What personal steps can you take to deepen reliance on the Lord's name? The Promise of Rescue “ ‘And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.’ ” (Acts 2:21) Peter’s Pentecost message repeats Joel 2:32. The Spirit’s intent is clear: the Lord’s name is the sure place of deliverance, both for eternal salvation and for every moment in between. What It Means to “Call on the Name” • To “call” (Greek: epikaleō) is more than a single cry—it’s a continual appeal, a setting of the heart on Him. • The “name” (onoma) mirrors His very character, promises, and authority. Proverbs 18:10 underscores this: “The name of the LORD is a strong tower.” Relying on the name is relying on the Person. Below are personal steps that deepen that reliance day by day. Step 1: Speak His Name in Daily Praise • Begin and end each day saying aloud who He is: “Jesus, You are Savior, Shepherd, Friend.” • Psalm 34:1—“I will bless the LORD at all times; His praise will always be on my lips.” Praising out loud trains your heart to default to Him, not to circumstance. Step 2: Pray Scripture Aloud • Turn verses into first-person prayers. Example: “Lord, You said, ‘Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.’ I call on Your name today for wisdom and peace.” • Romans 10:13 reiterates Acts 2:21, linking salvation and daily reliance. Let familiar passages anchor fresh trust. Step 3: Replace Fear with Faith Declarations • When anxiety surfaces, counter with the truth of His name: – “Jesus, You are Jehovah-Shalom—my peace” (John 14:27). – “Jesus, You are Jehovah-Jireh—my provider” (Philippians 4:19). • Psalm 20:7 reminds us: “Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God.” State it until your emotions line up. Step 4: Align Your Life with His Character • Colossians 3:17—“Whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus.” • Ask before choices: Does this entertainment, conversation, or purchase fit under His name? Obedience amplifies confidence; compromise undercuts it. Step 5: Engage in Corporate Worship • Acts 4:24 records the early church: “They raised their voices together to God.” Shared calling on His name fuels personal boldness. • Regular fellowship keeps God’s rescue stories fresh in your memory and on your lips. Step 6: Stand Firm in Spiritual Battles • Ephesians 6:10—“Be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power.” Resist the enemy by invoking the authority of Jesus (Luke 10:17). • Speak the name of Jesus over temptations or oppressive thoughts. His name carries the victory of the cross (Colossians 2:15). Step 7: Share His Name Boldly • Acts 5:42 shows the apostles “…proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Christ.” Telling others cements your own reliance; you rehearse the gospel to your own heart while offering it to theirs. • Pray for one opportunity each week to mention what the Lord has done for you. His name spreads, and your trust deepens. Putting It All Together 1. Start and finish every day vocalizing praise to His name. 2. Weave Scripture into prayer, turning promises into personal petitions. 3. Trade every fearful thought for a declaration of who He is. 4. Live choices that comfortably fit under His banner. 5. Gather often with believers who love to exalt that name. 6. Confront spiritual opposition by asserting His authority. 7. Let conversations overflow with testimonies of His rescue. “Therefore God exalted Him to the highest place and gave Him the name above all names, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow…” (Philippians 2:9-10). As you actively weave these steps into daily rhythms, reliance shifts from self to the One whose name never fails. |
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