Names are, in fact, a commodity. They have “value” attached to them and can either be “traded” for a favor or used as a “warning.” A name distinguishes one person from another and gives a certain distinctiveness or uniqueness to individuals. Some pay particular attention to their name to make certain that it implies integrity and truth, honesty and hard work, power and influence.

Most of us, from time to time, have been asked by others if they could “use our name” as a reference or as a way of introducing themselves. They assume that our names imply a degree of “significance” for one reason or another.

So, they reason, if they are associated with us in one way or another, it will make a difference in what they want to achieve.

But human names are all limited. They only have worth in certain areas and for a certain amount of time. If people do not know us or have never heard of us, we make no difference in the scheme of things.

There is an unusual statement made about a name in Psalm 148:13b - “His name alone is exalted.”

There is a certain “exclusiveness” in this statement. Of all the names of all the people who have ever lived, only one name is to be exalted. And that is because of who He is and what He has done. All other names are flawed or contaminated for one reason or another. His name is above and beyond reproach, worthy of worship and praise because He is holy and without fault.

All of us “fall short of the glory of God” and need a “name” that we can “use” to save us. That name? Jesus!

Prayer:  Thank You, Father, for the power in Your name. It assures us of forgiveness and salvation and life eternal. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Today's Bible Verse:    His name alone is exalted. Psalm 148:13b

All of Scripture is punctuated with outbursts of “praise.” The reason? Praise rises spontaneously from an internal attitude of joy which is in the heart and life of the people of God. The Bible speaks of man being created to rejoice in God’s gifts and God’s grace and God’s goodness. Praising God should be as natural as breathing and as regular as the beating of our hearts.

Perhaps one of the significant aspects of “praising” is that it implies a close relationship with the one being praised. When we praise God, we are letting Him know that we are aware of and recognize His presence in our lives, that we are grateful for His benefits and blessings - big and small - and, that we are dependent on Him for all things. Consider this: If you give someone a gift, and they do not recognize you for it, do you feel unappreciated?

Along with praising God, however, is the duty to exalt His name. Exalt, in Scripture, means to elevate, to glorify and to recognize the place and power of the one being exalted. When we exalt God, we acknowledge His Lordship in our lives and recognize that He is above all, in all, and has control of all. As we lift Him up above all others, we naturally bow down in humility before Him.

“Let them praise the name of the Lord, for His name alone is exalted,” said the Psalmist. Strange, isn’t it, how the names of athletes and entertainers are more highly praised and exalted than God’s name. How very sad!

 But the day is coming when every knee will bow, and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord!

Prayer:  Lord, You are so thoughtful and generous. All that we are and have is because You care. Thank You! In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Today's Bible Verse:   Let them praise the name of the LORD, for his name alone is exalted; his splendor is above the earth and the heavens. Psalm 148:13a