Top Secret of Christmas!

Long ago before Jesus was born, Mary was pregnant with a first child. Nobody knew about this until Mary went to visit her cousin Elisabeth and her husband, Zacharias (Luke 1:39-40). The baby in Elisabeth’s womb leaped for joy and she realized that her cousin was with a child, the Promised Messiah. She became the first person to know the secret of the soon-coming Messiah.

Later Joseph found out about Mary’s secret pregnancy. He decided to put her away in a silent divorce. An angel of the Lord revealed the secret to Joseph and encouraged him to go ahead and marry Mary (Mat. 1:20-23).

Just before Mary gave birth to her child, there was a law from Rome that all people must return to their birth-places to be registered. Joseph took Mary and traveled to Bethlehem. Upon their arrival Mary gave birth to a son. God through the angels revealed the secret to the lowly shepherds and they came to see the Child (Lk 2:1-20).

Joseph and Mary took their Child to the temple to be circumcised. The secret was revealed by the Holy Spirit to Simeon and Anna and they saw the Child were glad (Lk 2:21-38).

Next, the secret was revealed to the wise men from another country and they came to ask King Herod for the whereabout of the Child. They learned from the Word that he was at Bethlehem and they traveled and saw Him (Mat. 2:1-11).

Thirty years later the Messiah was revealed to the people at River Jordan by the baptism of John the Baptist. From there on Jesus Christ opened Himself up to the world (Mat. 3:13-17).

Aren’t you glad that the secret of God was revealed to you through the preaching of His word and we continue to hear about the birth of a Child which is Jesus Christ, our Savior.

May the Lord bless your Christmas as you continue to remember His birth and why He died for our sin. That was and still God’s finest Christmas gift to you!

Merry Christmas!
Tony and Dorothy Callies

He Holds the Future

“I will guide them along paths they have not known. I will make the darkness become light for them, and the rough ground smooth” (Isaiah 42:16b NCV). “I say this because I know what I am planning for you,” says the Lord. “I have good plans for you, not plans to hurt you. I will give you hope and a good future. Then you will call my name. You will come to me and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will search for me with all your heart, you will find me!” Jeremiah 29:11-13 NCV

Jeremiah had written letter about two years after the Jewish people who were already captive in Babylon. They were discouraged and sad. They had hoped to go back to Jerusalem soon. The Lord had spoken to His people to trust Him for their future and stay in Babylon for 70 years. They were to build houses and settle down, plant gardens, and eat the fruits. Get married and have children. Seek peace of the city and the Lord will bring peace among His people during their stay in Babylon. God promised good things to them as long as they obey Him.

Dorothy: The Lord holds the future. Who else are we going to trust? In His hands we are safe and secure—today, tomorrow, and for all eternity. His Word says, “For I know the plans I have for you…plans for good and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. In those days when you pray, I will listen.” Jeremiah 29:11-13 TLB.

Song: Let the Lord Have His Way
Let the Lord have His way
In your life every day.
There’s no rest, there’s no peace
‘Till the Lord has His way;
Place your life in His hand
Feel secure in His plan
Let the Lord…
Let the Lord have His way.
(Inspiring choruses from the church)

Many Rooms in Father’s House

Jesus said, “Let not your hearts be troubled. Trust in God,
and trust in me. There are many rooms in my Father’s
house…” John 14:1-2a NCV

“Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God,
believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many
mansions…” John 14:1-2a KJV

Jesus comforts His followers because they sensed something
was going to happen to Him. So Jesus is telling us, “Do not
let your hearts be troubled. Do not let it bother you of what is
going to happen. You trust God and also trust Me. There is a
place for you in heaven. My Father has many beautiful homes
for you. So you keep your hope in the heavenly place where
your future will be. For now, just go about your daily routine.
Be faithful to pray and to study My Word. God has a plan for
you. Time will come and you will know by then. For now trust
Me. Let your heart be at peace. I love you.”

Jesus’ love song to you.
“I love you with an everlasting love.
I love you with an everlasting love.
My love is so big and
My love is so deep and
I love you with an everlasting love.”

Jeremiah 31:3 “ The Lord hath appeared of old unto me
saying, ‘Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love:
therefore with loving kindness have I drawn thee.’”

God Has Considered My Trouble

“I will be glad and rejoice in your love, because you
saw my suffering; you knew my troubles.” Psalms 31:7 NCV

“I will be glad and rejoice in thy mercy: for thou hast considered
my trouble; thou hast known my soul in adversities.” Ps. 31:7 KJV

Dorothy: The word adversities mean many troubles. David who wrote the Psalm 31 was chased by enemies constantly until the time David became the King of Israel. He quoted from Psalm 31:15-16 “My times are in thy hand: deliver me from the hand of mine enemies, and from them that persecute me. Make thy face to shine upon thy servant: save me for thy mercies’ sake.”

David said, “My times are in thy hand.” David realized that God had a plan for him to become a king at the right time. David asked God for deliverance from his enemies. David asked God to make His face to shine upon him. David asked God to save him because he knew that God is merciful. David prayed in faith, “I will be glad and rejoice in your love.” David knew that God cares for him, but God had a plan. David learned to trust God.

God has a plan for you. God knows your secret trouble in your hearts. Christmas time can either be troubled time or joyous time. Pray for them not to “commit suicide” during the holidays. In the past years, it has been reported that the highest suicides were during the time of Christmas holidays. So you might understand why God cares enough to tell us to start praying for many hearts that keep the secret to themselves and not revealing to anyone if they plan their own suicide. Oh Lord, deliver us from evil.

Prayer: Oh Lord, deliver us from our enemies. Lord, I pray that You Father comes close to those who are troubled in heart and to open up to You. I pray that Your face will shine upon them and save them from demons’ urging them to kill themselves. Please reveal Your Spirit toward them. Please Lord, put at ease into their hearts that You knew their troubled hearts. Please God, encourage them to be glad and rejoice in You because of Your mercy on their souls. I believe that Your Spirit is moving toward them and spare their lives in Jesus name I prayed. Amen!

Troubles All Around Us

“We have troubles all around us, but we are not defeated”
(2 Corinthians 4:8a ncv).

“We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed”
(2 Cor. 4:8a kjv).

Dorothy: I would like to share with you what is called, ‘The Bible from 26 Translations’ on the base of 2 Corinthians 4:8a. This special theme interests me to check out a few translations. I hope to find inspiration with words that would help expand our mediation during our devotion time.

ASV—we are pressed on every side, yet not straitened.
Con—I am hard pressed, yet not crushed.
TCNT—Though hard pressed on every side, we are never hemmed in.
Bas—Troubles are round us on every side, but we are not shut in.
Knox—For ourselves, we are being hampered everywhere, yet still have room to breathe.
Ber—We are hedged in from every side, but we live no cramped lives.

TROUBLED… YET NOT DISTRESSED.
Paul wrote a letter to Corinth Christians and he encouraged them and us that any troubles around us are expected. But do not dwell or live on troubled thought. If we experience the presence of Christ and His power in our lives, absolutely no trouble, affliction, sickness, or tragedy will cause your spiritual defeat. When things around us become too hard to bear and when all our resources are exhausted, God’s resources are given to us to enlarge and expand our faith, hope, and strength. God will not forsake His faithful children. He is always there to help us in time of need. Let us dwell on that thought, ‘we have troubles all around us, but we are not defeated.’

The Christian and Suffering

“My friends, do not be surprised at the terrible trouble which now comes to test you. Do not think that something strange is happening to you. But be happy that you are sharing in Christ’s suffering so that you will be happy and full of joy when Christ comes again in glory. When people insult you because you follow Christ, you are blessed, because the glorious Spirit, the Spirit of God, is with you” (1 Peter 4:12-14ncv).

As long as Satan is in the world, he continues to oppose the work of the gospel among the Christians. Satan would send every kind of troubles and afflictions upon the faithful believers who are in this ungodly world. Satan’s warfare is always going against our faith in Christ and always against the Word of God. Satan would do anything to keep us from reading or memorizing the Word of God.

Through fiery trials (terrible trouble) God allows you to share in His suffering and forms within you the quality of character He desires. God wants to make you a very fine child of God. Trust Him. Just remember when you suffer and remain faithful to Christ, you will be considered blessed, for “the spirit of glory and of God rest upon you.” We are blessed when God’s Presence is with us. Let us be thankful to God!

Chorus: When We See Christ
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.
(Lyrics & Music: Esther Kerr Rusthoi)

Cast Not Away Your Confidence

“So do not lose courage you had in the past, which has
great reward” (Hebrews 10:35 ncv).

“Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath
great recompense of reward” (Hebrews 10:35 kjv).
Confidence means a strong belief and trust and something
told as a secret. Cast mean throw away.

To grasp the deep meaning of Heb. 10:35, we need to read this part of Hebrews 10:32-34. “Remember those days in the past when you first learned the truth.You had a hard struggle with many sufferings, but you continued strong. 33 Sometimes you were hurt and attacked before crowds of people, and sometimes you shared with those who were being treated that way. 34 You helped the prisoners. You even had joy when all that you owned was taken from you, because you knew you had something better and more lasting.”

Do you ever felt like you have suffered more when you first heard the truth which is the gospel of Jesus Christ? You used to have a lot of friends, but now it seems some of them have hurt and attacked your faith in Jesus Christ? Do you ever tried to help those new friends who were also attacked by others who made fun of them for having Jesus Christ in their lives?

In Paul’s time, some of the wealthy Christians had lost their homes and were taken to prison because of their faith in Jesus Christ. Others had taken over their wealth. Paul had heard that they still have joy even when they lost their homes or things because they knew in their heart that there was something better in heaven for them. Paul encouraged us not to “Cast or throw away your confidence” and do not lose courage what we had in the past. Look forward to the reward for what we have done for the Lord’s work. God’s Word comes to us what we need to hear and be encouraged in Him that we are not alone. God will reward us. Let us trust Him!

