

 

John, the disciple JESUS loved, was given the meaning of the seven heads and ten horns of the beast. During this time, people will think they are in power and will gather together to form a futile fight against JESUS.

 

My Observations:

• I have no power, BUT JESUS, who has all authority, is my strength.
• I have no authority, BUT JESUS, who has been place above everything, shares HIS authority with me.
• I have no way to change situations, BUT JESUS, hears my cry and understands everything I can and will go through, and HE empathizes with me to provide the HOLY SPIRIT to guide me.

 

There is no power greater than JESUS. I mean, I cannot go anywhere the get away from HIS power, nor can I usurp HIS authority. Not height, depth or breadth can keep me away from HIS love. HE is worthy of all honor, praise and glory.

 

Humans rise to power temporarily, but if they do not bow to JESUS their efforts are futile. Their attempts to enslave or to take over the world will be met with the power and authority of JESUS who is LORD of lords and KING of kings! I place my faith in HIM.

 

Challenge

• How did the angel get the writer’s attention?
• Have you ever wanted to be in power?
• Will you surrender your power to JESUS so HE will guide you through the HOLY SPIRIT to a place of victory today?

Timing

Timing

Revelation 12: ¹⁰ Then I heard a loud voice in heaven saying, “Now God's salvation has come! Now God has shown his power as King! Now his Messiah has shown his authority! For the one who stood before our God and accused believers day and night has been thrown out of heaven. ¹¹ They won the victory over him by the blood of the Lamb and by the truth which they proclaimed; and they were willing to give up their lives and die. ¹² And so be glad, you heavens, and all you that live there! But how terrible for the earth and the sea! For the Devil has come down to you, and he is filled with rage, because he knows that he has only a little time left.”

 

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After giving up my desire to leave, I was resolved that I would spend the rest of my days in the town I moved to. I decided that I needed GOD in my life rather than the party scene I was known for. One day I got a phone call at my desk. “We would like for you to come work for us” were the words I was waiting on for months.

 

• I was stunned and didn’t believe it at first.
• I had been waiting for so long, that after a while I stopped thinking it would happen.
• I was filled with new energy, knowing that it was finally time!

 

John, the disciple JESUS loved, heard a voice in heaven talking about the arrival of the Messiah! John spoke about the timing being “Now” meaning there would be no more waiting and all that needed to be done was done. He also said that those who were accused by Satan “won the victory!”

 

My Observations:

• Waiting on GOD with my own expectations can make me feel disappointed sometimes.
• When GOD arrives with HIS solution, I can sometimes be a bit stunned.
• JESUS has already won the victory, so I can celebrate “now!”

 

Being glad in the middle of a storm seems hard. I mean, when the time is tumultuous and it seems like nothing is going right, it doesn’t seem like a good time to celebrate. BUT GOD wants me to see beyond the storm.

 

JESUS won the victory over yours and my circumstances. While we cannot see it, HE has taken care of everything, even “that” thing that looks impossible to you. GOD formally declared that all was right so all we have to do is proclaim HIS victory until JESUS returns. I gladly am willing to speak about JESUS, even unto death.

 

Challenge

• What timing does the writer mention?
• Have you ever been waiting on something to happen for so long, that you just gave up?
• Will you continue to proclaim GOD’s message of love and salvation even though your circumstance may not have cleared up today?

The Center

The Center

Revelation 4: At this point I had another vision and saw an open door in heaven.

 

And the voice that sounded like a trumpet, which I had heard speaking to me before, said, “Come up here, and I will show you what must happen after this.” ² At once the Spirit took control of me. There in heaven was a throne with someone sitting on it. ³ His face gleamed like such precious stones as jasper and carnelian, and all around the throne there was a rainbow the color of an emerald. ⁴ In a circle around the throne were twenty-four other thrones, on which were seated twenty-four elders dressed in white and wearing crowns of gold. ⁵ From the throne came flashes of lightning, rumblings, and peals of thunder. In front of the throne seven lighted torches were burning, which are the seven spirits of God. ⁶ Also in front of the throne there was what looked like a sea of glass, clear as crystal.

