Jesus is Your Friend

February 15-17, 2014 - Jesus is Your Friend – Manna by Dorothy Callies

John 15:15b “… I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you.”

Because Jesus Christ is Lord and Master, He could have called us servants; instead, He called us friends. Wow, what an honor to be chosen as Christ’s friends. (Ref. Jn.15:15a) A servant is hired to serve and often it is a distance space as to show respect to the Master. So how do you explain the meaning of a word, friend? The word, friend means a person who has a strong liking for and trusts in another and a person who is not an enemy.

Being a friend is sharing and fellowship together. It is like a comrade which means a close friend or associate with. It is like a companion which means one that accompanies another or to go with and share one another.

Jesus said, “Ye are my friends, if ye do whatever I command you” (Jn.15:14).  Being a “friend” of Jesus is conditional. It means it would depend on our part to continue to be a “friend” to Jesus. We would need to obey His Word if we want to be a friend of His. This is clear that there is no way to be His friend and not knowing what He says.

Jesus said, “Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ but do not do what I say? 47) I will show you what everyone is like who comes to Me and hears My words and obeys. 48) That person is like a man building a house who dug deep and laid the foundation on rock. When the floods came, the water tried to wash the house away, but it could not shake it, because the house was built well. 49) But the one who hears My words and does not obey is like a man who built his house on the ground without a foundation. When the floods came, the house quickly fell and was completely destroyed” (Luke 6:46-49 ncv).

Our foundation, the Rock is Jesus, the one who makes us strong in our friendship with Him. We are like a house and how we built our friendship with Jesus will depends on our labor to study His Word and obey Him.

Song: What a Friend We Have in Jesus

1. What a friend we have in Jesus,

    All our sins and griefs to bear!

    What a privilege to carry

    Everything to God in prayer!

    Oh, what peace we often forfeit,

    Oh, what needless pain we bear,

    All because we do not carry

    Everything to God in prayer!

2. Have we trials and temptations?

    Is there trouble anywhere?

    We should never be discouraged,

    Take it to the Lord in prayer!

    Can we find a friend so faithful?

    Who will all our sorrows share?

    Jesus knows our every weakness,

    Take it to the Lord in prayer!

      (Joseph Medicott Scriven, Sing His Praise)

Jesus is Your Love

February 13-14, 2014 - Jesus is Your Love – Manna by Dorothy Callies

1 John 4:9 “In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent His only Son into the world, that we might live through Him” (KJV).

How does God manifest His love to us? NCV makes it clear: “This is how God showed his love to us: He sent his one and only Son into the world so that we could have life through Him.” The key word here is “show.” The word, manifest means to show plainly; display: to put in plain view; show: to place in sight.

God displayed His Son on the cross in a plain view and sight to all the people who have seen the crucifixion. This was a proof that “God shows His great love for us in this way: Christ died for us while we were still sinners” (Romans 5:8 NLT).

When Jesus grew up with a family, He learned to love … When Jesus began His ministry, He showed His love … When Jesus had chosen twelve disciples, He influenced His love … When Jesus died on the cross, they saw His love … When Jesus arose from the grave, He glowed with love … On the day of Pentecost 120 disciples filled with Holy Spirit, they revealed His love … Today Jesus in us, we display His love …

*Love explains: 1) why God creates—because He loves, He creates people to love; 2) why God cares—because He loves them, He cares for sinful people; 3) why we are free to choose—God wants a loving response from us; 4) why Christ died—His love for us caused Him to offer a solution to the problem of sin; and 5) why we receive eternal life—God’s love expresses itself to us forever. [*Note from QVLAB]

*If no one has ever seen God, how can we ever know Him? John in his Gospel said, “His only Son, who is Himself God, is near to the Father’s heart; He has told us about Him” (John 1:18). Jesus is the complete expression of God in human form and He has revealed God to us. When we love one another, the invisible God reveals Himself to others through us, and His love is made complete. [*Note from QVLAB]

NCV quote this: “No one has ever seen God. But God the only Son is very close to the Father, and He has shown us what God is like” (John 1:18). “Love found a way to redeem my soul. Love found a way that could make me whole. Love sent my Lord to the cross of shame. Love found a way, O praise His holy name! (Written by Avis Burgeson Christiansen)

Song: Love Lifted Me

I was sinking deep in sin, Far from the peaceful shore;

Very deeply stained within, Sinking to rise no more;

But the Master of the sea Heard my despairing cry;

From the waters lifted me, Now safe am I.

