Evidence – 1st Peter 2:12 – A Remarkable Life

 

This is Namma for Christ with the one hundred eighty-ninth inspirational message dated Saturday, June 12th, 2021. The title of this message is “Evidence – 1^st Peter 2:12 – A Remarkable Life”.

The first word of the title is also the name of the below inspirational song/video, “Evidence” (with lyrics) as sung by “Josh Baldwin featuring Dante Bowe”.  The below passage of scripture (that accompanies this message) is from the New Testament book of 1^st Peter - the twelfth verse of the second chapter:

1st Peter 2:12

New Living Translation (NLT)

 

¹² Be careful to live properly among your unbelieving neighbors. Then even if they accuse you of doing wrong, they will see your honorable behavior, and they will give honor to God when He judges the world.

 

 

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 June 2^nd, 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:

 

 A Remarkable Life

 

¹² Be careful to live properly among your unbelieving neighbors.  1^st Peter 2:12 NLT

 

Today's Scripture & Insight:

1^st Peter 2:9-12

I came to learn about Catherine Hamlin, a remarkable Australian surgeon, through reading her obituary.  In Ethiopia, Catherine and her husband established the world’s only hospital dedicated to curing women from the devastating physical and emotional trauma of obstetric fistulas, a common injury in the developing world that can occur during childbirth. Catherine is credited with overseeing the treatment of more than 60,000 women.

Still operating at the hospital when she was ninety-two years old, and still beginning each day with a cup of tea and Bible study, Hamlin told curious questioners that she was an ordinary believer in Jesus who was simply doing the job God had given her to do.

I was grateful to learn about her remarkable life because she powerfully exemplified for me Scripture’s encouragement to believers to live in such a way that even people who actively reject God “may see your good deeds and glorify God” (1^st Peter 2:12).

The power of God’s Spirit that called us out of spiritual darkness into a relationship with Him (see verse 1^st Peter 2:9 below) can also transform our work or areas of service into testimonies of our faith. In whatever passion or skill God has gifted us, we can embrace added meaning and purpose in doing all of it in a manner that has the power to point people to Him.

 

1st Peter 2:9

New King James Version (NKJV)

 

⁹ But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;

 

Also see the below verses:

 

Colossians 3:23-24

New King James Version (NKJV)

 

²³ And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, ²⁴ knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ.

 

 

 

 

What has God called you to do?

How might you do it today in Jesus’ name?

Jesus, may Your love and grace be evident in my words and deeds today.

 

 

 

By: Lisa M. Samra (for “Our Daily Bread”)

 

Please enjoy the below inspirational 

song/video, “Evidence” (with lyrics) as sung by “Josh Baldwin featuring Dante Bowe”. 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!

Alive & Breathing – Psalm 150:6 – Praise The Lord

 This is Namma for Christ with the one hundred eighty-eighth inspirational message dated Sunday, June 6th, 2021.  The title of this message is, “Alive & Breathing – Psalm 150:6 – Praise The Lord”.

The scripture for this message comes from the 6^th verse of the 150^th Psalm. 

Psalm 150:6

New King James Version (NKJV)

 

⁶ Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.

  Praise the Lord.

 

The title of this message also includes the words of the title of the below inspirational song/video entitled “Alive & Breathing” as sung by Matt Maher featuring Elle Limebear (with lyrics).  In this upbeat, high-tempo song – the following words are continuously repeated:

“Praise the Lord”!

 

On the very same evening that I began writing this message – my brother and I had just watched the Disney Plus 2020 movie, “Onward”.  “Onward” is a computer-animated urban fantasy adventure movie (released in February 2020) about two elf brothers who set out on a quest to find an artifact that will temporarily bring back their dead father.

The two brothers – who were remarkably very “different” in personalities, interests and behaviors – found “common ground” in sharing a “common adventure” – in their “goal” to “bring their dead father back”!

 

Although this is a fictional movie – the “lessons” drawn from this movie – can help us apply “similar” lessons in our “own” lives:

 

For example:

Siblings “in a family” – (like my brother and I) who may be remarkably “very different” in personalities, interests and behaviors … CAN FIND “common ground” in sharing things that they “have in common”: such as “shared family memories", “common family traditions”, and/or a treasured “mutual” love of a parent or “parents” – (especially if one or both of their parents have gone on to Glory.)

