Thy Word – Why We Need the Bible – 2nd Tim. 3:16-17

 

This is Namma for Christ with the two hundred fifty-fourth inspirational message dated Saturday, September 2nd, 2023. The title of this message is “Thy Word – Why We Need the Bible – 2^nd Tim. 3:16-17”.

The first two words of this message’s title are also the words of the title of the below anointed song/video, “The Word” (with lyrics) as performed by Christian artist Amy Grant. 

The below passage of scripture (that accompanies this message) is from the sixteenth through the seventeenth verses of the 3rd chapter of Second Timothy:

2^nd Timothy 3:16-17

New American Standard Version - (NASB)

¹⁶ All Scripture is inspired by God and beneficial for teaching, for rebuke, for correction, for training in righteousness; ¹⁷ so that the man or woman of God may be fully capable, equipped for every good work.

 

The title of this message also includes the words – “Why We Need the Bible” – which is the “title” of the late Dr. Charles Stanley’s “In Touch” Daily Devotional for (8/9/23) – which I have included below (Dr. Charles Stanley passed away on 4/18/23). Dr. Charles Stanley was the founder of the “In Touch” daily devotional. Those who work on behalf of this daily devotional are continuing its publication - as it ministers to readers around the world. I recently read the below message and wanted to share this message in “Namma for Christ”.

 

Why We Need the Bible

 2nd Timothy 3:16-17

 

      HAS THERE EVER BEEN A TIME IN HISTORY when we’ve had access to so much knowledge? Whether you want to fix your car, get dating advice, or make sense of a political issue, someone somewhere is willing to give advice. Books, TV shows, websites, podcasts, and social media all claim to have the answers we need. So why aren’t we more fulfilled?

We often come up empty because those sources lack ultimate, eternal knowledge. And so, the guidance and peace we desperately seek remain elusive. We need something better – we need truth. The Bible meets this need because, from beginning to end, it reveals God to us, assures us of His love, leads us to salvation, and shows us how to live. The Bible is much more than a history text or story book. It’s more than a collection of poetry and wisdom. It is the inspired and living Word of God – timeless, infallible, trustworthy.

The Lord can and does use people and resources to help us grapple with life’s complexities, yet the wisdom we receive from them should always line up with the Bible’s teachings. Where have you turned recently for the answers to difficult questions? How much has Scripture factored in?

 

 

Below are additional Bible verses regarding God’s Word -

Isaiah 40:8

New King James Version - (NKJV)

⁸ The grass withers, the flower fades,
But the word of our God stands forever.”

Isaiah 55:10-11

New King James Version - (NKJV)

¹⁰ “For as the rain comes down, and the snow from heaven,
And do not return there,
But water the earth,
And make it bring forth and bud,
That it may give seed to the sower
And bread to the eater,
¹¹ So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth;
It shall not return to Me void,
But it shall accomplish what I please,
And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.

 

Hebrews 4:12

New King James Version - (NKJV)

¹² For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

 

Always remember:

 “(God’s Word) – ‘Thy Word’ is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path” as the below verse reminds us.

Psalm 119:105

King James Version - (KJV)

¹⁰⁵ Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.

 

Also, the first lyric in the below song, “Thy Word” by Amy Grant contains the same verse as above and is repeated in the chorus.

 

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

 

Please enjoy the below anointed song/video, “The Word” (with lyrics) as performed by Christian artist Amy Grant - 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! 

He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands – Dan. 2:20-22

This is Namma for Christ with the two hundred fifty-third inspirational message dated Wednesday, August 2nd, 2023. The title of this message is “He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands – Dan. 2:20-22”.

The first eight words of this message’s title are also the words of the title of the below anointed song/video, “He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands” as performed by the late great Gospel artist Mahalia Jackson (This performance was filmed when she was in Antibes, France in July, 1968). 

The below passage of scripture (that accompanies this message) is from the twentieth through the twenty-second verses of the 2nd chapter of Daniel:

Daniel 2:20-22

New King James Version - (NKJV)

²⁰ Daniel answered and said:

“Blessed be the name of God forever and ever,
For wisdom and might are His.
²¹ And He changes the times and the seasons;
He removes kings and raises up kings;
He gives wisdom to the wise
And knowledge to those who have understanding.
²² He reveals deep and secret things;
He knows what is in the darkness,
And light dwells with Him.

 

 

The title of this message also includes the words – “He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands” – which is the “title” of the late Dr. Charles Stanley’s “In Touch” Daily Devotional for (7/30/23) – which I have included below (Dr. Charles Stanley passed away on 4/18/23). Dr. Charles Stanley was the founder of the “In Touch” daily devotional. Those who work on behalf of this daily devotional are continuing its publication - as it ministers to readers around the world. I recently read the below message and wanted to share this message in “Namma for Christ”.