 

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Science fiction became a favorite genre of mine early on. From cartoons about space travel to the movies about galaxies far away, I enjoyed the creativity. During science class, some were trying to make sense out of what was being observed. I enjoyed hearing theories of human existence. One theory was the entire universe revolved around earth.

 

• I struggled with theories that could not be truly measured.
• Theories that I learned had merit to human accomplishments, but they fell short because they left GOD out of the equation.
• Asking “What is the true center of existence?” is still being questioned by philosophers, religious leaders and scientists.

 

John, the disciple that JESUS loved, was guided by the SPIRIT into the throne room of JESUS. He could barely describe what he saw. JESUS appeared extremely different than any human depiction and everything emanated from HIS throne.

 

My Observations:

• I believe everything originates from JESUS.
• I believe GOD cares about the heavens and the earth and even the hairs on my head.
• I believe everything revolves around JESUS.

 

Seeing life from the true origin makes a huge difference. I mean, when I believe that GOD spoke everything into existence, life makes sense to me. Even the fact that everything revolving around and belonging to JESUS, helps me think of things slightly different.

 

HE is on the only throne that matters. HE is not worried and is in thorough control of everything I could imagine. HIS power is unending  and HIS glory is the highest. I cannot wait to see the true center.

 

Challenge

• Who helped the writer describe everything seen?
• Have you ever question the center of life?
• Will you consider seeing life revolving around JESUS to understand “what must happen after this” so you can be prepared?

I Got This

I Got This

Revelation 1: ¹⁶ He held seven stars in his right hand, and a sharp two-edged sword came out of his mouth. His face was as bright as the midday sun. ¹⁷ When I saw him, I fell down at his feet like a dead man. He placed his right hand on me and said, “Don't be afraid! I am the first and the last. ¹⁸ I am the living one! I was dead, but now I am alive forever and ever. I have authority over death and the world of the dead. ¹⁹ Write, then, the things you see, both the things that are now and the things that will happen afterward. ²⁰ Here is the secret meaning of the seven stars that you see in my right hand, and of the seven gold lampstands: the seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands are the seven churches.

 

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Nervous to say anything, I approached a teacher about a bully. She said, “Don’t worry I will take care of it.”  To my discomfort, she brought the bully in and talked with both of us. His bullying did stop for a while.

 

• I thought she was going to turn my problem into a larger problem.
• I thought she did not understand the urgency of the situation.
• I thought she had the authority, but was using it wrong and was supposed to punish bullies.

 

John, the disciple who JESUS loved, saw HIM in HIS glorious state. No picture or painting could depict what John saw. John fainted at the sight of JESUS because it was overwhelming. JESUS comforted John by explaining that HE has overcome death and holds the world in HIS hand.

 

My Observations:

• JESUS is not worried about the sinful attacks on you and me because HE has overcome sin.
• The world may come up with a hypothesis, BUT GOD has the world under HIS control.
• No word, no situation or circumstance is unseen by JESUS, so I can place my trust in HIS solution.

 

“I got this” is a term used by someone in authority. JESUS said “Do not be afraid” because HE is the first and the last. HE explained HIS credentials by saying “I was dead, but now I am alive forever and ever.” HE then said “I have authority over death and the world.”  In other words, “I got this!”

 

When I turn my eyes to situations where humans feel they are in control, all I need to do is step back and give them over to GOD. JESUS, who is the Word, has a two edged sword that comes out of HIS mouth that will judge the inhabitants of the seven continents. HE has angels over your situation and mine so do not be afraid.

 

Challenge

• Why do you think the writer fainted?
• Have you ever been overwhelmed, thinking about how messed up the world is today?
• Will you place your trust in JESUS, who has all authority and sees those who attempt to get their way, without placing HIM in their hearts, so HE can protect you from their evil plans, forever?

No Doubt

No Doubt

Hebrews 8: The whole point of what we are saying is that we have such a High Priest, who sits at the right of the throne of the Divine Majesty in heaven. ² He serves as high priest in the Most Holy Place, that is, in the real tent which was put up by the Lord, not by human hands.

 

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Sitting on the trunk of my car, I just waited. I didn’t know where I was, but I knew I was very far from my apartment, so I couldn’t walk. My car had broke down and I did not have a phone. It was night. Not too long, a couple picked me up and took me to a rest area. They asked me if I knew CHRIST as my Savior.

