By His Scourged You are Healed

January 31, 2014 - By His Scourged You Are Healed – Manna by Dorothy Callies

Isaiah 53:5 “But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and with His stripes we are healed” (KJV). “But He was wounded and crushed for our sins. He was beaten that we might have peace. He was whipped, and we were healed” (NLT)!

Today, the Lord wants me to notice something more of Isaiah 53:5. I notice four words from KJV, wounded, bruised, chastisement and stripes and also from NLT, wounded, crushed, beaten, and whipped. Then I research on the three gospels, I realized they used the word, scourged. Out of four gospels, I choose John 19:1 “Then Pilate therefore took Jesus, and scourged Him” (KJV). “Then Pilate had Jesus flogged with a lead-tipped whip” (NLT). The word, scourge means to whip severely: FLOG (to beat severely with or as if with a rod or whip); to cause severe suffering to.

He was scourged for our transgressions; He was scourged for our iniquities; He was scourged for our peace; and He was scourged for our sicknesses. This was the most awful feelings when I realized what the word, scourged meant. When I read the part of Jesus being scourged, somehow I might have overlooked those three gospels from Matt. 27:26; Mark 15:15; and John 19:1. This was the most awful torture to think that our Messiah had to go through this.

The point is that, when you want healing, think of what our Messiah went through. When you have Communion, the Lord’s Supper, put your faith in action by taking bread and cup of juice. Hold the bread in your hand and say this: Thank you Jesus for Your broken body. Thank you that by your scourges which fell on your back I am completely healed. I believe and I receive. Then eat the bread. Next, take the cup in your hand and say this: “Thank You Jesus for the covenant cut, the scourges in Your blood. Your blood has brought me forgiveness and washed me from every sin. I thank You that Your blood has made me righteous. And as I drink, I thank You for the healing in my whole body. In Jesus’ name and I love You and thank You, Jesus! Believe it and receive it in Jesus’ name. Amen!

Song: We Remember You

As we drink this cup, we remember You;

As we eat this bread, we honor You;

and we offer You our lives

as You have offered Yours for us.

We remember all You’ve done for us,

We remember Your covenant with us,

We remember, and worship You, O Lord.

(Song by Kirk Dearman)

Communion Song

   1. Take this bread I give to you, and as you do, remember Me.

This bread is My body—broken just for you.

             Take it, eat it, each time you do; remember Me, remember Me.

2. Take this cup I fill for you, and as you do, remember Me.

This cup is the new covenant I’m making with you.

               Take it, drink it, each time you do; remember Me, remember Me.

   3. Take this love I’ve given you, and as you do, remember Me.

(Song by Barry McGuire)

Made Intercession for Transgressors

Jan. 30, 2014 - Made Intercession for Transgressors – Manna by Dorothy Callies

Isaiah 53:12b “… and He was numbered with the transgressors; and He bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors” (KJV). “He was counted among those who were sinners. He bore the sins of many and interceded for sinners” (NLT).

Mark 15:27-28 “And with Him they crucify two thieves; the one on his right hand, and the other on his left. And the scripture was fulfilled, which saith, ‘And he was numbered with the transgressors’ ” (KJV). Two criminals were crucified with him, their crosses on either side of His. And the Scripture was fulfilled that said, “He was counted among those who were rebels” (NLT). (The rebel means not obeying; fighting against one’s government or ruler.)

Luke 23:34 “Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do” (KJV). Jesus said, “Father, forgive these people because they don’t know what they are doing” (NLT). In His agony on the cross, Jesus interceded for His enemies—a picture of love and forgiveness to the end. The picture is of Jesus the Mediator. He had come for this very purpose, to stand as the Mediator between God and sinful man.

Isaiah 53:12 had been predicted that Christ would pray for transgressors. The word, transgress means break a law, command; sin against; to go beyond limits set by; to violate (fail to keep) a command or law. Other translations might be interested to share the interpretation of transgress: godless; lawless ones; outlaws; lawbreaker; and criminals.

The very purpose for His coming was to make provision for forgiveness of sins. Because of His death, God would be able to forgive the sins of men, even those who were now crucifying Him. The men crucifying Him did not know who He was. 1 Cor. 2:8 “None of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.”

Luke 22:37 Jesus said, “For I say unto you, that this that is written must yet be accomplished in Me. And He was reckoned among the transgressors: for the things concerning Me have an end” (KJV). “For the time has come for this prophecy about Me to be fulfilled: ‘He was counted among those who were rebels.’ Yes, everything written about Me by the prophets will come true” (NLT).

Jesus knew about the prophet, Isaiah who wrote chapter 53. The things concerning Him “have an end” means an accomplishment, fulfillment, completion. Amazing grace that the Suffering Messiah would fulfill Isaiah 53 and man’s salvation would be finally settled and finished. He was to proclaim upon the cross “It is finished.” The most wonderful truth in all the world is this: God will hold no sin against any man, if that man will personally trust His Son. John 3:16 welcome anyone to open their hearts to Jesus.

Come Into My Heart

Come into my heart, Come into my heart,

Come into my heart, Lord Jesus.

Come in today, come in to stay.

Come into my heart, Lord Jesus.

(Author unknown, out of memory)

He Hath Poured Out His Soul

January 29, 2014 – He Hath Poured Out His Soul – Manna by Dorothy Callies

Isaiah 53:12a “There will I divide him a portion with the great, and He shall divide the spoil with the strong; because He hath poured out His soul unto death …” (KJV). “I will give him the honors of one who is mighty and great, because He exposed Himself to death” (NLT). 

What does it means when “He hath poured out His soul unto death? God promised to reward Christ for His atoning death, and Christ in turn promises to share His reward with all the “strong” that follow Him in doing battle against sin and Satan through the power of the Spirit. Let’s notice two words, “the spoil.” It means stolen goods. Christ won the battle against Satan and had taken back “the spoil,” “the authority” that Satan; the Serpent had stolen from Adam. Now Christ, the second Adam has given back the “authority” to the born-again believers to use His name and power against Satan.

