Happy New Year!

Happy New Year! Yike! It is 2012 and "Happy New Year"!

January First 2012 Bread Box

"This one thing I do: forgetting the past and straining toward what is ahead"
Philippians 3:13b (ncv).

"Is there such a thing as a "month with two faces"?
The Roman god Janus who was often shown with two faces since he was the protector of gates and doors. His month, JANUARY, "looks two ways," back to last year and ahead to the new one." (From Scholastic Children's Dictionary).

When one looks back, one learn from many mistakes and failures. One is looking forward to work on having much more success in whatever they would be doing. This was true with one company who was very successful in their business year after year. What's their secret? The company had 99% of failures before they were able to climb into successful business. Why? They learn something from many failures that lead them to try something else. That something else had leaded them to a success.

Paul said, "Brothers and sisters, I know that I have not yet reached the goal, but there's one thing I always do. FORGETTING THE PAST AND STRAINING TOWARD WHAT IS AHEAD, I keep trying to reach the goal and get the prize for which God called me through to the life above. All of us who are spiritually mature should think of this way, too" Philippians 3:13-15a.

Paul's desire was to serve Christ. Paul sees himself as a runner in a race (Heb.12:1), using all his strength and pressing on to keep that fellowship with Christ (v8-11). What about you? What is your goal for January 2012? If you lack wisdom, James 1:5 tells us to ask God. He will give you wisdom. He loves doing this so ask Him.

So let's begin with a Happy New Year, friend!

Dorothy

Guest: Song of Ashes

"The Spirit of the Lord has anointed Me . . . to give you beauty for ashes, oil of joy for mourning, garment of praise for heavy heart . . ." (Isaiah 61:1, 3).

A guest, Linda Martin of VA know a song from memory that fits "Beauty for Ashes." Linda doesn't know the author. It is a very old, country western kind of song. I hope you will enjoy this.

The Best of the Trade
1. The Lord gave me beauty for ashes,
For my sorrow He gave to me joy,
I was sad and oppressed, I exchanged that for rest,
And a peace that the world can't destroy.

Chorus: I traded my sin for Salvation,
I traded my load for relief,
I obtained peace for my condemnation,
And the joy of the Lord for my grief.
I traded a life that was wasted
For a temple to dwell in God made.
What I got was so much more than what I had before.
That I'm sure I got the best of the trade.

2. Had He charged me the difference for trading,
Then His grace I could never afford.
But He canceled my debt, and I have no regret,
Though it looks like I cheated the Lord.

Chorus: I traded my sin for Salvation,
I traded my load for relief,
I obtained peace for my condemnation,
And the joy of the Lord for my grief.
I traded a life that was wasted
For a temple to dwell in God made.
What I got was so much more than what I had before.
That I'm sure I got the best of the trade.
(Author: Unknown)

PS. This is really good. May the Lord bless you today!

Call Me!

Good morning! Christmas holidays seem to be a busy time! Really, it depends on who we are. For me, this early morning, taking time out with God is like "breathe of fresh air" to my inner spirit. So I decided to draw a card for Bread Box. Ahhh, it feels so good to have Bread Box back sometimes! (Lately, I have been studying series on "blood sprinkle" and I didn't realize it was going to be a big subject. Yowee!)

"Call upon Me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shall glorify Me."
Psalm 50:15

Want to glorify Him? Just get into trouble! (me, Dorothy, a little mischief) Huh? Humm? No way? But trouble comes to us anyway! It is often not our choice to have troubles or when trouble time comes. But you know something? God just simply loves to help us. He says, "Call to Me in times of trouble. I will save you, and you will honor Me" (Psalm 50:15 ncv). Actually, our calling to Him makes Him feel honor.

The Lord simply invites all of us faithful believers to call continually upon Him in times of need and trouble. God desires to hear our prayers to help us, and have His name exalted as a God who rescues His people. This is where our testimonies come in to tell others what He has done for us. We made God happy!

So God said, "Trust Me in your times of trouble, and I will rescue you, and you will give Me glory" (NLT Ps. 50:15).

Praise God for His Word to us so trust God today!

Song: I'm Glad I'm A Christian.
I'm glad I'm a Christian,
I'm trusting the Lord;
I'm reading my Bible,
believing each word.
The past is forgiven
From sin I'm set free,
A mansion in heaven
is waiting for me.
(Inspiring Choruses)

Series Five: Figures

Hebrews 9:24 KJV
"For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now appear in the presence of God for us."

Heb. 9:24a NCV tells us that "Christ did not go into the Most Holy Place made by humans, which is only a copy of the real one. He went into heaven itself and is there now before God to help us."

The word, figure mean something that represents a form especially of a person and/or a pictorial illustration. Or the figure could be "picture like this" or "copy like this or "compare like this."

I remember reading one article about "the treasure." A Christmas story of a father who went to the store to find the gifts for his children. The father wrapped the gifts and put them under the tree. The children glee with excitement when at times they watched the gifts day by day. They could hardly wait for that day of Christmas to find out what was inside the gifts. Oh, the excitement was unbearable, but they wait!

Imagine the father had taken the pleasure of watching his own children waiting until that day the gifts were opened and their glowing faces show surprised.

Suppose the father did not wrap the gifts he bought and put under the tree and they had already saw it . . . Was it any thrill? Were there any excitement?

Now you know why our Heavenly Father like to wrap the "gifts" to us and we have to "figure" it out what was in the gifts. That gift is "The Bible" and often it had "figures," "pattern," and "types." We search, study, talk or preach about His Word. Imagine our Heavenly Father delights in us searching "the treasure," "Christ" in the Old Testament. The "sprinkling of blood" was the figure of Christ's blood.

And many more! Let's delight our heavenly Father by searching His Word!

Series Four: Patterns

Hebrews 9:23a KJV
"It was therefore necessary that the patterns of things in the heavens ..." NCV: "So the copies of the real things in heaven ..."

Why did the Lord tell Moses to build the Tabernacle and everything pertaining (belong) to the Tabernacle? There are several answers to this question. First, there people who want to know what heaven was like? God had brought a little heaven on earth. The Tabernacle, the earthly tent and everything in it--which were copies of things in heaven. Heb. 8:5a tells us that "the work they do as priests is only a copy and a shadow of what is in heaven ..."

Another answer is found in Heb. 9:1-2a in NCV says, "The agreement had rules to worship and a place on earth to worship. The Holy Tent was set up for this."

So the people would come to the Tabernacle as a reminder that God is to be worship. Like Moses who kept the Passover and the sprinkling of blood on the door posts to save their first sons of Israelite. Like Jesus who died on the cross and "sprinkling His blood" over us. Today, we have Holy Spirit who reminds us to worship God and ask for the blood of Jesus over us. (Ref: Heb.11:28)

So let's worship God through song of your choice!

Song: When I See the Blood
1. Christ our Redeemer died on the cross,
Died for the sinner paid all his due;
All who receive Him need never fear,
Yes, He will pass, will pass over you.
Chorus:
When I see the blood,
When I see the blood,
When I see the blood,
I will pass, I will pass over you.

2. Oh, what compassion, oh, boundless love!
Jesus hath power, Jesus is true;
All who believe are safe from the storm,
Oh, He will pass, will pass over you.
(Then Chorus)
(John G. F.)

Series Three: Sprinkle

Hebrews 9:14a NCV
"How much more is done by the blood of Christ."

In my own word, "it is far better to have Christ's blood than to have the blood of goats, calves, and bulls that were sprinkled over the people who were unclean and had to be clean again and again every year since Moses' time and until Jesus' time.

Hebrews 9:22 tells us that "the law says that almost everything must be made clean by blood, and sins cannot be forgiven without blood to show death" (NCV). Moses had to sprinkle the blood on the Holy Tent and over all the things used in worship (v21).

From the TV, Joyce Meyer quoted several rituals of sacrifices of the animals from the Old Testament. She said that it was really a lot of blood, a lot of butchering of animals, and a lot of sacrifices every year. She asked the audience, "Are you glad that Christ's death on the cross takes away our sins once and for all? It should makes us really appreciate Christ's sacrifice for just one time." They answered, "Amen" with relief on their faces (TV camera show this).

So how much better that Christ's blood offered Himself as a perfect sacrifice to God one time forever. His blood will make our conscience pure from our useless acts so we may serve the living God.

Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for sending Your Son to the world that through Christ, they might be saved through His precious blood in Jesus' name, we pray. Amen!

So let's trust God today!

Dorothy

Song: Under the Blood.
Lord, keep my soul from day to day,
Under the blood, under the blood,
Take doubts and fear and sin away.
Under the precious blood.
Chorus:
Under the blood, the precious blood.
Under the cleansing, healing flood:
Keep me, Savior, from day to day,
Under the precious blood.
(Author: unknown)

Where's the Line? Guest: Paula

Guest: Paula Hardy from Canada share the Christmas song.

Dorothy, recently I found the most inspiring yet saddened Christmas song and I'd like to share it with you. It is my prayer that everyone who love the Lord will be in the line at His throne, we all will bow down and worship Him.

Song: Where's the Line to see Jesus

Christmas time was approaching, the snow is starting to fall,
Shoppers choosing their presents, people filling the mall
Children waiting for Santa with excitement and glee.
A little boy tugged my sweater, looking up and ask me,
Where's the line to see Jesus? Is He here at the store?
If Christmas time is His birthday, Why don't we see Him more?
As I stood in amazement at this message profound,
I looked down to thank him, he was no where around,
The little boy at the mall might as well have had wings
As the tears filled my eyes, I thought I heard him say,
Where's the line to see Jesus? Is He here at the store?
If Christmas time is His birthday, Why don't we see Him more?
Where's the line to see Jesus? He was born for me.
Santa Claus brought me presents, but Christ gave me His life.
In the blink of an eye, at the sound of His trump,
We'll all stand in line at His throne. Every knee shall bow down,
Every tongue will confess, that Jesus Christ is Lord.
Where's the line to see Jesus? Is He here at the store?
If Christmas time is His birthday, Why don't we see Him more?
Where's the line to see Jesus? He was born for me.
Santa Claus brought me presents, but Christ gave me His life.
Where's the line? Where's the line?
Where's the line for the Lord?
(Author: unknown)

May the Lord touched your today!