Song: Cast Not Away Your Confidence
I believe the answers on the way.
I believe the Lord has heard me pray.
Cast not away your confidence, says the Lord thy God.
Now by faith in Him alone I stand.
Firmly held by His almighty hand.
Fully, trusting in His promise, praise the Lord.
(Song collection by author unknown)

Strengthen with His Glorious Power

“God will strengthen you with his own great power
so that you will not give up when troubles come, but
you will be patient. And you will joyfully give thanks
to the Father who has made you able to have a share
in all that he has prepared for his people in the
kingdom of light” (Colossians 1:11-12 ncv).

Strengthened with all might, according to his
glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering
with joyfulness; Giving thanks unto the Father which
hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance
of the saints in light” (Colossians 1:11-12 kjv).

Did problems or troubles come to you today? Do you
ever felt like you are losing patience for every little
things? Do you sometimes felt like pulling your hairs?

God has an answer for you:
1. God will strengthen you.
2. How? With His own great power.
3. Why? So that you will not give up when troubles come.
4. With what? With patience, you will be patient.
5. Our attitude should be? Joyfully give thanks to the Father.
6. What’s in it for us? Father who made you able to have a
share of the inheritance with saints in heaven.

Prayer: Thank You Heavenly Father for the wonderful promise
that You will strengthen us with Your glorious power unto all
patience and endurance with a joyful heart, knowing that we
have a home in heaven. We are looking forward to be with You
and all the saints in Jesus’ name I pray. Amen!

Malachi: Healing Wings

“But to you who fear My name
The Sun of Righteousness shall arise
With healing in His wings;
And you shall go out
And grow fat like stall-fed calves.”
Malachi 4:2 NKJV

“But for you who honor me, goodness
will shine on you like the sun, with
healing in its rays. you will jump
around, like well-fed calves.
Malachi 4:2 NCV

The Scripture tells us that Jesus
is our Sun of Righteousness and
He will rise with healing in His
wings and we are to trust Him
for our need of healing now.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You
for the wonderful Word of promise.
I claimed this verse that Jesus is like
the Sun who will brings healing of
rays upon us as we looked into the
face of Jesus. Let the rays of healing
flows into our bodies and be healed
of every ailments that bother us.
I thank You, Father for answering our
prayers in Jesus’ name I pray, amen.

Zechariah: Living Waters

“And it shall be in that day, that living waters shall
go out from Jerusalem; half of them toward the former sea,
and half of them toward the hinder sea: in the summer and
in winter shall it be. And the Lord shall be king over all
the earth: in that day shall there be one Lord, and his name
one” (Zechariah 14:8-9 KJV).

This is an exciting time “in that day” means the future is
coming. What are they? Living waters will flow out of Jerusalem.
To understand this nature of Scripture, most Palestinian streams
usually dry up in the summer and it prophecy that there will be
living waters going through in the summer time. And its flow will
be constant to the Mediterranean Sea. Also the living waters will
flow out of Jerusalem into the Dead Sea. When will that happen?
When Christ’s feet shall stand in that day upon the mount of Olives,
which is before Jerusalem on the east (Zechariah 14:4a KJV).

Why does this scripture had a meaning for me? I had a question
about the Dead Sea because someone said ‘Some day the Dead Sea
will be filled with waters’. So where does the water come from?
The Scripture said, ‘the living waters from the Jerusalem.’ The
purpose of the living waters was to bring God’s blessings flowing
from the millennial (1,000 years of Christ’s reign) in Jerusalem.
It will be a healing for the nations to see the fruitful trees
with rivers flowing in between the lands. People from everywhere
will see God’s miracle. I really look forward for Christ to come.
Do you?

Zechariah: By My Spirit

“Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,”
says the Lord of Host. Zechariah 4:6 NKJV

Zechariah, the prophet spoke to Zerubbabel, the
governor of Jerusalem, that God’s Spirit will move
in him to help with the building of God’s Temple.
It was a personal message to Zerubbabel to take
courage that God will give him the strength to do
the work God had asked him to do. Because of
God’s message and His strength, Zerubbabel
was able to motivate the people to help finish
up God’s Temple.

Do you ever felt impressed that God wants you to
do something for Him? Something that is very
important to Him? Do you often feel helpless
and wonder how can we do this or that? Hear
the words of Zechariah, the prophet, “Not by
might nor by power, but by My Spirit, says the
Lord of Host.”

It is not by our own strength. It is not by our
own ability that we can do this alone, but God’s
Spirit moves in us and He alone gives us strength
to do what He asked us to do. May the Lord bless
you as you obey Him.

Haggai: Consider Your Ways

“This is what the Lord All-Powerful says: ‘The people say the right time has not come to rebuild the Temple of the Lord.’” 3. Then Haggai the prophet spoke the word of the Lord: 4. “Is it right for you to be living in fancy houses while the Temple is still in ruins?” 5. This is what the Lord All-Powerful says: “Think about what you have done. 6. You have planted much, but you harvest little. You eat, but you do not become full. You drink, but you are still thirsty. You put on clothes, but you are not warm enough. You earn money, but then you lose it all as if you put it into a purse full of holes.” 7. This is what the Lord All-Powerful says: “Think about what you have done. 8. Go up to the mountains, bring back wood, and build the Temple. Then I will be pleased with it and be honored,” says the Lord. Haggai 1:2-8 NCV

What has happened that cause the Israelites to stop building God’s House, the Temple? When the first company of Jews returned to Jerusalem had laid the foundation for a new temple in 536 B.C. and there was a great excitement. But soon afterwards, the Samaritans and other neighbors physically opposed the building project and discouraged the workers so that the work on the Temple stopped in 534 B.C. The people turned to rebuild their own houses. This is where Haggai started preaching to the people. When the people put God first, He blessed them. But when they forgot God, God stopped His blessings to His people. The people began to notice many problems had come to them.

In 520 B.C., Haggai in his 80’s and Zechariah who was the younger prophet worked together and began urging Zerubbabel, the governor and Joshua, the high priest, and the Israelite people to go back and rebuild God’s Temple. Four years later the temple was completed and dedicated (Ezra 4-6).

What does this devotion apply to us? The Lord asks us to “think about our ways.” If we did not put Him first in our lives, what do you think would happen? The answers are found in the Scriptures from verse 5 to 7. Think about this and allow God’s Word to teach us His ways.

Zephaniah: Be Glad and Rejoice

Zephaniah 3:17
NCV: “The Lord your God is with you;
the Mighty One will save you. He will
rejoice over you. You will rest in His love;
He will sing and be joyful about you.”

KJV: “The Lord thy God in the midst of
thee is mighty; He will save, He will rejoice
over thee with joy; He will rest in His love,
He will joy over thee with singing.”

It is the Holy Spirit that put joy in our hearts.
Joy comes to us because we are forgiven and
no longer punished for our sins.

Joy comes to us because our enemy has been
defeated and we are set free from the bondage
of Satan and sin.

Joy comes to us because God is with us,
giving us His fellowship, grace, and help
throughout our lives and we are God’s
great love and He delights in us.

Our joy will be complete when God will
finally manifests His full glory and majesty
on the earth.

Zephaniah: Seek the Lord

“Seek ye the Lord, all ye meek of the earth, which have wrought his
judgment; seek righteousness, seek meekness: it may be ye shall be
hid in the day of the Lord’s anger” (Zephaniah. 2:3 KJV).

“Come to the Lord, all you who are not proud, who obey his laws.
Do what is right. Learn to be humble. Maybe you will escape on
the day of the Lord shows his anger” (Zephaniah 2:3 NCV).

Zephaniah, the prophet offered hope to his people of his days who
had already turned themselves to the Lord. He encouraged them to
make their commitment again to the Lord and to remind themselves
about God’s ways. The prophet encouraged people to seek three things if they want to experience revival and renewed blessing from the Lord.

How do we really experience revival and receive blessing from God?
First, we need to seek God Himself. Our hearts need to turn toward
Him with a deep desire to know and love Him as our covenant Lord
and protector. Secondly, we need to seek righteousness according
to God’s Word as their way of life. In this part, we are to study His
Word and allow His Word to guide us, to correct us, and to lead us
into His path. Thirdly, seek meekness. We are to seek humility which
means that we realize that we are helpless in many ways and we need
to submit ourselves in obedience to God and His Word. The Lord
will revived us and bless us with health, relationship, finances,
business and many more.

Prayer to God: Oh that You, heavenly Father would bless me indeed
and make more room to bless me more and more until I am overflowed with Your goodness and Your mercy all over me. Allow me to feel Your Presence and Your power of healing all over me in Jesus’ name I pray. Amen

Zephaniah: The Candles

“…I will search Jerusalem with candles…” Zephaniah 1:12 kjv
“At that time I, the Lord, will search Jerusalem with lamps. I will punish those who are satisfied with themselves, who think, ‘The Lord won’t help us or punish us.’” NCV

What were people thinking about ‘what kind of God they have’? They believed that God would not help them; neither would God punish them. Some people who lived in Judah had a view of God that God was not actively involved in their everyday’s lives. They felt like God was not with them because God was too busy being God. They believed that God would not punish sin among His people because they were simply God’s people.

Whoa! Does God really accept that? He spoke to Zephaniah what He planned to do with the people who thought that. It was around 630 BC. He said to Zephaniah, “I will search Jerusalem, the people with lamps.” He shone light unto their thoughts and God told Zephaniah to warn them of the judgment day. God did indeed hold them accountable (responsible) for those sins they refused to abandon (give up). The Day of Judgment would come to them.

What does that apply to us? We need to remember that God is not distant or far away from us that God does not see what we do. We need to remember that God does get involved in the affairs of humans. It means He cares what is happening to us. God will reward those who seek Him constantly. He will also judge those who turn away from Him and continue to do things that are not pleasing to Him. I pray that God helps us to stay true to Him. Let us be conformed to the image of His Son (Roman 8:29). This is God’s goal for us to be like His Son, Jesus Christ. He shared the gospel, He heals, He loves and He shows mercy. He helped those in need. So we be like Jesus.

