Song: What a Savior (8/1-7)

01-07 Aug 2015 - Song: What A Savior – With Manna 'The Pierced One'

Song: What a Savior 
Chorus:

O what a Savior, O hallelujah,

His heart was broken on Calvary;

His hands were nail-scarred,

His side was riven,

He gave His life-blood for even me.

(Marvin P Dalton, Melodies of Praise)

1. Once I was straying in sins’ dark valley,

No hope within could I see;

They search’d thru heaven and found a Savior

To save a poor lost soul like me. [Chorus]

2. He left the Father, with all His riches,

With calmness sweet and serene (rest),

Came down from heaven and gave His life-blood,

To make the vilest sinner clean. [Chorus]

3. Death’s chilly waters I’ll soon be crossing,

His hand will lead me safe over;

I’ll join the chorus in that great city,

And sing up there forever more. [Chorus]

The Pierced One (8/1-7)

01-07 August 2015 - The Pierced One – Manna by Dorothy Callies

Zechariah 12:10 NLT, “Then I will pour out a spirit of grace and prayer on the family of David and on all the people of Jerusalem. They will look on Me whom they have pierced and mourn for Him as for an only son. . .”

The commentary in KJV, “They shall mourn for Him” states: “In the midst of danger on that day of battle, the people will cry out to God for His help. God will pour out His Holy Spirit to bring grace and to answer their prayers. The repentant people will then recognize that they were guilty for the Roman sword which pierced the side of Jesus the Messiah.”

Zechariah 12:11 KJV, “In that day shall there be a great mourning in Jerusalem…” The commentary states: “Eventually all people will realize that Jesus, the man who was pierced and killed, is indeed the Messiah. There will be an awakening, with sorrow for sin and genuine revival. The crucified Messiah will be clearly revealed.” Philippians 2:10 KJV, “And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord …”

To understand this future prophecy’s Scriptures, one needs to know a story of Joseph and his brothers. Often I have watched the heart touching movie of Joseph. Joseph is a type of Christ and Joseph’s brother is a type of Christ’s future family. There will be a beautiful reunion between Christ and His future family.

I would like to come to a few point of Joseph’s story. His brothers rejected him and sold him to Egyptians. Years came to pass, Joseph became the second ruler in order to prepare the seven plenteous years of gathering corns for another seven years of famine. This was where his brothers travel to Egypt to buy corn for their families because there was famine in the land of Canaan.   

Joseph saw his brethren, and he knew them, but they knew not him (Gen.42:8). Joseph was a type of Jesus and “Jesus came to His own, and His own received Him not” (John 1:11). His brothers did not recognized Joseph and Jesus’ own people did not recognized Him as a Messiah yet. So the story of Joseph goes on until the brothers made the second trip to Egypt and until the second time . . .

Joseph revealed himself to his brothers. They were troubled at his presence. They mourned what they have done, but Joseph said, “Come near to me, I pray you. And they came near. And he said, I am Joseph your brother, whom ye sold into Egypt. Now therefore be not grieved, nor angry with yourselves, that ye sold me hither: FOR GOD DID SEND ME BEFORE YOU TO PRESERVE LIFE” (Gen.45:1-5). “So now it was not you that sent me, it was God . . .” (Gen. 45:7-8).

Jesus like Joseph will reveal Himself to His own people the second time, Jesus will say to His very own people, “Come near, I am Jesus, your brother, whom you crucified. Now be not grieved, nor angry with yourselves, that you crucified Me: FOR GOD DID SEND ME BEFORE YOU TO SAVE THE WORLD AND HAVE ETERNAL LIFE” (John 3:16). There will be a great time of rejoicing between the Messiah and His own people just like the story of Joseph. 

I hope and pray that you get the whole picture of what Zechariah 12:10 was about. May the Lord richly bless you!

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)