Listen to Intouch Ministries-Dr. Charles Stanley - daily message

 

  

Daily Radio Program with Charles Stanley - In Touch Ministries « »

 

No Matter What - TRUST IN THE LORD - Prov. 3

This is Namma for Christ with the eighty-first inspirational blog dated Sunday, April 24th, 2016 entitled, "No Matter What - TRUST IN THE LORD - Prov. 3.



The below message was originally written by me on Friday, November 9th, 2012. This morning, God led me to re-issue it again...There is "someone" (only God knows)...(maybe, even... as a reminder for "myself")...who needs to read these words and apply it to their life. The overall message found below is to "TRUST IN THE LORD - NO MATTER WHAT" - as the accompanied video/song by Kerrie Roberts reiterates! May you be blessed by this inspirational message as taken from Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds us:


Proverbs 3:5-6 (KJV)

5 Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.

6 In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths.

This is Namma for Christ with the thirteenth inspirational blog dated Friday, November 9th, 2012 entitled, "No Matter What... - WE MUST TRUST IN THE LORD!"

 The scripture comes from Proverbs 3: 5 & 6 which reads as follows:

Proverbs 3:5-6 (KJV)

5 Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
6 In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths.

God changed my life...

 When God touches your heart....you are not the same...

I used to think that "I" had made so many wrong decisions in my life.

I was so hard on myself...

I  had been "so strong" (early in my Christian life) in how I had handled difficult situations...until...I  ran into  "stumbling blocks" and began questioning myself, doubting my life....thinking that I had made one wrong decision after another... I had started focusing too much on what I couldn't understand ... instead of the sufficiency of my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ....I was trying "too" hard to be "strong"....I was trying "too" hard to "understand" what was going on...



Wasn't I suppose to be "strong" during the tough times?



My self-esteem suffered...I questioned God ..."why".... "what was going on?"  I began questioning everything in my life...this created self doubt in my belief system....this led to negative thinking and a depressed state of mind...at one point - I didn't even "think" I deserved to be in my church - I felt so unworthy...the devil thought he had me...but he didn't...



I found out...later...this was a time of my testing....



I was reminded that the devil is already a defeated foe, because of what Jesus did at Calvary.


Instead of  my "questioning" of  how strong I was "presently" handling my difficult situations or  focusing on my past.....I needed to "totally and completely" DEPEND on the Lord. I had always prayed to the Lord...but I "used to" think that "some" of my strength or "good effort" was required....I was so wrong...I had to come to the end of myself - like the "prodigal son" did  - as found in Luke 15:11-32.



During my lowest times.. is when I discovered God's great, never ending, unconditional love and mercy  for me....I also realized that I needed to trust and depend on HIM completely!  This trust included...knowing that HE knows what is best for me...and I didn't have to understand or "agree with" HIS path for my life...HE WAS IN CONTROL...




JESUS NEVER LEFT ME, NOR FORSAKED ME...(Hebrews 13:5)



It was not meant for me to "understand"...I needed to "TRUST GOD COMPLETELY"...I had to walk by "faith, not by sight" (2nd Corinthians 5:7) ...



I needed to do just what Proverbs 3: 5 - 6 stated: "I needed to trust in the Lord with ALL of  my heart, and I did "not" need to "understand" what was going on....  I needed to "acknowledge God"  in everything (HE WAS and "IS" ALWAYS IN CONTROL OF EVERYTHING) . I had to yield my way (and my will) to HIM. As a believer in Jesus Christ - His Word says: "IN ALL THY WAYS ACKNOWLEDGE HIM, AND HE SHALL DIRECT THY PATHS".  I cried out to the Lord to forgive and help me...I yielded it all to Him....



Whenever I leaned on my own understanding, effort or strength ....it eventually led me down a wrong path. When I leaned fully on the Lord...I experienced peace, joy, spiritual enlightenment and guidance. Reading His Word (the BIBLE) and listening to Christian Radio stations reminded (and "presently" reminds) me :



Romans 8:1-2 -  There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.

1st John 4:19  -  We love him, because He first loved us.



Romans 3:23 -    For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;



Isaiah 55: 8 & 9 -  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.

Titus 3: 5-7 - 5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;

6 Which He shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior;

7 That being justified by His grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

The Lord brought me back to my church to hear the minister's inspirational messages of the Lord's love, grace, mercy and forgiveness. 

I had to get myself out of the way....I had to keep my focus on Jesus ...I had to keep praying and trusting in the Lord...FOR HE KNOWS WHAT IS BEST FOR HIS CHILDREN (Jeremiah 29:11).



I continue to be on the battlefield for my Lord - I've asked the Lord to use me for HIS KINGDOM building (in this blog and however He sees fit). He has a purpose for all of us - so that we may glorify HIM. God extends His love, mercy and grace to ALL His children. God is omniscient (all knowing), omnipresent, and omnipotent....



