GROW - Heb. 12:11- From PAIN to PRAISE!

This is Namma for Christ with the seventieth inspirational message dated Friday, August 14th, 2015. The title of this message is: "GROW - Hebrews 12:11 - From PAIN to PRAISE!". This message is based on the below scripture text from the 12th chapter of  Hebrews as found in the New Testament (NIV) - where the writer, informs the reader of  the benefits of  "God's discipline"-

Hebrews 12:11New International Version (NIV)

11 No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.

In order to fully receive the "power and impact" of the above scripture, I must include with it - the "preceding verses" - which are Hebrews 12:6-10. Please read below:

Hebrews 12:6-10New International Version (NIV)

6 because the Lord disciplines the one He loves,
    and He chastens everyone He accepts as His son.”[a]

7 Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as His children. For what children are not disciplined by their father? 8 If you are not disciplined—and everyone undergoes discipline—then you are not legitimate, not true sons and daughters at all. 9 Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of Spirits and live! 10 They disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in His holiness.

GOD LOVES YOU!

ALWAYS...REMEMBER THAT YOU ARE "HIS" CHILD! HE MADE YOU AND WANTS WHAT IS BEST FOR YOU!

THIS PASSAGE REMINDS US THAT GOD SOMETIMES "DISCIPLINES" US FOR "OUR GOOD"...

Because GOD, OUR FATHER "wants" what is BEST for US...sometimes what God wants to GIVE US may NOT be "packaged" in the WAY that "WE" think it should be....

This is where "WE - as God's children"...have to TRUST GOD'S HEART...when we can't understand HIS HAND. Remember what our Lord said in Isaiah 55:8-9 - please read below: 

Isaiah 55:8-9King James Version (KJV)

8 For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways, saith the Lord.

9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts.

Once again - please read Hebrews 12: 6 & 7 -

Hebrews 12:6-7New International Version (NIV)

6 because the Lord disciplines the one He loves,
    and He chastens everyone He accepts as His son.”[a]

7 Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as His children. For what children are not disciplined by their father?

The below scriptures state that GOD DISCIPLINES US "BECAUSE HE LOVES US" and it is FOR "OUR GOOD"...

If we can endure..."God's discipline" can:

- allow us to share in His holiness

- it will produce a harvest of "righteousness"

- it will give us peace

- it will increase our faith and our "daily" TRUST in HIS WAYS (because we will be "trained" by it)

Hebrews 12:10b-11New International Version (NIV)

10 ....but God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in His holiness.11 No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.

Therefore, let us "LEARN" from the experiences and the challenges that we go through. Let us remember that GOD is developing us and shaping us to be "who" He wants us to be. Let us surrender to "His process" as we strive to be God's AMBASSADORS in Christ Jesus! 

LET US GROW FROM THE PAIN...and remember to PRAISE JESUS who will ALWAYS BE WITH US!

Let us FULLY DEPEND on JESUS and BE GUIDED BY OUR LORD because...Hebrews 13:5 states what our Lord says: "I will never leave you, nor forsake you".

Hebrews 13:5

King James Version (KJV)

5 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for He hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.

and please remember what Romans 8:28 promises:

Romans 8:28King James Version (KJV)

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

Please be encouraged and please listen for some of these powerful lyrics in the accompanying video/song, "GROW":

"You broke me down, to build me up"

"I'm NEVER letting go....This pain...is just to make me GROW!"

"You allowed the storm...but You'll NEVER leave me there."

"JESUS, you're MY CHAMPION...Look what YOU'VE endured!"

BE BLESSED!

(I do not own the rights of the song.)

Please enjoy the below inspiring Christian rap song, "Grow", (which has incredible lyrics) and is powerfully performed by Christian Hip Hop artist, "B-Luv" featuring JAI:

Oceans -TRUSTING JESUS - Matt. 14:22-32

This is Namma for Christ with the sixty-ninth inspirational message dated Saturday, July 11th, 2015. The title of this message is: "Oceans -TRUSTING JESUS - Matthew 14:22-32". This message is based on the below scripture text from the 14th chapter of Matthew as found in the New Testament (NIV) - where the writer, (Matthew) informs the reader of  the benefits in TRUSTING JESUS - 

Matthew 14:22-32 New International Version (NIV)

Jesus Walks on the Water

22 Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of Him to the other side, while He dismissed the crowd. 23 After He had dismissed them, He went up on a mountainside by Himself to pray. Later that night, He was there alone, 24 and the boat was already a considerable distance from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it.

25 Shortly before dawn Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. 26 When the disciples saw Him walking on the lake, they were terrified. “It’s a ghost,” they said, and cried out in fear.

