Jesus Take the Wheel - Spiritual Driving - Eph. 5:15-16

 

This is Namma for Christ with the one hundred seventy-fourth inspirational message dated Tuesday, December 15th, 2020. The title of this message is “Jesus Take the Wheel - Spiritual Driving – Eph. 5:15-16”.

The first four words of the title are also the name of the below inspirational song/video, “Jesus Take the Wheel” (with lyrics) as performed by Christian /Country artist Carrie Underwood.  This song was first written and released in 2005. This song, “Jesus Take the Wheel” tells the story of a young mother who is driving back home (to her parents) on Christmas Eve – with her baby in the backseat. As she’s driving, she hits a patch of black ice on the road and she recommits her life back to the Lord – when she comes to a safe stop.

 

The below passage of scripture (that accompanies this message) is from the New Testament book of Ephesians - the fifteenth and the sixteenth verses of the fifth chapter:

Ephesians 5:15-16

New International Version (NIV)

¹⁵ Be very careful, then, how you live – not as unwise but as wise, ¹⁶ making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.

 

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 read the message for the day (for August 26th, 2020) 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:

 

Spiritual Driving

 

Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.

 Ephesians 5:15-16

 

Today's Scripture & Insight: Ephesians 5:8-20

 

 

I don’t remember many specifics about my driver’s education class. But for some reason, an acronym we learned, S-I-P-D-E, remains firmly lodged in my memory.

The letters stood for Scan, Identify, Predict, Decide, and Execute, a process we were taught to practice continually. We were to scan the road, identify hazards, predict what the hazards might do, decide how we’d respond, and then, if necessary, execute that plan. It was a strategy for being intentional to avoid accidents.  

I wonder how that idea might translate to our spiritual lives. In Ephesians 5, Paul told Ephesian believers, “Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise, but as wise” (v. 15). Paul knew certain hazards could derail the Ephesians—old ways of living at odds with their new life in Jesus (vv. 8, 10–11). So he instructed the growing church to pay attention.

The words translated “be very careful, then, how you live” literally mean “see how you walk.” In other words, look around. Notice hazards, and avoid personal pitfalls like drunkenness and wild living (v. 18). Instead, the apostle said, we can seek to learn God’s will for our lives (v. 17), while, with fellow believers, we sing to and give Him thanks (vv. 19–20).

No matter what hazards we face—and even when we stumble—we can experience our new life in Christ as we grow in dependence on His boundless power and grace.

 

Heavenly Father, as I navigate the spiritual potholes on life’s road, thank You for reminding me to look up to You for help.

 

By:  Adam R. Holz (for Our Daily Bread)

 

Please enjoy the below inspirational song/video, “Jesus Take the Wheel” (with lyrics) as performed by Christian /Country artist Carrie Underwood. 

 

(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!

The Night That Christ Was Born – God Is in Control – Psalm 103:19-22

 

This is “Namma for Christ” with the one hundred seventy-third inspirational message dated Tuesday, December 2nd, 2020. The title of this message is, “The Night That Christ Was Born – God Is in Control – Psalm 103:19-22”.  “The Night That Christ Was Born” by Kirk Franklin (as provided below in the accompanied video) is a song that I first heard performed during “Christmas season” in my church. On Sunday, November 29th, 2020, during my church’s “virtual service” (due to the coronavirus pandemic) – I heard the song performed, again, as a “duet”. The duet was beautifully sung by two members of my church - a “mother and her daughter”- who melodiously performed the song. These two ladies have always “let their lights shine” as they have shared their gifts of singing – in “service” to the Lord.  I knew that after I heard this song – I knew that I would want to share a version of “this song” in my next message.

 

The below scripture is what King David wrote “in praise to the Lord” in the 19^th through the 22^nd verses of the one hundred third chapter of Psalms:

 

Psalm 103:19-22

New King James Version (NKJV)

¹⁹ The Lord has established His throne in heaven,
And His kingdom rules over all.

²⁰ Bless the Lord, you His angels,
Who excel in strength, who do His word,
Heeding the voice of His word.
²¹ Bless the Lord, all you His hosts,
You ministers of His, who do His pleasure.
²² Bless the Lord, all His works,
In all places of His dominion.

Bless the Lord, O my soul!