Colossians 2:15 mentioned about Christ “… having spoiled principalities and powers, He made a show of them openly, triumphing over them in it” (KJV). “… God disarmed the evil rulers and authorities. He shamed them publicly by His victory over them on the cross of Christ” (NLT).

Note from The Full Life Study Bible: “Christ triumphed over all the demonic forces and satanic powers of the world through His death on the cross. He stripped them of their power to hold men and women captive to the dominion of evil against their will. The child of God shares in this triumph. We not only gain victory over the world and temptation, but also possess the power to wage war against the spiritual forces of evil.”

Ephesians 6:12 “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places” (KJV). “For we are not fighting against people made of flesh and blood, but against the evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against those mighty powers of darkness who rule this world, and against wicked spirits in the heavenly realms” (NLT).

The point of this Manna was that Jesus, the Messiah went to the cross … and poured out His soul … and gave His very last breath when He said, “It is finished” … Our Messiah won … Just to think that my Messiah loved me … Oh, the wonder of it all … The wonder of it all … Just to think that God loved me …

Song: May I Never Lose the Wonder

1. Oh, the wonder when Christ found me,

    And He won me by His grace.

    Things of time to me could never

    Dim the beauty of His face.

Chorus:

    May I never lose the wonder,

    Ever precious, ever new.

    Then my heart will never wander,

    From Thy love so kind and true.

       (Margot Zilch, Sing His Praise)    

Travail of His Soul

January 28, 2014 - Travail of His Soul – Manna by Dorothy Callies

Isaiah 53:11 “He shall see of the travail of His soul, and shall be satisfied: by His knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for He shall bear their iniquities” (KJV). “When he shall see all that is accomplished by his anguish, he will be satisfied. And because of what he has experienced, my righteous servant will make it possible for many to be counted righteous, for he will bear all their sins” (NLT).

What is the purpose of His soul being in travail? The suffering of the Messiah would accomplish God’s purpose and result in salvation for the “many” who believe. Our Messiah was satisfied because He experienced the travail. Our Messiah had hard labor and agony. Our Messiah went through the intense pain of mind or body. Our Messiah felt the torment in His soul. Our Messiah felt the anguish which means the extreme pain or distress in mind or body. Travail also means suffer pains of child birth. Our suffering Messiah gave birth to many souls who came to believe in Him.

Then next focus is ‘My righteous servant’ justify many because He took our sins on the cross. Our Messiah was satisfied because of what He had experienced and He made it possible for us to be counted righteous. We are righteous because of Christ’s finished work at the cross. We are righteous because He already took our sins at the cross.

Another thing to share is found in Matthew 12:15-21 NLT “But Jesus knew what they were planning. He left that area, and many people followed Him. He healed all the sick among them, but He warned them not to say who He was. This fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah concerning Him: Look at my Servant, whom I have chosen. He is my Beloved, and I am very pleased with Him. I will put my Spirit upon Him and He will proclaim justice to the nations. He will not fight or shout; He will not raise His voice in public. He will not crush those who are weak, or quench the smallest hope, until He brings full justice with His final victory. And His name will be the hope of all the world.”

The fulfillment of prophecy is found in Isaiah 42:1 “Look at my servant, whom I strengthen. He is my chosen one …” The chosen servant reveals a character of gentleness, encouragement, justice, and truth. When you feel broken and bruised or burned out in your spiritual life, God won’t step on you or toss you aside as useless but will gently pick you up. A song of praise to the Lord is Isaiah 42:10-17 and I chose Isaiah 42:10-12.

A Song of Praise to the Lord

       Sing a new song to the Lord!

      Sing his praises from the ends of the earth!

        Sing, all you who sail the seas,

               all you who live in distant coastlands.

      Join in the chorus, you desert towns;

      let the villages of Kedar rejoice!

                                           Let the people of Sela sing for joy;

             shout praises from the mountaintops!

     Let the coastlands glorify the Lord;

                                                              let them sing his praise.

It Pleased the Lord to Bruise Him

January 27, 2014 - It Pleased the Lord to Bruise Him – Manna by Dorothy Callies

Isaiah 53:10 “Yet it pleased the Lord to bruise Him; he (God) that put him (Jesus) to grief: when thou (God) shalt make his (Jesus’) soul an offering for sin, he (Jesus) shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in his hand” (KJV).

“But it was the Lord’s good plan to crush him and fill him with grief. Yet when his life is made an offering for sin, he will have a multitude of children, many heirs. He will enjoy a long life, and the Lord’s plan will prosper in his hands” (NLT).

The phrase from KJV, “it pleased the Lord to bruise Him,” has really puzzled me for a long time. While pondering upon this phrase, the Holy Spirit showed me a vision me to set back and see the whole thing first and not to look at one phrase only.

Remembering the lambs being sacrificed at the Brazen Altar, morning and night and I counted two times 365 days which total up to 730 lambs a year. Since that time began with Moses until Christ was about 600 years (Exodus 29:38-42). I would not want to count how many lambs that had been sacrificed during those time. That sacrifice was a continual reminder that the Messiah, the Lamb of God would come.

Then I saw another vision with so many other animals such as ram, sheep, calf, bulls, goats, pigeon and more that have been sacrificed and it was the bloodiest butchering work I have ever seen. My father was a butcher so I could imagine what this was like. Now, Holy Spirit showed me that God had seen so many sacrifices for so many years. “Those yearly sacrifices reminded them of their sins year after year. For it is not possible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins” (Heb.10:3-4 NLT).  

Christ said to God, “You did not want animal sacrifices or grain offerings or animals burned on the altar or other offerings for sin, nor were You pleased with them” (though they are required by the law of Moses). Under the old covenant, the priest stands before the altar day after day, offering sacrifices that can never take away sins. But our High Priest (Jesus Christ) offered Himself to God as one sacrifice for sins, good for all time. Then He sat down at the place of highest honor at God’s right hand” (Heb. 10:8,11,12 NLT).