27 But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”

28 “Lord, if it’s You,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to You on the water.”

29 “Come,” He said.

Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. 30 But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!”

31 Immediately Jesus reached out His hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” He said,“why did you doubt?”

32 And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down.

This message is about "TRUSTING JESUS"!

Always remember that Jesus loves you. He gave His life for YOU, so that you can LIVE FOR HIM!

Also, always remember that Jesus KNOWS you. He loves you and wants what is BEST for you. (Romans 8:28)

Romans 8:28 King James Version (KJV)

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

Because Jesus LOVES you, KNOWS you and wants what is BEST for you...YOU CAN TRUST HIM WITH YOUR LIFE...

YOU CAN TRUST HIM...NO MATTER WHAT!

NO MATTER WHAT happens to you, no matter what the circumstance is, no matter what the challenge is...YOU ARE SAFE IN HIS HANDS. Let these truths reassure you, calm you and bring you peace...Please be reminded of what Jesus said in John 16:33 (below):

John 16:33  New International Version (NIV)

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

The scripture provided in today's message, Matthew 14:22-32, tells of what happened when Peter trusted in Jesus! Although, "fear" had initially come upon Peter...when he "didn't understand what was going on"...As soon as Peter "focused on JESUS"...He could do what JESUS ENABLED HIM TO DO (WHEN HE TRUSTED IN JESUS)! 

The miracle, "the strength and power to RISE ABOVE THE ELEMENTS", the ability to "walk on water" DIDN'T COME FROM PETER...IT CAME FROM "JESUS"...when Peter FOCUSED ON JESUS!

Let us, like Peter, look to JESUS...despite the fears and the "storms" that may be all around us. Let us do what we can't do by ourselves and cast off fear, focus on Jesus and TRUST in JESUS to OVERCOME the storms in life. 

Let us "Keep our eyes - OUR FOCUS - above the waves" ...and keep looking to JESUS - the Author and Finisher of our FAITH! (Hebrews 12:2)

Hebrews 12:2 King James Version (KJV)

2 Looking unto Jesus the Author and Finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

TRUST IN JESUS - no matter WHAT!

Jesus said in John 10:10 -  

John 10:10Authorized (King James) Version (AKJV)

10 The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.

LIVE FOR JESUS AND LET JESUS LIVE IN YOU!

 

BE BLESSED!


(I do not own the rights of the song.)
 

Please enjoy the below inspirational song/video by the Christian group, Hillsong United, entitled "Oceans"(with lyrics):

How Can It Be - Isaiah 55:8-9

This is Namma for Christ with the sixty-eighth inspirational message dated Saturday, May 30th, 2015. The title of this message is: "How Can It Be - Isaiah 55: 8-9". This message is based on the below scripture text from the 55th chapter of Isaiah as found in the Old Testament (KJV) - where the writer, (the prophet Isaiah) informs the reader of what the LORD SAID - 

Isaiah 55:8-9

King James Version (KJV)

8 For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways, saith the Lord.

9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts.

Yesterday, I was reading "Our Daily Bread" and the message for the day was entitled, "Mysterious Ways". The scripture came from one of my favorite verses of Isaiah 55:8-9. The message was so beautiful, I wanted to share it with you in "Namma for Christ". 

There have been times in my life that I was confused and I  questioned God...just like Job did in the below message. 

I realized I had to TRUST GOD. I HAD TO "YIELD" MY WAY or MY DESIRE TO "UNDERSTAND"- TO GOD. GOD IS SOVEREIGN. I HAD TO TRUST GOD! I HAD TO LET GO - AND "LET GOD"...

 GOD KNOWS "BEST"- NO MATTER WHAT THE SITUATION...HE IS SOVEREIGN...and when "all is said and done" - HE IS GOD. HE IS IN CONTROL and HE LOVES US. GOD ALWAYS WANTS WHAT IS BEST FOR US - as HIS children. 

Please enjoy the below message from "Our Daily Bread" and enjoy the video/song at the end of the message by Christian artist, Lauren Daigle, entitled "How Can It Be".

(I do not own the rights of the song.)
 

BE BLESSED!

                                             MYSTERIOUS WAYS

As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways. —Isaiah 55:9

When my son began attending Chinese language classes, I marveled at the papers he brought home after his first session. As a native English speaker, it was difficult for me to understand how the written characters related to the spoken words. The language seemed incredibly complex to me—almost incomprehensible.

Sometimes I feel the same sense of bewilderment when I consider the way God operates. I know He has said, “My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways” (Isa. 55:8). Still, there’s a part of me that feels like I should be able to understand why God allows certain things to happen. After all, I read His Word regularly and His Holy Spirit lives inside of me.

