The Law of Moses (7/30-31)

30-31 July 2015 - The Law of Moses – Manna by Dorothy Callies

John 5:15-16 “The man … told the Jews that it was Jesus, which had made him whole. And therefore did the Jews persecute Jesus, and sought to slay Him, because He had done these things on the Sabbath day.”  

After Manna, “The World Hates Jesus,” made me realized that there’s more to study. The Old Testament Law of Moses required death if the law was broken. It is found in Exodus 31:14-15 “whosoever doeth any work in the Sabbath Day, he shall surely be put to death.” John 15:25 quoted, “But this cometh to pass, that the word might be fulfilled that is written in their law, ‘They hated Me without a cause.’”

Jesus must have known that the Old Testament Law of Moses about “working on Sabbath day” would demand death. Jesus said in Matt 5:17 “Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.”  

I have known this scripture of Matthew 5:17 for many years, but today (July28), I finally “saw” the whole picture of “Sabbath Law” that led the religious Jews who felt justified to crucify Jesus. Simply because Jesus healed the man who laid by the pool waiting to be healed for 38 years. Also it was against the law for the healed man to carry the “rolled bed.” This really blew my mind. (Oh, the grace, we need it!)

Again Jesus said, “Don’t think that I have come to destroy the Law of Moses or the teachings of the prophets. I have not come to destroy them, but to bring about what they said” (NCV, Matt. 5:17). What Jesus meant He would not avoid the requirement of death simply because He is the Son of God who made the Ten Commandments. Jesus knew He must meet the demand of the Law that require death even when He healed the man by the pool on the Sabbath Day.

And Jesus said from Luke 24:44 “… These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the Law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning Me.”  To be fulfilled means Jesus was successful to do all that was required of Him. He completed His work at the cross when He said, “It is finished.” He meant, “It is fulfilled.”

Oh, the wonder of wonders! We all broke the laws and we deserve death in hell. BUT Jesus stood between the Law of Moses and us, saying, “I will meet the demand of this law. I will not destroy the law. I will do and obey what was required of Me through the death of the cross. It is necessary that I, the Son of God, die in your place so that I may give grace and forgiveness of sins through My blood and open the door of heaven for those who accepted Me as their Lord and Savior.” So now we have GRACE and FORGIVENESS. Praise the Lord for His love and mercy!  

Song: Grace Greater Than Our Sin

Marvelous grace of our loving Lord, 

Grace that exceeds our sin and our guilt,

Yonder on Calvary’s mount outpoured, 

There where the blood of the Lamb was spilt.

Chorus:

Grace, Grace, God’s grace, 

Grace that will pardon and cleanse within;

Grace, Grace, God’s grace, 

Grace that is greater than all our sin.

(Julia Harriette Johnston, Sing His Praise)

The World Hates (7/27-29)

27-29 July 2015 - The World Hates – Manna by Dorothy Callies

John 7:7 KJV, “The world cannot hate you; but me it hateth, because I testify of it, that the works thereof are evil.” NCV: “The world cannot hate you, but it hates Me, because I tell it the evil things it does.” (Jesus was speaking to the religious Jews).

The word, hate means a strong dislike; to feel strong dislike toward a person; to have a strong feeling of disgust for or to have a strong feeling against someone. This one meaning of hate suggests deep dislike and the wishing of harm to another which seems to fit “the Jews who sought to kill Jesus” (John 5:18).

The commentary stated that Jesus was hated by the world. Why? Because He would exposed their evil deeds, the people who were separated from God. Their deeds would be depraved (pervert or to make evil), sinful, selfish and evil. Throughout His ministry Jesus faithfully spoke against injustice, cruelty, and immorality. This makes the religious Jews very angry enough to plot death against Christ. He said, “But I know you, that ye have not the love of God in you” (John 5:42).

Why would Jesus say that they do not have the love of God in them? The answers are found in reading from John 5:38-42 NCV: “His teaching does not live in you, because you don’t believe in the One the Father sent. 39) You carefully study the Scriptures because you think they give you eternal life, 40) but you refuse to come to Me to have that life. 41) I don’t need praise from people. 42) But I know you—I know that you don’t have God’s love in you.”

