Jesus Is My Help – John 15 – RESOLVING TO DO LESS

This is “Namma for Christ” with the two hundred ninety-ninth inspirational message dated Monday, January 12th, 2026.  The title of this message is, “Jesus Is My Help – John 15 – RESOLVING TO DO LESS”.  The first four words of the title of this message are also the same four words in the title of the below anointed song/video, “Jesus Is My Help” by “Hezekiah Walker & The Love Fellowship Choir”. The message’s scripture is below as found in the 4^th through the 12^th verses of the 15^th chapter  of John:

John 15:4-12

New King James Version (NKJV)

⁴ Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me.

⁵ “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. ⁶ If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned. ⁷ If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. ⁸ By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples.

⁹ “As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love. ¹⁰ If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love.

¹¹ “These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full. ¹² This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.

 

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 December 31st, 2025) 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:

 

RESOLVING TO DO LESS 

⁵Apart from Me - you can do nothing.

John 15:5 (NIV)

 

Today's Scripture & Insight:

John 15:4-12

 

                    When we think about New Year’s resolutions, what probably comes to mind is a list of lofty ambitions we rarely achieve (80% of New year’s resolutions are already abandoned by mid-February). Author Amy Wilson suggests a better idea might be to reject entirely “the idea that we have to fix ourselves before our lives can get better.” Wilson suggests that, instead of adding commitments, we see the new year as an opportunity to do less, to finally “start saying no” to some of the “oversized and ongoing commitments that take our time and energy without giving us much in return.”

           In a world of constant pressure to do and be more, it can be easy to miss the radically different rhythm of life Jesus invited His disciples into – one of abiding in Him. In John 15, Jesus described Himself as “the true vine” (see verse 1) and His disciples as “the branches” (see verse 5).

           Vine branches don’t grow through working harder but through the nourishment received from the vine. So, too, the growth we long for can only be experienced when we let go of self-reliance in exchange for resting in and finding nourishment in Christ, for “apart from (Him) you can do nothing” (see verse 5).

           Through Jesus, we have hope for a life of less anxiety. Less striving. And more resting in God’s love and letting it flow to those around us (see John 15 verses 12 and 17).

 

                By Monica La Rose for ODB

 

Gracious God, please help me surrender my self-reliance to rest in You.

  Please enjoy the below anointed song/video, “Jesus Is My Help” by “Hezekiah Walker & The Love Fellowship Choir”.

 (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!

 

Goodness of God – Free to Enjoy God – Psalm 37:3-5

 

This is Namma for Christ with the two hundred ninety-eighth inspirational message dated Monday, January 5th, 2026. The title of this message is “Goodness of God – Free to Enjoy God – Psalm 37:3-5”.

The first three words of this message’s title are also the words of the title of the below anointed song/video, “Goodness of God (with lyrics)” as performed by Cece Winans.

The below passage of scripture (that accompanies this message) is from the third through the fifth verses of Psalm 37.

Psalm 37:3-5

New King James Version - (NKJV)

 

³ Trust in the Lord, and do good;
Dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness.
⁴ Delight yourself also in the Lord,
And He shall give you the desires of your heart.

⁵ Commit your way to the Lord,
Trust also in Him,
And He shall bring it to pass.

 

 The title of this message includes the words – “Free to Enjoy God” – which is the “title” of the late Dr. Charles Stanley’s “In Touch” Daily Devotional for (December 22^nd, 2025) – which I have included below (Dr. Charles Stanley passed away on 4/18/23). Dr. Charles Stanley was the founder of the “In Touch” daily devotional. Those who work on behalf of this daily devotional are continuing its publication - as it ministers to readers around the world. I recently read the below message and wanted to share this message in “Namma for Christ”.

 

 Free to Enjoy God

  Psalm 37:3-5

 

Scripture mentions children coming to Jesus (Matthew 18:2-3; 19:13-14). Some probably climbed onto His lap, while others perhaps sat at His feet. We can picture them asking Him questions, begging to hear more stories, and whispering secrets in His ear. It isn’t surprising that they would gather around Jesus; children can usually sense when an adult loves them deeply.

Contrast this image of the Savior’s welcoming, loving nature with the picture some Christians have of God – they see Him as a judgmental taskmaster who motivates by intimidation. While it’s true that we are to obey the Lord, we’re also to delight in Him, just as we would enjoy the company of a close friend.

How much better to have a biblically accurate view – that God, while sovereign over the universe, balances authority with love. While He does want us to pursue spiritual growth, He also wants us to relax and enjoy spending time with Him.

