Maybe It’s OK – Luke 15:18-20, 25-27 – A Father Rejoices

 This is “Namma for Christ” with the two hundred thirty-third inspirational message dated Sunday, September 18^th, 2022.  The title of this message is, “Maybe It’s OK – Luke 15:18-20, 25-27 – A Father Rejoices”.  “Maybe It’s OK” is an inspirational and “self-accepting” song as performed by the Christian group “We Are Messengers”- their song/video (with lyrics) is found at the end of this message.  

“Self-Acceptance” is defined as “an individual’s acceptance of all of their attributes, positive or negative”. When we’re self-accepting, we embrace every part of ourselves, not just the “positive” things! Self-acceptance is unconditional – you can recognize weaknesses, but still fully accept yourself.

 

The below scripture (that accompanies this message) is found in the New Testament book of Luke – the eighteenth through the twentieth verses and the twenty-fifth through the twenty-seventh verses of the 15th chapter (note: this passage is part of the well-known parable famously called, “The Prodigal Son” – Luke 15:11-32):

 

Luke 15:18-20

New King James Version (NKJV)

¹⁸ I will arise and go to my father, and will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you, ¹⁹ and I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Make me like one of your hired servants.”

²⁰ “And he arose and came to his father. But when he was still a great way off, his father saw him and had compassion, and ran and fell on his neck and kissed him.

Luke 15:25-27

New King James Version (NKJV)

²⁵ “Now his older son was in the field. And as he came and drew near to the house, he heard music and dancing. ²⁶ So he called one of the servants and asked what these things meant. ²⁷ And he said to him, ‘Your brother has come, and because he has received him safe and sound, your father has killed the fatted calf.’

 

Recently, I read my church school lessons (I read the September 2022 meditations) as found in the lesson book from the “Echoes Church School Publications”. The lesson (for September 25^th) was so interesting – I knew I wanted to share it in my next “Namma for Christ” message. The title of the lesson is “A Father Rejoices”:

 

A Father Rejoices

Luke 15:25-27

(Background text: Luke 15:11-32) 

The sound of joy rings in the air as a father rejoices that his wayward son has come home. Although the family was not perfect, the father’s love surpassed the sins of the younger son. The grateful father arranged a grand celebration just because his son had come home. The celebration was about maintaining a strong and supportive family unit for a loved one who recognized his poor decision: “Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you” (Luke 15:18).

 

¹⁷ “But when he (the prodigal son) came to himself, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger! ¹⁸ I will arise and go to my father, and will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you, ¹⁹ and I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Make me like one of your hired servants.”

But the prodigal son came home to a broken family. Sadly, his older brother had stayed home, caused no problems, and did what was expected of him. He was angered at the love shown to his brother. He felt as if he should be given a grand feast for himself and friends – why not celebrate his faithfulness? When the father noticed his older son was not participating, he went to tell him that although they were an imperfect family, they were still going to dedicate themselves to God’s purposes of being a loving, caring, and accepting family.

That is a mirror of God’s heavenly family. With the parable, we see that both prodigals and children who stay home are welcome in God’s family where love abounds.

 

Always remember – our sufficiency is found in Jesus Christ! JESUS LOVES US!

 

2^nd Corinthians 3:4-6

New King James Version (NKJV)

⁴ And we have such trust through Christ toward God. ⁵ 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.

Ephesians 2:4-5

New King James Version (NKJV)

⁴ But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, ⁵ even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved).

Please enjoy the below song/video, “Maybe It’s OK” (with lyrics) as performed by “We Are Messengers” performed with power and anointing.

 

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

 

BE BLESSED!

Build A Boat – Hebrews 11:7

 

This is “Namma for Christ” with the two hundred thirty-second inspirational message dated Wednesday, September 7^th, 2022.  The title of this message is, “Build A Boat – Hebrews 11:7”.  “Build A Boat” is a positive and inspirational song as performed by Christian artist, “Colton Dixon”.  The below scripture (that accompanies this message) is found in the New Testament book of Hebrews – the seventh verse of the eleventh chapter:

 

Hebrews 11:7

New Living Translation (NLT)

⁷ It was by faith that Noah built a large boat to save his family from the flood. He obeyed God, who warned him about things that had never happened before. By his faith Noah condemned the rest of the world, and he received the righteousness that comes by faith.

