Category: Encouragement

Then Peter said, “Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk.”
‭‭Acts‬ ‭3‬:‭6‬

In Acts 3, we encounter a powerful demonstration of the power of the name of Jesus. Peter and John encountered a man who had been lame from birth, begging for money at the temple gate called Beautiful. The man looked to them, expecting to receive some assistance, but what he received instead was far greater—a miraculous healing that would forever change his life.

When the name of Jesus was invoked, and the man, who had been crippled for years, was instantaneously healed. He leaped to his feet, praising God, and entered the temple courts with joy and amazement. His life was forever changed by the power of the name of Jesus.

This passage serves as a reminder of the authority and power that resides in the name of Jesus. It is not merely a name but a representation of the person and character of Jesus Christ Himself. In His name, miracles are performed, chains are broken, and lives are transformed.

As followers of Christ, we have been entrusted with the privilege of carrying the name of Jesus wherever we go. We are called to walk in His footsteps, to embody His love and compassion, and to proclaim His gospel to the ends of the earth. And just as Peter and John did, we are called to boldly declare the name of Jesus, knowing that in His name, lives are changed and destinies are altered.

May we never underestimate the power of the name of Jesus. May we have the faith to believe that in His name, mountains can be moved, storms can be calmed, and the impossible can become possible. And may we, like the man who was healed at the temple gate, respond with gratitude and praise for the life-transforming power of Jesus’ name.

Pray

Lord, thank You for allowing me to use Your name, which is above every name. Help me to walk in the authority and power that Your name represents. May I never cease to marvel at the life-transforming power of Your great name. In Jesus’ name, amen.

But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
‭‭I Corinthians‬ ‭15‬:‭57‬

Today’s verse is a cause for celebration and gratitude. It reminds us that our victory is not dependent on our own abilities or efforts but is a gift from God Himself. Through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, we have been freed from the power of sin and death and empowered to live victorious lives.

The victory we have in Christ is multi-faceted. It is victory over sin, as Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross atoned for our sins and reconciled us to God. It is victory over death, as Jesus’ resurrection conquered the grave and secured for us eternal life. It is victory over the forces of darkness, as Jesus’ triumph over Satan and his minions assures us of our ultimate deliverance.

As we go through the challenges of life, we can take comfort in the assurance of God’s victory. No matter what we may face—whether trials, temptations, or tribulations—we can stand firm in the knowledge that God is faithful to bring us through victorious. He is our ever-present help in times of trouble, our refuge and strength, and our mighty fortress.

Let’s offer thanks and praise to God, recognizing Him as the source of our strength and the author of our triumph. And in times of struggle, let us hold fast to the promise of victory in Christ, trusting in His unfailing love and unwavering faithfulness to see us through.

Pray

Lord, thank You for the victory You have provided. Help me to live with confidence and courage, knowing that You are with me and that victory is mine. May I always offer thanks and praise to You, my faithful and victorious God. In Jesus’ name, amen.

And when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. So it was that for a whole year they assembled with the church and taught a great many people. And the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch.
‭‭Acts‬ ‭11‬:‭26‬

In the city of Antioch, a pivotal moment in the history of the early church unfolded—a moment that would forever shape the identity of Christ’s followers. Acts 11:26 recounts the birth of a new designation: “Christians.” This term, signified more than just a label; it represented a profound change in the lives of those who had chosen to follow Jesus Christ.

What is striking about this passage is not just the emergence of a new name but the characteristics it embodies. To be called a Christian was to be identified with Christ—to bear His name and to follow in His footsteps. The disciples in Antioch lived out this identity with conviction and purpose, modeling their lives after the example of their Lord and Savior.

As we reflect on the significance of being called Christians, we are reminded of the call to discipleship—to walk in the footsteps of Jesus, to embody His teachings, and to reflect His love and grace to the world around us. Like the disciples in Antioch, we are called to assemble with the church, to engage in fellowship and worship, and to be actively involved in the work of ministry.

Being called a Christian carries with it a responsibility to bear witness to the power of the gospel. Our lives should be a living testimony to the saving grace of Jesus Christ, drawing others into relationship with Him through our words and actions.

Pray

Lord, thank You for the privilege of bearing Your name. Help me to walk in Your footsteps, to live out Your teachings, and to reflect Your love to the world. May my life be a testament to Your saving grace, drawing others into relationship with You. In Jesus’ name, amen.