Welcome to another day the Lord has made that we should rejoice and be glad in. (Psalms 118:24)

Today, let’s access the power of prayer

Today’s scripture, John 14:12‭-‬14 (NLT), testifies…
“I tell you the truth, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father. You can ask for anything in my name, and I will do it, so that the Son can bring glory to the Father. Yes, ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it!

Consider…
There’s a hymn I grew up singing, that gave me the courage to face whatever giant that was in my way. The lyrics say…

In the name of Jesus, in the name of Jesus,
we have the victory.
In the name of Jesus, in the name of Jesus,
Satan, you have to flee.
Oh, what can ever stand before us
when we call on that great name?
Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus,
we have the victory.

Imagine witnessing Jesus…

• Give sight to the blind
• Make the lame leap
• Feed 5000+ with 2 fish and 5 loves
• Stop storms with a simple command, “peace be still”
• Cast out demons
• Heal the chronically sick with one touch of His hem
• Raise the dead

Now imagine Jesus telling you that you ain’t seen nothing yet (paraphrasing). The Way maker, Miracle worker, Promise keeper, told His disciples that they would do even greater works. 🤯

That’s an awesome promise! Yet, it could be misunderstood if a person failed to read the explanation that followed.

Jesus said…
anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, BECAUSE I AM GOING TO BE WITH THE FATHER.

Jesus expounded on the importance of His leaving in John 16:7 (AMP)…
But I tell you the truth, it is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper (Comforter, Advocate, Intercessor—Counselor, Strengthener, Standby) will not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him (the Holy Spirit) to you [to be in close fellowship with you].

Jesus leaving meant rather than having to find Him physically to access His wonder working power, we now would have access spiritually because the Holy Spirit lives in us.

Something just crossed my mind. Remember the woman with the issue of blood that was instantly healed when she touched the hem of Jesus’ garment? (Matthew 9:20-22). Well, Galatians 3:26‭-‬27 (AMP) says…
For you [who are born-again have been reborn from above—spiritually transformed, renewed, sanctified and] are all children of God [set apart for His purpose with full rights and privileges] through faith in Christ Jesus. For all of you who were baptized into Christ [into a spiritual union with the Christ, the Anointed] have clothed yourselves with Christ [that is, you have taken on His characteristics and values].

Notice Paul affirms we have full rights and privileges through faith in Christ! But what hit me is, that if we’re clothed in Christ, we’re just making the hem of His garment available to everyone that we encounter? 🤯

That means it’s not only about Jesus’ power in us, but it’s more about His power being released through us to those in need of a healing touch from Him.

With power, and privilege, comes responsibility.

Resuming our knowledge transfer from the Holy Spirit, we see that the access to Jesus’ power is simple physics. While Jesus walked the earth physically, His power was limited to those in His presence. When He returned to His Omnipresence, our faith became the only limitation to accessing His power.

Okay, if we have Jesus’ power living in us, why do we have to use His name?

Well, you have power running through your home, but it’s not realized until you turn on the light switch to activate it where you are. Or if you have a car, the battery is full of power, but it can’t help you until you put the key in the ignition and switch it to on. That turn of the key or flip of the light switch, sends a message to the power to release and engage. In the same way, when we use the name of Jesus, we send God the Father a message to release and engage earth, with His Son-given power.

In Matthew 28:18 (AMP), we read a very important declaration, that is key to the power of prayer. The verse reads…
Jesus came up and said to them, “All authority (all power of absolute rule) in heaven and on earth has been given to Me.

Here’s the bottom line, Jesus has the power. So asking in His name is simply asking Him to release His power. Notice in today’s verse, Jesus said, “You can ask for anything in my name, and I will do it”.

Trying to do things without the name of Jesus, is like trying to hotwire a car or steal someone else’s power. It’s illegal and illegitimate. It’s also dangerous, because it’s improper use can result in dire consequences. I submit this cautionary tale from Acts of the Apostles 19:13‭-‬16 (NLT)…
A group of Jews was traveling from town to town casting out evil spirits. They tried to use the name of the Lord Jesus in their incantation, saying, “I command you in the name of Jesus, whom Paul preaches, to come out!” Seven sons of Sceva, a leading priest, were doing this. But one time when they tried it, the evil spirit replied, “I know Jesus, and I know Paul, but who are you?” Then the man with the evil spirit leaped on them, overpowered them, and attacked them with such violence that they fled from the house, naked and battered.

The Holy Spirit is admonishing us not to use the name of Jesus we’ve heard about, but the one we know and love personally. His power and authority are released to those who know Him for themselves.

So today, access the miracle working power of Jesus, by trusting in, and using His name.

Today’s song is….
There’s Power In The Name Of Jesus

Blessings 4HG (1 Corinthians 10:31)