 

I recently was listening to my favorite Christian radio station – STAR 99.1FM, and I heard the song, “Build A Boat” by Colton Dixon.  

I listened carefully and thoughtfully to the lyrics and they “touched me” so much…I knew that I would have to share “this” song in my next message.

I went on the internet and researched the writer and singer of this song - “Colton Dixon”. I found his “inspiration” for writing this song to be so honest and “so faith-filled”.  In the article (from “The Turning” as written by Abby Young) – “he” (Colton Dixon) stated:

“The concept behind this song is stepping out in faith before you see the miracle or whatever it is that God has promised come to fruition. God’s a Man of His word. So whatever He says is gonna happen. If He’s telling you something or He’s put something on your heart, step out and do it.” 

 

Personally speaking, this song caused me to reflect on how God has demonstrated His love and “how throughout my life – I’ve had to pray for direction from the Lord to lead and guide me.”

 God has given all mankind “free-will” to choose - whether to “obey” God and receive “His” blessings or choose our own way – and suffer the consequences…

Let us all obey God’s will and His way – to fulfill His BEST plans for us – (see Jeremiah 29:11 below)!

 

Jeremiah 29:11

New King James 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.

 

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.

 

God LOVES you!

He wants what is BEST for you!

 

In the below accompanied song, “Build A Boat” – Noah was told by God (see Gen. 6:13-22) to build a boat and he did it!

Noah obeyed God and was blessed for his obedience – may we, too, obey God and receive our blessings!

GOD IS IN CONTROL – PRAY, TRUST AND OBEY GOD!

OBEDIENCE IS BETTER THAN SACRIFICE!

1^ST Samuel 15:22 states –

 

1^st Samuel 15:22

New Life Version (NLV)

 

²² Samuel said, “Is the Lord pleased as much with burnt gifts as He is when He is obeyed? See, it is better to obey than to give gifts. It is better to listen than to give the fat of rams.
 

Please enjoy the below song/video, “Build A Boat” (with lyrics) performed with power and anointing by Colton Dixon.

 

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

 

 

BE BLESSED!

Optimistic – Come to Jesus – Psalm 121:1-3

 

This is “Namma for Christ” with the two hundred thirty-first inspirational message dated Sunday, August 21^st, 2022.  The title of this message is, “Optimistic – Come to Jesus – Psalm 121:1-3”.  “Optimistic” is a positive and uplifting song as performed by the vocal and instrumental ensemble “Sounds of Blackness”.  The below scripture (that accompanies this message) is found in the Old Testament book of Psalms – the first through the third verses of the 121st chapter:

 

Psalm 121:1-3

New King James Version (NKJV)

I will lift up my eyes to the hills —
From whence comes my help?
² My help comes from the Lord,
Who made heaven and earth.

³ He will not allow your foot to be moved;
He who keeps you will not slumber.

 

Recently, I read my church school lessons (I read the August 2022 meditations) as found in the lesson book from the “Echoes Church School Publications”. The lesson (for August 28^th) was so interesting – I knew I wanted to share it in my next “Namma for Christ” message. The title of the lesson is “Come to Jesus”:

 

 

Come to Jesus

Revelation 22:17

(Background text: Rev. 22:10-21)

 

The great gospel singer Mahalia Jackson wrote a song titled, “Come to Jesus”, which many churches sing during the altar call portion of the church program:

“Come to Jesus just now, Just now come to Jesus.”

Greg accepted Jesus as His Lord and Savior after dating a church girl named Cathy. He had desired a relationship with her, and she had desired for him to have a relationship with Jesus Christ. He went to church with her not expecting to give his life to Christ but to please the woman he wanted to date.