Peace 2 Guest: Jane

From December 4th, responding to Bread Box “Peace” from Jane.

Hello Dot,

It was so good to hear from you in spite of being so busy. Funny thing about "Peace". I shared this devotion with the ladies last night (Dec. 3rd) at a Christmas party. It's from "Christmas Prayer", a keepsake devotional for the holiday season. Collected by Renae Brumbaugh.

"Finding Peace"

Peace I leave with you, my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27

If you ask people at the shopping mall or on the street today to define peace, many of them will tell you it is the absence of conflict. To have peace, we often feel we must remove ourselves for the source of our stress. When we arrive at a place without stress and conflict, we think we'll find peace.

The problem is, no such place exists- at least not here on earth. Oh, we may find temporary peace by changing jobs or changing relationships or planning a beach retreat. But it won't last. It never does.

Jesus offers a different kind of peace. His peace is in spite of circumstances, not because of them. The peace of God travels with us, inhabiting our hearts and minds no matter what is going on around us. When we draw on His peace, we can find tranquility even in the midst of conflict. His peace is there for the taking; all we have to do is claim it, as we call on Him.

Dear Father,

I'm so glad You don't give as the world gives. As I purchase gifts my family and friends this holiday season, I know that my gifts are an imperfect reminder of my love for them. Each gift will grow old or run out, the next year I'll purchase new gifts. But Your gifts are eternal, and they begin the moment we accept them.

Thank you for the gift of Your peace, which I can access any time, simply by calling on You. I'm glad that Your peace can be found even in the most stressful of situations, even in the midst of chaos and conflict. Thank You, Father, for Your peace. Please help me to be a messenger of that peace, carrying it to those I love. Amen.

It was a good one to share. I was the only person that did homework for the party. We were told to share a verse or devotion. The party was nice and relaxing.

May God be with you during this Christmas season.
Jane (from Canada)

Series Two: Sprinkle

Hebrews 9:11a
"But Christ being an high priest of good things to come, by greater and more perfect tabernacle ..."

During the time of Moses, the tabernacle was the foreshadow of Christ. God had spoken to Moses about the coming of Christ. Moses quoted, "There is someone like me, who will come." The word, foreshadow mean a thing, hint or suggestion of beforehand, or plan ahead of time or in advance of time.

God had a plan that the tabernacle was meant to be a "shadow." It means something better than this will come and it is called, "foreshadow" and that "foreshadow" is Christ. When Christ came on earth, He became the real "tabernacle" and after He arose and went to heaven, He became the perfect High Priest in "heavenly tabernacle."

Basically, if we study the type of the tabernacle and all the rituals of "sprinkled blood," that was done so many times, we would come to understand why Christ is the perfect sacrifice once and for all. We have a great High Priest.

So "let us go right into the presence of God, with true hearts fully trusting him. For our evil consciences have been "SPRINKLED WITH CHRIST'S BLOOD" to make us clean ..." Heb.10:22a.

God bless you today!

Dorothy

Series One: Sprinkle

Isaiah 52:15a KJV: "So he (the Messiah) shall sprinkle many nations ..."

At Springfield, Missouri, Central Bible College for the Deaf in 1962-1964, I took the course called, The Typology of Christ, the Tabernacle and learn about the rituals of sprinkles and their purposes. Because of those studies, my heart had grown to love God's Word, and it brought me a new understanding what the "foreshadows" and the "prophecies" about "Christ in the Old Testament" was all about. There are so much mysteries behind those stories and we have yet to discover those "clues" that God had left for us to dig the treasure, "Christ in the Old Testament."

Now three words, "sprinkle many nations," we need to go back to the meaning of ritual on "sprinkle." During Moses' time, God gave him a special instruction about "the sprinkle over different things." One that impressed me was when Moses "sprinkled the blood" of an animal in front of the people, the congregation who were standing before 'The Meeting Place' or in front of 'The Tabernacle.' To sprinkle with the blood mean to bring cleansing and purifying the people who came before God for forgiveness of their sins.

Now this statement, "So he (the Messiah) shall sprinkle many nations" could meant several prophecies and some have yet to come. One: on the Day of Pentecost, 3,000 souls accepted Christ when they heard Peter preached the prophecy of Joel. The Holy Spirit "sprinkled them" when they repented of their sins and accepted Jesus in their hearts. Different people came from several different nations to celebrate Passover and Pentecost Festival.

Two: For several years, some well-known Evangelists went out to other countries and have preached to thousands of people of other nations. These nations have accepted Christ when they heard the gospel of Jesus Christ. So Holy Spirit "sprinkled them with Jesus' blood."

Third: When Messiah will rule "A Thousand Year of Peace," other nations will come to meet Christ at Jerusalem, the Kings and other important people, the Messiah shall "sprinkle His blood" over them as a sign of forgiveness and accepted them. They will be in awe when they get to know the true Messiah that they didn't know before. They will ponder; think in their heart so deeply of who Christ would be.

That would be the day when all will know the Lord like NIRV says: "But many nations will be surprised when they see what he (the Messiah) has done. Kings will be so amazed that they will not be able to say anything. They will know the meaning of things they never heard about."

Song: Isn't He Wonderful?
Isn't He wonderful, wonderful, wonderful?
Isn't Jesus my Lord wonderful?
Eyes have seen, ears have heard,
It's recorded in God's Word,
Isn't Jesus my Lord wonderful?
(Inspiring Choruses)

Sprinkle Many Nations

Isaiah 52:15 KJV
"So he (the Messiah) shall sprinkle many nations; the kings shall shut their mouths at him: for that which had not been told them shall they see; and which they had not heard shall they consider."

NIRV left out one sentence on "he shall 'sprinkle' many nations." I like the rest of NIRV translation: "But many nations will be surprised when they see what he (the Messiah) has done. Kings will be so amazed that they will not be able to say anything. They will know the meaning of things they never heard about."

Reading from 52:13-15 of Isaiah, he was writing about the servant of the Lord is Jesus Christ Himself. Also Isaiah 53 foretold Christ's suffering and His glory. What I want to focus on was the prophecy of "sprinkle many nations." This phrase refers to the spiritual cleansing and purification that people from all nations would experience when they received the message of the Servant-Messiah. This cleansing would come by the "sprinkled blood of Christ."

In the Old Testament, there's an instruction from God to Moses about the "sprinkle" issues that this might become a series of "The Sprinkle." This topic has impressed me greatly especially "sprinkle blood." Now there are few things that came to my mind and my heart. It will takes several series of "the sprinkle" to be able to see the whole picture so please bear with me as I share the series of "The Sprinkle" this month.

Right now just a thought of this verse, "Jesus shall sprinkle many nations" lead me to do a lot of research on the "sprinkles" in the New Testament and the Old Testament. The Technology Bible shows about 80 in O.T. and seven in N.T. Mostly in Hebrews and one in Peter. It is going to be interesting because the word, sprinkle has a very important part of God's plan. Somehow it touched my heart and I will be able to share them with you as the Holy Spirit leads.

So trust God and pray for Holy Spirit's leading! It is very helpful! Thank you for caring!

Love and prayers,

Dorothy

Live in Peace!

"Live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you."
2 Cor. 13:11bc

Collection Songs: Peace

(ASL) Peace, peace, wonderful peace,
Flowing down from the mountain of God.
Come over my spirit forever I pray,
His love, very deep and like oceans of love.

Peace! Peace! Wonderful peace,
Coming down from the Father above;
Sweep over my spirit forever I pray,
In fathomless billows of love.
(W.D.Cornell; W.G.Cooper)

Peace give I to thee,
Peace give I to thee,
Not as the world gives,
Give I to thee,
Peace give I to thee.....
(Vic House, Praise Chorus Book)

I've got peace like a river,
I've got peace like a river,
I've got peace like a river in my soul.
I've got peace like a river,
I've got peace like a river,
I've got peace like a river in my soul.
(Author unknown)
(I've got love like an ocean)

Why the verse and the song about "peace"? When I heard the news of Jimmy Schwyhart who had just resigned from NF President, how does that make you feel? I asked Tony this question: "Sad to see a good man to leave, but not depressed. I would encourage everyone to pray for Jimmy and His family." This is the reason we all need peace verse and songs of peace to uplift us for Jimmy and continue to believe God's healing.

"Congratulation to Belinda McCleese who became the first female President of NF" Tony said.

So trust God today!

For more information about Jimmy, log in
http://www.nfdeaf.com/

Reason for Christmas!

A guest from Rhoda Nelson from Minnesota wrote a song.
God bless you. Dorothy Callies

Reason for Christmas. (Song/poem)

I see all the lights in the windows.
I see all the crowds everywhere.
But how many stop to remember
The reason for songs in the reason
for songs in the air?

There Must be a reason for Christmas!
I pray that wherever I go
I'll always remember the reason
And always let others know.

The world sings its gay Christmas music.
The world sings its gay Christmas songs.
But how many stop to remember
The ONE to Whom Christmas belongs?

I KNOW there's a reason for Christmas.
Christ Jesus, Redeemer of men.
Was born as a babe in a manger.
Oh! Tell it again and again.

By Rhoda Nelson

Paul's Travail in Birth Again

Galatians 4:19 KJV
Paul said, "My children, of whom I travail in birth again until Christ be formed in you."

Paul had started the Galatians church and they were born again. Paul had won them to the Lord through the travail in spirit of prayer like a spiritual mother brings forth a child. Now Paul was travailing again. It was not for being born again, but it was more like "a growing pain" to be like Christ in His character. For Paul, it took spiritual prayer of agony like he had to travail and be in pain again until Jesus becomes real in their lives, and until they become like Him in His character.

Why was Paul doing this for the churches of Galatia? The churches were going through some kind of mixed doctrines influenced by some "deceptive (deceiving)new people" who came to church and tried to confuse the "new born babe" in Christ. The "new born babe" in Christ were only drinking "milk" in God's Word and it took a lot of time to really get to know the "teachings of Christ" from God's Word.

