Relate – When We’re Tempted to Quit – James 1:12

This is Namma for Christ with the one hundred ninety-eighth inspirational message dated Thursday, August 12th, 2021. The title of this message is “Relate – When We’re Tempted to Quit – James 1:12”.

The first word of this message’s title is also the word of the name of the below inspirational song/video, “Relate” (with lyrics) as sung by “for King & Country”.  The below passage of scripture (that accompanies this message) is from the New Testament book of James - the twelfth verse of the first chapter:

James 1:12

Easy To Read Version (ERV)

 

¹² Great blessings belong to those who are tempted and remain faithful! After they have proved their faith, God will give them the reward of eternal life. God promised this to all people who love Him.

 

Please see the below verses (James 1:2-12 ERV) of the full message text -

 

Faith and Wisdom

² My brothers and sisters, you will have many kinds of trouble. But this gives you a reason to be very happy. ³ You know that when your faith is tested, you learn to be patient in suffering. ⁴ If you let that patience work in you, the end result will be good. You will be mature and complete. You will be all that God wants you to be.

⁵ Do any of you need wisdom? Ask God for it. He is generous and enjoys giving to everyone. So He will give you wisdom. ⁶ But when you ask God, you must believe. Don’t doubt Him. Whoever doubts is like a wave in the sea that is blown up and down by the wind. ^7-8 People like that are thinking two different things at the same time. They can never decide what to do. So they should not think they will receive anything from the Lord.

True Riches

⁹ Believers who are poor should be glad that God considers them so important. ¹⁰ Believers who are rich should be glad when bad things happen that humble them. Their riches won’t keep them from disappearing as quickly as wildflowers. ¹¹ As the sun rises and gets hotter, its heat dries up the plants, and the flowers fall off. The flowers that were so beautiful are now dead. That’s how it is with the rich. While they are still making plans for their business, they will die.

Temptation Does Not Come From God

¹² Great blessings belong to those who are tempted and remain faithful! After they have proved their faith, God will give them the reward of eternal life. God promised this to all people who love Him.

 

The title of this message also includes the words – “When We’re Tempted to Quit” – which is the “title” of the Charles Stanley “In Touch” Daily Devotional for (7/30/21) – which I have included below:

 

When We’re Tempted to Quit

James 1:2-12

By Charles Stanley

 

      

       Have you ever thought, I can’t take this anymore or I give up? These phrases have the power to change the direction of our life. Let’s look at three things that could cause these sentiments.

 

1.    SATAN AND HIS ANGELS.  Through their involvement, we can be tempted to stop waiting on God for solutions and instead seek our own way out. Or the enemy may try to redirect our focus away from Jesus and onto our negative emotions. If he can make us feel helpless and hopeless, then he is successfully distracting us from God.

 

2.   THE WORLD.  Ungodly people are always ready to give believers advice. We need God’s wisdom to set ourselves apart from their thinking and yet stay connected enough to share God’s message of hope with them.

 

3.    OUR OWN FLESH.  We have a tendency to do what feels good and benefits us, but God’s way is always best and the most fulfilling.

 

If you have ever wanted to give up, you’ve probably been influenced by one or more of these factors. But God has good purpose for the trials He allows in our life: They produce perseverance that helps to mature us as Christians. When we look at things from that perspective, we can actually “consider it all joy” to have struggles (James 1:2-4).

 

By Charles Stanley

 

I pray that you have enjoyed the above message and I pray that you will enjoy the accompanied song.

 

Please enjoy the below inspirational song/video, “Relate” (with lyrics) as sung by “for King & Country” – performed with power and anointing.

 

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

 

 (If you can't see the below 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 scroll down to the "end" of the message to view the video. Please press play to enjoy the song/video.)

 

BE BLESSED! 

Know You Will – Patience and Trust – Psalm 37:3-6

 

This is Namma for Christ with the one hundred ninety-seventh inspirational message dated Friday, August 6th, 2021. The title of this message is “Know You Will – Patience and Trust – Psalm 37:3-6”.

