Gratitude - Psalm 27:13-14 - Waiting for God to Intervene

 

This is Namma for Christ with the two hundred forty-seventh inspirational message dated Monday, March 27th, 2023. The title of this message is “Gratitude - Psalm 27:13-14 - Waiting for God to Intervene.”

The first word of this message’s title is also the title of the below inspirational song/video, “Gratitude” (with lyrics) as performed by “Brandon Lake”.  The below passage of scripture (that accompanies this message) is from the thirteenth and fourteenth verses of the Old Testament book of the 27^th Psalm:

Psalm 27:13-14

New King James Version - (NKJV)

¹³ I would have lost heart, unless I had believed
That I would see the goodness of the Lord
In the land of the living.

¹⁴ Wait on the Lord;
Be of good courage,
And He shall strengthen your heart;
Wait, I say, on the Lord!

 

 

The title of this message also includes the words – “Waiting for God to Intervene” – which is the “title” of the Charles Stanley “In Touch” Daily Devotional for (3/25/23) – which I have included below:

 

Waiting for God to Intervene

 Psalm 27:13-14

By Charles Stanley

 

       ARE YOU CURRENTLY WAITING FOR THE LORD to intervene in your life or the life of a loved one? It can be difficult to understand why our heavenly Father delays matters that are urgent to us. Only He knows the reason. However, there are several adjustments we can make as we wait.

DETERMINE YOUR FOCUS. In the urgency of the moment, it’s easy to center our attention on the need instead of on God.

We may start out waiting for the Lord, but before you know it, we’re more interested in what He can do for us than we are interested in Him. Remember, God wants us to delight in who He is, not just what He gives us.

RELEASE YOUR EXPECTATIONS. The Lord is always working on our behalf. Holding onto your own assumptions about how the Lord should intervene is emotionally exhausting. But peace awaits those who trust that He will do what is in our best interest – in every situation we encounter.

While we are waiting, God is working. He sees the entire picture and is active behind the scenes, arranging everything according to His will. But perhaps His most important work is the deepening of our relationship with Him as we learn to love and trust Him in the wait.

By Charles Stanley

 

Also – As we wait on the Lord – are we waiting with an “attitude of GRATITUDE”? Let us do as the below two verses admonish us to do - (see Philippians 4:6-7 below).

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. 

As we wait, let us ask the Lord for His peace and patience. Then trust Him to take care of any remaining needs in His perfect time.

 

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, “Gratitude” (with lyrics) as performed by “Brandon Lake” - 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!

Keep Rising (The Woman King) – Col. 3:1

This is Namma for Christ with the two hundred forty-sixth inspirational message dated Friday, March 3rd, 2023.  The title of this message is, “Keep Rising (The Woman King) – Col. 3:1”.

The scripture for this message comes from the New Testament book of Colossians - the first verse of the third chapter. 

 Colossians 3:1

Amplified Bible (AMP)

 

¹ Therefore if you have been raised with Christ [to a new life, sharing in His resurrection from the dead], keep seeking the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.

 

The first two words of the title of this message are also the words in the title of the below inspirational song/video entitled “Keep Rising (The Woman King)” as performed by Jessy Wilson featuring Angelique Kedjo for the soundtrack for the Sony Pictures 2022 movie, “The Woman King”.  “The Woman King” is a fact-based movie (released in September 2022) about a group of all-female warriors (in the 1800s) who protect the African Kingdom of Dahomey.  This group of warriors, known as the “Agojie” has as its head general, the fearless “Nanisca” (as portrayed by Viola Davis) who defend the Dahomey kingdom against the Oyo empire.

I recently watched the movie, “The Woman King” (on Netflix – on Saturday, February 18^th, 2023) and I was impressed with the “excellent acting” in this high-energy and action-filled drama. I also was impressed with the strength and the power of the main characters. The film kept “my attention” from “the beginning to the end” and I was able to resonate with the main characters’ feelings! The female actors were all amazing and embodied the proud and powerful Agojie female army! I thought the movie overall was “excellent” and I would highly recommend others to see it!

There are “lessons” drawn from this movie – in which “similar” lessons in our “own” life stories can be applied:

For example:

A “leader and a warrior” – does not “only” have to be a “man” – as proven by the all-female Agojie army and their leader and general – “Nanisca”.

In the final speech (of the movie) as spoken (by the male king) of the Dahomey tribe, King Ghezo he says the following:

-        “There is power in our minds, power in our unity and power in our culture – if we understand that power – we will be limitless”!

The above statement reminds me of the below verses from Ephesians 3:20-21 – whereas the “power that works in us” comes from the Holy Spirit – which resides in all believers in Jesus Christ:

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.

We can each “represent our Heavenly Father” – and be who “He” created us to be.

1^st 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.