Only then could I understand this Scripture very clear that God was pleased that Christ could end the multitudes of animals being sacrificed. To God, it was worth it all just to bring us to heaven through Christ’s redemption, through His blood that sprinkled the way toward our heavenly Father’s throne. Now, it was clear that “it pleased God to bruise Jesus” so we could have the fellowship with our “Abba, our daddy.” That’s how close God wants us to be with Him. Awesome!

Song: Amazing Grace

Amazing grace! How sweet the sound,

That saved a wretch like me!

I once was lost, but now am found,

Was blind, but now I see.

(John Newton; John P. Rees, Sing His Praise)

His Grave with the Wicked

January 25-26, 2014 - His Grave with the Wicked – Manna by Dorothy Callies

Isaiah 53:9 “And he made his grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death; because he had done no violence, neither was any deceit in his mouth” (KJV).

“He had done no wrong, and he never deceived anyone. But he was buried like a criminal; he was put in a rich man’s grave” (NLT). *This phrase may simply indicate that Jesus Christ would die alongside the wicked, or that the Roman soldiers intended to bury Him with the two thieves. Yet, as here Isaiah had prophesied, He was buried in the grave of a rich man. [*Note from Full Life Study Bible]

John 19:38-42 NLT “Afterward Joseph of Arimathea, who had been a secret disciple of Jesus (because he feared the Jewish leaders), asked Pilate for permission to take Jesus’ body down. When Pilate gave him permission, he came and took the body away. ³⁹Nicodemus, the man who had come to Jesus at night, also came, bringing about seventy-five pounds of embalming ointment made from myrrh and aloes. ⁴⁰Together they wrapped Jesus’ body in a long linen cloth with the spices, as is the Jewish custom of burial. ⁴¹The place of crucifixion was near a garden, where there was a new tomb, never used before. ⁴² And so, because it was the day of preparation before the Passover and since the tomb was close at hand, they laid Jesus there.”

*Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus were secret followers of Jesus. They were afraid to make this allegiance known because of their positions in the Jewish community. Joseph was a leader and honored member of the Jewish high council. Nicodemus, also a member of the high council, had come to Jesus by night (3:1) and later tried to defend Him before the other religious leaders (7:50-52). Yet they risked their reputations to provide for Jesus’ burial. This tomb was probably a cave carved out of the limestone hillside. It was large enough for a person to walk into, so Joseph and Nicodemus carried Jesus’ body into it. A large stone was rolled in front of the entrance. [*Note from QVLAB]

John 19:39-40 tell us that Nicodemus brought 75 pounds of embalming ointment made from myrrh and aloes to cover Jesus’ body. Joseph and Nicodemus wrapped Jesus’ body with fresh long linen cloth with the spices since it was the Jewish custom of burial. Joseph and Nicodemus had completed the burial of Jesus and they had the large stone rolled to close the cave before the Sabbath began at sundown.

From this scripture, it was the first time I realized that Joseph of Arimathea had help, Nicodemus to help him out with Christ’s burial in a cave. God must have spoken to their hearts. Jesus, our Savior had put His complete trust in them to do the work that they needed to do. Isaiah 53:9 has brought the fulfillment about Jesus’ grave through the New Testament Scriptures. 

Song: Jesus Paid It All

I hear the Savior say,

“Thy strength indeed is small;

Child of weakness, watch and pray,

Find in Me thine all in all.”

Chorus:

Jesus paid it all;

All to Him I owe;

Sin had left a crimson stain;

He washed it white as snow.

(Lyrics: Elvina Mabel Hall, Sing His Praise)

He Was Cut Off

January 23-24, 2014 - He Was Cut Off – Manna by Dorothy Callies

Isaiah 53:8 “He was taken from prison and from judgment: and who shall declare His generation? For he was cut off out of the land of the living: for the transgression of my people was he stricken.”

The phrase, “He was taken from prison and from judgment” may interpret as “without protection, without justice, he was taken away”– NEB. “They did away with him unjustly”-Mof. [The Bible from 26 Translations by Curtis Vaughan, Th.D. General Editor] In a way I would say: “They were not being fair to Him because they didn’t give Him a fair trial and justice.” The word, stricken means to deliver a stroke or blow; to hit or to attack; to pierce. NLT interpreted “he was suffering their punishment.”

The phrase, “for he was cut off” brought attention to Daniel 9:26 “And after threescore and two weeks shall Messiah be cut off …” The commentary explained that the Messiah, the Anointed One, will be rejected and killed by His own people.

Acts 8:33 NLT “He was humiliated and received no justice. Who can speak of his descendants? For his life was taken from the earth.” Philip rode with a man from Ethiopia who had read Isaiah 53. An Ethiopia man had asked for help to understand the scripture from Isaiah 53:7-8 and Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus (Acts 8:35). (Ref. Acts 8:26-40).

This prophecy was fulfilled when the Scripture quoted, “He was cut off” which pointed out to the very end of His life at the cross. The suffering of Christ utters His final words with a loud voice, “It is finished.” This cry signifies the end of His sufferings and the completion of the work of redemption. The debt for our sin has been paid in full, and the plan of salvation established. Only then does He offer a final prayer, “Father, into Thy hands I commend my spirit.” (Ref: Mat.27:50; Jn.19:30; Lu.23:26)

               Song: Blessed Redeemer

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.

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!

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

    How can my praises ever find end!

    Thro’ years un-numbered on heaven’s shore,

    My tongue shall praise Him forevermore.

      (Lyrics: Avis Burgeson Christiansen, Sing His Praise)

As a Lamb to the Slaughter

January 22, 2014 - As a Lamb to the Slaughter – Manna by Dorothy Callies

Isaiah 53:7 “He was oppressed, and He was afflicted, yet He opened not His mouth: He is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so He openeth not His mouth” (KJV). “He was oppressed and treated harshly, yet He never said a word. He was led as a lamb to the slaughter. And as a sheep is silent before the shearers, He did not open His mouth” (NLT).  