Habakkuk: Learning How to Trust God

“...I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation.
The Lord is my strength…” Habakkuk 3:18, 19a

Habakkuk, the prophet, had seen so much wickedness and idolatry in Judah. His first question: how could God allow His rebellious people to get away with so much sin without being punished? Habakkuk had questions about God’s ways. God answered Habakkuk that He would soon be using the Babylonians to punish the nation of Judah.

Habakkuk’s second question: how could God allow a nation even more wicked and cruel than Judah to punish the people? God answered Habakkuk and assured the prophet that a day of judgment would also come for the Babylonians. The entire book, Habakkuk expressed his faith in the God who was in charge of all things and that God was just in all His ways. Habakkuk saw God’s mercy and love for the righteous and His purpose to destroy wicked Babylon would come in His time. This caused Habakkuk to sing a hymn of praise and promise concerning salvation in Zion, “I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation (Habakkuk 3:18).

What does this mean for us? Habakkuk 2:4 quoted, “The just shall live by his faith.” That means we are to trust God and He has His “appointed time… and it shall surely come…” (Habakkuk 2:3). Right now, God’s Word through Habakkuk is telling us to turn to God and to trust Him with all our hearts. We are to have a close fellowship with Him, and to obey His will. We are to live in this world by faith in God. We are to have a strong trust in God that His ways are right. We are to be loyal to Him as Savior and Lord, and ‘in all thy ways acknowledge Him, and he shall direct thy paths’ (Proverbs 3:6).

October News

October 2009 was a busy month for Tony and me. Check
out some pictures of Roaring Branch, Pennsylvania,
Windsor, Canada and Waupaca, Wisconsin. I went to
Spencer Lake Christian Center in Waupaca, Wisconsin
last weekend of October 23-25th and I met some old
friends and met new ones, too!

October 24th on Saturday evening, there was a warm-up
"pop-corn" songs before the service was to begin. It a
spontaneous moment that I sang some of the old songs
that I remembered 40-50 years ago and one of them
was: Fishers of Men. You can check them on October 21,
2009. After I sign them, I will make you Fishers of Men,
the Holy Spirit gave me inspiration words.

Inspiration: "Soul Winner"
I will make you a soul winner, soul winner;
Soul winner, I will make you a soul winner if
you follow Me; If you follow Me, If you follow Me
I will make you a soul winner, if you follow Me.

Fishers of men and a soul winner are the same thing. Jesus
told the disciples, I will make you fishers of men. On the
day of Pentecost, Peter had preached to 3,000 souls who had
accepted Christ as their personal Savior. 120 disciples were
soul winners. They spread the gospel of Christ every where
they went.

Leave You? Never

“I will never leave you, nor forsake you. So that we may
boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear…”
Hebrews 13:5b-6a kjv.

Have you ever felt like God has forsaken you? For some
people things seem so quiet, while others are facing terrible
tragedy. Many things are happening. Jesus has not come yet.
Has He forgotten about us? The Scripture tells us that Jesus
will never forsake us. The Lord is our helper. Quoting the
line: “the Lord is my helper, and I will not fear” brought
courage in my heart. I encourage you to try it.

Prayer: Our heavenly Father, I am asking you to be our helper
through the power of the Holy Spirit who gives us the courage
to overcome our fear. Help our faith to be strong in You and
be assured that You are with us. I give thanks and praise You.
Thank you in Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

Song: Constantly Abiding
Constantly abiding, Jesus is mine;
Constantly abiding, rapture divine;
He never leaves me lonely, whispers, O so kind:
“I will never leave thee,” Jesus is mine.
(Lyrics and Music: Anne S. Murphy)

Wisconsin Event

Guess who is this person with mischievous smile? It was JoAnn Smith of Minnesota. Deaf Women Retreat held at Spencer Lake Camp, Waupaca, Wisconsin held last October 23-24, 2009. There were 119 ladies. More pictures at http://deafprayerpartners.blogspot.com/

A Faithful Man Blessings

Proverbs 28:20a
Kjv: “A faithful man shall abound with blessings.”
Bas: “A man of good faith will have great blessings.”
Mof: “Trustworthy men are richly blessed.”
Tay: “The man who wants to do right will get a rich reward.”

How do we receive the Lord’s blessing?
When we accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior, God bless us.
When we worship the Lord, God bless us with His presence.
When we are faithful to the Lord, God is happy with us.
When we believe His Word, God bless us richly.
When we are obedience to His Word, God blessed us tremendously.
When we do good things to help others, God blessed us abundantly.
When we love one another, God blessed us more than enough.

What does the word “blessing” means? It is a divine gift from
God that causing our work to succeed. It is God giving us strength
when we are weak. It is God giving us healing when we are sick.
It is God giving us power to do things that pleases Him. It is God
giving us things (money, food, clothes, etc) we need to help others
with. It is God’s working in us and through us to produce good things
to come. There’s a song that reminds me “It Shall Flow Like a River.”
It is like ‘His blessing shall flow like a river.’

Song: It Shall Flow Like a River
It shall flow like a river; it shall fall like the rain;
It shall rise as the dawning in glory o’er the land.
For the knowledge of the Lord shall fill all the earth
And the Spirit of the Lord shall fall.
(Words & Music by James L. Beall)

Fishers of Men

And Jesus said unto them, Come ye after me, and I will
make you to become fishers of men (Mark 1:17).
And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will
make you fishers of men (Matthew 4:19).

Come Ye After Me.
Jesus called His disciples to follow Him and it took three years for them to learn about Jesus and to personally know Him. As a result of their relationship with Jesus, they had “fished” thousands of souls to Jesus. When we first accepted Christ into our hearts, we studied God’s Word to help us grow in Christ personally. And then Holy Spirit help us to introduce Christ to others and encourage them to ask Jesus to come into their hearts. Then we become “fishers for souls,” winning them to Jesus and help them to grow into Christ’s loving relationship. They, in turn, do the same for others.

Song: Fishers of Men
1. I will make you fishers of men, fishers of men;
Fishers of men, I will make you fishers of men
If you follow Me; If you follow Me, If you follow Me,
I will make you fishers of men if you follow Me.

2. Hear Christ calling, Come unto Me, come unto Me,
Come unto Me; Hear Christ calling, Come unto Me,
I will give you rest, I will give you rest, I will you rest;
Hear Christ calling, Come unto Me, I will give you rest.
(Harry d. Clarke; Har. by Talmage J. Bittikofer)

Dove Deaf Fellowship

On October 17-18, 2009 Dove Deaf Fellowship 25th Anniversary Celebrate at Windsor, ON Canada. We had banquet on Sat. evening and I gave my testimony how I asked Jesus to come into my heart. Sunday morning, Tony preached. It was a wonderful fellowship with the people we knew from ten years ago and meet new faces. Deaf people came from other places to celebrate with Peppy Stuckless, the leader of DDF. Log in http://deafprayerparters.blogspot.com/ for pictures.

Deaf Women at PA

October 2-4, 2009 17th Deaf Christian Women Retreat at Roaring Ranch, PA. It was a wonderful place to go to. I was the speaker and it was awesome what God can do. I enjoyed being with the ladies. See more picture in http://deafprayerpartners.blogspot.com/

My Heart Rejoices in God

This is my story, this is my song,
Praising my Savior all the day long;
This is my story, this is my song,
Praising my Savior all the day long;
Lyrics: Fanny Jane Crosby
Music: Phoebe Palmer Knapp

Luke 1:46-47
KJV: And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the
Lord, And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Savior.

NCV: Then Mary said, “My soul praises the
Lord; my heart rejoices in God my Savior.”

Dorothy: Let our hearts rejoice in God. Let
our hearts praise the Lord. Let our hearts
be full of thanksgiving for He is good.
May the Lord blessed our day with Him.

September News!

I hope you have enjoyed going through the Bible, book by book. I have five more books of the minor prophets to go. It took more time to really study the Bible outlines, notes and to find what interest me the most about each book. When I studied them, something happened inside me. During the afternoon, after work I would rest and eat and then watch good program. After the program is completed, the Holy Spirit pulled me into a new desire to know God more through the Bible. Especially when God says, “I am a jealous God.”

I understood clearly when we got our eyes off of Him and looked into other things that was easily distracted us. Sometimes, we focused on things that took our times away from Him, then God became jealous. The Holy Spirit try to convict us to get back to God because He is our Heavenly Father and wants to stay in union with us. Wow! He loves us that much! Isn't He wonderful?

As for news, I will be flying out to Mount Zion Retreat Center, Roaring Branch, Pennsylvania for Deaf Women Christian Retreat on October 2-4, 2009. If you happened to see this announcement and want to go to this retreat, you could contact by email to HShye@aol.com for information or VP at (866) 683-9574.

I really enjoy my very own Fresh Manna and am happy to share with you. I will return to Fresh Manna after October 7th so meanwhile, I encourage you to look into 2008 and 2009 devotions. They are so precious to me. I often go back when I need to be inspired by Holy Spirit who minister to my soul. God Bless you.

Nahum: The Nineveh Downfall

“This is the message for the city of Nineveh. This is the book of the vision of Nahum, who was from the town of Elkosh. The Lord is a jealous God who punishes; the Lord punishes and is filled with anger. The Lord punishes those who are against him, and he stays angry with his enemies. The Lord does not become angry quickly, and his power is great. The Lord will not let the guilty go unpunished” (Nahum 1:1-3a ncv).

The historians did not give the exact location where Nahum came from, but it was most likely that Nahum was a prophet in Judah. Between 663-612 B.C., Nahum predicts the downfall of Assyria’s capital city, Nineveh. Nineveh had repented under the preaching of Jonah more than one hundreds years ago, but the people had returned to their idolatry, cruelty, and oppression. The Assyrians had conquered the northern kingdom of Israel and were planning to destroy Jerusalem and Judah, but God would not allow their plans to be successful. Nahum comforted God’s people by telling them that God would destroy the Assyrians. Ninevah’s fall happened in 612 B.C. when it was conquered by coalition of the Babylonians. (Coalition means Babylonians had help with other nations).