I want to share this because I have several ladies who are great prayer warriors who are suffering in great pain physically as well as spiritually. One lady shared with me saying that she felt like a contraction birthing in her body and recognize it to be spiritual birthing, like Paul said, "travailing in birth again." She said that often it is so painful that it drove her crazy. She cried to God to relief her. So I shared the great news that God is moving among ladies who are turning to the Lord. And now we are "travailing in prayer" that the ladies will grow into more of Christ's awareness as well as their life-changing.

If some of you are going through this "painful feeling," just know this, God need you to suffer a little bit for your friends, your families and your church members. It is not pleasant, but very necessary in spiritual growth if we are to see many Deaf turning to Christ and to grow spiritually and to be like Him.

Let's bear the "pain" a little bit together and support one another in prayer! God will bless your endurance in Him!

Song: To Be Like Jesus.
To be like Jesus,
To be like Jesus,
All I ask to be like Him.
All thru life's journey
From earth to glory,
All I ask to be like Him.
(Inspiring Choruses)

Trust God today!

Fear Not, I Have Redeemed Thee

Isaiah 43:1-3a - KJV: But now thus saith the Lord that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine. When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee. For I am the Lord thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour.

NCV: Now this is what the Lord says. He created you, people of Jacob; he formed you, people of Israel. He says, “Don’t be afraid, because I have saved you. I have called you by name, and you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you. When you cross rivers, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned, nor will the flames hurt you. This is because I, the Lord, am your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.

In those verses, the Lord had spoken, ‘I have redeemed thee.’ What does that really means? Redeem means to set free; rescue or save. This verse reminds me of a song called, Redeemed. The song could be used for worship and to remember that Christ has redeemed us. [It also means ‘to buy back’. Jesus bought us back with His blood at the Cross from Satan who once ‘owned’ us].

In this part of the chapter 43, God expresses His love for Israel and God had been good and kind to them. God has created and redeemed us. We belong to Him and He knows each of us by name. God even knows how many hairs you have on your head. Can you count your hairs on your head? Impossible! We would never be able to count our hairs, but God does take the time to count the number of your hairs. That is a personal thing for God to care that much for us. It is a wonderful thought to know that God will be with us in time of troubles. We are precious and honored in His sight. We are people of His great love. We can express ourselves to the Lord through the song, ‘Redeemed.’

Song: Redeemed
Redeemed how I love to proclaim it! Redeemed by the blood of the Lamb;
Redeemed thro’ His infinite mercy, His child, and forever, I am.
Chorus: Redeemed, redeemed, Redeemed by the blood of the Lamb;
Redeemed, redeemed, His child, and forever, I am.
[Lyrics: Fanny J. Crosby; Music: William J. Kirkpatrick]

So trust God today to care that much for you!

Dorothy

My Rock

The Lord is my Rock, Yahweh Tsuri.

Psalm 144:1
Praise be to the Lord my Rock, who trains my hands for war my fingers for battle.

Prayer: Dear Lord, You are the Person we could really depend on. We could count on Your faithfulness day by day. When we are shaken, You kept us calm. When we are in trouble, You save us. When we are downhearted, You lift us up to a higher ground with You, our Rock and keep us steady. You taught us to trust God for today! Thank You for hearing our cries and deliver us from the power of oppression and set us free in our spirits in Jesus' name I pray. Amen!

David praised God for delivering him from his enemies (Ps. 144:1-2,7-10). Hannah prayed, "There is no Rock like our God" (1 Samuel 2:2).

Song: His Name is Wonderful!

His name is wonderful! His name is wonderful!
His name is wonderful, Jesus, my Lord!
He is the mighty King, Master of everything,
His name is wonderful, Jesus, my Lord.
He is the great Shepherd, The Rock of all ages,
Almighty God is He! Bow down before Him,
Love and adore Him, His name is wonderful,
Jesus, my Lord! (Author ?)

May the Lord bless you today!

Fear Not, Thy Words were Heard

Daniel 10:11-13 KJV
And he (Gabriel) said unto me, O Daniel, a man greatly beloved, understand the words that I speak with thee, and stand upright: for unto thee am I now sent. And when he had spoken this word unto me, I stood trembling. V12 Then said he unto me, FEAR NOT, Daniel for from the first day that thou didst set thine heart to understand, and to chasten thyself before thy God, THY WORDS WERE HEARD, and I am come for thy words. V13 But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me one and twenty days: but lo, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me; and I remained there with the kings of Persia.
Daniel 10:11-14 NVC
The man in the vision said to me, “Daniel, God loves you very much. Think carefully about the words I will speak to you, and stand up, because I have been sent to you.” When he said this, I stood up, but I was still shaking. V12 Then the man said to me, “Daniel, DO NOT BE AFRAID. Some times ago you decided to get understanding and to humble yourself before your God. Since that time GOD HAS LISTENED TO YOU, and I have come because of your prayers. V13 But the prince of Persia has been fighting against me for twenty-one days. Then Michael, one of the most important angels, came to help me, because I had been left there with the king of Persia. V14 Now I have come to explain to you what will happen to your people, because the vision is about a time in the future.”

Daniel prayed and fasted for twenty-one days and nothing had happened. He had visions and Daniel needed God to explain to him what they meant. God send Gabriel from the very first day Daniel had prayed and Daniel’s prayer was heard. But Satan tried to stop Gabriel from getting to Daniel. So Michael came to help Gabriel but the warfare went on for twenty-one days. Finally, Gabriel came through and met with Daniel.

Daniel was encouraged as this angel called him, “a man greatly beloved” and told him, “Fear not” (v.12). God loves Daniel for his love and faithfulness to Him. Daniel had a house in Babylonia and he went to pray in an upstairs room which had windows that opened toward Jerusalem. Three times each day Daniel would kneel down to pray and thank God, just as he faithfully had done. This was probably why Daniel was a man that God really loved him.

Do you ever felt like that your prayers were not always heard? Be of good cheer, God has heard your prayers. He is saying, “Fear not, I have heard all of your prayers.” Like Jesus said, “men ought always to pray and not to faint” [Luke 18:1]. Keep praying and thanking Him will keep us in touch with God and He will called you, “a child of greatly beloved.” Keep thanking Him like Daniel did to God three times a day. Remember, Daniel was taken captive from his homeland, Jerusalem about 500 miles or more to Babylonia where he stayed. Yet, Daniel had an excellent spirit in him because he thanked God three times a day.

Let this Word of God encourage our hearts to thank Him daily.

Give Up?

Ecclesiastes 3:6 NIV
" ... a time to give up ..."

Do you sometimes felt like it was easier just to give up and do nothing? I am thinking of football players. I try to imagine what it would be like if one team just stay defensive all the times, keeping the opponent players from reaching their goal, and preventing the opponent from hurting their own players. Then somehow the defensive player stole the ball and decided to sit on it and say, "I give up."

What would you say to that? Ridiculous! Absurd! Preposterous! That's unreasonable things to do! That's not right! It makes no sense! That's dumb thing to do! That's not football! Would it makes you angry to watch the football defensive players do something like that? What would you say to them? "Get off the field and let the offensive players come into the field. Let's play game! Huh?"

Why did I bring this up? I was reading a note that say, "Satan can get along very well with Christians as long as they are on the defensive side." In another word, "try to protect yourself from getting hurt. They don't want to move forward spiritually."

To understand this, I tried to visualize the football defensive players that are always on the defensive plays. You might say: "That's not the rule of the game!" Then I understood that the offensive players take turn to play the field after defensive players leave the field. The offensive players move forward reaching the goal of touch down. Sometimes they do get hurt. They often get tackled down. Sometimes painful!!! And then they get back to the game!

If we want to shake Satan loose from us being so "defensive," we need to become "offensive" and move forward. If we want to see Satan defeated, we need to get into "spiritual offensive" and get moving! Yes, we'll get tackled down often and that's painful! But that's what it takes to be "a spiritually offensive player." A reminder that Satan isn't comfortable with "spiritual offensive" Christians who is always on the move.

So when it is "time to give up," you will experience what it is like to be "defensive" long enough so that you would become determined to get into "spiritual offensive." You would want to be on the move. The Holy Spirit is always on the move, on the offensive side so let's join with Him.

Song: I Have Decided To Follow Jesus.

1. I have decided to follow Jesus,
I have decided to follow Jesus,
I have decided to follow Jesus,
No turning back, no turning back.

2. The world behind me, the cross before me,
The world behind me, the cross before me,
The world behind me, the cross before me,
No turning back, no turning back.

3. Tho' none go with me, I still will follow,
Tho' none go with me, I still will follow,
Tho' none go with me, I still will follow.
No turning back, no turning back.

4. Will you decide now ... to follow Jesus?
Will you decide now ... to follow Jesus?
Will you decide now ... to follow Jesus?
No turning back, no turning back.

(Arranged by Cliff Barrows and Don Hustard,
Billy Graham New York Crusade Song Book
compiled by Cliff Barrows in 1969)

Guest: Rhoda Nelson

IN HIS HANDS

He has taken, blessed and broken
And it seemed I could not stand
All the crushing pain and torment
Yet I was in His hands

Through the sleepless nights I wondered
And often did demand
To know WHY?
Yet I'm certain that I was in His hands

To my questions and my queries
Was a gentle reprimand
"Hush, My child. Only trust Me -
You are still in My hands"

So it is that I am silent
And the birds and grains of sand
Do testify so greatly of the work of His hands

So it is I do not know yet
What design He has planned
All I know is - as I trust Him
I am in my Savor's hands.

Rhoda

I wrote this many years ago when I realized (through the story where Jesus TOOK the little boy's lunch (sufficient to meet the needs of one) then He BLESSED the bread - then BROKE it - all the while remaining in His hands) then and only then was He able to GIVE to feed thousands!

Jesus Himself was TAKEN sent to earth. He was BLESSED at the river jordan. Then during His earthly ministry He met the needs of individuals (whether one on one or in groups) where He was. It was only after He was BROKEN on Cavalry that He could meet the needs of you and me and all people for all time.

I trust the above poem gives you encouragement (or challenge) as you consider His breaking in your life so that you can be further spent for Him.

Rhoda Nelson of Minnesota

Prayer for Health

My prayer for you and for your health: (You might want to use personal name for someone)

Thank You, heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ for you (names); in Jesus' name I bring these requests before You.

