Pressing Toward Goal

HAPPY NEW YEAR! 

December 30-31, 2013 - Pressing Toward the Goal – Manna by Dorothy Callies

Philippians 3:13 “… I am focusing all my energies on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead” (NLT).

Paul said that his goal was to know Christ, to be like Christ, and to be all Christ had in mind for him. This goal took all of Paul’s energies. Paul gave us an example that we are to set our eyes on the goal—knowing Christ.  Paul said, “… I keep working toward that day when I will finally be all that Christ Jesus saved me for and wants me to be” (Phil.3:12 NLT).

Paul said, “I am still not all I should be, but I am focusing all my energies on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I strain to reach the end of the race and receive the prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us up to heaven” (Phil. 3:13,14 NLT).

Paul had reason to forget the past—he had held the coats of those who stoned Stephen, the first Christian martyr (Acts 7:57, 58, Paul is called Saul here). Paul was not proud of what he did. When he accepted Christ, many Christians were not able to accept Paul then. Paul went away for awhile to get to know Christ. Later on, Barnabas went to find him and became his friend. Barnabas introduced Paul to the Christians to hear him preach the gospel. They were amazed that Paul became a different man. They forgave Paul and learned to forget what Paul had done in the past.

We have all done things for which we are ashamed. But our hope is in Christ, and we can let go of past guilt and look forward to what God will help us become. Don’t dwell on your past. Instead, grow in the knowledge of God by concentrating on your relationship with Him now. Realize that you are forgiven, and then move on to a life of faith and obedience. Look forward to a fuller and more meaningful life because of your hope in Christ.

Song: My Lord Knows The Way

My Lord knows the way thro’ the wilderness,

All I have to do is to follow.

My Lord knows the way thro’ the wilderness,

All I have to do is to follow.

Strength for today is mine all the way,

And all that I need for tomorrow.

My Lord knows the way thro’ the wilderness,

All I have to do is to follow.

(Inspiring Choruses)

Rock Like Our God

December 27-29, 2013 - Rock Like Our God - Bread Verse by Dorothy Callies

1 Samuel 2:2 

“No one is holy like the LORD! There is no one besides You; There is no Rock like our God.”

Hannah praised God for being a Rock, a God who is firm, strong, and unchanging. In our fast-paced world, friends come and go, and circumstances change. It is difficult to find a solid foundation that will not change. Those who devote their lives to achievements, causes, or possessions have as their security which has some certain limits and often changeable. The possessions that we work so hard to get will all pass away. But God is always present. Hope in Him. He will never fail. [Part of the notes from resources]

Other references are good to share: 

Exodus 15:11 “Who is like unto thee, O LORD, among the gods? Who is like thee, glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders?” 

Deuteronomy 4:35 “Unto thee it was showed, that thou mightest know that the Lord he is God; there is none else beside Him.”

Song: Praise the Name of Jesus

Praise the name of Jesus,

Praise the name of Jesus,

He’s my Rock, He’s my Fortress,

He’s my Deliverer, in Him will I trust,

Praise the name of Jesus.

[Roy Hicks, Jr. Psalm 18:1]

Don't Be Afraid

December 26, 2013 - Don’t Be Afraid - Bread Verse by Dorothy Callies

Isaiah 41:10 “Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you. I will help you” (NLT).

The word, dismayed interest me to search the meaning when God said, “Do not be dismayed.” So God is saying, “Do not let things ‘to cause you to lose courage’ or ‘to feel concern.’” In another word, upset or to feel disturb greatly especially in mind. Do not be upset or feel bothersome in your mind. Do not let your mind trouble you.

The word, afraid also has another meaning that interests me, “having a dislike for something” that we don’t want it there. We don’t want it because it upset us. We want things to be perfect and in harmony. When it isn’t in harmony, we feel “screw up.” Things are not smooth the way we want it.

I remember Jesus’ word: “Let not your heart be troubled. Neither let it be afraid. Believe in God. Believe also in Me.” (Ref. Jn. 14:1, 27) God does not want us to be afraid. God wants us to build our trust in Him. To build our trust means that we are to quote His promises that He will continue His grace and strengthen to face all the circumstances of life. He will help us through times of crises. He quoted, “I am with you. I am your God.”

When we quote the promises of God, it would be like “we are bathing ourselves into His Presence.” Bathing would be like “swimming into the flows of the Spirit,” the rivers of life from the very throne of God. (Ref. Rev. 22:1). Bathing would wash off our being afraid and washing off our dismay in us. He would fill us with peace as Jesus said, “My peace I give it to you.” I pray in the name of Jesus that there would be peace inside of you. Amen!

Song: Wonderful Peace

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, Sing His Praise)

[*ASL: In plenty deep and much love]

Emmanual & Merry Christmas!

December 23-25, 2013 - Emmanuel – Manna by Dorothy Callies

Isaiah 7:14 “The Lord himself shall give you a sign: The virgin will be pregnant. She will have a son, and she will name him, Immanuel” (NCV).