 

He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands

 Daniel 2:20-22

 

      HOW MANY OF US HAVE LISTENED TO THE NEWS and wondered, “What in the world is going on?” Without a firm foundation of biblical truth, we can easily be overcome with fear and despair. Thankfully, though, Christians can find peace in the knowledge that our God is sovereign over every nation and ruler on earth.

      An omnipotent hand is orchestrating a good and glorious plan: the Lord is the one who “removes kings and establishes kings” (see Daniel 2:20-21 above). Nothing that the Lord does is carried out in isolation. He’s working all things according to His divine plan. We tend to think that a ruler has to be righteous for God to use him, but Proverbs 21:1 (see verse below) tells us that the Lord can direct the heart of any national leader wherever He wishes.

Proverbs 21:1

New King James Version - (NKJV)

21  The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord,
Like the rivers of water;
He turns it wherever He wishes.

 

In fact, He describes two pagan kings – Nebuchadnezzar and Cyrus – as “My servant” (see Jer. 25:9a below) and “My shepherd” (see Isa. 44:28 below). Unbeknownst to them, God guided their paths to fulfill His purposes for Israel.

Jeremiah 25:9a

New King James Version - (NKJV)

^9a behold, I will send and take all the families of the north,’ says the Lord, ‘and Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon, My servant, and will bring them against this land, against its inhabitants, and against these nations all around…

Isaiah 44:28

New King James Version - (NKJV)

²⁸ Who says of Cyrus, ‘He is My shepherd,
And he shall perform all My pleasure,
Saying to Jerusalem, “You shall be built,”
And to the temple, “Your foundation shall be laid.”

 

The Lord’s plans for this world are moving along according to His divine purposes, and no unrighteous ruler can thwart Him. Just remember, “He’s got the whole world in His hands.”

 

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

 

Please enjoy the below anointed song/video, “He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands” as performed by the late great Gospel artist Mahalia Jackson - 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!  

Something Better – Luke 19:10

 

This is Namma for Christ with the two hundred fifty-second inspirational message dated Wednesday, July 19th, 2023. The title of this message is “Something Better – Luke 19:10”.

The first two words of this message’s title are also the words of the title of the inspirational song/video (with lyrics), “Something Better” as sung by Christian artist “Blanca” featuring Christian artist Tauren Wells. The below passage of scripture (that accompanies this message) is from the New Testament. The scripture is from Luke 19:10:

Luke 19:10

New King James Version - (NKJV)

¹⁰ for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.”

 

The above passage in Luke 19:10 is what our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ told us that is what He came to do:

Jesus has come to seek and to save all who are lost!

 

In the below verse – we are reminded that it is because of God’s LOVE for us that He sent His Son Jesus to this world:

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.

 

 

Recently, I went with my mother to attend a funeral of a mutual friend who was also a faithful and long-time member of my mother’s church. The pastor of my mother’s church gave a powerful and anointed message that I knew I had to share.  The title of his message was, “I’ve Got a Home in Glory”. Below are excerpts from the message and the scripture for this message is listed below as found in 2^nd Corinthians 5:1-10.

The pastor began his message by reminding us that this dedicated woman of God (of whom he was giving the eulogy for) lived her life – for the Glory of God! She served the Lord in her church “faithfully” – even towards the end of her life - when her health started to decline. She would still make an effort to come to her church – until she “physically” could not - due to her illness. The pastor provided a beautiful analogy between “our physical bodies” or our “temples” and our actual “homes” – the places that we "live in". He also referenced that God has a “new” home – for all believers - already prepared for us – a heavenly home.

Below are excerpts from the message:

“She’s moved from one house to a “new” house. We will all have to move, one day… This old house – this old body is NOT made for heaven! We’ll ALL have to move from our present home, one day... “Flesh” can’t inherit the kingdom of God!

In our own bodies, we’ll experience pain… but, “we” (as Christian believers) know Jesus! He’s a Doctor - who has more medicine in the “hem of His garment” then all the pharmacies in the world! God told us in His Word – that there is another building – a building, not made by human hands – that is eternal! See the below verses from 2^nd Corinthian 5:1-10 -

2^nd Corinthians 5:1-10

New King James Version - (NKJV)

5 For we know that if our earthly house, this tent, is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. ² For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed with our habitation which is from heaven, ³ if indeed, having been clothed, we shall not be found naked. ⁴ For we who are in this tent groan, being burdened, not because we want to be unclothed, but further clothed, that mortality may be swallowed up by life. ⁵ Now He who has prepared us for this very thing is God, who also has given us the Spirit as a guarantee.

⁶ So we are always confident, knowing that while we are at home in the body we are absent from the Lord. ⁷ For we walk by faith, not by sight. ⁸ We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord.

⁹ Therefore we make it our aim, whether present or absent, to be well pleasing to Him. ¹⁰ For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad.

 

No matter what we’re “presently” going through – let us HOLD ON for “Something Better”!

 

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), “Something Better” as sung by Christian artist “Blanca” featuring Christian artist Tauren Wells 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!

 

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!