I was only 12 or 13 years when I had seen my father taken a sheep by the neck and held it and then plunged the knife into the sheep’s throat and the blood flowed into the pail. What impressed me was that I noticed the sheep did not fight or struggle at all. The sheep was just silent and peaceful, willing yielded to the hand of my father, whose job was butchering. Occasionally, I would look back and remember the sheep being slaughter. A sheep being slaughter, I can understand, but to visualize Christ being led “as a lamb to the slaughter”? My heart sank.  

If you ask, why ‘my heart sank’? My heart sank means “my strength failed and my spirit was down” with the thought of Him being led “as a lamb to the slaughter.” He did this for me. It was just a vision I saw His head bowed down, yielded Himself to take the stripes, and yielded Himself before the Pilate. He stood before the people, and He struggled to walk through the street unto the Calvary, and finally He yielded His life to the cross. Isaiah 53:8 “From prison and trial they led Him away to His death. But who among the people realized that He was dying for their sins—that He was suffering their punishment?” (NLT)

John 1:29 “… John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look! There is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” Every morning and evening, a lamb was sacrificed in the Temple for the sins of the people (Exodus 29:38-42). Isaiah 53:7 prophesied that the Messiah, God’s servant, would be led to the slaughter like a lamb. To pay the penalty for sin, a life had to be given—and God chose to provide the sacrifice Himself. The sins of the world were removed when Jesus died as a perfect sacrifice. This is the way our sins are forgiven (1Cor.5:7). The “sin of the world” means everyone’s sin, the sin of each individual. Jesus paid the price of your sin by His death. You can receive forgiveness by confessing your sin to Him and asking for His forgiveness. [Notes from QVLAB)

Rev. 5:6,11,12,13 NLT “I looked and I saw a Lamb that had been killed but was now standing between the throne …”  “… I heard the singing of thousands and millions of angels around the throne and the living beings and the elders. And they sang in a mighty chorus:

“The Lamb is worthy—the Lamb who was killed.

He is worthy to receive power and riches

and wisdom and strength

and honor and glory and blessing.”

¹³And then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea. They also sang:

“Blessing and honor and glory and power

belong to the one sitting on the throne

and to the Lamb forever and ever.”

Like a Sheep

January 21, 2014 - Like a Sheep – Manna by Dorothy Callies”

Isaiah 53:6 “All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on Him the iniquity of us all” (KJV). “All of us have strayed like sheep. We have left God’s paths to follow our own. Ye the Lord laid on Him the guilt and sins of us all” (NLT).

Commentary from Quick Verse Life Application Bible: Isaiah speaks of Israel straying from God and compares them to wandering sheep. Yet God would send the Messiah to bring them back into the fold. We have the hindsight to see and know the identity of the promised Messiah, who has come and died for our sins. But if we know all that Jesus did and still reject him, our sin is much greater than that of the ancient Israelites, who could not see what we have seen. Have you given your life to Jesus Christ, the “good shepherd” (John 10:11-16), or are you still like a wandering sheep?

1 Peter 2:25 “Once you were wandering like lost sheep. But now you have turned to your Shepherd, the Guardian of your souls” (NLT). John 10:14-15 “I am the good shepherd, I know my own sheep, and they know me. Just as my Father knows me and I know the Father. And I lay down my life for the sheep” (NLT). Hebrews 13:20c “Jesus is the great Shepherd of the sheep by an everlasting covenant, signed with his blood” (NLT).

“Signed with His blood”? We signed our names, but Jesus didn’t sign His name. He signed “His blood!” His covenant “cut” was blood. There wasn’t one cut. There were many cuts, too many to count. If we understand this covenant, the agreement was made through the cut, and then it gives us a clearer picture of our “Suffering Messiah” on the cross. I found this song and thought this would be a good song of Jesus Christ, the Shepherd to His sheep. May the Lord touch your heart with His song to you.

Song of Jesus: I Gave My Life for Thee

1. I gave My life for thee: My precious blood I shed

That thou might’st ransomed be, And quickened from the dead;

I gave, I gave My life for thee; What hast thou giv’n for Me?

2. My Father’s house of light; My glory-circled throne,

I left for earthly night, For wand’rings sad and lone;

I left, I left it all for thee; Hast thou left ought for Me?

3. I suffered much for thee, More than thy tongue can tell

Of bitt’rest ag-o-ny, To rescue thee from hell;

I’ve borne, I’ve borne it all for thee; What hast thou borne for Me?

4. And I have bro’t to thee, Down from My home above,

Salvation full and free, My pardon and My love;

I bring, I bring rich gifts to thee, What hast thou brought to Me?

(Frances Ridley Havergal, Sing His Praise)

Revelation 7:17 “For the Lamb who stands in front of the throne will be their Shepherd. He will lead them to the springs of life-giving water. And God will wipe away all their tears” (NLT).

My Soul Longs, Special Guest

Special Guest Brenda Harness with a Special Letter – Dorothy Callies – Jan. 20, 2014

Psalm 84:2-3 “My soul longeth, yea, even fainteth for the courts of the Lord: my heart and my flesh crieth out for the Living God. Yea, the sparrow hath found an house, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may lay her young, even thine altars, O LORD of hosts, my King, and my God” (KJV).  

