Running Back To You – Rom. 5:1-2 – Grace: God’s Second Chance

 

This is Namma for Christ with the two hundred seventy-ninth inspirational message dated Friday, November 1st, 2024. The title of this message is “Running Back To You – Rom. 5:1-2 – Grace: God’s Second Chance”.

The first four words of this message’s title are also the words of the title of the below anointed song/video, “Running Back To You (with lyrics)” as performed by Seph Schlueter.

The below passage of scripture (that accompanies this message) is from the first and second verses of the fifth chapter of Romans:

Romans 5:1-2

New King James Version - (NKJV)

 Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, ² through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

 

 

The title of this message includes the words – “Grace: God’s Second Chance” – which is the “title” of the late Dr. Charles Stanley’s “In Touch” Daily Devotional for (November 1^st, 2024) – 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”.

 

 Grace: God’s Second Chance

  Romans 5:1-6

 

      Scripture paints a grim picture of mankind apart from the Lord: dead in our sins, under God’s wrath, and subject to eternal separation from Him (Ephesians 2:1-3 see below verses). Through the cross, we are given a second chance to be in a relationship with the Lord. When we trust in Christ, He pours out His unconditional love – and grace – upon us.

       Ephesians 2:1-3

New King James Version - (NKJV)

And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins, ² in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience, ³ among whom also we all once conducted ourselves in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, just as the others.

 

 

Because of grace, we have been justified by faith. Justification is a declaration by God that we are not guilty in His sight. At salvation, Jesus died on the cross and rescued us from the penalty for our transgressions. All our disobedience – past, present, and future – is fully forgiven.

 

      We gain this remarkable pardon through genuine faith in Jesus Christ – in other words, by acknowledging God’s judgment that we are sinners who need a Savior because we’re unable to save ourselves. True faith rests on the belief that Jesus’s death atoned for our sins, God accepted His Son’s sacrifice on our behalf, and we are fully forgiven. Grace gives us peace with God. Because we’ve trusted in Christ, we’ve been adopted into the heavenly Father’s family (John 1:12-13 see below verses) and have His favor forever.

 

John 1:12-13

New King James Version - (NKJV)

¹² But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: ¹³ who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.

 

      Through grace, we have been offered a fresh start. May we make full use of this opportunity by passionately pursuing God with all our heart.

 

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

 

Please enjoy the below song/video, “Running Back To You (with lyrics)” as performed by Seph Schlueter 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! 

Don’t Stop Praying – Heb. 10:23 – What to Do in a Crisis

This is “Namma for Christ” with the two hundred seventy-eighth inspirational message dated Wednesday, October 23rd, 2024.  The title of this message is, “Don’t Stop Praying – Heb. 10:23 – What to Do in a Crisis”.  The song provided below - “Don’t Stop Praying” (with lyrics) by “Matthew West” is a song that I first heard on my favorite Christian radio station – STAR 99.1FM. The below scripture is what is found in the 23^rd verse of the 10^th chapter of Hebrews:

 

Hebrews 10:23

New King James Version (NKJV)

²³ Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful.
   

 The scripture text of “this” message was taken from the “same” scripture text that I read on (October 22nd, 2024) in my daily devotional book (the 58th day's message) entitled: “The Word for You Today – 90 Days of Faith, Hope & Courage in Changing Times”.

 

The inspirational message I read on October 22^nd, 2024, was titled – “WHAT TO DO IN A CRISIS”. 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:

 

WHAT TO DO IN A CRISIS

²³ “…He who promised is faithful.”

Heb. 10:23

New International Version (NIV)

 

Don’t drift. Typically, we react to a crisis in the same three ways as the sailors on board Paul’s ship (Acts 27:15 NIV - see verse below):

¹⁵ The ship was caught by the storm and could not head into the wind; so we gave way to it and were driven along.

The first thing life’s storms tend to do is make us drift. We lose sight of our goals and forget where we’re headed. We ignore our values and get off course. Because they weren’t equipped with compasses and the stars were obscured by the storm, the sailors were in total darkness. Which raises the question: How do you characteristically react in a dark situation when you can’t see the stars and you don’t have a compass? You drift. You go where the waves carry you. You let your problems batter you and toss you back and forth. In life, strong currents can discourage you and make you wonder, “What’s the use? Why fight it?” So you end up going with the flow. But – NOW’S THE TIME TO DO THE OPPOSITE!

STRENGTHEN YOUR GRIP OF FAITH: “HOLD UNSWERVINGLY TO THE HOPE WE PROFESS, FOR ‘HE’ WHO PROMISED IS FAITHFUL…

Do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded…persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what He has promised” (Heb. 10:23, 35-36 NIV). Note the phrase: “He who promised is faithful.”

