Salt Loses Its Flavor

Matthew 5:13 “You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste (its strength, its quality), how can its saltiness be restored? It is not good for anything any longer but be thrown out and trodden underfoot by men” (Amplified Bible).

You know, there is so much in this little parable that I would like to continue in this subject “Salt of the Earth.” I think it is important to know what the salt was all about so we could understand what Jesus was saying to us, “You are the salt of the earth.” One little word, SALT seems to be an important study.

In Jesus’ time everyone knew the value of the salt. They used the salt to preserve their fishes. Today, all we know that the salt is necessary to bring flavor for our food. The salt has many uses. It is important for us to know the meaning of the SALT and to have better understanding what Jesus was saying to us.

The meaning of the word, salt:  1: a white substance found in the earth and in sea water; sodium chloride. Salt is used to season and preserve food. 2: compound derived from an acid by replacing the hydrogen wholly or partly by a metal or an electropositive radical. Baking soda is a salt. 3: that which gives liveliness, pleasant taste and sharp taste like salted pickle. 4: salts, plural. a. medicine that causes movements of the bowels: Epsom salts for muscles, smelling salts to wake up people who faint.

Now the subject was “If the salt loses its salty taste, it cannot be made salty again. It is good for nothing, except to be thrown out and walked on.” If they used a lot of salt on the fishes to preserve them, and when it is ready to cook fish, they cleaned out the salt and I would assume that they would throw out the salt. Salt become useless. Jesus was telling the disciples that they are the salt of the earth.

If the salt loses their taste, we cannot use the salt because it had no flavor. It was compare to those who have no salt in their life. They become useless and tasteless. You may have met some people whose lives have no fellowship with Christ, no fruits in their lives, and never talked about God’s Word or talk about how the Holy Spirit helps them in many ways. Their lives are full of worldly news.

If salt loses it flavor, what is going to restore its flavor? There is nothing. Once the saltiness is gone from the salt, it is gone. It can no longer salt the earth. A person who has not been salted and saved from decay is doomed to ruin. He is good for nothing but to be cast out. A person has a choice: let Christ salt him or else he is never salted.

Again, Jesus said, “You are the salt of the earth.” Let us keep in touch with Christ who give us the salt and preserve us from decaying. Spiritual salt keep us alive, sharp and fresh so we can spread out the salt to others.

 May God bless you!

Salt of the Earth

Matthew 5:13 “Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour; wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men” (KJV).

New Century Version gives a good translation. “You are salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its salty taste, it cannot be made salty again. It is good for nothing, except to be thrown out and walked on.”

We depend on salt for our food so they would taste better. We often have salted butter put on vegetables and baked potatoes. I use sea salt. Why? They taste so good. People in the old days who do not have freezer, they use salt on fishes to preserve them. They use salt to keep the fishes from getting spoiled. During the winter we have icy ground we walk on, we used salt to melt the ice so we would not slip and fall. Truck uses salt to spread on the roads so it would be safe for people who drive the cars. Salt have many uses.

Jesus spoke to us through His word that we are the salt of the earth. How do we get salt in our lives? Fellowship with Jesus Christ through prayers and singing His praise, study God’s Word and He “pour salt” inside of us. Then we are the “salt” to others who needs the “flavor” in their spiritual growth. It is our fellowship and our sharing with God’s Word that brings flavor to others. Our lives and our friendship is like the salt that are enjoyable and a blessing to others. Fellowship with other Christians is very important part of Christian’s growth. .

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you for the word of truth, Jesus Christ who encourages us to be the salt of our deaf people. Bless the deaf people who come to deaf church that we may share our “salt” to them so that they would come into Your presence with joy. Touch their hearts today and anoint them with Thy Word. Put joy in their heart to be happy in Christ that others may see and taste the joy of the Lord. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen

Song: Only Jesus

Only Jesus, only Jesus,

Only He can satisfy;

Every burden becomes a blessing,

When I know my Lord is night.

(Inspiring Choruses, The Church’s Collection)

May the Lord reminds us how precious the salt in us!

Dorothy

Christ Is the Head

Ephesians 1:22, 23 “And God has put all things under the authority of Christ, and he gave him this authority for the benefit of the church. And the church is his body; it is filled by Christ, who fills everything everywhere with his presence” (NLT).

