Good Day – Prov. 17:22 – Lighten Up!

 

This is “Namma for Christ” with the two hundred seventy-fourth inspirational message dated Thursday, August 22nd, 2024.  The title of this message is, “Good Day – Prov. 17:22 – Lighten Up!”.  The song provided below - “Good Day” (with lyrics) by “Forrest Frank” is a song that I first heard on my Christian radio station, Star 99.1FM. The below scripture is what is found in the 22^ndverse and the 17^th chapter of Proverbs:

 

Proverbs 17:22

New Living Translation (NLT)

²² A cheerful heart is good medicine,
    but a broken spirit saps a person’s strength.

 The scripture text of “this” message was taken from the “same” scripture text that I read on (August 21st, 2024) in my daily devotional book (the 54th day's message) entitled: “The Word for You Today – 90 Days of Faith, Hope & Courage in Changing Times”.

 

The inspirational message I read on August 21^st, 2024, was titled – “LIGHTEN UP!”. I knew that it was a reminder that I wanted to share in my next message in my “Namma for Christ” blog. I hope you find (some of the excerpts) as inspirational as I did:

 

LIGHTEN UP!

^{3 “}Unless you… become like children”

 

Matthew 18:3

New American Standard (NAS)

 

How’s your sense of humor these days? Jesus said, “Unless you…become like children, you will not enter the kingdom.” Anne Klein, an expert on healing through humor reminds us that children laugh about four hundred times a day and adults just fifteen. And you pay a price for it! Your spirit breaks, you lose your vitality and shrivel up emotionally. Laughter has an immediate effect on your heart rate, blood pressure, breathing, muscle and brain activity. It influences how your body handles disease by activating your immune system. The Bible says, “A relaxed attitude lengthens…life” (Prov. 14:30) The Living Bible. “A joyful heart makes a [happy] face” (Prov. 15:13 NAS). “For the happy…life is a continual feast” (Prov. 15:15 NLT). “A cheerful heart is good medicine…a broken spirit saps a person’s strength” (Prov. 17:22 NLT). If a pill could do all that for you, wouldn’t you take it? Life should be enjoyed, not endured! (Pastor and Christian author) Chuck Swindoll once said, “Laughter is a God-given escape hatch…a safety valve…to lack a sense of humor is a serious deficiency.”

Remember –

 

“A cheerful heart is good medicine…a broken spirit saps a person’s strength” (Prov. 17:22 New Living Translation).

 

Please enjoy the below song, “Good Day” (with lyrics) by “Forrest Frank” performed with power and anointing.

 

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

 

BE BLESSED!

Don’t Fight Alone – 1st Kings 17 - Don’t Be Afraid, Put God First

 

This is “Namma for Christ” with the two hundred seventy-third inspirational message dated Saturday, August 17th, 2024.  The title of this message is, “Don’t Fight Alone – 1^st Kings 17 - Don’t Be Afraid, Put God First”.  “Don’t Fight Alone” (with lyrics) by “Jon Reddick” is a song that I first heard on my Christian radio station, Star 99.1FM. The below scripture is what is found in the 8^th through the 9^th verses and the 13^th through the 16^th verses of the 17^th chapter of 1^st Kings:

 

1^st Kings 17:8-9, 13-16

New King James Version (NKJV)

 

⁸ Then the word of the Lord came to him, saying, ⁹ “Arise, go to Zarephath, which belongs to Sidon, and dwell there. See, I have commanded a widow there to provide for you.”

¹³ And Elijah said to her, “Do not fear; go and do as you have said, but make me a small cake from it first, and bring it to me; and afterward make some for yourself and your son. ¹⁴ For thus says the Lord God of Israel: ‘The bin of flour shall not be used up, nor shall the jar of oil run dry, until the day the Lord sends rain on the earth.’ ”

¹⁵ So she went away and did according to the word of Elijah; and she and he and her household ate for many days. ¹⁶ The bin of flour was not used up, nor did the jar of oil run dry, according to the word of the Lord which He spoke by Elijah.