 

• I was relieved to get some help.
• I was more relieved that someone who believed in CHRIST picked me up.
• I looked back at the situation and saw that the entire rescue was out of my hands.

 

Paul, the assumed writer, seems to address the fallibility of humans. As unreliable as a human can be, they are chosen as priests. But JESUS serves as the one and only High  Priest, who sits at the right hand of GOD. HIS authority is infallible.

 

My Observations:

• When I rely on my abilities I can get scared, BUT GOD has all the power I need.
• When I think there is no way out of a situation I get worried, BUT GOD is there to show HIS power.
• When I doubt that a solution will not come, GOD provides in ways I did not imagine.

 

Doubt is easy to fall into. I mean, when trouble arises and my abilities seem to be lacking, I worry about how the situation will clear itself up. I replay the trouble and try to come up with a plan, but reality hits and I see that my abilities to solve the situation are far away. BUT GOD steps in and provides.

 

HE places me in situations where only HIS power can solve them. HE then shows me that I can rely on HIS power to solve any problem, if I believe HE can and will do it HIS way. HE always comes through in HIS way and HIS time. I am glad I can place my full trust in HIM with no doubt.

 

Challenge

• What is the “point” the writer is trying to make?
• Have you ever needed something and felt it was impossible to get what you need?
• Will you place your full trust in GOD and know HE has your situation in mind so you can get rid of any doubt today?

Sacred Authority

Sacred Authority

Hebrews 7: ²⁰ In addition, there is also God's vow. There was no such vow when the others were made priests. ²¹ But Jesus became a priest by means of a vow when God said to him,

“The Lord has made a solemn promise
    and will not take it back:
‘You will be a priest forever.’”

²² This difference, then, also makes Jesus the guarantee of a better covenant.

 

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When a peer became my boss, I did not recognize it. I mean, this guy did not know as much  as “me”, nor was he talented. I ignored his meeting invites and his attempts to “tell me what to do.” After a while, his boss asked me to listen to him.

 

• I did not recognize his authority.
• I rejected his title over me.
• I did not believe I could receive any consequence to ignoring his authority.

 

Paul, the assumed writer, get’s serious about the authority of JESUS. GOD made a vow that JESUS would be a priest forever, unlike humans who were born into the priesthood or ordained by other humans. This priesthood is unlike human priesthood because it holds all things sacred to GOD.

 

My Observations:

• GOD gave JESUS all authority to uphold holiness.
• I can choose to ignore the importance of holiness, BUT GOD loves when I embrace it.
• My sin nature abhors GOD’s holiness, BUT JESUS fixed my relationship with HIM.

 

Being a priest represents upholding sacred things to GOD. Unfortunately, human priests have taken advantage of the position with their own sinful lusts. This weakens how humans see what is important to GOD. BUT GOD made a vow that JESUS would be a priest forever. HE and HE alone can uphold all things sacred to GOD.

 

One important thing that JESUS did for me and you is provide forgiveness for sins. Ignoring the importance of this sacred act does not diminish its importance. JESUS is the official being who is allowed to forgive. I gladly bow to HIS authority.

 

Challenge

• Why does the writer explain “a better covenant?”
• Have you ever questioned the authority of JESUS or anyone who is in charge?
• Will you recognize the authority of JESUS and learn what is sacred to GOD so you can follow HIM today?

Above All

Above All

Ephesians 1:  ²¹ Christ rules there above all heavenly rulers, authorities, powers, and lords; he has a title superior to all titles of authority in this world and in the next. ²² God put all things under Christ's feet and gave him to the church as supreme Lord over all things. ²³ The church is Christ's body, the completion of him who himself completes all things everywhere.

 

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Above all seems unfathomable. Above every situation, every trial, above every thing that seems to go right or wrong? Yes. Above it all!

 

This weekend we celebrate the resurrection of JESUS who is GOD who became a human to allow HIMSELF to be murdered for the sins of the world. HE was raised by the SPIRIT and the FATHER placed all things under HIM.

 

HE now holds every situation, past, present and future. All hurts and celebrations belongs to HIM. All things are complete.