Note: You might want to look into II Chronicles Greater Power 1 & 2 (August 6-7, 2009) because it fitted the story of King of Judah, Hezekiah who were challenged by Sennacherib, king of Assyria during 701 B.C. and how the angel of the Lord went out and killed 185,000 men in the Assyrian camp. The king of Assyria went back to Nineveh and he was killed.

What can we learn from this?
God is a jealous God and He is very protective of His people. He makes sure that the people of Israel would not be completely destroyed by any nations even though God had to punish His people for breaking His laws. Jeremiah, the prophet prophesied 70 years of Babylonians’ captivity of people from Judah, and God made sure that there would always be remnant of Judah who come in the line of the future Messiah. Ezra, Nehemiah, and Zerubbabel (descendants of David) and others came back and rebuilt the Altar, the Temple and the walls of Jerusalem between 538-516 B.C.

See Nahum 2 The Lord is good.

Nahum 2: The Lord Is Good

“The Lord is good, giving protection in times of trouble.
He knows who trusts in Him” (Nahum 1:7 ncv). Nahum
gave hope to Israel those who put their trust in God.

THE LORD IS GOOD…
“He is our stronghold … He knows them that trust in Him.”
Nahum 1:7 kjv

Dorothy: This is a beautiful picture of God our Heavenly
Father who has an intimate knowledge about us. Really, God
loves us that much. Each of us is unique: yet God knows and
understands each personal character, our background, how we
grew up, how we act, how deeply we feel, and our needs, no
matter how great or small. Jesus said, “For your Father
knoweth what things ye have need of” (Matthew 6:8). Only
Jesus knew about Father because Jesus was there with Him.
Jesus is our witness that Nahum was right about ‘God knows
them that trust in Him.’

This reminds me of a song collection: Trust In the Lord

Trust in the Lord with all thine heart
and lean not to your own understanding.
In all thy ways acknowledge Him and
He shall direct thine paths (Prov. 3:5-6).

Micah the Prophet

“Therefore I will look unto the Lord; I will wait for the God of my salvation: my God will hear me. Rejoice not against me, O mine enemy: when I fall, I shall arise; when I sit in darkness, the Lord shall be a light unto me.” Micah 7:7-8 kjv

Micah was a country prophet who condemned Judah corrupt rulers, false prophets, ungodly priests, dishonest merchants, and bribed judges. He preached against the sins of injustice, oppression of the peasants and villagers, greed immorality, and idolatry. He warned of God’s coming judgment if they practiced in their evil ways. Micah accurately predicted Israel’s downfall before it happened in 722 B.C.; and same destruction would come to Judah and Jerusalem because of their sins and rebellion against God.

This seems depressed as if there wasn’t any hope at all for Israel, yet God was merciful to give the prophetic message of hope: the coming Messiah and that Israel would rise again. God would bless His people again. (See Micah the Bethlehem)

Prayer to God: “There is no God like you. You forgive those who are guilty of sin; you don’t look at the sins of your people who are left alive. You will not stay angry forever, because you enjoy being kind. You will have mercy on us again; you will conquer our sins into the deepest part of the sea. You will be true to the people of Jacob, and you will be kind to the people of Abraham as you promised to our ancestors long ago.” Micah 7:18-20 ncv

Dorothy: Going through the Bible, book by book really envision who God is. What impressed me is that God always add hope of future Jerusalem after the judgment warnings to Israel. It is my prayer that we would grow to love our heavenly Father more and more. This is why God gave us the Bible to study.

At Billy Graham’s Museum in Wheaton, Illinois, I noticed one line of his biography which he said, “If I had to start over again with my life, I would have taken more time to study the Bible.”

Micah 2 Bethlehem

“But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.” Micah 5:2 kjv

BUT THOU BETHLEHEM.
In the year between 740-710 B.C., Micah prophesies that a ruler would come out of Bethlehem who would fulfill God’s promises to His people. This verse was about Jesus the Messiah who would be born as a human being. Jesus walked on earth. Jesus gives peace with God, forgiveness of sin, and the assurance of eternal life to those who repent and receive Him by faith. Jesus was among His people, crucified, rose again and ascended unto heaven. The rest of Micah’s scriptures explained the coming Messiah will destroy all evil and Christ will be our everlasting peace. The Messiah will reign as a King of kings and Lord of lords. These encourage me to keep in prayer-union with our Lord and to look forward to His coming for His people, Israel in Jerusalem. I pray that it will encourage you to keep in tune with God and not give up just because the Lord’s coming seems slow.

Song: King of kings
He is the King of kings,
He is the Lord of lords.
The ever lasting One,
the dear beloved Son.
The Beginning and the End,
the sinner’s only Friend.
His name is Jesus, His name is Lord!
Lyrics and music: Sharon Steward Dyer

Jonah Gets Second Chance

“But I will praise and thank You while I give sacrifices to you and I will keep my promises to You. Salvation comes from the Lord”
(Jonah 2:9 ncv).

Where was Jonah when he prayed this kind of prayer? Right in the stinking-smelling stomach of a big fish. Phew! Yet Jonah gave God thanks for his deliverance from the big fish by faith. God heard Jonah’s prayer. “Then the Lord spoke to the fish, and the fish threw up Jonah onto the dry land” (Jonah 2:10 ncv). God commanded Jonah to go to Nineveh. His mission was to warn the people of God’s soon-coming judgment upon the city. Jonah hated the people of Nineveh for their cruelty to the people of Israel in the past. He also knew God’s great mercy to any people who would repent of their sins.

Jonah decided to escape from doing God’s mission by hiding in a ship by going into opposite direction away from Nineveh. The storm came and hit the ship for a few days. Jonah was thrown into the sea to appease God. The great fish swallowed Jonah and he stayed in its belly for three days. Then Jonah prayed the prayer founded in Jonah 2:1-9. The great fish could not stand Jonah being in his belly for three days. Yuck! The great fish threw him out of its belly.

Who was Jonah and where was he from? Jonah was a prophet to the northern kingdom of Israel during the year of 760 B.C. He lived close to Galilee. Nineveh was about 500 miles northeast of Galilee. It would have taken Jonah several days to reach to Nineveh. Instead he got on a ship that would go to Spain and he didn’t make it. God gave Jonah the second chance to go to Nineveh to preach the warning judgment of God. What did the people do? Surprised! The king of Nineveh arose from his throne and announced to all 120,000 people of the city to fast and pray. The king encouraged everyone to turn from their evil way and from the violence in their lands. The people repented and God spared them from judgment. Wow! What a merciful God!

What can we learn from this? God is merciful. Like Peter said that God is not willing that any men should perish without Christ, but that all should come to repentance (2 Pet.3:9). This devotion tells us who God is. Doesn’t this make you appreciate God who is not willing to bring quick judgment? He gives men time to repent and change their ways. “Heavenly Father, we appreciate You.”

Obadiah: God Punished Edom

This is what the Lord God says about Edom...
“Edom, do not laugh at your brother Israel in his time of trouble or be happy about the people of Judah when they are destroyed. Do not brag when cruel things are done to them. Do not enter the city gate of my people in their time of trouble or laugh at their problems in their time of trouble. Do not take their treasures in their time of trouble. Do not stand at the crossroads to destroy those who are trying to escape. Do not capture those who escape alive and turn them over to their enemy in their time of trouble. The Lord’s day of judging is coming soon to all the nations. The same evil things you did to other people will happen to you; they will come back upon your own head.”
Obadiah 1:1b, 12-15 NCV

Who is Obadiah? Obadiah was a prophet to Judah. Why Obadiah wrote this message from the Lord? To whom was this message for? The Lord was very angry with Edomites, the neighbors who lived south of Judah. The Edomities were the people who came from Esau, Jacob’s twin brother. They were enemies of the Israelites. Edom helped many other countries attacking Israel. Edomites liked to rob and kill anyone they can steal things from Israel. Edomites lived in a rocky range of mountains. Their homes were on clefts, built on the walls of mountains. They were very proud of their homeland and they felt very safe and very powerful. No one could defeat them for a long time until God sent Babylonian armies to come and destroyed almost all of their homeland and everything they had. When Edom refused to help Israel, its neighbor and relative in time of trouble, Obadiah prophesied that God would bring destruction upon Edomites and He did.

What we can learn from the Book of Obadiah? God wants us to understand that the Lord God is the champion of the poor and the needy. He is the defender to them from those who have oppressed them and those who would not help them. God is concerned that His people who have received His help and mercy show mercy to others in their time of need. This shows me that God really cares about helping the poor and needy.

Today there are many organizations that are helping the people with foods, clothing, housing, and money to meet their needs. This is really a blessing and I am thankful that we have a caring God. Lots of people send money or clothes to help organizations to meet the needy people. God will bless us when we help others.

Amos an Herdman

“Woe to them that are at ease in Zion, and trust in the mountain of Samaria, which are named chief of the nations, to whom the house of Israel came!” Amos 6:1 KJV “How terrible it will be for those who have an easy life in Jerusalem, for those who feel safe living on Mount Samaria. You think you are the important people of the best nation in the world; the Israelites come to you for help.” Amos 6:1 NCV

Amos was not a prophet when God called him to speak to Israel for God. The people still called Amos a prophet. Amos was a shepherd, caring of the flocks, and a gatherer of sycamore fruit. He lived in a village which is 12 miles south of Jerusalem. God gave Amos a prophetic burden and ministry for rebellious Israel. God had blessed Israel with many good things, but Israel went deep into corruption. They had sinned against God. Israel believed that their material success proved that they were living under God’s blessing. They felt confident that God’s judgment would never come. Because of this, Israel became very comfortable with lifestyle of riches and successes caused them to drift into worldly things. It led them to forget their God.

God was merciful to sent Amos to Bethel to give a message, “repent or perish” but Amos was kicked out of the city to go somewhere else. God gave different visions to Amos to warn Israel of their coming judgment because they had forgotten God. They took God for granted that He will not punish them because they are His people. Later on, God’s judgment came. After that God spoke of the future restoration of Israel.