“Families” are about shared relationships and love.

PLEASE DON’T FORGET – THE “MOST IMPORTANT RELATIONSHIP” THAT WE HAVE - IS THE ONE THAT WE HAVE WITH JESUS CHRIST – OUR LORD AND SAVIOR…WHO LOVES US THE MOST!

JESUS LOVES US SO MUCH THAT HE SACRIFICED HIS LIFE FOR US! JESUS WANTS ALL NON-BELIEVERS TO COME TO “HIM” -

 

In Revelation 3:20 – Jesus extends the invitation:

Jesus says -

Revelation 3:20

²⁰ Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.

 

 

Also - please read John 3:16-17 –

¹⁶ For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.  ¹⁷ For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.

 

God wants “us” – as His children - to continually to seek HIM “first” – in all things.

 

See Matthew 6:33 –

 

³³ Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and He will give you everything you need.

 

PLEASE REMEMBER: God – “who is too wise to err” – made each of us (as His children) “special & unique”!

Each person – has been “created by the Hand of God”! Each person is valuable and precious in His sight!

 We are so precious (to God) that He knows “the very number of hairs” on each of our heads! See the below verse in Luke 12:7 –

Luke 12:7

King James Version (KJV)

 

⁷But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than may sparrows.

 

Remember - we can each UNIQUELY “represent and serve our Heavenly Father” – and be who “He” created us to be for His Glory!

We can each THANK GOD for the gifts and talents that He gave each of us – AND use our gifts and talents for HIS GLORY! We should RECOGNIZE AND CELEBRATE each of our unique DIFFERENCES!

REMEMBER – AS “BELIEVERS IN JESUS CHRIST” - We are Ambassadors for Christ – see the below verse!

2^nd Corinthians 5:20

New King James Version (NKJV)

 

²⁰ Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God.

 

And lastly…

 

We can also “forgive each other” for our mistakes (and sins) which WE ALL HAVE MADE and ACCEPT EACH OTHER – as members of GOD’s family – as brothers and sisters in Christ!

NO ONE IS PERFECT (Only Jesus is perfect and sinless)!

 ALL have sinned - as the below verse reminds us in Romans 3:23 –

See the below verse:

Romans 3:23

King James Version (KJV)

 

²³ For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;

 

Spiritually speaking - I truly believe that God wants all of His children to love God first, to love each other and to serve God!

All of us have been created to glorify God! We are His workmanship – see the below verse:

Ephesians 2:10

English Standard Version (ESV)

 

¹⁰ For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

 

As the main verse of this message states in Psalm 150:6 – Let EVERYTHING with BREATH – PRAISE THE LORD!

 

Please enjoy the below inspirational song/video (with lyrics) entitled “Alive & Breathing” as sung by Matt Maher featuring Elle Limebear.

 

(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!

It’s Always Been You – Psalm 27:7-8 – When I’m Lonely

 

This is “Namma for Christ” with the one hundred eighty-seventh inspirational message dated Thursday, May 27th, 2021. The title of this message is, “It’s Always Been You – Psalm 27:7-8 – When I’m Lonely”.  “It’s Always Been You (with lyrics)” by Phil Wickham (as provided below in the accompanied video) is a song that I first heard while scrolling on my phone searching on You Tube. I knew that after I heard this song – I knew that I would want to share “this song” in my next message.

 

The below scripture is what is found in the 7^th through 8^th verses of the twenty-seventh chapter of Psalms. These verses reveal how the psalmist David dealt with his sense of loneliness and how he cried out to the Lord.  If David, “a man after God’s own heart” could “cry out” to the Lord – during a moment of loneliness…certainly, we – “as believers in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” can, “cry out to Him”, too!

 

Psalm 27:7-8

New King James Version (NKJV)

 

⁷ Hear, O Lord, when I cry with my voice! Have mercy also upon me, and answer me.