This was about “The Church,” the universal born-again Christians who believed in the death and the resurrected Christ, who will one day see God’s great plan for His people in the new kingdom. He hath purposed in himself that heaven and earth being one.

What is the benefit of the church? It is about Christ fills the church with gifts and blessings. The church would be the full expression of Christ, who Himself fills everything. “May you experience the love of Christ, though it is so great you will never fully understand it. Then you will be filled with the fullness of life and power that comes from God” (Eph.3:19 NLT).

When reading Ephesians, it is important to remember that it was written originally to the entire church, not just to an individual. Christ is the head, and we are the body of his church. Paul wrote a lot about the image of the body shows the church’s unity. Each member is involved with all the others as they go about doing Christ’s work on earth.

One thing to remember that we do not really work, serve or worship merely on our own. We are part of the whole body of Christ. This was God’s plan for all of us to be together as one in Christ.

I like to repeat this Ephesians 1:10, 22-23 in NCV: “His goal was to carry out His plan, when the right time came, that all things in heaven and on earth would be joined together in Christ as the head. God put everything under His power and made Him the head over everything for the church, which is Christ’s body. The church is filled with Christ, and Christ fills everything in every way.”

This means that Christ’s body which is us and we are completely healed by the word of the testimony and by the blood of the Lamb in Jesus’ name I pray. I say, Amen!

May the Lord enrich you with His Word inside of us!

Song: We’ll Give the Glory to Jesus

We’ll give the glory to Jesus,

And tell of His love,

     and tell of His love;

We’ll give the glory to Jesus,

     and tell of His wonderful love.

(Inspiring Choruses from the Church)

Purposed in Himself

Ephesians 1:9, 10 “… He hath purposed in himself: That in the dispensation of the fullness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him.” (KJV).

The word, dispensation means a system of rules for ordering affairs or business; special arrangement as to divide among members of a group. In this word, dispensation probably goes to the time when God will establish His eternal kingdom; His arrangement of all history to fulfill His plan of salvation; and to bring His people together in Christ.

Perhaps two translations would be helpful. NLT: “And this is his plan: At the right time he will bring everything together under the authority of Christ—everything in heaven and on earth.” NCV: “His goal was to carry out his plan, when the right time came, that all things in heaven and on earth would be join together in Christ as the head” (Eph.1:10).

I find the Amplified Bible interesting to share: “[He planned] for the maturity of the times and the climax of ages to unify all things and head them up and consummate them in Christ, [both] things in heaven and things on the earth” (Eph.1:10).  

This was about “The Church,” the universal born-again Christians who believed in the death and the resurrected Christ, who will one day see God’s great plan for His people in the new kingdom. He hath purposed in himself that heaven and earth being one. This may be why the Lord’s Prayer is good to use daily. It reminds us when we pray, “Thy will (plan) be done on earth as it is in heaven.” We speak of our faith in God’s plan for our future home with Him.

This gives me hope and understanding about who God is. These studies build my confidence in God, Himself that He will do what He has promised from the Scriptures, “By His stripes, we are healed.” I claimed His word of healing today.

So let us trust Him and His Word!

Dorothy

He Holds the Future

Isaiah 42:16b “I will guide them along paths they have not known. I will make the darkness become light for them, and the rough ground smooth” (NCV).

“I say this because I know what I am planning for you,” says the Lord. “I have good plans for you, not plans to hurt you. I will give you hope and a good future. Then you will call my name. You will come to me and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will search for me with all your heart, you will find me!” Jeremiah 29:11-13 NCV

Jeremiah had written letter about two years after the Jewish people who were already captive in Babylon. They were discouraged and sad. They had hoped to go back to Jerusalem soon. The Lord had spoken to His people to trust Him for their future and stay in Babylon for 70 years. They were to build houses and settle down, plant gardens, and eat the fruits. Get married and have children. Seek peace of the city and the Lord will bring peace among His people during their stay in Babylon. God promised good things to them as long as they obey Him.

The Lord holds the future. Who else are we going to trust? In His hands we are safe and secure—today, tomorrow, and for all eternity. His Word says, “For I know the plans I have for you…plans for good and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. In those days when you pray, I will listen.” Jeremiah 29:11-13 TLB.

