The name of Jesus represents the love of God, and in His name we love. Apart from His name, we could have never received His love, even though God freely gave it. If a person rejects Jesus, he also rejects the love of God. Jesus represents the Father. Jesus Himself said, “He that has seen Me, has seen the Father” (John 14:9) Furthermore He said, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but by Me”(John 14:6). The Father revealed His love to us through His Son. He also gave us the Name above all names. Because of love, we have His name, and through His name we have the Father’s love.

God is love. Because that is His nature, it is also the nature of the Name of Jesus.

When we bless others in His name, we are extending His love to them.

A name represents its owner. That representation gives authority to others to do the things as if the person himself were doing them. However, that authority it limited to specific things. For example, when a person signs his name on a Proxy, he is giving someone permission to act on his behalf. The action is limited to the specifics of the Proxy. Acting beyond its intended purpose is illegal. That being said, our authority is limited to the will and character of the Father. Understand that when we claim or invoke the name of Jesus, we are representing Him.

[bctt tweet=”Anything we do outside of love is an illegal use of His Name!” #Jesus]

Every principle of the Kingdom operates by love. Jesus underscored that truth in John 3:16, “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have eternal life.” If we are to represent His name well, we need to love others well. If the actions of God are the result of His love, then our actions should correspond to His as well.

For those of you who may question the Father’s love: do you have authority in the name of Jesus? Shouldn’t that tell you something? God freely gives good and perfect gifts . If anything obligates Him, it’s His love. You might say His word obligates Him to act; however, He gave His word out of love. Remember He is love, and so is His name. For His name represents Him. Think about it!

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Another requirement alluded to in part one was desire. That is to say, in order to grasp the things of God we have to be willing to know and receive them. For some, the trouble with understanding spiritual matters calls for a change in their thinking and lifestyle. This is called repentance, and frankly, the reason some do not grasp the things of God is that they do not want to repent. They like the status quo regardless of the consequences. Similarly, people like things in neat little packages, which means that truth can really mess with their theology. Understanding Godly principles requires a willingness to let go of false reasoning, also known as “strongholds” (see 2Corinthians 10:3-5). Please keep in mind that we are accountable by God for what we know; however, we must realize that we may also be accountable for what we do not know. “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee . . .” (Hosea 4:6, KJV). It is one thing to be ignorant, but it is entirely different to be willingly ignorant. The former may be a defense, while the latter may have dire consequences.

A very helpful thing to grasping the things of God is studying the Bible for ourselves, as the Holy Spirit leads. While the Lord has given us teachers, it is always good to study what we are taught by others. Never take anyone’s word for it, no matter how well respected he may be. We need to be as the Bereans were in the days of the Apostle Paul: “These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so” (Acts 17:11, KJV). They did not study to disprove Paul, which genders to unbelief, nor did they try to prove him correct. They simply sought the truth, and received it. The more we seek and receive the truth, the more we will be given.

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But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned (emphases added, 1Corinthians 2:9-14, KJV).

One of the steps to grasping the things of God is knowing that they are beyond natural reasoning, therefore, they require the Holy Spirit to understand them. Thus it is written, “The things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God.” This leads to a second step in grasping the things of God, having a right relationship with God through Jesus Christ. This is an act of faith, not an act of the intellect. Romans 10:9-13 says,

“That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.”

Notice that the Scripture says that if we believe with our heart; it does not say with the “mind.” Entering into a right relationship with God requires faith that is rooted in the heart, as it is written in Ephesians 2:8-9, “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast” (KJV). John 1:12 says, “But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name” (KJV). As we enter into that relationship with the Father through Jesus Christ, He in turn gives us the Holy Spirit Who teaches us all things. When we have the Spirit, 1Corinthians 2:14 can apply: “For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ” (KJV). In essence, we need the mind of Christ to grasp the things of God. This is accomplished by receiving the Holy Spirit, and by allowing Him to instruct us.

God is very faithful. To those who are not sure if there even is God, ask Him to reveal Himself to you. If you are sincere, He will reveal Himself. To those who already have that relationship, yet struggle with understanding the things of God, begin with deepening that relationship. This means spending time with the Father, and sitting at the feet of Jesus. Ask Him to open your understanding as you open up the Bible. He reveals spiritual matters to those who really want to know them.