 

The title of this message also includes the words – “God Is in Control” – which is the title of the Charles Stanley Daily Devotional for (11/30/20) – which I have included below:

God Is in Control

Psalm 103:19-22

By Charles Stanley

   In Today’s Psalm, David discusses a fundamental attribute of God: His SOVEREIGNTY. This means God has complete authority and control over all human beings and every aspect of the universe. It also means that “luck” and “good fortune” have no place in a discussion about Him. And because God is good, we can have full confidence in His absolute and loving control over every aspect of our existence.

When we trust in the Father’s sovereignty, we stand on two assurances. The first is that He is intimately involved in our daily life. No matter what, He never stops providing, protecting, and caring for every believer. He knows what we need for today and tomorrow.

The second is that the Lord will work every circumstance for our benefit – without exception! When situations are more demanding, our confidence may waiver, but Scripture promises “that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose” – see Romans 8:28 below:

Romans 8:28

New King James Version (NKJV)

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

You and I do not live by chance. As children of a sovereign God, we live secure and under His control. Trust Him to carry you through whatever trial stands in your way.

By Charles Stanley

 

I pray that you have enjoyed the above message and I pray that you will enjoy the accompanied song. “Both” reflect God’s LOVE for us – His children. God loved us so much that He sent His Son Jesus Christ to this earth for us – to redeem us of our sins so that we may have eternal life. See John 3:16 below -

John 3:16

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.

 

Please enjoy the below song, “The Night That Christ Was Born” by Kirk Franklin - 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!

What We Need - Job 1:21

This is Namma for Christ with the one hundred seventy-second inspirational message dated Saturday, November 21st, 2020. The title of this message is “What We Need – Job 1:21”.

The first three words of the title are also the name of the above inspirational song/video, “What We Need” as performed by Eva. Eva is doing a “cover” of the original song as written and sung by teenagers: Arie Camp and Alena Pitts. (Arie Camp is the daughter of the Christian music artist – Jeremy Camp). The below passage of scripture (that accompanies this message) is from the Old Testament book of Job - the twenty-first verse of the first chapter:

Job 1:21b

New International Version (NIV)

²¹ … The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away;

 may the name of the Lord be praised.”

 

 

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 read the message for the day (for October 31st, 2020) 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:

 

Sticks, Bricks, and God

 

The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised.

Job 1:21

 

Today's Scripture & Insight: Job 1:18-22

After praying about what God was calling them to do in the next phase of their lives, Mark and Nina determined that moving to the urban core of the city was what they needed to do. They purchased a vacant house and renovation was well underway—then came the storm. Mark wrote in a text message to me: “We had a surprise this morning. The tornado that came through Jefferson City, took out our renovation—down to sticks and bricks. God is up to something.”

Uncontrollable storms are not the only things that surprise us and create confusion in our lives. Not losing sight of God in the midst of misfortune, however, is one of the keys of survival.

The weather catastrophe in Job’s life that resulted in his loss of property and the death of his children (Job 1:19) was but one of the shocking surprises he faced. Prior to that, three messengers had come bearing bad news (vv. 13–17).

On any given day, we can go from feasting to mourning, from celebrating life to processing death, or some other life challenge. Our lives can swiftly be reduced to “sticks and bricks”—financially, relationally, physically, emotionally, spiritually. But God is mightier than any storm. Surviving life’s trials requires faith that’s focused on Him—faith that enables us to say with Job and others, “May the name of the Lord be praised” (v. 21).

 

By: Arthur Jackson (for Our Daily Bread)

 

 

 

Please enjoy the above inspirational song/video, “What We Need” as performed by Eva’ Music.  Eva’ Music is doing a “cover” of the original song as written and sung by teenagers: Arie Camp and Alena Pitts.

 

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

 

(If you can’t see the above 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 press play to enjoy the song/video).

 

BE BLESSED! 

Who Am I – John 10:28 – He Won’t Let Us Go

 

This is Namma for Christ with the one hundred seventy-first inspirational message dated Sunday, October 4th, 2020. The title of this message is “Who Am I – John 10:28 – He Won’t Let Us Go”.

The first three words of the title are also the name of the below inspirational song/video, “Who Am I” (with lyrics) as sung by the Christian group – “NEEDTOBREATHE”.  The below passage of scripture (that accompanies this message) is from the New Testament book of John - the twenty-eighth verse of the tenth chapter:

John 10:28

New International Version (NIV)

²⁸ I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of My hand.

