Jireh – The Best Friend You’ll Ever Have – John 15:12-16

 

This is Namma for Christ with the two hundred fourth inspirational message dated Tuesday, October 12th, 2021. The title of this message is “Jireh – The Best Friend You’ll Ever Have – John 15:12-16”.

The first word of this message’s title is also the title of the below inspirational song/video (with lyrics), “Jireh” as performed by “Elevation Worship & Maverick City”.  The below passage of scripture (that accompanies this message) is from the New Testament book of John - the twelfth through the sixteenth verses of the fifteenth chapter:

John 15:12-16

New King James Version - (NKJV)

 

¹² This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. ¹³ Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends. ¹⁴ You are My friends if you do whatever I command you. ¹⁵ No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I heard from My Father I have made known to you. ¹⁶ You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My Name He may give you.

 

The title of this message also includes the words – “The Best Friend You’ll Ever Have” – which is the “title” of the Charles Stanley “In Touch” Daily Devotional for (10/11/21) – which I have included below:

 

The Best Friend You’ll Ever Have

 John 15:12-16

By Charles Stanley

 

      

       MANY OF US ARE FAMILIAR WITH THE HYMN “What a Friend We Have in Jesus.” We all agree that the Savior is a great friend, but our understanding of this relationship is limited. Jesus’ friendship with us far transcends anything we experience on a human level. So let’s consider some of the elements of His relationship with us.

-       JESUS LAID DOWN HIS LIFE FOR US. Our Savior gave the ultimate sacrifice for us on the cross, which proves His faithfulness. Surely, then, Jesus is a friend who’s committed to us forever, and He will give us everything else He has promised.

 

-       WE ARE HIS FRIENDS IF WE OBEY HIM. Those who are saved can be His friends, because they’re the ones who obey Him in love.

 

-       HE REVEALS TO US WHAT HE IS DOING. Everything we need to know about Christ and His actions and ways is written for us in the Scriptures.

 

-       HE CHOSE US.  We didn’t earn His friendship and we can’t lose it, because it’s based not on us but on His choice to love us.

 

Having Jesus as our friend means we are wanted, loved, and cared for by Him forever.

 

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 (with lyrics), “Jireh” as performed by “Elevation Worship & Maverick City” 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!

Grave – Isa. 46:3-4 – How to Stay Young All Your Life

 This is Namma for Christ with the two hundred third inspirational message dated Monday, October 4th, 2021. The title of this message is “Grave – Isa. 46:3-4 – How to Stay Young All Your Life”.

The first word of this message’s title is also the title of the below inspirational song/video (with lyrics), “Grave” as sung by Christian group “Cochren & Co.”.  The below passage of scripture (that accompanies this message) is from the Old Testament book of Isaiah - the third and fourth verses of the forty-sixth chapter:

Isaiah 46:3-4

New King James Version - (NKJV)

 

³ “Listen to Me, O house of Jacob,
And all the remnant of the house of Israel,
Who have been upheld by Me from birth,
Who have been carried from the womb:
⁴ Even to your old age, I am He,
And even to gray hairs I will carry you!
I have made, and I will bear;
Even I will carry, and will deliver you. 

 Also - Please read the below verses (Psalm 92:12-15 NKJV) as referenced in the full message text -

 

¹² The righteous shall flourish like a palm tree,
He shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon.
¹³ Those who are planted in the house of the Lord
Shall flourish in the courts of our God.
¹⁴ They shall still bear fruit in old age;
They shall be fresh and flourishing,
¹⁵ To declare that the Lord is upright;
He is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in Him.

 

The title of this message also includes the words – “How to Stay Young All Your Life” – which is the “title” of the Charles Stanley “In Touch” Daily Devotional for (9/10/21) – which I have included below:

 

How to Stay Young All Your Life

 Psalm 92:12-15

By Charles Stanley

 

      OUR CULTURE IS OBSESSED WITH YOUTH. Products abound that offer better health, fewer wrinkles, and increased energy, but these address the issue of aging only in superficial ways; nothing alters the fact that our bodies grow older. Feeling old, however, is not inevitable – with the right attitude, we can be young at heart no matter what our chronological age may be. We do this by cultivating …

-       A GOD-CENTERED FOCUS. Keep your mind on the things above rather than on earthly things (Col. 3:2). See each day as an opportunity to trust God more fully, love Him more deeply, and serve Him more joyfully.

