The Graves Opened

Song: Christ Arose
Up from the grave He arose,
With a mighty triumph o'er His foes;
He arose a victor from the dark domain,
And He lives forever with His saints to reign;
He arose! … He arose! …
Hallelujah! Christ arose! …
(Lyrics & music: Robert Lowry)

The Grave Opened
Matthew 27:51-53 “Then the curtain in the Temple was torn into two pieces, from the top to the bottom. Also, the earth shook and rocks broke apart. The graves opened, and many of God's people who had died were raised from the dead. They came out of the graves after Jesus was raised from the dead and went into holy city, where they appeared to many people” (NCV).

Paul brought the Good News to the Christians at Corinth, an ancient city of Greece. He passed on the Good News about Christ died for our sins, as the Scriptures says; that he was buried, and was raised to life on the third day. Christ was seen by Peter, twelve apostles, 500 believers at the same time, James and finally Paul in vision (1 Cor. 15:1-11).

What was the most powerful witness of Jesus' resurrection? I choose Matthew 27:53. Why? Because God's people came out of the graves after Jesus arose and they met many people in Jerusalem, the holy city. I could imagine the great excitement of those who came out of the graves and greet the people who knew them. It might have been a big shock when families and old friends have seen them “alive after being dead in the grave.”

Let us rejoice that our Lord has risen!

Dorothy

PS. (Manna March 28-31, 2013) 

God's Darkroom

Lamentations 3:6, 26 “He hath set me in dark places … it is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the Lord” (KJV).

Do you ever wonder who really invented the idea of having a camera? God gave gift to man to invent the camera. When we have camera, we like to take pictures. Inside the camera, we have film. When we completed the films inside the roll, we take it out and go to the store and give the roll of film to the clerk. The clerk put inside the envelope and tells you how many days it would be done.

Then the films are sent to the person who has the skills in the development of photographs. The films must first be taken INTO A DARKROOM. The person worked with the chemicals to bring out the film into pictures. When it is done in the dark, then it would be safe to expose the negatives to light and produce the final prints. The light, which would have destroyed the film, now brings out its beauty.

Lamentations 3:6 in NCV says, “He made me sit in the dark …” God has taken pictures of us, meaning we have had many wonderful experiences with Him. So now God takes us through “DARKROOM” experiences to develop our spiritual life. As we pass through trial, sorrow, frustration, disappointment, and dark times, the Lord was developing the image of Christ within us. Then we are ready to be displayed in the light. Heaven would be our final print of life in Christ.

“It is good to wait quietly for the Lord to save” (NCV). Word of advice: Do not seek to get back into the light too soon. Let us wait for His perfect timing so He could “imprint His love” on the film of our lives. While we wait, take the time to sing uplifting song.

Song: In Times Like These

In times like these you need a Savior;

In times like these you need an anchor;

Be very sure, Be very sure,

Your anchor holds and grips the Solid Rock.

This Rock is Jesus, Yes, He’s the One;

This Rock is Jesus, The only One;

Be very sure; Be very sure,

Your anchor holds and grips the Solid Rock.

(Lyric: Ruth Caye Jones, Sing His Praise)

So let’s put our trust in the hand of God on our lives!

Dorothy

Some Thank the Lord

I Thessalonians 5:18 “In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you” (KJV).

For several days, I went through what it was like, “listless feelings.” The word, listless means, too tired or too little interested to want to do things; having a lack of desire to act or move from earlier list “desire, liking” (Merriam-Webster). So I questioned myself, “What is this? I was not comfortable with it until I remind myself that being an intercessor; I might felt what someone else was going through.” So I prayed.  “Lord, is someone going through this? What do you, Lord wants us to do?”

I came across the devotion I was reading and then I realized something. Paul, the Epistle Writer, if we know the stories of what Paul went through. Yet Paul encouraged us, “No matter what happens, always be thankful, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus” (NLT). So what does God wants us to do? “Give thanks whatever happens. That is what God wants for you to do in Christ Jesus” (NCV).