⁸ When You said, “Seek My face,” My heart said to You, “Your face, Lord, I will seek.”

 

The title of this message also includes the words – “When I’m Lonely” – which is similar to the “subject matter” of “loneliness” that’s referred to in the Charles Stanley Daily Devotional for (5/19/21) – which I have included below:

 

The Right Response to Loneliness

Psalm 27:7-14

By Charles Stanley

 

       I’ve known the pain of loneliness and emotional isolation during my lifetime, but God has never abandoned me to these feelings. Over the years, He’s taught me to draw near to Him rather than give in to self-pity and despair.

       We can’t deny feelings of loneliness, nor can we allow ourselves to wallow in them. Today’s psalm reveals how David dealt with his sense of isolation.

       HE CRIED OUT TO THE LORD (v. 7). God is near to the brokenhearted and hears our prayers.

       DAVID REMEMBERED THE LORD’S HELP (v. 9). Even in despair, we should make an effort to recount God’s past faithfulness to us.

       HE ASKED GOD TO GUIDE AND TEACH HIM (v. 11). Instead of withdrawing into self-pity, we must go to God’s Word to learn His ways.

       DAVID BELIEVED HE WOULD SEE GOD’S GOODNESS (v. 13). Confidence in God’s goodness helps us look beyond our current emotions.

       HE WAITED FOR THE LORD (v. 14). In His time, God will bring us out of the shadow of seclusion.

       Although loneliness is painful, it is also an opportunity to draw near to the Lord. Instead of turning inward, let it help you grow upward.

By Charles Stanley

 

 

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

Always remember - GOD IS ALWAYS WITH US!

GOD LOVES AND CARES ABOUT HIS CHILDREN! The below verse reminds us of how He cares -

 

Psalm 34:18

New King James Version (NKJV)

 

¹⁸   The Lord is near to the brokenhearted
and saves the crushed in spirit.

 

 

 Always remember - that we can rely on God to “never leave us nor forsake us” – see the below verse:

 

Hebrews 13:5b

New King James Version (NKJV)

 

⁵…For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”

 

Please enjoy the below song, “It’s Always Been You (with lyrics)” by Phil Wickham (as provided below in the accompanied video) - 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!

Hold On To Me – Isaiah 41:13

 

This is “Namma for Christ” with the one hundred eighty-sixth inspirational message dated Thursday, May 13th, 2021.  The title of this message is, “Hold On To Me – Isaiah 41:13”.  The first four words of the title, "Hold On To Me" are also the words in the title of the below anointed song/video by Lauren Daigle – featuring Gospel artist “AHI”. The message’s scripture is below as found in the book of Isaiah - as written by the Old Testament prophet, Isaiah:

Isaiah 41:13
New King James Version (NKJV)

¹³ For I, the Lord your God, will hold your right hand,
Saying to you, ‘Fear not, I will help you.’



As to share with future readers and to provide a  brief quotation for critical review - I have included an excerpt of the (May 8^th) message from an inspirational book - (of which I'd like to recommend). The below message was taken from "Jesus Calling - Enjoying Peace In His Presence" as written by Sarah Young.  This book has inspirational, scripture-based daily devotionals for each day of the year! This book was written from the perspective as if JESUS - was saying "these words" (in the daily devotionals) directly to "you"!  (Please read the below inspirational message:)

-----------------

Do not long for the absence of problems in your life. That is an unrealistic goal, since in this world you will have trouble. You have an eternity of problem-free living reserved for you in heaven. Rejoice in that inheritance, which no one can take away from you, but do not seek your heaven on earth.

Begin each day anticipating problems, asking Me to equip you for whatever difficulties you will encounter. The best equipping is My living Presence, My hand that never lets go of yours. Discuss everything with Me. Take a lighthearted view of trouble, seeing it as a challenge that you and I together can handle. Remember that I am on your side, and I have overcome the world.

 

 

John 16:33

New International Version (NIV)

 

³³ “I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

 

Isaiah 41:13
New International Version (NIV)

 

¹³ For I am the Lord your God
    who takes hold of your right hand
and says to you, Do not fear;
    I will help you.

