Don’t Lose Heart – Eph. 3:13 & Rev. 2:26

 

This is Namma for Christ with the two hundred fifty-first inspirational message dated Monday, June 26th, 2023. The title of this message is “Don’t Lose Heart – Eph. 3:13 & Rev. 2:26”.

The first three words of this message’s title are also the words of the title of the inspirational song/video (with lyrics), “Don’t Lose Heart” as sung by Christian artist “Steven Curtis Chapman”.  The below two passages of scripture (that accompany this message) are both from the New Testament. The first scripture is from Ephesians 3:13 and the second scripture is from the book of Revelation - the twenty-sixth verse of the second chapter:

Ephesians 3:13

New King James Version - (NKJV)

¹³ Therefore I ask that you do not lose heart at my tribulations for you, which is your glory.

 

Revelation 2:26

New King James Version - (NKJV)

²⁶ And he who overcomes, and keeps My works until the end, to him I will give power over the nations —

In the above passage in Revelation 2:26, Jesus promises to reward with power those who honor Him until the end.

The above passage in Ephesians 3:13 is what the Apostle Paul urged the Ephesians to do –

 

DON’T LOSE HEART!

 

In this verse - Paul is telling the Ephesians to NOT LET “his” (Paul’s) TRIBULATIONS, CHALLENGES, OR TRIALS - DISCOURAGE “THEM”!

Paul’s testimony to the Christian believers “then” is applicable to us – as Christian believers “today”!

Paul knew that “hardships, troubles and challenges” were a part of God’s plans in every believers’ life. See the below reminder in John 16:33 where Jesus tells us of this truth and encourages believers to “look to Him”:

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.”

 

Through our trials, God works powerfully within us to do more than we can perceive or imagine – when we depend on Him! See the below verses of Ephesians 3:20-21 -

Ephesians 3:20-21

New King James Version - (NKJV)

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

 

Also - Please read the below verses (2^nd Cor. 4:16-18 NKJV) – which also remind us to “not lose heart”!

God wants us (as Christian believers) to always remember that His love for us is steadfast and that He can ground us in the most difficult seasons of our lives!

We must HOLD on to God’s Unchanging Hand and NOT LOSE HEART!

 

2nd Corinthians 4:16-18

New King James Version - (NKJV)

 

¹⁶ Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. ¹⁷ For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, ¹⁸ while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.

Lastly, remember what the below verses state:

1^st Peter 5:10-11

Amplified Bible - (AMP)

¹⁰ After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace [who imparts His blessing and favor], who called you to His own eternal glory in Christ, will Himself complete, confirm, strengthen, and establish you [making you what you ought to be]. ¹¹ To Him be dominion (power, authority, sovereignty) forever and ever. Amen.

 

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), “Don’t Lose Heart” as sung by Christian artist “Steven Curtis Chapman” 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!

How Far – God Loves Us – Romans 8:38-39

This is Namma for Christ with the two hundred fiftieth inspirational message dated Monday, May 29th, 2023. The title of this message is “How Far – God Loves Us – Romans 8:38-39”.

The first two words of this message’s title are also the words of the title of the below inspirational song/video, “How Far” (with lyrics) as performed by the Christian artist “Tasha Layton”.  The below passage of scripture (that accompanies this message) is from the thirty-eighth and thirty-ninth verses of the eighth chapter of Romans:

Romans 8:38-39

New International Version - (NIV)

³⁸ For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, ³⁹ neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

 

As to share with future readers and to provide a brief quotation for critical review - I have included an excerpt of the (May 29^th) message from an inspirational book - (of which I'd like to recommend). The below message was taken from "Jesus Calling - Enjoying Peace In His Presence" as written by Sarah Young. This daily devotional was written from the perspective as if JESUS - was saying "these words" directly to "you"!  (Please read the below inspirational message:)

-----------------

I AM WITH YOU, watching over you constantly. I am Immanuel (God with you); My Presence enfolds you in radiant Love. Nothing, including the brightest blessings and the darkest trials, can separate you from Me. Some of My children find Me more readily during dark times, when difficulties force them to depend on Me. Others feel closer to Me when their lives are filled with good things. They respond with thanksgiving and praise, thus opening wide the door to My Presence.

I know precisely what you need to draw nearer to Me. Go through each day looking for what I have prepared for you. Accept every event as My hand-tailored provision for your needs. When you view your life this way, the most reasonable response is to be thankful. Do not reject any of My gifts; find Me in every situation.

Matthew 1:23

New King James Version - (NKJV)

²³ “Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which is translated, “God with us.”

Colossians 2:6-7

New International Version - (NIV)

⁶ So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in Him, ⁷ rooted and built up in Him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.

 

Also - see the below additional verses:

James 1:17-18

New International Version - (NIV)

¹⁷ Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. ¹⁸ He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all He created.

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.

 

 

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 -  remember - as the below song lyrics remind us – of how far “God loves us”!  As the artist (Tasha Layton) of the below song shares (as her inspiration for creating this song) – she states:

 “It’s about how God continues to reach out and pursues us even when we run from Him. It was God’s love for us that propelled Him to give His life on the cross, Arms stretched open wide – that’s how far He will go.”

Please enjoy the below inspirational song/video, “How Far” (with lyrics) as performed by the Christian artist “Tasha Layton” - 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! 

 

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!