THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD - Psalm 23:1-3

This is Namma for Christ with the 84th inspirational message dated Friday, June 24th, 2016.  The title of this message is, "The Lord Is My Shepherd - Psalm 23:1-3", The scripture comes from the beloved and well-known passage, "The 23rd Psalm" as written by the Psalmist David. The focus scriptures will be the first three verses of The 23rd Psalm:

23 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: He leadeth me beside the still waters.

3 He restoreth my soul: He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake.

4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for Thou art with me; Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me.

5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: Thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.

The scripture text chosen for this message is because of a recent incident that happened to me, personally.  On Monday, June 20th, 2016, I had misplaced and lost my cell phone. As we all know, in this present "technologically-advanced world", our cell phones have literally become necessary tools for communication. Losing my cell phone resulted in my feeling "unplugged" from the "world" - including: those on my contact list, my internet access, my Facebook page and my ability to use GPS (Global Positioning System) . Unfortunately, (two days later) on Wednesday, June 22nd,  I had to drive in my car (which doesn't have GPS capability) to a "required" destination (which was a 20-minute ride that I had only frequented once or twice). I didn't have my cell phone (nor the GPS - that had been on my cell phone) to guide me.

What did I do? 

I PRAYED TO THE LORD TO HELP ME.

I asked God to allow His Holy Spirit to "lead and guide me" to get to my destination...and to "help" bring back to my memory the way I had traveled to get there before.

And...Thanks be to GOD, HE DID! 

What did I do - when I didn't know which way to go? 

I TURNED TO THE LORD - I HAD TO "TRUST" IN THE LORD! 

I ASKED GOD TO BE MY "GPS"! 

I realized and summarized - isn't that what "THE 23RD PSALM" is "spiritually" reminding us to do - in our spiritual and physical lives? We should let the LORD BE OUR GUIDE - "OUR SHEPHERD" IN OUR LIFE...

THE 23RD PSALM is reminding us that GOD should be "WHO" we are asking to DIRECT US WHERE TO GO AND WHAT TO DO!"

WE SHOULD DAILY ASK GOD TO LEAD AND GUIDE US IN OUR LIVES!

God gave us Jesus - who is our Lord and Savior, our Redeemer, our King of Kings, our Burden Bearer, our Provider, our Comforter, our Prince of Peace...HE IS ALL THAT WE NEED!

In verses 1-3 of The 23rd Psalm, the Psalmist David is stating that - "THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD".  Just like sheep, we need the Lord for our "very existence".  We need OUR LORD to provide all that we need:  food, water, rest, protection, provisions, healing, nurturing, care, guidance, restoration and love. WE NEED THE LORD TO GUIDE US - BECAUSE, "JUST LIKE SHEEP, "WE" OFTEN - GO ASTRAY"!

We need God to help us make right decisions and FOR GOD to "lead" us in the right way....

If we pray, seek Jesus and ask HIM to lead and guide our lives - HE WILL...because "our Lord" loves and cares for us!

LET JESUS BE THE "SHEPHERD" IN YOUR LIFE!

23 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: He leadeth me beside the still waters.

3 He restoreth my soul: He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake.

LET HIM LEAD AND GUIDE YOU IN THE WAY WHICH IS BEST "SPECIFICALLY" FOR YOU!

Psalm 100:3 reminds us -

Psalm 100:3

New King James Version (NKJV)

³ Know that the Lord, He is God;
It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves;
We are His people and the sheep of His pasture.

 In John 10 - the below two verses remind us how Jesus "knows" and cares for His own: 

John 10:14

New King James Version (NKJV)

¹⁴ I am the good shepherd; and I know My sheep, and am known by My own.

 

John 10:27-30

New King James Version (NKJV)

²⁷ My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. ²⁸ And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand. ²⁹ My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father’s hand. ³⁰ I and My Father are one.”

Please enjoy the below anointed song and video of "The Lord Is My Shepherd" by the late Cissy Houston* and Hezekiah Walker & the Love Fellowship Crusade Choir.

(*Cissy Houston passed away on October 7th, 2024)

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


BE BLESSED!