The first three words of this message’s title are also the words of the name of the below inspirational song/video, “Know You Will” (with lyrics) as sung by “Hillsong United”.  The below passage of scripture (that accompanies this message) is from the Old Testament book of Psalms - the third through the sixth verses of the thirty-seventh chapter:

Psalm 37:3-6

New King James Version (NKJV)

 

³ Trust in the Lord, and do good;
Dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness.
⁴ Delight yourself also in the Lord,
And He shall give you the desires of your heart.

⁵ Commit your way to the Lord,
Trust also in Him,
And He shall bring it to pass.
⁶ He shall bring forth your righteousness as the light,
And your justice as the noonday.

 

 

Please see the below “last two” verses (Psalm 37:7-8) of the full scripture text as referenced in the meditation below -

 

⁷ Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him;
Do not fret because of him who prospers in his way,
Because of the man who brings wicked schemes to pass.
⁸ Cease from anger, and forsake wrath;
Do not fret—it only causes harm.

 

The title of this message also includes the words – “Patience and Trust” – which is the “title” of the Charles Stanley “In Touch” Daily Devotional for (7/2/21) – which I have included below:

 

Patience and Trust

Psalm 37:3-8

By Charles Stanley

 

Trusting in the Lord is easy when life is pleasant and running smoothly. However, when circumstances are not as we desire, our confidence in God can become shaky. Yet even in difficult times, He guides us and helps us through.

God wants us to cultivate faithfulness to Him in every circumstance. To do this, we must commit to His way instead of getting frustrated or trying to manipulate things to get our desired outcome. While it would be easy for us to become anxious or angry with our situation, God wants His children to rest in Him with a peaceful spirit. That is possible when we confidently believe He’s in control and will arrange things for our good and His glory.

Then we are to patiently wait for His perfect will to unfold. Even if we cannot see any changes taking place, God is at work in us and in our situation. Our task is to keep our focus on Jesus and faithfully continue doing whatever He has given us to accomplish at present. In the end, delays give us a chance to develop Christlike character and show the world what Jesus’ transforming power can bring about in those who belong to Him.

      

By Charles Stanley

 

I pray that you have enjoyed the above message and I pray that you will enjoy the accompanied song.

 

Please enjoy the below inspirational song/video, “Know You Will” (with lyrics) as sung by “Hillsong United” – performed with power and anointing.

 

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

 

 (If you can't see the below 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 scroll down to the "end" of the message to view the video. Please press play to enjoy the song/video.)

 

 BE BLESSED!

BE BLESSED!

Good, Good Father – God Carries Us – Deut. 1:30-31

 

This is Namma for Christ with the one hundred ninety-sixth inspirational message dated Saturday, July 31st, 2021. The title of this message is “Good, Good Father – God Carries Us – Deut. 1:30-31”.

The first three words of the title are also the name of the below inspirational song/video, “Good, Good Father” (with lyrics) as sung by Chris Tomlin.  The below passage of scripture (that accompanies this message) is from the Old Testament book of Deuteronomy - the thirtieth and the thirty-first verses of the first chapter:

Deuteronomy 1:30-31

New King James Version (NKJV)

³⁰ The Lord your God, who goes before you, He will fight for you, according to all He did for you in Egypt before your eyes, ³¹ and in the wilderness where you saw how the Lord your God carried you, as a man carries his son, in all the way that you went until you came to this place.

 

 

For many years, I have enjoyed reading the daily inspirational messages as provided by Our Daily Bread Ministries in their publications of "OUR DAILY BREAD".  

I recently read the message for the day (for July 24^th, 2021) and found it to be so inspiring, memorable and “thought-provoking”.  

 
 I wanted to share this message with you (see the below message). Our Daily Bread Ministries has the website of:  www.odb.org so that you can read and enjoy life-changing wisdom of daily inspirational messages based on scripture from the Bible. Please read and enjoy:

 

God Carries Us

 

³¹ There you saw how the Lord your God carried you, as a father carries his son, all the way you went until you reached this place.  

