Magic Words! (Video)
Category Archives: life
The Name Of Jesus!
Before you decide to skip this one, please just take a moment, because you might find something worthy here. Even if you do not consider yourself to be a “believer”, if you will just give it a chance with an open heart and mind, I think you will be amazed at the difference the name of Jesus can and will make in your life. I mean, honestly, what do you have to lose by just opening yourself up to something different and new? I’m not talking about religion here, but I am talking about what could be the beginning of a beautiful new relationship…
This past Sunday, I finished preaching a series of messages on Jesus and as I was looking back on my notes for the past month, I could not help but be reminded at what a meaningful, sweet and powerful name the name of Jesus really is. Jesus is the name that is above every name. Jesus is a name that has to be explained by a thousand other names in order for us to truly grasp the depth and width of just how amazing our Savior really is.
9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: 10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; 11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. -Philippians 2:9-11
The name “Jesus” means Savior and that is exactly what Jesus is. Jesus is our Savior. Jesus saves us from our sins, failures and mistakes. Jesus saves us from our past so that we might grow in our present and enjoy our future. Jesus saves us from living a wasted life and enables us to live a life of purpose that brings us blessing and fulfillment.
Jesus helps us to understand the great power that flows through obedience to God’s will and way. Jesus defends us and stands up for us when no one else will. Jesus has no limitations and can do whatever we need Him to do and He loves to perform miracles on our behalf and for God’s glory. Jesus is the beginning and the end and gives meaning to the in between. Jesus has chosen me and so I choose Him. Jesus is writing the story of my life and willing to take an active part in it’s success. Jesus has always watched over me and He watches over me now. Jesus is my food when I am hungry and my drink when I am thirsty. Jesus is my light in the darkness, my Captain through the rough seas, my shepherd leading me beside the still waters. Jesus is the Lord of my life, the King of all kings and the only way that really matters.
There is something about that name. I want to encourage you to think about it, speak it and believe in it, because it is the not so secret source of strength to every challenge you will ever encounter. At the very mention of His name: Every knee shall bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord…
Activate Appreciation!
My word for today is appreciation and it’s one of those words you actually have to think about a little bit. When we think of appreciation, we often think of someone else appreciating us or our appreciating someone else, but appreciation is so much more. Appreciation is an attitude of gratitude, an acknowledgement of action and an admiration of accomplishment.
When we think of the word appreciation, it is usually attached to something that you have done for someone or something that someone has done for you to help make life a little better and/or easier. It really is a beautiful thing and the truth is, we need a lot more of it in our world today. The cold hard reality is that many people that should be appreciated, never are and many that reap appreciation are really getting someone else’s reward. The other sad thing is that many of us have allowed ourselves to become to busy and distracted, which leads to our missing the opportunity to live in the power of appreciation.
As I was thinking of appreciation today, it was not so much from the stand point of wanting it for myself, but to try and make sure that I do better at expressing it, offering it and sharing it with others. In my own life, I have found that appreciation received, motivates me to want to do more and better. I believe this is true for almost any of us. We want to know that what we do matters.
Appreciation Is An Attitude Of Gratitude! It is a small way of saying “thank you”. An expression of appreciation spoken or written is one way of counting our blessings. Taking the time to think about who and what we appreciate helps to fix and shape up our attitude and a good attitude is key to living the blessed life.
Appreciation Is An Acknowledgement Of Action! When we let someone know that we appreciate them or we let others know what we appreciate, then it is an acknowledgement of appreciation for whatever action touched us enough to motivate us to say this is something that matters to me and has made a difference in my life.
Appreciation Is An Admiration Of Accomplishment! Taking the time to in some way express appreciation shows that we admire and value the person or thing we are appreciating. When we admire something, we are giving it value and making it matter even more in the grand scheme of things.
I encourage you to take some time to think about the people, places and things you appreciate and let it be known. You will be amazed at the difference it will make in your life and in the lives of others…
Michael Joe Harvell 