Saturday, July 31, 2021

Good, Good Father – God Carries Us – Deut. 1:30-31

 

This is Namma for Christ with the one hundred ninety-sixth inspirational message dated Saturday, July 31st, 2021. The title of this message is “Good, Good Father – God Carries Us – Deut. 1:30-31”.

The first three words of the title are also the name of the below inspirational song/video, “Good, Good Father” (with lyrics) as sung by Chris Tomlin.  The below passage of scripture (that accompanies this message) is from the Old Testament book of Deuteronomy - the thirtieth and the thirty-first verses of the first chapter:

Deuteronomy 1:30-31

New King James Version (NKJV)

30 The Lord your God, who goes before you, He will fight for you, according to all He did for you in Egypt before your eyes, 31 and in the wilderness where you saw how the Lord your God carried you, as a man carries his son, in all the way that you went until you came to this place.

 

 

For many years, I have enjoyed reading the daily inspirational messages as provided by Our Daily Bread Ministries in their publications of "OUR DAILY BREAD".  

I recently read the message for the day (for July 24th, 2021) and found it to be so inspiring, memorable and “thought-provoking”.  

 
 I wanted to share this message with you (see the below message). Our Daily Bread Ministries has the 
website of:  www.odb.org so that you can read and enjoy life-changing wisdom of daily inspirational messages based on scripture from the Bible. Please read and enjoy:

 

God Carries Us

 

31 There you saw how the Lord your God carried you, as a father carries his son, all the way you went until you reached this place.  

 Deuteronomy 1:31

 

 

Today's Scripture & Insight:

Deut. 1:26-31


In 2019, Hurricane Dorian overwhelmed the islands of the Bahamas with intense rain, wind, and flooding—the worst natural disaster in the country’s history. As he sheltered at home with his adult son who has cerebral palsy, Brent knew they needed to leave. Even though Brent is blind, he had to save his son. Tenderly, he placed him over his shoulders and stepped into chin-deep water to carry him to safety.

If an earthly father facing a great obstacle is eager to help his son, think of how much more our heavenly Father is concerned about His children. In the Old Testament, Moses recalled how God carried His people even as they experienced the danger of faltering faith. He reminded the Israelites of how God had delivered them, providing food and water in the desert, fighting against their enemies, and guiding the Israelites with pillars of cloud and fire. Meditating on the many ways God acted on their behalf, Moses said, “There you saw how the Lord your God carried you, as a father carries his son” (Deuteronomy 1:31).

 

The Israelites’ journey through the wilderness wasn’t easy, and their faith waned at times. But it was full of evidence of God’s protection and provision. The image of a father carrying a son—tenderly, courageously, confidently—is a wonderful picture of how God cared for Israel. Even when we face challenges that test our faith, we can remember that God’s there carrying us through them.

 

By:  Karen Pimpo

 

 Loving God, help me remember that You carry me, even when I don’t feel it. Thank You for Your strength and compassion.

Please see the below verse from Ephesians 1:5 regarding how GOD – our Heavenly Father chose us to be in His family –

 

Ephesians 1:5

New Living Translation (NLT)

God decided in advance to adopt us into His own family by bringing us to Himself through Jesus Christ. This is what He wanted to do, and it gave Him great pleasure.

 

Please enjoy the below inspirational song/video, “Good, Good Father” (with lyrics) as sung by Chris Tomlin sung with power and anointing.

 

(I do not own the rights to this song).

 

(If you can't see the below video: Please scroll down to the end - Under the rectangular box labeled "Home" - please click "View web version". You will automatically be taken to the top of the message - please scroll down to the "end" of the message to view the video. Please press play to enjoy the song/video.)

 

BE BLESSED!




Thursday, July 29, 2021

His Eye Is On the Sparrow – Matt. 10:29-31

 

This is Namma for Christ with the one hundred ninety-fifth inspirational message dated Thursday, July 29th, 2021. The title of this message is “His Eye Is On the Sparrow – Matt. 10:29-31”.

The first six words of the title are also the name of the below inspirational song/video, “His Eye Is On the Sparrow” (with lyrics) as performed by Lauryn Hill & Tanya Blount.  The below passage of scripture (that accompanies this message) is from the New Testament book of Matthew - the twenty-ninth through the thirty-first verses of the tenth chapter:

Matthew 10:29-31

New King James Version (NKJV)

 

29 Are not two sparrows sold for a copper coin? And not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father’s will. 30 But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. 31 Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.

 

I recently was searching on YouTube and I stumbled upon a song that I hadn’t heard in a long time. It was “His Eye Is On the Sparrow”.