Question: Has God ever failed you?

Answer: No! And He won’t now.

“Hold unswervingly to the hope we profess…He who promised is faithful” (Heb. 10:23 NIV), and He will bring you through this crisis.

 

Please enjoy the below song, “Don’t Stop Praying” (with lyrics) by “Matthew West” performed with power and anointing.

 

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

 

BE BLESSED! 

Won’t He Do It – 2nd Cor. 1:3 – God Will Bring You Through

 

This is “Namma for Christ” with the two hundred seventy-seventh inspirational message dated Thursday, October 3rd, 2024.  The title of this message is, “Won’t He Do It – 2^nd Cor. 1:3 – God Will Bring You Through”.  The song provided below - “Won’t He Do It” (with lyrics) by “We The Kingdom” is a song that I first heard on my favorite Christian radio station – STAR 99.1FM. The below scripture is what is found in the 3^rd verse of the 1^st chapter of 2^nd Corinthians:

 

2^nd Corinthians 1:3

New King James Version (NKJV)

³ Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort
   

 The scripture text of “this” message was taken from the “same” scripture text that I read on (September 25th, 2024) in my daily devotional book (the 27th day's message) entitled: “The Word for You Today – 90 Days of Faith, Hope & Courage in Changing Times”.

 

The inspirational message I read on September 25^th, 2024, was titled – “GOD WILL BRING YOU THROUGH”. 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:

 

GOD WILL BRING YOU THROUGH

³ “The God of all comfort.”

 

2^nd Cor. 1:3

New International Version (NIV)

 

God can bring you through situations you think you won’t survive, or feel you’ll be stuck in forever. He can make you comfortable in the most uncomfortable places and give you peace in the midst of trauma. Before your life is over you’ll live, love, and experience loss. Losing some things will actually help you to appreciate the things you still have. It’s the taste of failure that makes success sweet. You’ll live each day not knowing what tomorrow holds, but confident that God has your tomorrows all planned out. They’re not in the hands of your boss or your banker or your mate or anybody else. Nor are they in your own hands to manipulate and control. No, all your tomorrows are in God’s hands. Just because you don’t recognize the path you’re on doesn’t mean that God’s not leading you. He promises, “I will lead them in paths they have not known, I will make darkness light before them, and crooked places straight. These things I will do for them, and not forsake them” (Isaiah 42:16 NKJV). So get to know God – you’ll need Him. And He’ll be there for you. He’ll be there when everybody and everything else has failed you. He’ll be there for you in the dark places. “Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.” (Psalm 30:5 NKJV). However long the night, morning always comes, and with it – His joy. As you look back – you’ll realize that His grace protected you, provided for you, secured you, calmed you, comforted you and brought you through. Times and seasons change, but not God. He’s always “the God of all comfort.”

 

Please enjoy the below song, “Won’t He Do It” (with lyrics) by “We The Kingdom” performed with power and anointing.

 

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

 

BE BLESSED!

Because of Who You Are – John 11:35 – Coping with Loss

 

This is “Namma for Christ” with the two hundred seventy-sixth inspirational message dated Wednesday, September 11th, 2024.  The title of this message is, “Because of Who You Are – John 11:35 – Coping with Loss”.  The song provided below - “Because of Who You Are” (with lyrics) by “Vicky Yohe” is a song that I first heard in my church, as sung by our choir. The below scripture is what is found in the 35^thverse and the 11^th chapter of John:

 

John 11:35

New King James Version (NKJV)

³⁵Jesus wept.
   

 The scripture text of “this” message was taken from the “same” scripture text that I read on (September 10, 2024) in my daily devotional book (the 73rd day's message) entitled: “The Word for You Today – 90 Days of Faith, Hope & Courage in Changing Times”.

 

The inspirational message I read on September 10^th, 2024, was titled – “COPING WITH LOSS”. 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:

 

COPING WITH LOSS

³⁵ “Jesus wept.”

 

John 11:35

New International Version (NIV)

 

Emptiness, disbelief, fatigue, confusion, depression and anger are all part of the grieving process. C. M. Parkes says, “Grief is the price we pay for love.” The only people who escape grief are those who’ve never really loved. In John Chapter 11 when Jesus arrived on the scene, Lazarus was dead and Martha was upset because He didn’t come sooner. She wanted to know, “Why Lord?” It’s the question we all ask. And what was Jesus’ response?  The Bible says that sitting among the mourners, “Jesus wept”. And when He did, He made it okay for us to grieve too! How do we mourn? Author Melody Beattle says, “We do it awkwardly, imperfectly, with resistance, anger and attempts to negotiate. We flounder through kicking and screaming until we reach that peaceful state called acceptance.”

