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!

Fall On Me – Gen. 1:1-2 – The God of Order

This is “Namma for Christ” with the two hundred sixty-seventh inspirational message dated Thursday, May 2nd, 2024.  The title of this message is, “Fall On Me – Gen. 1:1-2 – The God of Order”.  The first three words of the title of this message are also the words of the title of the below anointed song/video, “Fall On Me” (with lyrics) by “NEEDTOBREATHE” featuring Carly Pearce. The message’s scripture is below as found in the book of  Genesis – the first and second verses of the first chapter:

Genesis 1:1-2 

New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition (NRSVUE)

¹ In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth, ² the earth was complete chaos, and darkness covered the face of the deep, while a wind from God swept over the face of the waters.

 

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 13th, 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:

 

THE GOD OF ORDER

 

² The earth was complete chaos, and darkness covered the face of the deep, while a wind from God swept over the face of the waters. Genesis 1:2 (NRSVUE)

 

Today's Scripture & Insight:

Genesis 1:1-10

Seth took all the medications he could find in the medicine cabinet. Raised in a family filled with brokenness and disorder, his life was a mess. His mom was regularly abused by his father until his dad took his own life. Now Seth wanted to “just end” his own. But then a thought came to mind, “Where do I go when I die?” By God’s grace, Seth didn’t die that day. And in time, after studying the Bible with a friend, he received Jesus as his Savior. Part of what drew Seth to God was seeing the beauty and order in creation. He said, “I…see things that are just beautiful. Someone made all of this.”

In Genesis 1, we read of the God who indeed created all things. And although “the earth was complete chaos” (v. 2 NRSVUE), He brought order out of disorder.

He “separated the light from the darkness” (verse Gen. 1:4 – see below), placed land amid the seas (verse 10), and made plants and creatures according to their “kinds” (verses 11-12, 21, 24-25). The One who “created the heavens and earth and put everything in place” (verse Isaiah 45:18 NLT – see below) continues to, as Seth discovered, bring peace and order to lives surrendered to Christ.

      Life can be chaotic and challenging. Praise God that He’s not “a God of disorder but of peace” (verse 1^st Corinthians 14:33 NLT – see below). Let’s call out to Him today and ask Him to help us find the beauty and order He alone provides.

 

By Tom Felten for ODB

 

Genesis 1:4 

New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition (NRSVUE)

⁴ And God saw that the light was good, and God separated the light from the darkness.

 

Isaiah 45:18 

New Living Translation (NLT)

¹⁸ For the Lord is God,
    and He created the heavens and earth
    and put everything in place.
He made the world to be lived in,
    not to be a place of empty chaos.
“I am the Lord,” He says,
    “and there is no other.

 

1^st Corinthians 14:33 

New Living Translation (NLT)

 ³³ For God is not a God of disorder but of peace, as in all the meetings of God’s holy people.

  Please enjoy the below anointed song/video, “Fall On Me” (with lyrics) by “NEEDTOBREATHE” featuring Carly Pearce.

 (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!

  

My God Can – Rom. 8:28-29 – God Is in Everything

 

This is Namma for Christ with the two hundred sixty-sixth inspirational message dated Monday, April 8th, 2024. The title of this message is “My God Can – Rom. 8:28-29 – God Is in Everything”.

The first three words of this message’s title are also the words of the title of the below anointed song/video, “My God Can (with lyrics)” as performed by Katy Nichole featuring Naomi Raine.

The below passage of scripture (that accompanies this message) is from the twenty-eighth and twenty-ninth verses of the eighth chapter of Romans:

Romans 8:28-29

New King James Version - (NKJV)

²⁸ And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. ²⁹ For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren.

  

The title of this message includes the words – “God Is in Everything” – which is the “title” of the late Dr. Charles Stanley’s “In Touch” Daily Devotional for (April 4^th, 2024) – 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”.

 

 God Is in Everything

  Romans 8:28-29

 

      You’ve probably asked yourself, Is God really involved in the details of my life? If you’re like most of us, it’s easy to believe that God is in the good things. He’s surely in your successes, strong relationships, and good physical health. But you may wonder if He’s also in your failures, broken relationships, and sickness. Good news – He is!

      Take note of an important distinction: God being in everything doesn’t mean that He is causing everything that happens to us.

After all, we live in a fallen world full of brokenness and sin. There will always be trouble to deal with on this side of eternity. So, while God doesn’t create every circumstance we face, He does allow every circumstance. As He does, He’s weaving the good parts and the difficult parts of our lives together for our long-term benefit and His glory.

      Nothing we’re dealing with has slipped by our sovereign God. Everything is under His control. When we choose to trust His ultimate goodness, we can both receive the joys of today with thanksgiving and accept the hardships with peace. It is the peace of knowing that God is with us, for us, and always working for the good of those who love Him.

 

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

 

Please enjoy the below song/video, “My God Can (with lyrics)” by Katy Nichole featuring Naomi Raine 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! 

Your Love – Ephesians 5:20-21 – Thanks for the Memories

 

This is Namma for Christ with the two hundred sixty-fifth inspirational message dated Thursday, March 21st, 2024. The title of this message is “Your Love – Ephesians 5:20-21 – Thanks for the Memories”.