Song: I Know Who Holds Tomorrow

1. I don’t know about tomorrow,

I just live from day to day;

I don’t borrow from its sunshine,

For its skies may turn to gray;

I don’t worry o’er the future,

For I know what Jesus said,

And today I’ll walk beside Him,

For He knows what is ahead.

Chorus:

Many things about tomorrow

I don’t seem to understand;

But I know who holds tomorrow,

And I know who holds my hand.

(Lyrics: Ira Forest Stanphill, Sing His Praise)

So let’s trust the Lord for tomorrow!

Dorothy

God’s Surprising Answer

Isaiah 64:1 
“Oh, that You would rend the heavens! That You would come down!” (NKJV)

Do you ever felt like a pleading prayer to God, “Oh please come down, Lord! Make Yourself known to us?!” Isaiah felt that way and he pleaded to God, “Oh that you would burst from the heavens and come down! How the mountains would quake in your presence! As fire causes wood to burn and water to boil, your coming would make the nations tremble. Then your enemies would learn the reason for your fame! When you came down long ago, you did awesome things beyond our highest expectations. And oh, how the mountains quaked! For since the world began, no ear has heard, and no eye has seen a God like you, who works for those who wait for him!” [Isaiah 64:1-5 NLT].

Isaiah wanted God to “shake the nations” as He had in the past. He remembered the story in Scripture about God’s visit with Moses on Mt. Sinai, Isaiah longed for a repeat performance. But God had already told Isaiah that He would be doing something new. “Behold, the former things have come to pass, and new things I declare; before they spring forth I tell you of them” (42:9 NKJV). That “something new” was JESUS! God did indeed come down. But not in Isaiah’s lifetime and God did not come down in the dramatic fashion Isaiah longed for.

“Everything I prophesied has come true, and now I will prophesy again. I will tell you the future before it happens” (42:9 NLT). God gave the prophesy to Isaiah (42:1-9) that he, “Jesus Christ” will come down, but “He will not cry out, nor raise His voice, nor cause His voice to be heard in the street” (42:2 NKJV). He would come in a surprising form of a baby. I imagined that when Isaiah wrote the book, he might have read that portion again and realized that God already had answered his prayer, but in a different way this time.

Like Isaiah, we want God to do great things again. But God has something else in mind. Christ came to change our hearts, not just our circumstances. As we humble our hearts before Him, trusting God that He would do great miracles among us. So let’s trust Him!

Song: Let the Lord Have His Way

Let the Lord have His way

In your life every day.

There’s no rest, there’s no peace

“Till the Lord has His way;

Place your life in His hand

Feel secure in His plan ..

Let the Lord ..

Let the Lord have His way.

(Inspiring Choruses, from the church)

Jeremiah's Anguished

Jeremiah 15: 18 “Why then does my suffering continue? Why is my wound so incurable? Your help seems as uncertain as a seasonal brook. It is like a spring that has gone dry” (NLT).

Do you ever felt like God was not helping you at all? Why is God so slow in things when you need His help so badly? Were there any prophets that ever felt that way? Jeremiah was one of the prophets that went through anguished (painful and distressful) times. Let’s learn something from Jeremiah.

Jeremiah accused God for not helping him when he really needed it. Jeremiah was feeling sorry for himself. Jeremiah was angry, hurt, and afraid. Jeremiah had taken his eyes off God’s purpose. In response, God did not get angry at Jeremiah. God answered Jeremiah reminding him of His plan for him to be God’s mouthpiece. Jeremiah was to influence the people because the enemy was fighting against Jeremiah.

Jeremiah 15:19 “The Lord replied, “If you return to me, I will restore you so you can continue to serve me. If you speak words that are worthy, you will be my spokesman. You are to influence them; do not let them influence you! ²⁰They will fight against you like an attacking army, but I will make you as secure as a fortified wall. They will not conquer you, for I will protect and deliver you. I, the Lord, have spoken! ²¹Yes, I will certainly keep you safe from these wicked men. I will rescue you from their cruel hands” (NLT).

Sometimes it is just seems impossible to endure such situations, but God is asking us to continue to trust Him and His great plan for us. So let us pray.