Below is an inspirational song (video) and lyrics by Kerrie Roberts entitled, "No Matter What".

This song's lyrics are a testimony to His believers who must TRUST IN THE LORD..."NO MATTER WHAT"!


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



BE BLESSED!

Good,Good Father - John 3:16 - Jesus' Last 7 Words

 This is Namma for Christ with the eightieth inspirational  message dated Wednesday, March 23rd, 2016. The title of this message is: "Good, Good Father - John 3:16 - Jesus' Last 7 Words". This message is based on the below scripture text from the sixteenth verse of the third chapter of John as found in the New Testament:

John 3:16

King James Version (KJV)

16 For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

 This was first written by me on March 24th, 2013 - I want to share this message "again" with you:

 Please enjoy the song and video (with lyrics) at the the end of the message entitled, "Good, Good Father" - by Chris Tomlin - sung with passion and anointing! 

 I wanted to share with all of you the below message, "The Last 7 Words of Jesus" (written by Mary Fairchild for About.com Christianity). I found this article to be inspirational and written in a manner that is easy to read and understand. I pray that it may be a blessing to you as it was to me.  

Please remember that JESUS IS OUR BREAD OF HEAVEN, OUR SAVIOR, OUR REDEEMER, OUR INTERCESSOR, OUR KING OF KINGS given to us by our "GOOD, GOOD FATHER" IN HEAVEN and never forget that John 3:16 reminds us of God's great love for us in giving us His One and Only Begotten Son, that "WHOEVER BELIEVES IN HIM SHALL NOT PERISH BUT HAVE EVERLASTING LIFE!"

7 Last Words of Jesus

What Were the Seven Final Phrases of Jesus on the Cross and What Did They Mean?

By Mary Fairchild, About.com Guide

Jesus Christ made seven final statements during His last hours on the cross. These phrases are held dear by followers of Christ because they offer a glimpse into the depth of His suffering to accomplish redemption. Recorded in the Gospels between the time of  His crucifixion and His death, they reveal His divinity as well as His humanity. As much as possible, given the approximate sequence of events as portrayed in the Gospels, these seven last words of Jesus are presented here in chronological order.

1) Jesus Speaks to the Father

Luke 23:34

Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing." (NIV) In the midst of His excruciating suffering, the heart of Jesus was focused on others rather than Himself. Here we see the nature of His love—unconditional and divine.

2) Jesus Speaks to the Criminal on the Cross

Luke 23:43

"I tell you the truth, today you will be with Me in paradise." (NIV) One of the criminals who was crucified with Christ, had recognized who Jesus was and expressed faith in Him as Savior. Here we see grace poured out through faith, as Jesus assured the dying man of his forgiveness and eternal salvation.

3) Jesus Speaks to Mary and John

John 19:26-27

When Jesus saw His mother there, and the disciple whom He loved standing nearby, He said to His mother, "Dear woman, here is your son," and to the disciple, "Here is your mother." (NIV) Jesus, looking down from the cross, was still filled with the concerns of a son for the earthly needs of His mother. None of His brothers were there to care for her, so He gave this task to the Apostle John. Here we clearly see Christ's humanity.

4) Jesus Cries Out to the Father

Matthew 27:46 (also Mark 15:34)

And about the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, “Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?” that is, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” (NKJV) In the darkest hours of His suffering, Jesus cried out the opening words of Psalm 22. And although much has been suggested regarding the meaning of this phrase, it was quite apparent the agony Christ felt as He expressed separation from God. Here we see the Father turning way from the Son as Jesus bore the full weight of our sin.

5) Jesus is Thirsty

John 19:28

Jesus knew that everything was now finished, and to fulfill the Scriptures He said, "I am thirsty." (NLT)  Jesus refused the initial drink of vinegar, gall and myrrh (Matthew 27:34 and Mark 15:23) offered to alleviate His suffering. But here, several hours later, we see Jesus fulfilling the messianic prophecy found in Psalm 69:21.

6) It is Finished

John 19:30

... He said, "It is finished!" (NLT) Jesus knew He was suffering the crucifixion for a purpose. Earlier He had said in John 10:18 of His life, "No one takes it from Me, but I lay it down of My own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again. This command I received from My Father." (NIV) These three words were packed with meaning, for what was finished here was not only Christ's earthly life, not only His suffering and dying, not only the payment for sin and the redemption of the world—but the very reason and purpose He came to earth was finished. His final act of obedience was complete. The Scriptures had been fulfilled.

7) Jesus' Last Words

Luke 23:46

Jesus called out with a loud voice, "Father, into Your hands I commit My spirit." When He had said this, He breathed His last. (NIV) Here Jesus closes with the words of Psalm 31:5, speaking to the Father. We see His complete trust in the Father. Jesus entered death in the same way He lived each day.