What really impressed me? Jesus spoke directly to the religious Jews that they didn’t have the love of God in them. Why? Because they wanted to kill Him for “breaking Moses’ law.” What kind of law that Jesus had broken? John 5:18 KJV, “Therefore the Jews sought the more to kill Him, because He not only had broken the Sabbath, but said also that God was His Father, making Himself equal with God.” The religious Jews did not believe that Jesus was God’s Son.

One time I was working as a binder in the printing company. There was a supervisor who was giving me a hard time and I was wondering why this happened. It was then Jesus spoke to me, “They don’t really hate you. It is Me they hated.”  I received the inner peace when Jesus helped me understand what’s “behind the scene.” I began to pray for my supervisor’s salvation. Years later, I was delighted to learn she accepted Christ along with her teen daughter.

What inspired me? To Jesus, it is important for us to have the love of God inside of us. In order to keep on having the love of God inside of us, we need to have “God’s teaching” lives inside of us and to believe that God the Father has sent Jesus to the world for our salvation. 

Song: I Love My Lord

I love my Lord and He loves me,

I love my Lord and He loves me.

From day to day He cares for me

He proved His love for me on Calvary.

(Inspiring Choruses)

All Things (7/24-26)

24-26 July 2015 - All Things – Manna by Dorothy Callies

Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things through Christ which strengthened me.”

What did Paul means when he said, “I can do all things through Christ which strengthened me?” The Philippians Church was concerned about Paul’s personal needs that he often lack things when he traveled. Paul thanked the Church for their gifts to him, however, he wanted to encourage them the words of comfort.

From NLT, Philippians 4:10 through 14, Paul wrote, “How grateful I am, and how I praise the Lord that you are concerned about me again. I know you have always been concerned for me, but for a while you didn’t have the chance to help me. 11) Not that I was ever (always) in need, for I have learned how to get along happily whether I have much or little. 12) I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little.

13) For I can do everything with the help of Christ who gives me the strength I need. 14) But even so, you have done well to share with me in my present difficulty.” I would like to continue reading and sharing what Paul said that impressed and inspired me very much.

From NLT, Phil. 4:15-17, “As you know, you Philippians were the only ones who gave me financial help when I brought the Good News and then traveled on from Macedonia. No other church did this. 16) Even when I was in Thessalonica you sent help more than once. 17) I don’t say this because I want a gift from you. What I want is for you to receive a well-earned reward because of your kindness.”

I want to stop here for a moment. This reminds me of what I wrote on Manna, Little Things (July 22-23). The Philippians Church may have felt that it was only a little things that they could help Paul with his needs. Paul wanted them to know that he appreciate their kindness of helping him and that God will reward them for their kindness. To them, it may be a little things, but the Church may be surprised how much God would bless them. Let’s read on.

From NLT, Phil. 4:18-19, “At the moment I have all I need—more than I need! I am generously supplied with the gifts you sent me with Epaphroditus. They (the gifts) are a sweet-smelling sacrifice that is acceptable to God and pleases Him. 19) And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from His glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.”

Even though Paul, at times lack the needs, he was thrilled that the Church gave him gifts more than enough. However, Paul still depends on Christ to strengthen him and meet his needs, the same God will supply all our needs. Let’s sing.

Song: Jesus Is All I Need

All that I need He will always be;

All that I need till His face I see;

All that I need through eternity,

Jesus is all I need.  

(James Rowe)

Little Things (7/22-23)

22-23 July 2015 - Little Things – Manna by Dorothy Callies

Luke 16:10 NKJV, “He (you) who is faithful in what is least is faithful also in much …”

In Matthew 25:21 NKJV, “… you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things.” NCV: “… Because you were loyal with small things, I will let you care for much greater things.”

On Tuesday morning of July 21^st, I pondered what to work on Manna and the Lord spoke to my heart about the “little things.” So I found a few especially I see that this verse from Matthew 25^th was about the story of three servants or the parable of the talents. It should be well-known Scriptures, however there were a small part that may be overlooked by many.

