May I share another message that has helped me so very much.
In Jesus' Name
JOHN 14:9-14
Sometimes we may wish Jesus had said to His disciples, "Ask Me anything, and I will answer."
But that instruction would not have adequately described how to connect to heaven's throne.
Therefore, the Lord gave very specific instructions for petitioning Him: "Whatever you ask in My name, that will I do," (John 14:13, emphasis added).
The power of Jesus Christ's name throws open the doors to God's throne room.
In fact, we are granted eternal access when we call upon Him for salvation.
Formerly, the way was barred because holy God will not tolerate sin stains. But since believers have been made righteous, they can enter His presence with confidence (2 Cor. 5:21; Heb. 4:16).
Furthermore, our association with Jesus gives us authority to petition the almighty Father and expect an answer (Matt. 7:7; 1 John 5:14).
Yet the phrase "in Jesus' name" isn't some magic incantation that automatically gets what a person desires. Rather, it is a way to ensure that hearts are right and requests are in line with God's will.
When we ask in Jesus' name, we are telling Him we want an answer that is based upon His complete knowledge of our situation. Moreover, we are surrendering our desires to be denied, changed, or granted as He sees fit.
We must not treat our prayer privilege lightly.
Asking for silly or selfish things in the Lord's name is useless. He isn't about the business of granting wishes.
Instead, believers are invited to tap into Jesus' power for the purpose of seeing His will done and His gospel spread.
Amen, Joyce. Too many times people are prone to just reciting a phrase or tacking it on the end of their prayers without even thinking of what it means or why they are saying it. :-\
A fine reminder, Joyce. Thank you.
Yes-Jesus name is the name above all others and should be used meaningly...Great things were done in his name and shouldn't be taken lightly-Samples:
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And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask any thing in My name, I will do it. John 14:13-14 - NKJV
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Most assuredly, I say to you, whatever you ask the Father in My name He will give you. Until now you have asked nothing in My name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full. John 16:23-24 - NKJ
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In reference to the healing of the lame man-but goes for the rest of us:
His name (the Name of Jesus), through faith in His name, has made this man strong, whom you see and know. Yes, the faith which comes through Him has given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all. Acts 3:16 - NKJV
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The Name Above all Other Names:
(Jesus) being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: that at THE NAME OF JESUS every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Philippians 2:8-11 - KJV