I used to hear this song many times in church. It has also been one of my favorite gospel hymns. This song ministered to me when I was younger: when I was in my “thirties” - and my daughters were about 4 and 7 years old. During that time, I had been going through a very stressful time (while I was still married to my ex-husband) and I used to sing this song frequently.

The song’s lyrics (see below) – were like a “healing ointment” to my “wounded and hurting soul”. I remember walking around my apartment – “singing these lyrics” – to “uplift my spirit” – (despite all the challenges that were actually going on all around me, at the time) …

 

I would sing


“Why should I feel discouraged?

Why should the shadows come?

And why should my heart feel lonely?

And long for heaven and home,

When Jesus is my portion? 

My constant Friend is He,

His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me;

Refrain:

I sing because I’m happy, I sing because I’m free,

His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me!”

 

Recently, I went on the internet and researched the original writer of the song and found that this hymn was first written in 1905 by lyricist Civilla D. Martin and composer Charles H. Gabriel.

The theme of the song was inspired by the words of David in the Psalms and Jesus in the Gospel of Matthew - see the following verses:

Psalm 32:8

New King James Version (NKJV)

 

I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go;
I will guide you with My eye.

 

Matthew 6:26

New King James Version (NKJV)

 

26 Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?

 

Matthew 10:29-31

New King James Version (NKJV)

 

29 Are not two sparrows sold for a copper coin? And not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father’s will. 30 But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. 31 Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.   

 

Personally speaking, “seeing” & singing this song “again” caused me to “remember” how (during a difficult time in my life) -  God allowed me to focus on “HIM and His love for me”!

By SINGING GOD’S PRAISES – it helped me “then” (and it helps me, now) to KNOW, to REMEMBER and to FOCUS on the fact THAT GOD LOVES ME!

In my lowest moments - God comforts me in His unconditional love and He allows me to sing “uplifting and inspirational songs" (such as this one) – to remind me - that “I am never alone”!


His eye is on the sparrow and I know that He watches me!

 

May you, too, know that GOD is watching you – as well as, all His children…He loves us and we are never alone.

 

God’s Word reminds us that “Jesus will NEVER leave us nor forsake us” – see the below verse in - Hebrews 13:5b –

Hebrews 13:5b

New King James Version (NKJV)

 

For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”

 

 

No matter WHAT we may go through – We, as God’s children - can ALWAYS PRAY TO, TRUST IN & SING PRAISES TO OUR HEAVENLY FATHER GOD!

 

Please enjoy the below inspirational song/video, “His Eye Is On the Sparrow” (with lyrics) as performed by Lauryn Hill & Tanya Blount - sung with power and anointing.

 

(I do not own the rights to this song).

 

(If you can't see the below video: Please scroll down to the end - Under the rectangular box labeled "Home" - please click "View web version". You will automatically be taken to the top of the message - please scroll down to the "end" of the message to view the video. Please press play to enjoy the song/video.)

 

BE BLESSED!




Wednesday, July 21, 2021

Believe for It – Knowing God’s Love – Eph. 3:20-21

 

This is Namma for Christ with the one hundred ninety-fourth inspirational message dated Wednesday, July 21st, 2021. The title of this message is “Believe for It – Knowing God’s Love – Eph. 3:20-21”.

The first three words of the title are also the name of the below inspirational song/video, “Believe for It” (with lyrics) as performed by Gospel artist CeCe Winans.  The below passage of scripture (that accompanies this message) is from the New Testament book of Ephesians - the twentieth and twenty-first verses of the third chapter:

Ephesians 3:20-21

New King James Version (NKJV)

 

20 Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, 21 to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.

 

Please see the below verses (Ephesians 3:8-21) of the full message text –

 

Ephesians 3:8-21

New King James Version (NKJV)

 

Purpose of the Mystery

To me, who am less than the least of all the saints, this grace was given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, and to make all see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the ages has been hidden in God who created all things through Jesus Christ; 10 to the intent that now the manifold wisdom of God might be made known by the church to the principalities and powers in the heavenly places, 11 according to the eternal purpose which He accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord, 12 in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through faith in Him. 13 Therefore I ask that you do not lose heart at my tribulations for you, which is your glory.

Appreciation of the Mystery

14 For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, 15 from whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, 16 that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man, 17 that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, 18 may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height— 19 to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.

20 Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, 21 to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.