It is about little things … I have heard that some people have said, “Oh, that little thing isn’t worth it” or “oh that little things … it’s nothing to worry about it” or “that little thing, it isn’t that important. Let it go.” WRONG! That little thing does count … God does look at the little things.  Let’s look at Matthew 7:21 what Jesus said.

KJV: “Not everyone that saith unto Me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he (anyone) that doeth the will of My Father which is in heaven”. NCV: “Not all those who say that I am their Lord will enter the Kingdom of heaven. The only people who will enter the kingdom of heaven are those who do what My Father in heaven wants.”

Now, I wonder if those people that Jesus said that many will not make it to heaven because they may have thought that “little things” may have been “not important” as the “big things.” You asked, “What big things?” Jesus quoted “the big things” that the people came to Him with their reasons, “But we did prophesied …, we did cast out devils …, we have done many miracles …, we did big things … so why couldn’t we get into heaven?”

Jesus answered to them that He didn’t know them (Matt.7:23). So what was the problem? Simple … they didn’t do what God wants, His will, and His chosen plan for them. God may have asked them to do “little things” for Him, but they “ignored Him” because “they thought the big things were more important.”  

That’s why Paul said, “Whatever you do, do it as unto the Lord, not unto men” and then you can be assured that Jesus will say to you, “Oh yes, I know you. You did well. You are a good and loyal servant. Because you were loyal with small things, I will let you care for much greater things. Come and share My joy with me” (Matt. 25:21 NCV).

I believe this is a very convicting message that God is speaking to us right now. If you ever thought that little things was nothing, “watch it!” Don’t let the devil deceive you! Wake up! Get to know your heavenly Father and His will for you! He is waiting for you. I pray that Holy Spirit reminds us, “little things matter to God!” 

Song: Jesus Use Me

Je-sus, use me, and

O Lord, don’t refuse me,

For surely there’s a work that I can do;

And even tho’ it’s humble,

Help my will to crumble, (break down)

Tho’ the cost be great, I’ll work for you.

(Billy and Jack Campbell, Inspiring Choruses)

The Hidden Life (7/20-21)

20-21 July 2015 - The Hidden Life – Manna by Dorothy Callies

Colossians 3:2-3 NLT: “Let heaven fill your thoughts. Do not think only about things down here on earth. For you died when Christ died, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God.”

KJV, “Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.” Paul, the apostle wrote this letter to the Church of Colosse and he quoted, “For you died” sounds really brutal, but what did Paul meant? He means that we should have little desire for the world as a dead person would have. The Christian’s real home is “Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then we shall also appear with Him in glory” (Col.3:4). [Brutal means being cruel and inhuman.]  

What does it means that a believer’s life is “hidden with Christ”? Hidden means “concealed and safe.” Christ gives us power to live for Him now. The only way people can know that we have Christ inside of our hidden lives is by our everyday life style. [Conceal means to put out of sight like “hide a treasure.”]

The story about George MacDonald who lived in Scotland was a very intellectually gifted young man. His friends in university thought very highly of him. George had an academic career to look forward to. But when he learned of his aging father who could not handle the family farm, he return home to take care of his father and to take over the farm. His friends lamented what they saw as a waste of his talents.

But George MacDonald who wrote a poem titled, “The Hidden Life” called, “ordinary deeds” and “simple forms (or ways) of human helpfulness” that involved with everyday activity such as he was taking care of his father and the farm. His friends thought it was wasteful, but God … wastes … nothing ... George’s ordinary deeds was a simple human helpfulness, although hidden, has eternal rewards.

The apostle Paul challenged the Colossians: “Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus,” and “do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ” (Col.3:17,23-24 NKJV). There’s a song called, “I Will Serve Thee” after this prayer for you and me.

Oh, dear Lord Jesus, may I be willing to let my life be hidden in You and be ready to speak a word of kindness to those who are weary. May Your Spirit touch my words that will enrich and refresh others. Thank You, Lord Jesus for reminding me how important it is to serve others as we serve You. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen!

Song: I Will Serve Thee

I will serve Thee because I love Thee,

You have given life to me;

I was nothing before You found me,

You have given life to me.

Heart-aches, broken pieces,

Ruined lives are why you died on Calvary;

Your touch was what I longed for,

You have given life to me.