Thank You heavenly Father for sending Your Word, the Lord Jesus Christ, and healing for them (names), anointing them and delivering them from their destructions. I give You thanks for Your loving kindness, and for Your wonders to all of us. I pray they offer You thanksgiving and sing joyfully about You.

Father, I pray that they (names) give attention to Your words and hold on to Your Words because the Word are life and health to their whole body and You will remove sickness from their body and anoint them in Jesus' name.

I thank You, Father for Jesus, Himself bore their sins in his body on the cross, so that they might die to sins and live for righteousness; by His wounds they have been healed and anointed them in Jesus' name.

Thank You, Father that Christ has redeemed them from the curse of the Law by becoming a curse for them in order that the blessing given to Abraham might come to them through Christ Jesus so that by faith they might receive the promise of the Spirit. I thank You Father for already healed their body and anointed them in Jesus' I pray. Amen.

References: Ps. 107:20-22; Prov.4:20-22; Exod.23:25; 1Pet.2:24; Gal.3:13,14,29.

Song: I Am Healed

I am healed . . .
By His stripes . . .
By the stripes that makes
the blood so freely flow . . .
Just as surely as I know,
I am saved forever more,
I am healed by His stripes,
that Jesus bore . . . .
(Author: Don't know)

I sang this out of memory. May the Lord heal
you and anoint you today in Jesus' name!

Dorothy

Leave You? Never!

Jesus said: I am with you always, even to the end of the age. Matthew 28:20

Jesus spoke to the disciples before He went up in the cloud of glory that He will never leave them alone. The Holy Spirit, the Comforter will be with them forever.

God was with Moses and now Joshua himself heard the same word from the Lord, "As I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you nor forsake you" (Josh. 1:5).

Jesus will never leave you alone!

Poem:
Jesus whispers "I am with you"
In the hour of deepest need;
When the way is dark and lonesome,
"I am with you, I will lead."
(Morris, Daily Bread)

May the Lord God bring you an inner healing and outer
healing in Jesus' Name! So trust God today!

Dorothy

Vision: Pelican Part 3

Just this early morning I saw a quick vision of "Pelican in the wilderness" and then suddenly the "hand of God" swoop up the pelican and carry it over to the water of life and pelican swam happily for fresh water after being in the desert for a time being.

The point I have discovered that God was showing me that many of us at like "pelican in the desert" feeling dry spiritually. Do you ever felt like a "parched soul" hungering for something new with God? GOD WANTS TO SWOOP YOU UP INTO THE WATER OF LIFE and be baptized in the Spirit. The very throne of God, the water of life flows through the rivers spiritually and all you need to do is to surrender your soul, your heart into that Spirit where you would just let Him flows through you. Let the Spirit of God fill you, flows through and saturate your souls and be filled with His love and healing power in your body in Jesus' name. Believe and trust God! Amen.

Dorothy

The Parched Soul Part 2

Our guest is Brenda Harness of Illinois shared this beautiful expression of David and the Pelican. Thank you Brenda for sharing! I appreciate it.

David has a pattern of pouring out his sadness in the beginning of a psalm (vs. 1-11), then contrasting his condition to the strength and glory of God (vs.12 "But thou, O Lord, shall endure forever...").

My pastor explained that the wilderness, in the Bible, is usually the desert. I believe that David is telling us that he is feeling so depressed that he feels his soul is parched/extremely dry. (I felt that way when I started going to church again in the late 1990s. The lessons and Pastor's sermon made me cry, in a good way, because I realized that they were words of nourishment for my parched soul.) So, David realizes that he is like a pelican in the desert, because there is no good thing to feed his soul, if he only relies on himself. But, then, in verse 12, David remembers the power and glory of God, and that He alone can rescue us.

So, David gives us 11 verses, or ways, in which he feels downcast/depressed, and then shows us 18 ways in which God is greater than our problems. It sounds like a good recipe to make us realize that we have so many reasons to be thankful. Blessings!

Reading Scripture: Psalm 102:1-28
1Hear my prayer, O LORD, and let my cry come unto thee. 2Hide not thy face from me in the day when I am in trouble; incline thine ear unto me: in the day when I call answer me speedily. 3For my days are consumed like smoke, and my bones are burned as an hearth. 4My heart is smitten, and withered like grass; so that I forget to eat my bread. 5By reason of the voice of my groaning my bones cleave to my skin. 6.I am like a pelican of the wilderness: I am like an owl of the desert. 7I watch, and am as a sparrow alone upon the house top. 8Mine enemies reproach me all the day; and they that are mad against me are sworn against me. 9For I have eaten ashes like bread, and mingled my drink with weeping. 10Because of thine indignation and thy wrath: for thou hast lifted me up, and cast me down. 11My days are like a shadow that declineth; and I am withered like grass. 12But thou, O LORD, shall endure for ever; and thy remembrance unto all generations. 13Thou shalt arise, and have mercy upon Zion: for the time to favour her, yea, the set time, is come. 14For thy servants take pleasure in her stones, and favour the dust thereof. 15So the heathen shall fear the name of the LORD, and all the kings of the earth thy glory. 16When the LORD shall build up Zion, he shall appear in his glory. 17He will regard the prayer of the destitute, and not despise their prayer. 18This shall be written for the generation to come: and the people which shall be created shall praise the LORD. 19For he hath looked down from the height of his sanctuary; from heaven did the LORD behold the earth; 20To hear the groaning of the prisoner; to loose those that are appointed to death; 21To declare the name of the LORD in Zion, and his praise in Jerusalem; 22When the people are gathered together, and the kingdoms, to serve the LORD. 23He weakened my strength in the way; he shortened my days. 24I said, O my God, take me not away in the midst of my days: thy years are throughout all generations. 25Of old hast thou laid the foundation of the earth: and the heavens are the work of thy hands. 26They shall perish, but thou shalt endure: yea, all of them shall wax old like a garment; as a vesture shalt thou change them, and they shall be changed: 27But thou art the same, and thy years shall have no end. 28The children of thy servants shall continue, and their seed shall be established before thee.

The Pelican Part 1

Psalm 102:6a "I am like a pelican of the wilderness ..."

What does pelican looks like? It is a group of large web-footed birds with a very large bill having a pouch on the lower part used to scoop in fish for food.

Many years ago, when Tony and I were visiting his parent at Florida, we went to the pier and we watched some of the pelicans at the beach. There was one pelican that fascinated me. The way it was designed. Then sometimes the pelican would catch fish and goes inside the pouch of the bill. We know that pelicans are water-birds living near and on the water. They eat fish.

When I read the Psalm 102:6a that David said, "I am like a pelican of the wilderness ..." What? Huh? We know the pelican is a water-bird, not in the wilderness or out in the desert so what was David tried to tell us? What was he going through that he "pictured himself like pelican in the wilderness?"

The 102 chapter of Psalm, David felt his age and he is getting old and he felt abandoned. But he remembered the Lord shall endure forever (Ps. 102:12).

God shall answer the prayers of the needy; He will not reject our prayers (Ps. 102:17).

To be continued to Part 2.

WHEN GOD TOUCHED ME

When God touched me and said,
“It’s time to be with Me, please.”
“But God, there’s so much to do.
I can’t sit and be at ease.”

Suddenly I felt the pain in my heart.
In my spirit I saw God cried
Like a child, being pushed away.
I felt so empty and so dried.

“God, I didn’t mean to hurt You.
Oh, not to hurt you this much.
I get so confused and mixed up.
I am always in a great rush.

“Oh, God, how can I sit still
And let all things go by?
Sometimes I wish I just go away
From everything, I want to die.

“So many, many things in my mind
Go round and round likes a windmill.”
Finally I sat down and scolded myself,
“Listen to God and be very still.

“God wants me to rest and relax
From all turmoil and all tide.”
Suddenly things became strangely quiet.
I could feel all loosen up inside.

As I waited, I felt so very strange.
So restful, it was meant to be.
As I waited quietly before God,
That is WHEN GOD TOUCHED ME.

He gave me great peace of mind.
He filled my soul with great love.
Now I can truly enjoy my work
‘Cause God’s strength came from above.

--Written by Dorothy Callies
--Inspired by Holy Spirit
November 1981

Less Honorable? Series 5

1 Corinthians 12:24-25
KJV: For our comely parts have no need: but God hath tempered the body together, having given more abundant honour to that part which lacked: v25 That they should be no schism (or division) in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another.

The big toe said to the tiny toe, "I don't need you!?" The tiny toe said, "Oh, I'm all alone! I'm miserable! I'm unhappy! The big toe doesn't like me! I am not important at all! I'm not worth it! Why should they be bothered with me anyway?"

God's Word said, "No! Those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are really necessary. And the parts of the body we think are less are parts to which we give the most honor. We give special respect to the parts we want to hide. The more respectable parts of our body need no special care. But God put the body together and gave more honor to the parts that need it so our body would not be divided. God wanted the different parts to care the same for each other. If one part of the body suffers, all the other parts suffer with it. Or if one part of our body is honored, all the other parts share its honor" (1 Cor. 12:22-26 NCV).

"In fact (prove) God has arranged the parts in the body, every one of them, just as He wanted them to be" (1 Cor. 12:18). (I love this verse. That's why I repeat it.) The tiny toe is still part of one body.

How do I help with "the tiny toe" person? One way is to pray for "tiny toe person" who might felt like "I am the least!" There are programs to get involved with and become part where God would lead the person to.

When we go to church, sometimes we have some person who seems to be the "little toe" and who may not be that important? Watch it! God count it important! Be convicted of this and learn to love one another as Christ has loved us. Yowee!

So let's love one to another and be blessed by Him!

Song from memory:
This is a Little Light of Mine
This is a little light of mine,
I'm gonna let it shine.
This is a little light of mine,
I'm gonna let it shine,
Let it shine, let it shine ...
(Author?)

Inspire song for "Little Toe"
I may be a "little toe," but
I'm gonna let it shine.
I may be a "little toe," but
I'm gonna let it shine,
Let it shine, let it shine ...
(Dorothy: I laugh and it is so cute and awesome)

No Need? Series 4

1 Corinthians 12:21
"... I have no need of you ..."

Have you ever heard your eye say to the hand, "I don't need
you!?" And the head say to the feet, "I don't need you!?"