 

-       AN ACTIVE PURSUIT OF LEARNING. 

    Never stop learning from Scripture. Long for the Word the way a baby craves milk so you can continue to grow spiritually (1^st Peter 2:2 - see below)

 

1^st Peter 2:2

New King James Version - (NKJV)

² as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you grow hereby,

 

-        A HOPEFUL OUTLOOK ON LIFE. 

    Let Godly thinking shape your attitudes. Be joyful, thankful, and prayerful (1^st Thes. 5:16-18 – see below).

 

1^st Thessalonians 5:16-18

¹⁶ Rejoice always, ¹⁷ pray without ceasing, ¹⁸ in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

 

-       AN OTHERS-CENTERED ORIENTATION

     Don’t let yourself withdraw into self-absorption.     Instead, invest your life in others for their     spiritual encouragement and growth (see verse 11 below).

1^st Thessalonians 5:11

¹¹ Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing.

Staying young while growing old begins with your mind. So never stop learning, laughing and loving God with all your heart.

 

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 (with lyrics), “Grave” as sung by Christian group “Cochren & Co.” 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!

Even at My Worst – Rom. 8:29 – The Blessings of Inadequacy

 

This is Namma for Christ with the two hundred second inspirational message dated Wednesday, September 29th, 2021. The title of this message is “Even at My Worst – Rom. 8:29 – The Blessings of Inadequacy”.

The first four words of this message’s title are also the words of the title of the below inspirational song/video (with lyrics), “Even at My Worst” as sung by Christian artist “Blanca”.  The below passage of scripture (that accompanies this message) is from the New Testament book of Romans - the twenty-ninth verse of the eighth chapter:

Romans 8:29

New King James Version - (NKJV)

 

29 For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren.

Please also see 2^nd Corinthians 3:18 - on how “we” as believers are being “conformed” or “transformed” into the image of Christ - more and more – as we live for HIM!

2^nd Corinthians 3:18

New Living Translation - (NLT)

 

18 But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.

 

Many people have heard the below “sayings” before:

God doesn’t call the “qualified” – He “QUALIFIES – THE CALLED!” 

or

God doesn’t call the “equipped” – He

“EQUIPS – THE CALLED!”

 

God equips (or qualifies) His people for His work! He will give you the ability to do His will – if you seek Him to do it!

The definition of “equip” is – “to supply with the necessary items for a particular purpose”. Our God - Our Creator – knows “us” better than anyone (even our parents) – if we “seek Him first” – as Matthew 6:33 states – God will supply all that we need:

 

Matthew 6:33

New King James Version - (NKJV)

 

33 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.

Also, see Philippians 4:19 –

Philippians 4:19

New King James Version - (NKJV)

 

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

As the title of the below message states –

There ARE “Blessings” of being “INADEQUATE”! (Please read the below message to know those blessings – that are listed):

 

Also - Please read the below verses (2 Corinthians 3:4-6 NKJV) as referenced in the full message text -

 

⁴ And we have such trust through Christ toward God.  ⁴ Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think of anything as being from ourselves, but our sufficiency is from God, ⁶ who also made us sufficient as ministers of the new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.

The title of this message also includes the words – “The Blessings of Inadequacy” – which is the “title” of the Charles Stanley “In Touch” Daily Devotional for (9/29/21) – which I have included below:

 

 

 

The Blessings of Inadequacy

2nd Corinthians 3:4-6

By Charles Stanley

 

      

      HAVE YOU EVER CONSIDERED INADEQUACY A BLESSING?

Life is filled with struggles that reveal our insufficiency, and it arouses uncomfortable emotions that make us feel useless, insignificant, and weak. No one likes the frustration and fear of facing challenges that are too big to handle, but God can use them for our good. Our job is to acknowledge our helplessness, depend on His strength, and step out with confidence in Him. Inadequacy can be a blessing since it…

-       Drives us to the Lord as we recognize our helplessness.