 (William J & Gloria Gaither, 100 Country Western Favorites)

Nailed It to the Cross! (7/18-19)

18-19 July 2015 - Nailed It to the Cross – Manna by Dorothy Callies

Colossians 2:13-14 “… [Jesus] has made [you] alive together with Him, having forgiving you all trespasses” (NKJV). “... having nailed it to the cross.”

There was a story about a church service when a pastor talked about Jesus taking our sins upon Himself and dying in our place to take our punishment. The pastor asked if anyone still felt guilt over confessed sins and was not enjoying the forgiveness of God.

They were to write the sin or sins on a piece of paper, walk to the front of the church, and nail the paper to the cross that was placed there. Many went forward, and you could hear the pounding of nails for several minutes. This physical action was a simple reminder that Jesus had already taken those sins on Himself as He hung on the cross and died.

The apostle Paul taught the church at Colosse and explained that Jesus paid the price for our sins. Paul said, “The handwriting of requirements that was against us, . . . He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross” (Col. 2:14 NKJV).

Paul explained that “Salvation through the Old Testament covenant” has been taken out of the way. How? Having nailed it to the cross, and God has established a better and a new covenant through Christ.  Our Salvation is through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Good reading would be in Hebrews 8, 9, and 10 which made it clear that Christ was a better sacrifice because He died once and for all.

Now for us, if we confess our sins to God, seeking His cleansing, He will forgive (1 John 1:9). We don’t need to hold on to the guilt. Our sins have been nailed to the cross; our sins have been taken away. Jesus has forgiven them all.  

Song: He Was Nailed to the Cross for Me

Chorus:

He was nailed to the cross for me,

He was nailed to the cross for me,

On the cross crucified, for me He died;

He was nailed to the cross for me.

1. What a wonderful, wonderful Savior,

Who would died on the cross for me!

Freely shedding His precious life-blood,

That the sinner might be made free. [Then chorus]

2. He was wounded for our transgressions,

And He carried our sorrows, too;

He’s the Healer of every sickness,

This He came to the world to do. [Then chorus]

3. So He gave His life for others

In redeeming this world from sin,

And He’s gone to prepare a mansion,

That at last we may enter in. [Then chorus]

(F. A. Graves, Melodies of Praise)

Crown of Thorns (7/16-17)

16-17 July 2015 - A Crown of Thorns – Manna by Dorothy Callies

John 19:2 KJV: “And the soldiers platted a crown of thorns, and put it on His head, and they put on Him a purple robe.” NKJV: “And the soldiers twisted a crown of thorns and put it on His head, and they put on Him a purple robe.”

The chorus, A Crown of Thorns came to me in the morning of July 8, 2015 on Wednesday. I remembered I sang this song in sign language at the Statewide Rally in the Northern part of California about 1966. It was a chorus I was surprised which I didn’t forget. For more verses, I found it from the old Melodies of Praise book of 1957.

Chorus: A Crown of Thorns

A rugged cross.., became His throne…

His kingdom was… in hearts alone…

He wrote His love… in crimson red..,

And wore the thorns… upon His head…

(Ira Stanphill, Melodies of Praise)

I became curious to study more about a crown of thorns. Matthew 27:29 “And when they had platted a crown of thorns, they put it upon His head, and a reed in His right hand: and they bowed the knee before Him, and mocked Him, saying, Hail, King of the Jews!” John 19:2 “And the soldiers platted a crown of thorns, and put it on His head, and they put on Him a purple robe …” John 19:5 “Then came Jesus forth, wearing the crown of thorns, and the purple robe. And Pilate saith unto them, Behold the man!” 

Mark 15:17-20 “And they clothed Him with purple, and plaited a crown of thorns, and put it about His head, And began to salute Him, Hail, the King of Jews! And they smote Him on the head with a reed, and did spit upon Him and bowing their knees worshiped Him. And when they had mocked Him, they took off the purple from Him, and put his own clothes on Him, and led Him out to crucify Him” (KJV).