 

 

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 October 2^nd, 2020) 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:

 

He Won’t Let Us Go

 

²⁸ I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of My hand.  John 10:28

 

Today's Scripture & Insight:

John 10:22-30

Julio was biking across the George Washington Bridge – a busy, double-decked thoroughfare connecting New York City and New Jersey – when he encountered a life-or-death situation. A man was standing on a ledge over the Hudson River preparing to jump. Knowing that the police wouldn’t arrive in time, Julio acted quickly. He recalls getting off his bike and spreading out his arms, saying something like: “Don’t do it. We love you.” Then, like a shepherd with a crook, he grabbed the distraught man, and with the help of another passerby, brought him to safety. According to reports, Julio wouldn’t let go of the man, even after he was safe.

Two millennia earlier, in a life-or-death situation, Jesus, the Good Shepherd, said He would lay down His life to save and never let go of those who believed in Him. He summarized how He would bless His sheep: they would know Him personally, have the gift of eternal life, would never perish, and would be secure in His care. This security didn’t depend on the ability of the frail and feeble sheep, but on the sufficiency of the Shepherd who’ll never let one be snatched “out of (His) hand.” (John 10:28-29)

When we were distraught and feeling hopeless, Jesus rescued us; now we can feel safe and secure in our relationship with Him. He loves us, pursues us, finds us, saves us and promises to never let us go.

By: Marvin Williams

 

Please enjoy the below inspirational song/video, “Who Am I” (with lyrics) as sung by the Christian group – “NEEDTOBREATHE” 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!

I Know - What It Takes to Win - 1st Cor. 9:26

This is “Namma for Christ” with the one hundred seventieth inspirational message dated Saturday, September 26th, 2020. The title of this message is, “I Know – What It Takes To Win – 1st Corinthians 9:26a”. “I Know” by the Christian group “Big Daddy Weave” is a song that I first heard on my Christian radio station Star 99.1FM. I love how “Big Daddy Weave” sing this song with so much tenderness and passion. The below scripture is what the Apostle Paul wrote in the 26th verse of the 9th chapter of 1st Corinthians: 1st Corinthians 9:26a New Living Translation (NLT) 26 I run with purpose in every step… The Apostle Paul wrote this verse (and three verses that surround it) to compare “running the Christian race” with the actual “athletic competition" of running a race. The scripture text of “this” message was taken from the “same” scripture text that I read on (September 15th, 2020) in my daily devotional book entitled: “The Word For You Today – Strength and Guidance for Daily Living”. The inspirational message I read on September 15th, 2020, was titled – WHAT IT TAKES TO WIN. I knew that it was a message that I wanted to share in my next “Namma for Christ” – I hope you find (some of the excerpts) as inspirational as I did: WHAT IT TAKES TO WIN 26 I run with purpose in every step… 1st Corinthians 9:26a New Living Translation (NLT) Whether it’s in the world of sports or in the kingdom of God, all winners exhibit these five traits: 1. Self-awareness. Winners are honest about their strengths and weaknesses. The Bible says, (see below): In 1st Chronicles 28:9 NIV – “…The Lord searches every heart…if you seek Him, He will be found by you; In prayer - you see yourself as you are. As you read God’s Word, you begin to see yourself as you can be. 2. Focus. Wherever you are today, be “there” – because that’s where God is. People who spend their lives “waiting for their ship to come in” are usually disappointed. “Winners” live in the present moment. They refuse to be in one place while their mind is in another. 3. Confidence. Winners overcome anxiety by keeping their eyes on the goal. As they get closer, their confidence increases. Jude writes – (see below) Jude v. 20 NIV - 20 "Dear friends, by building yourselves up"... This is something you must do for yourself, and do daily through prayer and God’s word. The below verses from Philippians also encourages everyone to “not be anxious”: Philippians 4:6-7 New International Version (NIV) 6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known unto God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. 4. Toughness. Winners sacrifice the present for the future. They’ve learned to say no to indulgence and yes to discipline, because to them the prize is worth the price. Paul writes (see below) 1st Corinthians 9:27 NLT - 27 I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should. Otherwise, I fear that after preaching to others I myself might be disqualified. 5. A game plan Winners recognize that talent alone isn’t enough; you need a plan to live by. So, have you discovered God’s plan for your life? Are you living by it? If not, talk to Him about it today. It’s one of the most important conversations you will ever have. Also, remember what the Lord tells you in Jeremiah 29:11 (see below) 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. Please enjoy the above song, “I Know” by Big Daddy Weave - performed with power and anointing. (I do not own the rights to this song).

(If you can't see the above 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 press play to enjoy the song/video.)