Dearest Dorothy,
            I have a kind of devotion to share. You can add the scripture quotes to it and a song at the end, to fit your template and make it presentable.
            My son, Danny, age: 35 years, 9-1/2 months and married just under 5 years to Katie, was a well-known computer technician (for Kevin and Rebecca Schaefer). He became ill in late December with pneumonia. He and Katie both contracted the H1N1 virus. She was given Tamiflu, and recovered. Danny, with his body already weakened by the pneumonia, could not fight or heal. He kept improving a little then losing ground. The Spirit told me that Danny would not survive. I prayed, begging and bargaining for his life. Doctors kept performing last ditch efforts to save him by putting him in a medically induced coma on a ventilator and even sent him from the hospital in Normal to a larger hospital in Peoria. But his oxygen level dropped too much and damaged his brain. His brain swelled. Doctors tested his brain and said he had passed away. With our permission, they unhooked the machines that kept his heart and lungs moving.
            The next two days I was SOOO angry that my son had to die. Yet, I continued thinking. God's son had to die too. It was part of His plan to save us and to reconcile us to Himself. On the cross, Jesus said, "Father, forgive them. They know not what they do." Other people and I too have read Jesus' words as almost an aside, pondering who Jesus wants forgiven...the Romans who nailed him on the cross?  The criminals hung on crosses by his side? The community who wanted Barabbas released instead of Jesus?

            Based on my new experience, God would have been angry enough to destroy the people and even all of creation. But He did not. He forgave them and He forgives all of us through the life and death of Jesus.  At one time, Jesus also said, "No one gets to the Father except through the son." The Holy Spirit opened this understanding to me, but it was a most horrific...terrible lesson to learn. I asked the Spirit, "What is the meaning of life now?" He answered, "To unite people with God, pointing them to the very cross of Jesus."
            Even though my heart continues to be heavy-laden, I have purpose.
Love,
Brenda

Song: Standing Somewhere in the Shadows

Standing somewhere in the shadows

            you’ll find Jesus

He’s the One who always cares and

            understands.

Standing somewhere in the shadows

            you will find Him

And you’ll know Him by the nail prints

            in His hands.

(Inspiring Choruses)

He Was Cut

January 18-20, 2014 – He Was Cut – Manna by Dorothy Callies

Isaiah 53:5c “… with His stripes we are healed” (KJV). “He was whipped, and we were healed” (NLT).

This is a very famous verse, “With His stripes,” but does it have any impact on us? The word, “stripes,” does not seem to be our language so how about “whipped?” Ouch! We know what being whipped is like when we were young and disobedience to our parents. The word, “whipped” might be common to us while the word, “stripes” might not so it has a little meaning until we saw a movie, of Christ’s being whipped with His back being “cut.” Oh, that was a different story. Then our eyes were opened to what He... went... through...

1 Peter 2:24 tells us that “He personally carried away our sins in his own body on the cross so we can be dead to sin and live for what is right. You have been healed by his wounds!” Wound? That’s another meaning: an injury involving cutting or breaking of bodily issue. 2: to hurt by cutting. So our Savior has been “cut deeply.” So think … just how many “cuts” did our Savior received? I meant, including the face cut, too!

This was all about “covenant” that Jesus knew He had to face. He said to His disciples, “This is my blood of the New Testament (covenant, agreement) …” Covenant, to make an agreement, there has to be a cut. So that is where the “stripes” comes in. So He was “being cut” for our healing. “With His Cut, we are healed.” Now that is our language.

Don’t you feel this? It seems to be much clearer to really “see” our “Suffering Messiah” that God wants our eyes to be opened so we could understand this first before the healing takes place in our bodies. There are many songs written about His suffering, His sacrifice, His cross, His healing, His love, His grace and much more.

Song: I Will Sing of My Redeemer

I will sing of my Redeemer

And His wondrous love to me;

On the cruel cross He suffered,

From the curse to set me free.

Chorus:

Sing, O sing of my Redeemer,

With His blood He purchased me;

On the cross He sealed my pardon,

Paid the debt, and made me free.

(Lyrics: Philip Paul Bliss, Sing His Praise)

Chorus: I Am Healed By His Stripes

I am healed by His stripes,

   By the stripes that made

        the blood so freely flow;

Just as surely as I know,

        I am save forever more,

I am healed by the stripes

        that Jesus bore.

                (Lyric: Lois Irwin)

Borne Our Griefs

January 17, 2014 - Borne Our Griefs – Manna by Dorothy Callies

Isaiah 53:4 “Surely He hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem Him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.” (KJV)

The word, stricken means troubled with disease, misfortune, or sorrow; hit or wounded by; or to attack. The word, smitten means to strike sharply; to hurt or to kill. The word, afflicted means to cause the suffering or unhappiness to. The commentary explained the word translated “griefs” (Heb. choli) is literally “sickness” or “infirmities” or “pains.” 

The New Living Translation seems to give a clearer phrase: “Yet it was our weaknesses He carried; it was our sorrows that weighed Him down. And we thought His troubles were a punishment from God for His own sins!” (Isaiah 53:4) Actually, it was our sins upon Him! So the Messiah would endure punishment in order that we may be delivered from our diseases and sicknesses and pains as well as from our sins. As He bore our sins, He also takes the sickness and grief that belong to us, lifts them upon Himself, and carries them.

Isaiah 53:5 (KJV) “But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and with His stripes we are healed.” (NLT) “But He was wounded and crushed for our sins. He was beaten that we might have peace. He was whipped, and we were healed!”

God was pulling aside the curtain of time to let the people of Isaiah's day look ahead to the suffering of the future Messiah and the resulting forgiveness made available to all people. Could they ever imagine that the “lamb” they sacrificed would represent “The Lamb of God,” the Messiah would hang on the cross for the forgiveness of their sins? Jesus said on the cross, “Father, forgive them for they know not what they do.”

This verse “borne our griefs” is quoted in Matthew 8:17 with reference to Jesus’ ministry of healing the sick. “That evening many demon-possessed people were brought to Jesus. All the spirits fled when He commanded them to leave; and He healed all the sick. This fulfilled the word of the Lord through Isaiah, who said, “He took our sicknesses and removed our diseases” (Mat.8:16-17 NLT). “For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil” (1Jn.3:8 KJV).

What this Manna means to me, are the words I typed in Italic. It opened my eyes to what Jesus went through, our suffering Messiah and finally, “we were healed.” Hold on to that promise of God. Oh, the depth of our suffering Messiah who loved us so much. Believe it!