 Deuteronomy 1:31

 

 

Today's Scripture & Insight:

Deut. 1:26-31

In 2019, Hurricane Dorian overwhelmed the islands of the Bahamas with intense rain, wind, and flooding—the worst natural disaster in the country’s history. As he sheltered at home with his adult son who has cerebral palsy, Brent knew they needed to leave. Even though Brent is blind, he had to save his son. Tenderly, he placed him over his shoulders and stepped into chin-deep water to carry him to safety.

If an earthly father facing a great obstacle is eager to help his son, think of how much more our Heavenly Father is concerned about His children. In the Old Testament, Moses recalled how God carried His people even as they experienced the danger of faltering faith. He reminded the Israelites of how God had delivered them, providing food and water in the desert, fighting against their enemies, and guiding the Israelites with pillars of cloud and fire. Meditating on the many ways God acted on their behalf, Moses said, “There you saw how the Lord your God carried you, as a father carries his son” (Deuteronomy 1:31).

 

The Israelites’ journey through the wilderness wasn’t easy, and their faith waned at times. But it was full of evidence of God’s protection and provision. The image of a father carrying a son—tenderly, courageously, confidently—is a wonderful picture of how God cared for Israel. Even when we face challenges that test our faith, we can remember that God’s there carrying us through them.

 

By:  Karen Pimpo

 

 Loving God, help me remember that You carry me, even when I don’t feel it. Thank You for Your strength and compassion.

Please see the below verse from Ephesians 1:5 regarding how GOD – our Heavenly Father chose us to be in His family –

 

Ephesians 1:5

New Living Translation (NLT)

⁵ God decided in advance to adopt us into His own family by bringing us to Himself through Jesus Christ. This is what He wanted to do, and it gave Him great pleasure.

 

Please enjoy the below inspirational song/video, “Good, Good Father” (with lyrics) as sung by Chris Tomlin sung with power and anointing.

 

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

 

(If you can't see the below 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 scroll down to the "end" of the message to view the video. Please press play to enjoy the song/video.)

 

BE BLESSED!

His Eye Is On the Sparrow – Matt. 10:29-31

 

This is Namma for Christ with the one hundred ninety-fifth inspirational message dated Thursday, July 29th, 2021. The title of this message is “His Eye Is On the Sparrow – Matt. 10:29-31”.

The first six words of the title are also the same six words in the name of the below inspirational song/video, “His Eye Is On the Sparrow” (with lyrics) as performed by Lauryn Hill & Tanya Blount.  The below passage of scripture (that accompanies this message) is from the New Testament book of Matthew - the twenty-ninth through the thirty-first verses of the tenth chapter:

Matthew 10:29-31

New King James Version (NKJV)

 

²⁹ Are not two sparrows sold for a copper coin? And not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father’s will. ³⁰ But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. ³¹ Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.

 

I recently was searching on YouTube and I stumbled upon a song that I hadn’t heard in a long time. It was “His Eye Is On the Sparrow”.

I used to hear this song many times in church. It has also been one of my favorite gospel hymns. This song ministered to me when I was younger: when I was “thirty” - and my daughters were 4 and 7 years old. During that time, I had been going through a very stressful time (while I was still married to my ex-husband) and I used to sing this song frequently.

The song’s lyrics (see below) – were like a “healing ointment” to my “wounded and hurting soul”. I remember walking around my apartment – “singing these lyrics” – to “uplift my spirit” – (despite all the challenges that were actually going on all around me, at the time) …

 

I would sing –

“Why should I feel discouraged?

Why should the shadows come?

And why should my heart feel lonely?

And long for heaven and home,

When Jesus is my portion? 

My constant Friend is He,

His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me;

Refrain:

I sing because I’m happy, I sing because I’m free,

His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me!”

 

Recently, I went on the internet and researched the original writer of the song and found that this hymn was first written in 1905 by lyricist Civilla D. Martin and composer Charles H. Gabriel.

The theme of the song was inspired by the words of David in the Psalms and Jesus in the Gospel of Matthew - see the following verses:

Psalm 32:8

New King James Version (NKJV)

 

⁸ I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go;
I will guide you with My eye.

 

Matthew 6:26

New King James Version (NKJV)

 

²⁶ Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?

 

Matthew 10:29-31

New King James Version (NKJV)

 

²⁹ Are not two sparrows sold for a copper coin? And not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father’s will. ³⁰ But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. ³¹ Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.   