 BE BLESSED!

Taste and See - God Is Able - Eph. 3:20-21

This is “Namma for Christ” with the one hundred sixty-ninth inspirational message dated Monday, August 31st, 2020.  The title of this message is, “Taste and See – God Is Able – Eph. 3:20-21”.  “Taste and See” or also known as “Psalm 34” by The Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir is a song that I first heard while – while scrolling through “You Tube”.   The Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir has created the inspiring lyrics of this song - from using the "actual verses" of Psalm 34. I love how the two young men (who lead this song) of The Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir sing this song/video (with lyrics) with so much heart and feeling. The title of this message also contains the text of the associated scripture for this message from Ephesians 3:20 (which describes that “GOD IS ABLE”)-

 

The below scripture is what the Apostle Paul wrote in the 20^th and the 21st verses of the 3rd 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.

 

The supporting scriptures that precede these verses are provided below – as taken from Ephesians 3:14-19th –

 

Ephesians 3:14-19

New King James Version (NKJV)

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.

 

 

The title of this message also includes the words – “God Is Able” – which is the title of the Charles Stanley Daily Devotional for (8/31/20) – which I have included below:

 

GOD IS ABLE

Eph. 3:20-21

By Charles Stanley

 

 

Jesus knew what it was like to live with limited resources, to have others question His actions (Mark 3:21), and to be rejected by those He sought to serve (John 6:66). Yet in spite of such opposition, He didn’t let circumstances affect His trust in the Father.

We’re called to follow Jesus’ example by believing that God is able to do what He’s promised. For instance, Hebrews 7:25 assures salvation for whoever requests forgiveness in the name of Jesus—His death on the cross satisfied the demands of divine justice for all our sins. God will pardon everybody who has genuine faith in His Son and will make each one a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17). No matter what trouble someone may have caused, the Lord invites that person to draw near in faith and receive the gift of everlasting life.

God also promises to establish in truth everyone who trusts in Him (Rom. 16:25). Through His Spirit and the Word, we start to see things as our Father does, which helps us understand what pleases Him.

By believing God keeps His promises, we grow stronger in our faith and gain peace. Hardships that would once have thrown us off course lose their power. Hope replaces discouragement, and trust overcomes doubt. Next time trouble comes, focus on God’s promises and ability to care for you.

 

Charles Stanley

 
 

 Also note that the title of the song/video “Psalm 34” (“Taste and See”) by the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir comes from a verse in Psalm 34 verse 8 – as provided below:

Psalm 34:8

New King James Version (NKJV)

⁸ Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good;
Blessed is the man who trusts in Him!

 

May “you” (if you haven’t already)  “TASTE AND SEE” that “GOD IS ABLE” – to do what you cannot do –

“TRUST AND BELIEVE IN JESUS:

 

Ephesians 3:20- 21 reminds us -

 

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 enjoy the above song, “Taste and See” or also known as “Psalm 34” by The Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir -  (with lyrics) performed with power and anointing.

 

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

 

BE BLESSED!

No Longer Slaves - I’m A Child of God - Gal. 4:7

This is “Namma for Christ” with the one hundred sixty-eighth inspirational message dated Monday, August 10th, 2020.  The title of this message is, “No Longer Slaves - I’m A Child of God – Galatians 4:7”.  “No Longer Slaves” by Zach Williams is a song that I first heard on my Christian radio station Star 99.1FM.   I love how Zach Williams sings this song with so much heart and passion. The title of this song is also similar to the words of the associated scripture for this message from Galatians 4:7 -

 

The below scripture is what the Apostle Paul wrote in the 7^th verse of the 4^th chapter of Galatians:

 

Galatians 4:7

New Living Translation (NLT)

⁷ Now you are no longer a slave but God’s own child. And since you are His child, God has made you His heir.

 

 

 

The supporting scriptures that precede this verse are provided below – as taken from Galatians 4:4-7 –

 

Galatians 4:4-7

New Living Translation (NLT)

⁴ But when the right time came, God sent His Son, born of a woman, subject to the law. ⁵ God sent Him to buy freedom for us who were slaves to the law, so that He could adopt us as His very own children.⁶ And because we are His children, God has sent the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, prompting us to call out, “Abba, Father.” ⁷ Now you are no longer a slave but God’s own child. And since you are His child, God has made you His heir.