 

The title of this message also includes the words – “Knowing God’s Love” – which is the “title” of the Charles Stanley “In Touch” Daily Devotional for (7/8/21) – which I have included below:

 

Knowing God’s Love

 

Ephesians 3:8-21

By Charles Stanley

 

 

       One of the first things children learn in Sunday school is that Jesus loves them, and they are quick to believe it. But as we get older, the hardships and disappointments of life may cause us to doubt this truth. We wonder how a gracious God could allow the death of a loved one, the loss of a job, a financial crisis, or a painful terminal illness.

      But we cannot judge God’s love on the basis of circumstances. Hardship is a certainty in life (John 16:33) {see the below verse} and it does not reflect the depth, breadth, and height of God’s love for us.

 

John 16:33

33 These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”

 

This is why Paul urged the Ephesians not to let his tribulations discourage them (Eph. 3:13) – he knew those hardships were part of God’s plan. And the same is true for every believer. Through our trials, God works powerfully within us to do more than we can perceive or imagine (Eph. 3:20).

      The Lord wants you to believe that His love for you is steadfast – and that it can ground you in the difficult seasons of life. Are you seeking to grow in your comprehension of His love? The more you dwell on divine grace, the more firmly you’ll stand during trials. Begin by asking God to give you a deeper understanding as you meditate on His love as described in His Word.


By Charles Stanley

 

I pray that you have enjoyed the above message and I pray that you will enjoy the accompanied song.

 

Please enjoy the below inspirational song/video, “Believe for It” (with lyrics) as performed by Gospel artist CeCe Winans - sung with power and anointing.

 

 

(I do not own the rights to this song).

 

(If you can't see the below video: Please scroll down to the end - Under the rectangular box labeled "Home" - please click "View web version". You will automatically be taken to the top of the message - please scroll down to the "end" of the message to view the video. Please press play to enjoy the song/video.)

 

BE BLESSED!



Tuesday, July 13, 2021

Bless Me (Prayer of Jabez) – Enlarge My Territory – 1st Chron. 4:10

 

This is Namma for Christ with the one hundred ninety-third inspirational message dated Wednesday, July 14th, 2021. The title of this message is “Bless Me (Prayer of Jabez) – Enlarge My Territory – 1st Chronicles 4:10”.

The first five words of the title are also the name of the below inspirational song/video, “Bless Me (Prayer of Jabez)” (with lyrics) as performed by Donald Lawrence & The Tri-City Singers.  The below passage of scripture (that accompanies this message) is from the Old Testament book of 1st Chronicles - the tenth verse of the fourth chapter:

1st Chronicles 4:10

New International Version (NIV)

 

10 Jabez cried out to the God of Israel, “Oh, that You would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let Your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain.” And God granted his request.

 

 

I recently was thinking of the verse – famously known as – “The Prayer of Jabez” as found in 1st Chronicles 4:10 and I knew that I would want to share a message based on this scripture. God allowed me to wake up in the middle of the night on Monday, July 12th (around 1:00am) and I started writing the text for the message. By 2:25am, I had completed the message. Later, that same day, at approximately 8pm, I searched YouTube for the appropriate song. I searched under the words “Enlarge My Territory” and the below accompanied song appeared. I knew right after I heard it – that I would share this song – “Bless Me (Prayer of Jabez)” as performed by Donald Lawrence and The Tri-City Singers.

 

ENLARGE MY TERRITORY

 

Imagine “if” – “NOTHING” - stood in the way of what you feel God has put in your heart and mind to accomplish for His Glory!

 What would “you” accomplish for God’s Glory – for “your blessing” and to BLESS OTHERS?

PRAY! ASK GOD TO GUIDE YOU!

LET GO OF ANY LIMITATIONS!

ASK GOD TO “ENLARGE YOUR

TERRITORY”!

PRAY and ASK GOD TO ALLIGN “YOUR WILL” TO BE ALLIGNED WITH “HIS WILL” – FOR “HIS GLORY”!

LET YOUR DREAM and/or GOAL BE PLANTED “LIKE SEEDS” IN YOUR MIND AND HEART. ASK GOD TO NOURISH THEM, HELP THEM BLOOM FORTH AND GROW!

As Jeremiah 29:11 states below – GOD KNOWS THE PLANS THAT HE HAS FOR YOU:

 

Jeremiah 29:11

New International Version (NIV)

 

11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

 

GOD KNOWS THE PLANS THAT HE HAS FOR YOU: All that concerns “you” – concerns God – for He is your Heavenly Father. He loves you and He wants what is BEST FOR YOU!

PRAY and SEEK THE LORD EVERYDAY – so that you may accomplish HIS WILL for your life!

