Saturday, January 11, 2020

My Revival – Isaiah 40:30-31






This is Namma for Christ with the one hundred fifty-seventh inspirational message dated Saturday, January 11th, 2020. The title of this message is “My Revival – Isaiah 40:30-31”.

The first two words of the title are also the name of the above inspirational song/video, “My Revival” (with lyrics) as sung by Lauren Daigle. The below passage of scripture is from the Old Testament book of Isaiah – (as written by the prophet Isaiah) – the thirtieth and thirty-first verses of the fortieth chapter:

 

Isaiah 40:30-31

New King James Version (NKJV)

30 Even the youths shall faint and be weary,
And the young men shall utterly fall,
31 But those who wait on the Lord
Shall renew their strength;
They shall mount up with wings like eagles,
They shall run and not be weary,
They shall walk and not faint.
 
 

  In a recent internet-searched article of “how to revive your relationship with God” – the below excerpt was taken (as written by – Chakell Wardleigh (for FamilyShare OLD)  -

 

“Be mindful of God's presence in your life. Though it may seem like He is far away at times, He is not. He does not ever leave your side. It is easy to get so caught up in the happenings of the world that we forget to look for God's presence in our lives. In these moments, try to be grateful and aware of how much He has blessed you and continues to bless you each day. Being humble and showing sincere love and respect for God can bring even the most deadened relationship with Him back to life. Cherish your relationship with your Father in Heaven. He is the greatest ally and guardian you can have throughout your life.”

 

Below – I have included additional verses regarding “revival” and verses on “waiting on the Lord for His strength”:

 

Psalm 85:6


New King James Version (NKJV)


Will You not revive us again,
That Your people may rejoice in You?
 

Psalm 19:7


English Standard Version (ESV)


The law of the Lord is perfect,
    reviving the soul;
the testimony of the Lord is sure,
    making wise the simple;

 

Psalm 27:14


New King James Version (NKJV)


14 Wait on the Lord;
Be of good courage,
And He shall strengthen your heart;
Wait, I say, on the Lord!
 

Psalm 46:1


King James Version (KJV)


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

Psalm 40:1


New King James Version (NKJV)


40 I waited patiently for the Lord;
And He inclined to me,
And heard my cry.
 

Please enjoy the above inspirational song/video “My Revival” (with lyrics) as sung by Lauren Daigle performed with power and anointing.
  (I do not own the rights to this song.)

BE BLESSED!

Thursday, December 12, 2019

Fighting for Me – Psalm 20:7 – Overcoming Fear










This is Namma for Christ with the one hundred fifty-sixth inspirational message dated Thursday, December 12th, 2019. The title of this message is “Fighting for Me – Psalm 20:7 – Overcoming Fear”.

The first three words of the title are also the name of the above inspirational song/video, “Fighting for Me” (with lyrics) as sung by Riley Clemmons.  The below passage of scripture (that accompanies this message) is from the Old Testament book of Psalms - the seventh verse of the twentieth chapter:

Psalm 20:7


New International Version (NIV)


Some trust in chariots and some in horses,
    but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.

 

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 December 12th, 2019) 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:

 
 

Overcoming Fear


Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.

Psalm 20:7
 

Today's Scripture & Insight:

1 Samuel 17:4–7, 45–50

Fear ruled a man’s life for thirty-two years. Afraid of being caught for his crimes, he hid at his sister’s farmhouse, going nowhere and visiting no one, even missing his mother’s funeral. When he was sixty-four, he learned that no charges had ever been filed against him. The man was free to resume a normal life. Yes, the threat of punishment was real, but he allowed the fear of it to control him.

Likewise, fear ruled the Israelites when the Philistines challenged them at the Valley of Elah. The threat was real. Their enemy Goliath was 9 feet 9 inches tall and his body armor alone weighed 125 pounds (1 Samuel 17:4–5). For forty days, every morning and evening, Goliath challenged the Israelite army to fight him. But no one dared come forward. No one until David visited the battle lines. He heard and saw the taunting, and volunteered to fight Goliath.
While everyone in the Israelite army thought Goliath was too big to fight, David the shepherd boy knew he wasn’t too big for God. He said, “The Lord saves; for the battle is the Lord’s” (v. 47).
When we’re gripped by fear, let’s follow David’s example and fix our eyes on God to gain a right perspective of the problem. The threat may be real, but the One who is with us and for us is bigger than that which is against us.
 