 

 

 The scripture text of “this” message was taken from the “same” scripture text that I read on (August 16th, 2024) in my daily devotional book (the 44th day's message) entitled: “The Word for You Today – 90 Days of Faith, Hope & Courage in Changing Times”.

 

The inspirational message I read on August 16^th, 2024, was titled – “DON’T BE AFRAID, PUT GOD FIRST”. I knew that it was a reminder that I wanted to share in my next message in my “Namma for Christ” blog. I hope you find (some of the excerpts) as inspirational as I did:

 

DON’T BE AFRAID, PUT GOD FIRST

^9 “I have commanded a widow...to provide for you”

 

1^ST Kings 17:9

New Kings James Version (NKJV)

 

When famine hit Israel, God said to the prophet Elijah, “Go to Zarephath…I have commanded a widow there to provide for you.” Observe three things in this story. (1) When the need arises, your provision will be in place. That’s how God works, so ask Him to tell you where to go and what to do. And when He does, get moving! (2) The people God uses will surprise you. Sometimes they’re people you would tend to overlook. This penniless widow had “only a handful of flour…and a little oil” (verse 1^st Kings 17:12 NKJV). That’s no problem to God. He doesn’t need much to start with in order to do something great, just a willing heart. Why didn’t God send Elijah to a wealthy family? Because they didn’t need a miracle, she did. When God’s work has a need He looks for someone with a seed, stretches their faith, and both the giver and God’s work are blessed. (3) Your ‘bad time’ is often God’s opportune moment. This miracle took place in the middle of an economic depression. What seems like the worst possible time for you, is when God loves to move. This woman was only one meal away from death; it doesn’t get much worse. “So she went away and did according to the word of Elijah…she and…her household ate for many days. The bin of flour was not used up, nor did the jar of oil run dry” (verses 1^st Kings 17:15-16 NKJV). The key to her miracle is found in Elijah’s words: “Do not fear…but make me a small cake from it first” (verse 1^st Kings 17:13 NKJV). The Word for you today is don’t be afraid; put God first and He will meet your need.

 

Please enjoy the below song, “Don’t Fight Alone” (with lyrics) by “Jon Reddick” performed with power and anointing.

 

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

 

BE BLESSED!

Stand in Your Love – Phil. 3:14 – PRESS ON

 This is “Namma for Christ” with the two hundred seventy-second inspirational message dated Saturday, August 3rd, 2024.  The title of this message is, “Stand in Your Love – Philippians 3:14 – PRESS ON”.  “Stand in Your Love” (with lyrics) by “Josh Baldwin” is a song that I first heard on my Christian radio station, Star 99.1FM. The below scripture is what is found in the 14^th verse of the 3^rd chapter of Philippians:

 

Philippians 3:14

New American Standard Bible (NASB)

 

 ¹⁴ I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

 

 The scripture text of “this” message was taken from the “same” scripture text that I read on (August 2nd, 2024) in my daily devotional book (the 38th day's message) entitled: “The Word for You Today – 90 Days of Faith, Hope & Courage in Changing Times”.

 

The inspirational message I read on August 2^nd, 2024, was titled – “PRESS ON”. I knew that it was a reminder that I wanted to share in my next message in my “Namma for Christ” blog. I hope you find (some of the excerpts) as inspirational as I did:

 

PRESS ON

^14 “I press on...”

 

Phil. 3:14

New American Standard Bible (NASB)

 

When “the bottom falls out” what do you do? Blame others? That only makes you bitter. Wallow in self-pity? That only paralyzes you! When David returned from battle and found his home burned to the ground and his family taken prisoner, he cried until he had no tears left. (It’s healthy to grieve your losses, just don’t get stuck there.) Next we read, “David strengthened himself in the Lord his God” (1^st Samuel 30:6 NASB). That’s it! You’ve got to learn how to get alone and give yourself a good talking to! You’ve got to learn to pray for yourself and to quote God’s promises to yourself! “Weeping may last through the night, but joy comes with the morning” (Psalm 30:5 New Living Translation). Did you hear that? Joy is coming!

