A few weeks ago the Lord started impressing on me the importance of the name of Jesus Christ. Have you gone through something similar where God starts putting the same point or doctrine in front of you from various different sources? It’s a sign that He wants you to pay close attention to something.
There was some background leading up to this. I’ve discussed at length for many months that we’re in a significant spiritual war right now and so I had already been thinking more about spiritual warfare. I shared Michael Knowles and the Very Rev. Daniel Reehil Discussion back in late March. I had also been thinking about a video Shelly had done about Shadow Men, “Ghosts,” and Demonic Activity: My Personal Experiences. In particular, in that video she mentioned that these things all happened to her and her family before she was a Christian. After she became a Christian (as an adult), it all stopped.
I believe God has been impressing on me just recently that the name of Jesus Christ is part of the weaponry God the Father gives us in this war.
The big change started when I was doing some reading about the new Christian movie Nefarious. I won’t get into all the details, but one of the reviews I watched by a self-described non-Christian mentioned how the demon in the movie called Jesus Christ “the carpenter” and would not use His name. I’ve heard this fact before in other contexts, but this time the Lord impressed upon me the importance of using the name of Jesus Christ out loud more regularly.
So a few weeks ago I started doing some things differently in our home. We always have a peaceful home. The television is almost never on. If we play music, it tends to me quiet or classical music. Usually the music has no words, even if it is Christian. I thought about how even though it is peaceful music or might even be Christian music, there is no proclamation of the name of Jesus Christ.
So I started singing out loud songs specifically that name Jesus Christ such as:
Praise the name of Jesus Christ
Praise the name of Jesus Christ
He’s our Rock. He’s our Fortress.
He’s our Deliverer. In Him we will trust.
Praise the name of Jesus Christ
I started praying out loud in my home that this family belongs to Jesus Christ. This house belongs to Jesus Christ. Each person in this home belongs to Jesus Christ.
When we did the kitchen rearrangement last week, we moved the under-the-counter radio/CD player to my zone. We rarely turn the radio on, but I felt led to start using it. I had David program in a few stations for me. Specifically I asked him to put on there the station that plays very traditional Christian music and has lots of sermons. I started turning it on whenever I was in the kitchen. Even if was just for a few minutes, I turned it on and listened to the name of Jesus Christ being broadcast into our home whether through music that specifically names him or Scripture being read aloud.
I didn’t mention what I was doing to David or Caroline. I simply did it.
Within 48 hours of singing and praying out loud there was a noticeable change in our home. I can’t fully describe it other than to say the entire home felt more peaceful. Each of us was more peaceful. We were sleeping better. It continues to be noticeable.
I shared this experience with a friend Thursday evening and Friday I was led by the Lord to a particular video that popped up in my YouTube feed. I wrote about it in a post called What Is The Biblical Response To Aliens, Demons, and UFOs? What does that have to do with the name of Jesus Christ? A great deal as they discussed the power of the name of Jesus Christ in part of that video. It was yet another confirmation I was on the right track.
This morning I was making breakfast and I turned on the radio. A sermon was on and I almost turned it off. In fact, I did turn it off. But something told me to turn it back on. In retrospect, I’m sure it was the Holy Spirit.
The sermon had already started. I could tell it was older and fairly quickly I determined it was probably from Chicago so probably Moody Church. However, I didn’t immediately recognize the voice because I haven’t listened to sermons from the past in a long time. At the end, I found out it was Moody Church and it was Warren Wiersbe preaching. I laughed out loud. It made sense that the Lord would use Warren Wiersbe to reach me again.
What was the sermon about? Wiersbe was preaching about the power of the name of Jesus Christ. I missed the first few minutes, but what I heard was more than enough. His four points were that the name of Jesus Christ is:
- Effective – The name of Jesus gets things done, including restoring a man’s sight.
- Exalted – It is the name above all names. There is no one on earth we can know with a greater name.
- Exclusive – There is no other name given for salvation. Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life.
- Exciting – Those who know Jesus are excited to share Him.
Wiersbe probably gave this sermon in the early 1970s, around the time I started kindergarten. God used it today when I am well into my fifties. That alone is something to ponder in terms of how God will keep using us over and over again.
If you are struggling to find peace in your home, I hope this gives you something to think about. We’re in the midst of an epic spiritual battle. God has given us tools. In addition to the tools I’ll include below, our Heavenly Father has given us the name of Jesus Christ. There is power in the name. Use it. Fill your home with it. If Jesus Christ is your Savior, He is there for you and your loved ones.
Ephesians 6:10-20
Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints— and for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Through old sermons and his Biblical commentaries, the Lord has used Warren Wiersbe to help me understand many biblical truths. He is one of my favorite pastors.
The name of Jesus is powerful, and I agree that there is something even more profound when speaking it aloud. When I am fearful and scared, I pray aloud. When I feel desperate about urgent needs, I pray and call on the name of the Lord aloud.
The out loud part changes things. I’m not sure why, but I know it does. ❤
Hi Lauren,
The minions of darkness have abilities but they don’t have the ability to read our mind. I think that’s at least part of the reason why speaking the name of Jesus Christ out loud is so powerful. It shows that we are submitted to his authority and the enemy knows they must.