Please enjoy the above inspirational song/video “Fighting for Me” (with lyrics) as sung by Riley Clemmons sung with power and anointing.

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

BE BLESSED!

Sunday, December 8, 2019

Little Drummer Boy – Matt. 2:11 – Give God Your Best





This is Namma for Christ with the one hundred fifty-fifth inspirational message dated Sunday, December 8th, 2019. The title of this message is “Little Drummer Boy – Matt. 2:11 – Give God Your Best”.

The first three words of the title are also the words in the name of the above high-energy and powerfully performed song/video, “Little Drummer Boy” as performed by the Australian Christian duo “for KING & COUNTRY”.  “For KING & COUNTRY” are two brothers named Joel and Luke Smallbone – who make up the duo. On December 3rd, 2019, “for KING & COUNTRY” performed on television for ABC’s CMA Country Christmas and they “rocked the house”! I recently saw the YouTube video and I wanted to share it with you – with a message about “The Little Drummer Boy”.

The below passage of scripture (that accompanies this message) is from the New Testament book of Matthew - the eleventh verse of the second chapter:

Matthew 2:11


New King James Version (NKJV)


11 And when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshiped Him. And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

 In this message, I would like to share how there is a similar “theme” in the “popular Christmas animated TV special, “The Little Drummer Boy” and of  “us giving God our BEST!

The above Bible verse is surrounded by supporting scriptures from Matthew 2:1-12 – which tell of the story of the “Magi” (or “The Three Wiseman” aka “The Three Kings”.) Below is the biblical text:

Matthew 2:1-12:

Wise Men from the East


Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of  Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, saying, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him.”

When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. 4 And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born.

So they said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for thus it is written by the prophet:
‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,
Are not the least among the rulers of Judah;
For out of you shall come a Ruler
Who will shepherd My people Israel.’
Then Herod, when he had secretly called the wise men, determined from them what time the star appeared. And he sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the young Child, and when you have found Him, bring back word to me, that I may come and worship Him also.”
When they heard the king, they departed; and behold, the star which they had seen in the East went before them, till it came and stood over where the young Child was. 10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy. 11 And when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshiped Him. And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

12 Then, being divinely warned in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed for their own country another way.

 
“The Little Drummer Boy” is an animated television special shown on TV annually around Christmas-time. (It was first televised on December 19th, 1968). I remember being a little girl, enjoying “The Little Drummer Boy” each time it came on – it was one of my favorite Christmas shows. It tells of a little Jewish boy named Aaron who finds enjoyment in only playing his drum. (His drum was a gift given to him by his parents for his birthday). Unfortunately, one night, desert bandits break into his home, steal all the livestock, kill his parents and burn down his house. Aaron is left alone – except for his animal friends: a donkey (named “Samson”), a camel (named “Joshua”) and a lamb (named “Baba”). Because of this tragedy, Aaron hates all humanity and he has to become a part of a traveling caravan – who force him to “play” his drum while his pet animals “dance” to his playing. As they are traveling – they are approached by the “Magi” – (The Three Kings) who state that they are searching for the bright star to lead them to the New Born King (Baby Jesus). The Three Kings are bearing gifts to present to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Soon after, Aaron’s lamb, “Baba” – gets hit by a Roman chariot and lies dying. Aaron asks the “Magi” to help. The Three Kings suggest that maybe the New Born King (Baby Jesus) could heal the lamb. Miraculously, after Aaron plays for Baby Jesus – his lamb, “Baba” is healed and Aaron feels kindness again towards humanity.

