And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus,
giving thanks through him to God the Father.
– Colossians 3:17

Game planning is not the same for every opponent. Somewhere on every coach’s schedule is a team that is not only talented, but also has the reputation for being good over a long period of time. In Major League baseball it could be the New York Yankees or Los Angeles Dodgers. In the NBA, everyone still wants to beat the Los Angeles Lakers and Boston Celtics. Beating Alabama in college football or Connecticut in women’s college basketball would look good on any team’s resume. Not only do we have to get our players ready to play against the competition, we must prepare them to take on the reputation of the name itself. Just hearing the name Yankees, Celtics, Crimson Tide and Huskies can strike fear in an opponent’s heart.

The name Jesus commands attention too! We struggle daily with difficult decisions. We are in constant battle over right and wrong. When making these decisions, we should ask ourselves, “Can I do this in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ?” Would this glorify Him? Would I want to be doing this when Jesus comes back again? These decisions could apply to the words we speak or the actions we take. To say we are doing something in the name of Jesus is powerful stuff! We had better be sure we mean it before we bring our Lord and Savior’s name into the picture. There is no name more powerful and no name Satan fears more than that of Jesus! We have taken a major step toward obedience when we learn to do everything for the glory of His name.

Heavenly Father, I want to live for You, but I am weak. Help me understand that You are always there for me when I call Your name. Use me Lord and I will give You the glory. Amen