"In The Name Of Jesus"

What does it mean when we say "in the name of Jesus"?

When we were children, or in some of our earlier experiences with church, we were told to pray in the name of Jesus and God would answer.  We got older and more in tune to the relevancy of our spiritual lives and found out, that this is not always the case.  Many prayers have gone unanswered, with people looking for results because they said the "right words".

In biblical days, a name of someone was what a person stood for; was the substance of their character or their authority.  In general, a name is a word or words used that describes and also distinguishes one entity from another.

Many Christians and followers of Christ think that they are doing something spiritual, but end up doing something religious and superstitious in saying "in the name of Jesus" in prayer.  There is a big difference in just saying "in the name of Jesus", and praying in the name of Jesus.

To pray in the name of Jesus, what we are doing is acting in His authority, in His stead, and according to His command.  When we do anything that is consistent with His desires, we are testifying to the name, nature, power, and substance of God. 

When we say, "in the name of Jesus in prayer", we generally don't mean, "I am praying in the authority and mind of Jesus Christ".  We are primarily just saying, "i'm done", or amen.  It has become the "Christian" exit to prayer.

There is power in praying in the authority of Jesus Christ, by the authority He has given us; that's consistent with His character, desire, and will.

It's like a police officer saying, "stop in the name of the law".  He has that authority given to him.  But take away that authority or when the police officer is off duty, the same saying does not have the same meaning.  Without the mind, power, and authority of Christ, the saying doesn't have the same meaning.

If you are thinking with the mind of Christ, and that is your attitude, it doesn't matter what you say at the end of your prayer, God hears you because of His principles and intent for our lives.

There is a big difference between saying in the name of Jesus, and praying in the name of Jesus.  Let us be mindful to do all things with not only in words, but with the Mind of Jesus Christ.

"Old Man On A Bike"

I know you've seen him.  He's in every city and in every neighborhood.  It's an old man on a bike.

You can tell that he is not trying to save gas, preserve the environment, or get exercise.  It's his main source of transportation.  Sweat in the summer,  wind in the winter, but he's still on that bike.

I have observed this old man on a bike.  He looks tired and unmotivated.  But he is focused on getting wherever he needs to go on that bike.

Sometimes I wonder what he did in his younger years.  Did he have a career, a family, shoot, a car?  I never seen him stop and talk to anybody, but I'm sure he has a story to tell.

One day I'm going to stop him and see if he is willing to talk.  I mean, after all,  how busy could he be?  He's just an old man on a bike.  Your neighborhood has yours and my neighborhood has mine.

They probably had hopes and dreams.  Things they wanted to do or used to do in life.  I wonder if he has kids, or maybe even a wife.

I know there's a lot worse that one could be doing in life.  But when it's all said and done, don't let me be that "old man on a bike".

"My MILF"

Motivation- The driving force that keeps you going.  It can be a quote, thought, or picture.  Find something or someone that reminds you from time to time your purpose and goals you have set to achieve.

Inspiration- That spark of energy, creativity, and passion for something or someone.  It's the feeling of making contact with something that you feel was lost or forgotten, but now found.  Inspiration is purpose, passion, and the thing that brings meaning to it all.  Think about what influences you most and what you love.

Leadership-  The ultimate state of being an individual. Every leader must first be an individual and be willing to stand alone and be first.  Some of the major qualities of leadership are being a visionary,  a person that sees ahead and plans accordingly, and a problem solver.  Look for ways to serve and be a problem solver.

Focus-  Having the discipline to stay on a chosen path.  Focus is single-minded, tunnel vision to keep moving forward despite potential distractions.  Keep your focus simple with a "straight forward" approach.

Got Milf?  Get your mind out of the gutter!