Change is on the way! Learn how to rise up and say,

“What does not destroy me will only make me stronger! No day lasts forever. This too shall pass. In the meantime, it will only drive me closer to God.”

Come on, start talking to yourself! Your weakness can be the discovery point for strength you never even knew you had! When Joseph recalled the worst time of his life - he said, “God turned into good what you meant for evil (Genesis 50:20 The Living Bible). Others don’t control your destiny – God does – and He’s not like others! You will come out of this stronger and wiser! Look beyond the pain, and you’ll find perspective. The word for you today is regroup, renew and reload – and whatever you do – Keep Pressing On!

 

 

 

 

 

Please enjoy the below song, “Stand in Your Love” (with lyrics) by “Josh Baldwin” performed with power and anointing.

 

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

 

BE BLESSED!

I Got You – John 15:11 – The Secret to Having Joy

 

This is “Namma for Christ” with the two hundred seventy-first inspirational message dated Thursday, July 11th, 2024.  The title of this message is, “I Got You – John 15:11 – The Secret to Having Joy”.  “I Got You” (with lyrics) by “Danny Gokey” is a song that I first heard on my Christian radio station, Star 99.1FM. The below scripture is what is found in the 11^th verse of the 15^th chapter of John:

 

John 15:11

New International Version (NIV)

¹¹ I have told you this so that My joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.

 

 The scripture text of “this” message was taken from the “same” scripture text that I read on (July 6th, 2024) in my daily devotional book (the 36th day's message) entitled: “The Word for You Today – 90 Days of Faith, Hope & Courage in Changing Times”.

 

The inspirational message I read on July 6^th, 2024, was titled – “THE SECRET TO HAVING JOY”. I knew that it was a reminder that I wanted to share in my next message in my “Namma for Christ” blog. I hope you find (some of the excerpts) as inspirational as I did:

 

THE SECRET TO HAVING JOY

^11 “That My joy may be in you.”

John 15:11

New International Version (NIV)

 

Jesus said, “I have told you this so that My joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.” The joy Jesus is talking about is unique: “My joy”. And it’s fulfilling in a way that the world’s happiness isn’t: “That your joy may be complete.” Being a faithful follower of Christ’s teachings brings inner joy that’s real and resilient regardless of economic indicators, interest rates, government deficits, and even disease or death. You can’t be happy without being joyful, but you can be joyful without being happy! How’s that possible? Jesus had previously told His disciples that we enjoy a love which transcends all others – the love of our heavenly Father that’s unconditionally offered and once accepted, is permanently experienced. Nothing can compare to the love of God. His love isn’t based on looks, personality, wealth, or even moral goodness. It’s offered without any preconditions. And it’s neither fickle nor failing. You can’t do anything to make God love you more, and you can do nothing to make Him love you less.

Furthermore, divine love doesn’t just give you “warm fuzzies”. It’s constantly at work to direct you toward making wise decisions, to protect you from making poor ones, and to correct you when you make bad ones. God’s love guarantees His acceptance when all others have rejected you, His forgiveness when all others have judged you, and His mercy when all others have condemned you. When you bask in His love, you experience a wellspring of joy bubbling up in your heart. And since the world didn’t give you this joy – the world can’t take it away.

 

Please enjoy the below song, “I Got You” (with lyrics) by “Danny Gokey” performed with power and anointing.

 

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

 

BE BLESSED!

Worth – 1st Cor. 1:30-31 – Use Me

This is “Namma for Christ” with the two hundred seventieth inspirational message dated Monday, July 1st, 2024.  The title of this message is, “Worth – 1st Cor. 1:30-31 – Use Me”.  The first word of the title of this message is also the title of the below anointed song/video, “Worth” (with lyrics) by “Anthony Brown & group therAPY”. The message’s scripture is below as found in the 30^th and 31^st verses of the 1^st book of First Corinthians:

1^st Corinthians 1:30-31

New American Standard Bible (NASB)

³⁰ But it is due to Him that you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification, and redemption, 

³¹ so that, just as it is written: “Let the 

one who boasts, boast in the Lord.”

