The Suffering 10/21/17

21 October 2017 – The Suffering – Manna by Dorothy Callies

There were so much covering about the “suffering of Job” from the devotional booklet.  So I select a few paragraphs that impressed me. I had pondered about what Tony went through.  Even though I have seen a frequent miracle of improvement in Tony’s body yet I wondered why Tony has to suffer, what I called, “a growing pain?” 

For me, it was a trying time to work with Tony and I questioned why God allowed “suffering” among the other elders as well.  It seemed that God had read my thoughts and must have led me to find this booklet that talked about the suffering. It showed me that God cares and He wants me to find the answers to it. I would like to quote this:

“The why of his suffering remains a mystery to Job, as ours often does to us. First, suffering is not always a consequence (result) of direct personal sin, but it is always the result of living in a fallen world.  None of us are exempt (kept) from the effects (influence) of that fallenness (Adam’s fall).

“Second, suffering may be undeserved (not worthy), but it is never purposeless. Job says it beautifully: “He knows the way that I take; when He has tested me, I will come forth as gold” (Job 23:10).  God uses even undeserved suffering to refine us and to produce in us a growing likeness to Jesus, all for His glory and for the good of others.” [Note adapted from True North by Gary Inrig, published by Discovery House@2009].

So the mystery of God’s sovereign purposes of suffering was . . . to refine us . . . and to produce in us . . . a growing likeness to Jesus . . . all for His glory . . . and for the good of others . . . What impressed me? The suffering is never purposeless.  In another word, suffering has its purpose.  God has a purpose in the suffering itself.  Again, what we all suffered is NEVER PURPOSELESS.  Meaning . . . it is not all for nothing . . .

Speaking of ‘a growing likeness to Jesus’ . . . reminds me of Roman 8:29 and 30 that God planned ahead that they would be like His Son.  Does this include the suffering . . . ? Again, I thought about ‘the road to Emmaus.’  Here Jesus explained that the prophets said that Christ must suffer these things before He enters His glory.

The word suffering has a meaning. It is to feel the pain, endure the pain, and to experience something unpleasant.  It is to bear the loss or damage that was done.  So here is Peter’s word of encouragement, “Be happy that you are sharing in Christ’s suffering …” (1Pet.4:13).

Dorothy: When I see Tony’s suffering, I began to appreciate the Scriptures much more about the suffering that I had not thought of it before. Somehow, the study of the Scriptures about the suffering has comforted my heart. Maybe you have questions about suffering in some things and wondered about why you suffered. I pray that this Manna may give you some answers.  I pray that God gives you the strength to endure the suffering and remember that to be like Jesus, we also shall suffered with Him.  And there’s song that I remember.

       Song: When We See Christ

       (Esther Kerr Rusthoi, Sing His Praise)

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.

Truly, it will be worth all and may God comforts you in time of your suffering.

Dorothy

God's Blessing 10/14/17

14 October 2017 - God’s Blessings – Manna by Dorothy Callies

            Tony and I went to visit Bloomington Rehab Healthcare on Friday, October 13 to visit Tony’s former roommate that he stayed with him for four months from May 12 to Sept. 11. Tony walked with walker toward his former room and his roommate, Alan described seeing Tony was like a “bright shining sun” when Tony stood tall to greet him.  Both of them were happy to see each other. Josh was with us as a volunteer to help interpret for us. Bless his heart.

            There was also another Certified Nurse Assistant who were so happy to see Tony as he sat on his “old bed.” The CNA also sat next to him joyfully and both of them chatted away and it was such a blessing to watch them. She was amazed to see how much Tony has improved since he left.

            On Sept. 11, He left the BLM Rehab in a wheelchair and a month later on Oct. 13, Tony came in with walker. It was a blessing to those who knew Tony was in wheelchair for four months and now he has been able to walk long distance with walker since Sept. 22.  Since Tony has shown a great improvement in three weeks’ time, two therapists referred Tony to the Center of Medical Rehab starting Oct. 18th evaluation and exercise. 

Reading Joseph Prince devotion called, Jesus is your qualification for God’s blessings, has touched my heart when I read, “God loves to bless you.” Deuteronomy 28:2 “And all these blessings shall come upon you and overtake you.”

Joseph Prince quoted: My friend, I have good news for you: Jesus is the one who qualifies us for every single blessing because He has kept all of God’s commandments, He also redeemed us from the curse of the law. (Galatians 3:13) Note that He did not redeem us from the blessings of the law, so the blessings are still ours today! So it is a question of how much you can believe God for His blessings. All the promises of God in Christ are “Yes”, and because you are in Christ, you can say, “Amen!” to His blessings! (2 Cor. 1:20)

Dorothy: So it is God’s grace that we take the blessings through faith. I am believing God for the blessings for Tony and me. I am believing for God’s blessings upon your lives. Lord, may the blessings fall on them, in Jesus’ name. Amen! I remember the song.

Song: Make Me a Blessing

(Lyrics: Ira Bishop Wilson, Sing His Praise)

Give as ‘twas given to you in your need;

Love as the Master loved you;

Be to the helpless a helper indeed;

Unto your mission be true.

Chorus:

Make me a blessing, Make me a blessing,

Out of my life may Jesus shine;

Make me a blessing, O Savior, I pray,

Make me a blessing to someone today.

May you become a blessing to someone today! 

