Lean On Me - 1st Peter 5:6-7

This is Namma for Christ with the 94th inspirational message dated Sunday, November 6th, 2016. The title of this message is, “Lean On Me - 1st Peter 5:6-7”.  The scripture comes from the sixth and seventh verses of the fifth chapter of the 1st Book of Peter - where the Apostle Peter reminds us that we should "Cast all our cares on the Lord, because He cares for us":

1 Peter 5:6-7

King James Version (KJV)

6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time:

7 Casting all your care upon Him; for He careth for you.

Recently, I was meditating on how we as Christians should lean on the Lord and I searched the internet regarding the verse - 1st Peter 5:7.  The below is what I found and it was such a blessing to me, I wanted to share it with you:

This article is from www.adevotion.org which sends out free daily email messages to encourage faith in God.

HealingWordsFromHeaven.com

Throw Your Cares On The Lord

1 PETER 5:6-7 (NET)

6 And God will exalt you in due time, if you humble yourselves under His mighty hand
7 by casting all your cares on Him because He cares for you.

 Jesus said that without Him we can do nothing -- at least nothing that amounts to anything. (We certainly can mess up all by ourselves.)

One way to humble ourselves is to just put our lives in God's hands and trust Him. It's like getting in a car someone else is driving. You don't want to get in the car of a stranger who may be untrustworthy. But God loves you more than you love yourself and desires the best for you, so you can trust Him.

God knows how to “guide and direct” your life. God knows what is needed to get “you” where you need to go. Since He loves you enough to die for you, surely you can trust Him with smaller issues.

The word "casting" in 1 Peter 5:7 means "to throw."

Whatever is a burden to you, is troubling you, weighing you down, causing you concern, or tempting you to worry is included in what you are to throw over on the Lord. God wants us to throw all those things over on Him, trusting Him to work it all out for the best.

Then once you really throw them over to Him, you'll have peace in your heart even though the problems still exist, because you know the Lord is working.

Throwing something is not the same as pushing it aside a little bit. Throwing something pictures getting rid of it completely. When you throw something you don't have it anymore.

Instead of throwing the concern of the things they face over to God, many just try to push them away a little at a time. They ask God to help them, but they keep trying to solve things on their own.

Yes, we have a part to play, and we can't just lock ourselves in a room and expect God to go out and live our lives for us. But the part we have to play is obedience. When God directs us to do something we are to do it. But worrying ahead of time about what will happen does no good.

You may find it helpful to perform a symbolic physical act like writing all your "cares" on a paper that you then throw into the trash. Symbolizing your faith by an act like this may make it more real to you.

Read the following translations to help you meditate on this verse and let the meaning deeply affect your thinking.

1 PETER 5:7 (NLT)

7 Give all your worries and cares to God, for He cares about you.

1 PETER 5:7 (AMPLIFIED)

7 Casting the whole of your care [all your anxieties, all your worries, all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares for you affectionately and cares about you watchfully.

1 PETER 5:7 (NJB)

7 unload all your burden on to Him, since He is concerned about you.

1 PETER 5:7 (CEV)

7 God cares for you, so turn all your worries over to Him.

1 PETER 5:7 (GNB)

7 Leave all your worries with Him, because He cares for you.

Although things may not be clear to you now, and things may not seem to be working out, God is trustworthy. So don't depend on your own understanding, but trust in God. He knows what He is doing, and He loves you. You will understand better later on.

Worrying will never help. Instead of worrying and being anxious, throw all your cares on the Lord.

Remember Philippians 4:6-7 below:

6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

SAY THIS: I need God's help, so I throw all my concerns over on Him, trusting Him to work it all out for the best. 

Cast your cares on the LORD and LEAN ON HIM! Jesus loves you and He'll never leave you, nor forsake you (Hebrews 13:5).

Please enjoy the below song and video (with lyrics) as performed by the late Bill Withers singing, "Lean On Me". (Bill Withers died on March 30, 2020 at age 81 from heart complications)



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



BE BLESSED!