Chorus: 

Love lifted me! Love lifted me!

When nothing else could help, Love lifted me. 
Love lifted me! Love lifted me!

When nothing else could help, Love lifted me.

(Lyrics: James Rowe, Sing His Praise)

Jesus is Your Lord

February 11-12, 2014 - Jesus Is Your Lord – Manna by Dorothy Callies

Romans 10:9 “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved” (KJV).

*The earliest creed or confession of the New Testament Church was not that Jesus is Savior, but that Jesus is Lord. Jesus Christ is specifically “Savior” 16 times in the New Testament and “Lord” more than 450 times. [Creed means a statement of the basic beliefs of a religious faith 2: a set of guiding principles or beliefs]  [*Notes from QVLA Bible]

It was said that some of the evangelists taught the people that Jesus can be your Savior without necessarily being your Lord. No one can receive Jesus as Savior without receiving Him as Lord. Peter preached that Jesus is both Lord and Christ (Ref. Acts 2:36-40). This was a very important part of apostles’ teaching and it was called, the creed. It was their basic belief that Jesus Christ is both Lord and Savior.  

 *“Lord” (Greek: kyrios) means having power, dominion, authority, and the right to master. When the New Testament Christians called Jesus “Lord” this was not just an outward profession but an inward sincere attitude of the heart by which they made Christ and His Word Lord over all of life. [*Notes from QVLA Bible]

There are two examples I would like to share. The first one was Stephen who acknowledged that Jesus is Lord even when Stephen died as martyr. When they stoned him, Stephen prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit” and he fell to his knees, shouting, “Lord, don’t charge them with this sin!” And with that, he died. (Ref. Acts 7:59-60). [Acknowledge means recognize the rights or authority of or to admit the truth]

The second one was Paul who acknowledged that Jesus is Lord over his health. Paul said, “Three different times I begged the Lord to take it away. Each time He said, “My gracious favor (grace) is all you need. My power works best in your weakness” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may work through me. Since I know it is all for Christ’s good, I am quite content with my weaknesses and with insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong” (Ref. 2Cor.12:8-10).

“… God raised him (Jesus) up to the heights of heaven and gave him a name that is above every other name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Philippians 2:9-11 NLT). 

Do you confess that Jesus Christ is your Lord as well as your Savior? Guess what my response was to this question? A song: Yea, Lord we greet Thee, born this happy morning, Jesus, to Thee be all glory given; Word of the Father, now in flesh appearing; O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him, Christ, the Lord! (Latin Hymn, Frederick Oakeley, tr., Sing His Praise)

    Song: He is Lord

He is Lord, He is Lord

He is risen from the grave

     and He is Lord.

Every knee shall bow,

     every tongue confess

That Jesus Christ is Lord.

(Inspiring Choruses)

Jesus is Your Savior

February 8-10, 2014 - Jesus Is Your Savior – Manna by Dorothy Callies

I John 4:14-15 “And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Savior of the world. Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him (you), and he (you) in God” (kjv).

John, the beloved, was one of the twelve disciples who have claimed that Christ was indeed the Savior of the world. Mary prayed, “My soul praises the Lord; my heart rejoices in God my Savior” (Lu.1:46b-47 nlt).