Commentary: The crown of thorns was in mockery of a kingly crown. Placing a purple robe on Jesus made him a caricature of a royal conqueror. [Caricature means exaggeration of the actions, parts or features of someone or something usually for comic or something meant to make fun of and show the weaknesses of human nature or a particular person.]

The old English word, platted means braid, plait, pleat or twist. The Roman soldiers probably used three branches of thorns to weave and to braid them together into a crown. The thorns were an inch long. Just thinking of Jesus who took the thorns into His head was the most horrifying thought to mediate on … yet … Jesus told two men who were on the road to Emmaus, “Ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into His glory?” (Luke 24:26 KJV). [NCV: “They said that the Christ must suffer these things before He enters His glory.”] I am speechless!!! Here's amazing words from a song, A Crown of Thorns!

1. There was no crown for Him of silver or of gold.

There was no diadem (fancy crown) for Him to hold.

But blood adorned His brow and proud its stain He bore,

And sinners gave to Him the crown He wore. [Next chorus]

2. He did not reign upon a throne of ivory,

But died upon the cross of Calvary.

For sinners there He counted all He owned but loss,

And He surveyed His kingdom from a cross. [Next chorus]

3. No purple robe He wore His bleeding wounds to hide,

But stripes upon His back He wore with pride.

And from the wounds there flowed a crimson, cleansing stream,

That was a cover for the soul unclean. [Next chorus]

(Ira Stanphill, Melodies of Praise)

Brought Low? (7/13-15)

13-15 July 2015 - Brought Low? Manna by Dorothy Callies

Psalm 116:6 “I was brought low and He helped me.”

I did some research on the word, low. I find it interesting to share several meaning from the word, low. One was the deep sound of a cow. That doesn’t fit this verse’s meaning, but interesting. Another meaning was, not high or tall; placed below the normal level. Another meaning for low was stricken, trouble with disease, misfortune, or sorrow. Another was prostrate, stretched out with the face on the ground. 2: completely overcome or exhausted like prostrate with grief.

That one seems to fit the verse like prostrate with grief … exhausted ... I looked at another meaning was feeble, and weak, not cheerful or lively. Feeble means lacking in strength or endurance. Also for weak means lacking physical strength and not able to stand much weight, pressure, or strain.

Do you ever felt like this? I was brought low … I was in sorrow … I was exhausted … I don’t have enough strength … I just lost someone dear to me … My body is giving me problem … My body isn’t functioning well … Some friends have just lost their love ones …

Three big words hit a homerun: HE HELPED ME! Let us focus on that … God helped me! He helped me! God provides with what is useful in making you a success! God gives relieves! God wants to free us wholly from a burden or distress! God wants to lift us! God wants to hug us! God wants to love us! So let us sing a song of deliverance!

Song: I’m So Glad Jesus Lifted Me!

I’m so glad Jesus lifted me,

I’m so glad Jesus lifted me,

I’m so glad Jesus lifted me,

Singing glory, hallelujah,

Jesus lifted me.

Satan had me bound but Jesus set me free,

Satan had me bound but Jesus set me free,

Satan had me bound but Jesus set me free

Singing glory, hallelujah,

Jesus set me free.

(Inspiring Choruses)

Song: I’m So Happy

I’m so happy, here’s the reason why,

Jesus took my burden all away;

Now I’m singing as the days go by,

Jesus took my burdens all away.

Once my heart was heavy with a load of sin,

Jesus took my burden, gave me peace within.

Now I’m singing as the days go by,

Jesus took my burdens all away.

(Inspiring Choruses)

The Nation Asked (7/9-12)

09-12 July 2015 – The Nation Asked … - Manna by Dorothy Callies

Psalm 115:2 KJV, “Wherefore should the heathen say, “Where is now their God?”