 

Personally speaking, “seeing” & singing this song “again” caused me to “remember” how (during a difficult time in my life) -  God allowed me to focus on “HIM and His love for me”!

By SINGING GOD’S PRAISES – it helped me “then” (and it helps me, now) to KNOW, to REMEMBER and to FOCUS on the fact THAT GOD LOVES ME!

In my lowest moments - God comforts me in His unconditional love and He allows me to sing “uplifting and inspirational songs" (such as this one) – to remind me - that “I am never alone”!

His eye is on the sparrow and I know that He watches me!

 

May you, too, know that GOD is watching you – as well as, all His children…He loves us and we are never alone.

 

God’s Word reminds us that “Jesus will NEVER leave us nor forsake us” – see the below verse in - Hebrews 13:5b –

Hebrews 13:5b

New King James Version (NKJV)

 

For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”

 

 

No matter WHAT we may go through – We, as God’s children - can ALWAYS PRAY TO, TRUST IN & SING PRAISES TO OUR HEAVENLY FATHER GOD!

 

Please enjoy the below inspirational song/video, “His Eye Is On the Sparrow” (with lyrics) as performed by Lauryn Hill & Tanya Blount - sung with power and anointing.

 

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

 

(If you can't see the below 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 scroll down to the "end" of the message to view the video. Please press play to enjoy the song/video.)

 

BE BLESSED!

Believe for It – Knowing God’s Love – Eph. 3:20-21

 

This is Namma for Christ with the one hundred ninety-fourth inspirational message dated Wednesday, July 21st, 2021. The title of this message is “Believe for It – Knowing God’s Love – Eph. 3:20-21”.

The first three words of the title are also the words in the name of the below inspirational song/video, “Believe for It” (with lyrics) as performed by Gospel artist CeCe Winans.  The below passage of scripture (that accompanies this message) is from the New Testament book of Ephesians - the twentieth and twenty-first verses of the third chapter:

Ephesians 3:20-21

New King James Version (NKJV)

 

²⁰ Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, ²¹ to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.

 

Please see the below verses (Ephesians 3:8-21) of the full message text –

 

Ephesians 3:8-21

New King James Version (NKJV)

 

Purpose of the Mystery

⁸ To me, who am less than the least of all the saints, this grace was given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, ⁹ and to make all see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the ages has been hidden in God who created all things through Jesus Christ; ¹⁰ to the intent that now the manifold wisdom of God might be made known by the church to the principalities and powers in the heavenly places, ¹¹ according to the eternal purpose which He accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord, ¹² in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through faith in Him. ¹³ Therefore I ask that you do not lose heart at my tribulations for you, which is your glory.

Appreciation of the Mystery

¹⁴ For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, ¹⁵ from whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, ¹⁶ that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man, ¹⁷ that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, ¹⁸ may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height— ¹⁹ to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.

²⁰ Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, ²¹ to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.

 

The title of this message also includes the words – “Knowing God’s Love” – which is the “title” of the Charles Stanley “In Touch” Daily Devotional for (7/8/21) – which I have included below:

 

Knowing God’s Love

 

Ephesians 3:8-21

By Charles Stanley

 

 

       One of the first things children learn in Sunday school is that Jesus loves them, and they are quick to believe it. But as we get older, the hardships and disappointments of life may cause us to doubt this truth. We wonder how a gracious God could allow the death of a loved one, the loss of a job, a financial crisis, or a painful terminal illness.

      But we cannot judge God’s love on the basis of circumstances. Hardship is a certainty in life (John 16:33) {see the below verse} and it does not reflect the depth, breadth, and height of God’s love for us.

 

John 16:33

³³ These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”

 

This is why Paul urged the Ephesians not to let his tribulations discourage them (Eph. 3:13) – he knew those hardships were part of God’s plan. And the same is true for every believer. Through our trials, God works powerfully within us to do more than we can perceive or imagine (Eph. 3:20).