Tears don’t represent a lack of faith, they just mean we’re human. The One who gave you love, understands sorrow and loss – that’s why He gave you tears!

Jesus said, “I am the resurrection, and the life” (John 11:25), so when He spoke that day Lazarus had to respond to the “Lord of…the dead and the living” (Romans 14:9 NIV). In fact, if Jesus hadn’t called Lazarus by name, it’s likely that every corpse in the cemetery would have arisen when He spoke! Grieving heart, there’s good news: “The Lord…will come down from heaven…[and] all the Christians [including your loved ones] who have died will rise” (1^st Thes. 4:16 NLT – see below verse)

 

1^st Thessalonians 4:16

New Living Translation (NLT)

 

¹⁶ For the Lord Himself  will come down from heaven with a commanding shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet call of God. First, the believers who have died will rise from their graves.

 

Until then, although we grieve, we’re not like “others who have no hope” (see verse 1^st Thes. 4:13 NKJV below). That’s because we know how the story ends!

1^st Thessalonians 4:13

New King James Version (NKJV)

 

¹³ But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope.

 

Please enjoy the below song, “Because of Who You Are” (with lyrics) by “Vicky Yohe” performed with power and anointing.

 

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

 

BE BLESSED!

God Be the Glory – Heb. 12:1 & Prov. 3:5-6 – Success God’s Way

 This is Namma for Christ with the two hundred seventy-fifth inspirational message dated Sunday, September 1st, 2024. The title of this message is “God Be the Glory – Heb. 12:1 & Prov. 3:5-6 – Success God’s Way”.

The first four words of this message’s title are also the words of the title of the below anointed song/video, “God Be the Glory” as performed by “We Are Messengers” featuring KB (with lyrics).

The below passage of scripture (that accompanies this message) is from the first verse of the twelfth chapter of Hebrews:

Hebrews 12:1

New King James Version - (NKJV)

¹ Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.

 

The title of this message includes the words – “Success God’s Way” – which is the “title” of the late Dr. Charles Stanley’s “In Touch” Daily Devotional for (August 26^th, 2024) – which I have included below:

 

  Success God’s Way

  Proverbs 3:5-6

 

      How do we become successful? Contrary to the word’s common definition – which usually involves fame, fortune or power – true success means becoming the person God wants each of us to be. Hebrews 12:1 offers His perspective on this: “Therefore, since we also have such a great cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let’s rid ourselves of every obstacle and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let’s run with endurance the race that is set before us.”

      Here, we see the keys to success. First, it is important to find encouragement from the lives of other believers who have seen Christ’s faithfulness and followed His directions. Next, we should get rid of anything that holds us back from obeying God. Finally, we are to persevere, even through difficult or discouraging times. Today’s passage answers our original question: We achieve success only by relying on Jesus for guidance and strength.

      God has a wonderful plan for blessing and fulfillment in your life, and part of His plan is that you live with purpose and persistence. The Father’s guidance will become clear as you read His Word, pray for direction, and seek godly counsel. Does your definition of success for your life match the good plan God has for you?

 

Jeremiah 29:11 states:

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.

Also, always remember to - TRUST IN GOD:

Proverbs 3:5-6

New King James Version - (NKJV)

 

⁵ Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
And lean not on your own understanding;
⁶ In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He shall direct your paths.

 

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

 

Please enjoy the below song/video, “God Be the Glory” as performed by “We Are Messengers” featuring KB (with lyrics) 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! 

Good Day – Prov. 17:22 – Lighten Up!

 

This is “Namma for Christ” with the two hundred seventy-fourth inspirational message dated Thursday, August 22nd, 2024.  The title of this message is, “Good Day – Prov. 17:22 – Lighten Up!”.  The song provided below - “Good Day” (with lyrics) by “Forrest Frank” is a song that I first heard on my Christian radio station, Star 99.1FM. The below scripture is what is found in the 22^ndverse and the 17^th chapter of Proverbs:

 

Proverbs 17:22

New Living Translation (NLT)

²² A cheerful heart is good medicine,
    but a broken spirit saps a person’s strength.

 The scripture text of “this” message was taken from the “same” scripture text that I read on (August 21st, 2024) in my daily devotional book (the 54th day's message) entitled: “The Word for You Today – 90 Days of Faith, Hope & Courage in Changing Times”.

 

The inspirational message I read on August 21^st, 2024, was titled – “LIGHTEN UP!”. 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:

 

LIGHTEN UP!

