Reckless Love - Luke 15:4-7

This is “Namma for Christ” with the one hundred twenty-ninth inspirational message dated Wednesday, March 21^st, 2018.  The title of this message is, "Reckless Love – Luke 15:4-7”.  The first two words of the title are also the title of the below anointed song/video (with lyrics) by Cory Asbury. The message’s scripture is below as found in the New Testament’s book of Luke:

Luke 15:4-7

New Living Translation (NLT)

⁴ “If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them gets lost, what will he do? Won’t he leave the ninety-nine others in the wilderness and go to search for the one that is lost until he finds it? ⁵ And when he has found it, he will joyfully carry it home on his shoulders. ⁶ When he arrives, he will call together his friends and neighbors, saying, ‘Rejoice with me because I have found my lost sheep.’

⁷ In the same way, there is more joy in heaven over one lost sinner who repents and returns to God than over ninety-nine others who are righteous and haven’t strayed away!

Recently, I was listening to one of my favorite Christian radio stations, 99.1 STAR FM, and I heard the below song, “Reckless Love” by Cory Asbury.  I wanted to further research the song’s meaning, therefore I searched the internet – and below is what I found.

The below excerpt was taken from “Churchfront.com” as written by Jake Gosselin on 11/8/17 – based on a review of the song and its meaning:

Song Meaning

Cory Asbury (the writer and performer of the below song) used the word “reckless” to describe God’s love:

 

Verse 1 highlights that God created us and gives us life. Verse 2 focuses on how God redeems us--despite the fact we were His enemies and rebellious in our sinfulness. God is good. God is kind. These verses are simple, but I love how Cory crafted these lyrics. “When I was Your foe, still Your love fought for me.” “When I felt no worth, You paid it all for me.” 

 

See Romans 5:8 below -

Romans 5:8

New King James Version (NKJV)

⁸ But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

The song's bridge continues to emphasize the theme of God’s love using the word “reckless”. It paints the picture of God pursuing His children like Liam Neeson in (the 2008 movie) Taken who goes to the most extreme measures to rescue his daughter and kill the bad guys.

 

Is God’s Love Reckless?

The chorus focuses on how incredible it is that God loves us and pursues us. The term “Reckless” has gotten a lot of attention. In all seriousness, there are a few reasons why I have no issue with the term “Reckless” in describing God’s love.

·         The definition - (of a person or their actions) without thinking or caring about the consequences of an action. While in most contexts this song has negative connotations (reckless driving) the word reckless itself does not necessarily carry negative connotations on its own.

 

·         Biblical support - Cory wrote this song with the parables in Luke 15 in mind. Do you know how “reckless” it was for the Father to receive the Prodigal Son back into His house! He did not care about the consequences of what other people thought of this act of love. Same thing with the parable of the lost sheep. Why would a shepherd not care about the safety of the 99 to go find the one?

·         Oh, and another example of biblical support is 1 Corinthians 1:18, where Paul writes the message of the cross is “foolishness” to the world. You know what word is similar to “foolishness”? Reckless.

1 Corinthians 1:18

New King James Version (NKJV)

¹⁸ For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God

Read what Cory Asbury wrote about this on his Facebook page. Here is an excerpt from what he said:

"When I use the phrase, “the reckless love of God”, I’m not saying that God Himself is reckless. I am, however, saying that the way He loves, is in many regards, quite so. What I mean is this: He is utterly unconcerned with the consequences of His actions with regards to His own safety, comfort, and well-being. His love isn’t crafty or slick.  His love bankrupted heaven for you. His love doesn’t consider Himself first. His love isn’t selfish or self-serving. He doesn’t wonder what He’ll gain or lose by putting Himself out there. He simply gives Himself away on the off-chance that one of us might look back at Him and offer ourselves in return."

Below is a verse that describes God’s unselfish, all-encompassing, all-inclusive and GREAT LOVE for ALL who believe in His Son - Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ:

John 3:16

New King James Version (NKJV)

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

 

Our Lord wants ALL to come to HIM – He wishes that no one perish - see the below verse:

2 Peter 3:9

New King James Version (NKJV)

⁹ The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.

The song, “Reckless Love” is a song that was based on God’s deep love for us - as based on the scripture found in Luke 15:4-7 (The Parable of the Lost Sheep).

