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The Name of Jesus is a Perfect Gift

Tuesday, December 16

James 1:17 (NIV)

“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.”

Devotion

Gifts we give each other are often good and loving expressions of the Holy Spirit moving in our hearts, but rarely are gifts truly perfect. In contrast, the name of Jesus—spoken, sung, prayed, or cried out on behalf of others—is a perfect gift, because it comes from the Father as living water to us, in us, and through us, and has lost none of its power since the Father gave it to Jesus.

Jesus prayed, “Holy Father, save them by the power of your name, the name you gave me” (John 17:11). God the Father gave God the Son the name Jesus, which means “Yahweh saves,” and thus includes the name Yahweh, which God revealed to Moses in the account of the burning bush, and which Jesus refers to in the many “I AM” statements during his earthly life, including “I AM the bread of life” and “Before Abraham was, I AM.”

So, in this season of giving, let us not keep the name of Jesus to ourselves. The name of Jesus is a good and perfect gift from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights. The name of Jesus does not change like the shifting shadows, but is the same yesterday, today, and forever. How are you going to declare the birth, death, and resurrection of Jesus this season?

Today's Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father,

I confess that I have often been slow to speak the name of Jesus. I’ve been too slow in speech, in prayer, in prophecy, in singing, in crying out, and in proclamation. And yet, the name of Jesus is a perfect gift, because it is Your gift to me, in me, and through me. Father, speak the name of Jesus over me again, and empower and embolden me to speak the name of Jesus over those in my life and those to whom I am sent. In the Name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.

Apply It Today

This week, pray the name of Jesus in a specific situation where hope feels thin, fear feels loud, or answers seem delayed. When given an opportunity to offer only advice, sympathy, or silence, choose instead to declare, “In the name of Jesus.” Let this season mark a shift from quiet belief to bold declaration, trusting that the perfect gift you release carries the unchanging power of the Father into every heart it touches.

Resources
  • The name of Jesus carries power! Watch this short clip “Speak the Name of Jesus” and let it encourage you to boldly proclaim His name today.
  • The world doesn’t need quieter believers, it needs rooted, equipped disciples. Our School of Discipleship will help you grow in faith, deepen your understanding of God’s Word, and empower you to boldly proclaim the name of Jesus with confidence and love. Enroll Today.