In his Epistles, Paul wrote about thanksgiving more often. Paul believed that the followers of Jesus could be thankful for everything because God is in the control, and He is working things out for the believers’ good. Thanksgiving is given through Jesus for everything because Colossians 3:15 and 17 tells us to “be thankful” and “giving thanks to God.”

Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father! When we are going through this “listless spirits,” I want to thank You for giving us an authority through Jesus Christ to “command that spirit of listless” to come out of us. Deliver us from evil for Thine is the Kingdom and the power and the glory forever in Jesus’ name we pray. Amen!

Song: Thank You, Lord

Chorus:

Thank you Lord, for saving my soul;

Thank you Lord, for making me whole;

Thank you Lord, for giving to me

Thy great salvation so rich and free.

1. Some thank the Lord for friends and home,

For mercies sure and sweet;

But I would praise Him for His grace,

In prayer I would repeat. (Then chorus)

2. Some thank Him for the flowers that grow,

Some for the stars that shine;

My heart is filled with joy and praise,

Because I know He’s mine. (Then chorus)

3. I trust in Him from day to day,

I prove His saving grace;

I’ll sing this song of praise to Him

Until I see His face. (Then chorus)

(Mr. and Mrs. Seth Sykes, Singspiration)

Jesus' Blood Cleansed

I John 1:7
If we walk in the light, as He is in the light,
we have fellowship one with another, and the
blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us
from all our sin (KJV).

Prayer song to the Lord:
1. Lord, keep my soul from day to day,
Under the Blood, under the Blood,
Take doubt and fear and sin away,
Under the precious Blood.
Chorus:
Under the Blood, the precious Blood,
Under the cleansing, healing flood;
Keep me, Savior, from day to day,
Under the precious Blood.

2. Lord, with thyself my spirit fill,
Under the blood, under the Blood;
And work in me to do Thy will,
Under the precious Blood.
(Lyrics: Eliza Edmunds Hewitt, Sing His Praise)

Dorothy:
The song, Under the Blood, the precious Blood,
is very important to use it against the force
of demons all around us. John encouraged us
that the continual cleansing of Jesus' Blood
allows us to have intimate (close) fellowship
with God.

Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for Your Son,
Jesus Christ, which the Calvary and the Blood of
Jesus keeps us on guard against the force of
demons. Thank You for the Blood of Jesus so
we could be close to You. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

Never Lose Its Power

Song: The Blood Will Never Lose Its Power

1. The blood that Jesus shed for me,
‘Way back on Calvary;
The Blood that gives me strength from day to day,
It will never lose its power.
It reaches to the highest mountain;
It flows to the lowest valley.
The Blood that gives me strength from day to day,
It will never lose its power.

2. It soothes my doubts and calms my fears,
And it dries all my tears;
The Blood that gives me strength from day to day,
It will never lose its power.
It reaches to the highest mountain;
It flows to the lowest valley.
The Blood that gives me strength from day to day,
It will never lose…
It will never lose…
It will never lose… its… power….
(Lyrics and Music: Andrae Crouch)

Revelation 5:9,10
KJV: And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy
to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for
thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy
blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and
nations; And hast made us unto our God kings, and priests:
and we shall reign on the earth.
NCV: And they all sang a new song to the Lamb: "You are
worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because
you were killed, and WITH THE BLOOD OF YOUR DEATH
you bought people for God, and they will rule on the earth."

Prayer:
Dear Father in Heaven, the Creator of heaven and earth, the
one the made the sky and the sea, hear our prayer. You are
one God, one Lord, blessed be Your name forever and ever.
I plead the Blood of Jesus over my friends, my families and
those who read this Fresh Manna, I plead the Blood of Jesus
to cover them and be healed in the name of Jesus Christ, our
precious Savior. May we all be blessed by You heavenly Father,
and by the power of the Holy Spirit. May the blood of Jesus
flows through our bodies and be healed in Jesus' name. Amen.

Dorothy

The Lord's Death

I Corinthians 11:26 “For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do show the Lord’s death till he come.”

We proclaim His death simply by partaking of the Lord’s Supper. Every time we take the bread and wine, we declare that the Lord’s death has conquered the principalities and powers of darkness. Jesus has conquered death and has already won the victory over the devil and his powers. So the victory is already ours. We just claimed this.