Does God have the answer to this? Let's read God's Word:
"In fact (prove) God has arranged the parts in the body,
every one of them, just as He wanted them to be"
(1 Cor. 12:18).

So . . . the eye cannot say to the hand, "I don't need
you!" And the head cannot say to the foot, "I don't need
you!" No! Those parts of the body that seem to be weaker
are really necessary (1 Cor. 12:21-22 NCV).

So we need God and each other to be successful!


Song: I Need Thee

1. I need Thee every hour,
Most gracious Lord;
No tender voice like Thine
Can peace afford (give).
Chorus:
I need Thee, O I need Thee;
Every hour I need Thee!
O bless me now, my Savior,
I come to Thee.

2. I need Thee every hour,
Most Holy One;
O make me Thine Indeed,
Thou blessed Son.
Chorus:
I need Thee, O I need Thee;
Every hour I need Thee!
O bless me now, my Savior,
I come to Thee.
(Anne Sherwood Hawks,
Sing His Praise)

Great Team Work! Series 3

1 Corinthians 12:12
KJV: For as the body is one, and hath MANY members, and all the members of that one body, being MANY, are one body: so also is Christ.
NCV: A person's body is only one thing, but it has MANY parts. Though there are MANY parts to a body, all those parts make only one body. Christ is like that also.
NIRV: There is one body. But it has many parts, they make up one body. It is the same with Christ.

I was reading the story again from October 16 devotion. It was about a basketball coach who emphasized the important of a team work. "To achieve victory on the basketball court, 'the coach' saw the importance of teaching his players that they were a team--not "just a bunch of independent operators." Each person contributes to the success of everyone else."

Independent operators? What's that? In another word, "in a real game, you don't play basketball by yourself." [Otherwise, it would be boring just to watch one person in the whole game. It is much more exciting to watch two teams play against each other and see who is winning]. The whole basketball court is not for one person but "MANY." When it comes to a team, "each person contributes to the success of everyone else." It means you can only become more successful when you help or share with one to another. And also allow others to help you or share with you. That is a success.

It is the same way that the body of Christ works together. And we were all made to share in the One Spirit (1Cor.12:13). You know something? I think it would be boring for God just to be God alone. He wants a spiritual team players. This is why God created us so He could share what He has for us and this makes God even greater and more glorified. Also we share ourselves with Him and with others. This is far richer experience we could ever have. The word, "many" makes me think of God's Word: "Be fruitful and multiply." It is like "be successful in whatever you do, do it heartily as unto the Lord" (Col.3:23).

So today, you just bless God for created us and love Him with all your hearts!

Song: Bind Us Together
Bind us together, Lord;
Bind us together with cords
that cannot be broken.
Bind us together, Lord;
Bind us together, Lord;
Bind us together with love.
There is only one God.
There is only one King.
There is only one Body,
That is why we can sing:
Bind us together, Lord;
Bind us together with cords
that cannot be broken.
Bind us together, Lord;
Bind us together, Lord;
Bind us together with love.
(Bob Gillman, Sing His Praise)

Numbers Up! Series 2

Deut. 1:10a
"The Lord God your God has increased your numbers as that today . . ."

At Wisconsin Deaf Women Retreat, we first heard the numbers of ladies was 96. The verse tells us that it was the Lord that causes seven more ladies to come the next day on Saturday of October 22nd which total up to 101.

Linda Martin was telling me about the Mid Atlantic Deaf Women Retreat first started in 2010. It meets at the Potomac District campgrounds in Falling Waters, West VA. So the numbers of the ladies to the new retreat went up since 2010. First year 37 and second year 42. "The Lord God your God has increased your numbers ..."

Also I have heard that there might be another 'new planting' Deaf Women Retreat somewhere in USA. Then I read the verses of how God was telling Abraham that through his descendant there would be "many." God was pleased to share with us His Word of prophecy with Abraham as well as it is for us today. There will be more and more deaf ladies turning to the Lord God. The point is that God is glorified when the "numbers goes up." So let's glorify God today!

Song: Glorify Thy Name
Father we love Thee,
We worship and adore Thee;
Glorify Thy name in all the earth.
Glorify Thy name;
Glorify Thy name;
Glorify Thy name in all the earth.

Jesus we love Thee,
We worship and adore Thee; glorify Thy name in all the earth.
Glorify Thy name;
Glorify Thy name;
Glorify Thy name in all the earth.

3. Spirit, we love Thee,
We worship and adore Thee; Glorify Thy name in all the earth.
Glorify Thy name;
Glorify Thy name;
Glorify Thy name in all the earth.
(Donna Adkins)

Many? Series 1

1 Corinthians 12:14
KJV: The body is not one member but many.
NIV: Now the body is not made up of one part but many.

Last Friday night we had service on Oct. 21, 2011 at Deaf Women Retreat, Spencer Lake, Wisconsin. I was sitting in the back of the service and everyone was praying. The word, "many" came to me.

On Saturday morning, I got up and got dressed and went out of the room. I could feel the Lord's Presence and the word, "many" came to me again. I felt the Lord wanted to show me something so I sat on the chair beside the fireplace at the lodge and read some verses.

Then Audrey came out of the room and sat down on another chair and looked at me. "What are you doing?" I told her that I was working on the "Bread Box" because I felt the Lord's presence. The word, "many" came to me so I was doing a research. Audrey asked, "From the pager?" I replied, "Yes from this tiny blackberry pager." Audrey said, "I thought you work on the computer?" I answered, "Yes I do when I am at home, but at retreat, I was inspired by the Lord at that moment so I used blackberry pager." Audrey was in awe how I used the pager for Bread Box. I said, "I gotta get new one soon." So we got up together for breakfast. (I would finish the rest later.)

On Saturday night the numbers of the ladies went up from 96 to 101. Wow! That is "many" ladies. So what are you trying to show us, Lord? Remember Abraham? The stars? So I read the references on Gen. 15:5; 22:17; 26:4; Exodus 32:13; Deut.1:10 "The Lord God your God has increased your numbers as that today you are as "many" as the stars in the sky." NIV Deut. 10:22 "Your forefathers who went down into Egypt were seventy in all, and now the Lord your God has made you as numerous as the stars in the sky." 1 Chronicles 27:23 ". . . the Lord ... increase Israel like to the stars of the heavens." Heb. 11:12 "so many as the stars of the sky."

Dorothy

Morning Prayer

Martin Luther's Morning Prayer

We give thanks to thee, Heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, thy dear Son, that thou hast protected us through the night from all danger and harm; and we beseech (ask) thee to preserve and keep us, this day also, from all sin and evil, that in all our thoughts, words, and deeds, we may serve and please thee, into thy hands we commend our bodies and souls; and all that is ours. Let thy holy angel charge concerning us, that the Wicked One have no power over us. Amen.

In Jesus' name Amen!
I repeat Lord's Prayer and a verse "He (you) that cometh (continue to come) must believe that he (God) is, and that he (God) is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him" (Heb. 11:6).

May the Lord bless you and heal you today!

Dorothy

Hall of Mirrors!

Hebrews 4:16 NCV
“Let us, then feel very sure that we can come before God’s throne …”

How do we come before God’s throne? Do we need to bow before Him many times before we come into His throne? Let me tell you why I ask this question.

I read an article about a French King Louis XIV in 1682 and the King had the beautiful palace in Versailles, France. He was sitting on his dazzling silver throne! His silver throne was overpowering light like the desert sunlight. The King Louis XIV was showing much of his wealth by having his 241-foot-long Hall of Mirrors on both sides. When a visitor wants to approach the King, he had to show curtsy or bow a little at every five steps as he walked the entire distance to meet the king sitting on his dazzling silver throne!

Foreign emissaries (a person sent on a mission to represent another) who come to France had to submit to the most humiliating ritual to the court of French monarch’s favor toward their country. How many times counted for a person to bow at every five steps before the King on this 241-foot-long Hall of Mirrors? How long would it take to get there? Sigh? Humiliating?

Know something? Our Heavenly Father gave us assurance that it will not be like that! By comparison, our God, the King of Kings, invites His people to come to His throne freely. We can come to Him anytime—no advance appointments and no bowing required! How thankful we should be that our heavenly Father is so much more inviting! “Through [Christ] we . . . have access by one Spirit to the Father” (Eph. 2:18). Hebrews 4:16 tells us that we can “come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”

Oh praise the Lord! Let us come before Him in awe and gratitude, for our God is willing to hear your petitions at anytime.

Oh, just trust God today!

Dorothy

Uphold All That Fall

Psalm 145:14
The Lord upholdeth all that fall, and raiseth up all those that be bowed down.

The QuickVerse Life Amplification quotes, “The LORD helps the fallen and lifts up those bent beneath their loads.” Sometimes our burdens seem more than we can bear, and we wonder how we can go on. David stands at this bleak intersection of life’s road and David meditates on the Lord, the great burden bearer. A bleak intersection is like a dark time when a person stands at the cross roads and he doesn’t know what to do. Through Psalm 145, David remembers that God is our great burden bearer and how God is able to lift us up.

Psalm 145:19b “He hears our cries and rescues us.”
If you are bending under a burden and feel that you are about to fall, turn to God for help. He is ready to lift you up and bear your burden.

Trust the Lord to uplift you today!

Song: My Burdens Rolled Away
1. I remember when my burdens rolled away;
I had carried them for years, night and day;
When I sought the blessed Lord,
And I took Him at His Word,
Then at once all my burdens rolled away.
Chorus:
Rolled away..., rolled away...,
I am happy since my burdens rolled away...;
Rolled away..., rolled away...,
I am happy since... my burdens.. rolled away.
[Minnie A. Steele]

Glory in Weakness?

2 Corinthians 12:9b KJV
“Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities …”

Why would Paul “glory in his infirmities or weakness?” Scripture tells us that he had problem with something that he asked God for healing power. But God said to Paul, “My grace is sufficient for thee; for My strength is made perfect in weakness” (2 Cor. 12:9a).

It would be helpful to know what glory really is. To us, glory is about heaven, splendor and bliss; complete happiness; joy; feeling of great pleasure or happiness that comes from success, good fortune or a sense of well-being. When we say we give glory to God; we are giving praise, honor and worshipfully praise and giving thanksgiving.

