God Is - The Wisest Choice - John 14:1 & 6

This is “Namma for Christ” with the one hundred sixty-sixth inspirational message dated Wednesday, July 8th, 2020.  The title of this message is, “God Is - The Wisest Choice - John 14:1 & 14:6”.  “God Is” is a Gospel classic as performed by (the late) Rev. James Cleveland and the Southern California Community Choir.  The below scripture (that accompanies this message) is found in the New Testament book of John – the first and sixth verses of the fourteenth chapter:

 

John 14:1

New King James Version (NKJV)

14 “Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me.

 

John 14:6

New King James Version (NKJV)

6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.

 

Recently, I read my church school lessons (I read the July meditations) as found in the lesson book from the “Echoes Church School Publications” and the lesson (for July 26^th) was so interesting – I knew I wanted to share it in my next “Namma for Christ” message. The title of the lesson is “The Wisest Choice” and the related scripture text comes from the fourteen chapter of John.    

 

The Wisest Choice

John 14:1-14

 

It’s astounding the number of “armchair experts” there are – you know, the people who sit on the sidelines and advise others on matters in which they have neither experience nor revelation. It usually starts with, “If I were you, I would…” which is a dangerous preference for whatever is to follow. Wouldn’t it be wiser to start with the One who created us for His purpose? The answer to the age-old question “Why am I here?” is found in the One who placed you here!

Our identity is in Christ, and it was given to us by God. Our personality, our likes and dislikes, our DNA and our unique fingerprint were all created by God. No one knows us as He does because all those unique components are what makes us, us. Only God knows how each element of our character is used in the development of our faith and fulfillment of the purpose He wants us to fulfill. How many people spend their entire lives looking for the way to heaven, the truth of everything in the universe, and the most abundant life now and forever? The search for all those things should lead to the One who can answer all our questions and provide all things for us – Jesus.

       If we truly want the best this life has to offer, as well as the promise of an incredible life lasting into eternity, we have only to listen to the words of Jesus in John 14. These words need to be heard by anyone who does not know Christ and any Christian who is feeling weary, depressed, and uncertain about life. When we feel as if believing in and following Jesus was not a wise choice, we must remember that no other way, no other person, no other truth explains everything we want to know.

 

Please enjoy the above song, “God Is” is as performed by (the late) Rev. James Cleveland and the Southern California Community Choir - performed with power and anointing. The two leads are Dora Pickett and Nathaniel Morris.

 

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

 

BE BLESSED!

This Morning When I Rose - Heb. 12:1-2

This is “Namma for Christ” with the one hundred sixty-fifth inspirational message dated Monday, June 22nd, 2020.  The title of this message is, “This Morning When I Rose – Heb. 12:1-2”.  “This Morning When I Rose” by The Mississippi Mass Choir is a song that I first heard when I was a child – while attending my church.   I love this uplifting, spirited, and high energy version - by The Mississippi Mass Choir (as provided above), which is why I included this song (with lyrics) with this message.  This song features soloist and great-grandmother - *Mosie “Mama” Burks. The below scripture is found in the New Testament book of Hebrews – the first and second verses of the twelfth chapter:

 

Hebrews 12:1-2

New King James Version (NKJV)

The Race of Faith

12 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.

 

 

Dr. Charles Stanley writes a daily devotional book, entitled – “In Touch – Daily Readings for Devoted Living”.  I read the meditation for June 13th, 2020 and found it so inspirational; I wanted to share it with you:

 

Staying On Course

Hebrews 12:1-2

 

The Christian life can be likened to a race with a finish line in eternity. Our goal is to stay on track and run with endurance, but we won’t know the way forward unless we focus on Jesus. Because He ran the race perfectly, He can show us the way.

As with any long-term race, the course is full of obstacles that threaten to trip or sidetrack us. Temptations lure us to what we imagine are lush green pastures, while busyness can lead us down rabbit trails that end in exhaustion. Worry and fear grab hold of our mind, and emotions take us places the Lord never intended for us to go.

Although sins are the most obvious threat, anything that takes precedence over our relationship with the Lord can send us down the wrong path. It’s easy to let our families, jobs, and pleasures distract us from a wholehearted pursuit of Christ. Surprisingly, even God’s blessings can hinder us if we start to prioritize them over the Lord.

For us as believers, the goal isn’t to focus on the path or find our own way. We’re to fix our eyes on Jesus – He’s our guide and destination, and He will welcome us home when we cross the finish line into eternity.

 

By Dr. Charles Stanley

 

 

Please enjoy the above song, “This Morning When I Rose” (with lyrics) by The Mississippi Mass Choir - performed with power and anointing. This song features soloist and great-grandmother - *Mosie “Mama” Burks. Enjoy! (* - On 7/7/25 - I read that Mosie “Mama” Burks passed away. May she rest in Heavenly peace with Jesus.) 