Luke 2:11 “The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born tonight in Bethlehem, the city of David!” *Some of the Jews were waiting for a savior to deliver them from Roman rule; others hoped the Christ (Messiah) would deliver them from physical ailments. But Jesus, while healing their illnesses and establishing a spiritual Kingdom, delivered them from sin. His work is more far-reaching than anyone could imagine. Christ paid the price for sin and opened the way to peace with God. He offers more than temporary political or physical changes—He offers us new hearts that will last for eternity. [*Note from QVLA Bible]

Jesus, the Savior of the world, came through the Samaria instead of going around like most of the religious leaders did. Jesus sat at the Jacob’s well. Jesus was weary from His journey and He met the Samaritan woman and asked for water to drink. From there, Jesus and the Samaritan woman had a long conversation until she realized He was the “long-awaited Messiah” and ran into the town and told everyone about Him. The whole town flocked to Jesus and Jesus stayed with them for two days.

John 4:42 “Then they said to the woman, “Now we believe because we have heard Him ourselves, not just because of what you told us. He is indeed the Savior of the world” (nlt). How did they know that Jesus was their Savior? The Scripture said that “they have heard Him.” Jesus may have taught them with many Scriptures that prophecy about Him and also He performed miracle of healings among the people.

How do we know that Jesus is our Savior? The Scriptures tell us the stories of our Savior. Even Jesus said, “Blessed are they that have not seen (Me), and yet have believed.” (Ref. John 20:29) Thomas believed because Thomas saw the scars on Jesus’ hands, His side and His feet. But Jesus told Thomas that it is more blessed for those who believed in Jesus, the Savior of the world than just to see His scars first and then believe in Him.

Let us believe Jesus and sing about our Savior!

Song: Wonderful Savior

Jesus my King, my wonderful Savior,

All of my life is given to Thee;

I am rejoicing in Thy salvation,

Thy precious blood now maketh me free.

Chorus:

Wonderful Savior, wonderful Savior,

Thou art so near, so precious to me;

Wonderful Savior, wonderful Savior,

My heart is filled with praises to Thee.

(J. M. Harris, Sing His Praise)

Jesus is Your Righteousness

February 6-7, 2014 - Jesus is Your Righteousness – Manna by Dorothy Callies

Isaiah 54:14 “In righteousness shalt thou be established: thou shalt be far from oppression; for thou shalt not fear: and from terror; for it shall not come near thee” (kjv).

*The Israelites, who have forsaken God and His righteousness, are invited by God to return to Him and be restored to fellowship and blessing. The Lord comforts distressed Israel by describing peace, righteousness, and glory of the restore remnant in the future. (Restore remnant means to bring back a small surviving group that kept their trust in God). John uses similar imagery in describing the conditions of the New Jerusalem.

*Revelation 21:10-11, 18 “And He carried me away in the spirit to a great and high mountain, and showed me that great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God, 11) Having the glory of God: and her light was like unto stone most precious, even like a jasper stone, clear as crystal. 18) And the building of the wall of it was of jasper: and the city was pure gold, like unto clear glass.

*These words bring comfort to believers who are experiencing great affliction or adversity. When we are weighed down by trials and shaken by the tempests of life’s circumstances, we must remember that these are the very conditions that cause our Lord to have compassion upon us and to draw near to us so that we may be spiritually strengthened. Isaiah 54:13 “And all thy children shall be taught of the Lord; and great shall be the peace of thy children.” [*Notes from the Full Life Study Bible]

It is all because of Jesus’ righteousness upon us; we will be able to enjoy such magnificent city of God that was made of pure gold. Romans 10:10 “For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation” (kjv). “We believe with our hearts, and so we are made right with God. And we use our mouths to say that we believe, and so we are saved” (ncv).  

So let us keep our eyes upon Jesus who is our Righteousness and we are made righteous because of Him.

Song: Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus

O soul, are you weary and troubled?

No light in the darkness you see?

There’s light for a look at the Savior,

And life more abundant and free!

Chorus:

Turn your eyes upon Jesus’

Look full in His wonderful face,

And the things of the earth will

     grow strangely dim

In the light of His glory and grace.

(Helen Howarth Lemmel, Sing His Praise)

Jesus is Your Forgiveness

February 4-5, 2014 - Jesus Is Your Forgiveness – Manna by Dorothy Callies

Isaiah 1:18 “Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool” (kjv).