Where He Leads Me - Matt. 28:19-20

This is Namma for Christ with the eighty-third inspirational message dated Monday, May 30th, 2016. The title of this message is: "Where He Leads Me - Matthew 28:19-20". This message is based on the below scripture as found in the book of Matthew where the writer describes what Jesus said in "The Great Commission":

Matthew 28:19-20

King James Version (KJV)

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.

Do you know that God has a calling on your life?

The GREAT COMMISSION was not only given to the first disciples...it was given to YOU!

YOU ARE TO GO FORTH "INTO ALL THE WORLD" AND MAKE DISCIPLES - as stated below in Mark 16:15!

Mark 16:15

King James Version (KJV)

15 And He said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.

BY GOING "FORTH INTO ALL THE WORLD"  - YOU CAN START WITH THE FIRST STEP: "RIGHT WHERE YOU ARE!"

Wherever - "YOUR WORLD" consists of...it could be on your job, in your school, in your home, in your neighborhood, on the streets...in church and out of church, etc..."Wherever" you are - let "OTHERS" see the "JESUS" in you! 

WHO are "the others" I am referring to?

"Others..." - consist of "everybody and anybody"...Jesus came to this earth for ALL - who would believe in HIM -  They are the "whosoever" as stated in 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.

Verse 19 of  THE GREAT COMMISSION states "in the name of the FATHER, and of the SON (JESUS) and of the HOLY GHOST"!  As a Christian believer, you have the Holy Spirit within you - empowering you to fulfil the purposes for which He created you. Whatever you are presently doing whether a mother, father, teacher, business person, student, homemaker, doctor, salesperson, cook, etc. - Let GOD use you for HIS GLORY! BLOOM WHERE YOU ARE PLANTED - whatever your age or your lot in life!

BE ALL THAT GOD MADE YOU TO BE! 

GO FORTH IN GOD - and see what GOD can DO! 

Verse 20 confirms - HE WILL BE WITH YOU - even to the end of the world!

Jesus said in Hebrews 13: 5 - He 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.

Take Him at His WORD - PRAY and SEEK JESUS IN ALL THINGS....

GO FORTH and Let GOD lead you!


Please enjoy the below song/video featuring James Cleveland and the Angelic Choir singing,"Where He Leads Me."

The Reverend Dr. James Edward Cleveland (December 5, 1931 – February 9, 1991) was a gospel singer, musician, and composer. Known as the King of Gospel music, Cleveland was a driving force behind the creation of the modern gospel sound by incorporating traditional black gospel, modern soul, pop, and jazz in arrangements for mass choirs. 


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


BE BLESSED!

Order My Steps - Psalm 119:133

This is Namma for Christ with the eighty-second inspirational  message dated Saturday, May 21st, 2016. The title of this message is: "Order My Steps - Psalm 119:133". This message is based on the below scripture text from the 119th Psalm where the psalmist states:

Psalm 119:133

King James Version (KJV)

133 Order my steps in Thy word: and let not any iniquity have dominion over me.

GOD LOVES YOU!

You are HIS CHILD!

You are not alone. God is WITH YOU.

Hebrews 13: 5 reminds you - JESUS 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.

No matter what you have done - if you ask God to forgive you, HE WILL - 

1 John 1:9

Authorized (King James) Version (AKJV)

9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 

God is your HEAVENLY FATHER!

As a little baby who progresses from crawling to standing...to taking his or her "first steps" by the leading and guiding of his or her parent's hand - GOD IS HOLDING YOUR HAND!

GOD IS ORDERING YOUR STEPS! TRUST HIM!

Proverbs 20:24

New International Version (NIV)

24 A person’s steps are directed by the Lord.
    How then can anyone understand their own way?

Ask the Holy Spirit to lead and guide you. Thank Jesus every day for His love, mercy and guidance. Read God's Word - the Bible - for wisdom, comfort, inspiration and guidance.

YOU ARE HIS CHILD AND GOD WANTS WHAT IS BEST FOR YOU!

Jeremiah 29:11 confirms this - 

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.

LET GOD ORDER YOUR STEPS!

Psalm 37:23

New International Version (NIV)

23 The Lord makes firm the steps
    of the one who delights in Him;

Please enjoy the below song and video (with lyrics) of "Order My Steps" sung with anointing and power by GMWA Women of Worship.

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

BE BLESSED!

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!