GOD IS ABLE!

See the below verses from the third chapter of Ephesians:

Ephesians 3:20-21

New King James Version (NKJV)

 

20 Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, 21 to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.

 

 Also remember:

 

Philippians 4:13

New King James Version (NKJV)

 

 13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

 

MAY OUR LORD “ENLARGE YOUR TERRITORY”!

 GOD IS ABLE!

TRUST HIM – see Proverbs 3:5-6 –

Proverbs 3:5-6

New King James Version (NKJV)

 

Trust in the Lord with all your heart,

And lean not on your own understanding;

In all your ways acknowledge Him,

And He shall direct your paths.

 

 

 

 

 

Please enjoy the below inspirational song/video, “Bless Me (Prayer of Jabez)” (with lyrics) as performed by Donald Lawrence & The Tri-City Singers - sung with power and anointing.

 

(I do not own the rights to this song).

 

(If you can't see the below video: Please scroll down to the end - Under the rectangular box labeled "Home" - please click "View web version". You will automatically be taken to the top of the message - please scroll down to the "end" of the message to view the video. Please press play to enjoy the song/video.)

 

BE BLESSED!




Sunday, July 4, 2021

Be Alright – The Secret of Contentment – Phil. 4:11-13

 

This is Namma for Christ with the one hundred ninety-second inspirational message dated Sunday, July 4th, 2021. The title of this message is “Be Alright – The Secret of Contentment – Phil. 4:11-13”.

The first two words of this message’s title are also the words of the name of the below inspirational song/video, “Be Alright” (with lyrics) as sung by “Evan Craft, Redimi2 and Danny Gokey”.  The below passage of scripture (that accompanies this message) is from the New Testament book of Philippians - the eleventh through the thirteenth verses of the fourth chapter:

Philippians 4:11-13

New King James Version (NKJV)

 

11 Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: 12 I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. 13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

 

Please see the below verses (Philippians 4:4-13) of the full message text -

 


Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!

Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand.

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.

10 But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at last your care for me has flourished again; though you surely did care, but you lacked opportunity. 11 Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: 12 I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. 13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

 

The title of this message also includes the words – “The Secret of Contentment” – which is the “title” of the Charles Stanley “In Touch” Daily Devotional for (6/28/21) – which I have included below:

 

The Secret of Contentment

Philippians 4:4-13

By Charles Stanley

 

       Does it surprise you that Paul wrote today’s passage when he was in prison? He didn’t know what his future held – whether he’d be freed or punished or killed – but he had learned to be content in all circumstances, good or bad. How many of us can make that claim?

       It’s not uncommon to feel discontentment when we cannot control our situation. And as long as our satisfaction depends on whether certain things work out, circumstances will continue to steal our peace. Paul was not saying that we’ll never experience anxiety or frustration again; rather, what matters is how we respond when those feelings grip us.

       This is something Paul had to learn. He endured tremendous suffering, from shipwrecks and hunger to unjust imprisonment and beatings (2nd Cor. 11:24-30). He knew as well as anyone that situations can be painful and seemingly hopeless. But he finally discovered that true contentment came from Jesus, not the situation he found himself in.

       How do you respond when circumstances are out of your control? Paul chose to give his anxieties to Jesus in exchange for peace that “surpasses all comprehension” (Phil. 4:7). That same peace is available to you and me.

 

      

By Charles Stanley

 

I pray that you have enjoyed the above message and I pray that you will enjoy the accompanied song.

 

Please enjoy the below inspirational song/video, “Be Alright” (with lyrics) as sung by “Evan Craft, Redimi2 and Danny Gokey” – performed with power and anointing.

 

(I do not own the rights to this song).

 

 (If you can't see the below video: Please scroll down to the end - Under the rectangular box labeled "Home" - please click "View web version". You will automatically be taken to the top of the message - please scroll down to the "end" of the message to view the video. Please press play to enjoy the song/video.)

 

 

BE BLESSED!



Saturday, July 3, 2021

Another in the Fire – 2nd Chronicles 20:3-4 – God Is Greater

 

This is Namma for Christ with the one hundred ninety-first inspirational message dated Saturday, July 3rd, 2021. The title of this message is “Another in the Fire – 2nd Chronicles 20:3-4 – God Is Greater”.