^{3 “}Unless you… become like children”

 

Matthew 18:3

New American Standard (NAS)

 

How’s your sense of humor these days? Jesus said, “Unless you…become like children, you will not enter the kingdom.” Anne Klein, an expert on healing through humor reminds us that children laugh about four hundred times a day and adults just fifteen. And you pay a price for it! Your spirit breaks, you lose your vitality and shrivel up emotionally. Laughter has an immediate effect on your heart rate, blood pressure, breathing, muscle and brain activity. It influences how your body handles disease by activating your immune system. The Bible says, “A relaxed attitude lengthens…life” (Prov. 14:30) The Living Bible. “A joyful heart makes a [happy] face” (Prov. 15:13 NAS). “For the happy…life is a continual feast” (Prov. 15:15 NLT). “A cheerful heart is good medicine…a broken spirit saps a person’s strength” (Prov. 17:22 NLT). If a pill could do all that for you, wouldn’t you take it? Life should be enjoyed, not endured! (Pastor and Christian author) Chuck Swindoll once said, “Laughter is a God-given escape hatch…a safety valve…to lack a sense of humor is a serious deficiency.”

Remember –

 

“A cheerful heart is good medicine…a broken spirit saps a person’s strength” (Prov. 17:22 New Living Translation).

 

Please enjoy the below song, “Good Day” (with lyrics) by “Forrest Frank” performed with power and anointing.

 

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

 

BE BLESSED!

Don’t Fight Alone – 1st Kings 17 - Don’t Be Afraid, Put God First

 

This is “Namma for Christ” with the two hundred seventy-third inspirational message dated Saturday, August 17th, 2024.  The title of this message is, “Don’t Fight Alone – 1^st Kings 17 - Don’t Be Afraid, Put God First”.  “Don’t Fight Alone” (with lyrics) by “Jon Reddick” is a song that I first heard on my Christian radio station, Star 99.1FM. The below scripture is what is found in the 8^th through the 9^th verses and the 13^th through the 16^th verses of the 17^th chapter of 1^st Kings:

 

1^st Kings 17:8-9, 13-16

New King James Version (NKJV)

 

⁸ Then the word of the Lord came to him, saying, ⁹ “Arise, go to Zarephath, which belongs to Sidon, and dwell there. See, I have commanded a widow there to provide for you.”

¹³ And Elijah said to her, “Do not fear; go and do as you have said, but make me a small cake from it first, and bring it to me; and afterward make some for yourself and your son. ¹⁴ For thus says the Lord God of Israel: ‘The bin of flour shall not be used up, nor shall the jar of oil run dry, until the day the Lord sends rain on the earth.’ ”

¹⁵ So she went away and did according to the word of Elijah; and she and he and her household ate for many days. ¹⁶ The bin of flour was not used up, nor did the jar of oil run dry, according to the word of the Lord which He spoke by Elijah.

 

 

 The scripture text of “this” message was taken from the “same” scripture text that I read on (August 16th, 2024) in my daily devotional book (the 44th day's message) entitled: “The Word for You Today – 90 Days of Faith, Hope & Courage in Changing Times”.

 

The inspirational message I read on August 16^th, 2024, was titled – “DON’T BE AFRAID, PUT GOD FIRST”. 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:

 

DON’T BE AFRAID, PUT GOD FIRST

^9 “I have commanded a widow...to provide for you”

 

1^ST Kings 17:9

New Kings James Version (NKJV)

 

When famine hit Israel, God said to the prophet Elijah, “Go to Zarephath…I have commanded a widow there to provide for you.” Observe three things in this story. (1) When the need arises, your provision will be in place. That’s how God works, so ask Him to tell you where to go and what to do. And when He does, get moving! (2) The people God uses will surprise you. Sometimes they’re people you would tend to overlook. This penniless widow had “only a handful of flour…and a little oil” (verse 1^st Kings 17:12 NKJV). That’s no problem to God. He doesn’t need much to start with in order to do something great, just a willing heart. Why didn’t God send Elijah to a wealthy family? Because they didn’t need a miracle, she did. When God’s work has a need He looks for someone with a seed, stretches their faith, and both the giver and God’s work are blessed. (3) Your ‘bad time’ is often God’s opportune moment. This miracle took place in the middle of an economic depression. What seems like the worst possible time for you, is when God loves to move. This woman was only one meal away from death; it doesn’t get much worse. “So she went away and did according to the word of Elijah…she and…her household ate for many days. The bin of flour was not used up, nor did the jar of oil run dry” (verses 1^st Kings 17:15-16 NKJV). The key to her miracle is found in Elijah’s words: “Do not fear…but make me a small cake from it first” (verse 1^st Kings 17:13 NKJV). The Word for you today is don’t be afraid; put God first and He will meet your need.

 

Please enjoy the below song, “Don’t Fight Alone” (with lyrics) by “Jon Reddick” performed with power and anointing.

 

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

 

BE BLESSED!