When I feel entitled to understand God’s ways, I try to recommit myself to humility. I remember that Job did not get an explanation for all his heartache (Job 1:5,8). He struggled to understand, but God asked him: “Shall the one who contends with the Almighty correct Him?” (40:2). Job contritely responded, “What shall I answer You? I lay my hand over my mouth” (v.4). Job was speechless before God’s greatness.

Although God’s ways may seem to be mysterious and unfathomable at times, we can rest confidently that they are higher than our ways.

Father, please help me to trust You even when I don’t understand why things happen as they do. Please comfort my heart and remind me of Your goodness and love.

(written for "Our Daily Bread" by Jennifer Benson Schuldt)

If you know that God’s hand is in everything, you can leave everything in God’s hand.

INSIGHT: In trying to explain why he was suffering, Job argued that he had not committed any wrong deserving of such punishment. In so justifying himself, Job was in essence questioning God’s fairness and justice (40:8; see also Job 21,24). God confronted Job, asserting that only He is qualified and has the absolute power, wisdom, and ability to rule this world
justly (40:15-24).

Savior to Me (Sing Glory) - Rev. 4:11

This is Namma for Christ with the sixty-seventh inspirational message dated Saturday, April 18th, 2015. The title of this message is: "Savior to Me (Sing Glory) - Rev. 4:11". This message is based on the below scripture text from the book of Revelation (written by the apostle John) as found in the New Testament (ASV) - where he informs the reader (what he sees in describing the PRAISE TO OUR LORD) and how - "OUR LORD AND OUR GOD IS WORTHY TO RECEIVE ALL THE GLORY, THE HONOR AND THE PRAISE": 

Revelation 4:11

American Standard Version (ASV)

11 Worthy art Thou, our Lord and our God, to receive the glory and the honor and the power: for Thou didst create all things, and because of Thy will they were, and were created.

GOD IS SO AWESOME!

GOD IS SO GREAT!

GOD IS SO WORTHY!

GOD IS WORTHY TO RECEIVE ALL THE HONOR, ALL THE GLORY AND ALL THE PRAISE! 

OUR LORD AND SAVIOR, JESUS CHRIST, HAS ALL POWER!

Remember, after the resurrection, and before Jesus ascended into heaven He said the following : "All power is given unto Me in heaven and in earth." - as found in Matthew 28:18-20 (KJV):

Matthew 28:18-20

King James Version (KJV)

18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto Me in heaven and in earth.

19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:

20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

JESUS IS OUR INTERCESSOR!  HE IS OUR ADVOCATE! HE IS OUR SAVIOR!  HE IS OUR EVERYTHING!


WHY SHOULD WE FEAR WHAT MAN WILL DO TO US? JESUS IS WITH US!


Matthew 28:20b reminds us that Jesus said - "... I am with you always, even unto the end of the world."

WE HAVE OUR LORD AND SAVIOR, JESUS CHRIST, ON OUR SIDE - ALWAYS!

God created ALL THINGS and He created ALL OF US!

Rev. 4:11b states: "for thou didst create all things, and because of Thy will they were, and were created."

Also - the following verses remind us:

John 1:1-3

King James Version (KJV)

1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

2 The same was in the beginning with God.

3 All things were made by Him; and without Him was not any thing made that was made.

Colossians 1:16

King James Version (KJV)

16 For by Him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by Him, and for Him:

God created us for HIS WILL and HIS GLORY!


HE LOVES US! HE WANTS WHAT IS BEST FOR US!

LET US LIVE TO GIVE HIM THE PRAISE AND THE GLORY!


The included video (with lyrics) and song (as sung by Christian artist, Kerrie Roberts) beautifully proclaims that JESUS is: "Savior to Me (Sing Glory)" - as the title states. This is what we as Christians should "sing" with our "lives"...that JESUS IS "OUR SAVIOR"! Others should "see" that Jesus LIVES inside our hearts by how we live our lives and how we treat each other.
"Some" of the lyrics in the song, "Savior to Me (Sing Glory)", were so beautiful and so touching - I just had to repeat a few of them below:

"He who is, and was and always will be..." 

"Of all the things You are...You've chosen to be...Savior to me."

"I want to praise You now with every breath that YOU allow."

"I surrender to the ONE, GENTLE and MOST POWERFUL!"

"And...I sing GLORY to GOD ALMIGHTY!"

"Glory to the God above, full of TRUTH and ENDLESS LOVE..."


Please enjoy the accompanied video (with amazing landscapes that display God's majestic creations) and please enjoy the song,"Savior to Me (Sing Glory)", as sung with anointing by Kerrie Roberts.


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


BE BLESSED!