This should be a warning to us as a Christian, “Woe to us that are at ease or becoming lukewarm Christians.” What do the lukewarm Christians do? A lukewarm Christian who lost their contact with Christ, lost interest in important prayer life, not filling with the Holy Spirit, not keeping up with studies or devotions with the Lord. Their hearts are not in their God as their Source to meet their needs. Sometimes they feel ‘dead.’

The book of Amos shows us that God still cares enough to send a message of warning to us lukewarm Christians. I pray that we turn to the Lord and ask Him to forgive us and give us the strength to keep us out of lukewarmness. Thank You in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Joel In Those Days

“And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions; And also upon the servants and upon the handmaids IN THOSE DAYS will I pour out my spirit.” Joel 2:28-29 KJV

In the year of 835-830 B.C., Joel predicts a day when God would pour out His Spirit on all those who “call on the name of the Lord.” Approximately, 800 years later, Peter preached on the day of Pentecost and quoted Joel’s writing from Joel 2:28-29. “But Joel the prophet wrote about what is happening here today: God says: In the last days I will pour out my Spirit on all kinds of people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy. Your young men will see visions, and your old men will dream dreams. At that time I will pour out my Spirit also on my male slaves and female slaves and they will prophesy.” Acts 2:17-18 NCV

Peter quoted this passage on the day of Pentecost, explaining that the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on that day was the beginning of the fulfillment of Joel’s prophecy (Acts 2:14-21). This prophecy is an ongoing promise to all who accept Christ as Lord, and all believers can and should be filled with the Holy Spirit.

What this mean to me? God is faithful to His Word. God continues to pour out His Spirit on all who believes in Him and whose hearts are opened to Him. God really wants to fill you with His Spirit. It is like we dive into the pool of water and we swim in the water. It is an awesome experience. God is waiting for you to try Him today.

Hosea God’s Love

“Come, let’s go back to the Lord. He has hurt us, but he will heal us. He has wounded us, but he will bandage our wounds. In two days he will put new life in us; on the third day he will raise us up so that we may live in his presence and know him. Let’s try to learn about the Lord; He will come to us as surely as the dawn comes. He will come to us like rain, like the spring rain that waters the ground.”
Hosea 6:1-3 NCV

Do you ever wonder if God ever wants to reveal Himself about how He really feel when He sees His own people turn away from Him? And about the people who decide to worship other gods instead of worshiping Him? Has God ever tried to tell His people how He felt? Yes, He has. Hosea represented God. God told Hosea to marry Gomer who was an unfaithful wife and she represented the people of Israel. Why? So the people could see the action of Hosea toward his unfaithful wife, Gomer and hear what God had to say through the prophet, Hosea. The whole book of Hosea was about Israel who acted like an unfaithful wife and how God tried to win Israel back to Him.

Hosea gives assurance that though God must judge sin, He always desires to heal and restore Israel. After repentance, God would bring renewed spiritual life. They would get to know the Lord better. God would come like the rain, bringing more spiritual life and blessing. Water is often used as a type of the Holy Spirit. This is a prophecy to Israel that Holy Spirit would come on the Day of Pentecost.

What does this mean to me? It touched my heart that He wants us to come back to Him and He wants to love us freely (14:4). God would come to us like the rain. Do you know what rain does? It brings life to the nature so does God who brings life to our spiritual being. Dear God, forgive us when we get too busy with things around us. You want us to come back to You and we thank You for that. Thank You for the book of Hosea that tells us more about You in Jesus’ name, amen.

Daniel’s Prayer

During Darius’ first year as king, I, Daniel, was reading the Scriptures. I saw that the Lord told Jeremiah that Jerusalem would be empty ruins for seventy years. Then I turned to the Lord God and prayed and asked Him for help. I did not eat any food. To show my sadness, I put on rough cloth and sat in ashes. I prayed to the Lord my God and told Him about all of our sins. I said, “Lord, you are a great God who causes fear and wonder. You keep your agreement of love with all who love you and obey your commands. [Daniel 9:2-4].
[Suggest reading Daniel's Prayer 2]

Daniel was a young man when he was taken captive to Babylon from Jerusalem and Jeremiah was the prophet during his time. Daniel had a high position with several kings and God had blessed Daniel. It was a special day; God inspired Daniel to read the Scriptures from Jeremiah’s writing. Daniel realized that seventy years were just about up, and still there was nothing done about the promised return and restoration to Jerusalem. This bothered Daniel very much. Daniel expected a full fulfillment of Jeremiah’s prophecy. Daniel did not sit back and wait for the promised restoration to come. Instead, Daniel began to intercede earnestly with prayer and fasting for the fulfillment of God’s word [Daniel 9:5-19].

Daniel began his intercessory prayer by recognizing the awe-inspiring greatness of God, His faithful love, and His covenant mercy shown to those who love and obey Him. Then Daniel made his confession, identifying himself with the people of Israel who had sinned and rebelled against God. He asked God for Jerusalem’s restoration not because of any righteousness on the part of Daniel or of Israel, but "for the Lord’s sake" (9:17-18). When God responded, He showed His great mercy and loving compassion as a God who fulfills His promises. [Note from Zondervan]

From the books of Ezra and Nehemiah, we saw God’s answered prayers. God had touched the king’s heart to allow God’s people to return to their city of Jerusalem. Zerubbabel, Ezra and Nehemiah were three key leaders who helped rebuild the altar, the Temple, and the walls of Jerusalem.

What this mean to me? God is faithful to His Word. Daniel trusted God to keep His promises. Let us trust God who will meet our needs. His mercy is new every morning. Don’t give up. Trust God.

Daniel’s Prayer 2

Daniel 9:4-19 NCV
v4. I prayed to the Lord my God and told him about all of our sins. I said, “Lord, you are a great God who causes fear and wonder. You keep your agreement of love with all who love you and obey your commands.
v5. “But we have sinned and done wrong. We have been wicked and turned against you, your commands, and your laws. v6. We did not listen to your servants, the prophets, who spoke for you to our kings, our leaders, our ancestors, and all the people of the land. v7. “Lord, your are good and right, but we are full of shame today—the people of Judah and Jerusalem, all the people of Israel, those near and far whom you scattered among many nations because they were not loyal to you. v8. Lord, we are all ashamed, because we have sinned against you.
v9. “But, Lord Our God, you show us mercy and forgive us even though we have turned against you. v10. We have not obeyed the Lord our God or the teachings he gave us through his servants, the prophets. v11. All the people of Israel have disobeyed your teachings and have turned away, refusing to obey you. So you brought on us the curses and promises of punishment written in the Teachings of Moses, the servant of God, because we sinned against you.
v12. “You said these things would happen to us and our leaders, and you made them happen; you brought on us a great disaster. Nothing has ever been done on earth like what was done to Jerusalem. v13. All this disaster came to us just as it is written in the Teachings of Moses. But we have not pleaded with the Lord our God. We have not stopped sinning. We have not paid attention to your truth. v14. The Lord was ready to bring the disaster on us, and he did it because the Lord our God is right in everything he does. But we still did not obey him.
v15. “Lord our God, you used your power and brought us out of Egypt. Because of that, your name is known even today. But we have sinned and have done wrong. v16. Lord, you do what is right, but please do not be angry with Jerusalem, your city on your holy hill. Because of our sins and the evil things done by our ancestors, people all around insult and make fun of Jerusalem and your people.
v17. “Now, our God, hears the prayers of your servant (Daniel). Listen to my prayer for help, and for your sake do good things for your holy place that is in ruins. v18. My God, pay attention and hear me. Open your eyes and see all the terrible things that have happened to us. See how our lives have been ruined and what has happened to the city that is called by your name. We do not ask these things because we are good; instead, we ask because of your mercy. v19. Lord, listen! Lord, forgive! Lord, hear us and do something! For your sake, don’t wait, because your city and your people are called by your name.”

Ezekiel, Vision of God’s Throne

One day Tony was preaching at Carlinville Camp of Illinois in 1980’s. He asked the Deaf audience a question: ‘What do you think about when you worship God?’ Most of them responded that they visualized God sitting on a Great White Throne while they prayed.

Tony asked them another question: What color is God’s Throne? Most of them said, “White.” Tony explained that ‘The Great White Throne’ would be in the future at the end time. When all those who rejected Christ will appear before Him and those are ‘Judgment Time.’ Now what color was the throne that Ezekiel had seen?

Tony signed to them part of the KJV verse of Ezekiel 1:26: God’s throne was “as the appearance of a sapphire stone: and upon the likeness of the throne was the likeness as the appearance of a man above it.” Ezekiel 1:26 NCV quoted “Now above the dome there was something that looked like a throne. It looked like a sapphire gem. And on the throne was a shape like a human.”

Tony asked, ‘Now what color was the throne that God was sitting on?’ The Deaf audience responded with a surprise, “Not white throne? So what color is sapphire?” Tony answered, ‘Sapphire is a beautiful dark blue precious stone, which is hard and clear like a diamond.’ Tony went on: ‘Do you wonder why God asked me to preach about God’s Throne? God said that He has seen some people’s thoughts while they worship Him, ‘The Great white throne’? He said to me, “I want you to tell them that My throne was not white. It is a sapphire throne like Ezekiel has seen and it is beautiful.”’

What a beautiful thought! Our God cares enough to let us know that His throne is a sapphire throne. Awesome! May our worship to our Lord God become richer and lovely thought of Him!

The Lamentations of Jeremiah

“Behold, O Lord; for I am in distress…” [Lamentations 1:20]. KJV

Jeremiah was called, “The Weeping Prophet.” Jeremiah expressed his deep sorrow because Jeremiah saw the people taken captive by the Babylon army. Jeremiah saw the destruction of the city of Jerusalem. The city of Jerusalem was like a “widow” because she lost her children and she was left alone with no one to comfort her.

Jeremiah wrote ‘Lamentations’ because it means he was sad that the people would not listen to God to give up their sins and many gods they worshiped to. He wept that God had to send many judgments against the people for turning away from Him. Was there no hope for the future Jerusalem and the people?