When Paul talk about giving glory about his infirmities, Paul would say, “I rejoice proudly and I am happy that God could use me so much better when I am weak in my body.” Why? “That the power of Christ may rest upon me” (2 Cor.12:9c).

NIV But he said to me (Paul), “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me (2 Cor. 12:9).

Grace is God’s presence, favor, and power. It is a force, a heavenly strength given to those who call upon God. The grace will come upon the faithful believer who accepts his weaknesses and difficulties for the gospel’s sake. So therefore let us “glory in our weakness” so that Christ’s power may be upon us. Did you get this? Does it blow your mind? Paul tells us to “glory in your weakness” so that Christ’s power may come upon us.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, this is something beyond our mind to understand what You are working on us. Glory in weakness? Teach us to experience this so we know what Your Word is talking about. Holy Spirit, our Helper, help us to grasp this deep meaning of “Glory in our weakness” in Jesus’ name I pray. Amen!

So trust God today!

Dorothy

The Red Carpet?

Romans 5:3 KJV
“… we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience.”

Ouch! Ouch? Why should Paul talk about glory in tribulations? You know, most of us Christians visualized “the red carpet” rolled out for us because we have “A Great Big Wonderful God” in our lives. Just like God rolled back the mighty RED SEA for the Israelite to walk through. It was like God had rolled out “the red carpet” at the same time God pushed back the mighty RED SEA. We know that God is so powerful; He should be able to fix things automatically? Why? He is OUR GOD! And when we read God’s Word that says, “We glory in tribulations?” What? Why should we glory in tribulations when we have “A Great Big Wonderful God” in our lives?

Now let us narrow down our thoughts to “Our Father who are in Heaven” in a tender and personal way. So what is our heavenly Father looking for in us? Jesus came down to earth to explain this: “By their fruit you will recognize them. “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of God, but only he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven. Many will say to Me on that day, “Lord, Lord, did we not prophecy in Your name, and in Your name drive out demons and perform many miracles? Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you, Away from Me, you evildoers!’ “Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the Rock. The rain came, and the streams rose, and the wind blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock (Matt. 7:20-25 NIV).

Whoa! Did you see that? Jesus talked about tribulations! He said “The rain came, and the streams rose, and the wind blew and beat against … that house . . .” That house stands because it was built on the rock. The other house fell and crash because it was built on the sand (Matt. 7:26-27). Jesus explained the kind of people God is looking for in the character of honest and good fruit. So who are you? Does Jesus know you? Jesus said to the people, “I never knew you.” Ouch! What does that means? There will be many deceitful people in the church and the only way to test them out will be through “tribulations.” Through the tribulations, either we are like the house that will stand through the storms or we like the house could crash through the storms. Those who stand through the tribulations time, Jesus will say, “I know you.”

Now, we can truly say, "I glory in tribulation, I rejoice in my trouble times because I depend on Christ constantly." That is my fruit that my heavenly Father is looking for. I am truly His child. There is no deceit in me because I suffered for Him. My house stands because I practice His Word inside of me. The storms can beat me, but still I stand for Him. Jesus please knows me so that I may go to heaven with You and fellowship with You. That is our prayer.

May the Lord touch your heart today!

Dorothy

Glory in Tribulations?

October 13-15 2011 Bread Box

Romans 5:3 KJV
We also glory in tribulations, knowing tribulations produces perseverance.

I wrote about the ‘hope’ on October 12th and I use NIRV translation, “. . . We are full of joy even when we suffer. We know that our suffering gives us the strength to go on. The strength to go on produces character. Character produces hope. And hope will never let us down” (Romans 5:3a,4,5a). One thing I need was a story and I found it the next day. This story impressed me and I want to share this with you from “The Daily Bread” RBC Ministries booklet.

It was a story about a young teenager, Melissa, who was 17 years old. She loves to draw “Smiley Face.” While she would read her own Bible, she used a green ink pen to draw a small, simple face next to Romans 5, and circled verse 3. It means that this verse had impressed her. Then suddenly, the car accident had taken her life and left the family in suffering and the pain of loss. The father was telling this story of how he found his daughter’s Bible, opened it and saw Melissa’s smiley face in the margin next to Romans 5 and circled verse 3. The father said, “How could she know that these verses would tell her story, while guiding our lives and the lives of others over the past 7 years? Romans 5 begins by explaining our justification through faith, which gives us peace with God through Jesus (v.1). Melissa had that peace. And right now she is enjoying the fruits of her faith, as verse 2 describes: We “rejoice in hope of the glory of God.” Imagine the smiley face she could draw now!”

The father continue: “And then there’s the rest of us, all of us left behind when loved ones precede us in death. Somehow, we “rejoice in our sufferings.” Why? Our suffering brings perseverance (patience through), which brings character, which brings us hope (vv.3-4). We feel helpless in times of tragedy, but we are never hopeless. God pours His love into our hearts—and with it the great hope of His glory. It’s all part of God’s mysterious yet marvelous plan.” (Dave Branon)

This reminds me of a song once sang by Johnny Cash, “We’ll understand it by and by.”

So trust the Lord to guide you day by day!

Dorothy

Any Hope?

Romans 8:24b-25
But hope that can be seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what he already has? We hope for what we don’t have yet. So we are patient as we wait for it (NIRV).

Do you ever felt like when you are in so much pain that there is no hope of healing from God? Roman 5:5 “And hope will never let us down. God has poured His love into our hearts. He did it through the Holy Spirit, whom He has given to us.”

Is there a reason for so much suffering? Do we ever wonder “what’s up with God” for not answering prayers sometime? Roman 5:1-5a gives us the reason. Let’s read His Word. “We have been made right with God because of our faith. Now we have peace with Him because of our Lord Jesus Christ. Through faith in Jesus we have received God’s grace. In that grace we stand. We are full of joy because we expect to share in God’s glory. And that’s not all. We are full of joy EVEN WHEN WE SUFFER. WE KNOW THAT OUR SUFFERING GIVES US THE STRENGTH TO GO ON. The strength to go on produces character. Character produces hope. And hope will never let us down” (NIRV).

Think about that. While we are suffering, it is actually producing, changing, and making our characters. Character is what we are now. Suffering is producing and making some changes in us. We don’t see this. That’s why we need "hope." Hope is desire something and expects that it will happen and we will get something soon. So who is our hope? Christ, the Rock is our sure hope.

So hold on to that hope in God! Trust Him! He knows what He is doing!

Dorothy

PS. Song given by Sonya Dupuis of Alberta, Canada
Song: "Lord I Know I Have Been Changed"

Lord, I know I have been changed,
The angels in heaven done signed my name,
Lord, I know I have been changed,
Lord, I know I have been changed,
Lord, I know I have been changed,
The angels in heaven done signed my name,
You’re gonna look for me, and I’ll be gone,
The angels in heaven done signed my name,
I have been changed, I have been changed,
He changed my walk, he changed my talk,
I have been changed, I have been changed,
The angels in heaven done signed my name
He picked up and He turned me around,
He place my feet on solid ground,
I once was blind but now I see,
I thank the Lord for CHANGE!
(Author unknown)

Falling?

Jude 1:24a
KJV: “Now unto Him that is able to keep you from falling …”

Do you feel like you are falling slowly? Jude 1:24 NCV says, “God is strong and can help you not to fall.” Why? He loves you that much enough that “He can bring you before His glory without any wrong in you and give you great joy” (Jude 1:24b
NCV)

Who then can really do this? Jude 1:25 “He is the only God, the One who saves us. To Him be glory, greatness, power, and authority through Jesus Christ our Lord for all time past, and forever, Amen” (NCV). There! Authority through Jesus Christ our Lord! So God is able to keep you from falling, falling, and falling. He will “present you faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy” (Jude 1 24b). So God is exceeding joy which means He is more than just being joyful. He is very, very joyful to do this to you. He looks forward to the day to “present you faultless.”

Why is God looking forward to that? You remember that Satan stands before God day and night accusing us, telling God that we are not perfect and we will fall. In Revelation 12:9-11 tells about Satan, the great dragon, the deceiver will finally “shut up”and be thrown out of heaven and will no longer “accuse our faults before our God.” Scripture tells us that we overcame Satan through the blood of the Lamb and by the word of testimony, His Word.

NIRV: “Give praise to the One who is able to keep you from falling into sin. He will bring you into his heavenly glory without any fault. He will bring you there with great joy. Give praise to the only God. He is our Savior. Glory, majesty, power and authority belong to Him Give praise to Him through Jesus Christ our Lord. Give praise to the One who was before all time, who now is and who will be forever. Amen” Jude 1:24-25.

God is looking forward to present you faultless so trust Him to keep you from falling!

Dorothy

Like A Dove?

Do you ever wish you had wings like a dove? So then you could fly away and be at rest? Even for a bit? Away from everything just to be at peace? Ahhh that happens to David, the King. He said in:

Psalm 55:6,7,8a
"And I said, Oh that I had wings like a dove! For then would I fly away and be at rest. Lo, then would I wander far off, and remain in the wilderness. Selah (think calmly about that). I would hasten my escape. . ."

A wilderness? Why would David, the King think about the wilderness? A wilderness is a lonely and unpleasant place, huh? There was a history that tells about a cave that the priests have library scrolls of God's Word hidden just in case the enemies comes into Israel's land destroy everything in it. Scrolls were put in jars to keep it dry. History has discovered several other hidden caves that had scrolls found in the jars that had God's Words being preserved.

David may have known about this secret place of caves in the wilderness. David might thought that this was the best place to spend time with studying the scrolls and less people around and be at peace.

His heart was troubled with his son, Absalom that tried to take his throne. David said, "My heart is sore pained within me: and the terrors of death are fallen upon me" (Psalm 55:4).

Inspite of all this, David found comfort in expressing his anguish heart to the Lord and to quote this Psalm 57:7 "My heart is fixed, O God, my heart is fixed: I will sing and give praise."

David might have a wish that he could fly away like a Dove, yet he remembered the importance to set his heart toward God and to say "My heart is fixed."

Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father. My friends might going through an emotional times because of problems in whatever state they are in. They need You to fix their heart. Help them to hold on to You, God for You are their refuge in time of trouble. Let Your Presence be known to them so they have assurance that You are with them. Bless them and heal their heart, their emotions in Jesus' name I pray! Amen!

So really, really trust God today!

Dorothy

Sweet Holy Spirit!

Psalm 51:11 KJV
Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy Holy Spirit from me.

David prayed this prayer to God: "Do not send me away from You or take Your Holy Spirit from me." This is a psalm of David when the prophet Nathan came to David after David's sin with Bathsheba.

David prayed with all of his heart from the whole chapter of Psalm 51. Verse 3-4: "I know about my wrongs, and I can't forget my sin. You are the only One I have sinned against; I have done what you say is wrong. You are right when You speak and fair when You judge." Verse 10, 12, 13, 17: "Create in me a pure heart, God, and make my spirit right again. Give me back the joy of salvation. Keep me strong by giving me a willing spirit. Then I will teach Your ways to those who do wrong, and sinners will turn back to You. The sacrifice God wants is a broken spirit. God, You will not reject a heart that is broken and sorry for sin. Verse 14a: I will sing about Your goodness." NCV

Song: Sweet, Sweet Spirit

Sweet Holy Spirit,
Sweet heavenly Dove,
Stay right here with us,
Filling us with Your love;
And for these blessings,
We lift our hearts in praise;
Without a doubt we'll know
That we have been revived
When we shall leave this place.
(Doris Mae Akers, Sing His Praise)

This morning this chorus came to me and I searched through technology Bible the word "Holy Spirit." Psalm 51:11 impressed me and to remind me not to become "slack (lazy) in the spirit." So we pray, "Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me" (Ps. 51:10). Oh yes, renew a right spirit within me in Jesus' name we pray. Amen!

Have a blessed day!

Dorothy

Faith of our Fathers

Paula Hardy of Canada sends this song called, "Faith of our Fathers." I found a verse to match the song.

Hebrews 11:13
"These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth" (Heb. 11:13).

The 11th chapter of Hebrews are often called, "The Hall of Fame on Faith." It explains that there were people who desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: and God is not ashamed to be called their God: for He had prepared them a city (Heb. 11:16). That city is the future heavenly Jerusalem that will some day be upon the new earth. Looking forward to that day takes great faith to believe in God's great plan.

The song was about our "fathers' faith" still passed on to us from generations to generations and what they suffered and went through. The song reminds us of how important it is to continue to "Have Faith in God." Paula Hardy added that song when Dean Hardy was sharing the devotion from Sept. 29 and 30 about "Faith of Abraham." Those words are good.

Song: Faith of our Father
1. Faith of our fathers, living still,
In spite of dungeon, fire, and sword;
Oh, how our hearts beat high with joy
Whene’er we hear that glorious Word!
* Refrain:
Faith of our fathers, holy faith!
We will be true to thee till death.

2. Faith of our fathers, we will strive
To win all nations unto thee;
And through the truth that comes from God,
We all shall then be truly free. (Refrain)

3. Faith of our fathers, we will love
Both friend and foe in all our strife;
And preach thee, too, as love knows how
By kindly words and virtuous life. (Refrain)
(Frederick Williams Faber, Sing His Praise)

Let's pass our faith in Christ to others!

Dorothy
(Thank you Paula Hardy)

No Energy?

Do you ever felt like you have no energy? Do you ever felt like the time is moving so very slow? Do you ever felt like lacking in firmness, weak or feeling soft? It is like 'we're not keeping busy with our spiritual lives'? Often hear this, "we goof off"?

Know something? The Scripture tells us "THAT THE LORD IS NOT SLACK CONCERNING HIS PROMISE" (2 Peter 3:9a).

God doesn't goof off. God doesn't play around. God doesn't slack around "AS SOME MEN COUNT (GOD) SLACKNESS" (2 Peter 3:9b) and saying, "Where is the promise of His coming?" (2 Peter 3:4a).

Peter was defending God against those who thought that God was taking His sweet time and "fooling around with us." That was absolutely not true! Peter defend God by saying, "Dear friends, here is one thing you must not forget. With the Lord a day is like a thousand years. And a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is NOT slow (slack) to keep His promise. He is NOT slow (slack) in the way some people understand it. He is patient with you. He doesn't want anyone to be destroyed. Instead, He wants all people to turn away from their sins. But the day of the Lord will come like a thief (2 Peter 3:8-10a). NIRV.

What do we do while we wait for His promise? 2 Peter 3:14,15 "Dear friends, I know you are looking forward to that. So try your best to be found pure and without blame. Be at peace with God. Remember that our Lord is waiting patiently to return, people are being saved" (NIRV).

More and more people are getting saved! Thanks to your prayers!

So trust God today!

Dorothy

Faith by Guest Dean

Good morning! The guest is Dean Hardy of Canada share this from 9/29/11 "If You Have Faith" devotion. Thank you Dean for sharing this. It really touched me.

Good thoughts Dorothy!

Interesting timing--last night in our Bible study we looked at Galatians 3. Paul talks about the importance of living by faith every day using the example of Abraham. Looking at Abraham's story, we see that though he began his walk with God 'by faith' in following God without question (Genesis 12:1-5; Hebrews 11:8-10). But then he often tried to fulfill God's promises in the flesh/his own strength--I.e. Going to Egypt because of a famine without asking God about what he should do (Genesis 12:10), lying to protect himself instead of trusting God (Genesis 12:11-13; 20:1-2), worrying about who his heir would be because he still didn't have a son (Genesis 15:1-3), trying to produce an heir through his servant girl (Genesis 16:1-4). In the midst of all this God was trying to teach Abraham how to live by faith every day (Genesis 15:6). Sometimes he got it right (Genesis 21:1-6; 22:1-14; Hebrews 11:11-12; etc), other times he fell back on to his old fleshly/human habits.

In Galatians 3, Paul tells us that Abraham's example teaches us how to live by faith each day. "The Scriptures say that God accepted Abraham because Abraham had faith. And so, you should understand that everyone who has faith is a child of Abraham. . . . God told Abraham the good news that all nations would be blessed because of him. This means that everyone who has faith will share in the blessings that were given to Abraham because of his faith. . . . The Scriptures also say, 'The people God accepts because of their faith will live.' " Galatians 3:6-11 (cp. Habakkuk 2:6) CEV. I have noticed that many Christians understand clearly and believe that salvation comes through God's grace by faith alone, but many do not know how to live by faith after they are saved. This is the continual challenge for us as we grow in our faith and understanding of God's ways.

Serving Abba together, Dean

If You Have Faith

Matthew 17:20b
NCV: "...I tell you the truth, if your faith is as big as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move. All things will be possible for you."

Matthew 21:21-22
NCV: Jesus answered, "I tell you the truth, if you have faith and do not doubt, you will be able to do what I did to this tree and even more. You will be able to say to this mountain, 'Go, fall into the sea.' And if you have faith, it will happen. If you believe, you will get anything you ask for in prayer."

Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, I give you my little mustard seed of faith. They are so small and I know that You will make it grow bigger & bigger so I could receive an answer to prayer that I need so much especially in my body. There are other needs, Lord and help me to sing this song, "Faith In God" over and over until I have the assurance that my needs are already met. Thank You for keep reminding me through Your Word, "Have faith in God". I feel good when I hear your words of encouragement and it boosts my faith. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Song: Faith in God
Faith in God can move a mighty mountain.
Faith in God can calm the trouble sea.
Faith will make the desert like the fountain,
Faith will bring the victory.
(Song collection, Author: unknown)

Have faith in God today!

Dorothy

Learning to Lean on Jesus

Here's a guest from Edmonton, Canada with a song, "Learning to Lean on Jesus" so I add verse of John 13:23 and I did little research on "Lean" to give us a little visualize (picture) meaning. Lean means to cast one's weight to one side for SUPPORT ; a feeling of liking; an act of bending. The whole purpose of the song is learning to LEAN on Jesus for SUPPORT. You need Jesus for support. Don't do it alone. Even the disciples were learning to lean on Jesus for support. Just picture yourself like John did in this verses. Oh what a blessing thought of comfort!

John 13:23 "Now there was "LEANING ON JESUS' bosom (front of human chest) one of His disciples, whom Jesus loved. John 13:25 He (John) then lying on Jesus' breast . . ."

From Pastor Dale + Wilma Boyd respond to devotion (on 9/26 His Strength).

Hello there!
Good devotion!! it reminds me of old song when I was so young. Let me write this song:

Learning To Lean On Jesus

Learning to lean
Learning to lean
I'm learning to lean on Jesus
Finding more power than I'd ever dreamed
I'm learning to lean on Jesus.

Sad broken hearted, at an alter I knelt
I found peace that is so serene
And all that He asks is a child like trust
And a heart that is learning to lean

Learning to lean
Learning to lean
I'm learning to lean on Jesus
Finding more power than I'd ever dreamed
I'm learning to lean on Jesus.

Learning to lean
Learning to lean
I'm learning to lean on Jesus
Finding more power than I'd ever dreamed
I'm learning to lean on Jesus.

Learning to lean
Learning to lean
I'm learning to lean on Jesus
Finding more power than I'd ever dreamed
I'm learning to lean on Jesus.

Words & Music: Helen H.Lemmel, 1922

Hold Your Ground

1 Corinthians 15:58
KJV: Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, immoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.
NCV: So my dear brothers and sisters, stand strong. Do not let anything change you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your work in the Lord is never wasted.

What does the Scriptures has to say when we might be tempted to give up? Some of them came from “The Bible from 26 Translations.” So I am putting some of the words together and would say:

“Since future victory is sure, let us be strong in our purpose and HOLD YOUR GROUND. Let us stand firm and let nothing move you. As we continue to be busy for the Lord and let us always be devoted to the Lord. Let us work for the Lord always and work without limit. Let us be active in the Lord’s service at all times. Why? Because you know that your labor in the service of the Lord is never thrown away.”

Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, I am asking You to open our spiritual eyes and let us see the work of the Holy Spirit and help us to be true to you. After reading the Scripture, I realized that Satan is working very hard to try to discourage us to give up the service of the Lord. Oh Holy Spirit, revive us today and deliver us from Evil One who walk about as Roaring Lion seeking to whom he could destroy. We ask for help and we believe that You will reveal Yourself to us and assure us that You do care and love us so much. Thank You, Father in Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

May the Lord bless you today!