Greg remembers that day like it was yesterday. After the pastor had preached his sermon, he concluded an altar call, and the choir sang, “Come to Jesus”:

“He will save you, He will save you just now.”

Before he knew it, this drug dealer and gang member, who knew little about Jesus, was weeping and coming to the altar to give his life to Christ. When he reached the altar, Pastor John prayed with him, and Greg felt set free from all the weight that sin brings. The young man who trusted no one was now trusting the unseen God of deliverance. Tears ran down his cheeks, and his hands were raised high – the same hands that distributed drugs, the hands that beat up young men as an initiation into his gang.

“He will cleanse you, He will cleanse you just now.”

 

 It was a glorious day. Greg went on to conduct soul-winning meetings in the neighborhood where he sold drugs. He eventually married Cathy, and they are ministers of the Gospel. Greg had come to Jesus, and Jesus had come to him.

 

Revelation 22:17

New King James Version (NKJV)

¹⁷ And the Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let him who hears say, “Come!” And let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely.

 

Jesus extends an “open invitation” to ALL who don’t know Him yet as their personal Lord and Savior:

 

2^nd 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.

 

Matthew 11:28-30

New King James Version (NKJV)

²⁸ Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. ²⁹ Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. ³⁰ For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”

 

Please enjoy the below song/video “Optimistic” (with lyrics) by the vocal and instrumental ensemble “Sounds of Blackness” – performed with power and anointing. May we all “keep our heads to the sky”, continue to “PRAY” and look up to “the hills – from whence comes our help”:

“OUR HELP COMES FROM THE LORD – WHO MADE HEAVEN AND EARTH!”

 

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

 

BE BLESSED!

God Really Loves Us – Luke 5:1-11 – No Regrets for Obedience

 This is Namma for Christ with the two hundred thirtieth inspirational message dated Thursday, August 11th, 2022. The title of this message is “God Really Loves Us – Luke 5:1-11 – No Regrets for Obedience”.

The first four words of this message’s title are also the words in the name of the below inspirational song/video, “God Really Loves Us” (with lyrics) as performed by Christian artist “Crowder” featuring Maverick City Music’s artist “Dante Bowe”.  The below passage of scripture (that accompanies this message) is from the New Testament book of Luke – the first through the eleventh verses of the fifth chapter:

Luke 5:1-11

New King James Version (NKJV)

 

      So it was, as the multitude pressed about Him to hear the word of God, that He stood by the Lake of Gennesaret, ² and saw two boats standing by the lake; but the fishermen had gone from them and were washing their nets. ³ Then He got into one of the boats, which was Simon’s, and asked him to put out a little from the land. And He sat down and taught the multitudes from the boat.

⁴ When He had stopped speaking, He said to Simon, “Launch out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.”

⁵ But Simon answered and said to Him, “Master, we have toiled all night and caught nothing; nevertheless at Your word I will let down the net.” ⁶ And when they had done this, they caught a great number of fish, and their net was breaking. ⁷ So they signaled to their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both the boats, so that they began to sink. ⁸ When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord!”

⁹ For he and all who were with him were astonished at the catch of fish which they had taken; ¹⁰ and so also were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. And Jesus said to Simon, “Do not be afraid. From now on you will catch men.” ¹¹ So when they had brought their boats to land, they forsook all and followed Him.

 

 

The above verses describe a “miracle” that was beautifully displayed on Season 1 Episode 4 of the “crowdfunding” series of “The Chosen” (entitled “THE ROCK ON WHICH IT IS BUILT”).  Crowdfunding is the practice of funding a project or venture by raising money from a large number of people (in this case) via the Internet. The Chosen is a drama series created, directed and co-written by American filmmaker Dallas Jenkins.  It is the first multi-season series about the life and ministry of Jesus of Nazareth. I highly recommend to all readers - if you would like to “see” a great program about the life and ministry of Jesus and His disciples – please download the App of “The Chosen” - watch and enjoy!

