Have you ever known someone that was always getting FREE stuff given to them? My husband, Joe, was always coming home with FREE sports tickets, Milk, vegetables, etc. You name it, he would bring it home saying that someone had given it to him! One morning after he had run up to the local Gas station/food-mart, which I frequented on a daily basis, to get a gallon of milk, he returned saying they had given it to him FREE. I asked “How come you always get FREE stuff?” He said in a very nonchalant manor . . . “Because I’m Nice!” To which I replied, (in a not so nonchalant tone), “I’m Nice too!” He said “No, you’re not!” When I argued that I was nice, but obviously not enough to get anything FREE . . Joe asked me what the Cashier’s name was. I hesitated, then claimed I have no idea, I mean who knows what her name is, I just go to get gas and milk. You see, just because you are not mean to someone does Not mean that you are Nice to them!  Being Nice is Intentional, Purposeful, and Selfless not Selfishly getting my needs met and then leaving.   THAT was his point!  He then proceeded to tell me her name, how many children she had, and where she was from!

I soon noticed EVERY time Joe and I were at the Bank, Postoffice, Doctor’s Office, Grocery Store, etc. together he would not only ask the person waiting on us what their name was if it wasn’t visible, but go on to thank them by name for the service they provided.  Example:  (to a woman whose name he couldn’t pronounce)  “How do you pronounce your name?  She answered.  He said, that’s a beautiful name!  Thanks so much for your service today!  What I found amazing was the Transformation that happened before my very eyes!  Every time Joe used someone’s name they stood up straighter, smiled brighter, their facial expressions softened, they felt important, their job took on new meaning & importance, and they looked stunned that someone actually took notice of them!  Wow!  All because of the Power of Calling them by their Name!

That’s exactly what Jesus wants to do for us!  He wants to Transform us from the Inside Out, NOT by using our Name, but by us Calling on His!  The Bible tells us in:

• Philippians 2:9-11  Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
• Acts 4:12 And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.
• Jesus said in John 14:14 If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it.
• Proverbs 18:10 The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous man runs into it and is safe.

When we Call on the name of Jesus, WE are Transformed:  We stand up straighter knowing our Confidence to face the day is in Him! We Smile Brighter having a Joy that no one or nothing can take away, because He loves us!  Our facial expressions soften with a Peace that passes All understanding even in the midst of the most difficult circumstances! We know that We are important to God, not because of what we do or who we are, but because of Who He is IN us, and what He did for us on the Cross!  Our lives take on new meaning and importance, because we know that whatever we are called to do, we are doing it as unto the Lord not to men!  And, we Know that God does take notice of us, because He says every hair on our head is numbered. So everything we do is Important to Him, and to His Glory!  The Name of Jesus is Powerful beyond measure to do this and so much more!

I admit that as the days for Joe and I’s “Long Goodbye” approaches, I find myself at a loss for words many times when praying.  I don’t know what to say, pray, ask, or praise for.  My thoughts are muddled, my heart grows weary, and the days of 24/7 care can consume me.  But . . . That is Exactly when I need to Call on His Name!  I don’t have to know what to say, I don’t have to know what to do, I don’t have to know anything except the Power of His Name!  So, I simply Call out His Name, “Jesus”, no matter where I am, or what I’m doing!  And right before my very eyes, I can feel His Transforming Power that makes me stand a little straighter, smile a little brighter, my facial expressions grow softer, because I KNOW that HE sees me, HE hears me, and HE loves me even when I don’t know what to do or say!

There is a song by 7eventh Time Down called “Just Say Jesus” that I Love. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=84LSLk3hfD4 Here’s the lyrics:

Life gets tough and times get hard
And it’s hard to find the truth in all the lies
If you’re tired of wondering why you’re heart isn’t healing
And nothing feels like home cause you’re lost and alone
Just screaming at the sky

When you don’t know what to say
Just say Jesus
There is power in the name
The name of Jesus
If the words won’t come cause you’re too afraid to pray
Just say Jesus

Whisper it now, or shout it out
However it comes out, He hears your cry
Out of nowhere He will come
You gotta believe it
He will rescue you
Just call out to the way, the truth, the life

When you don’t know what to say
Just say Jesus

It is true that there is Power in calling people by name, and I encourage you to try it out for yourself.  My greatest desire is that you may truly Know the Transformational & Saving Power of the Name of Jesus!  Romans 10:13 says  “Whoever shall call upon the Name of the Lord will be saved”.   I challenge you to take Him at His word, and see for yourself the POWER OF HIS NAME!