The following lyrics of  “The Little Drummer Boy” tell the story (and of what Aaron says) – when Aaron finds himself before Baby Jesus:

Come they told me
Pa rum pum pum pum
 

A new born King to see
Pa rum pum pum pum
 

Our finest gifts we bring
Pa rum pum pum pum
 

To lay before the King
Pa rum pum pum pum,
Rum pum pum pum,
 
So to honor Him
Pa rum pum pum pum
When we come

 Little baby
Pa rum pum pum pum
I am a poor boy too
Pa rum pum pum pum

 
I have no gift to bring
Pa rum pum pum pum

That's fit to give the King
Pa rum pum pum pum,
Rum pum pum pum,
Rum pum pum pum


 
Shall I play for You?
Pa rum pum pum pum

On my drum?
Mary nodded
Pa rum pum pum pum

The ox and lamb kept time
Pa rum pum pum pum

 
I played my drum for Him
Pa rum pum pum pum

I played my best for Him
Pa rum pum pum pum
Rum pum pum pum, Rum pum pum pum

Then He smiled at me
Pa rum pum pum pum
Me and my drum
Me and my drum

I always loved the “message” of the “The Little Drummer Boy” because it shows us how (like Aaron) – WE SHOULD ALWAYS GIVE JESUS OUR BEST!

The story also tells of how we may not have a lot of material possessions (like Aaron didn’t have) – but WE CAN  USE OUR GIFTS (and TALENTS) TO HONOR JESUS!

The below scriptures support these truths:

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.


1 Corinthians 10:31


New King James Version (NKJV)


31 Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.


In summary, God gave us His BEST – in giving us Jesus – our Lord and Savior. See John 3:16 below –

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.

Let us use our lives to GIVE OUR BEST in our love, honor and service to JESUS for His Glory!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Please enjoy the above inspirational song/video “The Little Drummer Boy” as performed by “for KING & COUNTRY”, with power and anointing.


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


BE BLESSED!

Monday, December 2, 2019

Born on That Day – Matt. 1:23 – God With Us








This is Namma for Christ with the one hundred fifty-fourth inspirational message dated Monday, December 2nd, 2019. The title of this message is “Born on That Day – Matt. 1:23 – God With Us”.

The first four words of the title are also the name of the above inspirational song/video, “Born on That Day” (with lyrics) as sung by Matt Maher.  The below passage of scripture (that accompanies this message) is from the New Testament book of Matthew - the twenty-third verse of the first chapter:

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.”
 
On the early morning of December 2nd, around 2:00 am in the morning, I woke up and I couldn’t go back to sleep. I felt compelled to write this message. Recently, on my Christian radio station Star 99.1FM, I heard the above song of Matt Maher’s, “Born on That Day”. I thought it beautifully told of the Christmas story. In this message, I just want to share with others what Christmas and Jesus’ birth, means to me.

 

Jesus is Love. Jesus' coming into this world is God’s ultimate expression of love towards us (Jesus' sacrificial love for our salvation) – as John 3:16 states below –

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.

  

When I think of Christmas – I always “think of love”. Ever since I was a child, when I think of Christmas, I think of “love”. Yes, as children, our parents provided gifts under the Christmas tree (each Christmas morning), which my brother, sister and I joyfully opened on Christmas morning. (Our parents also ensured that we also thought of others and they took us shopping to buy gifts for others.) As I got older - my Christmas memories became “much more than just gift exchanges” - It was the feeling and the presence of love. It was the joy of family members and loved ones “being together” – despite whether we had gifts to exchange or not. Even more than "being together" - it was the sense that I felt loved, safe and secure. It’s the same kind of feeling that I feel when I think of “God’s Love” for me “all-year round”.  I feel “loved, safe and secure” in God’s love for me. The BEST part is that God loves ALL His children and He wants ALL of His children to feel “loved, safe and secure” – because HE LOVES US, WANTS WHAT IS BEST FOR US and HE IS WITH US! What God has done for all who believe in His Son, Jesus - is so much MORE than just a "feeling"! Believing in Jesus as your Lord and Savior, means - that you have a "personal relationship" with Him. He is our Protector, Miracle-worker, Healer, Provider, Redeemer and Savior.  Jesus will be ALL that you need Him to be in your life. Jesus is The One in Whom you can believe in, trust, love, praise, thank, serve and LIVE for - "and live with" for all eternity! God’s very name – Emmanuel – means “God with us”. What great love! God allowed His Son, Jesus, to be born of a virgin, to live a sinless life, to go to Calvary’s cross (for our sins), and then be resurrected to redeem us of our sins. How can we not celebrate this GREAT LOVE! We have Jesus – the Savior of the world in our hearts – through the Holy Spirit! GOD IS WITH US! No matter what challenges, circumstances, disappointments, difficulties or trials come our way – WE ARE NOT ALONE! Hebrews 13:5 reminds us what Jesus said –

Hebrews 13:5


New King James Version (NKJV)


Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”

 

May this message and the above song be reminders for ALL of us – that God has already provided the GREATEST GIFT we will ever receive - in His giving us HIS SON, JESUS CHRIST!
 

