First Things First – Luke 8:22-25 – Experiencing Inner Peace

This is Namma for Christ with the two hundred forty-ninth inspirational message dated Saturday, April 22nd, 2023. The title of this message is “First Things First – Luke 8:22-25 – Experiencing Inner Peace”.

The first three words of this message’s title are also the words of the title of the below inspirational song/video, “First Things First” (with lyrics) as performed by the Christian group “Consumed by Fire”.  The below passage of scripture (that accompanies this message) is from the twenty-second through the twenty-fifth verses of the 8th chapter of Luke:

Luke 8:22-25

New King James Version - (NKJV)

²² Now it happened, on a certain day, that He got into a boat with His disciples. And He said to them, “Let us cross over to the other side of the lake.” And they launched out. ²³ But as they sailed He fell asleep. And a windstorm came down on the lake, and they were filling with water, and were in jeopardy. ²⁴ And they came to Him and awoke Him, saying, “Master, Master, we are perishing!”

Then He arose and rebuked the wind and the raging of the water. And they ceased, and there was a calm. ²⁵ But He said to them, “Where is your faith?”

And they were afraid, and marveled, saying to one another, “Who can this be? For He commands even the winds and water, and they obey Him!”

 

The title of this message also includes the words – “Experiencing Inner Peace” – which is the “title” of the late Dr. Charles Stanley’s “In Touch” Daily Devotional for (4/12/23) – which I have included below (Dr. Charles Stanley passed away on 4/18/23 – This message is dedicated to his memory & to his rich legacy as God’s faithful servant and in honor of his ministry of “InTouch Ministries”. Dr. Charles Stanley lived by the motto: “Obey God and leave all the consequences to Him.”)

 

Experiencing Inner Peace

 Luke 8:22-25

By the late Dr. Charles Stanley

 

HAVE YOU EVER FALLEN ASLEEP ON A LONG TRIP? Jesus did. Luke tells us that one time Jesus and the disciples got on a boat to reach the other side of a lake, and Jesus fell asleep. The next thing the disciples knew, they were engulfed in a storm, and the one person powerful enough to protect them was blissfully unaware. The disciples panicked and woke Him.

Jesus has promised to give us His peace (John 14:27 see verse below) – this is the very same peace that enabled Him to sleep through a storm. Without His tranquility, we feel helpless and afraid like the disciples. But with it, we can experience inner calm in the midst of hardship.

John 14:27

New King James Version - (NKJV)

²⁷ Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

Believing in God’s sovereignty is the key to a peaceful heart. In their panic, the disciples believed that a sleeping Jesus wasn’t in control of their circumstances. But we must remember that He is always in control – even in times of difficulty. When we rest in the knowledge that God is in charge, we can exchange anxiety for peace.

Jesus doesn’t want us to be weighed down by fear. He wants to share His peace with us. Are you trusting in His control?

By the late Dr. Charles Stanley

 

Also - see the below additional reassuring verses:

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."}

Hebrews 12:1-2

New King James Version - (NKJV)

¹ Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, ² looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

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.       

 

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

May “we” as believers in Jesus Christ -  do as the below song lyrics suggest and “keep the first things first”! 

Let us seek God first (Matthew 6:33 see verse below) and fulfil His will for us:

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.

 

Please enjoy the below inspirational song/video, “First Things First” (with lyrics) as performed by the Christian group “Consumed by Fire” - 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!  

Confidence - Matt. 14:27-33 - In the School of Faith

This is Namma for Christ with the two hundred forty-eighth inspirational message dated Friday, April 14th, 2023. The title of this message is “Confidence - Matt. 14:27-33 - In the School of Faith”.

The first word of this message’s title is also the title of the below inspirational song/video, “Confidence” (with lyrics) as performed by the Christian group “Sanctus Real”.  The below passage of scripture (that accompanies this message) is from the twenty-seventh through thirty-third verses of the 14th chapter of Matthew:

Matthew 14:27-33

New King James Version - (NKJV)

²⁷ But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid.”

²⁸ And Peter answered Him and said, “Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.”

²⁹ So He said, “Come.” And when Peter had come down out of the boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus. ³⁰ But when he saw that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink he cried out, saying, “Lord, save me!”

³¹ And immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and caught him, and said to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” ³² And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased.

³³ Then those who were in the boat came and worshiped Him, saying, “Truly You are the Son of God.”

 

The title of this message also includes the words – “In the School of Faith” – which is the “title” of the Charles Stanley “In Touch” Daily Devotional for (12/31/21) – which I have included below:

 

In the School of Faith

 Matthew 14:22-32

By Charles Stanley

 

Just like the disciples, Jesus is training us to be like Him through His Word and difficult testing that will result in us being tools for His good purpose.

 

Jesus spent time developing His disciples’ faith because He knew it would be essential for the tasks ahead of them. For over three years, the 12 men attended “classes” where Christ was their instructor in both word and action. Sometimes He used verbal instruction, but many of the lessons were taught through demonstrations - such as healing the sick, casting out demons, feeding thousands, and calming the sea. 

At times the disciples’ understanding was slow or faltering, but Christ never gave up on them. He reproved them when they exhibited a lack of trust (see Mark 4:40 below) but also commended progress (see Matthew 16:15-17 below). His objective was to establish their faith so He could accomplish His work in and through them. 

Mark 4:40

New King James Version - (NKJV)

⁴⁰ But He said to them, “Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?”

Matthew 16:15-17

New King James Version - (NKJV)

¹⁵ He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?”

¹⁶ Simon Peter answered and said, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”

¹⁷ Jesus answered and said to him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father who is in heaven.

 

The Lord has the same goal for us - to increase our faith so we can do the work He has planned for us (see Ephesians 2:10 below). Faith building is a necessity for every Christian, and God has two primary means of going about this: Scripture tells us what to believe about Him; and tests place us in difficult situations that stretch us to believe and rely on God instead of our own understanding (see Proverbs 3:5 below). Each time we believe Him, our faith grows.

 

Ephesians 2:10

New King James Version - (NKJV)

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

Proverbs 3:5

New King James Version - (NKJV)

     
⁵ Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
And lean not on your own understanding;

       

By Charles Stanley

 

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

The below song’s opening lyrics state:

“I’m not a warrior…

I’m too afraid to lose…

I feel unqualified – for what You’re callin’ me to do,

BUT LORD – with YOUR STRENGTH

I’VE GOT NO EXCUSE…

‘CAUSE BROKEN PEOPLE ARE EXACTLY

WHO YOU USE!”

 

The above lyrics (of the below song titled “Confidence”) are confirmed by the below verses that tell of God’s empowerment through His Holy Spirit -

Philippians 4:13

New King James Version - (NKJV)

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

 

Romans 8:31

New King James Version - (NKJV)

³¹What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?

 

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.

Romans 8:37

New King James Version - (NKJV)

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

Deuteronomy 31:6

Holman Christian Standard Bible - (HCSB)

⁶ Be strong and courageous; don’t be terrified or afraid of them. For it is the LORD your God who goes with you; He will not leave you or forsake you.

 

Let us TRUST in the LORD and be ALL WHO God wants us to be for HIS GLORY!

 

Please enjoy the below inspirational song/video, “Confidence” (with lyrics) as performed by the Christian group “Sanctus Real” - 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! 

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!