“… therefore have I hope. It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness. The Lord is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in Him. The Lord is good unto them that wait for Him, to the soul that seeketh Him. It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the Lord [Lamentations 3:21b-26]. KJV

Jeremiah saw hope in God’s love and mercy. Jeremiah looked up to God in time of grief and pain. Let us be like Jeremiah who turned to God for healing and restoration. Let us worship the Lord God and pray: O Lord, great is Thy faithfulness. I see Your new mercy every morning. All I have needed You have met our needs: financially, physically, and spiritually. We love You, Heavenly Father for Your grace, we love You, Jesus for Your forgiveness and we love You, Holy Spirit for your tender care, in Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Jeremiah A Tree Rooted

“[Most] blessed is the man who believes in, trusts in, and relies on the Lord, and whose hope and confidence the Lord is. For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters that spreads out its roots by the river; and it shall not see and fear when heat comes; but its leaf shall be green.” Jeremiah 17:7-8a AMP

“But the person who trusts in the Lord will be blessed. The Lord will show him that He can be trusted. He will be strong, like a tree planted near water that sends its roots by a stream. It is not afraid when the days are hot; its leaves are always green. It does not worry in a year when no rain comes; it always produces fruit.” Jer. 17:7-8 NCV

The natural tree matures when the root structure grows deeper. The root holds the tree. The root helps to support the height and the growing tree. It makes a tree strong. The water and nourishment are important to help the tree to survive and to continue growing.

We are like a tree and its root go down deep is compared to our faith goes deeper in the Lord Jesus Christ. We continue to grow spiritually. How? The Word of God is our spiritual food and we receive spiritual food as our nourishment. The water of God’s Word brings life and the Holy Spirit renewed us day by day.

Prayer: Thank You Lord for reminding us that we are like a tree planted by the waters, which spreads out its roots by the river, the Holy Spirit, our wonderful friend. Your Word have we hid in our heart that we may be fully blessed by You. Peace will follow us all the days of my life and we will dwell in the house of the Lord forever in Jesus name, amen.

Isaiah God Promised Harvest Time

The Lord says, “My thoughts are not like your thoughts. Your ways are not like my ways. Just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts higher than your thoughts.” Isaiah 55:8-9 NCV

We do not always know God’s thoughts. We do not always understand the purpose of God’s ways. But we learn to trust Him and His great wisdom in all that He does. Our desire is to abide in His Word and continue responding to the leading of the Holy Spirit. Our hearts will continue to be renewed and be changed by seeking Him. Our thoughts and our ways will be conformed into the likeness of Christ. It leads to the richness of God’s grace upon us when we endure all things for Christ as He has endured all things for us.

“Rain and snow fall from the sky and don’t return without watering the ground. They cause the plants to sprout and grow, making seeds for the farmer and bread for the people. The same true of the word I speak. They will not return to me empty. They make the things happen that I want to happen, and they succeed in doing what I send them to do. So you will go out with joy and be led out in peace. The mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees in the fields will clap their hands. Large cypress trees will grows where the thornbushes were. Myrtle trees will grow where weeds were. These things will be a reminder of the Lord’s promise, and this reminder will never be destroyed.” Isaiah 55:10-13 NCV

Have you ever heard of rain or snow that must come down, changed their minds and go back up to the clouds? No, we don’t because it is the nature’s law that rain must come down and watered the earth. So is God’s Word, when He speaks, His Word are seeds that goes into our hearts. The Holy Spirit watered the seed to grow into our hearts. We harvest the blessings and the healings from God’s promised. Seed-sowing always bring a harvest. God will never fail us or let us down when we remember that God’s Word can never go back to Him empty. God knows best and He loves us enough to do it His ways, not ours. He is bigger than our needs and wiser than our problems. Let’s trust our Heavenly Father.

Song of Solomon The Rose of Sharon

I am the Rose of Sharon, and the lily of the valleys.
Song of Solomon 2:1

In the land of Israel, Sharon is the coastal plain just south of Mount Carmel. Christ is often compared into the rose of Sharon and the lily of the valleys—common flowers of the field. This expresses His presence with us. There are songs about Christ as the type of the Rose of Sharon and the lily of the valleys. It has brought a close relationship between me and Christ when I sang these songs to Him, ‘Sweet Jesus’ and ‘The Lily of the Valley.’ It just reminds me of what Christ is to me and you.

Sweet Jesus
Sweet Jesus, sweet Jesus, What a wonder You are,
You’re brighter than the morning star;
You’re fairer, much fairer,
Than the lily that grows by the way side,
Precious, more precious than gold.
You’re like the rose of Sharon,
You’re the fairest of the fair,
You are all my heart could e’er desire;
Sweet Jesus, sweet Jesus, What a wonder You are,
You’re precious, more precious than gold.
[Words and Music by Paul Goodwin]

The Lily of the Valley
I have found a friend in Jesus, He’s everything to me;
He’s the fairest of ten thousand to my soul;
The Lily of the Valley, in Him alone I see
All I need to cleanse and make me fully whole.
In sorrow He’s my comfort, in trouble He’s my stay;
He tells me every care on Him to roll.
He’s the Lily of the Valley, the bright and morning Star;
He’s the fairest of ten thousand to my soul.
[Lyrics: Charles W. Fry; Music: William S. Hays]

Ecclesiastes The Gift of God

“…that every man should eat and drink, and enjoy
the good of all his labour, it is the gift of God”
[Ecclesiastes 3:13 KJV].
“God wants all people to eat and drink and be
happy in their work, which are gifts from God”
[Ecclesiastes 3:13 NCV].

Note from Zondervan, The Full Life Study Bible.
The ability to enjoy life and live it properly is a gift
from God that comes only when we are brought into a right
relationship with Him and sincerely submit ourselves to Him
as our Lord and God. He then gives us joy in what we do.

Dorothy: There was a question in my heart about our struggles
to accept the ‘new change,’ our semi-retirement since we moved
here two years ago. It was difficult to adjust after 40 years
of being busy between jobs and our ministry.

Then something happened! I read Ecclesiastes 3:13. God answers
my question! I share this with Tony. His eyelids went up as in
surprise that it is a gift of God that we are to enjoy the simple
things and we have yet to learn this.

Prayer: Dear Lord, thank You for showing us Ecclesiastes 3:13.
Thank You Lord for taking a good care of us. We praise You and
love You so much in Jesus’ name. Amen!

The Heart 2

We could learn more about the heart since the Bible speaks of the heart as the center; “out of it are the issues of life” (Proverbs 4:23 and Luke 6:45). The heart is the center of the intellect, emotions and human will. When I say things rashly that was not what I intend to say, I often quoted from Jeremiah 17:9 “the heart is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked: who can know it?” This is the reason why I need the Holy Spirit to fill my heart with God’s Word. Psalm 119:11 ‘Thy Word have I hid in my heart that I might not sin against Thee.'

God spoke of “harden hearts” to His people during the time of 40 years of wilderness and how they often grieved Him. In the book of Hebrews was the letter with warnings to believers not to harden their hearts (Heb. 3:8-12). Anyone who continues to reject God’s word will eventually have a hardened heart.

God has the answer to the sinfulness of the human heart is regeneration. It comes to all those who repent of their sins, turn to God, and put a personal faith in Jesus as Lord and Savior. Regeneration is a change of heart. The person who repents from his heart of all sin and confesses in his heart that Jesus is Lord, this person is born again and receives a new heart from God [Rom.10:9; Ps. 51:10; Ezek. 11:19].

When we were born again God creates a desire in our hearts to love Him and to obey Him. I pray that God’s love in your heart will be so full that it will flows to others who needs to feel the love of God from your very heart. In Jesus' name, amen.

Proverbs The Heart

Proverbs 4:23
KJV: Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are issues of life.
NLT: Above all else, guard your heart, for it affects everything you do. NCV: Be careful what you think, because your thoughts run your life.

KEEP THY HEART WITH ALL DILIGENCE.
Jesus said, “Good people bring good things out of the good they stored in their hearts. But evil people bring evil things out of the evil they stored in their hearts. People speak the things that are in their heart.” Luke 6:45 NCV.

Dorothy: I had a question for myself, “What is in my heart right now?” I wrote down what was in my heart. I was amazed what I wrote: My heart wants to study God’s Word. My heart wants to know more about God. My heart wants to fellowship with God. My heart wants to love God. My heart wants to worship God. My heart wants to sing praises to my living God. My heart wants to see miracle of God every day. My heart wants to adore Him. My heart wants to seek His face. My heart wants to find Him through the Books of the Bible. My heart wants to find the hidden treasure of the Bible.

Delight thyself also in the Lord: and He shall give thee the desires of thine heart [Psalm 37:4]. Dear Lord I pray that You will show me when to watch for the harvest of miracles. Miracle for me and my husband and for all of my friends in Jesus’ name, Amen.

So what is in your heart right now? Think and ponder on these things and talk to God.

Proverbs’ Wisdom

Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean
not into thine own understanding. In all thy ways
acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy path.
Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV

Trust the Lord with all your heart, and don’t depend
on your own understanding. Remember the Lord in
all you do, and He will give you success.
Proverbs 3:5-6 NCV

My child, pay attention to my words; listen closely to
what I say. Don’t ever forget my words; keep them
always in mind. They are the key to life for those who
find them; they bring health to the whole body. Be careful
what you think, because your thoughts run your life.
Proverbs 4:20-23 NCV

My son, give attention to my words; … For they are
life to those who find them, and health to all their flesh.
Proverbs 4:20a, 22 NKJV

Pleasant words are as an honeycomb,
sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.
Proverbs 16:24 KJV

Dorothy: Those verses from the Bible inspire me very much.
This is why I love Fresh Manna from the Holy Spirit because
God’s Word are like honeycomb … it is sweet … and it brings
healing to my soul and to my body, even to my bones. May God’s
Word bring blessing and healing to your mind, soul and body
in Jesus’ name I pray, amen!

Psalm God Our Healer

Have mercy on me, O Lord, for I am weak; O Lord,
heal me, for my bones are troubled [Psalm 6:2].

O Lord my God, I cried out to You,
And You healed me [Ps.30:2].