“Dear Heavenly Father, we thank you that our greatest victory was won when we received salvation through the death and resurrection of Jesus. Because He conquered death, we will too. Glory to you, God! Even after that victory we still need your help, Lord, for the daily battles over the strongholds of doubt and pain. We thank you for the Holy Spirit who lives inside of us to become mighty conquerors against the battles day by day. We trust you and we praise you that you have equipped us with everything we need to accomplish this in Jesus’ name we pray. Amen!

May the Lord be with you today!

Song: Never Failed Me Yet

Never failed me yet,

Never failed me yet,

Jesus’ love never failed me yet.

This one thing I know

That where ever I go

Jesus’ love never failed me yet.

(Collection of songs)

The Law of the Lord

Psalm 119:1 
“Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the Lord” (KJV).

As I was looking for “Manna” I opened Psalm 119:1. For me it was difficult to understand this sentence from KJV so I search for more translations.

“Blessed are those whose way is blameless, who walk in the law of the Lord” (RSV).

“Happy are people of integrity, who follow the law of the Lord” (NLT).

“Happy are those who live pure lives, who follow the Lord’s teaching” (NCV).

I like this commentary from The Full Life Study Bible, Donald Stamps. BLESSED: God promises to pour out His blessing on those who have chosen to live by His Word with all its standards and directives. They will have His personal presence, bringing them strength, help, and protection. THE LAW: The law (Heb. torah) represents God’s entire instruction to His [Israelite] people. It can also refer to the Pentateuch (the first five books of the O.T.) or to the O.T. as a whole.

The other commentary explains that we must be clear what the word law means in the original Hebrew. This word, Torah actually means “teaching,” so that it means teaching that has come out of the mouth of the Living God. When the disciple hears the words of his master’s teaching, he receives through it a revelation of what is in the mind of his teacher, and so here, of what is in the mind of God. Torah then means both teaching and revelation, in fact, both these at once—from God!

So what did I learn? I used to think that the word, law was like a severe punishment of God. But after reading the commentaries, I learn it was different than I thought. I am relief that what I thought was not always correct. I thank God for giving me a good “Manna” this morning, to understand Psalm 119:1 that He meant “who walk in the teaching of the Lord.” So the great peace is given to those who love His teachings.

Song Collection: Great Peace

Great peace they shall have that love me;

Great peace they shall have that love the Lord.

They shall know that in My will nothing shall harm them;

Great peace they shall have that love the Lord.

May the teachings of the Lord give us great peace!

Dorothy 

PS. Manna April 18-19, 2013

Christ's Loving Arms

Romans 5:20 “The law came to make sin worse. But when sin grew worse, God’s grace increased” (NCV).

In reading KJV, it was difficult to grasp the meaning of it. In reading NCV, it was clearer yet it takes time to digest on the purpose of this verse. I found something interesting that I want to share as an illustration of a “ladder, the law” was all about.

As a sinner, separated from God, you see His law from below, as a ladder, we tried to climb to get to God. Maybe you have tried to climb it, only to fall to the ground every time you have advanced one or two steps. Or maybe you looked at the very high “ladder, the law” and it seems so overwhelming that it would be impossible to even start up. To the sinner, there is no hope that the “law” would rescue them from hell.

Thank God for His grace that was given to us. The more you tried to reach God through the “ladder of the law,” the more God’s merciful increased. God knows you would not make it through “the ladder of the law.” This is why Scripture quoted, “But when sin grew worse, God’s grace increased.” In another word, “When we tried so hard to obey all of the law, we failed.” This hurt God’s heart which is why He increased His grace with a hope that we finally realized that climb “the ladder of the law” could never saved us.

God’s grace increased is when you see Jesus offering with open arms to lift you above “the ladder of the law,” to take you directly to God! What a lovely picture of Christ’s loving arms reached you. Once Jesus lifts you into God’s presence, you are free to obey—out of love, not because you have to, but because you want to love Him. Jesus lifts you through God’s power, not your own. You know that if you stumble, you will not fall back to the ground. Instead, you will be caught and held in Christ’ loving arms.

Song: Leaning on the Everlasting Arms

1. What a fellowship, what a joy divine,

Leaning on the everlasting arms;

What a blessedness, what a peace is mine,

Leaning on the everlasting arms.