 

Enjoy this weekend of worshipping our LORD and Savior JESUS, who is the CHRIST!

Authority

Authority

2 Corinthians 10: ⁷ You are looking at the outward appearance of things. Are there some there who reckon themselves to belong to Christ? Well, let them think again about themselves, because we belong to Christ just as much as they do. ⁸ For I am not ashamed, even if I have boasted somewhat too much about the authority that the Lord has given us—authority to build you up, not to tear you down. ⁹ I do not want it to appear that I am trying to frighten you with my letters. ¹⁰ Someone will say, “Paul's letters are severe and strong, but when he is with us in person, he is weak, and his words are nothing!” ¹¹ Such a person must understand that there is no difference between what we write in our letters when we are away and what we will do when we are there with you.

 

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Telling people what they did wrong was part of my job. It worked well for the company, but not so well at home. Spotting quality issues and inconsistencies lacked the “grace” needed that companies would scoff at.

 

• I lacked the ability to overlook, what I thought were, glaring issues.
• I lacked the ability to see beyond the “outward appearance of things.”
• I lacked soothing words when confronted.

 

Paul spoke about a strange authority given to everyone. The authority is to “build you up.” This authority was taken for granted. People who belonged to CHRIST were speaking negatively about what each other was doing, or not doing or believed in.

 

My Observations

• GOD wants me to see beyond the “outward appearance of things.”
• GOD has given me the authority to build people up, not tear them down.
• GOD wants me to grow up and use this authority as often as I can.

 

Seeing the “outward appearance of things” is the easy route. I mean, on the surface people make mistakes that seem easily correctable. But what is really going on? Why are the same mistakes made over and over? Maybe its because it is easier to dig a hole and throw someone in versus building people up.

 

It's easy for me to point out mistakes versus taking the opportunity to “build you up.” Frightening people or manipulating them to follow GOD is not the answer. All of us are on the same plane. We have all sinned and fall short of GOD’s glory. But what if I were to put a person on my shoulders to get noticed by GOD? The only being that is “up” is GOD. I will take the authority HE has given me to “build you up.”

 

Challenge

• What dangers does the writer imply by looking at “the outward appearance of things?”
• How does it feel to be “built up?”
• Will you take a different tactic and “build people up” so they may see GOD as the answer versus the problem today?

Clear Conscience

 Clear Conscience

Romans 13: Everyone must obey state authorities, because no authority exists without God's permission, and the existing authorities have been put there by God. ² Whoever opposes the existing authority opposes what God has ordered; and anyone who does so will bring judgment on himself. ³ For rulers are not to be feared by those who do good, but by those who do evil. Would you like to be unafraid of those in authority? Then do what is good, and they will praise you, ⁴ because they are God's servants working for your own good. But if you do evil, then be afraid of them, because their power to punish is real. They are God's servants and carry out God's punishment on those who do evil. ⁵ For this reason you must obey the authorities—not just because of God's punishment, but also as a matter of conscience.

 

⁶ That is also why you pay taxes, because the authorities are working for God when they fulfill their duties. ⁷ Pay, then, what you owe them; pay them your personal and property taxes, and show respect and honor for them all.

 

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Being stopped because of a burned out headlight seemed unfair to me, but it was the law. I explained that I was unaware and demonstrated it by turning on the high-beam lights. The burnt out one came on and the other went off. “Okay, you can go” they all said. There were four police.

 

• There have been times when I questioned the law enforcers.
• There have been times when I wondered if I was being singled out.
• There have been times when I felt relieved I was doing what I was supposed to be doing.

 

Paul speak about following laws of people who may not believe in JESUS as their ruler. He knows that no kingdom, good or bad, could be put in place without GOD’s authority. Paul also spoke about paying taxes to show respect. He knew there was something greater at stake.

 

• GOD wants me to know the ultimate goal is to spread who JESUS is.
• GOD knows I need freedom to present the gospel of JESUS.
• GOD reminds me that I am not of this world so even if scoundrels are flexing momentary authority, HIS authority should be my focus.

