Power in His Name

Devotion

9-1-10

Power in His Name

Psalm 103:1-5

“Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless His holy name.  Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget none of His benefits; who pardons all your iniquities, who heals all your diseases; who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with lovingkindness and compassion; who satisfies your years with good things, so that your youth is renewed like the eagle.”

 

When I read Psalm 103:1-5 I am convinced that it is talking about my life.  Why? Because throughout my life He has left His mark of power that has transformed my life and took me from the pit and gave me wings to soar like an eagle.

 

There is power in the name of Jesus.  Do I tell you this because someone told me it was true or do I tell you this because I KNOW it is true?  Well, I will let you decide the answer.

 

As a 7year old little girl the Lord called my name and I heard His voice.  I asked Jesus to come into my heart and that day, Easter Sunday 1966; my life began a new journey, a journey of faith and transformation.

As a child I was poor, abused, rejected, lonely, and broken in my spirit. My peers didn’t except me, my family was dysfunctional, my clothes were few, my education was lacking, in fact when I graduated I was what I would call, a functioning illiterate, I had no skill other than cheerleading, I cried all the time, went to bed afraid, barrowed money to pay back barrowed money to eat after school.  Though I was an outcast by my peers I felt safer at school than at home.  I have felt worthless, no good, ugly, unloved, shame, guilt and pride. I have worn the mask of happiness when I was really miserable and lonely.  I have tried to hide my pain as if it wasn’t there only to find the pain begin to make me into the very thing that hurt me. I have lied, stolen, coveted, envied, lusted, smoked, been a glutton, self-righteous, judgmental, and fallen into the trap of the world’s temptations.  I have been beaten, lied to, denied, falsely accused, pushed around, stolen from, abandoned and forgotten.  Yet, as I look back over my life I would have to tell you today that I would not change a thing about it.  Why? Because it is through all of this life journey I have been on, all of my weakness, my failures, my pain, my sorrow and my sin that has shown me the power of God in my life and the need for my Savior.

 

Today, though I continue on the journey of growing closer to my Lord and knowing His heart, I can honestly tell you that He has taken all the junk of my past and thrown it away. He has hidden it under His blood.  I am forgiven, healed, protected, provided for, washed clean, righteous, safe, joyful, blessed and free. I now have a true happiness that needs no mask.  I have walked away from the temptations of the world and He continues to give me the power to recognize them and to stay away from them.  He reminds me that He loves me, I am worthy as His child and it doesn’t matter what others may say or do to me, I am chosen by God to be His vessel of hope and joy.  I am called to be His hands and feet to tell others that they too can be free from the pain of their past.  None of us are sinless, but we do have a Savior who takes away our sin, who died for our sinful nature so that we could enter into the gates of heaven and live with Him forever.  Oh yes, there is power in the name of Jesus.  It is His name, His life, His death and resurrection that has taken my life from the pit of despair and given me hope and the wings to soar as the eagle.

 

Take a look back at your life; do you see the power of Jesus actively at work? Have you given Him the chance to show you how much He loves you?  Do you trust Him with your life and the lives of those you love?  Believe me, I tell you the truth, there is great power in the name of Jesus and He wants to make a difference in your life.  He will not change you; He will transform you and make you new.

 

Father, I pray that if there is anyone who is reading this today that has never truly asked Jesus to be their Savior that today will be the day and this moment the moment when they call out to You.  Father, thank You for the power of Your Son, Jesus, and the transforming power He brings to our lives.  I for one know personally what He, You, can do.  I pray that my fellow brothers and sisters will lay everything down before You and see Your mighty hand at work in their own lives and know for themselves that there is power in the name of Jesus.

 

In Jesus name, Amen

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aAPQygrKn5A&feature=youtube_gdata_player