Chorus:

Lean - ing, lean - ing,

Safe and secure from all alarms;

Lean - ing, lean - ing,

Leaning on the everlasting arms.

2. What have I to dread, what have I to fear,

Leaning on the everlasting arms?

I have blessed peace with my Lord so near,

Leaning on the everlasting arms. (Then chorus)

(Lyrics: Elisha Albright Hoffman, Sing His Praise)

May you be held in Christ’s loving arms today!

Pleasant Words

Proverbs 16:24 “Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the bones” (KJV).

Sometimes we hear depressing news and economic crisis from newspaper and from T.V. Sometimes people would talk out of fear about what would happen in the future. The way we talk does have its effect or influence on our spirits. “Their words are a destructive blaze” (NLT Prov.16:27b). “Their words are like a burning fire” (NCV Prov. 16:27b). We become depressed when we hear this or that. It could be very discouraging.

So why not do something different? Why not encourage someone today? “Kind words are like honey—sweet to the soul and healthy for the body” (NLT). Pleasant words will show in their eyes. There’s a great hunger to hear kind words. Kind words are free. It is a priceless lift of spirit. Holy Spirit is very tender and He can help us with nice words.

Song: Sweet, Sweet Spirit

Chorus: Sweet Holy Spirit,

Sweet Heavenly dove,

Stay right here with us,

Filling us with your love.

And for these blessings—

We lift our hearts in praise:

Without a doubt we’ll know

that we have been revived

When we shall leave this place.

1. There’s a sweet, sweet Spirit in this place,

And I know that it’s the Spirit of the Lord;

There are sweet expressions on each face,

And I know they feel the presence of the Lord.

2. There are blessings you cannot receive,

Till you know Him in His fullness and believe;

You’re the one to profit when you say,

I am going to walk with Jesus all the way.

(Words by Dors Akers, One Hundred Sacred Favorites)

Bless someone today with kind words!

Dorothy

The Love of God

Romans 5:5b “The love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Spirit which is given unto us” (KJV).  

 How do we measure God’s love toward us? The song called, “The Love of God” written by F. M. Lehman who tried to find words to express the love of God. “For we know how dearly God loves us because He has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with His love” (NLT).

 All three members of the Trinity are involved in salvation. The Father loved us so much that He sent His Son to the world that they might believe in His Son and be saved. The Father and the Son send the Holy Spirit to fill our life with love and to enable us to live by His power. With all this loving care, it should make us ponder how great God’s love is toward us.

Song: The Love of God by F.M. Lehman

Chorus: Oh, love of God, how rich and pure!

How measureless and strong!

It shall forevermore endure—

The saints’ and angels’ song.

1. The love of God is greater far

Than tongue or pen can ever tell;

It goes beyond the highest star,

And reaches to the lowest hell.

The guilty pair, bowed down with care,

God gave His Son to win;

His erring child He reconciled,

And pardoned from his sin.

[ASL: can ever tell=can’t explain; pair=couple; care=trouble; erring=double wrong; reconciled=join together]

2. When hoary time shall pass away,

And earthly thrones and kingdoms fall;

When men who here refuse to pray,

On rocks and hills and mountains call;

God’s love, so sure, shall still endure,

All measureless and strong;

Redeeming grace to Adam’s race—

The saints’ and angels’ song.

[ASL: hoary=old time; measureless= no measure; redeeming=saving; Adam’s race=back + generation;]

3. Could we with ink the ocean fill,

And were the skies of parchment made;

Were every stalk on earth a quill,

[On earth thin stem compare like a pen]

And every man a scribe by trade;

[Everyone become a writer as job]

To write the love of God above

Would drain the ocean dry,

Nor could the scroll contain the whole,

Tho’ stretches from sky to sky.

[ASL: parchment=paper; (sky made of paper); stalk=thin stem; quill=pen;]

This was Tony's favorite song who tried to explain what God’s love is like. Sometimes you would need to explain the meaning of the words before a person could sing this song. 

So God bless you today! 

Nothing Separate Us

Roman 8:35 “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?” (KJV)

What will it take to separate us from having the love of Christ for us? This verse makes it difficult to grasp what Paul was writing about. The New Living Translation asked, “Can anything ever separate us from Christ’s love?” From reading Romans 8:35-39, I use some questions to clarify (to make clear or easier to understand) from King James Version.  