 “Virgin” (Heb. almah) can mean either “virgin” or “a young woman before marriage. (1) The immediate application of this sign was to a new bride, who would have been a virgin until the time of her marriage. (2) The ultimate (most important) fulfillment of this prophecy was realized in the birth of Jesus Christ by the virgin Mary (Mat.1:23). Mary was a virgin and remained a virgin until after the birth of Jesus (Mat.1:18,25). The conception of her son came about by a miracle of the Holy Spirit rather than through the act of a man (Mat.1:16:23). (3) The virgin’s son was to be called “Immanuel” means “God with us” (Mat.1:23). That name acquired a new depth meaning in the personal coming into the world of God’s only begotten Son (John 3:16). Note from the Full Life Study Bible.

God prophesied to Isaiah during the year in 722 B.C. Jesus was born around 4 B.C. God’s prophecy took about 700 years of waiting in God’s time for Immanuel to be born. Matthew 1:23 “Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.” From Matthew 1:1-17, there were 14 generations from Abraham to David and another 14 generations from David to Christ. The only way Christ could be born a human was to be born of a woman.

So the question remains, when did God prepare all this? Ephesians 1:4 “According as He hath chosen us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love.” The answer is “Before the world was made.” Imagine, the earth wasn’t even formed yet. He thought of YOU. He chose YOU. He wants YOU.

 “Ephesians 1:5 “Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will.” The word, predestinate means to decide beforehand especially by divine command. The base word, destine means to settle in advance; to choose, assign, or dedicate in advance.

So Christmas is a time to remember why would God give a name, Emmanuel? It is because God wants to be with YOU. God wants to be close to YOU. He proved it through John 3:16. He sent His Son to the world so anyone who believed in Him should not perish and not have to be separated from God the Father, but to stay close to Him.

Song: Jesus, Name Above All Names

Jesus, name above all names,

Beautiful Savior, glorious Lord.

Emmanuel, God is with us,

Blessed Redeemer, Living Word.

(Naida Hearn, Sing His Praise)

Merry Christmas to you and remember, “Emmanuel,” God is with you!

Jesus Teaches Fruit

December 20-22, 2013 - Jesus Teaches Fruit – Manna by Dorothy Callies

Matthew 7:16a “Ye shall know them by their fruits” (KJV)”

Here Jesus teaches about fruit in people’s lives. “Beware of false prophets who come disguised as harmless sheep, but are really wolves that will tear you apart. You can detect (identify) them by the way they act, just as you can identify a tree by its fruit. You don’t pick grapes from the thornbushes, or figs from thistles. A healthy tree produces good fruit, and an unhealthy tree produces bad fruit. A good tree can’t produce bad fruit, and a bad tree can’t produce good fruit. So every tree that does not produce good fruit is chopped down and thrown into the fire” (Matt.7:15-19 NLT).

Matthew 7:15 - False prophets were common in Old Testament times. They prophesied only what the king and the people wanted to hear, claiming it was God’s message. False teachers are just as common today. Jesus says to beware of those words sound religious but who are motivated by money, fame, or power. You can tell who they are because in their teaching they minimize (reduce or make it smaller) Christ and glorify themselves.

When Jesus talks about the bad trees, he means teachers who deliberately teach false doctrine. We would need to examine the teacher’s motives, the direction they are taking, and the results they are seeking.

Jesus said, “Yes, the way to identify a tree or a person is by the kind of fruit that is produced” (Matt.7:20 NLT).  Jesus reminds us that our speech and actions reveal the true underlying, (what is hidden inside of our hearts are) beliefs, attitudes, and motivations. The good impressions we try to make cannot last if our heart is deceptive (deceive). What is in your heart will come out in your speech and behavior. [Some of the above notes came from Quick Verse Life Application Bible]

So let’s have a true heart for the Lord Jesus Christ!

Prayer Song: Keep Me True, Lord Jesus

Keep me true, Lord Jesus, keep me true;

Keep me true, Lord Jesus, keep me true;

There’s a race that I must run,

There are victories to be won.

Give me power, every hour, to be true.

(Inspiring Choruses)

Produce the Fruit

December 19, 2013 - Produce the Fruit – Manna by Dorothy Callies

John 15:8 “When you bear (produce) much fruit, My Father is honored and glorified, and you show and prove yourselves to be true followers of Mine” (AMP).

So the question, how do we get to produce the fruit? Jesus gave the answers that are found in John 15:1-16. This time I used The Amplified Bible for reading. I choose a few: (1) Dwell in Me, and I will dwell in you. (2) My words live in your hearts, ask the Father for your needs. (3) The Father loved me so I loved you the same way. (4) Continue in My love. (5) Keep My commandments [continue to obey My instructions].  (6) Love one another the same way I loved you. (7) The Comforter will help you to grow fruit and also testify of Me (Jn.15:26).

Jesus said, “You have not chosen Me, but I have chosen you and I have appointed you [I have planted], that you might go and bear fruit and keep on bearing, and that your fruit may be lasting [that it may remain, abide], so that whatever you ask the Father in My Name [as presenting all that I AM], He may give it to you” (Jn. 15:16 AMP).

John 15:16 is the promise verse that I want to hold on to and also John 15:7. Jesus said, “If you live in Me [abide vitally united to Me] and My words remain in you and continue to live in your hearts, ask whatever you will, and it shall be done for you” (Jn. 15:7 AMP).

