In 1967, the infamous boxing match between Muhammed Ali vs. Ernie Terrell took place. Muhammed Ali, who the world including Terrell had known up to this point as Cassius Clay, had taken on not only this new identity but also carried himself differently and no longer identified to his old identity which he had had since birth. Prior to the match, Terrell had mentioned in an interview as well as to Ali that he would refuse to refer to Cassius Clay as any other name but that.

During the Eighth Round of the fight, Ali began shouting with each powerful punch at Terrell “What’s my name?”…what was seen in the ring was unforgettable. There became a charge within Ali, a passion, and a strength with each declaration. His new identity held a significance that was unspeakable however spoke bounds of self-empowerment to his soul. As Ali was empowered Terrell lost his confidence. The announcer of the fight even said numerous times after this round that Ali “had control” of the fight from that point on. It was an unforgettable match.

How often in life do we feel like we are “on the ropes” getting hit from every angle or maybe just one driving blow to the same spot again and again? In our finances, our marriages, relationships, in loneliness or depression, in insecurities, in resentments and anger, in sadness and let down, in feeling like what we do in anything is never enough.

Let me tell you there is a real battle from the enemy. He is constantly looking for ways to steal, kill, and destroy us (John 10:10). Why? Because if we lived in and lived out our identity through Jesus; the promises that came when Jesus died and rose again for us, we take control of the fight...every fight. We get empowered with power. We become unstoppable! Not by arrogance or by our name alone or by our doing but because of the name of Jesus. When we “step into” by believing and living out who we were originally made to be, our world changes. Jesus healed what had been broken and made right what had been made wrong. He made it possible to live within our true identity as intended. If this wasn’t so then He suffered and died in vain. When we learn to and live out in faith (most times) by breaking the mold of a lie that we are just “mere men and women”, we know who we are, the One who goes before us and behind us, the One who died for us and is coming back, and the One that counsels us every day if we would only seek, inquire of, and listen to daily. We learn our promises and that all things except God have been placed under Jesus’s authority. (1 Cor 15:27 NIV)

So what is your name? By believing in Jesus as God’s son and Savior, your name is “The LORD’s”.

When the enemy comes to you in the quiet, the dark, or the busy of a room throwing lies of accusations, calling you anything but your name. I encourage you to declare with power, “ I am the LORD’s” walk out in a way that you say “What’s my name?” with confidence and declaration...again and again until the enemy flees and "puts his hands up" in surrender. Praise the LORD your God in everything, Trust the LORD your God, and do not waiver from Him, pray for your enemies, forgive, and with all you have live within LOVE (1 cor 13). By doing this, it sends universe shattering blows to the enemy in which he CANNOT withstand and will flee you. (James 4:7). You will also realize the power within you by the name of Jesus through the Holy Spirit.

So what’s your name?

YOU ARE THE LORD’s! (2 Corinthians 6:18(NIV) “And I will be your Father, and your will be my sons and daughters, says the LORD Almighty.”)

Do you believe it?

Seize the Day! Live it out! The LORD GOD is with you...you were made for greatness!

May the Power of the Holy Spirit come upon you and boldness to LIVE OUT within who you were created to be!