The title of this message includes the words “No Regrets for Obedience” – which is the “title” of the Charles Stanley “In Touch” Daily Devotional for (8/6/22) – which I have included below:

 

No Regrets for Obedience

  Luke 5:1-11

By Charles Stanley

HAVE YOU EVER QUESTIONED THE WISDOM of the Lord’s commands? Sometimes doing things His way makes no sense to us. That’s what happened to Peter at the Lake of Gennesaret.

He and the other fisherman had toiled all night with zero success. They were weary and discouraged, and the last thing they wanted was to make even one more futile attempt. These men were professionals who knew this wasn’t the right time to catch fish. So they were probably skeptical when Jesus told them to push out and cast their nets once more.

What they had yet to learn was that apart from the super-natural involvement of God, all their self-effort was in vain. A short time later, as they hauled their bulging nets to shore, the men doubtless began to understand an eternal principle that many people have yet to realize: The Lord’s instructions are given with a specific, sovereign purpose.

Peter could never have imagined what kind of reward was in store for his obedience. The miracle he saw Jesus perform opened his eyes to the divinity of Christ. And the invitation to follow Jesus changed the entire course of Peter’s life. He had no regrets for obeying, and neither will you. 

Please enjoy the below inspirational song/video, “God Really Loves Us” (with lyrics) as performed by Christian artist “Crowder” featuring Maverick City Music’s artist “Dante Bowe” 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!

The Father’s House – Acts 16:31 – The Whole House

This is Namma for Christ with the two hundred twenty-ninth inspirational message dated Saturday, July 16th, 2022. The title of this message is “The Father’s House – Acts 16:31 – The Whole House”.

The first three words of this message’s title are also the words in the name of the below inspirational song/video, “The Father’s House” (with lyrics) as performed by Christian artist “Cory Asbury”.  The below passage of scripture (that accompanies this message) is from the New Testament book of Acts – the thirty-first verse of the sixteenth chapter:

Acts 16:31

New American Standard Bible (NASB)

 

³¹ They said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.”

  

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 15th, 2022) 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:

 

THE WHOLE HOUSE

 

Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved – you and your household.  – Acts 16:31

 

Today's Scripture & Insight:

Acts 16:22-34

 

Wearing his striped jumpsuit, James walked across the steamy jail gym and climbed into the portable pool where he was baptized by the prison chaplain. James’ joy multiplied, however, when he heard that his daughter Brittany – also an inmate – had been baptized that same day…in the same water! When they realized what had happened, even the staff got emotional. “There wasn’t a dry eye,” the chaplain said. In and out of jail for years, Brittany and her dad both wanted God’s forgiveness. And together, God gave them new life.

Scripture describes another prison encounter – this time with a jailer – where Jesus’ love transformed an entire family. After a “violent earthquake” shook the prison and “the prison doors flew open,” Paul and Silas didn’t run but remained in their cell (see Acts 16:26-28 below). The jailer, overcome with gratitude that they didn’t flee, took them to his house and eventually asked that life-changing question: “What must I do to be saved?” (see Acts 16:30 below)

“Believe in the Lord Jesus,” they answered, “you and your household” (see Acts 16:31 above). The response reveals God’s desire to pour out mercy on not only individuals but also entire families. Encountering God’s love, they all came “to believe in God – [the jailer] and his whole household” (see Acts 16:34 below). Though we’re often eager for the salvation of those we love, we can trust that God loves them even more than we do. He desires to renew all of us, our whole house.

Acts 16:22-34

New American Standard Bible (NASB)

 

²² The crowd joined in an attack against them, and the chief magistrates tore their robes off them and proceeded to order them to be beaten with rods. ²³ When they had struck them with many blows, they threw them into prison, commanding the jailer to guard them securely; ²⁴ and he, having received such a command, threw them into the inner prison and fastened their feet in the stocks.

²⁵ Now about midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns of praise to God, and the prisoners were listening to them;

²⁶ and suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened, and everyone’s chains were unfastened. ²⁷ When the jailer awoke and saw the prison doors opened, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself, thinking that the prisoners had escaped. ²⁸ But Paul called out with a loud voice, saying, “Do not harm yourself, for we are all here!” ²⁹ And the jailer asked for lights and rushed in, and trembling with fear, he fell down before Paul and Silas; ³⁰ and after he brought them out, he said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?”