Philippians 4:13
New King James Version (NKJV)

 

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

  Please enjoy the below anointed song/video entitled "Hold On To Me" by Lauren Daigle – featuring Gospel artist “AHI”.

 (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!

Run to the Father – Prov. 4:11-12

 

This is Namma for Christ with the one hundred eighty-fifth inspirational message dated Wednesday, May 12th, 2021. The title of this message is “Run to the Father – Prov. 4:11-12”.

The first four words of the title are also the name of the below inspirational song/video, “Run to the Father” (with lyrics) as performed by Cody Carnes.  The below passage of scripture (that accompanies this message) is from the Old Testament book of Proverbs - the eleventh and twelfth verses of the fourth chapter:

Proverbs 4:11-12

New International Version (NIV)

 

¹¹   I instruct you in the way of wisdom

    and lead you along straight paths.
¹² When you walk, your steps will not be hampered;
    when you run, you will not stumble.

 

 

I recently was listening to my favorite Christian radio station – STAR 99.1FM, and I heard the song, “Run to the Father” by Cody Carnes.  

I listened carefully and thoughtfully to the lyrics and they “touched me” so much…I knew that I would have to share “this” song in my next message.

I went on the internet and researched the writer and singer of this song - “Cody Carnes”. I found his “inspiration” for writing this song to be so honest and “so humble”.  He (Cody Carnes) wrote:

    "There is always an open door into the welcome invitation of the Father’s love," Carnes explained of his new song.

"It’s available to every person. We accept that invitation when we say, 'I need you.' This is an 'I need you' song. It celebrates the grace that never runs out and recognizes the freedom and security that’s found in the arms of the Father. I pray this song reveals the love of God for you in a deeper way today”.

 

Personally speaking, this song caused me to reflect on how (throughout my life) - God has demonstrated His love to me and “how much” God has forgiven me – AGAIN AND AGAIN!

Especially – during the times in my life that I felt at my lowest, the saddest…or during the “seasons” in my life when I felt that I “failed miserably” at something…God was ALWAYS THERE!

In my lowest moments - God showered me with His unconditional love and made me feel loved, secure and safe – in Him! I knew that I could ALWAYS RUN & RETURN BACK – TO MY FATHER GOD!  

The Word of God continuously reminds us of God’s unfailing love and that “He 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 His children - CAN ALWAYS RETURN & RUN TO OUR FATHER GOD!

 

Please enjoy the below inspirational song/video, “Run to the Father” (with lyrics) as sung by Cody Carnes - 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!

 

Incredible God – Ruth 4:14 – Hard Ground & Tender Mercy

 

This is Namma for Christ with the one hundred eighty-fourth inspirational message dated Tuesday, May 4th, 2021. The title of this message is “Incredible God – Ruth 4:14 – Hard Ground & Tender Mercy”.

The first two words of the title are also the name of the below inspirational song/video, “Incredible God” (with lyrics) as sung by James “JJ” Hairston & his Youthful Praise Choir.  The below passage of scripture (that accompanies this message) is from the Old Testament book of Ruth - the fourteenth verse of the fourth chapter:

Ruth 4:14

New International Version (NIV)

¹⁴ Praise be to the Lord.

 

 

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 April 18th, 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:

 

Hard Ground and Tender Mercy

 

 ¹⁴The women said to Naomi: “Praise be to the Lord, who this day has not left you without a guardian-redeemer. May he become famous throughout Israel!  Ruth 4:14

 

Today's Scripture & Insight:

Ruth 4:13-22

When James was just six years old, his older brother David died tragically in an ice-skating accident. It was the day before David’s fourteenth birthday. In the years that followed, James tried his best to console his mother, Margaret, who in her deep grief sometimes reminded herself that her elder son would never have to face the challenges of growing up. In James Barrie’s fertile imagination, decades later that same idea would burgeon into inspiration for a much-loved children’s story character who never aged: Peter Pan. Like a flower pushing its way through pavement, good emerged even from the hard ground of unthinkable heartache.