What impressed me about communion is to proclaim the Lord’s death through taking bread and wine. We are to quote that the devil and demons were defeated at the cross of Calvary. Keep that in mind that we have the victory in Jesus’ name. Amen! Yes! It is simple as that. What makes it difficult for us to practice in doing this? We struggled and say, “Was this for real?” Holy Spirit, “Help us to understand how important this is.”

In March 21^st devotion, the song along with the communion would be very good together. It would give the Communion more meanings. The broken bread is for broken body for our healing. The wine for the blood is for forgiveness of our sins. May the Lord open our eyes to grasp the Word of God.

Dorothy

My Yoke Is Easy

Matthew 11:30 “For my yoke fits perfectly, and the burden I give you is light” (NLT). 

A yoke is a heavy wooden harness that fits over the shoulders of an ox or oxen. It is attached to a piece of equipment the oxen are to pull.

A person may be carrying heavy burdens of:

1) sin,

2) excessive demands of religious leaders,

3) oppression and persecution, or

4) weariness in the search of God.

[Ref: Matt.23:4; Acts15:10].

Jesus frees people from all these burdens. The rest that Jesus promises is love, healing, and peace with God, not the end of all labor. A relationship with God changes meaningless, wearisome toil into spiritual productivity and purpose. [QVLAB notes]

What does this means to me? I visualized Jesus and me; yoke together like two oxen were yoked together. Usually, there is a special fit of yoke for each ox. So Jesus knows what fits me best and He made my burden light. He does not want me to feel like a “whipped slavery” and forced us to do something for Him. He wants me to know that He will carry the heavy burdens so my burden would be lighter.

Prayer: Thank You, Lord for being so thoughtful and caring. Thank You for giving me a better view of who You really are. You are a gentle Savior, and a gentle burden-bearer. Thank You for teaching me to work with You. O how I love You for this. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen!

Song: Come Unto Me

Come unto Me; I will give you rest;

Take My yoke upon you, Hear Me and be blest;

I am meek and lowly, come and trust My might;

Come, My yoke is easy, And My burden’s light.

(Charles P. Jones, Sing His Praise)

May the Lord bless you!

Dorothy

I Came To Serve

Matthew 11:28 Jesus said, “Learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart” (KJV).

   
What did Jesus meant when He said to learn something from Him? We could find answer from Philippians 2:5-7 “Your attitude should be the same that Christ Jesus had. Though he was God, he did not demand and cling to his rights as God. He made himself nothing; he took the humble position of a slave and appeared in human form” (NLT).

  
Jesus Christ was humble, willing to give up his right in order to obey God and serve people. Like Christ, let us be willing to have a servant’s attitude, serving out of love for God and for others. We can choose our attitude. We can look for opportunities to serve others. Jesus said, “For even I, the Son of Man, came here not to be served but to serve others” (Mark 10:45 NLT).   

Song: If You Would Be Great

 If you would be great in God’s kingdom,

    then learn to be servant of all.

If you want to be great in God’s kingdom

    then learn to be servant of all.

Learn to be servant of all;

Learn to be servant of all.

I’ll open up a river when thou art a giver

    and learn to be servant of all.

(Song collection, author unknown)

May the Lord bless you!

Dorothy

Let Me Teach You

Matthew 11:29 “Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle, and you will find rest for your souls” (NLT).

Jesus said, “Let me teach you.” One example Jesus did was found in John 13:4-15 that He wash the disciples’ feet. He said, “I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you” (v.15 kjv).

When was the last time you ever washed someone’s feet? Me? It was during the New Year Eve Service in 1970’s in California with the Deaf Church. What did that felt like when I washed someone’s feet? The blessing of the Holy Spirit really moved among us and there was a deep humility that I had never experience before. Being humble is something you do for someone. It was awesome experience.

Jesus said, “Let me teach you” and one of them was washing someone’s feet. Do you want to be humble? I am beginning to wonder why it was so long that we haven’t practice this teaching of Jesus. It is something to think about.

Song: To Be Like Jesus

To be like Jesus,

To be like Jesus,

All I ask to be like Him.

All through life’s journey,

From earth to glory

All I ask to be like Him.