Sallie
Hi Sallie, Great story. We have long known the power of prayer. The strength of the Messiah’s name. The power of God. Recently our oldest son, a weapons specialist aboard the missle frigate HMCS Montreal, was on their way to war games with the U.S. navy in the South China Sea when in the Red Sea, was retasked to Sudan. The Canadian naval authorities did not tell us ( or other families) the status of the ship. We have zero faith in Trudeau or his government’s ability to make intelligent decisions when Canadian lives are threatened. A notorious coward he would order the most ridiculous orders to the military despite the most vociferous opposition. As predicted, the U.S., Germany, Britain…had pulled out all their people long before the Canadians. For nearly a week and a half we were in the dark as to the status of the Montreal or the crew. We prayed and prayed for the saftey of our son and the crew of the Montreal and the 300 troops Trudeau sent to Khartoum. It was a very trying time. But Jesus answered our prayers and we heard that the mission had been cleared and the ship was again on it’s way to the Orient. We were so thankful and grateful to God for his mercy and protecting our son and his mates. Prayer works…Jesus IS listening…God is a living God and his people will not be lost.
Hi Thomas,
“God is a living God and his people will not be lost.”
AMEN!
Sallie
I love this! Thank you for sharing. Years ago, my husband read a book on spiritual warfare. The author discussed the importance of proclaiming the name of Jesus out loud for the enemy to flee. Since that time, he has led us our family when we pray, to pray out loud, “In the MIGHTY NAME OF JESUS CHRIST”. It is the all-powerful name! Thank you for the reminder to do this, especially in our homes!
Hi Amy,
I really like that: “In the MIGHTY NAME OF JESUS CHRIST.”
It’s strange how we know things from different times in our life, but then forget or fall out of the habit. Sometimes the Lord sends us a good reminder when we need it!
Sallie
This is really good! I love this! Praying in the name of JESUS CHRIST is powerful. It is JESUS CHRIST that keeps the enemy away as HIS NAME the enemy hates. Prayer does work and has power. Jesus does answer. Not always in the way we would like, but He does. His Holy Spirit truly guides us. We have a clear spiritual battle we are fighting, and it seems to be stronger and more blatant. I don’t know what I would do without Jesus Christ in my life in these difficult days.
I have kept the radio on to a Christian station for years where the preaching and music both focus on Jesus Christ. They have prayer times as well on the particular station I listen to in my state. It is on the AM dial, so it is interesting that the gov’t wants to have the AM dial removed and in vehicles as well. Geez, I wonder why?? Absolutely ridiculous.
It is clear that Christians will face more persecution in the coming days. So important to know Jesus and be strong in what you believe and your faith. I so appreciate you sharing this!
Hi Kris,
I heard that about going after the AM stations. What next?
Crazy.
Sallie
I appreciate you sharing this Sallie. We’ve been learning more about spiritual warfare over the last year, and this really makes sense to me!
Hi Deanna,
You’re welcome! This is such a time of spiritual warfare. I know from your Friday posts that you are well-informed.
Sallie
Sallie,
I want to thank you for this! I read it early this morning, and it was a great help to me. Last week our family faced so many different strange situations that were really wearing me down. By the end of the week, I felt strongly that there was a spiritual battle going on. This morning after I read your post, it gave me clarity and helped simplify some things in my mind. I came outside on the back porch and began to pray and sing. I knew that the Lord had sent this to me. Then my husband and I went to the mall to the Belk store to return some items; it is very rare that we go to the mall, but we had to return some items purchased online. I was waiting for someone to help us, and thinking about what you had written and this verse that I had looked up: Romans 16:20 — “And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.” I had looked up verses that had the name of Jesus in them, and this one stood out to me. While I was thinking about it, I began to hear piano playing. In our Belk store, there is a grand piano and sometimes when we’re in there, there is a man playing. As I listened carefully to what was being played and realized it was familiar, I began to sing the words and realized it was this song:
“What a beautiful Name it is
What a beautiful Name it is
The Name of Jesus Christ my King
What a beautiful Name it is
Nothing compares to this
What a beautiful Name it is
The Name of Jesus”
I know this song from this group: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EicjZn7Zgh8
After he finished playing that song, he began to play
“Jesus, Jesus, Jesus; there’s just something about that name.
Master, Savior, Jesus, like the fragrance after the rain;
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, let all Heaven and earth proclaim
Kings and kingdoms will all pass away,
But there’s something about that name.”
I just stood there knowing that God did that for me to help me continue to focus on Jesus. I really appreciate you sharing.
Y’all might enjoy music by this guy https://beneversonmusic.com.
He does a lot of peaceful songs that are multiple parts that he sings and some things with his family.
Karen,
That’s amazing. Thank you so much for sharing this. It brought a tear to my eye when I read it.
Sallie
I looked up the information for the radio station I referenced because someone wrote and asked. It’s apparently part of a network of stations. I’m listening to WYHA in Grand Rapids, but here is a list of them.
Standard disclaimer: I’m not recommending everything they broadcast or play. But it’s a Christ-honoring alternative to so much of the compromise that is out there today.
https://bbn1.bbnradio.org/english/stations-list/
At this time our world is especially beset with demonic, satanic movements. I have even heard some writers call our age not the post-Christian era, but the anti-Christian era. In all of this turmoil, your website has been especially encouraging and refreshing, especially the Scripture that you post. I am deeply grateful.
Jesus, Name Above All Names reminds me of this favorite hymn. My tradition is a cappella music, and this man does a beautiful job of one of my favorite songs. ♫
https://youtu.be/ZxMmj7pdIjM?si=hxZZhffUpevRQ7Q4
I love this post. (I appreciate your posts always!) Thank you for sharing and putting your thoughts, your words, and your spirit out there. It gives me more strength and courage to continue to “be strong and courageous” and to not be afraid.
in harmony ♫
C a r r i e ♪