 Please enjoy the song and video (with lyrics) below entitled, "Good, Good Father" - by Chris Tomlin - sung with passion and anointing! 


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


BE BLESSED!

Rise Up! - Arise & Shine: Isaiah 60:1

This is Namma for Christ with the seventy-ninth inspirational message dated Sunday, March 13th, 2016. The title of this message is: Rise Up! -  Arise & Shine: Isaiah 60:1. This message is based on the below scripture text from the first verse of the sixtieth chapter of Isaiah as found in the Old Testament - where the writer, the Prophet Isaiah, informs God's people of what they should do:

Isaiah 60:1

New International Version (NIV)

60 “Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you.

The above Old Testament scripture was spoken by Isaiah when God’s people had returned to Jerusalem from Babylonian exile. They had struggled to believe that God was “still” working in their midst. The returned exiles faced serious problems. Part of the reason was that the people had allowed sin to pervert their mission as God’s people. In this sixtieth chapter of Isaiah, the prophet RENEWS the PROMISES of a NEW DAY for the “COMMUNITY OF FAITH”. The Prophet Isaiah REASSURES the people that GOD – HAS NOT FORGOTTEN THEM and that THEIR MISSION – AS A LIGHT TO THE WORLD…HAS NOT CHANGED!

THE NEW EVENTS TRANSPIRING IN THEIR LIVES MARK THE BEGINNING OF GOD’S “NEW DAY" FOR HIS PEOPLE!

THE SAME MESSAGE APPLIES TO US, TODAY:

RISE UP! ARISE AND SHINE!

We are GOD’s CHOSEN PEOPLE - whom God wants to use!

2 Corinthians 5:20

New International Version (NIV)

 

²⁰ We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making His appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God.

THE NEW EVENTS TRANSPIRING IN “OUR” LIVES MARK THE BEGINNING OF GOD’S “NEW DAY" FOR “US” - HIS PEOPLE!

God has not forgotten us! He LOVES US as 1 John 4:19 states:

1 John 4:19

New International Version (NIV)

 

¹⁹ We love because He first loved us.

God wants what is BEST for YOU!

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.

Because JESUS is OUR SAVIOR and THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD as John 8:12 states…WE WILL HAVE THE LIGHT OF LIFE!

John 8:12

New International Version (NIV)

 

¹² When Jesus spoke again to the people, He said, “I am the Light of the world. Whoever follows Me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

He wants YOU to SHARE “HIS” LIGHT – and tell others about HIM and what He has done for YOU! Be the BEST that you can be - to give God  the glory and praise! LET YOUR LIGHT SHINE! – as Matthew 5:16 informs us:

Matthew 5:16

King James Version (KJV)

¹⁶ Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

RISE UP! ARISE AND SHINE: BE WHO GOD MADE YOU TO BE! – as found in Psalm 139:14 –

Psalm 139:14

King James Version (KJV)

 

¹⁴ I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are Thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.

Please enjoy the below inspirational song and video of  “Rise Up” (with lyrics) as sung by Andra Day.

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

BE BLESSED!

Alone - God’s LOVE - 1st John 4:10, 19

This is Namma for Christ with the seventy-eighth inspirational message dated Saturday, February 13th, 2016. The title of this message is: "Alone – God’s LOVE – 1^st John 4:10, 19". This message is based on the below scripture text from the fourth chapter of 1st John as found in the New Testament  - where the writer, the Apostle John, informs the reader about GOD’S LOVE.

1 John 4:10

New International Version (NIV)

¹⁰ This is love: not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.

1 John 4:19 
King James Version (KJV)

¹⁹ We love Him, because He first loved us.

The above two verses describe God’s love for us…

The initiator of the love…is not us…but God…

1 John 4:19 states, ^“ We love Him, because He first loved us”.

God is the creator of all things…as Colossians 1:16 states below:

Colossians 1:16

New International Version (NIV)

¹⁶ For in Him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through Him and for Him.

We were created because God LOVED us and wants us to GLORIFY HIM!



See the below verses:

1 Corinthians 10:31

New International Version (NIV)

³¹ So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.

1 Corinthians 6:19-20
King James Version (KJV)

¹⁹ What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?

²⁰ For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.

2 Thessalonians 1:11-12
New International Version (NIV)

¹¹ With this in mind, we constantly pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of His calling, and that by His power He may bring to fruition your every desire for goodness and your every deed prompted by faith. ¹² We pray this so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in Him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.

1 Peter 4:10-11

New American Standard Bible (NASB)

¹⁰ As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. ¹¹ Whoever speaks, is to do so as one who is speaking the utterances of God; whoever serves is to do so as one who is serving by the strength which God
supplies; so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belongs the glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen

In summary…YOU ARE LOVED…BY GOD!