Please enjoy the above inspirational song/video “Born on That Day” (with lyrics) as performed by Matt Maher, sung with power and anointing.
 
  (I do not own the rights to this song.)


BE BLESSED!

Tuesday, November 12, 2019

Rescue Story – Psalm 136:16 – Our Blessings, His Love


 
 
 

This is Namma for Christ with the one hundred fifty-third inspirational message dated Tuesday, November 12th, 2019. The title of this message is “Rescue Story – Psalm 136:16 – Our Blessings, His Love”.

The first two words of the title are also the name of the above inspirational song/video, “Rescue Story” (with lyrics) as sung by Zach Williams.  The below passage of scripture (that accompanies this message) is from the Old Testament book of Psalms - the sixteenth verse of the one hundred thirty-sixth chapter:

Psalm 136:16


New King James Version (NIV)


16 To Him who led His people through the wilderness;
His love endures forever.

 
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 November 12th, 2019) 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:
  

Our Blessings, His Love

To Him who led His people through the wilderness; His love endures forever.


 

Today's Scripture & Insight:


In 2015, a woman discarded her deceased husband’s computer at a recycling center—a computer that had been made in 1976. But more important than when it had been made was who made it. It was one of 200 computers hand built by Apple founder Steve Jobs, and was worth an estimated quarter of a million dollars! Sometimes knowing the true worth of something means knowing who made it.
Knowing that it’s God who made us shows us how valuable we are to Him (Genesis 1:27). Psalm 136 catalogs key moments of His people—ancient Israel: how they had been freed from captivity in Egypt (vv. 11–12), journeyed through the wilderness (v. 16), and were given a new home in Canaan (vv. 21–22). But each time a moment of Israel’s history is mentioned, it’s paired with this repeated refrain: “His love endures forever.” This refrain reminded the people of Israel that their experiences weren’t random historical events. Each moment had been orchestrated by God and was a reflection of His enduring love for those He’d made.
Far too often, I allow moments that show God at work and His kind ways to simply pass by, failing to recognize that every perfect gift comes from my heavenly Father (James 1:17) who made me and loves me. May you and I learn to connect every blessing in our lives to God’s enduring love for us.
 
 
Please enjoy the above inspirational song/video “Rescue Story” (with lyrics) as performed by Zach Williams sung with power and anointing.


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


BE BLESSED!

Saturday, October 26, 2019

I’m Here – Isaiah 6:8




This is Namma for Christ with the one hundred fifty-second inspirational message dated Saturday, October 26th, 2019. The title of this message is “I’m Here – Isaiah 6:8”.

The first two words of the title are also the name of the above powerfully sung song/video, "I'm Here" (with lyrics) by Cynthia Erivo from her award-winning performance of Celie in “The Color Purple” on Broadway. I saw the movie, “The Color Purple” when it first came out in 1985 and the movie made me cry.  I had never seen the play – nor Cynthia Erivo sing her song “I’m Here”…until Saturday, October 26th, 2019 – while watching her (Cynthia) be interviewed by Oprah on Oprah’s OWN Network on TV. After I saw a brief excerpt of Cynthia Erivo singing, I knew I had to go to YouTube – and include this song for my next “Namma for Christ” message.  The below passage of scripture (that accompanies this message) is from the Old Testament book of Isaiah - the eighth verse of the sixth chapter:

Isaiah 6:8


New King James Version (NKJV)


Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying:

“Whom shall I send,
And who will go for Us?”

Then I said, “Here am I! Send me.”

 

This is the text that describes Isaiah’s response to the Lord’s “calling” Isaiah to his ministry. Isaiah (who in the previous verses) – had just recently been forgiven of his sins and had just been anointed. What does Isaiah say in response to the Triune God’s question of -“Who will go for Us?”

Isaiah responds,

“Here am I! Send me.”

 

Now – Ask your YOURSELF…

WHAT IS “YOUR RESPONSE” TO God’s "CALL" ON YOUR LIFE?