Dorothy

Fear Not, I Will Strength You

Isaiah 41:10
KJV: Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I WILL STRENGTH THEE; yea I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.

NCV: So don't worry, because I am with you. Don't be afraid, because I am your God. I WILL MAKE YOU STRONG and will help you; I will support you with my right hand that saves you.

AMP: Fear not; [there is nothing to fear] for I am with you; do not look around you in terror and be dismayed [loss of courage because of fear of what is about to happen; trouble greatly], for I am your God. I WILL STRENGTHEN AND HARDEN YOU [to difficulties]; yes, I will help you; yes I will hold you up and retain [hold; keep] you with My victorious right hand of rightness and justice.

Wow! What an awesome promise from the Lord our wonderful God who cares about us. We are in the New Testament time, but we became the chosen servants of God and we can claim the promises of these verses for ourselves. God's word has spoken to us that we must not fear other humans because God is with us.

The word, "harden" means He will make us able to "endure" anything we face. He will give us grace and strength when we need to face all the things that are happening around us. God will help us through times of crisis and He will be our peace. He will also support us and be our advocate, like a lawyer in time of need. God begins doing a good work in us, and let us trust Him to continue until it is finished when Jesus Christ comes again.

This is my prayer for you:
That your love will grow more and more; that you will have knowledge and understanding with your love; that you will see the difference between good and bad and will choose the good; that you will be pure and without wrong for the coming of Christ. See the good about trusting Him, and realize that it is bad to worry too much. I pray that we all talk about good things God will do for us in Jesus' name. Amen!

Song:
Trust in the Lord with all your heart
and lean not to your own understanding.
In all your ways, acknowledge [get to know] Him and
He shall direct your path.
(Song collection)

May the Lord shine His face upon you and bless you today.

Fear Not, I Am Thy Shield

Genesis 15:1
KJV: The Word of the Lord came unto Abram in a vision, saying ‘Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward.’
NCV: The Lord spoke his word to Abram in a vision: “Abram, don’t be afraid. I will defend you, and I will give you a great reward.”
AMP: The word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision, saying, ‘Fear not, Abram, I am your shield, your abundant compensation, and your reward shall be exceedingly great.’

Abram’s name was later changed to Abraham is found in Genesis 17:5. Abraham was in the battle with the kings and he had overcome them. After his battle with the kings, Abraham became troubled and fearful. God came to Abraham in a vision to help him feel assured that God was Abraham’s shield and reward. Abraham went on to talk to the Lord about having no child to carry on to his heir. But God had promised him that he would have a son to carry on. Even though it was impossible for Abraham and Sarah to have a son in their old age, yet Abraham believed God.

Genesis 15:6 in NCV: Abram believed the Lord. And the Lord accepted Abram’s faith, and that faith made him right with God.

Abraham’s kind of faith that he had trusted God completely even though all odds were against Abraham: his old age and Sarah’s. Abraham’s heart toward God was an enduring trust, obedience and submission. This is the kind of faith that pleased God for without faith, it is impossible to please Him. We who come to God must believe that He lives and He is real. We are encouraged to believe that God is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him (Hebrews 11:6).

What does this means to me? I see on television so many things that are going on: hurricanes, weather changing, more violence on TV than ever before, people seems restless, and many changes are taking place in USA. This can make us fearful and wonder what future holds for us. God has words for all these things. The Lord is speaking to us: “Fear not, I am your shield, your protector, and I am your great reward. I will reward you for trusting Me with all your heart. Things will happen for you when you trust Me and love Me with all your heart.”

Prayer: Dear Lord, thank You for reassurance that You are our shield and our rewarder. Thank You Lord for keeping our eyes only upon You. Keep our heart from becoming fearful. Change them to complete trusting in You. In Jesus’ Name, I pray. Amen!

So keep trusting God today!

Fear of Evil

Proverbs 1:33
"Whoso hearkeneth (keep on listen carefully) unto Me shall dwell safely, and shall be quiet from fear of evil."

Tony: Many things can happen. It is easy to panic when we hear fearful news. God help us to learn to stay "cool head" ... not being afraid of bad things.

Last Sunday at deaf service, we sang the chorus "Just a Little While" and it is a very old song. It was written long we were even born (1921). The song has a meaning. The song is a great encouragement to keep our spirits from being fearful. Always sing something when there are fearful news going on. It lifts our spirit until God filled us with His love and peace.

Chorus: Just a Little While
Just a little while to stay here,
Just a little while to wait,
Just a little while to labor,
In the path that’s always straight,
Just a little more of trouble
In this low and sinful state;
Then we’ll enter heaven’s portals,
Sweeping through the pearly gates.

1. Soon this life will all be over
And our pilgrimage will end,
Soon we’ll take our heav’nly journey,
Be at home again with friends;
Heaven’s gates are standing open,
Waiting for our entrance there,
Some sweet day we’re going over,
All the beauties there to share.
Then Chorus.
(Eugene Monroe Bartlett,1921, Sing His Praise)

So trust God today!

Dorothy

Fear Not, Neither Be Discouraged

Deuteronomy 1:21
Behold, the Lord thy God hath set the land before thee: go up and possess it, as the Lord God of thy fathers hath said unto thee; fear not, neither be discouraged. [ncv: don’t be afraid and don’t worry].

This was a time when Moses and the people finally came into the “future Promise Land” and the people were scared of difficulties, oppositions and more battles coming up. The word ‘fear’ seems to be very common among people. They were always afraid of many things that they want to go back to Egypt. Why? Because it was their ‘security’ and it was 'safe' for them to ‘stay home.’ But that was not what God wants. He had a bigger plan for them and a better place for His people. The land of the ‘unknown’ was a very fearful thing for them. They were discouraged. So what does the word, fear really mean?

Fear mean being afraid; feeling that danger or evil is near; dread; an uneasy feeling; anxious thought and concern. Dread mean look forward to fear; dislike to experience; fear greatly; fear of something will happen or may happen. Discourage means take away the courage or brave; reduce the hope or have no confidence that thing will work. Fear hinder us from doing something great.

Another scripture in Deut. 1:29,30 “… Dread not, neither be afraid of them. [ncv: Don’t be frightened; don’t be afraid…] The Lord your God which goeth before you, he shall fight for you, according to all that he did for you in Egypt before your eyes.”

God’s words of encouragement were in Deut. 3:22 ‘Ye shall not fear them for the Lord your God shall fight for you.’ The Israelite faced powerful enemies whom they could not defeat them in their own strength. Israel’s natural tendency was to fear the awful consequences [result] of defeat. ONLY BY LOOKING TO GOD, THEY COULD GAIN VICTORY. God’s word encouraged them to look to God who was bigger than the enemies. He showed His power in Egypt and He can do it again for them.

We as believers in Christ do face a lot of difficulties and a lot of battles. BUT the Lord your God will fight for you. God promise to be with you, give you the strength and the power to accomplish or do His will.

Our prayers to God will help us realize that He alone has the strength to heal, and strength to give us the courage to face whatever we need. God in us can do the job He asks us to do. Greater is He that is in you than he [devil] that is in the world.

When you believe, you feel the strength. When you trust God, you sense the blessing. When you love God, you feel the peace and the joy of knowing that He does care for you. Also know that the Lord your shall fight for you [Deut. 3:22].

So trust God today!

PS. Song: "Faith in God"
Faith in God can move a mighty mountain.
Faith in God can calm the troubled sea,
Faith will make the desert like the fountain,
Faith will bring the victory.
(Song Collection)

Fear Not, I Am With Thee

Genesis 26:24 KJV: The Lord appeared unto him [Isaac] the same night, and said, ‘I am the God of Abraham thy father: fear not, for I am with thee, and will bless thee, and multiply thy seed for my servant Abraham’s sake. NCV: The Lord appeared to him [Isaac] that night and said, “I am the God of your father Abraham. Don’t be afraid, because I am with you. I will bless you and give you many descendants because of my servant Abraham.”

There was a reason why the Lord appeared to Isaac and to say to him, “Fear not, for I am with thee.” After I read the chapter 26 of Genesis, it explained the troubles Isaac was having with “the neighbors.” There were famine and Isaac seeks help from Abimelech and he provided the land to Isaac. Isaac was able to sow a good crop and harvest was plentiful because the Lord had blessed him. Isaac became very wealthy and digs the wells again because his father, Abraham had dug several wells during his time. [Philistines had covered the wells with dirt.]

Abimelech was the king of the Philistines and he became worried because Isaac became stronger than him. He told Isaac to leave his place and go somewhere else. Isaac moved to the valley of Gerar and camped there. Every time they dig the wells, there were neighbors of herd men who tried to take the wells from Isaac. Isaac had to move several times and dig another well. It can be very frustrated for Isaac and his herd men who tried to take care of the animals that needed water from the wells. This was when Isaac became fearful of being “pushed around” by neighbors. Isaac wondered if he would ever stay in that land that God had promised him. God saw his fear and came to Isaac and comforted him by saying, “FEAR NOT, FOR I AM WITH THEE, AND WILL BLESS THEE, AND MULTIPLY THY SEED FOR MY SERVANT ABRAHAM’S SAKE.”

God appeared to Isaac and passed on to him the promises made with Abraham. Like his father, Isaac had to learn to live by the promises of God. This was an important part of the covenant promise which was the personal relationship with God described in the words, “I am with thee.” Finally, Isaac had peace with Abimelech when he saw how the Lord blessed Isaac. Isaac’s servants found another well and name it Shebah and name the city, Beersheba. Isaac trusted God.

What does this means? This encourages me to know that when God was with Isaac and He said to me, “Fear not, for I am with thee.” God’s promise is for me and for you. This story should inspire us to trust God when we have problems. If God cares enough to calm Isaac’s fears, God cares enough to calm our fears also. Isn’t He wonderful?

Chorus: Jesus knows all about our struggles;
He will guide till the day is done!
There’s not a friend like the lowly Jesus,
No, not one! No not one!
[Lyrics: Johnson Oatman, Jr.]