Song: The Healer

On the cross crucified,

In great sorrow He died;

the Giver of Life is He.

Yet my Lord was despised

        and rejected of men,

This Jesus of Calvary.

Chorus:

He was wounded for our transgressions;

He was bruised for our iniquities;

Surely He bore our sorrows,

And by His stripes we are healed.

(Lois Irwin, Sing His Praise)

A Man of Sorrows

January 16, 2014 - A Man of Sorrows – Manna by Dorothy Callies

Isaiah 53:3 “He was despised and rejected—a man of sorrows, acquainted with bitterest grief. We turned our backs on Him and looked the other way when He went by. He was despised, and we did not care” (NLT). “He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from Him; He was despised, and we esteemed Him not” (KJV).

Psalm 22:6 gave a prophecy of Christ’s suffering. David, the Psalmist wrote how he felt back then. Psalm 22:6 “But I am a worm and not a man. I am scorned and despised by all! Everyone who sees me mocks me. They sneer and shake their heads, saying, ‘Is this the one who relies on the Lord? Then let the Lord save Him! If the Lord loves Him so much, let the Lord rescue Him!’” (NLT)

Another prophecy of Christ is found in Psalm 31:11 “I am scorned by all my enemies and despised by my neighbors—even my friends are afraid to come near me. When they see me on the street, they turn the other way” (NLT).

Jesus gave a prophecy to the disciples in Luke 18:31-34 NLT: Gathering the twelve disciples around Him, Jesus told them, “As you know, we are going to Jerusalem. And when we get there, all the predictions of the ancient prophets concerning the Son of Man will come true. He will be handed over to the Romans to be mocked, treated shamefully, and spit upon. They will whip Him and kill Him, but on the third day He will rise again.” But they did not understand a thing He said. Its significance was hidden from them, and they failed to grasp what He was talking about.

John 1:10-11 NLT “But although the world was made through Him, the world didn’t recognize Him when he came. Even in His own land and among His own people, He was not accepted.” Jesus emphasized that “all the predictions of the ancient prophets concerning the Son of Man will come true.”  The ancient prophets would be Moses, Isaiah, Daniel, Jeremiah, Micah, and more who wrote and prophesied about Him. 

Jesus was a man of sorrows. Jesus had experienced great pain, suffering, disappointment, and grief. It is because of the sins of human kind. If you experience a measure of suffering and disappointment, know this, Jesus went through it. He tasted it for you. When you know and understand Jesus’ sorrows, you will sense the deep deliverance and a relief inside of you with great peace because you have the fellowship of His suffering (Phil.3:10). I felt that flows of deliverance, relief and a peace inside of me when I came to read about His suffering. I pray that you would sense this in your spirit.

Song: He Has Surely Borne Our Sorrow

Once on a cross there hung in sorrow

One who was willing to die for our sins;

God’s only Son, sent down from heaven,

Came to redeem all men.

Chorus: He has surely borne our sorrow;

He has taken the sin-debt away.

He was bruised for our transgressions,

And by His stripes we are healed today.

(Mosie Lister, Sing His Praise)

So Marred & Bitterest Grief

January 14-15, 2014 – So Marred & Bitterest Grief – Manna by Dorothy Callies

Isaiah 52:14 “As many were astonied (shocked) at thee; his visage (face) was so marred (damaged) more than any man, and his form (body) more than the sons of men” (KJV).

This is about the Lord’s suffering servant and using New Living Translation is clearer. “See, my servant will prosper; he will be highly exalted. Many were amazed when they saw him*--beaten and bloodied, so disfigured one would scarcely know he was a person. And he will again startle many nations. Kings will stand speechless in his presence. For they will see what they had not previously been told about; they will understand what they had not heard about” (Isaiah 52:13-15).

The reason I brought this topic was to compare with Isaiah 53:2 and Isaiah 52:14. Jan. 10, Manna’s topic was “No Beauty” and this Manna topic was “So Marred.” In the past, I was not aware of Isaiah 52:14 “visage was so marred” and basically I had thought that Isaiah 53:2 was about His disfigured face and body. When I learned that visage means “face” and the form means “body,” then it became clearer in comparison.

The first part, Isaiah 53:2 was about Jesus as a regular guy and nothing special about Him and He was just like anyone else. The second part, Isaiah 52:14 was about His face and His body being “So Marred” and it meant “damaged.” I repeat this: His face was so damaged and His body was also so damaged.

We have seen the movie called; “The Passion” and many people complained that it was overdone what had happened to Christ at the beating room. The famous preacher once said that the actor of Jesus Christ still shows some of his handsome face, but this verse tells us that many were shocked that his face was so damaged that you could not recognize Him at all. If that happened in the movie, it would have been more shock and sickly. In fact, we still have no idea how much damaged the Roman soldiers have done to His face. About His body, we will come to that later.

Isaiah 53:3a “He was despised (looked down upon) and rejected—a man of sorrows, acquainted with bitterest grief” (NLT). Do you feel this? Acquainted with bitterest grief? Have you ever felt like this, acquainted with bitterest grief? What kind of experience are you going through? Bitter and grief? Know something? Right now, Jesus wants you to know that He felt it. He is acquainted with the worst grief you could ever imagine.

God spoke to my heart, “You need to know more about the suffering Messiah.”

Song: With Christ in the Vessel

With Christ in the vessel

     we can smile at the storm,

Smile at the storm, smile at the storm.

With Christ in the vessel

     we can smile at the storm

As we go sailing home.

Sailing, sailing home,

     sailing, sailing home,

With Christ in the vessel

     we can smile at the storm

As we go sailing home.

(Inspiring Choruses)

No Beauty

January 13, 2014 - No Beauty – Manna by Dorothy Callies

Isaiah 53:2b “He hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see Him, there is no beauty that we should desire him” (KJV). “There was nothing beautiful or majestic about His appearance, nothing to attract us to Him” (NLT). 