 

During these days of racial tension over the misuse of authority, I find the timing of this scripture to be amazing. Also, it is tax day in the country I live in so I find that equally amazing. But what am I to learn? Should I just roll over and let abusers continue with injustice on everything Paul mentions? No, but with a different focus.

 

GOD wants me to make HIM my focus. HE is in control of the abusers and HE protects me. Injustice needs to be called out, as long as the end goal is to speak about JESUS. Meanwhile, I will yield to the temporary authority humans have and show everyone the respect JESUS showed me.

 

• Are you mad at those in authority?
• Do you feel you should not yield to their authority because you do not like them?
• Will you see beyond temporary authority and let GOD provide the vengeance HE promised to the abusers while enabling you to continue to speak about JESUS?

In Charge

In Charge

John 5: ¹⁹ Then Jesus answered and said to them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of Himself, but what He sees the Father do; for whatever He does, the Son also does in like manner. ²⁰ For the Father loves the Son, and shows Him all things that He Himself does; and He will show Him greater works than these, that you may marvel. ²¹ For as the Father raises the dead and gives life to them, even so the Son gives life to whom He will. ²² For the Father judges no one, but has committed all judgment to the Son, ²³ that all should honor the Son just as they honor the Father. He who does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent Him.

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Desiring to be heard, I scheduled a meeting with my bosses boss. In the meeting I expressed my idea and my concerns. Listening intently, the person took in all of my words. They replied, “Did you talk to your boss about this?” I did not know how to reply. I mean I did not believe in my boss enough to convey the message correctly, and besides why couldn’t I come to the head of the department directly?

• There were times when I was immature with my approach.
• There were times when I thought “my” way needed to be heard.
• There were times when I felt I should be able to go right to the top with my ideas, thoughts and complaints.

JESUS makes HIS position very clear to the church leaders. HE pretty much says “I AM GOD” as HE explains how much the FATHER loves HIM and shows HIM all things. HE also makes it very clear that judgment is all HIS. Anyone who speaks about “GOD” must speak about the SON who is GOD.

• JESUS wants me to recognize that HE is GOD.
• JESUS wants me to recognize that the FATHER has given HIM all power.
• JESUS wants me to recognize that the HOLY SPIRIT has been sent by HIM and I should pay attention to HIS voice as well.

FATHER, SON and HOLY SPIRIT are GOD all in one. There is no separation that I can understand. Three unique beings work together in one as one. But somehow one volunteered to die for me.

It must have hurt to say “Okay, if YOU want to save all of the humans, YOU must become one, be blameless and accept all of their blame.” JESUS said “Yes, I will accept the blame for all their sin.” HE got that kind of grace from HIS FATHER. I only hope I can get a little grace from the both of them.

• Do you think there are many paths to GOD?
• Are you trying to ignore JESUS?
• Will you allow JESUS to be in charge of your soul and accept HIS wonderful gift of eternal salvation today?

Accepted Authority

Luke 10: ¹⁷ Then the seventy returned with joy, saying, “Lord, even the demons are subject to us in Your name.”

¹⁸ And He said to them, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven.¹⁹ Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you. ²⁰ Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rather rejoice because your names are written in heaven.”

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“Do you have an escort?” I said with a stern voice. I was an office clerk at the dorm and I was not supposed to allow anyone who did not belong into a particular part of the building. If they ignored me, then I could have them removed.

• Certain jobs gave me authority to do things.
• Certain positions allowed me to have authority to say yes or no.
• Certain titles gave me the authority over certain groups of people.

JESUS tells those who HE sent that HE has given them authority over “All the power of the enemy.” HE did this after they returned rejoicing over the amazing miracles they performed. HE then said the real reason to rejoice is because their names were written in heaven.

• GOD has given me the authority to speak about HIS kingdom with power.
• GOD has given me the authority to speak about JESUS as my savior.
• GOD has given me the authority to ask for “anything” in JESUS’s name.

At one time my faith did not believe in demons, miraculous healing or supernatural protection. I mean isn’t that sort of stuff only for the movies? BUT GOD says different. HIS power and authority are supreme. HE reigns over the physical world as much as the spiritual.

Every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that JESUS is the CHRIST and the LORD of all. GOD wants me to have faith in HIS power and authority through JESUS. The “anything” that I ask for should align to what HE desires. I accept the authority HE gives me.