³¹ They said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.” ³² And they spoke the word of God to him together with all who were in his house. ³³ And he took them that very hour of the night and washed their wounds, and immediately he was baptized, he and all his household. ³⁴ And he brought them into his house and set food before them, and was overjoyed, since he had become a believer in God together with his whole household.

 

By: Winn Collier for Our Daily Bread

 

What difference does it make to consider how God reaches out to whole families? How can you trust God’s mercy for your family?

Dear God, please reveal Yourself to my whole family.

 

Please enjoy the below inspirational song/video, “The Father’s House” (with lyrics) as performed by Christian artist “Cory Asbury” 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!

See Me Through It – 2nd Timothy 4:6-8 – Live Intentionally

 

This is Namma for Christ with the two hundred twenty-eighth inspirational message dated Wednesday, July 6th, 2022. The title of this message is “See Me Through It – 2^nd Timothy 4:6-8 – Live Intentionally”.

The first four words of this message’s title are also the words in the name of the below inspirational song/video, “See Me Through It” (with lyrics) as performed by Christian artist “Brandon Heath”.  The below passage of scripture (that accompanies this message) is from the New Testament book of Second Timothy – the sixth through the eighth verses of the fourth chapter:

2^nd Timothy 4:6-8

New King James Version (NKJV)

 

⁶ For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand. ⁷ I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. ⁸ Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.

 

The above verses are significant and “special” to me – because they are the “same” verses that my pastor used in the eulogy at my grandmother’s funeral (approximately 3 years ago - she passed away on 7/19/19). Many of the messages that I write in this “Namma for Christ” blog reference my grandmother’s profound influence on me and my upbringing. I, truly, would not be the person I am, today - if she hadn’t played a major role in my life. I pray that in some way – I may “positively” impact people - the way that my dear grandmother “positively” impacted people - for the Lord’s Glory.  I truly believe my grandmother “lived her life intentionally” – for the cause of Christ!

May we all live our lives intentionally to bring God Glory! Please read and enjoy:

The title of this message also includes the words “Live Intentionally” – which is the “title” of the Charles Stanley “In Touch” Daily Devotional for (6/30/22) – which I have included below:

 

Live Intentionally

 

  2^nd Timothy 4:6-8

By Charles Stanley

 

WE ALL WANT TO LIVE LIFE TO THE FULLEST, but to do that, we must have goals to aim for. Few of us actually take the time to consider where we’re going. How tragic it would be to finish our life and find out we were on a course other than God’s, fighting the wrong fight and struggling to keep the faith.

The apostle Paul is a good role model for living life to the fullest. His goals were to know Christ, abide in His power, fellowship in His suffering, and preach the gospel (Phil. 3:10; 1^st Cor. 1:17 - see these verses below).

Philippians 3:10

New King James Version (NKJV)

 

¹⁰ that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death,

 

1^st Corinthians 1:17

New King James Version (NKJV)

 

¹⁷ For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel, not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of no effect.

 

Paul aligned his aspirations with the Lord’s, diligently worked to fulfil his calling, and persevered through suffering. He could face the end of his life with confidence since he’d “fought the good fight…finished the course…[and] kept the faith” (2 Tim. 4: 7 – see this verse above).

If you keep doing what you’re doing, you’ll keep getting what you’ve been getting. Don’t settle for the mediocrity of an unplanned life. Set aside some time this week to get alone with the Lord. Then ask for His help in setting goals that will take you where He wants you to go. Consider every area of your life – personal, relational, financial, and vocational – but make spiritual goals your primary emphasis.

Let God help you change direction so you can pursue things that align with His will. Then start living intentionally.

 

 

Please enjoy the below inspirational song/video, “See Me Through It” (with lyrics) as performed by Christian artist “Brandon Heath” 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!