-       Relieves us of trying to do God’s will in our own strength.

-       Motivates us to live in the power of the Holy Spirit.

-       Provides opportunity for God to demonstrate His power.

-       Humbles our pride.

-       Allows Christ to receive all the glory.

-       Produces peace as we rely on Him.

Through the power of the Holy Spirit, believers have the ability to endure difficulty and accomplish whatever the Lord calls them to do. By claiming the adequacy of Christ, we can face every circumstance with confidence – not in ourselves but in God, who is totally capable.

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 (with lyrics), “Even at My Worst” as sung by Christian artist “Blanca” 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!

Revelation 19:1 – God Acts on Your Behalf

 

This is Namma for Christ with the two hundred first inspirational message dated Sunday, September 19th, 2021. The title of this message is “Revelation 19:1 – God Acts on Your Behalf”.

The first phrase of this message’s title is also the name of the below inspirational song/video, “Revelation 19:1” as sung by “Stephen Hurd and The First Baptist Church Combined Choir”.  The below passage of scripture (that accompanies this message) is from the New Testament book of Revelation - the first verse of the nineteenth chapter:

Revelation 19:1

New King James Version - (NKJV)

 

19 After these things I heard a loud voice of a great multitude in heaven, saying, “Alleluia! Salvation and glory and honor and power belong to the Lord our God!

 

Also - Please see the below verses (Proverbs 3:5-6 NKJV) as referenced in the full message text -

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.

 

The title of this message also includes the words – “God Acts on Your Behalf” – which is the “title” of the Charles Stanley “In Touch” Daily Devotional for (9/6/21) – which I have included below:

 

 

 

God Acts on Your Behalf

Proverbs 3:5-6

By Charles Stanley

 

      

      DO YOU TRUST GOD? Most believers will quickly answer yes. But stop and consider if that’s true in your prayer life. When your need is urgent but God isn’t answering as soon as you desire, do you still trust Him? Scenarios like this lead some believers to doubt that the Lord has His children’s best interests at heart.

      However, Isaiah 64:4 assures us that God “acts on behalf of those who wait for Him” (NIV). Joseph had to wait in very difficult circumstances before the Lord set him free from prison and gave him authority as a ruler in Egypt (Gen. 37:18-28; 39:19-20). From an outsider’s viewpoint, it didn’t look as if God was acting on Joseph’s behalf. But from a heavenly perspective, events were right on track (Gen. 50:20).

      The same is true in your life. During a period of waiting, God could be preparing you for a future answer that will come at just the right time. Or He might be teaching you to trust Him so you can walk by faith rather than sight. Another possibility is that your desire would ultimately involve something against His will, and withholding it serves as protection.

      You may never find out why God delays answering your prayer, but you can always trust in His goodness, wisdom, and love.

 

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, “Revelation 19:1” as sung by “Stephen Hurd and The First Baptist Church Combined Choir” 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!

All Things New – Col. 2:10 – Complete In Christ

 

This is Namma for Christ with the two hundredth inspirational message dated Friday, September 10th, 2021. The title of this message is “All Things New – Col. 2:10 – Complete In Christ”.

The first three words of the title are also the name of the below inspirational song/video, “All Things New” (with lyrics) as sung by the Christian group – “Big Daddy Weave”.  The below passage of scripture (that accompanies this message) is from the New Testament book of Colossians - the tenth verse of the second chapter:

Colossians 2:10

New Living Translation (NLT)

¹⁰  So you also are complete through your union with Christ, who is the head over every ruler and authority.

 

 

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 September 7^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:

 

Complete In Christ

 

¹⁰ So you also are complete through your union with Christ.  Colossians 2:10

 

Today's Scripture & Insight:

Colossians 2:6-15

In a popular film, an actor plays a success-driven sports agent whose marriage begins to crumble. Attempting to win back his wife, Dorothy, he looks into her eyes and says, “You complete me.” It’s a heart-warming message that echoes a tale in Greek philosophy. According to that myth, each of us is a “half” that must find our “other half” to become whole.