I said, “Lord, be merciful to me; Heal my soul,
for I have sinned against You” Psalm 41:4].

He sent His word and healed them, and delivered
them from their destruction [Psalm 107:20].

He heals the broken hearted and binds up
their wounds [Ps. 147:3].

O Lord, open my lips and my mouth shall show
forth Your praise [Psalm 51:15].
[All scriptures are New King James Version]

Sing, pray and quote these Words from the Psalms.
May the Lord strengthens you spiritually and physically.
May the Lord enables you to trust God for the impossible.
The Lord is your light and your salvation. The Lord is
your strength of your life. The Lord bless your soul
today in Jesus’ name I pray. Amen!

Psalm The Shepherd

He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul [KJV]. He lets me rest in green pastures. He leads me to calm water. He gives me new strength [NCV]. He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams. He renews my strength [NLT]. He makes me lie down in [fresh, tender] green pastures; He leads me beside the still and restful waters. He refreshes and restores my life [my self][AMP].
Psalm 23:2, 3a

What does this mean to me?
Out of the entire Psalm, these verses are the greatest blessing to me to picture Christ as my Shepherd. He makes me as a sheep to “lie down” in green meadows. The sheep would lie down to relax and be able to eat the fresh and tender pastures. Afterward, the Shepherd leads the sheep to the calm water to drink. The sheep cannot drink from the fast current river. It makes them nervous. It has to be peaceful streams, easy to drink from.

We like the sheep sitting down and eating His Word through reading or studying the Bible and read devotional books. Jesus will lead me to find topic to study and to write Fresh Manna. It is the food to my soul. Jesus, the Shepherd leads me to Holy Spirit who represents the peaceful streams. Then He refreshes my soul. He renews my strength. He restores my life. It is a beautiful picture of the Shepherd and the Sheep [Rev. 7:17].

Chorus: He Leadeth Me
He leadeth me, He leadeth me, By His own hand He leadeth me:
His faithful follower I would be, For by His hand He leadeth me.
[Lyrics: Joseph H. Gilmore, Music: William B. Bradbury]

Job's Intercession

After Job had prayed for his friends, the Lord gave him success again. The Lord gave Job twice as much as he had owned before
[Job 42:10 NCV].

This was a story of Job with his friends who tried to reason with him why so much trouble came to Job. God came from the storm and asked “Who is this that makes My purpose unclear by saying things that are not true?” God was not pleased with Job’s friends who tried to use their reasons for everything that happened to Job. God asked Job to pray for his friends so that He would not punish them for being so foolish. They had not said what was right about God, and His servant, Job. The Lord blessed the last part of Job’s life even more than the first part. Job had many more sheep, camels, oxen, and donkey. He had children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren. He lived to be 140 years.

What does this apply to us?
This is a simple reminder that we don’t always know why things happened to us? God loved Job and came to defend him against his friends. The Lord will bless us when we pray for our friends and do what Jesus said, “Pray always.” When we pray, we feel better and know that God Himself will someday have the final words. May the Lord bless you today.

Esther’s Entrance to the King

On the third day Esther put on her royal robes and stood in the inner courtyard of the King’s palace, facing the king’s hall. The king was sitting on his royal throne in the hall, facing the doorway. When the king saw Queen Esther standing in the courtyard, he was pleased. He held out to her the gold scepter that was in his hand, so Esther went forward and touched the end of it [Esther 5:1-2 NCV].

This is a picture-story like Esther’s entrance to the king, we as a child of the King can come into God’s presence at any time. Why? God has given us His Son to be our Savior and now we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ, the righteous and His blood covers us [1John 2:1]. Like Esther, the king was pleased to look at her. God is pleased to look unto us when we enter boldly into the throne of God to find mercy and grace to help in time of need [Hebrews 4:16].

What this mean to me?
God is pleased when we come to Him to worship Him and to love Him with all of our hearts. Worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness. There is a song collection that often led me to sing: O how I love Him, how I adore Him, my breath my sunshine, my all in all. The great Creator became my Savior and in God’s fullness dwelleth in Him (Jesus). Sometimes I would sing personally to Him: “O how I love You, how I adore You, my breath my sunshine, my all in all. The great Creator became my Savior and in God’s fullness dwelleth in Jesus."

Nehemiah’s Intercession

“Our enemies were trying to scare us, thinking, “They will get too weak to work. Then the wall will not be finished.” But I prayed, “God, make me strong” Nehemiah 6:9 NCV.

Nehemiah served the king of Persia with wine. Nehemiah heard news from people who traveled from Judah and came back to Persia. They told him that the wall around Jerusalem was broken down, and its gates had been burned. This news grieved Nehemiah so he interceded the king to send him to the city of Judah to rebuild its broken-down walls of Jerusalem. Nehemiah went to Jerusalem as Governor and he lead in reconstructing the walls. Nehemiah interceded to God against the enemies who tried to stop them from rebuilding the walls. Nehemiah wrote “Our enemies were trying to scare us, thinking, “They will get too weak to work. Then the wall will not be finished.” But I prayed, “God, make me strong” (6:9). Nehemiah with the help of others cooperated and completed the walls in 52 days. Then they had Dedication services for several days.

All the people of Israel gathered together in the square by the Water Gate. They asked Ezra the teacher to bring out the Book of the Teachings of Moses, which the Lord had given to Israel. Ezra read to them every day from the Book of Teachings, from the first day to the last seventh day. The people of Israel celebrated the feast for seven days, and then on the eighth day, Israel confessed their sins and worshiped the Lord their God. [Suggest reading The People’s Prayer: 9:5-38]

Have you faced problems that make you feel like you just can’t go on? Sometimes you feel like, “I am ready to give up. It’s no used?” Nehemiah constantly faced a lot of problems. He was a man of prayer and he prayed, “God, make me strong.” This is an inspiration story to read the book of Nehemiah how he trusted God to get him through.
It was a final victory for Nehemiah to complete the walls in 52 days. Let’s pray, “God, make me strong. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen”

Ezra's Prayer

I prayed, “My God, I am too ashamed and embarrassed to lift up my face to you, my God, because our sins are so many. They are higher than our heads. Our guilt even reaches up to the sky. From the days of our ancestors until now, our guilt has been great. Because of our sins, we, our kings, and our priests have been punished by the sword and captivity. Foreign kings have taken away our things and shamed us, even as it is today.

“But now, for a short time, the Lord our God has been kind to us. He has let some of us come back from captivity and has let us live in safety in his holy place. And so our God gives us hope and a little relief from our slavery. Even though we are slaves, our God has not left us. He caused the kings of Persia to be kind to us and has given us new life. We can rebuild the Temple and repair its ruins. And He has given us a wall to protect us in Judah and in Jerusalem” [Ezra 9:6-9 NCV].

The end of the chapter 36 of II Chronicles tells stories about how the Israelite and Zedekiah, the king of Judah, had rebelled against the Lord by doing evil things. And how God allowed the King Nebuchadnezzar to capture the city of Jerusalem and took many captive people to live in Babylon. Jeremiah prophesied that they would stay at Babylon for 70 years of their captivity. God touched Cyrus, the king of Persia and allowed Ezra and the Israelites to return to their homeland, Jerusalem. Ezra was the next book of II Chronicles. Ezra is a book about the first and second return of exiles (from Babylon) to Jerusalem.

Ezra was a priest and teacher who taught about the commands and laws the Lord gave Israel. When they had finished rebuilding the Altar first and then rebuilding the Temple, soon afterward people forget to follow the Laws of God. They did not keep themselves separated from the influences of people that worship their pagan gods. This grieved Ezra and this was why he prayed a shameful prayer.

This kind of prayer impresses me. Going through the Zondervan Outlines book by book in the Bible, has really shown me the highlight type of prayers we could learn from. May the Lord open our eyes and forgive us if we sin against Him. Study Ezra’s prayer and may it touch our hearts. Amen!

II Chronicles Greater Power 2

There is greater power with us than with him (2 Chronicles 32:7b).

This is a story about Sennacherib, the king of Assyria attacking Judah and the city of Jerusalem. How the people of Jerusalem reacted to this frightening situation and how King Hezekiah respond to the people through the theme that impressed me greatly, “There is greater power with us than with him.” (2 Chronicles 32:7b) Then Sennacherib sent his letters to discourage King Hezekiah from fighting against him and his huge army, and to surrender to King Sennacherib. King Hezekiah of Judah turned to God for help and his prayer impressed me because he recognize who God was and know that God was All-Powerful God. God answered his prayers and told him what He will do. He sent an angel and killed 185,000 enemies who went against the city of Jerusalem.

What this mean to me?
We kept hearing about so many things going on in the United States that can be very distressing. Reading the story about how King Hezekiah turned to God and said prayer to Him, really encouraged me and gave me hope that God in the past was and still is the same God of today. God did work a miracle for Jerusalem and defeated the army of Sennacherib the king of Assyria who had insulted the God of Israel. Sennacherib did not believe in a miracle of God because he had defeated all the nations included north of Israel and Samaria. When it came to Jerusalem, Sennacherib was so sure, he could win the battle and defeat Hezekiah’s God. Surprised, he didn’t.

Satan still uses such similar ways on God’s children. Satan tells us that when we are in great need, we should not expect or seek a miracle from God. Have you ever felt like when troubles come into our lives and circumstances seem out of control, what should we do? Like Hezekiah did—draw near to God in fervent and trusting prayer.

Heavenly Father, I thank You for this story that you are still the same God, yesterday, today and forever. This story reminds me of who You are; the Possessor of heavens and earth. When I hear the distressing news going on around the world, I will lift my eyes toward heaven and believing that You are in charge of everything that is going on. I ask for peace in my heart in Jesus’ name I pray. Amen!

II Chronicles Greater Power

There is greater power with us than with him (2 Chronicles 32:7b).