(Inspiring Choruses)

May the Lord touch our hearts!

Dorothy

Insurmountable

Matthew 11:28 “Come unto Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (NIV).

Jesus’ gracious invitation comes to all “that labor and are heavy laden” with the troubles of life and the sins of our own human nature. By coming to Jesus, becoming His servant, and obeying His direction, Jesus will free you from your insurmountable burdens and give you rest, peace, and His Holy Spirit to lead you through life. What trials and cares you carry will be borne with His help and grace [Note from The Full Life Study Bible, Donald Stamps].

The word, insurmountable means incapable of being surmounted. The word, surmount means overcome like surmount an obstacle; 2: to get to the top of like climb; 3: to stand like a weather vane surmounts the roof. The word, incapable means not able to do something like incapable of cleaning her room thoroughly. The word, obstacle means something that stands in the way of progress or achievement like hindrance or prevent from doing something.

So what this means to me, “Jesus will free you from your insurmountable burdens.” Let me think … What was too much for me, He will help me through it. What was more than I could handle, Holy Spirit will lead me step by step. Praise the Lord! Thank you, Lord for this precious “Manna” that you gave to me this morning. So “Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need” (Heb.4:16 KJV).

Song: Jesus Will Lead Me

Jesus will lead me night and day,

Jesus will lead me all the way,

He is the truest Friend to me,

For I remember Calvary.

(W. C. Martin, Sing His Praise, “I Remember Calvary”)

May God bless you today.

Dorothy

Friendship

Psalm 25:14 “The secret of the Lord is with them that fear Him; and He will show them His covenant” (KJV).

There’s a good translation from New Century Version “The Lord tells His secrets to those who respect Him; He tells them about his agreement.” And also from NLT: “Friendship with the Lord is reserved for those who fear him. With them he shares the secrets of his covenant.”

What a wonderful friendship with the Lord that is reserved for those who show great respect toward Him! God offers intimate and lasting friendship. God wants to talk with us and be very close to Him like a warm friendship and a feeling of belonging to Him. Our everlasting friendship with God will grow as we continue to show respect to Him.

Another thing to know how He chose the kind of people He wants to make friends with.  Proverbs 3:31-32 “Do not envy violent people; don’t copy their ways. Such wicked people are an abomination to the Lord, but he offers his friendship to the godly” (NLT). The secret of the Lord actually interpreted “Friendship with the Lord … so He offers His friendship to the person who lives godly lives.” He would not choose the violent people because it is disgusting and detestable to Him.

Jesus said to His disciples, “I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you” (John 15:15). So I looked for a song, under the name “Friendship” and I was surprised to find this title of the song: “Friendship with Jesus.” This is an awesome “Manna” from the Lord this morning. I appreciate this, Lord!

Song: Friendship with Jesus

Chorus: Friendship with Jesus, Fellowship divine;

Oh, what blessed sweet communion, Jesus is a friend of mine.

1. A friend of Jesus, oh, what bliss That one so weak as I

    Should ever have a friend like this, To lead me to the sky.

2. A friend when other friendships cease, A friend when others fail;

    A friend who gives me joy and peace, A friend who will prevail.

3. A friend to lead me in the dark, A friend who knows the way;

    A friend to steer my weak, frail bark, A friend my debts to pay.

4. A friend when sickness lays me low, A friend when death draws near;

    A friend as thro’ the vale I go, A friend to help and cheer.

5. A friend when life’s rough voyage is over, A friend when death is past;

    A friend to greet on heaven’s shore, A friend when home at last.

             (Lyrics: J. C. Ludgate, Sing His Praise)

May the Lord bless you today!

Dorothy

Cannot Be Chained

2 Timothy 2:9 “And because I preach this Good News, I am suffering and have been chained like a criminal. But the word of God cannot be chained” (NLT).

Paul was in chains in prison because of the Good News he preached. When Paul said that Jesus was God, he made the Jews very angry because the Jews had condemned Jesus for blasphemy. [Jesus claimed that He is the Son of God]. But many Jews became followers of Christ (1Cor.1:24). Paul, also, made the Roman angry because they worshiped their emperor as god. But still some in Caesar’s household turned to Jesus for salvation (Phil.4:22).