ONLY…“YOU” can answer that question.

The Lord’s “calling” to Isaiah was for him to  be a prophet and to preach.  "Isaiah's calling" was "his ministry"…to “change the world”, to impact someone’s life, and to be used by God to fulfill God’s purpose for his (Isaiah’s) life.

What is YOUR calling or ministry?

 

Pray to God – if you don’t know, yet.  Seek the Lord as the below bible verse states –

Isaiah 55:6


New King James Version (NKJV)


Seek the Lord while He may be found,
Call upon Him while He is near
.

 

Our purpose – as the children of God – is to GLORIFY OUR FATHER GOD. God has been so GOOD to us – let us demonstrate our love, thankfulness and gratitude to our Lord by using our lives to GLORIFY HIM! See the below verses:

John 15:8


New King James Version (NKJV)


By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples.

 

1 Corinthians 10:31


 New King James Version (NKJV)


31 Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.

 

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.

 

Jeremiah 29:11


New International Version (NIV)


11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

 

 

In Cynthia Erivo’s performance (above) – she is singing a song (to the character "Mister" from “The Color Purple”) of "where" she’s at – “now” - despite everything that she’s (Celie’s) been through… She’s HERE!

What has GOD brought “YOU” through – so that He could USE YOU to help and bless others?

ONLY “YOU” can answer that question….

 

Please enjoy the above inspirational song/video (with lyrics) as performed by Cynthia Erivo singing her song “I’m Here” sung with power and anointing.


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


BE BLESSED!

Tuesday, October 22, 2019

My Tribute (To God Be the Glory)-Luke 23:42-43




This is Namma for Christ with the one hundred fifty-first inspirational message dated Tuesday, October 22nd, 2019. The title of this message is “My Tribute (To God Be the Glory) – Luke 23:42-43”.

The first seven words of the title are also the name of the above renowned inspirational gospel song originally written and sung by the late Andrae Crouch entitled “My Tribute (To God Be the Glory)”.  It is also the song that my very own daughter, Janel Spicer sang at the funeral of her dad, Jimmy Spicer, (my ex-husband and the father of my two daughters: Leticia and Janel). Janel sang this song with power and anointing as her last “tribute” to her dad (see the above video/song). I "also" shared in participating in the service by reading the below passage of scripture - Luke 23:42-43 –

 

Luke 23:42-43


 New International Version (NIV)


42 Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when You come into Your kingdom.”

43 Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with Me in paradise.”

 

The scripture above is part of the text that describes “the thief on the cross” and his last conversation with Jesus. The scripture text of Luke 23:32-43 describes how the thief had an “eleventh hour conversion” experience. Before his last dying breath, the thief believed in Jesus as his Lord and Savior and asked Him to “Remember me” when Jesus “came into His kingdom”.  Jesus redeemed this thief and He told him in the below verse (see Luke 23:43 below) – that he will be with Him in Paradise, today:

Luke 23:43


New International Version (NIV)


43 Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with Me in paradise.”

 

During his year-long battle against lung and brain cancer, my daughters, Leticia and Janel, continually prayed for their dad, Jimmy Spicer, to accept Jesus, as his Lord and Savior before he died. I kept reminding them of the “thief on the cross”, who believed in Jesus, right before he died - to encourage my daughters that it is possible that their dad could be “saved”. On one of her visits to his hospital, Janel informed Leticia and me that their dad did tell her that he accepted Jesus as his Lord and Savior. The joy of knowing that their dad would spend eternity with Jesus gave them “peace” and comfort beyond compare. No matter how much a person has acquired or gained in “this” life- nothing can be compared to God’s mercy, love and being redeemed by our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To God - be the Glory! Our Lord desires that all believe and be saved - see the below verses:

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.

 

2 Peter 3:9


New King James Version (NKJV)


The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.

 

 

Romans 10:8-13


New King James Version (NKJV)


But what does it say? “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart” (that is, the word of faith which we preach): that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. 11 For the Scripture says, “Whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame.” 12 For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, for the same Lord over all is rich to all who call upon Him. 13 For “whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.”

 

Please enjoy the above inspirational song/video entitled “My Tribute (To God Be the Glory)”– sung with power and anointing by Janel Spicer.

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

 

BE BLESSED!