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Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths (KJV).

We cannot define people, things, or circumstances from our limited point of view.  True definition has to be given from above, for it requires purity found in a Most Holy, Omniscient (All-Knowing) God.  We cannot define ourselves because we do not know enough about ourselves to bring definition.  In fact, we do not know ourselves as well as we think.  We cannot define who we will be because we do not know the ending from the beginning.  We have to allow the One Who knows all to define who we will be.  Our job is to believe and receive what He reveals to us.

Not every circumstance we find ourselves in is what it appears to be at face value.  We do not know the purpose, plan, and workings behind the scenes.  We do not see the ending, and we really do not know the length of its duration until it is complete.  Even then, its completion date may still be unknown, unless it is revealed from on High.  Our job is to trust, and know we are not alone.  Everything is in the hand of the Father, ready to be revealed in the proper time.

If we attempt to bring definition in our own limited capacity, we will limit God in every area of our life.  It is time that we trust in the Lord and stop leaning on our own understanding, and in all our ways acknowledge Him!

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There are times when believers have a difficult time hearing God’s voice, especially when they are first learning how to listen.  Sometimes they will ask, “Why is it taking me so long to hear His voice?”  One thing to remember is that God does practice what He preaches, so to speak.  Anything He asks of us to do, He already does Himself.  That means when He says, “Be swift to hear,” He’s already listening before we begin to speak.  He is the Best Listener there is; in fact, He listens so well that He knows what we are going to say before we say it .  Sometimes people are so concerned with what they are going to say that they fail to listen.  Some believe that by talking a lot they are going to get His attention, as if they can earn it.  We already have His attention if we have a relationship with Him through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Jesus Himself said, “But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking” (Matthew 6:7, KJV).  Coming unto Him does not necessarily mean we have to say very much, but we would be well served if we are prepared to listen.   If we want to shorten the time it takes to hear God’s voice, perhaps a first step is being quick to listen, which means, we want to prepare our hearts to listen before we even begin.

Agendas are a very funny thing.  When people have their own agenda, they are usually less apt to listen to what someone else has to say.    This also pertains to our relationship with the Father.  When we have our own agenda, we may not be as sensitive to hear what is on His heart, especially if what He has to say does not coincide with our agenda.  Jesus also said that when we pray we are to include, “Thy will be done in earth as it is heaven.”  This means that we want to see if our agenda coincides with His will as we seek Him out.    Another step in hearing His voice is to put away our agendas until the proper time.

This next one is a big one: not being willing to listen to what He has to say.  The Bible tells us that the things recorded in Scripture are also written for our  examples.  One of those examples that can be found in Ezekiel 12:2: “Son of man, thou dwellest in the midst of a rebellious house, which have eyes to see, and see not; they have ears to hear, and hear not: for they are a rebellious house” (KJV).  Even though God had spoke to the children of Israel numerous times by His prophets, they could not hear what He had to say because they were stubborn -they simply would not listen, so they could not hear.  If one is refusing to listen to what He has to say, he will not hear His voice unless he repents. If you happen to be one who refuses to listen to what God has to say to you, the question is: “Why?”  Could it be that you are afraid of what He has to say?  For some, this is a trust issue.  In some cases, they simply don’t want to be asked to do something they don’t want to do.  Agendas are a funny thing!

Still another reason believers have a hard time hearing is that they are looking for instruction instead of a relationship.  They simply want the Lord to tell them what do next.  Interestingly,  some already have been given instructions, but have failed to follow through with what was given.  Maybe if they complete the first set of instructions, another set will be forth coming.  But this is a digression.  People confuse activity with relationship when it comes to God.  The reality is that instructions should flow out of the relationship.  Seek Him first; not instruction, then His voice will be heard.

Some think that waiting long periods of time to hear the voice of God makes one spiritual. Granted, there are times when people have had to press in for a season, but sometimes that is the result of getting rid of the distractions of the mind, or perhaps heart issues.   What we do does not make us spiritual; what we do is the result of being spiritual.  If a person enters in with the mind-set that they have to wait a long period of time to hear His voice, chances are it will be.  Similar to what Jesus said, “As your faith is, so be it unto you.”  Another key to hearing His voice is not putting a time element to it.  Let His voice come in His timing.  You might be surprised how quickly you are able to hear.