And lastly…

All of us – as Christian believers can “KEEP RISING and SHINING”! Christians can display to others the gifts and talents that God has given us – for HIS GLORY, our blessing and “to bless others”!

See the below verses:

Ephesians 2:10

English Standard Version (ESV)

 

¹⁰ For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

 

1^st Corinthians 6:20

New King James Version (NKJV)

 

²⁰ For you were bought at a price; therefore, glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.

 

Spiritually speaking - I truly believe in Matthew 5:14-16 (see the below verses) – which reminds us to “let our lights shine”!

Matthew 5:14-16

New King James Version (NKJV)

 

¹⁴ “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. ¹⁵ Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. ¹⁶ Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.

The verses above express PRAISE and CONFIDENCE in the LORD for what HE CAN DO THROUGH HIS HOLY SPIRIT IN US! These verses also state how we are to live our lives – in the most positive way as His children - created by the Hand of God.

We are to NOT let anyone or anything “dim” our lights (or are gifts and talents) – given to us by God who lives inside us – through the Holy Spirit!

The below song/video, “Keep Rising” is a song of ENCOURAGEMENT AND POSITIVITY! 

Please enjoy the below inspirational song/video entitled “Keep Rising (The Woman King)” as sung by Jessy Wilson featuring Angelique Kedjo for the soundtrack for the Sony Pictures 2022 movie, “The Woman King”. 

(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!

Won’t Be Long Now – 2nd Cor. 4:17

 

This is “Namma for Christ” with the two hundred forty-fifth inspirational message dated Saturday, February 4th, 2023.  The title of this message is, “Won’t Be Long Now – 2^nd Cor. 4:17”.  The first four words of this message’s title are also the words in the name of the below inspirational song/video, “Won’t Be Long Now” by “Blessing Offor”.
“Won’t Be Long Now” is a song that I stumbled upon while looking at songs on YouTube. The below scripture text is what is found in the seventeenth verse of the fourth chapter of 2^nd Corinthians.

 

2^nd Corinthians 4:17

New International Version (NIV)

 

For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.

For many years, I have enjoyed reading the inspirational messages as provided by the Internet site of “KNOWING JESUS” in their publication of bible verse interpretations and explanations.  

I recently read the "interpretation" for today's verse (on February 4^th, 2023) and found it to be so inspiring, memorable and “thought-provoking”.   “KNOWING JESUS” has the website of - https://dailyverse.knowing-jesus.com so that you, too, can read and enjoy life-changing wisdom of inspirational messages based on scripture from the Bible.

I knew that this was a message that I wanted to share in my next “Namma for Christ” blog. I hope you find (some of the excerpts) as inspirational as I did: 

2^nd Corinthians 4:17 Verse Thoughts

None of us want to invite pain and suffering into our lives and Paul is an example of a man who went through much suffering in this world for being a Christian. At times he despaired even of life, and yet despite his terrible persecution and many imprisonments, Paul willingly endured his suffering with godly grace, patient endurance, and unspeakable joy.

 

Paul considered the sufferings he endured for Christ's sake as a light affliction, which would one day produce in him an exceedingly great and eternal weight of glory, in the ages to come. He did not enjoy his suffering at all, but he knew that the pathway of affliction was the same route that the Lord Jesus Christ had to take on our behalf, when He set His face like a flint towards Jerusalem and walked to the Cross.

Paul was simply following in the path of his Master because he knew that Jesus suffered and died for our sake, so that by faith in Him we could be redeemed from the sentence of death... a death-sentence that is over every sinful man.

He knew that as Christ’s disciples we are to follow the same path of humility and humiliation that Jesus took, but he also knew that the sufferings of this age... by comparison with our eternal future, are very small and will soon pass. "This momentary, light affliction," he wrote, "is producing for us an eternal weight of glory, which is beyond measure and surpassing all comparisons. It is a transcendent splendor and endless blessedness."

 

Paul knew that the afflictions of this age are preparing us for a glorious future that has no limits - and it will remain ours into the eternity of eternities. If we had to endure unimaginable trials every day of our earthy life, for Christ's sake, it would pale into insignificance, by comparison with the glory that God has prepared for those that love Him.

As God's children, we have been promised that His grace is sufficient to deal with every eventuality we may meet in life. We need never endure our affliction alone, for He has promised to be with us and God is faithful, Who will not allow any of us to be tried beyond what we can bear (see below verse - 1st Cor. 10:13). There is no affliction that we have to face alone, for He has promised to provide us with the sufficient strength we need to endure it (see below verse – 2^nd Cor. 12:9-10) - no wonder Paul describes life's mounting difficulties as a momentary, light affliction.

1^st Corinthians 10:13

New King James Version (NKJV)

¹³ No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, Who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.

