In the Name of Jesus

And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Colossians 3:17 (New International Version)

Read back through the book of Acts and you will see a phrase often used in times of miracles and healings by the apostles…. “In the name of Jesus.” Whenever I see it, I have no trouble realizing the miracles came through the authority and empowerment of Jesus’ name. But it was never meant to be a phrase limited merely to healings. Today’s verse is a reminder to me that it should be voiced over every thought, word, and deed of a believer’s life.

Once I understand the depth and meaning of a word it comes alive to me and affects my life profoundly. When Peter spoke to the lame man in Acts 3, the phrase, “In the name of Jesus,” came from the same Greek word as today’s verse…. Oànoma. It was used for everything His name covered…everything it stood for. It housed the rank, authority, interest, pleasure, power, command, and excellence of Jesus. So imagine the change that would be forthcoming if that phrase was spoken over everything we did! If every deed was performed in the power and authority of the name of Jesus with His pleasure in mind.

My mind is thinking ahead to the many times and places I can voice, “In the name of Jesus.” While doing housework, talking to others, working at my place of employment, answering the phone or emails, encouraging others, eating my meals, extending or seeking forgiveness, praying, taking my thoughts captive, I can and must begin doing them in the name of Jesus. To actually say it! Oh, the power of words! In God’s eyes, there is no such thing as an insignificant action. Am I aware of that?! Is shaping my day?! I pray so.

I use to think this truth was reserved for people in Bible times or today’s prominent Christian leaders and teachers. What I am coming to realize is that it is meant for me as well! It is meant for any who name the name of Jesus as Savior. God is definitely calling me out into a bolder, more verbal walk with Himself. He knows I have too often allowed His words to go unspoken. No more! Each day as I open Scripture I am bombarded by a verbal treasure cove and if I will but speak those gems of truth I will begin to see things happen that I never imagined possible. They are not simply positive words. They are empowering!


Father, I am a communicator by nature but am just now coming into a fuller awareness of words! Loosen my tongue to voice Your truth-phrases over every word and deed that takes place both privately and publicly. In the name of Jesus, amen!

In The Name of the Lord - Sandi Patty
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X8FxlN0ImqM

He is wooing you from the jaws of distress to a spacious place free from restriction, to the comfort of your table laden with choice food. Job 36:16