The Lord My Shepherd 5/26-31

Jehovah-Rohi:  The Lord My Shepherd  

          Psalm 23:1 “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.”

          (1)  The name of Jehovah-Rohi is the Hebrew beginning of Psalm 23.  It is both a name of God and an affirmation (to state positively or with confidence) of faith.  David, out on the hills of Bethlehem in the cool nights, watched the sheep, knowing that bears, wolves, lions, and thieves menaced (threaten or endanger) his flock (sheep) himself. 

          (2)  David was the shepherd who watched for the sheep’s welfare (make sure the sheep are in well-protective place).  But David had confidence that Jehovah-Rohi watched over the shepherd’s own needs and safety.

          (3)  “The Lord My Shepherd” was present to protect, lead, and provide pasture for David.  David gave us a marvelous example, just as David’s Shepherd was Jehovah, so today, we should realize that Jehovah is our Shepherd.

          (4)  Christ declared, “I am the good shepherd.”  As proof, He spoke of His coming death: “The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep” (John 10:11).

          (5)  Christ specifically denied that all other religious leaders who became founders of religions were also shepherd of humanity.  The kind of religious leaders that Jesus was talking about were “thieves and robbers” (John 10:8).

          (6)  It might be helpful to read Galatians 1:6 to clarify what Jesus meant. Paul wrote that there is only one gospel.  “I marvel that you are turning away so soon from Him who called you in the grace of Christ, to a different gospel, which is not another; but there are some who trouble you and want to pervert (turned away what is good or true or right) the gospel of Christ” (Gal. 1:6-7).

          (7)  “But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed. As we have said before, so now I say again, if anyone preaches any other gospel to you than what you have received, let him be accursed” (Gal. 1:8-9).

          (8)  The gospel of Jesus Christ is “the good shepherd who already gave His life for the sheep.” Jesus is Jehovah-Rohi, The Lord My Shepherd.

          (9)  It might be interested to learn what Jesus meant by John 10:16. Christ spoke of having “other sheep” who would “also” come and “be one flock.”  Here He prophesied of the worldwide call of the Gentile believers to join with the Jewish believers in “one flock”—His true church.

          (10)  All of the wonderful and happy benefits described in Psalm 23 belong to the believer, by virtue (good quality) of ours belonging to Christ—our wonderful, strong, thoughtful, and caring Shepherd.

          Key:  When we need guidance, food, protection, or comfort, let us, like David of old, look beyond the hills to Jehovah-Rohi, “The Lord My Shepherd.”

Lord Our Righteousness 5/21-25

Jehovah-Tsidkenu:  The Lord Our Righteousness

          Jeremiah 23:6 “In His days Judah will be saved, and Israel will dwell safely; Now this is His name by which He will be called: The Lord Our Righteousness.”

          (1)  Jeremiah prophesied until the time of the Babylonian exile.  He warned Israel that because of her sins (city of Jerusalem and the people), God was going to allow the Babylonians to invade, destroy Solomon’s temple, and lead them away into a seventy-year captivity—one from which many would never return, not even from their children.

          (2)  Babylon’s first invasion came in 606 B.C., the second in 597 B.C., and the third in 586 B.C.  Then Jerusalem and the temple were destroyed, and the people deported (to force a person to leave a country).

          (3)  God blamed the idolatrous (people who worship the idols) and faithless Kings and the false religious teachers for leading Israel into sin, causing Him to send the people into captivity.  To them He exclaims (cry out or speak suddenly), “You have scattered My flock (people)” (Jer. 23:2).

          (4)  God then looked far into the future, to the end-times and the millennial kingdom (one-thousand-year-peace), when Israel shall praise the Lord for returning them from their captivity among the nations (Jer. 23:8).

          (5)  Jeremiah proclaims that the final return of the children of Israel will coincide (happen at the same time) with God’s raising up the Messiah—“I will raise to David a Branch of righteousness” (Jer. 23:5).  Next He adds that “Israel will dwell safely” (v.6).

          (6)  It means that in the messianic age (during the reign of Christ, the Messiah)  the existence of Israel in the Middle East is guaranteed by God; no longer will nations threaten to destroy ‘her’ (His people and the city of Jerusalem). The Messiah’s name is Jehovah-Tsidkenu, “The Lord Our Righteousness.”

          (7)  Paul, writing the letter to the Romans 650 years later, brought the subject about Jeremiah, and declared that unbelieving Israel is still looking for her righteousness, while Jehovah-Jesus is “righteousness to everyone who believes” (Rom. 10:1-4). 

          (8)  It might be good to know about “the parable of the wedding feast” which is told by Christ, shows that no one is allowed into heaven wearing his own good deed for righteousness.  God (the King) orders the dismissal of the one who refused the pure garment of righteousness (Christ), which He had provided for all guests to wear (Matt. 22:11-13).

          (9)  It is not our good deeds that makes us righteous. God’s holy standards is provided only by God Himself, through faith in Christ; for it is He who is Jehovah-Tsidkenu, “The Lord Our Righteousness.”

          Key: “For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ” (2Cor. 5:21 NLT).