The commentary tells us that there was nothing beautiful or majestic (noble, or grand or higher rank) in the physical appearance of this servant. Israel would miscalculate (figure Him wrong) the servant’s importance—they would consider Him an ordinary man. But even though Jesus would not attract a large following based on his physical appearance, He would bring salvation and healing. Many people miscalculate the importance of Jesus’ life and work, and they need faithful Christians to point out His extraordinary nature [QVLAB].

The other commentary stated that the Messiah would lack earthly grandeur (the quality or state of being grand: awe-inspiring magnificence) and physical attractiveness. I find this interesting because it took some studies to understand what it meant when the verse quote, “there is no beauty that we should desire Him.”

Actually, it was about what He looks like when He was growing up with a family. He had a flesh that was so common among His people. He wasn’t like “Superman” we see on TV. He didn’t use His power like “Superman” did. The Zealot Jews would probably like that for Christ to overthrown the “Roman Empire” and that He would become their Messiah King instantly. That would be “an instant grand entrance,” but that was not God’s plan.

“I am not beautiful. I am not handsome. I don’t have the great skills to preach or to teach. I am not skills enough. I don’t have anything attractive to get people’s attention to me. I am too old for this. I am not good enough.” Do you ever felt that way? Do you ever wish you were like Hercules on TV, who was very attractive, and very strong? Do you ever wish you were like Superwoman on TV as well?  In our imagination, we would love to be like them. It would get all the attention among the Deaf, huh? That is still not God’s plan.

There was “no beauty” when Jesus became a servant because being a servant was the lowest rank of all. The world looks at it, “Impossible” for a future King to become a servant first. Jesus gave us an example from Luke 22:24-27 and He said, “… I am Your servant.” It would be like Jesus growing up in a family that was “nothing special.” But God put His Son there to serve the people! You may have a job that seems like “nothing special,” but God put you there to serve the people. You may have a family to take care and it may feel like “nothing special,” but God put you there to serve the family. 

So let’s accept His call to be a servant!

Song: If You Would Be Great (Mark 9:35)

If you would be great in God’s kingdom,

then learn to be servant of all,

If you would 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 a river when thou art a giver

and learn to be servant of all.

(Inspiring Choruses, Collections)

A Branch from David's Line

January 10-12, 2014 - A Branch from David’s Line – Manna by Dorothy Callies

Isaiah 11:1 “Out of the stump of David’s family will grow a shoot—yes, a Branch bearing fruit from the old root” (NLT).

Out of the stump means Judah (the royal line of David) would be like a tree chopped down to a stump. But from that stump a new shoot would grow—the Messiah. He would be greater than the original tree and would bear much fruit. The Messiah is the fulfillment of God’s promise that a descendant of David would rule forever.

Isaiah 11:1 “And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots” (KJV). The commentary “out of the stump” seems clearer to interpret what the KJV was saying. “A Branch shall grow out of his roots” means that Isaiah gives a glorious picture of a future new world governed by the Branch, Jesus Christ.

The Hebrew word, netzer (“Branch”) is likely the root word from which the name “Nazareth” might came from. Jesus was called a Nazarene (Mat.2:23), which can mean either “a man of Nazareth” or “a man of the Branch.” He would come forth as a branch from the root of Jesse, like David’s father. The Messiah would become ruler of a world restored to peace, righteousness, and goodness.

The first fulfillment of the prophecy came 700 years later when Jesus Christ was born, and yet another prophecy we are waiting for the second coming of Christ. Isaiah 9:1-7 was about the birth of the Messiah King. Isaiah 9:7 “His ever expanding, peaceful government will never end. He will rule forever with fairness and justice from the throne of his ancestor David. The passionate commitment of the Lord Almighty will guarantee this!” (NLT).

Suddenly, the Holy Spirit brought a song to my inner spirit, “Joy to the World! The Lord is come; Let earth receive her King; Let every heart prepare Him room, And heav’n and nature (people) sing, And heav’n and nature sing, And heav’n and heav’n and nature (people) sing. He rules the world with truth and grace, And makes the nations prove, The glories of His righteousness, And wonders of His love, And wonders of His love, And wonders, and wonders of His love.” [Lyrics: Isaac Watts, Sing His Praise].

Oh, how wonderful that the Holy Spirit would enlighten my understanding of this song is related to Isaiah 11:1 and Isaiah 9:7. Then another song came to me, ‘Coming Again.’

Song: Jesus Is Coming Again

Marvelous message we bring,

Glorious carol sing,

Wonderful word of the King:

Jesus is coming again!

Chorus:

Coming again, Coming again;

May be morning, may be noon,

May be evening, and may be soon!

Coming again, Coming again;

O what a wonderful day it will be;

Jesus is coming again!

(John Willard Peterson, Sing His Praise)

My Servant Grew

January 9, 2013 - My Servant Grew – Manna by Dorothy Callies

Isaiah 53:2a “My servant grew up in the Lord’s presence like a tender green shoot, sprouting from a root in dry and sterile ground” (NLT). “For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground” (KJV).

Root out of a dry ground means that Jesus not only had humble beginnings, but He came to earth at a time of great spiritual drought. John the Baptist began to awaken the people shortly before Jesus began His public ministry. During the 400 years before Christ came, God had not revealed Himself to the prophets. Therefore the people became hungry spiritually to hear God speaks to them once again.

Isaiah prophesied that Christ will come to speak to His own people. Isaiah 11:2 “And the Spirit of the Lord will rest on Him—the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord” (NLT).

John 12:44-50 NLT Jesus shouted to the crowds, “If you trust Me, you are really trusting God who sent Me. For when you see Me, you are seeing the One who sent Me. I have come as a light to shine in this dark world, so that all who put their trust in Me will no longer remain in the darkness. If anyone hears Me and doesn’t obey Me, I am not His judge—for I have come to save the world and not to judge it. But all who reject Me and My message will be judged at the day of judgment by the truth I have spoken. I don’t speak of my own authority. The Father who sent me gave Me His own instructions as to what I should say. And I know His instructions lead to eternal life; so I say whatever the Father tells me to say!”