I Love You Lord Today - Psalm 37:4

This is Namma for Christ with the 93rd inspirational message dated Saturday, October 22nd, 2016. The title of this message is, “I Love You Lord, Today - Psalm 37:4”.  The scripture comes from the fourth verse of the thirty-seventh Psalm where David reminds us that if we "delight ourselves in the Lord, God will give us the desires of our hearts":

Psalm 37:4

Authorized (King James) Version (AKJV)

4 Delight thyself also in the Lord;
and He shall give thee the desires of thine heart.

The below meditation came from an internet search I did based on the above scripture found under "got Questions?org":

Question: "What does it mean to delight yourself in the Lord (Psalm 37:4)?"

Answer: Psalm 37:4 says, “Take delight in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart.” Taking delight in the Lord means that our hearts truly find peace and fulfillment in Him. If we truly find satisfaction and worth in Christ, Scripture says He will give us the longings of our hearts. Does that mean, if we go to church every Sunday, God will give us a new Rolls Royce? No. The idea behind this verse and others like it is that, when we truly rejoice or “delight” in the eternal things of God, our desires will begin to parallel His and we will never go unfulfilled. Matthew 6:33 says, “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things [the necessities of life] will be given to you as well.”

Many delight in wealth, status, material possessions, and other temporary things of this world, but they are never satisfied. They never truly get what they want, hence the reason they are always wanting more. This is the lesson King Solomon learned in his pursuit of earthly treasure: “Everything is meaningless!” (Ecclesiastes 1:2). On the other hand, delighting in the Lord is true treasure indeed: “Godliness with contentment is great gain” (1 Timothy 6:6).

First John 2:15–17 says, “Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them. For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.” We will never be deeply fulfilled or “happy” with the things this world has to offer. If we place our joy and hope in God first, He will meet all of our needs. He will even grant our wants, as our hearts’ desires begin to match up with His will. If we truly place priority on the Lord, chances are our heart’s greatest desire will not be a brand new Rolls Royce, but eternal treasures in Christ.
This world can never satisfy our deepest longings, but if we choose to delight in God’s way, He will always provide above and beyond our expectations. Jesus said, “Whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life” (John 4:14). 

The above meditation was a "blessing" to me. I hope it was inspirational to you, as well. Please enjoy the below song/video entitled, "I Love You Lord, Today" featuring gospel singer, Benita Jones.


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


BE BLESSED!

I Need You To Survive – Phil. 4:19

This is Namma for Christ with the 92nd inspirational message dated Thursday, October 20th, 2016.  The title of this message is, “I Need You To Survive – Phil. 4:19”.  The scripture comes from the fourth book of Philippians where the Apostle Paul reminds us that "God will supply ALL your need - according to His riches in glory by Jesus Christ":

Philippians 4:19

King James Version (KJV)

19 But my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

Recently, I was listening to Juanita Bynum sing the gospel song, "I Need You To Survive".  In this song, one line of the lyrics state, "It is His will that every need be supplied". 

Focusing on these words reminded me of the Bible verse from Philippians 4:19 which states that: "MY GOD WILL SUPPLY ALL YOUR NEED!" 

"How" will GOD supply ALL your need?  ACCORDING TO - "HIS RICHES"... IN GLORY - BY CHRIST JESUS! 

Not according to "your own efforts, strength, power or ability"... But, ACCORDING TO "HIS UNLIMITED RICHES" -  and by "WHOM"? "CHRIST JESUS"!  

Jesus is Our Savior.  HE is Our High Priest, Our Advocate and Our Intercessor to God! Read Hebrews 7:23-28 below:

Hebrews 7:23-28

New International Version (NIV)

23 Now there have been many of those priests, since death prevented them from continuing in office; 24 but because Jesus lives forever, He has a permanent priesthood. 25 Therefore He is able to save completely those who come to God through Him, because He always lives to intercede for them.

26 Such a high priest truly meets our need—One who is Holy, blameless, pure, set apart from sinners, exalted above the heavens. 27 Unlike the other high priests, He does not need to offer sacrifices day after day, first for His own sins, and then for the sins of the people. He sacrificed for their sins once for all when He offered Himself. 28 For the law appoints as high priests men in all their weakness; but the oath, which came after the law, appointed the Son, who has been made perfect forever.