 

Also – this additional verse from the third chapter of Galatians – reminds believers that they are “children of God” – Galatians 3:26:

 

Galatians 3:26

New Living Translation (NLT)

²⁶ For you are all children of God through faith in Christ Jesus.

 

On Sunday, August 9^th, 2020 – my mother and I were watching “Oprah’s Super Soul Sunday” television program – that aired a repeat broadcast from 2017. The program featured Oprah Winfrey interviewing Mitch Albom (the famous sports columnist and author) talking about his life and the important moments he experienced during his life’s journey, thus far. During the interview, Mitch Albom spoke about a little 7-year old Haitian girl who had arrived at his “Have Faith Haiti Orphanage” in Port Au Prince, Haiti. This beautiful little girl was an orphan who was diagnosed with an aggressive brain tumor.  She was diagnosed at age 5 - just two years after arriving at the orphanage. This precious little girl was born three days before the devastating earthquake that decimated Haiti in 2010. She spent her infancy in extreme poverty.  She was sent to Mitch Albom’s orphanage at age 3, after her mother died giving birth to her baby brother. Mitch Albom spoke on how “God led him" (and his wife, Janine – who were childless) to care for this little girl – “as their own” during the last two years of her life. Her name was “Chika” and he said that one day - he heard her singing the words of this song (over and over) – that touched his heart and taught him “how special and brave” she really was. She was singing, “I am not a slave of fear…I am a child of God”.

As I watched this interview - Mitch Albom shared a short video clipping (which had been taken previously) of “Chika” singing this song. Watching this brave, beautiful little girl singing this song - brought “tears to my eyes”.

 Mitch Albom told Oprah that caring for this courageous, beautiful, little girl was the most difficult thing that he ever did; he said it was also "rewarding and heart-wrenching”. He said "adopting" and caring for Chika taught him and his wife the most about "love and loss".  Albom later wrote a book entitled “Finding Chika” as a memoir and as a tribute to Chika.

 
I , “personally”, was so touched by this little girl, “Chika” and her “testimony” in singing “her song” – that I knew I wanted to share “her story” in my next “Namma for Christ” message. I felt that God just “meant” for me to turn on this program - for that brief moment to hear about “Chika” and the impact this little girl made – in her short, but meaningful life. I dedicate this message and this song, “No Longer Slaves” (by Zach Williams) to the memory of “Chika”. May she continue to rest in heavenly peace with Jesus. 

The below verses (also written by the Apostle Paul) confirm that we, as Christian believers, are “children of God" – Romans 8:14-18:

 

Romans 8:14-18

New King James Version (NKJV)

¹⁴ For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. ¹⁵ For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.” ¹⁶ The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, ¹⁷ and if children, then heirs - heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together.

From Suffering to Glory

¹⁸ For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.

 

Please enjoy the above song, “No Longer Slaves” by Zach Williams - performed with power and anointing.



May we all sing (with Zach Williams and the late “Chika”):  

“I am no longer a slave of fear – I am a child of God”.
 

 

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

 (If you can't see the above 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 press play to enjoy the song/video.)

BE BLESSED!

I’m Not Tired Yet – 2nd Tim. 4:5 & Gal. 6:9

This is “Namma for Christ” with the one hundred sixty-seventh inspirational message dated Friday, July 17th, 2020.  The title of this message is, “I’m Not Tired Yet – 2^nd Tim. 4:5 & Gal. 6:9”.  “I’m Not Tired Yet” by The Mississippi Mass Choir is a song that I first heard in my church.   I love this uplifting, spirited, and high energy version - by The Mississippi Mass Choir (as provided above), which is why I included this song with this message.  This song features soloist and great-grandmother - Mosie “Mama” Burks. The below scripture is what the Apostle Paul wrote in 2nd Timothy, the fifth verse of the fourth chapter:

 

 

2 Timothy 4:5

 New International Version (NIV)

⁵ But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.

 

 

On Friday, July 17^th, 2020 - I woke up thinking about how the first anniversary of the passing of my dear grandmother, - my “Nana” - is coming up on Sunday, July 19^th. In my mind, I am treasuring all the talks – “her encouraging words”, all the prayers, all her lessons, all the scriptures and all the songs – she shared with me and all our family members. Mostly, it’s her “presence” with us – that we all MISS the most!  She truly was a “treasure” in all of our lives. As I was searching and enjoying various songs on You Tube this morning, I stumbled upon another “great song” from “The Mississippi Mass Choir” – featuring soloist and great-grandmother - Mosie “Mama” Burks. This song – “I’m Not Tired Yet” – caught my eye – and I knew that I wanted to share it on my next “Namma for Christ” message!