When Paul said that Jesus was human, he angered the Greeks, who thought divinity was soiled if it had any contact with humanity, still many Greeks accepted the faith (Acts11:20,21). The truth that Jesus is one person with two united natures has never been easy to understand, but it is being believed by people every day. Despite the opposition, continue to proclaim Christ. Some will listen and believe. (Notes from QVLAB)

Paul was in the house of arrest for two years, although he had been chained like a criminal, yet Paul was able to receive visitors and preach the gospel to them (Acts28:30). During this time he wrote the Epistles to the Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon. In A.D. 64, Paul was released and continued to missionary works. During this time he wrote I Timothy and Titus. Paul was again arrested about A.D. 67, and was taken back to Rome. 2 Timothy was written during this second imprisonment at Rome. Paul’s imprisonment ended by his being behead, suffering martyrdom under the Roman emperor Nero. (Notes from Donald C. Stamps, The Full Life Study Bible).

This is probably an early Christian hymn. God is faithful to His children, and although we may suffer great hardships here, God promises that someday we will live eternally with Him (2 Timothy 2:11-13 NLT).

THE SONG OF THE MARTYR

If we die with him,

we will also live with him.

If we endure hardship,

we will reign with him.

If we deny him,

he will deny us.

If we are unfaithful,

he remains faithful,

For he cannot deny himself.

We have the Bible, the Word of God has not been be chained since Paul wrote less than 2,000 years ago. This is an awesome study to make me appreciate that God’s Word cannot be chained.

Dorothy

Remember Jesus Christ

2 Timothy 2:8

“Remember Jesus Christ. He is from the family of David. After Jesus died, he was raised from death. This is the Good News that I tell people” (English Version for the Deaf).

The gospel proclaims the humanity and deity of Jesus Christ. He was the Seed of David: Man. He is the risen Lord: God. Now He is a glorified Christ. NLT Repeat this: “Never forget that Jesus Christ was a man born into King David’s family and that he was raised from the dead. This is the Good News I preach.” Why was this important for Paul to mention this verse?

False teachers were a problem in Ephesus. At the heart of false teaching was not correct in the view of Christ. In Timothy’s day many false teachers claimed that Christ was divine but not human—God but not man. These days we often hear that Jesus was human but not divine—man but not God. Either view destroys the good news that Jesus Christ has taken our sins on himself and has reconciled us to God. In this verse, Paul firmly states that Jesus is fully man, “born into King David’s family” and fully God, “raised from the dead.” This is an important doctrine for all Christians (QuickVerse Life Application Bible Notes). [Ref: Acts 20:29,30; 1Tim.1:3-11]

 This devotion really opened my eyes to realize that there are some people who want to destroy the good news about Jesus Christ. No wonder it is so important to study God’s Word and know where we stand in our belief in Christ. Jesus said, “If you continue in My Word, then you are my disciples.” This led me to remember the song, Blessed Redeemer.

Song: Blessed Redeemer Chorus:

Blessed Redeemer! Precious Redeemer!

Seems now I see Him on Calvary’s tree;

Wounded and bleeding, for sinners pleading,

Blind and unheeding, dying for me!

(Lyrics: Avis Burgeson Christiansen, Sing His Praise)

1. Up Calvary’s mountain one dreadful morn,

Walked Christ my Savior weary and worn,

Facing for sinners death on the cross

That He might save them from endless loss. (Then Chorus)

2. “Father forgive them!” thus did He pray,

E’en while His life-blood flowed fast away;

Praying for sinners while in such woe,

No one but Jesus ever loved so. (Then Chorus)

3. O how I love Him, Savior and Friend,

How can my praises ever find end!

Thro’ years unnumbered (many) on heaven’s shore,

My tongue shall praise Him forevermore. (Then Chorus)

Think Over These Things

2 Timothy 2:7 “Think about what I am saying, because the Lord will give you the ability to understand everything” (NCV).  

Paul gave four illustrations: teacher, soldier, athlete and farmer. A teacher is upheld by discipleship. A soldier is upheld by the thought of final victory. An athlete is upheld by the vision of the crown. A hard working farmer is upheld by the hope of the harvest. Each submits to the discipline and the toil or work for the sake of the glory which shall be. It is so with the Christian. The Christian struggle is not without a goal; it is always going somewhere. The Christian can be certain that after the effort of the Christian life, there comes the joy of heaven; and the greater the struggle, the greater the joy (Part note from Barclay’s Commentaries).