For many years, I have enjoyed reading the daily inspirational messages as provided by Our Daily Bread Ministries in their publications of "OUR DAILY BREAD".  

I recently read the message for the day (for June 21st, 2024) and found it to be so inspiring, memorable and “thought-provoking”.  

 
 I wanted to share this message with you (see the below message). Our Daily Bread Ministries has the website of:  www.odb.org so that you can read and enjoy life-changing wisdom of daily inspirational messages based on scripture from the Bible. Please read and enjoy:

 

USE ME

 

^31b Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.

1^st Cor. 1:31b (NIV)

 

Today's Scripture & Insight:

1^st Corinthians 1:26-31

 

            James Morris was once described as “an illiterate but warmhearted layman,” but God used him to draw Augustus Toplady to saving faith in Jesus Christ. Toplady, the eighteenth-century author of the timeless hymn “Rock of Ages,” described hearing Morris preach:

      “Strange that I …should be brought nigh unto God…amidst a handful of God’s people met together in a barn, and under the ministry of one who could hardly spell his name. Surely this is the Lord’s doing, and it is marvelous.”

      Indeed, God does marvelous things in unlikely places and through those we may rank as “unqualified” or ordinary. In 1^st Corinthians 1, Paul reminded believers in Jesus that they were an unimpressive lot. “Not many of you were wise of noble birth” (see verse 1^st Corinthians 1:26 below).

1^st Corinthians 1:26

New American Standard Bible (NASB)

²⁶ For consider your calling, brothers and sisters, that there were not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble;

 

Though the Corinthian believers were quite ordinary, by God’s grace they weren’t lacking in giftedness and usefulness (see verses 1^st Corinthians 1:6-7 below).

 

1^st Corinthians 1:6-7

Amplified Bible (AMP)

 ⁶ In this way our testimony about Christ was confirmed and established in you, ⁷ so that you are not lacking in any spiritual gift [which comes from the Holy Spirit], as you eagerly wait [with confident trust] for the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ [when He returns]. 

 

And God – who knows how to put boasters in their place (see verses 1^st Corinthians 1:27-29 below) – was at work among them and through them.

 

1^st Corinthians 1:27-29

Amplified Bible (AMP)

 

²⁷ But God has selected [for His purpose] the foolish things of the world to shame the wise [revealing their ignorance], and God has selected [for His purpose] the weak things of the world to shame the things which are strong [revealing their frailty]. ²⁸ God has selected [for His purpose] the insignificant (base) things of the world, and the things that are despised and treated with contempt, [even] the things that are nothing, so that He might reduce to nothing the things that are, ²⁹ so that no one may [be able to] boast in the presence of God.

     Do you see yourself as “plain”, “ordinary”, or even “less than”?

Don’t fret. If you have Jesus and are willing to be used by Him, you have enough. May your heart’s prayer be, “God, use me!”

                By Arthur Jackson for ODB

Who comes to mind when you think of one who’s been quietly but effectively used by God? What can you do to help shift your focus from what you have or don’t have to what God can do through you?

Heavenly Father, forgive me for focusing on myself and not enough on You. Use me where I am in Your holy service.

 

  Please enjoy the below anointed song/video, “Worth” (with lyrics) by “Anthony Brown & group therAPY”.

 (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! 

Made for More – Eph. 2:10

 This is “Namma for Christ” with the two hundred sixty-ninth inspirational message dated Monday, June 10th, 2024.  The title of this message is, “Made for More – Eph. 2:10”.  The first three words of the title "Made for More" are also the words of the title of the below anointed song/video (with lyrics) by Christian artist Josh Baldwin – featuring Christian artist Jenn Johnson. The message’s scripture is below as found in the book of Ephesians - as written by the Apostle Paul:

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.