 

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

 

BE BLESSED!

Never Would Have Made It – Ezekiel 18:27

 

 

 

 

This is Namma for Christ with the one hundred sixty-fourth inspirational message dated Saturday, June 13th, 2020. The title of this message is “Never Would Have Made It – Ezekiel 18:27”.

The first five words of the title are also the name of the above inspirational song/video, “Never Would Have Made It” (with lyrics) as sung by Marvin Sapp.  The below passage of scripture (that accompanies this message) is from the Old Testament book of Ezekiel - the twenty-seventh verse of the eighteenth chapter:

Ezekiel 18:27

New King James Version (NKJV)

²⁷ Again, when a wicked man turns away from the wickedness which he committed, and does what is lawful and right, he preserves himself alive.

 

 

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 read the message for the day (for June 13^th, 2020) 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:

 

He Changed Me

 

But if a wicked person . . . does what is just and right, they will save their life.

Ezekiel 18:27

 

 

Scripture & Insight:

Ezekiel 18:25–32

 

When John, who ran the biggest brothel in London, was sent to prison, he falsely believed, I’m a good guy. While there, he decided to attend the Bible study at the prison because there was cake and coffee, but he was struck by how happy the other inmates seemed to be. He started to cry during the first song and later received a Bible. Reading from the prophet Ezekiel changed him, hitting him “like a thunderbolt.” He read, “But if a wicked person turns away from [their] wickedness . . . and does what is just and right, . . . that person will surely live; they will not die” (18:27–28). God’s Word came alive to him and he realized, “I wasn’t a good guy . . . I was wicked and I needed to change.” While praying with the pastor, he said, “I found Jesus Christ and He changed me.”

These words from Ezekiel were spoken to God’s people when they were in exile. Although they had turned from God, He longed that they would rid themselves of their offenses and “get a new heart and a new spirit” (v. 31). Those words helped John to “Repent and live!” (v. 32) as he followed Jesus, the One who called sinners to repentance (Luke 5:32).


Luke 5:32
New King James Version (NKJV)


³² I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.”

May we respond to the Spirit’s conviction of sin, that we too might enjoy forgiveness and freedom.

By:  Amy Boucher Pye

 

 

 

Please enjoy the above inspirational song/video “Never Would Have Made It” (with lyrics) as sung by Marvin Sapp sung with power and anointing.

 

 

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

 

 

BE BLESSED!



I Love to Praise Him - 2 Cor. 3:18 - Our Purpose

This is “Namma for Christ” with the one hundred sixty-third inspirational message dated Saturday, May 2nd, 2020.  The title of this message is, “I Love to Praise Him – 2 Cor. 3:18 - Our Purpose”.  “I Love to Praise Him” by The Mississippi Mass Choir is a song that I first heard when I was younger.   I love this uplifting, spirited, and high energy version - by The Mississippi Mass Choir (as provided above), which is why I included this song (including lyrics) with this message.  This song features soloist and great-grandmother, *Mosie "Mama" Burks. The below scripture is what the Apostle Paul wrote in 2nd Corinthians, the eighteenth verse of the third chapter:

2 Corinthians 3:18

Amplified Bible (AMP)

¹⁸ And we all, with unveiled face, continually seeing as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are progressively being transformed into His image from [one degree of] glory to [even more] glory, which comes from the Lord, [who is] the Spirit.

Dr. Charles Stanley writes a daily devotional book, entitled – “In Touch – Daily Readings for Devoted Living”.  I read the meditation for April 28th, 2020 and found it to be so inspirational; I wanted to share it with you:

 

The Purpose of Life

2 Cor. 3:12-18

 

Why am I here? Everyone wonders this at some point, some theories suggest that we’re merely taking up space and will return to nothingness when we die. There are also people who say we are masters of our own destiny. Both are untrue! The Lord has placed you on earth to fulfill His purpose.

       God has a unique plan for every person’s life, but Christians all share one goal: to be conformed to His image. This process begins here on earth and is finished when we reach heaven. Much of the work the Lord does in our earthly life centers on our character. He shows us how to be as loving, kind and peaceful as Jesus.

       We might think this is hard. But the truth is, the Holy Spirit indwells the believer and then lives the life of Christ through him or her. We should be submissive to His guidance. That means we should respond to situations in life with this question: “How can You use this to make me more like Jesus?”

       The Lord is behind everything that happens to you – either He directly instigates the situation, or He allows it to take place. Both trials and triumphs are engineered to fulfill God’s great purpose: crafting a life that reflects His love and glory to the world.

By Dr. Charles Stanley

 

Two other supporting scriptures are provided below:

 

Isaiah 43:7

New King James Version (NKJV)

⁷ Everyone who is called by My name,
Whom I have created for My glory;
I have formed him, yes, I have made him.”