The Names of God 5/16-20

          Jehovah was the sacred name of God of Israel, used especially with reference to His being the covenant God of His people.  The name itself spelled by only four letters in Hebrew, YHWH.  The Canaanites and other nations never used this name for their gods.  

          Due to the holy awe connected with the name from antiquity (very great age), both the Bible copiers and readers refrained (hold back) from even speaking it aloud; therefore exact pronunciation (speak the word) has been lost to us.  Today, most prefer the form Yahweh over Jehovah.

          The literal (usual word) meaning of the name seems to be “He Is.”  It is similar (same) to the “I AM” name by which God calls Himself when speaking to Moses (Ex. 3:14).  So it carry the fact that “He Is”—the eternal, personal, self-existing Being (living person).

          Added to this, The Bible reveals His attributes (character, quality) of holiness, goodness, justice, love, and mercy.  Also, His omnipotence (He is all-powerful), omniscience (He is all-knowing), and omnipresence (He is everywhere).  The New King James Version being in agreement to translate YHWH as “the LORD” or “GOD,” using small capital letters.

          The compound (to put together) names of Jehovah are especially revealing as they wonderfully show to us how God came down to help His Old Testament people at a very important time of need.  The eternal Jehovah would save His people from their Egypt of sin. Such like “the Lord went before them by day in a pillar of a cloud, to lead them the way; and by night in a pillar of fire, to give them light; to go by day and night” (Ex. 13:21).

          The Lord Jesus Christ came down to earth to reveal the character traits (quality from another) of God, His heavenly Father which revealed in Christ our Lord and in the eternal Jehovah.  Then Jesus made with them (disciples) a New Testament even more wonderful than the (old) testament made at *Sinai.

          Jesus said to his disciples, “This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you” (Luke 22:20).  The compound (to put together) names of Jehovah are revealing as they wonderfully show to us the various covenant benefits that we, His people, today derive (receive) from our faith relationship to Him. 

          There are six names of Jehovah which you will see if you log in the blog. http://www.deafprayerparters.blogspot.com/ 

         

*Note: Make sure you know the story of *Mount Sinai.

Locked In 5/11-15

11-15 May 2016 – Locked In – Manna by Dorothy Callies

2 Timothy 2:9 “I suffer trouble . . . even to the point of chains; but the Word of God is not chained” (NKJV).

            In 2 Timothy we read of Paul experiencing a different kind of “locked-in syndrome.”  Under the house arrest, the apostle learned that it is possible that he would be executed (be put to death).  With this in view, he told Timothy:  “I suffer trouble … even to the point of chains; but the Word of God is not chained” (2 Tim. 2:9).

           

            In spite of his isolation (separation from others), Paul welcomed visitors, wrote letters of encouragement, and rejoiced at the spread of God’s Word. Paul spent two years under house arrest awaiting his trial.  Paul wrote Philemon, Colossians, Ephesians, and Philippians during this first Roman imprisonment.

           

            Early church tradition suggests that Paul was exiled and fulfilled the dream of expressed in Roman 15:23-29 of carrying the gospel to Spain (A.D. 63-67).  Then later Paul was arrested again and taken to a harsher second Roman imprisonment.  While in prison, Paul wrote 1 and 2 Timothy and Titus.

           

            Paul left us an example that if ever we felt like we may have been isolated from others, to remind us that the Word of God is not chained. We can still reach out to others through the Face Book, Face Time, Skype, Video Phone, emails, and such.

           

            As for me, I write Manna and put in Blog and emails to friends. I felt free when it comes to the Word of God, His presence, He is everywhere.  What about you?  I pray that there are some ways you could reach out to others.

   

            Even when praying “on your knee,” your prayers traveled around the world.  Pray for more workers to carry the Word of God everywhere.  Pray for workers to do their mission to help others. God will reward you.

Song: We’ll Work Till Jesus Comes

            By Elizabeth Mills, Sing His Praise

We’ll work till Jesus comes,

We’ll work till Jesus comes,

We’ll work till Jesus comes,

And then we’ll be gathered home.

Song: In the Service of the King

            By Alfred Henry Ackley, Sing His Praise

In the service of the King,

Every talent I will bring;

I have peace and joy and blessing

In the service of the King.

Through It All 5/6-10

06-10 May 2016 - Through It All – Manna by Dorothy Callies

Song: Through It All

By Andrae Crouch, Sing His Praise

Through it all, Through it all,

I’ve learned to trust in Jesus,

I’ve learned to trust in God;

Through it all, Through it all,

I’ve learned to depend on His Word.

Collect verses from KJV Technology Bible on “Through it all.”

Romans 1:8 “First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world.”

Romans 8:37 “Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him that loved us.

Romans 11:36 “For of Him, and through Him, and to Him, are all things; to whom be glory for ever. Amen.”

Ephesians 4:6-7 “One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all. But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ.”

Philippians 4:7 “And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”

Colossians 1:20 “And, having made peace through the blood of His cross, by Him to reconcile all things unto Himself; by Him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.”