The high energy, the spirit-filled singing (of this song), and the “testimony” of Mosie “Mama” Burks reminds me of my Nana’s high spirited and God-filled energy (if you watch to the end of the video – which is 14 minutes and 36 seconds long – you’ll see Mosie “Mama” Burks’ testimony). Mosie “Mama” Burks REMINDS me, so much - of my grandmother, my “NANA”! May my grandmother, my “Nana”, continue to rest in heavenly peace with Jesus. This “Namma for Christ” message is dedicated to the memory of her. The message of this “Namma for Christ” is to tell ALL believers in Christ Jesus to “STAY ON THE BATTLEFIELD” FOR THE LORD! I believe my grandmother, “Nana”, is STILL PRAISING, WORSHIPPING AND HONORING THE LORD…NOT ON “THIS SIDE” – NOT HERE ON EARTH….BUT, NOW IN HEAVEN – FOR ALL ETERNITY! AS BELIEVERS IN JESUS CHRIST, WHO ALSO WANT TO LIVE FOR JESUS “HERE ON EARTH” AND MAKE HEAVEN OUR HOME, AS WELL, WE ARE ENCOURAGED TO DO AS THE BELOW VERSE TELLS US TO DO – (See the  below Amplified version):

2 Timothy 4:5

Amplified Bible (AMP)

⁵ But as for you, be clear-headed in every situation [stay calm and cool and steady], endure every hardship [without flinching], do the work of an evangelist, fulfill [the duties of] your ministry.

 

 

Also – the below verse – tells us – don’t be weary in “well doing”:

 

Galatians 6:9

King James Version (KJV)

⁹ And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.
 

 

Please enjoy the above song, “I’m Not Tired Yet” by The Mississippi Mass Choir - performed with power and anointing. This song features soloist and great-grandmother - Mosie “Mama” Burks.

 

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

 

BE BLESSED!

God Is - The Wisest Choice - John 14:1 & 6

This is “Namma for Christ” with the one hundred sixty-sixth inspirational message dated Wednesday, July 8th, 2020.  The title of this message is, “God Is - The Wisest Choice - John 14:1 & 14:6”.  “God Is” is a Gospel classic as performed by (the late) Rev. James Cleveland and the Southern California Community Choir.  The below scripture (that accompanies this message) is found in the New Testament book of John – the first and sixth verses of the fourteenth chapter:

 

John 14:1

New King James Version (NKJV)

14 “Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me.

 

John 14:6

New King James Version (NKJV)

6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.

 

Recently, I read my church school lessons (I read the July meditations) as found in the lesson book from the “Echoes Church School Publications” and the lesson (for July 26^th) was so interesting – I knew I wanted to share it in my next “Namma for Christ” message. The title of the lesson is “The Wisest Choice” and the related scripture text comes from the fourteen chapter of John.    

 

The Wisest Choice

John 14:1-14

 

It’s astounding the number of “armchair experts” there are – you know, the people who sit on the sidelines and advise others on matters in which they have neither experience nor revelation. It usually starts with, “If I were you, I would…” which is a dangerous preference for whatever is to follow. Wouldn’t it be wiser to start with the One who created us for His purpose? The answer to the age-old question “Why am I here?” is found in the One who placed you here!

Our identity is in Christ, and it was given to us by God. Our personality, our likes and dislikes, our DNA and our unique fingerprint were all created by God. No one knows us as He does because all those unique components are what makes us, us. Only God knows how each element of our character is used in the development of our faith and fulfillment of the purpose He wants us to fulfill. How many people spend their entire lives looking for the way to heaven, the truth of everything in the universe, and the most abundant life now and forever? The search for all those things should lead to the One who can answer all our questions and provide all things for us – Jesus.

       If we truly want the best this life has to offer, as well as the promise of an incredible life lasting into eternity, we have only to listen to the words of Jesus in John 14. These words need to be heard by anyone who does not know Christ and any Christian who is feeling weary, depressed, and uncertain about life. When we feel as if believing in and following Jesus was not a wise choice, we must remember that no other way, no other person, no other truth explains everything we want to know.

 

Please enjoy the above song, “God Is” is as performed by (the late) Rev. James Cleveland and the Southern California Community Choir - performed with power and anointing. The two leads are Dora Pickett and Nathaniel Morris.

 

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

 

BE BLESSED!