 

Colossians 3:17

New King James Version (NKJV)

¹⁷ And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.

 

Please enjoy the above song, “I Love to Praise Him” (with lyrics) by The Mississippi Mass Choir - performed with power and anointing. This song features soloist and great-grandmother, *Mosie "Mama" Burks. (* - On 7/7/25 - I read that Mosie “Mama” Burks passed away. May she rest in Heavenly peace with Jesus.) 

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

 

BE BLESSED!

Jesus is Love - 1st John 4: 7-11

 This is Namma for Christ with the one hundred sixty-second inspirational message dated May 2, 2020.  I originally wrote the below message in 2013, but I wanted to re-send it to allow newer readers to enjoy it:


This is Namma for Christ with the twenty-first inspirational message dated Sunday, January, 27, 2013. The title for this message is: "JESUS IS LOVE- 1st John 4: 7-11". The video (with lyrics- which is provided below) is  sung so powerfully by Lionel Richie is also entitled : "JESUS IS LOVE".  The scripture comes from 1st John 4: 7-11, as provided below:

1 John 4:7-11

King James Version (KJV)

⁷ Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.
⁸ He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.
⁹ In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him.
¹⁰ Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.
¹¹ Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another.

JESUS IS LOVE....HE IS GOD'S SON...AND AS THE ABOVE SCRIPTURE TELLS US IN 1ST JOHN 4:8 - GOD IS LOVE. 1ST JOHN 4: 9 TELLS US HOW MUCH GOD LOVES US:

⁹ In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him.

GOD LOVES YOU! THE ABOVE SCRIPTURE TELLS US THAT GOD LOVED US SO MUCH THAT HE SENT HIS ONLY BEGOTTEN SON INTO THE WORLD, THAT WE MIGHT "LIVE" THROUGH HIM!

LIVE....LIVE...LIVE FOR JESUS!

YOU WERE CREATED FOR THE LORD'S UNIQUE AND SPECIAL PURPOSE!
GOD WANTS "YOU" TO GLORIFY "HIM" BY YOUR LIFE!

NO MATTER WHAT YOU ARE PRESENTLY GOING THROUGH, NO PROBLEM IS TOO BIG FOR GOD TO HANDLE!  GIVE YOUR CONCERNS, PROBLEMS AND WORRIES TO GOD AND PRAY AND SEEK JESUS TO LET HIM HELP YOU WITH YOUR LIFE AND LET HIM LIVE THROUGH YOU! GOD MADE YOU AND HE IS YOUR HEAVENLY FATHER - HE WANTS WHAT IS BEST FOR HIS CHILDREN!

REMEMBER- THE LORD'S VERY NAME - "EMMANUEL"  MEANS "GOD WITH US" - as the scriptures states below:

Matthew 1:23

Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.

YOU are NOT ALONE! GOD IS WITH YOU! 

Psalm 46:1

King James Version (KJV)

46 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.

Hebrews 13:5

King James Version (KJV)

⁵ Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.

Matthew 28:18-20

King James Version (KJV)

¹⁸ And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.
¹⁹ Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
²⁰ Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

ALWAYS REMEMBER JESUS IS LOVE...HE IS WITH YOU...AND HE LOVES YOU.
CALL ON HIM..PRAY TO HIM...READ HIS WORD...SEEK HIM FOR ALL THAT YOU NEED...LET HIM LIVE THROUGH YOU...AND ALWAYS THANK HIM!

JESUS IS LOVE!

Please enjoy the video (with lyrics- which is included). This inspirational song is sung so beautifully by Lionel Richie entitled , "JESUS IS LOVE".

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


BE BLESSED!

Way Maker – 1st Peter 5:10

This is “Namma for Christ” with the one hundred sixty-first inspirational message dated Saturday, April 11th, 2020.  The title of this message is, “Way Maker – 1^st Peter 5:10”.  “Way Maker” by the Nigerian gospel singer/songwriter “Sinach” is a song that I first heard while searching on my phone for a song to include with this “Namma for Christ” message.  This song (as provided above) has powerful lyrics (included in the video) and has a beautiful harmony - which is why I included this song with this message.  The below scripture is what Peter wrote in the 1^st book of Peter, the tenth verse of the fifth chapter:

1st Peter 5:10

New International Version (NIV)

¹⁰ And the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will Himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.

As a Christian believer – I have suffered depression, before. Many people will tell you that it is wrong for a Christian to suffer this illness …but I believe that God sometimes allows “suffering” in a believer’s life to humble them and thereby allowing them to submit to God for healing. Also, when we – as believers “come to the end” of ourselves – we increase in our dependence on the Lord. It was when I was at “my worst”, that many times I experienced the tender closeness of God’s comfort, His "unconditional love and His acceptance of me" - by my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. In experiencing various trials and challenges, many times - I had to get “myself” out of “the way”! I had to FOCUS on “WHO” was the WAY, THE TRUTH and the LIFE - (as the below verse states):

John 14:6

New King James Version (NKJV)

⁶ Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.”

