WHAT DOES YOUR NAME MEAN? -Daily devotional by Pastor E.A Adeboye

DAY: Friday 8 January


TOPIC: PROMOTING DEITIES?

MEMORIZE: “but ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.” (1 Pet. 2: 9)

READ: Daniel 4: 6-9

King Nebuchadnezzar was at peace and prospering in his palace when trouble struck. For believers, particularly ministers of God, there must be no moment of relaxation – no unguarded hour or else the fellow could be brought down by enemy’s fire. Hence, 1 Thessalonians 5: 15-17 says whenever you are rejoicing or celebrating, prayer must be going on side by side. As you are dedicating that car, house or business, pray. As you rake several souls into God’s kingdom, pray. Whatever feat you perform for God this year, let it be backed up with prayer and vigilance.

Similarly, the king named Daniel Belteshazzar – the name of his idol. By this, he was trying to establish Daniel’s importance to him. As a believer, you must be careful the name you bear, give to your children or call a project or firm you have influence over. When your name is linked with a local deity, you become an advocate of that deity. You will be advertising that idol. In the same vein, the spirit of that deity will have legal grounds to determine the course of your life and activities. For some believers who are not prayerful enough, such names can hinder them from achieving their destiny. Is your name associated with a local deity? Prayerfully rebel against it and have a name change today! You cannot bear a name that promotes a local deity and at the same time safeguard Jesus’ interests.

As a believer, your name should be linked with that of God your Father. Several Bible names such as ‘Elijah’ are names bearing the name of God – Jah (Jehovah).whenever such a name is mentioned, the name of the Lord is being promoted. Can people easily link you with Jesus Christ by the name you are called? King Nebuchadnezzar also said he saw the spirit of the holy gods in Daniel. How? By his lifestyle, conduct and good works. This ungodly king could testify that the Spirit in Daniel was holy and different from the gods he served. No matter how much demons fake holiness or miracles, the difference between them and the spirit of God will always be apparent. According to Acts 4:13, the type of boldness you exude will determine the deity you represent. To what extent does your life and conduct link you with the Lord Jesus Christ?

ACTION POINT: Ask for grace to be a good ambassador of Jesus Christ in all you do and say.