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!