Praying the Names of God - March 29
From Praying the Names of Jesus Week Fifteen, Day Five
The Name
Christianity's earliest confession of faith consisted of three short but incredibly powerful words: Jesus is Lord! The early Christians believed that the Father had placed Jesus, by virtue of his death and resurrection, at the apex of time and eternity — higher than any power or person in the universe. It is no wonder that Paul was "convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Romans 8:38 - 39). Both those who love him and those who oppose him will one day call Jesus "Lord."
In the end, even the devil will be forced to acknowledge him. As you bow your head in prayer before the sovereign Lord, remember that you are placing your life — the worst of your disappointments, the most protracted of your struggles, the wildest of your dreams — squarely in his hands. Knowing Jesus as Lord will lead you to a deeper experience of his presence and his power.
Key Scripture
Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. >Philippians 2: 9-11
***
Friday
Promises Associated with His Name
What do you have in common with Billy Graham, Osama bin Laden, Stevie Wonder, and Indira Gandhi? I can think of only one thing — each of you will someday bow your heads and bend your knees with billions of others in the presence of the Lord. In his hands, all greatness, power, wisdom, and authority will be consolidated. Nothing of his power will remain hidden. Nothing will be held back. And you will see in his eyes either complete acceptance or complete rejection. Now we see dimly. Then we will see clearly. Let us pray in this time of mercy for those who do not yet perceive Jesus as Lord. And let us pray for ourselves so that we are as ready as we can be for the great day of his coming.
Promises in Scripture
But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything in it will be laid bare. >2 Peter 3: 8-10
You, then, why do you judge your brother or sister? Or why do you look down on your brother or sister? For we will all stand before God's judgment seat. It is written: " ‘As surely as I live,' says the Lord, ‘every knee will bow before me; every tongue will confess to God.' " So then, we will all give an account of ourselves to God. Romans 14:10-12
Continued Prayer and Praise
Follow the Lord. (Mark 10:42-45)
Rejoice in the Lord. (Luke 2:8-14; Philippians 4:4)
Worship the Lord. (Luke 5:4-8)
Believe in the Lord. (John 20:24-29)
Be assured: Jesus is both Lord and Christ. (Acts 2:29-36)
Confess that he is Lord. (Romans 10:9-13)
Live "in the Lord." (Romans 16:12; Ephesians 6:10; Philippians 2:19; 3:1)
Remember that the Lord is building his kingdom. (1 Corinthians 15:20-28)
For more from Ann Spangler, please visit her blogspot on Christianity.com. And be sure to check out Ann's newest books on AnnSpangler.com. To hear more from Ann Spangler, sign up today at annspangler.substack.com.
Meet your spiritual ancestors as they really were: Less Than Perfect: Broken Men and Women of the Bible and What We Can Learn from Them.