God compared sins are like scarlet, bright red and crimson are like a deep purplish red. During Isaiah’s time, God was speaking to His people to turn to Him. God spoke from His heart through Isaiah from the whole chapter one. God did not want to condemn and destroy His own people. God offered full forgiveness if they would only repent, put away evil, strive to do well, and obey His word.

I love the way God said to His people through Isaiah, “Come now, and let us reason together.” He wanted the fellowship with His own people. He wanted to be close to them again. His heart was opened. His love was huge. His arms wide opened.

God’s forgiveness is available for all. The Lord says, “Come, let us talk about these things. Though your sins are like scarlet, they can be as white as snow. Though your sins are deep red, they can be white like wool” (Is.1:18 ncv). In the New Testament, God offered Christ and cleansing through the blood of Jesus Christ.

1 John 2:1-2 “My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. 2) And He is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world” (kjv). “My dear children, I am writing this to you so that you will not sin. But if you do sin, there is someone to plead for you before the Father. He is Jesus Christ, the one who pleases God completely. 2) He is the sacrifice for our sins. He takes away not only our sins but the sins of all the world” (nlt).

To people who are feeling guilty and condemned, John offers reassurances. They know they have sinned, and Satan (called “the Accuser” in Rev. 12:10) is demanding the death penalty. When you feel this way, don’t give up hope—best defense attorney in the universe is pleading your case. Jesus Christ, your advocate, your defender, is the Judge’s Son. Christ has already suffered your penalty in your place. This is why our Heavenly Father tells you, “Come, and let us reason together,” knowing that Christ is your advocate.

         Song: Come and Go With Me

Come and go with me .. to my Father’s house,

To my Father’s house, .. to my Father’s house.

Come and go with me .. to my Father ‘s house

Where there’s peace, .. sweet .. peace.

Jesus will be there .. in my Father’s house,

In my Father’s house, .. in my Father’s house.

Jesus will be there .. in my Father’s house,

Where there’s peace, .. sweet .. peace.

(Collection chorus from memory, author unknown)

Jesus is Your Peace

February 1-3, 2014 - Jesus Is Your Peace – Manna by Dorothy Callies

Isaiah 26:3 “You, Lord, give true peace to those who depend on You, because they trust you” (NCV). Isa. 26:12 “Lord, all our success is because what You have done, so give us peace” (NCV).

We can never avoid strife in the world around us, but when we fix our thoughts on God, we can know perfect peace even in turmoil (very confused or disturbed state or condition). As we focus our mind on God and his Word, we become steady and stable. Supported by God’s unchanging love and mighty power, we are not shaken by the surround chaos (complete confusion). Do you want peace? Keep your thoughts on God and your trust in Him. See Phil.4:6-7. [Note from QVLAB]

Philippians 4:6-7 “Do not worry about anything, but pray and ask God for everything you need, always giving thanks. And God’s peace, which is so great we cannot understand it, will keep your hearts and mind in Christ Jesus” (NCV).

As the trying and stressful days of the end of history occur, God will keep in perfect peace the remnant who remain steadfast and faithful to their Lord. In times of trouble we must continually strive to keep our minds turned to the Lord in prayer, trust, and hope. We must place our trust in him because He is a Rock who endures forever (v.4); He is a sure and firm foundation. [Note from Full Life Study Bible] Is. 26:4 “So, trust the Lord always, because He is our Rock forever” (NCV).

The best way to do is to “Let the peace that Christ gives control your thinking, because you were all called together in one body to have peace. Always be thankful (Col.3:15 ncv). And let the word of Jesus tell you: “I leave you peace; My peace I give you. I do not give it you as the world does. So don’t let your hearts be troubled or afraid (Jn.14:27 ncv).

          Song: Perfect Peace

Perfect peace, they shall have that loves the Lord …

Perfect peace, they shall have that loves Me …

They shall know … that in My word,

No harm will come to thee …

Perfect peace, they shall have that loves the Lord …

(Collection of memory)