Taking pleasure in the Lord requires that we understand His attitude toward us: Our Father loves us tenderly and compassionately. He sees past our faults and mistakes to the precious child He created. In fact, He loves us so much that He sent Jesus Christ to save us and enable us to be with Him in heaven eternally. We have no greater friend!

 

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

 

Please enjoy the below anointed song/video, “Goodness of God (with lyrics)” as performed by Cece Winans.

(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! 

Testimony – 1st Samuel 17:37 – THIS EXPERIENCE IS PREPARING YOU

 

This is Namma for Christ with the two hundred ninety-seventh inspirational message dated Monday, December 1st, 2025. The title of this message is “Testimony – 1^st Samuel 17:37 – THIS EXPERIENCE IS PREPARING YOU”.

 

The first word of this message’s title is also the same word of the title of the below anointed song/video, “Testimony (with lyrics)” as performed by Christian artist Terrian.

The below passage of scripture (that accompanies this message) is from the thirty-seventh verse of the seventeenth chapter of First Samuel:

1^st Samuel 17:37

New King James Version - (NKJV)

³⁷ Moreover David said, “The Lord, who delivered me from the paw of the lion and from the paw of the bear, He will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine.”

And Saul said to David, “Go, and the Lord be with you!”

 

 The scripture text of “this” message was taken from the “same” scripture text that I read on (November 30th, 2025) in my daily devotional book entitled: “The Word for You Today”.

 

The inspirational message I read on November 30^th, 2025, was titled – “THIS EXPERIENCE IS PREPARING YOU”. I knew that it was a reminder that I wanted to share in my next message in my “Namma for Christ” blog. I hope you find (some of the excerpts) as inspirational as I did:

 

THIS EXPERIENCE IS PREPARING YOU

  1^st Samuel 17:37

 

      Every experience in our past has prepared us for some future opportunity. God doesn’t redeem only our souls. He also redeems our experiences, both good and bad. He does it by refining our character, developing our gifts, and teaching lessons that we can’t learn any other way. We learn the most important lessons in the classroom of life through firsthand experience. The tests are challenging, but no curriculum is more effective. And how you pass the test is by growing in character, developing the gift, or learning the lesson God is trying to teach you through that experience. God is at work in your life. He is helping you get ready for your date with destiny. And He is doing it in ways that are practically imperceptible (impossible to perceive). David realized that slaying the lion and the bear prepared him to bring down Goliath. And it’s not until you face your biggest challenge that God identifies how, when, and where He prepared you. That’s when you realize that the battle was won long before you stood on the battlefield. It was necessary for Moses to tend sheep for forty years before he could lead the flock of Israel. The disciples had to fish for fish before they could fish for men. A time of preparation precedes every divine appointment. And if we surrender to the preparation, God will execute His promise. If we don’t, He won’t. This is because God never sets us up to fail. The time you spend in the shadows is preparing you for the time when you will be in the limelight. The time you spend on the sidelines is preparing you to be on the front lines – and win.

 

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, “Testimony (with lyrics)” as performed by Christian artist Terrian 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!

Hallelujah, Salvation, and Glory – Psalm 90:12 – EACH DAY OF YOUR LIFE IS A GIFT

 

This is “Namma for Christ” with the two hundred ninety-sixth inspirational message dated Wednesday, November 12th, 2025.  The title of this message is, “Hallelujah, Salvation, and Glory – Psalm 90:12 – EACH DAY OF YOUR LIFE IS A GIFT”.  “Hallelujah, Salvation, and Glory” by “The Sunday Service Choir (as led by Jason White)” is a song that I first heard on YouTube – when I was scrolling on my cell phone. The Sunday Service Choir is a gospel choir that was formed by Kanye West. The below scripture is what is found in the 12^th verse of the 90^th chapter of Psalms:

 

Psalm 90:12

New International Version (NIV)

 
¹² Teach us to number our days,
    that we may gain a heart of wisdom.

 

 The scripture text of “this” message was taken from the “same” scripture text that I read on (November 8th, 2025) in my daily devotional book entitled: “The Word for You Today – Strength and Guidance for Daily Living”.

 

The inspirational message I read on November 8^th, 2025, was titled – “EACH DAY OF YOUR LIFE IS A GIFT”. I knew that it was a reminder that I wanted to share in my next message in my “Namma for Christ” blog. I hope you find (some of the excerpts) as inspirational as I did:

 

 EACH DAY OF YOUR LIFE IS A GIFT

 

^12 “Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.”