You might ask, ‘What start this topic about ‘Through it all?’  It was through a friend whom we were talking on the Video Phone and I was giving a word of encouragement and I mentioned about ‘through it all’ just simply trust in the Lord. Then suddenly she said, ‘I remember there’s a song, called ‘Through It All.’

So I searched for the song on “Through It All” and I was surprised to find it from the song book, Sing His Praise.  Through the collection of verses, it has given the song more meanings.  Looking at the verses on italic with lines, made me realized that in all the troubles we go through, we are stronger through Him that loved us. 

We are having peace because it is through the blood of His cross.  We have peace in our minds and hearts through Jesus Christ.  It is through Him that leads us through the valley of humility.  So it teaches us that ‘Through It All’ we simply keep trusting Jesus, keep trusting God and to abide in His Word.  Stay in Him. Stay in His Vine.

Thank You Holy Spirit for the words of encouragement to keep us going in Jesus’ name. I pray for friends to keep their eyes upon You when they go through the trying times. I thank You for loving us, keeping us in You through Jesus’ name.  I pray for healing touch for those who need it and believe the anointing of Holy Spirit be upon them and be healed whatever problem they have, in Jesus’ name. Amen and amen!

May the Lord bless you and keep you! And Happy Mother’s Day.

Take Up His Cross 5/1-5

01-05 May 2016  - Take Up His Cross – Manna by Dorothy Callies

Mark 8:34 “Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross, and follow me” (Jesus said).

To take up his cross is a big subject to truly understand what Jesus was referring to. So we look into one subject, the suffering of Christ and what can we learn from reading His Scriptures. The cross of Christ is a symbol of suffering.

1 Peter 2:19-20 NLT, “For God is pleased with you when for the sake of your conscience, you patiently endure unfair treatment. 20) Of course, you get no credit for being patient if you are beaten for doing wrong.  But if you suffer for doing the right and are patient beneath the blows, God is pleased with you.”

To understand these verses we need to realize that during Peter’s time there were slaves who worked for their masters. Often their masters were not always kind so Peter gave instruction from 1 Peter 2:18,  “You who are slaves must accept the authority of your masters.  Do whatever they tell you—not only if they are kind and reasonable, but even if they are harsh.” Then reading 1 Peter 2:19-20 explained how God looks at your suffering.

Peter wrote in his epistle that Christ is our great example who also suffered and that we should follow in His steps. 1 Peter 2:21-23 NLT, “This suffering is all part of what God has called you to.  Christ, who suffered for you, is your example.  Follow in his steps. 22) He never sinned, and He never deceived anyone.  23) He did not retaliate (talk back or argue back) when He was insulted.  When He suffered, He did not threaten to get even.  He left His case in the hands of God, who always judges fairly.”

Peter has advice for those who suffered for being a Christian. 1 Peter 4:12-19 NLT, “Dear friends, don’t be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you. 13) Instead, be very glad—because these trials will make you partners with Christ in His suffering, and afterward you will have the wonderful joy of sharing His glory when it is displayed to all the world.

14) “Be happy if you are insulted for being a Christian, for then the glorious Spirit of God will come upon you. 15) If you suffer, however, it must not be for murder, stealing, making trouble, or prying into other people’s affairs.

16) “But it is no shame to suffer for being a Christian.  Praise God for the privilege of being called by His wonderful name! 17) For the time has come for judgment, and it must begin first among God’s own children.  And if even we Christians must be judged, what terrible fate awaits those who have never believed God’s Good News!

18) “And “If the righteous are barely saved, what chance will the godless and sinners have?” 19) So if you are suffering according to God’s will, keep on doing what is right, and trust yourself to the God who made you, for He will never fail you.”

Dorothy: After reading the Scriptures, my response was “wow!” These Scriptures just refreshed my understanding a little about the “suffering.” Suffering for Christ is a way to be able to grow at spiritual maturity, to get blessing from God and to be able to minister to others who also suffered. Sharing in Christ’s suffering is a blessing because we are being glorified with Christ.

When Jesus quoted, “Take up your cross and follow Me.” He meant when He suffered, you will suffer, too. We don’t need to seek for more suffering, but we as believers need to be willing to go through suffering because we love Christ and we are devoted to Him.

What will encourage us to be able to take the suffering as we go 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!”

Think of Christ’s suffering when Christ bore our sins on the cross and He took our place for punishment of suffering.  This should make you want to be willing to accept the “small” suffering compared to Christ’s terrible suffering from stripes and being on the cross for six whole hours. When you think of His agony on the cross, then you wouldn’t mind to “Take up your cross and follow Jesus.”

Prayer: Oh Jesus, thank You for reminding us that when we suffer, we suffer with You and that we are being glorified with You. Thank You for Holy Spirit who will help us to go through whatever suffering we might have to face and to keep our eyes on You, and to love You with all our hearts. In Jesus’ name. Amen!  

Song: When We See Christ

         By Esther Kerr Rushthoi

It will be worth it all

      when we see Jesus;

Life’s trials will seem so small

       when we see Christ;

One glimpse of His dear face,

       all sorrow will erase;

So bravely run the race

       till we see Christ.