John 15:23 “He who hates me hates my Father as well.”

We are generally much more familiar with positive expressions of this truth, but this negative statement is equally important. It is very interesting to see how some people are willing to allow public prayer, just so long as it isn’t “In Jesus’ Name.” Various other ways of referring to Deity could mean any god at all, but there’s no mistaking the Name of Jesus! This verse is all the more reason why Christians shouldn’t back down from using the Name of Jesus Christ appropriately. After all, Jesus also said that if we’re ashamed of Him, He’ll be ashamed of us. (Mark 8:38) We need to remember that it’s impossible to obey God without obeying Jesus, and our obedience is a clear indicator of our love for both Father and Son. (John 14:23, 31)

It’s recorded that as a small child I said, “I really love you, Mommy, but I don’t love you nearly as much as I love Jesus.” That’s impressive and touching from a small child, but love is indeed much more than words. I shudder to think of all the disobedience I have shown toward the Lord over the years. As the chorus says, “I love Thee, I love Thee, and that Thou dost know, but how much I love Thee my actions will show.” I certainly don’t want to be found to have hated Jesus because of my disobedience.

Father, thank You for the opportunity to attend this conference, and for the chance I’ll have to give a testimony in tonight’s session. I pray that my every interaction, my every word and gesture, would point people to You. Thank You for my largely sleepless night, and the headache that triggered it, as an opportunity to trust You more. Thank You that I was able to participate in the outdoor sunrise prayer meeting, and that my head actually hurt less during it. Thank You that Your grace is all ways sufficient, whether the difficulty is physical, emotional, or spiritual. Help me rest, relax, and rejoice in that grace throughout today, for Your glory. Thank You. Praise God!