      The Lord wants you to believe that His love for you is steadfast – and that it can ground you in the difficult seasons of life. Are you seeking to grow in your comprehension of His love? The more you dwell on divine grace, the more firmly you’ll stand during trials. Begin by asking God to give you a deeper understanding as you meditate on His love as described in His Word.

By Charles Stanley

 

I pray that you have enjoyed the above message and I pray that you will enjoy the accompanied song.

 

Please enjoy the below inspirational song/video, “Believe for It” (with lyrics) as performed by Gospel artist CeCe Winans - sung with power and anointing.

 

 

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

 

(If you can't see the below 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 scroll down to the "end" of the message to view the video. Please press play to enjoy the song/video.)

 

BE BLESSED!

Bless Me (Prayer of Jabez) – Enlarge My Territory – 1st Chron. 4:10

 

This is Namma for Christ with the one hundred ninety-third inspirational message dated Wednesday, July 14th, 2021. The title of this message is “Bless Me (Prayer of Jabez) – Enlarge My Territory – 1^st Chronicles 4:10”.

The first five words of the title are also the name of the below inspirational song/video, “Bless Me (Prayer of Jabez)” (with lyrics) as performed by Donald Lawrence & The Tri-City Singers.  The below passage of scripture (that accompanies this message) is from the Old Testament book of 1^st Chronicles - the tenth verse of the fourth chapter:

1st Chronicles 4:10

New International Version (NIV)

 

¹⁰ Jabez cried out to the God of Israel, “Oh, that You would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let Your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain.” And God granted his request.

 

 

I recently was thinking of the verse – famously known as – “The Prayer of Jabez” as found in 1^st Chronicles 4:10 and I knew that I would want to share a message based on this scripture. God allowed me to wake up in the middle of the night on Monday, July 12^th (around 1:00am) and I started writing the text for the message. By 2:25am, I had completed the message. Later, that same day, at approximately 8pm, I searched YouTube for the appropriate song. I searched under the words “Enlarge My Territory” and the below accompanied song appeared. I knew right after I heard it – that I would share this song – “Bless Me (Prayer of Jabez)” as performed by Donald Lawrence and The Tri-City Singers.

 

ENLARGE MY TERRITORY

 

Imagine “if” – “NOTHING” - stood in the way of what you feel God has put in your heart and mind to accomplish for His Glory!

 What would “you” accomplish for God’s Glory – for “your blessing” and to BLESS OTHERS?

PRAY! ASK GOD TO GUIDE YOU!

LET GO OF ANY LIMITATIONS!

ASK GOD TO “ENLARGE YOUR

TERRITORY”!

PRAY and ASK GOD TO ALLIGN “YOUR WILL” TO BE ALLIGNED WITH “HIS WILL” – FOR “HIS GLORY”!

LET YOUR DREAM and/or GOAL BE PLANTED “LIKE SEEDS” IN YOUR MIND AND HEART. ASK GOD TO NOURISH THEM, HELP THEM BLOOM FORTH AND GROW!

As Jeremiah 29:11 states below – GOD KNOWS THE PLANS THAT HE HAS 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.

 

GOD KNOWS THE PLANS THAT HE HAS FOR YOU: All that concerns “you” – concerns God – for He is your Heavenly Father. He loves you and He wants what is BEST FOR YOU!

PRAY and SEEK THE LORD EVERYDAY – so that you may accomplish HIS WILL for your life!

GOD IS ABLE!

See the below verses from the third chapter of Ephesians:

Ephesians 3:20-21

New King James Version (NKJV)

 

²⁰ Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, ²¹ to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.

 

 Also remember:

 

Philippians 4:13

New King James Version (NKJV)

 

 ¹³ I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

 

MAY OUR LORD “ENLARGE YOUR TERRITORY”!

 GOD IS ABLE!

TRUST HIM – see Proverbs 3:5-6 –

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.

 

 

 

 

 

Please enjoy the below inspirational song/video, “Bless Me (Prayer of Jabez)” (with lyrics) as performed by Donald Lawrence & The Tri-City Singers - sung with power and anointing.

 

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

 

(If you can't see the below 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 scroll down to the "end" of the message to view the video. Please press play to enjoy the song/video.)

 

BE BLESSED!