Why is it important to be a strong Christian in all four of these illustrations? Paul gives reason from 2 Timothy 2:15 from Barclay’s translation: “Put out every effort to present to God as one who has stood the test, as a workman who has no need to be ashamed, as one who rightly handles the word of truth.”

What does Paul meant “as one who has stood the test?” There would always be “false teacher” who would try to convert the Christian to “another gospel” rather than the true gospel of Jesus Christ. False teacher would try to use so many words as to confuse them into their purpose of their teachings. Their goal is to draw them away from God and His Word (2Tim.2:15-18). To lose being a strong soldier is to get involved with “worldly needs.” To lose being a strong athlete is to forget the discipline and let it go. To lose being a hard-working farmer is to give up waiting for the harvest and go somewhere else, “looking for gold.” In another word, the Christian would “fail the test.”

God will give you the ability to understand where you are standing. The test would be how strong you are able to stand against things that tried to “pull you down.” Ephesians 6:10-18 gives a good illustration on how to “be strong in the Lord and in the power of his might” and end with “Praying always.”

Song: Stand Up for Jesus

Stand up, stand up for Jesus, Ye soldiers of the cross,

Lift high His royal banner, It must not suffer loss;

From victory unto victory His army shall He lead,

Till every foe is vanquished And Christ is Lord indeed.

(Lyrcs: George Duffield, Sing His Praise)

May the Lord bless you as you stand up for Jesus!

Dorothy

A Hard Working Farmer

2 Timothy 2:6  
^“Hardworking farmers are the first to enjoy the fruit of their labor” (NTL).

Paul has used the picture of the soldier and of the athlete, and now he uses the picture of the farmer. It is not the lazy farmer, but the farmer who works, who would be the first to receive the share of the fruits of the harvest. So what kind of character of a farmer which Paul would wish to see in the life of the Christian?

The farmer has learned to wait with patience so it is the same picture that the Christian has learned to wait with patience. A farmer knows that there are no such things as quick results. Often a Christian sows the good seed of the word into the hearts and minds of his hearers and sees no immediate result. A farmer watched with hope of a good harvest so does the Christian who watch and pray for a good harvest, whether win to soul or to watch a baby Christian to grow in grace.

The New Century Version quoted: “The farmer who works hard should be the first person to get some of the food that was grown.” Like farmers, we work extremely hard and are patient. We keep going despite of suffering because of the hope of harvest. We will see that our suffering is worthwhile when we achieve our goal of glorifying God, winning people to Christ, and one day living eternally with Him. (Notes from QVLAB)

The book of James tells us this: “Brothers and sisters, be patient until the Lord comes again. A farmer patiently waits for his valuable crop to grow from the earth and for it to receive the autumn and spring rains. You, too, must be patient. Do not give up hope, because the Lord is coming soon” (James 5:7-8 ncv). This makes me think of two songs.

Song: Work, for the Night Is Coming”

1. Work, for the night is coming,

Work thro’ the morning hours;

Work while the dew is sparkling,

Work ‘mid springing flowers;

Work when the day grows brighter,

Work in the glowing sun;

Work, for the night is coming,

When man’s work is done.

(Lyrics: Annie L. Coghill, Sing His Praise)

Song: We’ll Work Till Jesus Comes

We’ll work … till Jesus comes,

We’ll work … till Jesus comes,

We’ll work … till Jesus comes,

And we’ll be gathered home.

(Lyrics: Elizabeth Mills, Sing His Praise)

Let’s work until Jesus comes!

Dorothy

A Strong Athlete

2 Timothy 2:5 “Follow the Lord’s rules for doing his work, just as an athlete either follows the rules or is disqualified and wins no prize” (NLT).