How comforting is the thought that God, in an infinitely more creative way, is able to bring good out of our most difficult circumstances. A beautiful illustration of this occurs in the Old Testament story of Ruth. Naomi lost her two sons, leaving her without means or support. Her widowed daughter-in-law Ruth chose to remain with Naomi to help provide for her and to serve her God (Ruth 1:16). In the end, God’s provision brought them unexpected joy. Ruth remarried and had a child, “and they named him Obed. He was the father of Jesse, the father of David” (4:17). He would also be listed among the ancestors of Jesus (Matthew 1:5).

God’s tender mercy reaches beyond our ability to fathom and meets us in surprising places. Keep looking! Perhaps you’ll see it today.

By: James Banks

 

Please enjoy the below inspirational song/video, “Incredible God” (with lyrics) as sung by James “JJ” Hairston & his Youthful Praise Choir - 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!

Amen – Gen. 50:20 – God Over Everything

This is “Namma for Christ” with the one hundred eighty-third inspirational message dated Tuesday, April 20th, 2021. The title of this message is, “Amen – Gen. 50:20 – God Over Everything”.  “Amen (with lyrics)” by “for KING & COUNTRY” (as provided below in the accompanied video) is a song that I first heard on my favorite Christian radio station STAR 99.1FM. I knew that after I heard this song – I knew that I would want to share “this song” in my next message.

 

The below scripture is what is found in the 20^th verse of the fiftieth chapter of Genesis. This verse is the response of what Joseph said to his brothers – when they “mistakenly thought” that Joseph would take vengeance for the wrong that they did to him so many years ago. (When you can – please read the interesting story of Joseph’s life as found in Genesis chapters 37-50).

Joseph “literally” – went from being put in a pit (by his jealous brothers), then wrongly charged and put in prison and then – ultimately, being “promoted” to be - “second in command to Pharaoh”!

Joseph “did not” take vengeance on his brothers – but he forgave them and he told them – that it was NOT “them” - his brothers who put him in this position (second in command to Pharaoh) – but GOD – in His Sovereignty!

 

Genesis 50:20

New King James Version (NKJV)

 

²⁰ But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive.

 

The title of this message also includes the words – “God Over Everything” – which is similar to the title of the Charles Stanley Daily Devotional for (4/16/21) – which I have included below:

 

Is God in Every Circumstance?

Genesis 50:15-21

By Charles Stanley

 

       AS WE GROW IN OUR CHRISTIAN FAITH, we move from the milk of elementary truths to the meatier issues of Scripture that challenge our heart and our thinking. One of those deeper concepts is the question of whether God is involved in every circumstance. Spiritually, it gives us a lot to “chew on” because the answer goes against our natural reasoning.

       For example, Joseph was treated cruelly by his brothers, suffering enslavement and imprisonment in Egypt because of their hatred. We tend to wonder, “How could a good God have been involved in that painful circumstance?”  Yet He worked it all for good, eventually moving Joseph to a position of power as Pharaoh’s right-hand man. (see Genesis 37-39).

       When we ponder Scripture’s deeper teachings, it’s important to start with the truths about the Lord’s character, power, and promises. These form a foundation that can help us understand His role in both the triumphs and tragedies of life.

Although we can’t always grasp what God is doing in our circumstances, we can rely on His promise to work all things together for good to those who belong to Him (Romans 8:28). It’s important to remember that nothing touches us without passing through His loving, Sovereign hands.

By Charles Stanley

 

 

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

Always remember GOD is IN TOTAL CONTROL!

God’s ways (and thoughts) are not our ways (and thoughts) – see the below verses from Isaiah 55:8-9:

 

Isaiah 55:8-9

New King James Version (NKJV)

 

 ⁸   “For My thoughts are not your thoughts,
Nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord.
⁹   “For as the heavens are higher than the earth,
So are My ways higher than your ways,
And My thoughts than your thoughts.

 

 Always remember that we can rely on God to work all things together for good to those who belong to Him – see the below verse:

 

Romans 8:28

New King James Version (NKJV)

 

²⁸And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.

 

Please enjoy the below song, “Amen (with lyrics)” by “for KING & COUNTRY” - 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!