The “Parable of the Lost Sheep” is a story told by Jesus to illustrate the audacious and overwhelming LOVE and COMPASSION that God has for those who are HIS. We serve a Good Shepherd whose heart is for us – His children to be found, rescued and renewed! Read below of God’s LOVE for us:

1 John 4:9-11

New King James Version (NKJV)

⁹ In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him. ¹⁰ In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins. ¹¹ Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.

God LOVES you!

He wants what is BEST for you!

NOTHING is TOO HARD for GOD!

GOD IS IN CONTROL – PRAY and TRUST HIM with your life and EVERYTHING that you are going through!

LET GO and LET GOD!

Philippians 4:6-7 states –

Philippians 4:6-7

New King James Version (NKJV)

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.

 

Please enjoy the below song, “Reckless Love” (with lyrics) as performed by Cory Asbury. Please meditate and treasure the great LOVE that God, your Creator and Father in Heaven - has for you! God loved you so much – that He gave His Son for you!

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

BE BLESSED!

O' Lord - Psalm 130:1-5

This is “Namma for Christ” with the one hundred twenty-eighth inspirational message dated Monday, February 26th, 2018.  The title of this message is, “O’ Lord” –  Psalm 130:1-5. The title of this message is also the title of the above inspirational song/video “O’ Lord” (with lyrics) by Lauren Daigle.

The words, “O’ Lord”, is a title of a song, but it also is a declaration of what “any believer” might say – WHEN THEY CRY OUT TO GOD…. when they don’t know what else to say! The first five verses of the 130th Psalm of David (see below) has these two words in the first verse:

Psalm 130:1-5
New Living Translation (NLT)

Psalm 130

¹ From the depths of despair, O Lord,
    I call for Your help.
² Hear my cry, O Lord.
    Pay attention to my prayer.

³ Lord, if You kept a record of our sins,
    who, O Lord, could ever survive?
⁴ But You offer forgiveness,
    that we might learn to fear You.

⁵ I am counting on the Lord;
    yes, I am counting on Him.
    I have put my hope in His word. 

 

There are times or circumstances in our lives, when we simply don’t know what to say.  We might be in situations, in which we simply don’t understand or can’t control…

 

These are the moments when we MUST TRUST IN JESUS!

 

As believers in Jesus Christ, we know Jesus hears us when we pray. In fact, Peter told us to cast ALL our cares on the Lord, for He cares for us – see 1^st Peter 5: 7 - below:

1 Peter 5:7

King James Version (KJV)

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

 

Jesus wants us to continually to pray to Him. He wants us to TRUST IN & DEPEND on HIM, not ourselves…As Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds us:

Proverbs 3:5-6

New King James Version (NKJV)

⁵ Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
And lean not on your own understanding;
⁶ In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He shall direct your paths.

 

Our scripture for this message in Psalm 130:1-5, also refers to PUTTING OUR HOPE in the LORD – see verse 5:

Psalm 130:5
New Living Translation (NLT)

⁵ I am counting on the Lord;
    yes, I am counting on Him.
    I have put my hope in His word.

 

Jesus is Our Savior, Our Hope, Our Redeemer, Our Protector, Our Defender…. Jesus’ very name – “Emmanuel” means “GOD WITH US”!

 

YOU CAN TRUST IN JESUS – NO MATTER WHAT!

There are times in our lives that we won’t understand what is going on, but WE “CAN” TRUST in Our Lord and Savior JESUS CHRIST!

 JESUS IS WITH US – and He knows BEST! Cry out to Him – even if it is only two words, “O, Lord” or just one Word – "JESUS". He HEARS US and He LOVES US!  Jesus wants what is BEST for us!

 

Enjoy the above anointed song and video, “O’ Lord” (with lyrics) by Lauren Daigle.

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

BE BLESSED!

Encourage Yourself - 1 Samuel 30:6b

This is Namma for Christ with the one hundred twenty-seventh inspirational message dated Thursday, February 1st, 2018.  The title of this message is, “Encourage
Yourself” – 1^st Samuel 30:6b. The title of this message is also the title of the above inspirational song/video by Donald Lawrence and the Tri-City Singers (featuring soloist Kim McFarland).