The first four words of this message’s title are also the words of the name of the below inspirational song/video, “Another in the Fire” (with lyrics) as sung by “Taya of Hillsong United”.  The below passage of scripture (that accompanies this message) is from the Old Testament book of 2nd Chronicles - the third through the fourth verses of the twentieth chapter:

2nd Chronicles 20:3-4

New King James Version (NKJV)

 

And Jehoshaphat feared, and set himself to seek the Lord, and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah. 4 So Judah gathered together to ask help from the Lord; and from all the cities of Judah they came to seek the Lord.


Please see the below verses (2nd Chronicles 20:1-12) that describe the full scenario of what led Jehoshaphat to “seek” the Lord (as described in the below scripture):


20   It happened after this that the people of Moab with the people of Ammon, and others with them besides the Ammonites, came to battle against Jehoshaphat. Then some came and told Jehoshaphat, saying, “A great multitude is coming against you from beyond the sea, from Syria; and they are in Hazazon Tamar” (which is En Gedi). And Jehoshaphat feared, and set himself to seek the Lord, and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah. So Judah gathered together to ask help from the Lord; and from all the cities of Judah they came to seek the Lord.

Then Jehoshaphat stood in the assembly of Judah and Jerusalem, in the house of the Lord, before the new court, and said: “O Lord God of our fathers, are You not God in heaven, and do You not rule over all the kingdoms of the nations, and in Your hand is there not power and might, so that no one is able to withstand You? Are You not our God, who drove out the inhabitants of this land before Your people Israel, and gave it to the descendants of Abraham Your friend forever? And they dwell in it, and have built You a sanctuary in it for Your name, saying, ‘If disaster comes upon us—sword, judgment, pestilence, or famine—we will stand before this temple and in Your presence (for Your name is in this temple), and cry out to You in our affliction, and You will hear and save.’ 10 And now, here are the people of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir—whom You would not let Israel invade when they came out of the land of Egypt, but they turned from them and did not destroy them— 11 here they are, rewarding us by coming to throw us out of Your possession which You have given us to inherit. 12 O our God, will You not judge them? For we have no power against this great multitude that is coming against us; nor do we know what to do, but our eyes are upon You.

 

 

The title of this message also includes the words – “God Is Greater” – which is the “title” of the Charles Stanley “In Touch” Daily Devotional for (6/17/21) – which I have included below:

 

God Is Greater

2nd Chronicles 20:1-12

By Charles Stanley

        Everyone faces challenges in life, whether financial, vocational, relational, physical or spiritual. When trouble comes, as it inevitably will, we should waste no time in bringing it to God.

Jehoshaphat, the king of Judah, faced an enormous challenge as three nations simultaneously threatened to attack. The king immediately sought the Lord’s help. Notice that the bulk of his prayer focused on God’s greatness – acknowledging His almighty power, authority over all nations, past acts of faithfulness on Israel’s behalf, and willingness to hear the prayers of His people when they cry out to Him.

These same truths should be the foundation of our prayers. He is still the sovereign, powerful God who has proven Himself faithful and promises to listen to our prayers. We should never underestimate the Lord’s interest in our affairs. He will help His children today, just as He helped Jehoshaphat.

It’s easy to think our problems are unimportant to God, but He doesn’t feel that way at all. Whatever concerns us concerns our Father. So when we, like Jehoshaphat, rely fully on the Lord, He will help us. And remember: No matter how great our challenges are, God is greater.

      

By Charles Stanley

 

Please read the below verse in Matthew 6:33 -  where “we”, as “God’s children” are ALL called to SEEK JESUS FIRST – NO MATTER WHAT –


Matthew 6:33

New King James Version (NKJV)

33   But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.

 

I pray that you have enjoyed the above message and I pray that you will enjoy the accompanied song.

Please note the “story behind the song” – “Another in the Fire” - is based on the Biblical story as found in the first three chapters of Daniel (please read when you can). This story tells what happened to three courageous Hebrew boys (who were captives in Babylon under evil king Nebuchadnezzar). These three Hebrew boys “had faith in God” and believed that God would be with them. The story tells how they were thrown into a fiery furnace for not bowing down to Nebuchadnezzar’s idol, how God was with them and how God miraculously delivered them. “No hurt came upon them”, (they came out of the furnace – not even smelling of fire) - God was truly "with" them!

 

Please enjoy the below inspirational song/video, “Another in the Fire” (with lyrics) as sung by “Taya of Hillsong United”.  – performed with power and anointing.

 

(I do not own the rights to this song).

 

 (If you can't see the below video: Please scroll down to the end - Under the rectangular box labeled "Home" - please click "View web version". You will automatically be taken to the top of the message - please scroll down to the "end" of the message to view the video. Please press play to enjoy the song/video.)

 

 

BE BLESSED!