Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.
Joshua 1:9
Joshua 1:9
Last week I was inspired by the song “In Jesus Name (God of Possible)” by Katy Nichole. Even before starting to write this blog, I was listening to the song again. The song had been playing in my mind once again and I found myself at work listening to it over and over. I know when God is speaking and I know He was using it to encourage and remind me where my answers are coming from. As I perused the verses, my attention was drawn, in particular, to the second verse. I speak the name of all authority Declaring blessings, every promise He is faithful to keep I speak the namе no grave could ever hold Hе is greater, He is stronger He's the God of possible. I love all the lyrics for this song but I am choosing to focus on this second verse. It’s a reminder of the authority of Jesus’ name and that He is faithful to keep His promises to us. I am recharged by the reality that death has no power over this name, but in fact this name has power over death. The last line of the verse states: “He’s the God of possible.” We usually declare that He is the God of the impossible because He has proven that He can do those impossible things that we can’t do. As Mark 10:27 puts it, “With men it is impossible but not with God, for with God all things are possible.” I love the twist of this line – He’s the God of possible! For me that speaks volumes. We can’t put God and the word impossible in the same sentence because when anything is put in God’s hands, it changes from being impossible to possible. Impossible is for us because we are mere humans. We don’t have God’s strength and ability. Possible is for God because He is All-powerful and Almighty. I think here of Old Testament stories of the miracles God performed: He parted the Red Sea so that His people could walk through on dry land (Exodus 14:21-22); He made the sun stand still so that His people could have more time to finish fighting and winning the battle against their enemies (Joshua 10:12-13); He won a battle through a man named Gideon and a mere three hundred men against a combined army of thousands (Judges 7). And there are many more stories to tell... I go back once again to the story of the healing of the lame man, who sat at the gate of the temple, Beautiful. After this miracle, Peter and John were arrested because they were teaching and preaching in Jesus the resurrection from the dead. When the priests and the Sadducees could find no good reason to keep them in custody they decided to command them not to speak or teach in the name of Jesus (Acts 4:1-3, 13-18). I don’t know about you, but clearly, Jesus’ name was so powerful and had so much influence that the priests and Sadducees were afraid to even allow it to be spoken. As Peter and John had explained to the people earlier, “And His name, through faith in His name has made this man strong” (Acts 3:16). If the devil can be so afraid of the name of Jesus, we should be even more emboldened to use it fearlessly and confidently. In the name of Jesus we have the power to speak against sickness and disease, and against whatever evil the devil may send our way. After all God is the God of possible! If you have not accepted Jesus Christ into your life as your personal Lord and Saviour, I encourage you to do so now. As I look around at a world filled with hopelessness and despair, we all need a Saviour with a name powerful enough to break strongholds, heal diseases, transform lives, and make the impossible ... possible!
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A few days ago, I discovered a song on YouTube entitled: In Jesus name (God of Possible) performed by Katy Nichole. I had never seen or heard of it before but I honestly felt drawn to it and decided to listen. I was not disappointed. The song is simple and melodious but the lyrics are so on target and potent. The song is basically a prayer but I believe what gives it its potency is the fact that the prayer and declarations are all made in Jesus name ... and that’s where the real power comes from. According to Philippians 2:8-11, because Jesus chose to humble himself and submit to His mission here on earth, God exalted Him and gave Him a name 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.” The name of Jesus is not to be taken lightly or in vain. It is a powerful name through which signs, wonders and miracles can be manifested. Think about it. When Jesus walked the earth as a mere man, His very presence was powerful. He performed miracles that had never been witnessed before. He healed the sick, raised the dead, restored sight to the blind, cast out demons, forgave sins. And, as if that wasn’t enough, He gave power to His disciples to perform the same miracles that He did. His very presence was powerful and after He left this earth, His name continues to be powerful. I recall times in my life, when faced with demonic attacks, the only thing I could muster was the name of Jesus. I didn’t even have the opportunity to say, “the blood of Jesus;” I certainly did not have the chance to say a prayer because all that could come from my lips or be spoken in my mind was one word – JESUS. And that was sufficient. The demonic presence left. Even when faced with challenges with my health, I would sometimes say, “Jesus is Lord” or again simply, “Jesus,” and God would come through for me. I have learned how to war in prayer and I have certainly learned how to war using one name: JESUS. I will insert here the story of the lame man in the New Testament who sat daily begging at the temple called Beautiful (Acts 3:1-8). When he saw Peter and John about to enter the temple he decided to ask them for money. Peter in turn commanded him to look at them. He obeyed expecting to receive something from them. Peter then proceeded to say with confidence: “Silver and gold have I none, but such as I have give I thee. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk.” It was a confident command because Peter was expecting something good to happen because he had leaned on the name of Jesus. He took the man by his right hand and lifted him up and he walked and followed them into the temple leaping and praising God. Peter never spoke in his own name or in the name of John or in the name of any of the other disciples. He spoke in the name of JESUS! He recognized the power in that name and he certainly used it! This reminds me of Katy Nichole’s song. She too is praying for healing, deliverance, restoration in JESUS name: I pray for your healing, that circumstances would change I pray that the fear inside would flee in Jesus name I pray that a breakthrough would happen today I pray miracles over your life in Jesus name In Jesus name I don’t know what you are going through today but the name of JESUS is all the power you will need. Some breakthroughs will happen instantly, others will take time but I have personally used the name of Jesus in some dire circumstances and witnessed Him come through for me time and again. Some of you know exactly what I mean. You too have experienced the power of His name when the only prayer that could come from your lips was, “JESUS” . . . and He came through for you. If you have not accepted Jesus Christ into your life as your personal Lord and Saviour I really encourage you to do so now. With Him in your life and on your side, no matter what comes your way, you need speak only one word – JESUS – and He will come through for you!!! I know I seem to be writing a lot about this over the past few weeks, but I have come to personally discover over the years the importance and power of prayer. As I searched for something to share, I found myself right back at 700 Club videos. I perused the video transcripts and one finally caught my attention. It was the story of a baby born with a defective heart. The rare defect was discovered during a routine pregnancy check at the doctor. The parents, Angie and Jordan, felt immediate discouragement and despair. Their baby, Blair, would require several corrective surgeries at birth just to survive. At eight days old she underwent open heart surgery. It was then that the doctors discovered that pulmonary stenosis had disabled the healthy side of her heart. She would now need a heart transplant. Her parents were devastated but as difficult as it was, they held on to their faith and to prayer like a lifeline. As Angie put it, prayer is their backbone and it was the only thing they could do to help their baby. As I think of a parallel story to add to this, I remember the woman who offered hospitality to the prophet, Elisha, whenever he passed her way (2 Kings 4:8-37). She even encouraged her husband to build a room to further accommodate him whenever he came to their home. As a reward for her kindness, Elisha promised that she would have a child. The promise was realized at the appointed time. When the child became older, he fell ill one day and died. The woman went directly to the man of God seeking help. He prayed earnestly for him and he was restored to life. What I find interesting is the fact that the woman did not simply accept the death of her child. She went straight to the man of God who had given her the promise of a child. It was as if she knew he could help, he could go to God on her behalf and God would do something. Death did not stop her, and along the way, when asked if everything was okay, she responded, “It is well.” Her confidence was in a God who could do the impossible. In fact, as far as she was probably concerned, if God had promised her a child He was well able to take care of him. Where is your hope and confidence today? Yes, it is so easy to be overwhelmed by the reality of the situation. In my own life, various situations at times overwhelm and seem to dim my resolve and my faith. This morning, as I got up to do my devotions, an attack from the enemy came in the form of discouragement and depression that was truly difficult to shake. I remembered certain situations that had taken place, and while I was not wrong in the way I handled it, I felt I could have handled it better. I then spoke words that were a reflection of how I was feeling. I was being honest with God but I felt a certain hesitation to actually speak the words. After a short time, I felt the Holy Spirit saying to me: “Read.” He knew I was overwhelmed and could not pray as I should. I obeyed. I started reading the Bible where I had left off the day before. It was the story of king Saul’s death in battle. A young man tried to take the credit for his death hoping to get a reward from David by falsely declaring that he had in fact killed king Saul. Instead of a reward David had him executed for killing the Lord’s anointed. His words ended up bringing about his own death (2 Samuel 1:1-16)! I got the picture. God wanted me to be careful with what I was speaking over myself. I