PRAISE GOD!

God knows exactly and specifically what "YOU" - NEED!

TRUST HIM! He Loves YOU! Jesus wants the BEST for YOU!

TRUST HIM - with what you NEED...PRAY, believe in Jesus and let Him lead you and guide you in ALL things!


Please enjoy the below anointed song and video, "I Need You To Survive", as performed by Juanita Bynum.


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



BE BLESSED!

Take Me To The King - Heb. 4:16

This is Namma for Christ with the 91^st inspirational message dated Wednesday, October 12^th, 2016.  The title of this message is, “Take Me To The King – Heb. 4:16”.  The scripture comes from the fourth book of Hebrews which reminds the reader that because of what Jesus did “by His reconciling act on the Cross”, we can come confidently and "boldly" to Jesus:

Hebrews 4:16

New King James Version (NKJV)

 

¹⁶ Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

Recently, I was reading the book of Hebrews and I searched the internet in regard to Hebrews 4:15-16. I discovered the below message, entitled “One Who Understands” (as written by “Shawn” from the website of “Peace In the Storm” : dated March 8, 2005) .

Please read and enjoy the inspiring message below:

PEACE IN THE STORM

A place for hope & encouragement

One Who Understands (Hebrews 4:15-16)

 Do you ever wish there was someone you could talk to? Someone who would understand the challenges you face at any given moment? But maybe, as you think of all your friends and family, and perhaps even your church pastor, it seems that there is no such person. Sure, there are plenty who are compassionate and wise who will give you a hug or share an encouraging word, but there’s no one with whom you can have that intimate talk – or cry – that your heart desires.

If you’ve never felt that way, then maybe it’s just me… I’ve been there more than once, where, even with a great support group around me, I knew there was no one I could go to who would really understand what I was going through. After all, it’s my life, so how could an outsider really understand? And I’m betting I’m not the only one who’s ever felt that way.

 I found some good news in the book of Hebrews, though:

Hebrews 4:15-16

New King James Version (NKJV)

 

¹⁵ For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. ¹⁶ Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

That High Priest is Jesus Christ. And in Him, I found that I am not alone. There is Someone I can talk to, who will understand exactly what I’m going through and what I need at any given moment… because He’s been there! The same is true for you!

I’ve read the book of Hebrews before, but for some reason that passage never jumped out at me until I happened upon it a few months ago. I already knew I could come boldly before God, because there is another passage in Hebrews that expresses my right to do so:

Hebrews 10:19

New King James Version (NKJV)

Hold Fast Your Confession

¹⁹ Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus,

Hebrews 10:22

New King James Version (NKJV)

 

²² let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith…

Both passages invite us to draw near to God, which is beautiful, but they hardly have the same meaning. The key follows the "therefore" of each passage.

In Hebrews 10:19, we are told that because of the blood of Jesus, therefore we can approach God with boldness. That is Christianity 101. Without the blood of Jesus, we are all sinners doomed to an eternal separation from God. When we accept Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross, though, and allow His cleansing blood to wash over us, we are made perfect in the eyes of God, and we are worthy of being in His presence. Let us never forget the blood of Jesus which gives us this ultimate privilege!

In Hebrews 4:15-16, we are told that because Jesus was in all points tempted as we are, and as a result can sympathize with our weaknesses, therefore we can approach God with boldness, knowing He will meet us with mercy and grace. Does that strike you the way it struck me?

The Hebrews 10 verses give us the right to come to the throne; the Hebrews 4 verses give us the reason to come to the throne.

Think about your relationship with the President of the United States. Most likely, you can’t easily approach the President on your own. If someone gave you a “pass” to get to him, that would be great. But even then, other than for the novelty of it, what would be the point? He is in a totally different place in life than you and me, and he has a lot of things going on, so he’s probably not going to be able to connect with what you need from him. I’m sure he would listen kindly with the best of intentions, but ultimately, he’s probably not going to be able to personally help you.