Paul encouraged Timothy who was a minister for Christ to be like a strong athlete. What is an athlete? The athlete person who takes part in exercises that requires to have physical skill, endurance, and strength. Like athletes, they must train hard and follow the rules before they get into the games.

The King James Version quoted: “And if a man also strives for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully.” What interests me was the phrase, “strive for masteries.” The athlete is strong in discipline and self-denial. The picture is that of a professional athlete, a person who has dedicated his life—all that he is and has—to the contest. The Christian is not to be an amateur in life; he is to be professional. An amateur is a person who engages in something without experience or skill. It is like a person who takes part in something for pleasure. (Part from QVLAB notes)

When we “enter the Christian contest,” our official is the Lord Jesus Christ, the very Son of God Himself. How do we follow the Lord’s rules? Simply, believe in the Lord Jesus Christ; study His Word, read your Bible and pray every day. Be filled with the Spirit and allow the Holy Spirit to help us to live for Christ and become more like Him. It takes disciplined and hard work to keep growing in the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ.

I like what Paul said from 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 “Remember that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize. You also must run in such a way that you will win. All athletes practice strict self-control. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize. So I run straight to the goal with purpose in every step. I am not like a boxer who misses his punches. I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should. Otherwise, I fear that after preaching to others I, myself might be disqualified” (NLT).

You may wonder, what does this really mean to me? When I studied this part of the verse about the athlete, this helps me to understand why I get up early in the morning to take time with Him and His word, “Manna.” After reading Paul’s epistle and the word, “discipline” takes on a new meaning for me. It just felt like “a growing pain,” but I felt good because I understood what it takes to follow our “Commander” who loves us and gave Himself for us. Oh, the song just reminds me to sing this.

Song: It Will Be Worth It All

It will be worth it all when we see Jesus,

Life’s trials will seem so small, When we see Christ;

One glimpse of His dear face, all sorrow will erase,

So bravely run the race, Till we see Christ.

(Lyrics: Esther Kerr Rusthoi, Sing His Praise)

May the Lord touch your heart today!

Dorothy

A Strong Soldier

2 Timothy 2:3 “Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ” (KJV).

Paul used a comparison with soldiers who discipline themselves and who were willing to sacrifice to work toward the goal that God has called a person to do. Like soldiers who have to give up the worldly security and endure severe discipline. Paul, himself knows what it is like to be a soldier of Jesus Christ. Paul knew that as Timothy preached and taught God’s Word, Timothy would face suffering, and Paul encourage Timothy to endure all things for Christ.

The New Living Translation would be better interpreted as Paul stated, “Endure suffering along with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. And as Christ’s soldier, do not let yourself become tied up in the affairs of this life, for then you cannot satisfy the one who has enlisted you in his army” (2Tim.2:3-4). The New Century Version stated, “Share in the troubles we have like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. A soldier wants to please the enlisting officer, so no one serving in the army wastes time with everyday matters.”

What would it take for a Deaf Christian believer to be a strong soldier of Jesus Christ? Here are the few selective answers from the QVLAB study notes that impressed me. A strong soldier endures, suffers, and shares hardship with all other soldiers. A strong soldier stands with the other soldiers and suffers the hardships of the struggle with them. A strong soldier sacrifices all that he is and has for Christ.

A strong soldier is loyal and committed to his commander-in-chief, Jesus Christ. A strong soldier focuses upon his commander and his words to carry the message of gospel to those around us. To me, it would take a strong soldier to keep up with the daily study or reading of God’s Word to feed our hungry soul and to share God’s Word with others. Keeping in touch with our Commander, Jesus Christ is the most important thing to do. This song might motivate the Deaf people in the Deaf Church.

Song: Onward Christian Soldier

Chorus:

Onward, Christian soldiers! Marching as to war,

With the cross of Jesus, Going on before.

1. Onward, Christian Soldiers! Marching as to war,

With the cross of Jesus, going on before;

Christ, the royal Master, Leads against the foe;

Forward into battle, See His banners go! (Chorus)

2. Like a mighty army, Moves the church of God;

Brothers, we are treading, Where the saints have trod;

We are not divided, All one body we,

One in hope and doctrine, One in Charity. (Chorus)

 (Lyrics: Sabine Baring-Gould, Sing His Praise)

Let's be a strong soldier for Jesus Christ, our Commander!