If we have trouble or problems, does it mean that God no longer loves us? When some of the Christians in another part of the world, really suffered persecution or in danger and threatened with death? Does that mean God has forsaken them? When some Christians are hungry or cold? Does that mean God doesn’t love them anymore?

Paul in his time said, (Even the Scriptures (Ps. 44:22) say, “For your sake we are killed every day; we are being slaughtered like sheep) from Romans 8:36. These words were written to a church that soon would go through terrible persecution. Would God abandon them? Paul encouraged and said, “No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us” (NLT).  

Paul gave the answered and said, “And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from his (God’s) love. Death can’t, and life can’t. The angels can’t, and the demons can’t. Our fears for today, our worries about tomorrow, and even the powers of hell can’t keep God’s love away. Whether we are high above the sky or in the deepest ocean, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord” (NLT).

These verses are the most comforting promises that God loves us. Nothing can separate us from Christ’s presence. God tells us how great His love is so that we could totally trust God no matter what we go through. I pray that the Holy Spirit will open our spirits to feel God’s great love that perhaps we have not yet experience this.

Song: I Want More of Jesus

I want more of Jesus,

more and more and more.

I want more of Jesus

than I ever had before;

I want more of His great love

so rich, so full and free.

I want more of Jesus,

so I’ll give Him more of me.

(Inspiring Choruses)

May the love of Jesus richly touch your heart.

Dorothy 

(April 10-14, 2013)

More Than Conquerors

Romans 8:37 "In all these things we are more than conquerors through Him that loved us” (KJV).

Romans 8:37 has always been my verse for any kind of troubles I faced. When there were pressures or problems, I would quote, “In all these things I am more than conqueror through Him who loved me.” This verse reminds me that God helped me to overcome anything that tried to “destroy” my faith in Him.

Would I give up because some people would look down at me when God actually changed my life? Would I allow the problems or pressures to stop me from loving Jesus? Would I allow my heart to be filled with unforgiving spirit? To be more than a conqueror means “I am able to forgive and to show Christ’s love to them.”

I like the Amplified Bible that says, “Yet amid all these things we are more than conquerors and gain a surpassing victory through Him who loved us.” I gained victory when Christ enabled me to forgive others. I gained victory when I am able to love my enemies. I gained victory when I am able to bless them that cursed me. I gained victory when I am good to them that hate me. I gained victory when I pray for them who despitefully used me (Matthew 5:44).

New Century Living Bible says, “But in all these things we have full victory through God who showed his love for us.” Remember His love for us while we were a sinner. Go and show love to others while they are hurting us. That is how we gain victory and become more than conqueror. Not just a conqueror to put up with things, but rise above those conflicts and believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and be a mighty conqueror for Him.

Those who are more than conqueror and those who already know how to be victorious will be able to ride on horses when Christ leads us into the battle force from heaven toward earth someday. Oh what a glorious day that will be.

For now, let us practice forgiveness!

Dorothy

Abiding in Christ

John 15:7-9 "If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples. As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love" (KJV).

The secret of answered prayer is abiding in Christ. The nearer we live to Christ through meditation and study of the Scriptures and communion with Him, the more our prayers will be in harmony with the words of Christ, and then our prayers will be more effectual. The word, effect means influence and power to produce results. Effective or effectual mean producing or making the influence to desire result. In another word, it is more fruitful and more successful.

Jesus is telling us that our Heavenly Father is glorified and happier when we abide in Christ and His Words abide in us. This is the kind of fruit that our Heavenly Father is looking for: constant contact with Christ and constant contact with His Word and the fruits will show inside of us. [Constant means always, over and over and never stopping].

Do you ever felt like there are so many things going on inside of you? Even though you may have tried to abide in Christ and study His Words and then you may felt like you’re drifting inside, getting no where or nothing thrilling has happened yet? There is a song that might help you ‘hear’ Jesus calling you ‘home’ to Him. ‘Home’ I mean inside of your heart, a place of rest and peace in Christ. I pray that the song will draw you to Him.