• Do you believe GOD has power over your situation?
• Do you know with your heart that HE is in supreme control?
• Will you ask for what GOD wants you to have and do it in JESUS name?
• Will you rejoice that your name is written in heaven versus the special power HE has imparted on you?

Authority

Luke 4: ³¹ Then He went down to Capernaum, a city of Galilee, and was teaching them on the Sabbaths. ³² And they were astonished at His teaching, for His word was with authority. ³³ Now in the synagogue there was a man who had a spirit of an unclean demon. And he cried out with a loud voice, ³⁴ saying, “Let us alone! What have we to do with You, Jesus of Nazareth? Did You come to destroy us? I know who You are—the Holy One of God!”

³⁵ But Jesus rebuked him, saying,  “Be quiet, and come out of him!” And when the demon had thrown him in their midst, it came out of him and did not hurt him. ³⁶ Then they were all amazed and spoke among themselves, saying, “What a word this is! For with authority and power He commands the unclean spirits, and they come out.” ³⁷ And the report about Him went out into every place in the surrounding region.

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“You can’t sign this?” I was told. “Why?” I questioned. “You do not have the authority to sign a request for the amount greater than your budget. Your boss will need to sign for this.” “Then I have to become the boss” I said to myself.

• There were times when I wanted to have the authority.
• There were times when I desired to be in charge.
• There were times when I wanted to be in control of “my” kingdom.

JESUS spoke with authority and the people were amazed. Instead of teaching from surface knowledge, JESUS probably provided the reason things had to be the way they were. HE then told a demon to leave a person. “Wow!” they thought. “HE really does have authority!”

• GOD wants me to know that JESUS has all authority.
• GOD wants me to know that JESUS is in control of my circumstance.
• GOD wants me to know that JESUS knows about every minute of my life and has already taken care of it.

Long before the world was made JESUS created me with free will. HE knew everything I would go through and the choices I would make. HE still accepted me into HIS family even though I would reject HIS ways, time and time again. I needed saving. Only JESUS has the authority to declare me clean so I owe my eternal life to HIM.

• Are you seeking power?
• Do you want your way and are pouting over it?
• Will you allow JESUS to use HIS authority to show you why you are in this circumstance today?

Call the Authority

Mark: ²¹ They went to Capernaum, and when the Sabbath came, Jesus went into the synagogue and began to teach. ²² The people were amazed at his teaching, because he taught them as one who had authority, not as the teachers of the law. ²³ Just then a man in their synagogue who was possessed by an impure spirit cried out, ²⁴ “What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God!”

²⁵ “Be quiet!” said Jesus sternly. “Come out of him!” ²⁶ The impure spirit shook the man violently and came out of him with a shriek.

²⁷ The people were all so amazed that they asked each other, “What is this? A new teaching—and with authority! He even gives orders to impure spirits and they obey him.” ²⁸ News about him spread quickly over the whole region of Galilee.

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“What is that weird sound?” I asked myself with a grimace as I turned on the air condition. It was a very hot day and my luxury item was acting like it was dying. I tried to look at it but my lack of knowledge was quickly revealed. “Well, it’s not the filter, now what?” I had to call an expert.

• Many times I need help.
• Many times I feel lost ad hopeless.
• Many times I try something where I am clearly out of my league.

JESUS spoke with authority like no one had heard before. HE knew the heart behind the law because HE wrote the law. HE wasn’t guessing nor manipulating people by twisting the words, like the church leaders were doing. HE showed HIS authority by casting out a demon. All were amazed!

• When I need help I can call on JESUS because HE has authority over my issue.
• When I am in trouble I can call on JESUS because HE can handle any trouble with ease.
• When I need help JESUS steps in even when I cannot call for help.

The demon possessed man could not ask for help, yet the very presence of JESUS made the demon nervous. JESUS helped the man without being asked and HE did it with authority. HE does the same in my life as well. HE steps in when I am petrified and rescues me when I am in trouble. JESUS has authority in my life.

• Are you stuck?
• Do you think everything around you is crumbling?
• Can you look to the only one who has authority and ask JESUS for guidance today?