 

2^nd Corinthians 12:9-10

New King James Version (NKJV)

⁹ And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore, most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. ¹⁰ Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

 

Before the Crown, comes the Cross and Jesus was ready and willing to endure the Cross and despise the shame, for the joy that was set before Him, and the Bible makes it very clear that when the people of God suffer with Christ, we will also share in His glory. Scripture makes it clear that the suffering servant of Christ brings honor to His name.

 

Psalm 30:5b

New King James Version (NKJV)

^5bWeeping may endure for a night,
But joy comes in the morning.

 

Please enjoy the below inspirational song/video, “Won’t Be Long Now” by “Blessing Offor” performed with power and anointing.

 

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

 

BE BLESSED!

Perfectly Loved – 1st John 4:8 – Ready and Waiting

 

This is “Namma for Christ” with the two hundred forty-fourth inspirational message dated Wednesday, February 1st, 2023.  The title of this message is, “Perfectly Loved – 1^st John 4:8 – Ready and Waiting”.  The first two words of this message’s title are also the words in the name of the below inspirational song/video, “Perfectly Loved” by “Rachael Lampa featuring TobyMac”.
“Perfectly Loved” is a song that I first heard on my favorite Christian radio station - STAR 99.1FM. The below scripture text is what is found in the eighth verse of the fourth chapter of First John.

 

1^st John 4:8

New King James Version (NKJV)

 

He who does not love does not know God, for God is love.

 

The title of this message includes the words “Ready and Waiting” – which is taken from the “title” of the Charles Stanley “In Touch” Daily Devotional for (1/29/23) – which I have included below.

 

I knew that this was a message that I wanted to share in my next “Namma for Christ” blog. I hope you find (some of the excerpts) as inspirational as I did:

 

Ready and Waiting

 

       CAN YOU THINK OF A PIVOTAL MOMENT that led to your relationship with Jesus? Most of us can name a special person or set of circumstances that helped us get to know Him. Or perhaps you’re reading this out of curiosity, and you don’t know Him at all. Regardless of what state your relationship with God is in, the fact remains: He loves you and will never give up on you.

Paul writes, “While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Rom. 5:8 see below verse). And John explains that the Lord doesn’t just love us, but He Himself is love (1^st John 4:8 see below verse).

In other words, God doesn’t have to try to love or talk Himself into loving us – it’s simply who He is.

 

Romans 5:8

Legacy Standard Bible (LSB)

 

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

 

1st John 4:8

New King James Version (NKJV)

 

⁸He who does not love does not know God, for God is love.

 

     No matter what we do, even if it involves deliberate sin against Him or drifting away in apathy, God won’t ever cease to be merciful and loving. He’ll never stop showing up, leaning in, and inviting us to the abundant life found only in Him – a life of peace, freedom, and joy. Whatever you were and are, God has great plans for what you will be, and He’s here for you.

 

By Dr. Charles Stanley

 

Hebrews 13:5b

New King James Version (NKJV)

^5b For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”

 

Jeremiah 29:11

New King James Version (NKJV)

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.

 

Please enjoy the below inspirational song/video, “Perfectly Loved” by “Rachael Lampa featuring TobyMac” performed with power and anointing.

 

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

 

BE BLESSED!

God Specializes – Psalm 145 – God's Greatness

 

This is “Namma for Christ” with the two hundred forty-third inspirational message dated Saturday, January 14th, 2023.  The title of this message is, “God Specializes – Psalm 145 – God's Greatness”.  The first two words of this message’s title are also the words in the name of the below inspirational song/video, “God Specializes” by “The Roberta Martin Singers”.
“God Specializes” is a song that I first heard sung in my church. The below scripture text is what is found in the first through the third verses of the one hundred forty-fifth Psalm. Also included, is the fourteenth verse from Psalm 145:

 

Psalm 145:1-3

New King James Version (NKJV)

 

I will extol You, my God, O King;
And I will bless Your name forever and ever.
² Every day I will bless You,
And I will praise Your name forever and ever.
³ Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised;
And His greatness is unsearchable.

 

Psalm 145:14

New King James Version (NKJV)

 

¹⁴ The Lord upholds all who fall,
And raises up all who are bowed down

 

The title of this message includes the words “God’s Greatness” – which is taken from the “title” of the Charles Stanley “In Touch” Daily Devotional for (1/13/23) – which I have included below.

 

I knew that this was a message that I wanted to share in my next “Namma for Christ” blog. I hope you find (some of the excerpts) as inspirational as I did:

 

God’s Greatness:

A Source of Comfort

Psalm 145

 

       NEVER TAKE GOD’S GREATNESS FOR GRANTED, as it’s a source of comfort for all who take refuge in Him. The Lord is immeasurably beyond us in all ways, yet He says, “I dwell in a high and holy place, and also with the contrite and lowly of spirit” (Isaiah 57:15 see verse below). If you’re a Christian, He’s your refuge, sustainer and protector.