The song, “Encourage Yourself”, is an anthem of empowerment in the LORD.  It is ENCOURAGING ALL listeners to do “as David did”!

 What did David do?

 As the below scripture for this message states  – “HE ENCOURAGED HIMSELF – IN THE LORD!”

But David encouraged himself in the Lord.  1 Samuel 30:6b

During his lifetime – David was challenged, he experienced hardship and had times of trial and tribulations. Despite being known as a “man after God’s own heart”…David, at times, needed to encourage himself in the Lord.

If David needed to “ENCOURAGE HIMSELF IN THE LORD, so will you! And if he can do it, you can do it, too. Let God pour His love and acceptance into you. He is faithful and you are accepted. Look at what David said in the fourth verse of the beloved 23^rd Psalm:

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. Psalm 23:4

Read the below verse to know that this is what God expects us to do – to read HIS WORD – so that “WE, TOO, MAY HAVE INSTRUCTION, HOPE and ENCOURAGEMENT”:

For whatever was written in the past was written for our
instruction, so that we may have hope through endurance and through the
encouragement from the Scriptures. Romans 15:4 Holman Christian Bible 

Please read and meditate on the below powerful scriptures – for ENCOURAGEMENT:

Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the LORD your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.” Deuteronomy
31:6

Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand. Isaiah
41:10

The LORD is a stronghold for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. And those who know Your name put their trust in You, for You, O LORD, have not forsaken those who seek You. Psalm 9:9

Cast your burden on the LORD, and He will sustain you; He will never permit the righteous to be moved. Psalm 55:22

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7

In the accompanying song/video, “Encourage Yourself”, the soloist Kim McFarland quotes other inspirational verses from the Bible – they are:

“Greater is He - who is in me, than he who is in the world” from 1^st John 4:4 : (see below) –

1 John 4:4

New King James Version (NKJV)

⁴ You are of God, little children, and have overcome them,
because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.

Also, she states from Romans 8:37 – I AM MORE THAN A CONQUEROR…

Romans 8:37

New King James Version (NKJV)

³⁷ Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.

Lastly, from Proverbs 18:21- she expresses the “power” of the tongue:

Proverbs 18:21

New King
James Version (NKJV)

²¹ Death and life are in the power of the tongue, And those who love it will eat its fruit.

So, Encourage Yourself in the Lord – and BE UPLIFTED, INSPIRED and COURAGEOUS…

Remember, Jesus said in Hebrews 13:5 – He will never leave you, nor forsake you!

Enjoy the above anointed song and video, “Encourage Yourself” by Donald Lawrence and the Tri-City Singers (featuring soloist Kim McFarland).


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

BE BLESSED!

MLK's Experience of God - Matt. 28:20

This is Namma for Christ with the one hundred twenty-sixth inspirational message dated Monday, January 15th, 2018.  The title of this message is, “MLK’s Experience of God – Matt. 28:20”.
 

The title of this message is also the title of the above anointed video entitled “MLK's Experience of God” as found on the internet’s You Tube videos. 

 

The above video’s message is also the exact same message my Pastor shared with us (in his sermon) in church, on Sunday, January 14th, 2018. When I stumbled upon the video, I realized it was more than just a coincidence, it was “confirmation”. God was confirming to me – “this” is what I was “meant” to share with you!

The scripture for this message comes from Matthew - the 20^th verse of the 28th chapter.  This verse was the last words Jesus said to his disciples, before He ascended back into heaven:

 

Matthew 28:20

New King James Version (NKJV)

²⁰ teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen

 

The above video depicts Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at one of his most vulnerable and lowest points of his life. The video describes how he cried out for God’s help, after receiving a phone call of a death threat (to him and his family) threatening to bomb his home. Dr. Martin Luther King prayed and cried out to God.  In the above video, he expresses how he heard from Jesus telling him, “STAND UP for righteousness! STAND UP for justice! STAND UP for truth!  And lo...I will be with you, even to the end of the world…"

Dr. Martin Luther King also states that he heard Jesus tell him, “I will never leave you...I will never leave you alone!” (as found in Hebrews 13:5). In the video, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr, also encouraged others to RECOGNIZE YOUR DEPENDENCE ON GOD!

