JESUS’ THE NAME YOU CAN TRUST
“The mere sound of his name will signal hope, even among far off unbelievers” (Matthew 12:21 MSG)
In today’s world, people would judge the quality of a product and use it based on the strength of its brand name. Our God has his own “brand name” as it were. It’s the Name of Jesus!
The Name of Jesus has been given to us (Acts 4:12). Therefore learning to live in and function by the power of that Name is what guarantees the upward and forward life. Philippians 2:10 describes for us the efficacy of the power in the Name of Jesus.
The Bible also chronicles testimonies of healings and miracles done through the apostles, as they exercised the power of attorney to use the name of Jesus. “There came also a multitude out of the cities round about unto Jerusalem, bringing sick folks, and them which were vexed with unclean spirit: and they were healed every one” (Acts 5:16).
Other names may have their limitations, weaknesses and restraints, but Jesus, “being made so much better than the angels, …hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they.” (Hebrews 1:4).
The Name “Jesus” has been proven to be a fortifying wall of protection, which can be trusted and depended upon. His Name is a strong tower, the righteous run into it and is safe (Proverbs 18:10).
THE ONE FRIEND WHO NEVER LETS YOU DOWN
In this world, we all have friends people who we relate with, talk with, share with, pray with and whose company we enjoy. But even the best of friends may sometimes let you down or disappoint you in your hour of need; not because they want to, but because they may be unavailable, or not have the right words to say to you at that time. Then of course, it’s possible for them to get tired of your “issues” and eventually give up on you, because they feel you aren’t going to change.
The Bible says in Proverbs 18:24 that ‘’There is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother’’
But there’s only ONE friend that’ll never disappoint, fail, or give up on you! He is never tired of you, His Name is Jesus Christ.
Those who know Jesus as a friend don’t seek the help or favor of men! What you need is to have a private, personal relationship with Him. And you don’t need to go looking for Him, for He lives in you! You can talk with Him, and He will talk to you. He is inside you, yet He is with you. He can talk to you inside you, and also talk to you from the outside! He’s the dearest friend you could ever have, and He has the wisdom and ability to see you through the most difficult of situations.
The Bible says “…He (Jesus) is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them” (Hebrews 7:25).
He’ll go any length to help you. He already proved it through His death for you on the cross. He’ll never give up on you or condemn you!
Let Him be your closest friend; don’t be ashamed to identify yourself with Him for He loves you exceedingly. He’ll never be ashamed of you and He will ALWAYS be there for you, even to the end of the world (Matthew 28:20).
Start each day by saying “I love you today Lord Jesus.” Develop that relationship with Him through His Word and the Holy Spirit.
LIVE FOR HIS GLORY
And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again (2 Corinthians 5:15).
If you truly believe that Jesus died to save you, then you must continually live for His glory and lead others to salvation. We’re in the last days, and the time is short. There’s no room for complacency; you must become vocal with the Gospel now more than ever. Yes, there may be peculiar times, occasions, and places where we might need to be tactful in our preaching of the Gospel; nonetheless, we should never lose our confidence in Christ and the boldness to publicly proclaim His Lordship.
We’re His co-laborers and partners, working together with Him to reach the lost and bring salvation in Christ to every man. This is our primary responsibility as Christians. The Apostles lived for this cause. Many have suffered severe persecutions and even lost their lives for preaching the Gospel. It isn't, and shouldn’t, be different in our day. Stick your neck out for the Gospel. Don’t be afraid or intimidated to stand up and speak up for what you believe.
In your workplace, school, business environment, estate, neighborhood, be known as an ambassador of Christ; a burning and a shining light. Even when you’re reviled or disdained for preaching the Gospel, keep at it, because your adversaries don’t count; they’re not a factor. Nothing, and no one, can hurt or harm you, because Christ is your life; He’s your defense. He sent you, and will therefore see to it that you triumph gloriously always—over and above every adversity.
Devote your life to reaching others with the Gospel. Keep influencing and impacting your world positively through the power of God that works in you. Keep beautifying the lives of those around you with the Word and power of the Holy Spirit. That’s how to live for the Lord and have His glory revealed in and through you.
YOU'RE HIS ICON!
Herein is our love made perfect that we may have boldness in the day of judgement: because as he is, so are we in this world (1 John 4:17).
The Lord Jesus Christ is described as the image of the invisible God (Colossians 1:15). The Greek word for image is "eikon", from which is derived the English word "icon". So, Jesus Christ is the icon of God. In the same vein, as a new creation in Christ, you're His ambassador; the representative and representation of Christ. That means you are His icon.