repented and changed my words. Although I felt the way I did – and there is nothing wrong with honest confession – at that point, God simply wanted me to speak positive words over myself, His words that speak of who I am in Him not who I believe I am. I had chosen to go to God in prayer in the midst of my situation – not to anything or anyone else - and when I did he got me back on track and those negative feelings were lifted. Prayer will always be one of our most powerful weapons. Who are you turning to today in the face of crushing and difficult circumstances? Prayer always points us to God, to the One with just the answer we need. Baby Blair’s parents held on firmly to prayer and the doctors successfully found a heart donor for her. I held on firmly to God and my discouragement and depression were lifted. God answers with exactly what we need when we need it. If you have not made the decision to ask Jesus to come into your life to be your Lord and Saviour, I encourage you to do so now. We all need a God we can turn to in difficult, even impossible times, a God who will give us the strength, support and hope we need. Recently, I have been hearing this song playing over and over again in my mind: “I’ll find you,” by Gospel artist, Lecrae. I heard it on the radio and couldn’t get it out of my mind. I searched for it on YouTube and was really inspired by not just the song but the video for the song. In the video, the focus was on young patients in a hospital suffering with cancer and how they coped with it on a daily basis. I also researched the background behind the song and discovered that the song was inspired by people in Lecrae’s own life who had suffered from and even died of terrible illness. The purpose of the song, as he put it is to inspire hope in the midst of pain. However, the part that grabs my attention is the words, “I’ll find you,” which is also the title of the song. Those words speak volumes to me. I hear those words and I think of the fact that no matter how far my problems may take me, God will always be able to get to me. There is no problem too big, or challenge too impossible that can render my God incapable of reaching me and coming to my rescue. The chorus says: Just fight a little longer my friend It’s all worth it in the end But when you got nobody to turn to Just hold on and I’ll find you... Although the song was an encouragement to those suffering from severe illness and to highlight their struggle, it seems to me an encouragement for us to keep fighting no matter our challenges. It’s a song that encourages us not to give up and that no matter how lonely we may feel at times in our struggle, there is always someone we can lean on. I parallel this to my recent readings on the story of king Saul’s pursuit of David (1 Samuel 18-26). David found himself fleeing his home along with his family as king Saul, in a fit of jealous rage, sought David’s life to kill him. He realized that he had lost the kingdom to this young man and therefore ruthlessly pursued him in an attempt to destroy his life. David, understandably was saddened and confused by his behavior. Many times, he felt alone, yet, he put his trust in his God and God never once gave up on him. Even at his loneliest, he knew he had Someone he could lean on, Someone who could protect him from the attacks against his life. Psalm 139:7-12 speaks about our inability to hide from God. “Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, You are there; if I make my bed in the depths, You are there” (vv. 7-8). It seems as if no matter where we are, no matter how far we may run from God, He is there. He is the One who can “find” us even when no one else can. He can reach us at the point of our need. I am so grateful that many years ago when I was lost in the world through my own wrong choices and decisions, I was never lost to God. Even though I could hide from some, I could not hide from God. I was never lost to him. And I am glad that when He was ready, He called me back to Himself and restored me. He knew exactly where I was and knew exactly how to get my attention to bring me back to Him. As the saying goes, “I was lost but now I’m found.” God found me when I couldn’t even find myself. He is faithful and has promised to never leave me or forsake me. I don’t know how lonely or how lost you may feel today. Maybe sin has driven you far from God or maybe challenges in your finances, health, family, relationships, job, life in general, may have left you feeling lost and alone wondering where God is and if He is even seeing you. But, just a gentle reminder that at the end of the day, no matter how far you may feel at times from God, He is not capable of losing you! He knows exactly where to find you and how to rescue and restore you. It may seem to be taking some time but His timing is always perfect. If you have not accepted Jesus Christ into your life as Lord and Saviour I encourage you to make that step now. You may feel as if you have gone too far for God to reach you but that is simply not true. He is the One person capable of reaching us wherever we are, of finding us no matter how lost we may feel. He loves you and He is there ready and waiting to rescue, heal and restore you. |
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October 2024
AuthorThis blog provides inspirational nuggets inspired by the Word of God and serves to encourage and motivate Christians in their Christian walk. |