The words from our Lord comforted Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Other comforting and encouraging words from Jesus gave him strength and allowed him to face what was before him. 

Although, his home was later bombed…neither Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. nor anyone in his family were injured. God protected him and his family…God had a purpose and a plan for Dr. Martin Luther King’s life…that man could not alter – until God fulfilled His plan for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s life.

In the above video – Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. stated, “I just want to do God’s will…”

Shouldn’t this be our mission in life, as well – to serve God in whatever way God calls us?

God knows the plans He has for us – as stated below:

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 us be willing to follow and serve Jesus – for His will to be done in our lives:

1 Peter 2:21

New International Version (NIV)

²¹ To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in His steps.

 

Jesus told us, (in the verse below) that in this world we will have trouble – but “be of good cheer, because He has overcome the world”:

 

John 16:33

King James Version (KJV)

³³ These things I have spoken unto you, that in Me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

 

Please enjoy the above video entitled, “MLK’s Experience of God”. May it uplift, encourage and strengthen you to know that each of us can call out and pray to the Lord during our lowest points and Jesus will be with us, no matter what we are going through.

 

BE BLESSED!

 

 

This Is Me - Psalm 139:14

This is Namma for Christ with the one hundred twenty-fifth
inspirational message dated Friday, December 29th, 2017.  The title of this message is, “This Is Me” – Psalm 139:14.
The title of this message is also the title of the above inspirational song/video entitled “This Is Me” as sung by Keala Settle for the soundtrack for the Twentieth Century Fox musical movie, “The Greatest Showman”.  “The Greatest Showman” is a “rags-to-riches” musical movie about P.T. Barnum (who co-founded the Barnum & Bailey Circus).

The scripture for this message comes from the 139th book of Psalms - the 14^th verse: 

Psalm 139:14

New King James Version (NKJV)

 

¹⁴ I will praise You, for I am fearfully and
wonderfully made;

Marvelous are Your works,

And that my soul knows very well.

Psalm 139:14 states that “I will praise You, for I am
fearfully and wonderfully made!” – This verse is a verse of PRAISE to the LORD for creating us! It also states how we are to view ourselves – in the most positive way for being created by the Hand of God! 

The title and lyrics of the above song/video (with lyrics),”This Is Me” IS a song of PRIDE, POSITIVE SELF-ESTEEM and SELF-ACCEPTANCE!  The below excerpt (as taken from the Internet
via “Christianity Today”) ALSO describes “WHO WE ARE IN CHRIST” (according to scripture):

Here's Who You Are

According to the Bible:

The below excerpt was taken from the Internet via “Christianity
Today” (Christianitytoday.com) :

I am God's child. 

Galatians 3:26


I am Jesus' friend.

 John 15:15

I am a whole new person with a whole new life. 

2nd Corinthians 5:17

I am a place where God's Spirit lives. 

1 Corin. 6:19

I am God's Incredible work of art.

 Eph. 2:10

I am totally and completely forgiven. 

1 John 1:9

I am created in God's likeness.  

Eph. 4:24

I am spiritually alive. 

Eph. 2:5

I am a citizen of Heaven. 

Phil. 3:20

I am God's messenger to the world.

 Acts 1:8

I am God's disciple-maker.

 Matt. 28:19

I am the salt of the earth.

 Matthew 5:13

I am the light of the world. 

Matthew 5:14

I am greatly loved.

Romans 5:8

(These verses come from the New Living Translation on BibleGateway.com.)

Please enjoy the above inspirational song/video (with lyrics) entitled “This Is Me” as sung by Keala Settle for the soundtrack for the Twentieth Century Fox musical movie, “The Greatest Showman”.


(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). 


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

BE BLESSED!

Emmanuel - More Than A Hero - Isaiah 7:14

This is Namma for Christ with the one hundred twenty-fourth  inspirational message dated Saturday, December 16th, 2017.   The title of this message is "Emmanuel – More Than A Hero - Isaiah 7:14".  The first word of the title of this message is also the title of the above inspirational gospel song/video (with lyrics) as sung by *Norman Hutchins. The scripture comes from the fourteenth verse of the seventh chapter of the book of Isaiah:

Isaiah 7:14

New King James Version (NKJV)

¹⁴ Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel.