 

Isaiah 57:15

New King James Version (NKJV)

 

¹⁵ For thus says the High and Lofty One
Who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy:
“I dwell in the high and holy place,
With him who has a contrite and humble spirit,
To revive the spirit of the humble,
And to revive the heart of the contrite ones.

 

Comfort and strength for life come as you dwell on God’s amazing attributes.

 

HE IS OMNIPRESENT (Psalm 139:7-12 see verses below). Even when you feel isolated or friendless, you’re not alone. In fact, after placing trust in Jesus, you’ve never been apart from God for so much as a single moment.

 

Psalm 139:7-12

New King James Version (NKJV)

 

⁷ Where can I go from Your Spirit?
Or where can I flee from Your presence?
⁸ If I ascend into heaven, You are there;
If I make my bed in hell, behold, You are there.
⁹ If I take the wings of the morning,
And dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea,
¹⁰ Even there Your hand shall lead me,
And Your right hand shall hold me.
¹¹ If I say, “Surely the darkness shall fall on me,”
Even the night shall be light about me;
¹² Indeed, the darkness shall not hide from You,
But the night shines as the day;
The darkness and the light are both alike to You.

 

GOD’S UNDERSTANDING IS INFINITE (Psalm 147:5 see verse below).  He knows everything, including your feelings and needs. You may not understand what’s going on in your life, but the Lord knows and will give the strength and guidance you need.

 

Psalm 147:5

New King James Version (NKJV)

 

⁵ Great is our Lord, and mighty in power;
His understanding is infinite.

 

THE LORD NEVER CHANGES (Malachi 3:6 see verse below).  Since His character is constant, you can always trust that He will be faithful, gracious, and merciful to you in every situation.

 

Malachi 3:6

New King James Version (NKJV)

 

⁶ “For I am the Lord, I do not change;
Therefore you are not consumed, O sons of Jacob.

 

When we recall the greatness of God and meditate on His attributes, our problems become smaller, the Lord becomes greater, and His comfort surrounds and sustains us.

 

By Dr. Charles Stanley

  

Please enjoy the below inspirational song/video, “God Specializes” by “The Roberta Martin Singers” performed with power and anointing.

 

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

 

BE BLESSED!

Thank You – Isa. 26:2-4 – Resting in Jesus

 

This is “Namma for Christ” with the two hundred forty-second inspirational message dated Monday, January 2nd, 2023.  The title of this message is, “Thank You – Isa. 26:2-4 – Resting in Jesus”.  The first two words of this message’s title are also the words in the name of the below inspirational song/video, “Thank You” (with lyrics) by “Walter Hawkins & The Love Center Choir featuring soloist Yvette Flunder”.
“Thank You” is a song that I first heard sung in my church. The below scripture text is what is found in the second through the fourth verses of the twenty-sixth chapter of Isaiah:

 

Isaiah 26:2-4

New Life Version (NLV)

 

² Open the gates, that the nation that is right with God may come in, the one that keeps faithful. ³ You will keep the man in perfect peace whose mind is kept on You, because he trusts in You. ⁴ Trust in the Lord forever. For the Lord God is a Rock that lasts forever.

 

The title of this message includes the words “Resting in Jesus” – which is the “title” of the Charles Stanley “In Touch” Daily Devotional for (12/26/22) – which I have included below.

I knew that this was a message that I wanted to share in my next “Namma for Christ” blog. I hope you find (some of the excerpts) as inspirational as I did:

 

Resting in Jesus

Isaiah 26:2-4

 

       ALLOWING OURSELVES to dwell on stressful things like war, economic crisis and tragedy invites anxiety. But the Lord has a better way. Jesus assured us that though we would face difficulty, we could rest in Him (see John 16:33 below). However, we cannot trust someone we don’t know. For this reason, we should seek to find out who God is.

     Truths from Scripture are a good place to start. The Bible tells us God is our Lord and Master. He is omnipresent, omniscient, faithful and powerful. He loves unconditionally and offers forgiveness to all who trust His Son as Savior. The Lord adopts believers as His own children and wants the best for every Christian’s life – so much so that He chastises us when we disobey. And He desires that we love Him above everyone and everything else.

     Knowing these facts is only the beginning. As in any relationship, time together fosters closeness. We can read the Bible, pray, meditate on God’s Word, and listen to His Spirit to better understand how He thinks. We can also watch God work in other people’s lives to know His ways.

     Jesus is trustworthy, and He offers rest in the midst of a troubled world. Do you know Him well enough to experience His peace?

 

John 16:33

New King James Version (NKJV)

 

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.”

By Dr. Charles Stanley

 

Please enjoy the below inspirational song/video, “Thank You” (with lyrics) by “Walter Hawkins & The Love Center Choir featuring soloist Yvette Flunder” - performed with power and anointing.

 

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

 

BE BLESSED!