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

The below passage of scripture (that accompanies this message) is from the twentieth and the twenty-first verses of the fifth chapter of Ephesians:

Ephesians 5:20-21

New Life Version - (NLV)

²⁰ Always give thanks for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

²¹ Be willing to help and care for each other because of Christ. By doing this, you honor Christ.

 

 

For many years, I have enjoyed reading the inspirational messages as provided by Our Daily Bread Ministries in their publications of "OUR DAILY BREAD" and I’ve also enjoyed reading Charles Stanley’s Intouch daily devotionals. On the early morning of March 21st, 2024 – I had an inspirational message of my own that I feel God led me to share.

 
 I wanted to share this message with you (see the below message) – because “of the love” of my late father.

 Your Love – Eph. 5:20-21 - Thanks for the Memories

 

 

Recently, my co-teacher (and friend) and I were reminiscing about precious “memories” we each had experienced with our parents – when we were both younger.

I don’t even remember how “this subject” came up! We both had a brief break in our teaching – while our students were out of the classroom – during their physical-education class.

I shared a “precious memory” of an “incident” that I had with my late father:

The month and year had been January of 2003 and my father had been hospitalized - after having been diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer. It was truly a difficult time for my family and I. During my Dad’s hospitalization, I would visit my Dad (during my lunch hour). I had worked (at that time) at my previous job, a phone company, which was about a 20-minute drive from the hospital. There was one “particular visit” that stood out for me – which I will never forget. During my bed-side visit with my Dad in his hospital room, he had been receiving oxygen – through an “oxygen mask” – to help his breathing. I remember getting a “call” from my boss. At that time, we had “flip phones” – and my boss had called me on mine. Upon stepping out the room - I found out that I had to attend an upcoming meeting. As soon as I told my Dad that my job had called – he “took” off his oxygen mask and despite his weakened state – he told me, “GO!”

I will never forget it – because, I seriously wanted to stay a little longer with my Dad –  for our visit. When I saw the seriousness of my Dad’s request for me to “GO” (to return back to work) – I knew I HAD TO OBEY my Dad!

 I kissed my Dad, promised him that I would be back later to visit him and then I returned back to work. “This precious memory” reminded me of how much my Dad loved me. He always wanted what was best for “me” – and both my siblings: my older brother and younger sister. My Dad “knew” that I needed my job – (as a single parent of two daughters) – he didn’t want me to jeopardize my job – by “not” returning to work – when I was called by my boss. My Dad demonstrated his love – by “not” thinking of himself – but, by thinking of what was BEST for me!  

Ephesians 5:21 is a verse that reminds us to think and care about others – and by doing this – we give the honor and glory to Jesus:

²¹ Be willing to help and care for each other because of Christ. By doing this, you honor Christ.

 

 

My Dad is in heaven now - but my love for him and my precious memories of him – will always last “forever”! May my Dad continue to rest in Heavenly peace with Jesus.

 

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

 

Please enjoy the below song/video, “Your Love” (with lyrics) by Christian artist “Blessing Offor” 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! 

Lead On Good Shepherd – Luke 1:37

 This is “Namma for Christ” with the two hundred sixty-fourth inspirational message dated Tuesday, February 27th, 2024.  The title of this message is, “Lead On Good Shepherd – Luke 1:37”.  The first four words of the title of this message are also the words of the title of the below anointed song/video, “Lead On Good Shepherd” (with lyrics) by Patrick Mayberry featuring Zahriya Zachary. The message’s scripture is below as found in the book of  Luke – the thirty-seventh verse of the first chapter:

Luke 1:37 

New King James Version (NKJV)

³⁷ For with God nothing will be impossible.

As to share with future readers and to provide a brief quotation for critical review - I have included an excerpt of the (February 15^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:)

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COME TO ME with all your weaknesses: physical, emotional, and spiritual. Rest in the comfort of My Presence, remembering that nothing is impossible with Me.

Pry your mind away from your problems so you can focus your attention on Me. Recall that I am able to do immeasurably more than all you ask or imagine. Instead of trying to direct Me to do this and that, seek to attune yourself to what I am already doing.

When anxiety attempts to wedge its way into your thoughts, remind yourself that I am your Shepherd. The bottom line is that I am taking care of you; therefore, you needn’t be afraid of anything. Rather than trying to maintain control over your life, abandon yourself to My will. Though this may feel frightening – even dangerous, the safest place to be is in My will.

 

Luke 1:37 

New King James Version (NKJV)

³⁷ For with God nothing will be impossible.

 

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.

 

Psalm 23:1-4
New King James Version (NKJV)

23 The Lord is my shepherd;
I shall not want.
² He makes me to lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside the still waters.
³ He restores my soul;
He leads me in the paths of righteousness
For His name’s sake.

⁴ Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil;
For You are with me;
Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.

  Please enjoy the below anointed song/video, “Lead On Good Shepherd” (with lyrics) by Patrick Mayberry featuring Zahriya Zachary.

 (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!