For many years, I have enjoyed reading the daily inspirational messages as provided by RBC Ministries in their
publications of "OUR DAILY BREAD".  On Friday, December 15th, 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). Our Daily Bread Ministries has the website of:  www.ODB.com so that you can read and enjoy life-changing wisdom of daily inspirational messages based on scripture from the Bible. Please read and enjoy:

 More Than A Hero

12/15/17

 We have seen His glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. John 1:14

 As Star Wars fans around the world eagerly await the release of Episode 8, “The Last Jedi,” people continue to analyze the remarkable success of these films dating back to 1977. Frank Pallotta, media reporter for CNNMoney, said that Star Wars connects with many who long for “a new hope and a force of good at a time when the world needs heroes.”

At the time of Jesus’s birth, the people of Israel were oppressed and longing for their long-promised Messiah. Many anticipated a hero to deliver them from Roman tyranny, but Jesus did not come as a political or military hero. Instead, He came as a baby to the town of Bethlehem. As a result, many missed who He was. The apostle John wrote, “He came to that which was His own, but His own did not receive Him” (John 1:11).

Lord Jesus, You are our Savior, and we praise You for coming to die that we might live.

More than a hero, Jesus came as our Savior. He was born to bring God’s light into the darkness and to give His life so that everyone who receives Him could be forgiven and freed from the power of sin. John called Him “the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth” (v. 14).

“To all who did receive Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God” (v. 12). Indeed, Jesus is the one true hope the world needs.

Lord Jesus, You are our Savior, and we praise You for coming to die that we might live.

At Bethlehem, God demonstrated that to love is to give.

By David C. McCasland | See Other Authors

INSIGHT

Many times when we think of heroes we think of someone who “rescues.” This is especially true of Jesus, who is the greatest hero of all time. Paul wrote in Galatians 1:4 that Jesus is the One “who gave Himself for our sins to rescue us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father.” Second Timothy 4:18 declares, “The Lord will rescue [us] from every evil attack, and will bring [us] safely to His heavenly kingdom. To Him be glory for ever and ever. Amen.” The greatest hero of all provides the greatest rescue of all—eternal life.

Who might you want to tell about your story of Jesus’s rescue?


Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Please enjoy the above anointed song/video entitled "Emmanuel" (with lyrics) by *Norman Hutchins (*Norman Hutchins passed away on June 5th, 2025. May he rest in Heavenly peace.)

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


BE BLESSED!

The Night Before Christmas - Luke 2:4-11

This is Namma for Christ with the one hundred twenty-third  inspirational message dated Friday, November 17th, 2017.  The title of this message is, “The Night Before Christmas - Luke 2:4-11".  The first four words in the title of this message are also the title of the above anointed song/video (with lyrics) entitled “The Night Before Christmas” as sung by Brandon Heath.
The scripture comes from the book of Luke - the 4^ththrough the 11th verses of the second chapter - as written by Luke.


Luke 2:4-11

New King James Version (NKJV)

⁴ Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, ⁵ to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child. ⁶ So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. ⁷ And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

Glory in the Highest

⁸ Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. ⁹ And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. ¹⁰ Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. ¹¹ For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.

As we began to enter another holiday season, I wanted to focus on the "TRUE REASON FOR THE SEASON: JESUS!"
Recently, on my local Christian radio station, 99.1 STAR FM, they started to play "Christmas music" already! I thought it was wonderful that they already are sharing the joyous sounds of this season! This is truly a "wonderful, joyous, and blessed" time of  the year"! I decided to share with you the above song and video entitled, "The Night Before Christmas" by Brandon Heath. It shares the Christmas Story in a unique way, by looking at the world from the perspective of  - "the night BEFORE Jesus was born"!
Praise God that Jesus "was" BORN and that God loved us so much to give us His Son as John 3:16 reminds us below:

John 3:16
New King James Version (NKJV)
 
¹⁶ For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.
 
Jesus - is the GREATEST GIFT GIVEN and the GREATEST GIFT we will ever receive!  Let's celebrate this Christmas holiday season focused on JESUS!
 
He is truly THE REASON FOR THE SEASON!
 
Please enjoy the above anointed song/video entitled, "The Night Before Christmas" by Brandon Heath.

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

 
BE BLESSED!