Psalm 90:12

New International Version (NIV)

 

Motivational speaker Denis Waitley describes an experience that marked his life forever. He was trying to catch a flight for a speaking commitment and was running through the airport terminal. He reached the gate just as the agent closed the door. Denis explained his dilemma, but the agent didn’t reopen the door. That’s when his annoyance turned into anger. He stomped out of the boarding area and returned to the ticket counter to lodge a complaint and reschedule his flight. His anger increased as he waited for over twenty minutes in a line that hardly moved. Right before his turn at the ticket counter, an announcement over the intercom changed his life, because he realized that by missing that flight, his life had been saved. The flight he missed, Flight 191 from Chicago to Los Angeles, had crashed on takeoff with no survivors. Denis never lodged his complaint. He also never returned his invalidated ticket for Flight 191. He brought it home and tacked it on a bulletin board in his office. In the aftermath of that experience, anytime he felt irritated or upset, all he had to do was look at that ticket from Flight 191. It was an unforgettable reminder that life is a gift that should not be undervalued. The psalmist wrote: “The days of our lives are seventy years; and if by reason of strength they are eighty years…it is soon cut off, and we fly away…So teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom” (verses 10,12 NKJV).

Please enjoy the below song, “Hallelujah, Salvation and Glory” by “The Sunday Service Choir (as led by Jason White)” performed with power and anointing.

 

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

 

BE BLESSED!

Won’t Start Now – Faith Barriers – Exodus 3

 

This is Namma for Christ with the two hundred ninety-fifth inspirational message dated Wednesday, November 5th, 2025. The title of this message is “Won’t Start Now – Faith Barriers – Exodus 3”.

The first three words of this message’s title are also the words of the title of the below anointed song/video, “Won’t Start Now (with lyrics)” as performed by Seph Schlueter.

The below passage of scripture (that accompanies this message) is from the third through the fifth verses and the tenth through the twelfth verses of the third chapter of Exodus.

Exodus 3:3-5

New King James Version - (NKJV)

 

³ Then Moses said, “I will now turn aside and see this great sight, why the bush does not burn.”

⁴ So when the Lord saw that he turned aside to look, God called to him from the midst of the bush and said, “Moses, Moses!”

And he said, “Here I am.”

⁵ Then He said, “Do not draw near this place. Take your sandals off your feet, for the place where you stand is holy ground.”

 

Exodus 3:10-12

New King James Version - (NKJV)

 

¹⁰ Come now, therefore, and I will send you to Pharaoh that you may bring My people, the children of Israel, out of Egypt.”

¹¹ But Moses said to God, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh, and that I should bring the children of Israel out of Egypt?”

¹² So He said, “I will certainly be with you. And this shall be a sign to you that I have sent you: When you have brought the people out of Egypt, you shall serve God on this mountain.”

 The title of this message includes the words – “Faith Barriers” – which is the “title” of the late Dr. Charles Stanley’s “In Touch” Daily Devotional for (October 11^th, 2025) – which I have included below (Dr. Charles Stanley passed away on 4/18/23). Dr. Charles Stanley was the founder of the “In Touch” daily devotional. Those who work on behalf of this daily devotional are continuing its publication - as it ministers to readers around the world. I recently read the below message and wanted to share this message in “Namma for Christ”.

 

 Faith Barriers

  Exodus 3:10 - 4:11

 

 

Yesterday, (on the 10/10/25 Intouch message) we saw how God used Moses to carry out His plans and ultimately the mission became one of the greatest in all of Scripture. But it didn’t start out that way.

When first called, the future leader responded with a list of reasons explaining why he shouldn’t obey.  He tried to hide behind the same faith barriers believers cite today: a poor self-image (Ex. 3:11-12 see above), ignorance about God (Ex. 3:13-21), self-doubt (Ex. 4:1-9), and feelings of inadequacy (Ex. 3:10-11 see above). Fearing that he would fail, Moses protested that the Lord had asked the wrong person, but God responded with a firm, persuasive rebuttal.

The theme of God’s answers is something all believers need to understand, just as Moses finally did – namely, that when we are called to serve, human strength, skill and wisdom do not matter. Rather, it is the Lord who does the work through us. He doesn’t seek out the most qualified person for a particular job but instead calls those who are willing to surrender to Him.

Excuses for disobedience haven’t changed much since Moses encountered the burning bush. When you’re tempted to respond with “But...,” remember you don’t have to be qualified or prepared. God saw Moses as he was and equipped him. He will do the same for you.

 

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

 

Please enjoy the below anointed song/video, “Won’t Start Now (with lyrics)” as performed by Seph Schlueter.

(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!