One final reason to be offered up is unbelief.  Some don’t believe they can hear His voice, even though Scripture makes it clear that the Father has made the provision by His grace.  Grace is the ability to do the things of God, without it would we could not be saved.  Please understand that there’s a vast difference between refusing to believe and not being sure.  Some have been taught not to believe they can hear His voice by well-meaning Christians.  Others have had influences that are not conducive to belief, which include close family members and friends.  For those who have a hard time with this concept, ask the Lord to reveal the truth, and search the Scriptures to see if it be so.  Let the Holy Spirit guide you.

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One might ask, “How do I know I really love Him?”  “How do I know I really repented?”  To begin with, if you did not love God, the question would never come to mind.  You could care less about whether you hurt Him or blew it.  Granted, some may be motivated by the fear of hell and the lake of fire, but that is not the issue here.  Question: when you blew it, did you feel grief or terror?  If you felt grief, love was your motivation.  Think about this, “There is no fear in love: but perfect love casts out: because fear hath torment” (1John 4:18, KJV).  Those who refuse to repent have had their conscience seared with a hot iron.  They don’t love God, and it is impossible to renew them in such a condition.  Second question: Are you still actively seeking to sin or are you going the opposite direction?  If one does not resist sin, that is when it is time to take a personal inventory.

If we blow it, we turn away from our sin and run into the Father’s arms.  We learn from it, and move on.  If we want to make up for it, we have to do it on the Father’s terms: repent, receive His forgiveness, give it no more consideration, and be made whole.  We need to deny ourselves, pick up our cross, and follow Jesus.  We deny the self the right to have a “pity-party.”  Remember this simple principle found in Galatians 5:16, “This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh” (KJV).

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Psalm 91:1 He that dwelleth in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.

The secret place is an intimate place and the safe place to dwell.  It is the place of the greatest protection, it is a place for the weary and the strong alike.  It is where one goes to gain strength and where one maintains strength.  The secret place of the Most High is the secret place of strength.

It is in the secret place that God reveals His secrets to those who choose to dwell there.  The secrets of God are for those who will humble themselves and enter into His presence whereby they are able to come to the place of intimacy.  The mysteries are for those who love Him enough to spend time with Him.  They are not for those who do not care for Him or the things of God.  He will not throw pearls to the swine.  The mysteries are revealed to the faithful who love Him.

The Father protects those who dwell in the secret place of the Most High, for they are truly abiding under the shadow of the Almighty -His covering.  While He exposes our hearts to us in the secret place, His shadow protects us from being exposed to others.  Humility and obedience is key here.  This is for those who do not try to hide their sin and disobedience; it is for those who repent and seek His face.  Those who choose to go on sinning will be exposed to others -their sin will find them out.  To those who seek God out and seek to know and walk in His ways will be protected.  People will not “know our stuff,” unless we tell them.  Our struggles are kept secret.  Exposure is not exempt from our lives in the secret place; it varies in degrees according to the hardness or softness of our hearts.  If we remain soft before Him, the Father will keep the exposure between Him and us.  If we become hardened, He may allow us to be exposed to others.  In fact, He may send others to warn us of our folly.  After all, if we choose to become hardened and refuse to remain humble, we will exit the secret place by default.  Keep in mind that the Father will go to great lengths to keep us in the right place.  Where we dwell is up to us, God did His part so that we may choose -the decision is ours.  Exposure is an act of love.

As we abide under the shadow of the Almighty, the Father also protects our hearts.  While our hearts are vulnerable to Him in the secret place, they are not vulnerable to those on the outside.  While in the secret place, He heals our vulnerable hearts, while keeping others from hurting us.  This does not mean we keep ourselves from being vulnerable to others, it means they will not be able to affect us as they once were able.  In the secret place, we are not concerned with what others may think, we are centered on the Father’s thoughts.  The shadow protects us from the fear of man, while the secret place keeps us in the fear of the Lord -not in the sense of terror; rather, it keeps us from the terror of God.  The secret place of the Most High is a place of trust; thus, a place of safety.  If we trust the Father, we will feel safe with Him as well.