Sennacherib, the king of Assyria Attacks Judah.
In 701 B.C. King Hezekiah received news that Sennacherib king of Assyria came and attacked Judah. He and his army surrounded and attacked the strong, walled cities. Soon Sennacherib would come to attack the city of Jerusalem. The people of Jerusalem were scared. King Hezekiah encouraged them, saying, “Be strong and brave. Don’t be afraid or worried because of the king of Assyria or his large army. THERE IS GREATER POWER WITH US THAN WITH HIM. He only has men, but we have the Lord our God to help us and to fight our battles.” The people were encouraged by the words of Hezekiah king of Judah (2 Chronicles 32:6b-8).

King Sennacherib wrote letters to King Hezekiah insulting the Lord, the God of Israel. They spoke against him, saying, “The gods of the other nations could not save their people from me. In the same way Hezekiah’s God won’t be able to save his people from me” (2 Chron. 32:17). When Hezekiah received the letter from the messengers and read it, he went up to the Temple of the Lord. He spread the letter out before the Lord and prayed to the Lord:

“Lord, God of Israel, whose throne is between the gold creatures with wings (Ark of God), only you are God of all the kingdoms of the earth. You made heavens and earth. Hear, Lord, and listen. Open your eyes, Lord, and see. Listen to the words of Sennacherib has said to insult the living God. It is true, Lord, that the kings of Assyria have destroyed these countries and their lands. They have thrown the gods of these nations into the fire, but they were only wood and rock statues that the people made. So the kings have destroyed them. Now, Lord our God, save us from the king’s power so that all the kingdoms of the earth will know that you, Lord, are the only God” (2 Ki.19:14-19).

God answered Hezekiah through the prophet Isaiah and said, “I have heard your prayer to me about Sennacherib king of Assyria.” This was a prophetic message from God about Sennacherib, the promise of God to His people, and the promise of deliverance from Sennacherib (2 King19:20-34).

That night the angel of the Lord went out and killed one hundred eight-five thousand men in the Assyrian camp. When the people got up early the next morning, they saw all the dead bodies. So Sennacherib king of Assyria left and went back to Nineveh and stayed there (2 King 19:35-36). Verse 37 tells us that Sennacherib was killed.
[Suggest reading 2 Chronicles 32:1-23; 2 Kings 18-20; Isaiah 36-39]
[Continue to part 2]

I Chronicles Riches & Honor

All that is in the heaven and in the earth is thine. . . Both riches and honour come of thee. –1 Chronicles 29:11,12

David praised the Lord in front of all the people who were gathered. He said: “We praise you, Lord, God of our father Israel. We praise you forever and ever. Lord, you are great and powerful. You have glory, victory, and honor. Everything in heaven and on earth belongs to you. The kingdom belongs to you, Lord; you are ruler over everything. RICHES AND HONOR COME FROM YOU. You rule everything. You have power and strength to make anyone great and strong. Now, our God, we thank you and praise your glorious name. These things did not really come from me and my people. Everything comes from you; we have given you back what you gave us.” I Chronicles 29:10-14 NCV

What this means to me?
This is a simple reminder that everything we have actually came from God. “All that is in heaven and in the earth” belong to God. Paul tells us that, “My God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19). It is not according to the size of our need, but according to His riches, God will meet our needs.

We could use David’s prayer to talk to God about who He really is. And then ask Him for guidance and wisdom how to handle our checking account and allow Him to bless us financially. God really wants to help us. God is generous and enjoys giving to all of us. This will make you feel so good just to know how much God want to do this with you.

II Kings Miracle

Elisha’s prayer for his servant.
And Elisha prayed, and said, “Lord, I pray thee, open his eyes, that he may see. And the Lord opened the eyes of the young man; and he saw: and behold, the mountain full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha. II Kings 6:17 KJV

The story of Elisha and the servant at Dothan.
The king sent horses, chariots, and many troops to Dothan. They arrived at night and surrounded the city. Elisha’s servant got up early, and when he went out, he saw an army with horses and chariots all around the city. The servant said to Elisha, “Oh my master, what can we do?” Elisha said, “Don’t be afraid. The army that fights for us is larger than the one against us.” Then Elisha prayed, “Lord, open my servant’s eyes, and let him see.” The Lord opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw that the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha (II Kings 6:14-17 NCV).

After Elijah was taken up in chariot toward heaven, he left the mantle to Elisha who was to take over after him. This was one famous story about Elisha and the servant at Dothan. The king of Aram was at war with Israel and all his army came to Dothan to capture the city. When the servant began to panic Elisha prayed. Elisha encouraged him, “Fear not for God’s army is larger than the king of Aram’s army.” I imagined that the servant’s legs were still trembling. Elisha prayed, “Lord… open his eyes that he may see.” And behold the young man saw the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire. Angels of God… ready to bring a miracle!! [Suggest reading 2 Kings 6:8-23].

Let us trust God for a miracle because everybody needs a miracle from time to time. I do; you do. Completely surrounded by the enemy, Elisha and his young servant had no one to turn to for help or protection but a miracle came from God. Let our hearts believe in the miracle that God is greater than our enemy. Verse for the day: “Greater is He that is in you, than he (devil, the enemy) that is in the world” (I John 4:4).

I Kings Prayer

Elijah’s Prayer at Mount Carmel.
…the prophet Elijah went near the altar. “Lord, You are the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel,” he prayed. “Prove that You are the God of Israel and that I am your servant. Show these people that You commanded me to do all these things. Lord, answer my prayer so these people will know that You, Lord, are God and that You will change their minds.” I Kings 18:36-37 NCV

At Mount Carmel, Elijah approached the people and said, “How long will you not decide between two choices? If the Lord is the true God, follow Him, but if Baal is the true God, follow him!” But the people said nothing. Elijah said, “I am the only prophet of the Lord here, but there are 450 prophets of Baal. You prophets of Baal, pray to your god, and I will pray to the Lord. The god who answers by setting fire to his wood is the true God.” All the people agreed that this was a good idea. (I Kings 18:21, 22, 24). So Elijah told the prophets to go first and worship their Baal and pray for the fire to come to the altar. They prayed, shout louder, cut themselves until the blood flowed and danced around the altar of Baal from morning until evening. The Baal did not send the fire and finally, they gave up. It was Elijah’s turn.

Elijah was a man who had faith that his prayers to God at the altar would open the eyes of Israel. The fire of the Lord came down and burned the sacrifice, the wood, the stones, and the ground around the altar. It also dried up the water in the ditch. When all the people saw this, they fell down to the ground, crying, “The Lord is God! The Lord is God!” Elijah’s prayer was answered when Israel turned their heart back to the Lord God of Israel. The people changed their mind about Baal and choose to worship God only. [Suggest reading I Kings 18 Story of King Ahab and Elijah].

One of the Ten Commandment quoted: Thou shalt have no other gods before Me. Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image or any likeness of any thing. Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the Lord thy God am a jealous God. [Exodus 20:1-5 paraphrase]. This is a simple reminder that God is the creator of heaven and earth while any other gods have done nothing. God wants our praise and our adoration so let’s make God happy today.

II Samuel Psalm of Praise

David sang this song to the Lord when the Lord saved him from Saul and all his other enemies. He said: “The Lord is my rock, my protection, my Savior. My God is my rock. I can run to Him for safety. He is my shield and my saving strength, my defender and my place of safety. The Lord saves me from those who want to harm me. I will call to the Lord, who is worthy of praise and I will be saved from my enemies” (2 Samuel 22:1-4 NCV).

Second Samuel only records the reign of David, a period of 40 years (1010-970 B.C.) David was anointed King at Hebron over Judah for seven and a half years (chapter 2:1-4:12). David conquered Jebusites and moved to the city, called Jersualem (5:6-10). David reign at Jersusalem for 33 years over Israel. David came to the closing of life.

David was near death and what was in his heart? A Psalm of praise and David said: “I will love thee, O Lord, my strength. The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower. I will call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies (Psalm 18:1-3 KJV).

David was a young teenager and a shepherd when God told Samuel to anoint David as a future king (I Samuel 16:1-13). From I Samuel 16:14 through 31:13 David ran through many obstacles, something that stand in his ways that prevent David to become king right away. From his youth to his old age, and through all the trials and enemies in his life, David’s heart had always been a song of praise.

Do you have obstacle that stands in your way that kept you from becoming what you want to be? Like David, let us have a song of praise in our heart for “God dwells in the heart of praise.” I pray that this devotion will inspire you to trust God through all your obstacles. God in His time will lead you to what He has called you to be and where He will lead you to do His will. May the Lord God bless you.

I Samuel God’s Battle

“…All the world will know there is a God in Israel! Everyone gathered here will know that the Lord does not need swords or spears to save people. The battle belongs to Him ...” I Samuel 17:46b-47 NCV

This is a story about David facing Goliath, the Philistine. David knew that this was God’s battle. David challenged Goliath and said, “You come to me using a sword and two spears. But I come to you in the name of the Lord All-Powerful, the God of the armies of Israel. You have spoken against Him. Today the Lord will hand you over to me, and I’ll kill you and cut off your head. Today I’ll feed the bodies of the Philistine soldiers to the birds of the air and the wild animals. Then all the world will know there is a God in Israel! Everyone gathered here will know the Lord does not need swords or spears to save people. The battle belongs to him, and He will hand you over to us. As Goliath came near to attack him, David ran quickly to meet him. David took a stone from his bag, put it into his sling, and slung it. The stone hit the Philistine and went deep into his forehead, and Goliath fell facedown on the ground (I Samuel 17:45-49 NCV).

This was a great victory for Israel. David’ faith in God was simple. David spoke the words against Goliath. Are you facing ‘Goliath’? Is your faith simple enough to speak the word against ‘Goliath’? Goliath can represent problems, darkness, and the ailments such as sudden pain, weariness and illness, etc? David’s faith in God and his courage should give us the strength and the motivation to put on the whole armor of God so that we can stand and fight against the devil’s evil tricks.

Prayer: Thank You, heavenly Father for this story of David that inspire us and remind us that the battle belongs to You. We just need to remind ourselves that we cannot fight the battle alone without Your Presence with us. Thank You for the victory over our problems and illnesses in Jesus’ name I pray. Amen!