by Lance Thollander

What is the most important thing you have ever been given? Is it your health, your house, an inheritance? What gift have you been given that you treasure more than any other? Could it be a keepsake from a beloved parent, relative or friend?

As I think about what has been given to us as believers in Christ, one of the greatest gifts we have received is the gift of his Name. The enjoyment of that name opens the door of the Heavens to us and offers us more blessing than we can imagine. How does this work?

I will never forget that life-changing evening in Santa Barbara, California, when I intentionally called on the Lord Jesus for the first time. After hearing an older believer in Christ share about the power of calling on the Lord’s name and the beauty of his attendant presence, I was determined to give it a try. I walked out onto the small balcony off our living room, turned my heart as best I knew how in the Lord’s direction, and confessed his name out loud; Jesus, Lord. As I quietly waited, a smile tugged at the corners of my mouth. A lightness made space in my heart. Peace was present. I sensed the nearness of the Lord. I called his name again, Lord, Jesus. My smile deepened.

That was almost 50 years ago. I have been calling on him ever since.