God loved us so much that He sent His Son Jesus to die for our sins and so that we may believe in Jesus and live for Him: John 3:16 - 

John 3:16

King James Version (KJV)

16 For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

He created YOU…TO LOVE HIM AND GLORIFY HIM!

Let your life be used to “GLORIFY GOD IN ALL THAT YOU DO!”

Please enjoy the below anointed song and video of “Alone” (with lyrics) as sung by Hollyn featuring TRU (TRU - actual name:  Truett Foster McKeehan passed away October, 2019. May he rest in Heavenly peace.)

 

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

BE BLESSED!

For Every Mountain - God Is Sovereign - Eph. 1:11

This is Namma for Christ with the seventy-seventh inspirational message dated Saturday, January 23rd, 2016. The title of this message is: "For Every Mountain - God Is Sovereign - Eph. 1:11". This message is based on the below scripture text from Ephesians as found in the New Testament  - where the writer, the Apostle Paul, informs the reader about the SOVEREIGNTY of GOD and how GOD "works out everything in conformity with the purpose of His will" :

Ephesians 1:11

New International Version (NIV)

11 In Him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of Him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of His will...

Sovereignty of God

The Sovereignty of God is the biblical teaching that all things are under God's rule and control, and that nothing happens without His direction or permission. God works not just some things but all things according to the counsel of His own will (see Eph. 1:11). His purposes are all-inclusive and never thwarted (see Isa. 46:11); nothing takes Him by surprise. The sovereignty of God is not merely that God has the power and right to govern all things, but that He does so, always and without exception. In other words, God is not merely sovereign de jure (in principle), but sovereign de facto (in practice).

Quotes

"What do we mean by [the sovereignty of God]? We mean the supremacy of God, the kingship of God, the god-hood of God. To say that God is Sovereign is to declare that God is God. To say that God is Sovereign is to declare that He is the Most High, doing according to His will in the army of Heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth, so that none can stay His hand or say unto Him what doest Thou? (Dan. 4:35). To say that God is Sovereign is to declare that He is the Almighty, the Possessor of all power in Heaven and earth, so that none can defeat His counsels, thwart His purpose, or resist His will (Psalm 115:3). To say that God is Sovereign is to declare that He is "The Governor among the nations" (Psalm 22:28), setting up kingdoms, overthrowing empires, and determining the course of dynasties as pleaseth Him best. To say that God is Sovereign is to declare that He is the "Only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords" (1 Tim. 6:15). Such is the God of the Bible." A. W. Pink, The Sovereignty of God, chapter 1.

 

God's sovereignty in salvation

God's sovereignty in salvation means that He saves whom He will, and those whom He saves owe nothing to anything in or of themselves. They are saved because God graciously chose them in eternity and regenerated and called them in history. They cannot even take credit for their faith because it is the gift that He Himself sovereignly bestows. (Ephesians 2: 8-10)

Ephesians 2:8-10

New International Version (NIV)

 

⁸ For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— ⁹ not by works, so that no one can boast. ¹⁰ For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

Sovereignty of God – Bible verses:

 

Romans 8:28

New International Version (NIV)

 

²⁸ And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.

 

 

Isaiah 55:8-9

New International Version (NIV)

⁸ “For My thoughts are not your thoughts,
    neither are your ways My ways,”
declares the Lord.
⁹ “As the heavens are higher than the earth,
    so are My ways higher than your ways
    and My thoughts than your thoughts.

Ephesians 1:11

New International Version (NIV)

¹¹ In Him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of Him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of His will…

Isaiah 46:11

New International Version (NIV)

¹¹ From the east I summon a bird of prey;
    from a far-off land, a man to fulfill My purpose.
What I have said, that I will bring about;
    what I have planned, that I will do.

Jeremiah 32:17

New International Version (NIV)

 

¹⁷ “Ah, Sovereign Lord, You have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for You.

2 Chronicles 20:6

New International Version (NIV)

 

⁶ and said:

“Lord, the God of our ancestors, are You not the God who is in heaven? You rule over all the kingdoms of the nations. Power and might are in Your hand, and no one can withstand You.

 

Psalm 115:3

New International Version (NIV)

³ Our God is in heaven;
    He does whatever pleases Him.

Psalm 22:27-28

New International Version (NIV)

²⁷ All the ends of the earth
    will remember and turn to the Lord,
and all the families of the nations
    will bow down before Him,
²⁸ for dominion belongs to the Lord
    and He rules over the nations.

 

 

Please enjoy the below song and video (with lyrics) of Kurt Carr and the Kurt Carr Singers’ beautiful song of “For Every Mountain” – sung with anointing and power:

 

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

BE BLESSED!