Song: Softly and Tenderly
Chorus: Come home, come home,
Ye who are weary, come home,
Earnestly tenderly, Jesus is calling,
Calling, O sinner, come home…

1. Softly and tenderly Jesus is calling,
Calling for you and for me,
See on the portals He’s waiting and watching,
Watching for you and for me.

2. O for the wonderful love He has promised,
Promised for you and for me;
Tho we have sinned He has mercy and pardon,
Pardon for you and for me.
[Will L. Thompson, Sing His Praise]

Dorothy
PS. Manna from April 8-9, 2013  

Toward the Mark

Philippians 3:14 Paul said in KJV: “I press toward the mark for the prize of high calling of God in Christ Jesus.”

Other translation: “I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” NCV: “I keep trying to reach the goal and get the prize for which God called me through Christ to the life above.”

Paul said, “I press.” The word, ‘press’ interests me to look up the dictionary and surprised that it means: use the force or weight steadily against; push with steady force; keep pushing; force into service, usually naval or military; seize use or capture.

We are in the battlefield against the powers of the world’s darkness, and against the spiritual powers of evil in the heavenly world. That is why we need to put on God’s full armor to be able to stand strong. Paul press on toward the goal of God’s calling in his life and he stays on that goal until he went home to be with Jesus.

As for us while we are here on this earth, always pray for all God’s people so we can all press toward the goal of God’s calling us in Christ Jesus. God promised a crown of life to those who love Jesus Christ [James 1:12] and to those who have stood the test so let us sing!

Song: “When the Battle’s Over”
When the battle’s over, we shall wear a crown,
We shall wear a crown, we shall wear a crown,
And when the battle’s over we shall wear a crown
In the New Jerusalem.
Wear a crown… wear a crown…
Wear a bright and shining crown...
And when the battle’s over we shall wear a crown
In the New Jerusalem…

(Lyrics: Isaac Watts, Sing His Praise)

Dorothy 

(Manna for April 3-7, 2013) 

Great Peace

Psalm 119:165 "Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them" (KJV).

I like this from New Century Version: "Those who love your teachings will find true peace, and nothing will defeat them." Great peace is the reward of those who love the Word of God.

What is reward? Return made for something done. When we study the Word of God, what do we get? Great peace! We receive great peace and that is our reward that the Lord gives us.

The people of the world long for peace of mind. This scripture gave instruction how to receive the peace. When we put our trust in God, we would be able to stand above the pressures of daily life. Reading and studying God’s Word gives us full assurance.

I pray this song will bless your heart since it has been my favorite. Whenever I sing this song, I felt peace that only God give it.

Song Collection [Psalm 119:165]

Perfect peace shall they have that love me;

Perfect peace shall they have that love the Lord.

They shall know that in My will nothing shall harm them;

Perfect peace shall they have that love the Lord.

Dorothy

PS. Revised Manna from April 2009

Hold Your Ground

I Corinthians 15:58
KJV: Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, immoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.
NCV: So my dear brothers and sisters, stand strong. Do not let anything change you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your work in the Lord is never wasted.

Have you ever felt like when you have given so much time in the Lord’s work for so many years and nothing much has really happened to you or others? It is like “Why should I continue to do volunteer work for the deaf when I am struggling to meet my own need?” What does the Scriptures has to say about this when we might be tempted to give up?

Some of them came from “The Bible from 26 Translations.” So I am putting some of the words together and would say: “Since future victory is sure, let us be strong in our purpose and HOLD YOUR GROUND. Let us stand firm and let nothing move you. As we continue to be busy for the Lord and let us always be devoted to the Lord. Let us work for the Lord always and work without limit. Let us be active in the Lord’s service at all times. Why? Because you know that your labor in the service of the Lord is never thrown away.”

Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, I am asking You to open our spiritual eyes and let us see the work of the Holy Spirit and help us to be true to you. After reading the Scripture, I realized that Satan is working very hard to try to discourage us to give up the service of the Lord. Oh Holy Spirit, revive us today and deliver us from Evil One who walk about as Roaring Lion seeking to whom he could destroy. We ask for help and we believe that You will reveal Yourself to us and assure us that You do care and love us so much. Thank You, Father in Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

The Lord blesses you.

Dorothy
(Manna from April 2009)