You know we were seeing the strange weathers that we have not seen years ago. So what was going on, really? People were asking, “Where is our God in all this crisis time? Especially seeing all the dismayed news on TV. It was my belief that God was trying to get the Nation’s attention to repent and turn to Him. When the Nation asked … read on …

Psalm 115:2 “Why should the nations say, “Where is their God?” I find this interesting because to me the people seems to think that God is not doing anything about the situation. So the Psalmist answered and said:

Psalm 115:3 “Our God is in the heavens; He does all that He pleases.” We know that God is in heaven so why isn’t He do something about it? What kind of people that has asked the question, “Where is God?” The kind of people that Psalmist described … read on …

Psalm 115:4-8 “Their idols are silver and gold, the work of human hands.  They have mouths, but do not speak; eyes, but do not see.  They have ears, but do not hear; noses, but do not smell.  They have hands, but do not feel; feet, but do not walk; and they do not make a sound in their throat.  Those who make them (their own idols) become like them; so do all who trust in them (their own idols).” 

The people have idols to worship to and God was telling them in His own words, “What kind of god they have as to compare to God Himself.” Their idols are the work of the hands and God is the Creator. Their idols can’t speak, but God can speak. Their idols can’t see, but God can see everything. Their idols cannot feel, but God can feel. Their idols cannot walk, but God can walk. Their idols cannot smell, but God can smell. Their idols cannot make a sound, but God can make a sound.

The verse said that those who make the idols, they acted just like the idols. They just cannot see, cannot speak, cannot feel, cannot walk, cannot make a sound, and cannot smell. God’s Word is saying that they are just like an idol who put their own trust in idol who cannot do anything for them. The question was: “When will they learn to see that God is the Creator and that He is everything …?”

Psalm 115:9-11 “O Israel, trust in the LORD! He is their help and their shield.  O house of Aaron, trust in the LORD! He is their help and their shield.  You who fear the LORD, trust in the LORD! He is their help and their shield.”

God promised to bless you because you have shown a great respect to the Lord, both small and great (Ps. 115:13). You are blessed of the Lord who made heaven and earth. The dead does not praise the Lord, but you who are alive can praise the Lord today!! So praise the Lord from the “Hallelujah Psalm 115.” (Ps. 115:15, 17).

Psalm 117:1-2 KJV, “O Praise the Lord, all ye nations; praise Him, all ye people. For His merciful kindness is great toward us: and the truth of the Lord endureth forever. Praise ye the Lord!” Amen!

Trust or Distrust? (7/6-8)

06-08 July 2015 - Trust or Distrust? – Manna by Dorothy Callies with help of a friend!

Psalm 115:9 “O, Israel, trust in the Lord! He is their help and their shield.”

What is the opposite of trust? Distrust. And what is one of many things that cause us to distrust God? Anxiety! It is difficult for many people to trust when they are anxious. Actually, some people say they trust while they are anxious and then try to justify it. In another word, they are saying, it is almost normal to be anxious sometimes. The fact is, if a person is anxious, then the person is NOT trusting.

If we are truly trusting God, then we are at peace and have peace within. If there’s even the tiniest hint of anxiety, we have to admit that we are not truly trusting in God. So the question is: what is the opposite of peace? Anxiety. Anxiety and peace cannot abide together. If Jesus said, “Abide in Me.” Is Jesus anxious? Jesus said, “Let me teach you how to have peace.” So when we sing, it is so sweet to trust in Jesus, stand on His Word and allow the anxiety to disappear. This is a song of deliverance from anxiety!  So let’s sing!

Song: ‘Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus by Louisa M. R. Stead.
‘Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus,
 Just to take Him at His Word;
 Just to rest upon His promise,
 And to know, “Thus saith the Lord!”
 Chorus:
 Jesus, Jesus, how I trust Him!
 How I’ve proved Him o’er and o’er;
 Jesus, Jesus, Precious Jesus!
 Oh, for grace to trust Him more!
 
 Oh, how sweet to trust in Jesus,
 Just to trust His cleansing blood;
 Just in simple faith to plunge me
 ‘Neath the healing, cleansing flood!
 
 Yes, ‘tis sweet to trust in Jesus,
 Just from sin and self to cease;
 Just from Jesus simply taking
 Life and rest, and joy and peace.
 
 I’m so glad I learned to trust Thee,
 Precious Jesus, Savior, Friend;
 And I know that Thou art with me,
 Wilt be with me to the end.
 

A modern version for children that is used in VBS:

 "Oh So Sweet”
Oh so sweet! (Sweet!) Oh so fine! (Fine!)
Jesus came to save me and

He’s with me all the time!
Oh so sweet! (Sweet!) Oh so true! (True!)
Because You love me, Jesus,

I have a sweet life in You!