As to share with future readers and to provide a  brief quotation for critical review - I have included an excerpt of the (June 8^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 book was written from the perspective as if JESUS - was saying "these words" directly to "you"!  (Please read the below inspirational message:)

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

I WANT YOU TO BE ALL MINE, filled with the Light of My Presence. I gave everything for you by living as a man, then dying for your sins and living again. Hold back nothing from Me. Bring your most secret thoughts into the Light of My Love. Anything you bring to Me I transform and cleanse from darkness. I know everything about you, far more than you know of yourself. But I restrain My yearning to “fix” you, waiting instead for you to come to Me for help. Imagine the divine restraint this requires, for I have all Power in heaven and on earth.

Seek My Face with a teachable spirit. Come into My Presence with thanksgiving, desiring to be transformed.

 

Matthew 28:18

New International Version (NIV)

 

¹⁸ Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me.”

 

Psalm 100:4
New International Version (NIV)

 

⁴ Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give thanks to Him and praise His name.

 

Additional verses:

Philippians 4:13
New King James Version (NKJV)

 

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

2^nd Corinthians 3:4-5
New King James Version (NKJV)

 

 ⁴ And we have such trust through Christ toward God. ⁵ Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think of anything as being from ourselves, but our sufficiency is from God

 

2^nd Corinthians 3:17-18
New International Version (NIV)

 

¹⁷ Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. ¹⁸ But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.

  Please enjoy the below anointed song/video (with lyrics) entitled, "Made for More"  by Christian artist Josh Baldwin – featuring Christian artist Jenn Johnson.
 (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!

Just Be Held – Psalm 91:15 – In God’s Arms

This is “Namma for Christ” with the two hundred sixty-eighth inspirational message dated Wednesday, May 15th, 2024.  The title of this message is, “Just Be Held – Psalm 91:15 – In God’s Arms”.  The first three words of the title of this message are also the words of the title of the below anointed song/video, “Just Be Held” (with lyrics) by “Casting Crowns”. The message’s scripture is below as found in the fifteenth verse of the 91^st book of Psalms:

Psalm 91:15

New King James Version (NKJV)

¹⁵ He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him;
I will be with him in trouble;
I will deliver him and honor him.

 

For many years, I have enjoyed reading the daily inspirational messages as provided by Our Daily Bread Ministries in their publications of "OUR DAILY BREAD".  

I recently read the message for the day (for April 4th, 2024) and found it to be so inspiring, memorable and “thought-provoking”.  

 
 I wanted to share this message with you (see the below message). Our Daily Bread Ministries has the website of:  www.odb.org so that you can read and enjoy life-changing wisdom of daily inspirational messages based on scripture from the Bible. Please read and enjoy:

 

IN GOD’S ARMS

 

^15b I will be with him in trouble

Psalm 91:15b (NIV)

 

Today's Scripture & Insight:

Psalm 91:1-2,14-16

 

          The sound of the drill terrified five-year-old Sarah. She leaped out of the dentist’s chair and refused to get back in. Nodding understandingly, the dentist told her father, “Daddy, get into the chair.” Jason thought he was meant to show his daughter how easy it was. But then the dentist turned to the little girl and said, “Now climb up and sit in Daddy’s lap.” With her father now cradling her in his reassuring arms, Sarah relaxed completely, and the dentist was able to continue.

      That day, Jason learned a great lesson about the comfort of the presence of his Heavenly Father. “Sometimes, God [chooses not to] take over what we have to go through,” he said. “But God was showing me, ‘I will be there with you.’ ”

      Psalm 91 speaks of the comforting presence and power of God that gives us the strength to face our trials. Knowing that we can rest in His powerful arms gives us great assurance, as does His promise to those who love Him: “He will call on Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble” (see verse Psalm 91:15 above).

      There are many unavoidable challenges and trials in life, and we will inevitably have to go through pain and suffering. But with God’s reassuring arms wrapped around us, we’ll be able to bear our crises and circumstances, and let Him strengthen our faith as we grow through them.

 

By Leslie Koh for ODB

 

 

  Please enjoy the below anointed song/video, “Just Be Held” (with lyrics) by “Casting Crowns”.

 (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!