JOY (Unspeakable) – Acts 2:28

 

This is “Namma for Christ” with the two hundred ninety-fourth inspirational message dated Tuesday, October 28th, 2025.  The title of this message is, “JOY (Unspeakable) – Acts 2:28”.  The first two words of the title are also the words in the title of the below anointed song/video “JOY (Unspeakable)” (with lyrics) by the gospel choir “Voices of Fire” – featuring (and formed by) “Pharrell Williams”.  (Also, Pharrell Williams’ uncle Bishop Ezekiel Williams helped formed this dynamic multicultural gospel choir). The message’s scripture is below as found in the 28^th verse of the second chapter of Acts:


Acts 2:28
New International Version (NIV)

 

²⁸ You have made known to me the paths of life;
   You will fill me with joy in Your presence.

As to share with future readers and to provide a brief quotation for critical review - I have included an excerpt of the (October 25^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 was written from the perspective as if JESUS - was saying "these words" directly to "you"!  (Please read the below inspirational message:)

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

 I AM GOD WITH YOU, for all time and throughout eternity. Don’t let the familiarity of that concept numb its impact on your consciousness. My perpetual Presence with you can be a continual source of “JOY”, springing up and flowing out in streams of abundant Life. Let your mind reverberate with meanings of My Names: Jesus – the Lord saves, and Immanuel – God with us. Strive to remain conscious of My Presence even in your busiest moments. Talk with Me about whatever delights you, whatever upsets you, whatever is on your mind. These tiny steps of daily discipline, taken one after the other, will keep you close to Me on the path of Life.

 

 

 Matthew 1:21
New King James Version (NKJV)

 

²¹ And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.”

 

Matthew 1:23
New King James Version (NKJV)

 

²³ “Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which is translated, “God with us.”

 

 

 

Additional “JOY" related verses:

Psalm 105:43

New King James Version (NKJV)

⁴³ He brought out His people with joy,
His chosen ones with gladness.

 

Psalm 21:6
New International Version (NIV)

 

⁶ Surely You have granted him eternal blessings and made him glad with the joy of Your presence.

 

 

Nehemiah 8:10b
New King James Version (NKJV)

 

^10b for the joy of the Lord is your strength.

 

  Please enjoy the below anointed song/video “JOY (Unspeakable)” (with lyrics) by the Gospel choir “Voices of Fire” – featuring “Pharrell Williams”.

 

(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!

Let It Be A Hallelujah – John 3:16-17 – Jesus Christ, the Seeking Savior

 

This is Namma for Christ with the two hundred ninety-third inspirational message dated Friday, October 3rd, 2025. The title of this message is “Let It Be A Hallelujah – John 3:16-17 – Jesus Christ, the Seeking Savior”.

The first five words of this message’s title are also the words of the title of the below anointed song/video, “Let It Be A Hallelujah (with lyrics)” as performed by Lauren Daigle.

The below passage of scripture (that accompanies this message) is from the sixteenth and seventeenth verses of the third chapter of John.

John 3:16-17

New King James Version - (NKJV)

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.

 

 The title of this message includes the words – “Jesus Christ, the Seeking Savior” – which is the “title” of the late Dr. Charles Stanley’s “In Touch” Daily Devotional for (October 2nd, 2025) – which I have included below (Dr. Charles Stanley passed away on 4/18/23). Dr. Charles Stanley was the founder of the “In Touch” daily devotional. Those who work on behalf of this daily devotional are continuing its publication - as it ministers to readers around the world. I recently read the below message and wanted to share this message in “Namma for Christ”.

 

 Jesus Christ, the Seeking Savior

  John 3:16-17

 

       In this busy and high-tech world, it seems easier than ever to ignore Jesus. We are led to believe that every challenge can be met quickly and without aid from others. With new technologies and advancements coming out daily, why seek a Savior who lived 2,000 years ago?

      Throughout the Bible, we see God taking the initiative to bring about the salvation of mankind. None of us who are saved have sought Him out; we’ve just responded to the ways He has drawn us to Him (John 6:44 - see verse below). God made the first move: He chose to save us, and our response followed.

John 6:44

New King James Version - (NKJV)

⁴⁴ No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him; and I will raise him up at the last day.

Today’s passage underscores our need for Jesus – it discusses how the Father gave His Son so we might be saved. Without Jesus, we’d have no hope. Now think about the Lord’s final words to His disciples before He ascended to heaven. Did He say to sit idly by and simply mention His name to anyone who walked past? Not at all. He said, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation” (Mark 16:15). He wants the good news to go forth because He is still seeking those who need salvation.

If you don’t know Jesus, He’s looking for you (Luke 19:10 - see the verse below). If you do know Him, use every opportunity to share His great news with the world.

Luke 19:10

New King James Version - (NKJV)

¹⁰ for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.”

 

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

 

Please enjoy the below anointed song/video, “Let It Be A Hallelujah (with lyrics)” as performed by Lauren Daigle 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!