Through my darkest and lowest moments, I realized I had to stop focusing “inward” at my feelings and my “understanding”…I needed to do what Proverbs 3:5-6 stated – (see below)

Proverbs 3:5-6

New King James Version (NKJV)

⁵ Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
And lean not on your own understanding;
⁶ In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He shall direct your paths.

 

In retrospect, I realized that my biggest problem was that I was looking “inward” and not “outward”.  I needed to stop trying to figure things out “for myself” and I had to stop “leaning on my own understanding” – I had to TRUST IN GOD and cast all my care on Him!

I had blamed myself for poor choices and wrong decisions that “I made”! As a result, my anger turned inward at myself – thus, creating my depression and low self-esteem. God never intended for me to “carry my own burdens – 1^st Peter 5:7 reminds me that Jesus is my burden bearer:

 

1st Peter 5:7

New King James Version (NKJV)

⁷ casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.

 

So, TAKE HEART Beloved – We may suffer…sometimes…we may get sad or disappointed. We may get “down” or even “depressed” – once in a while- but, just don’t STAY there!  Look to Jesus – Jesus is the Answer – Jesus is THE WAY! Pray to our Lord and seek Him:

 

Matthew 11:28

New King James Version (NKJV)

²⁸ Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

Also remember – God is not done with you, yet…after your suffering…God will make you strong, firm and steadfast:

1st Peter 5:10

New International Version (NIV)

¹⁰ And the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will Himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.

 

Jesus is OUR WAY MAKER!

 

Please enjoy the above song, “Way Maker” by Sinach  (with lyrics) - performed with power and anointing.

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

 

BE BLESSED!

Survivor - John 16:33

This is “Namma for Christ” with the one hundred sixtieth inspirational message dated Saturday, March 14th, 2020.  The title of this message is, “Survivor – John 16:33”.  “Survivor” by Zach Williams is a song that I first heard on my Christian radio station 99.1 Star FM and I knew that I wanted to include it with my next Namma for Christ message.  Therefore, this song (as provided above - with lyrics) is accompanying this message that includes the below scripture of what Jesus said in the Gospel of John, the thirty-third verse of the sixteenth chapter:

 

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.”
 
The coronavirus “presently” is a worldwide pandemic. It has killed thousands of people around the world and we have to live with precautions. We all have to be safe in our “new normal” way of “daily living”. We all have to abide by the new safety requirements - resulting in many schools, churches and businesses having to close their doors. Many large gatherings and celebrations have had to be “suspended” or postponed to prevent further spreading of the coronavirus. Despite the panic of some people, I am comforted in knowing that “God is still on the throne”! God is bigger than any problem we may experience! This message’s title scripture reminds us what Jesus said in John 16:33 –

John 16:33

New International Version (NIV)

³³ “I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

Also, Jeremiah 32:17 (below) reminds us that NOTHING is too hard for God:

Jeremiah 32:17

New International Version (NIV)

¹⁷ “Ah, Sovereign Lord, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for you.

I, personally, may not understand why God allows certain things to happen…but I do know that God is in control! God is on the throne and He can do ANYTHING but fail!

WE MUST CONTINUE TO TRUST GOD – NO MATTER WHAT!

Below are some supporting scriptures for encouragement -

 

Psalm 91:1-3

New King James Version (NKJV)

Safety of Abiding in the Presence of God

91 He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High
Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
² I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress;
My God, in Him I will trust.”

³ Surely He shall deliver you from the snare of the fowler
And from the perilous pestilence.*

(*note – my Bible has a footnote that defines “perilous pestilence” as “raging epidemic”.)

 

Psalm 46:1

New King James Version (NKJV)

God the Refuge of His People and Conqueror of the Nations

46 God is our refuge and strength,
A very present help in trouble.

 

Isaiah 43:1-2

New King James Version (NKJV)

43 But now, thus says the Lord, who created you, O Jacob,
And He who formed you, O Israel:
“Fear not, for I have redeemed you;
I have called you by your name;
You are Mine.
² When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;
And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you.
When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned,
Nor shall the flame scorch you.

2 Timothy 1:7

New King James Version (NKJV)

⁷ For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.

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.

 

Let us pray:

Dear Lord,

We pray that You eradicate this coronavirus and we pray that You give wisdom to those doctors and scientists to find a cure for this virus. We pray for healing for all those affected and we ask for protection and safety for us all. In Jesus’ Name we pray, Amen.

 

Please enjoy the above song, “Survivor” (with lyrics) by Zach Williams performed with power and anointing.

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

BE BLESSED!