Don't Run Alone! 10/7/17

07 October 2017 - Don’t Run Alone – Manna by Dorothy Callies

The devotion has truly blessed me tremendously and I thought it was great to share this with you, encouraging you not to “run alone.” It is a great encouragement to have friends to help us through our difficult time. I really praise God for such a wonderful wisdom He provided for all of us. Truly, “Since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses . . . let us run with patience the race that is set before us” (Hebrews 12:1).

            From The Daily Bread devotion written by Amy Peterson. “My husband Jack was on mile 25 out of 26 when his strength failed him.

            This was his first marathon, and he was running alone.  After stopping for a drink of water at an aid station, he felt exhausted and sat down on the grass beside the course.  Minutes passed, and he couldn’t get up.  He had resigned himself to quitting the race when two middle-aged school-teachers from Kentucky came by.

            Although they were strangers, they noticed Jack and asked if he wanted to run with them.  Suddenly, he found his strength restored.  Jack stood and accompanied by the two women he finished the race.

            Those women who encouraged Jack remind me of Aaron and Hur, two friends who helped Moses, the leader of the Israelites, at a key point (EX. 17:8-13).  The Israelites were under attack.  In battle, they were winning only as long as Moses held his staff up (V.11).  So when Moses’ strength began to fail, Aaron and Hur stood on either side of him, holding up his arms for him until sunset (V.12).

            Following God is not a solo endeavor.  He did not create us to run the race of life alone.  Companions can help us persevere (keep on going) through difficulty as we do what God has called us to do.”      

            God, thank You for relationships that encourage me to continue following You.  Help me to be a source of strength for others, as well. [End of Amy Peterson’s devotion].

Dorothy: This devotion impressed me because it made me realized how important it was to keep the contact with you through the Manna and you kept contact with me from time to time personally. It helps me understand why we “don’t run alone.”  And I often found my strength restored through your contact.  Just as Tony found strength restored through your prayer marathon when he saw your names on the list. Also the cards that you send, gift cards, and flower plant given by National Deaf Culture Fellowship. It's awesome and thank you!

The devotion is a great encouragement to me as a day to day basis of a simple help to other who just need a simple encouragement. I was praying for a song that would fit this devotion. Oh, ‘Reach out and touch the Lord’ just as I picture “Jack responded to the school-teachers” and he stood up to join them and to finish his one more mile to the goal of 26 miles marathon.  

Song: Reach Out and Touch the Lord

(Lyrics and music: Bill Harmon, Sing His Praise)

Reach out and touch the Lord as He walks by:

You’ll find He’s not too busy to hear your cry;

He’s passing by this moment, your needs He’ll supply,

Reach out and touch the Lord as He walks by.

Prayer: Lord, may our prayer reaches out to those who are weary, worn and sad from tragedy that was happening in USA and as well as other countries.  We pray that there are workers who will be able to reach those people and encourage them to look to You for a miracle. We pray that they will reach out to You and touch You to receive miracles from You.  We pray that You will give wisdom to workers how to help others. We thank You for hearing our prayers. We praise You for doing many wonderful work among them. You are glorified when people turned to You for help and wisdom. We pray that they will be saved through Your Son, Jesus Christ in Jesus’ name. Amen!

May the Lord truly bless you today!

Dorothy 

He is Jehovah! 10/3/17

03 October 2017 - He is Jehovah!  Manna by Dorothy Callies

Song: He Is Jehovah

1. He is Jehovah, God of creation,

He is Jehovah, Lord God Almighty,

The Balm of Gilead, the Rock of Ages,

He is Jehovah, the God that healeth thee.

Chorus:

Sing hallelujah, sing hallelujah,

Sing hallelujah, sing hallelujah!

He is Jehovah, Lord God Almighty,

He is Jehovah, the God that healeth thee.

2. He is the great “I AM,” the God of Abraham,

Jehovah Shalom, the God of Peace “I AM,”

The God of Israel, the everlasting One,

He is Jehovah, the God that healeth thee. (Chorus)

3. He’s your Provider, Jehovah Jireh,

God of Salvation, God of Messiah;

The Son he sent to you and testified of Him.

He is Jehovah, the God that healeth thee. (Chorus)

[Lyrics and music: Betty Jean Robinson, singing His Praise]

Somehow the song touched my heart and I researched the title, “Jehovah” and found two of them that impressed me very much.  Isaiah 12:2 “Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the Lord JEHOVAH is my strength and my song; he also is become my salvation.”

I noticed the Isaiah chapter 12 has a short verses from 1-6. I read the commentary that explain the theme, “IN THAT DAY.” It is the prophecy about the future Messiah. God’s people will praise Him when the Messiah begins to reign the whole world. Even now we are encouraged to pray and expect in faith and hope, looking forward to His return on earth to reign in righteousness. When that day comes, we will sing the song of praise.

In Isaiah 26:4 “Trust in the Lord for ever: for in the Lord JEHOVAH is everlasting strength.” I noticed the verse 3 above verse 4: “Thou will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee because he trusteth in thee.” Isaiah 26:3 has always been my favorite verse, “You, God, will keep me in perfect peace when my mind is thinking of You because I trusted You completely.” I interpret this to myself.

Again, Isaiah chapter 26:1 quoted, “IN THAT DAY shall this song be sung in the land of Judah . . .” This chapter is about song of rejoicing in JEHOVAH in the land of Judah and their song concerns God’s triumphant of all evil and Christ’s establishment of His kingdom.

Dorothy: What this means to me? It was just a simple inspiration about the song. And the verses that comes with it, it has truly blessed me so much more. Yes, there are devotion books about the names of Jehovah, but the song was more blessed to me.

May the Lord bless you today!