With Jesus’ blood, we have that “pass” to get to God, our Father in heaven. But what would be the real value of that if we only found God to be some high and mighty king who reigned from a distance, who couldn’t directly connect with His children? It would be an honor to be in His presence, but it wouldn’t be an intimate encounter.

That is not at all the case, though! When we come before the throne of God, He is thrilled. He has extended an invitation: come, draw near. He has told us to come boldly, with confidence. Why? Because He understands what we are going through – because He has Himself endured everything we will ever face and He can relate first-hand!

By the way, it’s important to know that the word for “tempted” in Hebrews 4:15 can also be translated to indicate enduring “trials” or “tests.” (Sometimes in our language today, we don’t think of temptations, trials and tests as having the same meaning, and that could cause you to miss the value in that verse.) How comforting it is to know that Jesus relates to us on such a real level. No one can compare to that.

God invites us. He gives us the right to come boldly. He understands our needs. And He will respond with love and compassion.

Keep that in mind the next time you pray. See if it doesn’t change the way you talk to Him.

Please enjoy the below song/video (with lyrics) of  “Take Me To The King”, as sung with anointing by Tamela Mann.

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

BE BLESSED!

NOTHING BUT THE BLOOD - 1st John 1:7

This is Namma for Christ with the 90th inspirational message dated Sunday, October 2nd, 2016.

The title of this message is "NOTHING BUT THE BLOOD - 1st John 1:7".  

The scripture comes from inspiring words written by the Apostle John as found in the 1st book of First John:

1 John 1:7

New King James Version (NKJV)

⁷ But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin. 

Below is an excerpt from the book entitled, "Jesus Now: Unveiling the Present-Day Ministry of Christ", written by Frank Viola:

Here are the 20 Things the Blood of Christ Does:

1.      It remits sins (Matt. 26:28).

2.      It gives life to those who consume it (John 6:53).

3.      It causes us to dwell in Christ and He in us (John 6:56).

4.      It is the means by which Jesus purchased the church (Acts 20:28).

5.      It is the means by which Jesus becomes our atonement through faith (Rom. 3:25).

6.      It justifies us and saves us from wrath (Rom. 5:9).

7.      It redeems us (Eph. 1:7; 1 Pet. 1:18-19; Rev. 5:9).

8.      It brings those who were far away from God near to Him (Eph. 2:13).

9.      It grants us the forgiveness of sins (Col. 1:14).

10.    It brings peace and reconciliation to God (Col. 1:20).

11.    It has obtained eternal redemption for us (Heb. 9:12).

12.    It cleanses our conscience from dead works to serve the living God (Heb. 9:14).

13.    It is the means by which we enter the most holy place with boldness (Heb. 10:19).

14.    It speaks a better word than the blood of Abel (Heb. 12:24, NIV).

15.    It sanctifies us (Heb. 13:12).

16.    It makes us complete for every good work (Heb. 13:20-21, NKJV).

17.    It cleanses us from all sin (1 John 1:7).

18.    It bears witness in the earth along with the Spirit and the water (1 John 5:8, KJV).

19.    It is the means by which Jesus washes us (Rev. 1:5; 7:14).

20.    It is the means by which we overcome the accuser of the brethren (Rev. 12:11).

Please enjoy the below song/video of Gospel rap artist Guvna B  performing, "Nothing But The Blood" (feat. Deitrick Haddon).

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


BE BLESSED!

Lord, Remember Me - Rom. 8: 26, 34 - Praying For You

This is Namma for Christ with the 89th inspirational message dated Wednesday, September 28th, 2016.  The title of this message is, "Lord, Remember Me - Romans 8: 26, 34 - Praying For You".  The scripture comes from inspiring words written by the Apostle Paul as found in the eighth book of Romans: 

Romans 8:26

New International Version (NIV)

26 In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us through wordless groans.

Romans 8:34

New International Version (NIV)

34 Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us.

