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
Friday, December 18, 2009
Monday, December 14, 2009
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)
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)
Saturday, December 12, 2009
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.’”
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.’”
Friday, December 11, 2009
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!
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!
Thursday, December 10, 2009
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.’
(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.’
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
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)
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)
Monday, December 7, 2009
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)
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)
Saturday, December 5, 2009
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!
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!
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