Jesus said in John 14:9, "...he that hath seen me hath seen the Father...." Then, Colossians 2:9 tells us that "...in him dwelleth all the fullness of the Godhead bodily." He was the icon of God to the world. God was embodied in Him.
The same glory has been conferred on us in Christ. The Bible says, "...as he is so are we in this world" (1 John 4:17). We are His exact image; we're not going to be like Him, we're like Him. We mirror Him as "He is"; not as "He was." The One whose icon we are, and whose semblance we share, is the risen and glorified Christ.
We bear the image of the Second and Last Adam - Jesus Christ, the Lord from heaven (1 Corinthians 15:47). We're the effulgence of His glory; the express image of His person. We're sharers of His life and comrades of the God-kind. As He (Jesus) is the icon of God, so are we the icon of the risen, victorious Christ.
Think about it, like when you operate a computer and you click on an icon, whatever that icon represents manifests. Likewise, as the icon of Christ, you manifest the personality of our Lord Jesus! Just by touching you, all the blessings in Christ manifests. You're a bundle of blessings to the world.
7 UPLIFTING FACTS OF LIFE IN CHRIST
In Christ, you can be victorious all the time. Even when trouble comes, you always win. The quality of your life depends on the quality of knowledge that you have of Christ.
Prayer doesn’t bring power, power comes from the Holy Spirit.
1. Blessed With All Spiritual Blessings From Heaven (Ephesians 1:3).
There are no blessings in Heaven that I don’t have. There are no blessings in Heaven that don’t belong to me. In Christ you never have a ‘down day’.
Take the word of God very seriously because God can only build you by His word. The physical answereth to the spiritual. So in Christ, I am blessed with all spiritual blessings.
2. I Am Chosen To Be Holy And Blameless (Ephesians 1:4).
God’s not blaming for something because He put the blame on Jesus. God sees me now as holy and sanctified, blameless.
People may blame you, you may even blame yourself for something, but before God, I’m blameless. God chose me in Christ to be blameless.
3. Predestinated Unto Sonship (Ephesians 1:5).
Before Jesus was born, He was Son of God. ‘Son of God’ means ‘God in flesh’.
Jesus died two(2) deaths on the cross. He died a spiritual death because He was separated from God because of our sins. He died spiritually and physically.
On the cross, Jesus died my death. When He was raised from death, I was raised from death. Therefore God predestinated me unto SONSHIP.
God made it happen.
4. Endued With Special Favours And Honour (Ephesians 1:6).
In Christ, I am endued with special favours and honour.
5. Riddance (Ephesians 1:7).
No matter what, I have my redemption, my riddance in Christ. He rids me of all troubles.
So, in Christ, I cannot be a victim, I’m always victorious!
6. Remission Of Sins (Ephesians 1:7).
This means ‘the total removal of sins’. The Greek word from which Forgiveness was coined is ‘aphesis’ which is ‘complete blotting away’. So in Christ, I have no record of sin.
7. We Have An Inheritance (Ephesians 1:11).
In Christ, I have OBTAINED an inheritance.
I may be born without an inheritance, but not in Christ. It doesn’t matter that you were born in a poor village, I am poor no more!
Christ has made me somebody. I have an inheritance!
I am a haver!
Someone said ‘oh poor me’…. NO!…don’t talk like that. I can’t be poor in Christ!
The inheritance is now mine. I now have the document! I lay claim on my inheritance through the Word!
Many don’t know this. To them life is a fight all the time, they fight for a position, fight for an office, fight for everything, but to the one who knows these things, life is different!
BE THE BEST FOR HIM
I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvelous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well (Psalms 139:14).
The verse above describes the peculiarity and uniqueness of every child of God. You’re the Father’s pride; a creation of wonder. God has deposited so much within your spirit that makes you a peculiar treasure of inestimable value.
In Genesis chapter 12:2 God said to Abraham, “And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing.” You’re the seed of Abraham now that you’re in Christ: “...if ye be Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed” (Galatians 3:29). By virtue of being Abraham’s seed, not only are you blessed, you’re also a blessing. You carry the blessing with you and have become a dispenser of blessings everywhere you go. No wonder 1 Peter 2:9 declares: “But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.”
Take some time today and meditate on who you are in Christ Jesus! You’re God’s perfectly crafted masterpiece, set forth to manifest His glory and display His praises to the world around you. Your responsibility now is to be the best of you for Him.
You’re the only one of you that God has. He’s never had another one like you; He doesn’t have another like you, and will never have another like you. That’s how unique you are. Therefore be a success for Him! Be the best of you for Him, and give Him your all.