Happy 4th of July! (7/3-5)

03-05 July 2015 - Onward Christian Soldiers – Manna by Dorothy Callies

2 Timothy 2:3-4 KJV, “Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he (you) may please Him who hath chosen him (you) to be a soldier.”

The Fourth of July, the Independence Day reminds me of the time Revolutionary War, the war from 1775 to 1783 by which the thirteen American colonies won independence from England. The word, revolutionary means bringing great changes. What was the changed? The Boston Tea Party, raid on some British ships in Boston harbor in 1773. Disguised as Indians, colonists threw chests of tea overbroad as a protest against taxation by the British Parliament.

Since that time, Americans have celebrated July Fourth as an Independence Day. Maybe many of us might have forgotten about the history. I remember this well at Riverside School for the Deaf at California when I took the Social Study class. My teacher, Miss Smallwood really dramatized the story of Boston Tea Party which I checked from my old “High School Dictionary” in 1960’s and bought it for a dollar. 

Jesus is our Captain of the army. As we join with Him leading, we could sing in the Spirit, Onward, Christian Soldiers. It is a well-known song. It really boost me to remember that Jesus Christ has chosen me to be a soldier for Him. Be Strong!

Song: Onward Christian Soldiers!

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:
Onward, Christian soldiers! Marching as to war,
With the cross of Jesus Going on before.

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]

3. Onward, then ye people! Join our happy throng;
Blend with ours your voices In the triumph song;
Glory, laud and honor Unto Christ the King;
This through countless ages Men and angels sing. [Chorus]
[Lyrics: Sabine Baring-Gould; Music: Arthur Seymour Sullivan]

By the way, Happy Birthday Canada on July ^1st!

On a Hill Far Away (7/1-2)

01-02 July 2015 - On a Hill Far Away – Manna by Dorothy Callies

Luke 23:33 “And when they come to the place, which is called Calvary, there they crucified Him …”

On Monday morning, June 22^nd Tony and I was at coffee shop reading devotion and what impressed me was the title called, “On a Hill Far away.” And suddenly we remembered the song, The Old Rugged Cross and we began to sing together. Oh, that touched our hearts to remember this old loved song by many. While we were singing, we sensed the Spirit of Christ touching our hearts, healing …

Song: The Old Rugged Cross

On a hill far away stood an old rugged cross,

The emblem of suffering and shame;

But I love that old cross where the dearest and best

For a world of lost sinners was slain.

Chorus:

So I cherish the old rugged cross …

Till my trophies at last I lay down;

I will cling to the old rugged cross,

And exchange it some day for a crown.

To the old rugged cross I will ever be true,

Its shame and reproach gladly bear;

Then He’ll call me some day to my home far away

Where His glory forever I’ll share.

Chorus:

So I cherish the old rugged cross …

Till my trophies at last I lay down;

I will cling to the old rugged cross,

And exchange it some day for a crown.

(George Bennard, Sing His Praise)

I did some research on “Calvary” and find it interesting to share this: In Zechariah 9:11, “Because of the covenant I made with you, sealed with blood …” The commentary gave information that “Covenants in the Old Testament times were sealed or confirmed with blood, much as we would sign our name to a contract. The old covenant was sealed by the blood of sacrifices, pointing ahead to the blood of Christ would shed at Calvary, His “signature” that confirmed God’s new covenant with His people.”

Another commentary on “They crucified Him.” The crucifixion and the death of Jesus are the core (the most important part) and foundation of God’s plan of redemption. Jesus, who had never sinned, died in the place of sinful humanity (people). By His crucifixion the penalty for sin was paid and the work of Satan was finished. Now all the people may turn to God in repentance and faith in Christ and receive forgiveness, and salvation from sin, and eternal life.” [References found in 1 Cor. 1:23-24; Rom. 3:25].

My heart was touched to remember Calvary whenever I take the Communion at home. Communion reminds me of Jesus’ word, “Remember Me” and the “Calvary.” The healing of His blood flows “on a hill far away, stood an old rugged cross.”