Dorothy

A Strong Teacher

2 Timothy 2:2 “And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also” (KJV).  

I am sharing two more translations: NCV: You should teach people whom you can trust the things you and many others have heard me say. Then they will be able to teach others. NLT: You have heard me teach many things that have been confirmed by many reliable witnesses. Teach these great truths to trustworthy people who are able to pass them on to others.

Paul encouraged Timothy to be a strong teacher and be able to teach others, also. A strong teacher receives the truth. Timothy had heard Paul preach and teach the truth. Now the question: How did Timothy know that the preaching and teaching of Paul were true? The answer: By the many witnesses who bore testimony to the same thing. Many proclaimed that the promises of Christ were true. When they trusted Jesus Christ as their Savior and Lord, something happened to them.

What happened to them? They received a changed life, a transformation of life so dramatic that they became as new men and new creatures. They received a deep sense of God’s presence. They received the absolute assurance of salvation from sin, death, and judgment to come. They received the indwelling presence of God’s Holy Spirit. They received the assurance of living forever.

It is just simply stated that many witnesses confirmed just what Paul taught; there, Timothy could trust what Paul taught. And when he did, Timothy himself was converted. He experienced the truth of Christ and of salvation. The truth of God and of salvation is established forever. Christ Jesus, the very Son of God Himself, came to earth to reveal God and the way of salvation. Witness after witness down through the centuries confirms the truth. It is up to us to hear and receive it. A strong teacher will hear, receive, and pass on the truth to others. Then the person passes on the truth to others so that they in turn may teach others and pass the truth on down to future generations.

Today, we have the Bible because they passed it on to us since 2,000 years ago. The truth is to be committed to faithful believers. By faithful is meant a person who believes in Christ and in the Word of God and who is loyal, reliable, dependable and trustworthy.

The other scripture I also like to add, 2 Timothy 1:13 and 14 from NLT: “Hold on to the pattern of right teaching you learned from me. And remember to live in the faith and love that you have in Christ Jesus. With the help of the Holy Spirit who lives within us, carefully guard what has been entrusted to you.”

So let’s hold on to God’s Word that will help us to be “a strong teacher.”

Dorothy

Be Strong in Grace

2 Timothy 2:1 “Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Jesus Christ” (KJV).

Grace, the source of strength is found in the Lord Jesus Christ. Paul was facing death and Paul knew where to find strength, it is found in our Lord Jesus. Timothy would soon have to take over Paul’s place. Soon Timothy would take the responsibility for spreading the gospel across the earth. Timothy was like a son to Paul and they were very close.

Paul was concerned about Timothy. Could Timothy stand up under the pressure? Could he handle all the problems and circumstances that would arise? There was only one hope for Timothy, just as there is only one hope for any of us. Timothy needed an unlimited strength, a strength that could drive him to conquer any circumstance and to work at any task until it was accomplished. That strength could come from only one source and that strength is the strength of God.

Grace means the undeserved favor and blessings of God. We do not deserve the favor and blessings of God, but God loves us. So God has provided the way for us to receive His favor and blessings—the greatest way possible—through His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. We can receive the blessings of God through the very Son of God Himself. And this includes the strength of God, strength to conquer and overcome all trials and to do the work that God called us to do.

Paul encouraged Timothy to be strong, but not strong in his own strength, but strong in the grace (favor) of Christ. Let us look up to Christ, no to ourselves or to other people. Let's put our trust completely in Christ, His power and His strength alone.Paul often quoted, “I can do all things through Christ which strengthen me” (Phil. 4:13).

Song: He Leadeth Me

1.He leadeth me! O blessed thought!

O words with heavenly comfort fraught (fully)!

Whatever I do, where ever I be,

Still ‘tis God’s hand that leadeth me!

Chorus:

He leadeth me, He leadeth me,

By His own hand He leadeth me:

His faithful follower I would be,

For by His hand He leadeth me.

(Lyrics: Joseph Henry Gilmore, Sing His Praise)

Oh that grace of God that would never lose its power in us!

Dorothy