While Jesus was on earth, His first mission was not to judge people, but to show them the way to find salvation and eternal life. John 17:3 Jesus said, “And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent” (KJV). Jesus prayed for the disciples and also for us to know God in an ever-growing knowledge and the fellowship with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

We often wonder what God is like. How can we know the Creator when He doesn’t make Himself visible (easily seen)? Jesus said plainly that those who see Him (Jesus) see God, because He, Jesus is God (Jn. 12:45). If you want to know what God is like, study the person and words of Jesus Christ. It comes from the Bible, the Word of God.

Song: My Desire

My desire … to be like Jesus

My desire … to be like Him

His Spirit fills me

His love overwhelms me

In word and deed to be like Him.

(Inspiring Choruses)

Who Has Believed?

January 7-8, 2014 - Who Has Believed? – Manna by Dorothy Callies

Isaiah 53:1 “Who has believed our message? To whom will the Lord reveal His saving power?” (NLT) “Who hath believed our report? And to whom is the arm of the Lord revealed?” (KJV)

I often wonder about what this verse actually meant until I did some research and I realized that there were some references between the New Testament and the Old Testament. The Holy Spirit encourages me to study about, “The Suffering Messiah” through the Word of God and that we would come to appreciate our relationship with our Messiah.

This chapter of Isaiah 53 continues to speak of the Messiah, Jesus, who would suffer for the sins of all people. Such a prophecy is astounding (to fill with puzzled wonder)! Who would believe that God would choose to save the world through a humble, suffering servant rather than a glorious king? The idea is contrary to human pride and worldly thinking. But God often works in way we don’t expect. The Messiah’s strength is shown by humility, suffering and mercy.

Although Jesus is God’s Messiah, many would not choose to believe in Him and would therefore fail to receive the salvation of the Lord. It was prophecy in John 12:37-38 NLT “But despite all the miraculous signs He had done, most of the people did not believe in Him. This is exactly what Isaiah the prophet had predicted: “Lord, who has believed our message? To whom will the Lord reveal His saving power?”

John 12:39-40 NLT “But the people couldn’t believe, for as Isaiah also said, “The Lord has blinded their eyes and hardened their hearts—so their eyes cannot see, and their hearts cannot understand, and they cannot turn to me and let Me heal them.”

John 12:41-43 NLT “Isaiah was referring to Jesus when he made this prediction, because he was given a vision of Messiah’s glory. Many believe, including some of the Jewish leaders, believed in Him. But they wouldn’t admit it to anyone because of their fear that the Pharisees would expel them from the synagogue. For they loved human praise more than the praise of God.” [This will carry on to the next Manna]

Paul had studied the Isaiah 53 and he was aware that some of the people would not believe the full Gospel of Jesus Christ. Romans 10:16-17 NLT “But not everyone welcomes the Good News, for Isaiah the prophet said, “Lord, who has believed our message?” Yet faith comes from listening to this message of good news—the Good News about Christ.” Many of us have heard the Gospel of Jesus Christ through someone that “Jesus Saves!” Let’s share the Gospel to others who have not heard about Jesus saves.

Song: Jesus Saves!

1. We have heard the joyful sound:

Jesus saves! Jesus saves!

Spread the tidings all around:

Jesus saves! Jesus saves!

Bear (bring) the news to every land;

Climb the steeps and cross the waves;

Onward! ‘tis the Lord’s command:

Jesus saves! Jesus saves!

(Priscilla Jane Owens, Sing His Praise)

Sit in Darkness

January 6, 2014 - Sit in Darkness – Bread Verse by Dorothy Callies

Micah 7:8c “When I sit in darkness, the LORD shall be a light unto me.”

What was Micah going through when he said, “When I sit in darkness, the LORD shall be a light unto me?” Micah was a prophet and he was “seeing” some downfalls of the capital city of Samaria and the capital city of Jerusalem. He was grieved over Israel who were not serving God for a time being. He had a vision of God’s judgment over the Israel.

Yet Micah said, “Therefore I will look unto the Lord: I will wait for the God of my salvation: my God will hear me” (Micah 7:7 KJV). Micah put his trust in God for the salvation. Micah showed great faith in God. Micah would wait upon God because God hears and saves when help is needed.

Micah was confidence that God would bring His people through when times were tough. Micah knew that Israel must be patient in punishment because God would bring them out of the darkness and that someday their enemies would be punished.

What does that mean to me? We, too, can have a relationship with God that can allow us to have confidence like Micah’s. Micah’s faith could teach us that we simply take faith in God and our willingness to act on that faith by trusting God. I would like to share what Micah said from Micah 7:7-10 NLT.

“As for me, I look to the Lord for His help. I wait confidently for God to save me, and my God will certainly hear me. Do not gloat over me, my enemies! For though I fall, I will rise again. Though I sit in darkness, the Lord Himself will be my light. I will be patient as the Lord punishes me, for I have sinned against Him. But after that, He will take up my case and punish my enemies for all the evil they have done to me. The Lord will bring me out of my darkness unto the light, and I will see His righteousness. Then my enemies will see that the Lord is on my side. They will be ashamed that they taunted me, saying, “Where is the Lord—that God of yours?” With my own eyes I will see them trampled down like mud in the street.”

This Manna encourages me to know that God will take care of those who may have spoken against you. If you are going through problems that others are not in a favor of you, I would say, “Trust God! He will handle all things and He will bring the light unto your path.” Others will see and know that God … is … with … you!

So trust God today!

Song: He Is My Everything!

He is my everything, He is my all,

He is my everything, great or small,

He gave His life for me, Made everything anew,

He is my everything, Jesus, I love You.

(Collection of songs)