For many years, I have enjoyed reading the daily inspirational messages as provided by RBC Ministries in their publications of "OUR DAILY BREAD".  This morning, Wednesday, September 28th, I read the message for the day and found it to be so beautiful and inspiring, I wanted to share it with you (see the below message). RBC Ministries has the website of:  www.rbc.org so that you can read and enjoy life-changing wisdom of daily inspirational messages based on scripture from the Bible. 

Praying For You Today

The Spirit himself intercedes for us . . . . [Christ Jesus] is also interceding for us.—Romans 8:26, 34

When we face a perplexing situation or a tough problem, we often ask our brothers and sisters in Christ to pray for us. It’s a great encouragement to know that others who care are holding us up to God in prayer. But what if you don’t have close Christian friends? Perhaps you live where the gospel of Christ is opposed. Who will pray for you?

Romans 8, one of the great, triumphant chapters of the Bible, declares, “We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. . . . The Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God” (Rom. 8:26-27). The Holy Spirit is praying for you today.

In addition, “Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us” (v. 34). The living Lord Jesus Christ is praying for you today.

Think of it! The Holy Spirit and the Lord Jesus Christ mention your name and your needs to God the Father, who hears and acts on your behalf.

No matter where you are or how confusing your situation, you do not face life alone. The Spirit and the Son are praying for you today! —David McCasland

Dear God, I bow in humble thanks for the prayers spoken by the Holy Spirit and by Your Son today—for me. What an amazing truth!

The Holy Spirit and Jesus are always praying for you.

Included below is the song and video, "Lord, Remember Me", sung

powerfully and with anointing by the late inspirational Gospel

artist, Albertina Walker (1929-2010).


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



BE BLESSED!

If He Did It Before... Phil. 4:13 - God Is My Source of Strength

This is Namma for Christ with the 88th inspirational message dated Thursday, September 15th, 2016.  The title of this message is, "If He Did It Before... Phil. 4:13 - God Is My Source of Strength".  The scripture comes from powerful words written by the Apostle Paul: 

Philippians 4:13 
(WEB)

I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me.

The below excerpts were taken from the ECHOES Church School Adult Student Book - lesson date of (9/18/16):

God Is My Source of Strength

Isaiah 40:28

New International Version (NIV)

28 Do you not know?
    Have you not heard?
The Lord is the everlasting God,
    the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He will not grow tired or weary,
    and His understanding no one can fathom.

Sometimes reading the morning newspaper wears me out emotionally.  I get tired from reading about miseries in the world that no one seems capable of stopping; about the seemingly endless number of natural disasters that take so many lives and cause so much pain; about leaders whose goals often include silencing the voices of those who believe that Jesus is God.

What keeps me from slipping into despair is knowing that God is more powerful than all the forces that threaten.  Though the enemies' beliefs and their dark forces may seem powerful, they are no match for the God I worship or the truth He conveys through His Word.  Though the forces of nature may seem overwhelming at times, they still must follow God's rules and stay within the limits He's established for them.  And though some leaders may not seem to be on God's side, God can cause them to fall into insignificance at any time, sometimes due to their own failures, but perhaps more often because of someone God brings along to take their place.

I might not understand at times why He doesn't always act immediately to rescue His people from trying circumstances.  But I am confidant that God will continue to intervene in human affairs so that HIS WILL on earth is accomplished through the forces who rule over us - or in spite of them.  My trust is in the everlasting power of God and in my knowledge that HE IS GREATER than all the forces around me.  That gives me the strength to rise above events that could drag me down.

Draw Your Strength from God

God says that He is more powerful than those who rule over us, as well as the natural forces around us.  He also says He never grows tired of us.  Knowing this can be of great help when we face difficulties that can arise from our own failures, as well as ones that come from forces out of our control.


Remember as Philippians 4:13 confirms - "YOU" can do all things through Christ, who strengthens "YOU".

YOU ARE NOT ALONE!

GOD, OUR HEAVENLY FATHER IS "WITH YOU"!

Please listen and enjoy the below song/video (with lyrics) as powerfully sung by Tye Tribbett singing, "If He Did It Before (Same God)".

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


BE BLESSED!