       The belief that a romantic partner “completes” us is now part of popular culture. But is it true? I talk to many married couples who still feel incomplete because they haven’t been able to have children and others who’ve had kids but feel something else is missing. Ultimately, no human can fully complete us.

      The apostle Paul gives another solution, “For in Christ lives all the fullness of God in a human body. So you also are complete through your union with Christ” (Colossians 2:9-10 NLT).  Jesus doesn’t just forgive us and liberate us, He also completes us by bringing the life of God into our lives (Colossians 2:13-15 NLT). 

       Marriage is good, but it can’t make us whole. Only Jesus can do that. Instead of expecting a person, career, or anything else to complete us, let’s accept God’s invitation to let His fullness fill our lives more and more.

 

By: Sheridan Voysey for Our Daily Bread 

 

How have you sought spiritual fulfillment through people instead of God? How does Jesus’ completing you change your view of marriage and singleness?

 

Jesus, thank You for making me complete through Your death, resurrection, forgiveness and restoration.

 

Please enjoy the below inspirational song/video, “All Things New” (with lyrics) as sung by the Christian group – “Big Daddy Weave” 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!

My Jesus – Growing Faith – 2nd Thessalonians 1:3-4

 

This is Namma for Christ with the one hundred ninety-ninth inspirational message dated Saturday, September 4th, 2021. The title of this message is “My Jesus – Growing Faith – 2nd Thessalonians 1:3-4”.

The first two words of this message’s title are also the words in the name of the below inspirational song/video, “My Jesus” (with lyrics) as sung by Christian artist “Anne Wilson”.  The below passage of scripture (that accompanies this message) is from the New Testament book of 2nd Thessalonians - the third through fourth verses of the first chapter:

2nd Thessalonians 1:3-4

New International Version - UK (NIVUK)

 

³ We ought always to thank God for you, brothers and sisters, and rightly so, because your faith is growing more and more, and the love all of you have for one another is increasing. ⁴ Therefore, among God’s churches we boast about your perseverance and faith in all the persecutions and trials you are enduring.

 

Please see the below verses (2 Thessalonians 1:1-4 NIVUK) of the full message text -

1 Paul, Silas and Timothy,

To the church of the Thessalonians in God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ:

² Grace and peace to you from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

³ We ought always to thank God for you, brothers and sisters, and rightly so, because your faith is growing more and more, and the love all of you have for one another is increasing. ⁴ Therefore, among God’s churches we boast about your perseverance and faith in all the persecutions and trials you are enduring.

 

The title of this message also includes the words – “Growing Faith” – which is the “title” of the Charles Stanley “In Touch” Daily Devotional for (8/26/21) – which I have included below:

 

Growing Faith

2^nd Thessalonians 1:1-4

By Charles Stanley

 

       “Faith” isn’t a one-time event with the single purpose of ushering us into salvation. Sadly, some Christians never progress beyond this initial level of faith. But God wants our relationship with Him to continually grow.

      Willingness to trust the Lord affects every area of our life – how we feel, what we do, the way He blesses us. In some ways, it comes down to our focus: When you face difficulties or heartbreak, do you notice the impossibility of the circumstances, or do you see the greatness of our Father? Another way to ask the question is, “Whose voice are you listening to?”

      Our focus also affects our emotions. Those who choose to believe God experience peace and joy. But when we doubt, it’s easier for anxiety and fear to creep in. Then, instead of resting in Christ, we fuss and fume, trying to anticipate all possible outcomes and solve problems in our own strength.

      We need to realize that our faith is of utmost importance to God, and He takes joy in seeing it grow. He can move heaven and earth to act on our behalf and answer our prayers – and He delights in our choosing to believe that. By trusting Him, we will discover new excitement and adventure in life. We’ll also see that our Father is always faithful.

 

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, “My Jesus” (with lyrics) as sung by Christian artist “Anne Wilson” – 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!

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!