So our goal is to continue in His promise of healing for our bodies. I read John 15:10 that impressed me. “If you keep My commandments [if you continue to obey My instructions], you will abide in My love and live on in it, just as I have obeyed My Father’s commandments and live on in His love” (AMP).

May the Holy Spirit, our Comforter, our Counselor, our Helper, our Advocator, our Intercessor, our Strengthener, and our Standby comes to strengthen us to keep our faith in the words of Jesus Christ our Lord and to keep the trust in God. I want to thank You for reminding us through reading Your word about the vine and the branches. Thank You for the wonderful fruit that we are able to honor You, Father in Jesus’ name we pray. Amen!

Song: Every Promise in the Book

Every promise in the book is mine,

Every chapter, every verse, every line;

I am trusting in His love divine,

Every promise in the book is mine.

Mine, mine, mine, Jesus is mine,

Mine when I’m weary, mine when I’m dreary;

Mine, mine, mine, Jesus is mine,

Mine all the time, yes, He’s mine.

(Inspiring Choruses)

Cannot Bear Fruit Itself

December 17-18, 2013 - Cannot Bear Fruit Itself – Manna by Dorothy Callies

John 15:4 (Jesus said) “Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in Me”(KJV).

NIV: Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in Me. NLT: Remain in Me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed (separated) from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful apart from Me.

The fruit is the quality of Christian character that brings glory to God through life and witnesses. God expects all of us to bear fruit. As the Scripture teaches that we are to stay with Jesus, and He will stay with us. If we understood that a branch cannot produce fruit alone, but must stay in the vine. In the same way, we cannot produce fruit alone but must stay in Jesus.

The Greek word meno means to continue, remain, abide, or dwell. Just as the branch has life only as long as the life of the vine flows into it, so the believer has Christ’s life only as long as Christ’s life flows into him through his abiding in Christ. So Manna is produced as long as I dwell in Christ. Glory be to the Lord God of heaven! Thank you Holy Spirit for reminding me that I cannot bear fruit myself and that You have helped me from time to time. Hallelujah!

My friend, you need to continue with Jesus as your Vine. Jesus said, “I am the True Vine and you are the branches.” You need to stay in Jesus and Jesus will stay in you. That’s how you and Jesus together bring forth much fruit, for without Jesus there would be no fruit. Jesus said, “Without Me, you can do nothing.” (Ref: Jn.15:5).

Our heavenly Father is glorified when you bear much fruit. The fruit that we bring to Him is through worship, adoration, and praise. It is like our heavenly Father shines so much more and His heart is filled with ecstasy. The word, ecstasy means state of overwhelming emotion with very great joy. (Ref: Jn. 15:8) Awesome? So let’s worship Him!

Song: Glorify Thy Name                                                  

1. 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. 

2. 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, Sing His Praise)

The Lord Redeemed!

Psalm 107: 1-2 “Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! His faithful love endures forever. Has the LORD redeemed you? Then speak out! Tell others He has saved you from your enemies” (NLT).

“Has the Lord redeemed you? Then speak out?” God has done so much for us and we have so much for which to thank Him. He wants us to tell everyone all that He has done. These verses encourage us to declare what God has done. We are encourage not to keep this glorious experience of God’s presence to ourselves, but to share with others who might be hungry to hear what God has done for you. Is there someone you would like to share and tell them how God can save them from their enemies?

Acts 1:8 “ But when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, you will receive power and will tell people about Me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth” (NLT). 

Power from the Holy Spirit is not limited to strength beyond the ordinary. That power also involves courage, boldness, confidence, insight, ability, and authority. The disciples would need all these gifts to fulfill their mission. If you believe in Jesus Christ as your Savior, you can experience the power of the Holy Spirit in your life.

So let us trust God to give us the courage today!

Song: Redeemed

1. 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.

2. I know I shall see in His beauty

The King in whose law I delight,

Who lovingly guard-eth my foot-steps

And giveth me songs in the night.

Chorus:

Redeemed, . . Redeemed, . .

Redeemed by the blood of the Lamb;

Redeemed, . . Redeemed, . .

His child, and forever, I am.

(Fanny Jane Crosby)

Glory to His Name

December 12-15, 2013 – Glory to His Name – Manna by Dorothy Callies

Psalm 115:1 “… unto Thy name give glory …”

Song: Glory, Glory, Glory

Glory! Glory! Glory! 

Glory to His name;

Glory! Glory! Glory! 

He’s ev-‘ry day the same.

Why should I be drear-y, 

With Jesus always near me?

Glory! Glory! Glory!  

 Praise .. His .. Name! ….

(Harry Dixion Loes)

A Gracious God

December 11, 2013 - A Gracious God – Manna by Dorothy Callies

Jonah 4:2 “… I knew that thou art a gracious God, and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness …”

The book of Jonah told the story of the prophet’s disobedience to God’s call to preach to Nineveh of God’s judgment. God had wanted to give the city of Nineveh a chance to repent of their sins so they would understand why the judgment had to come.

When Jonah finally obeyed God and he went to the city of Nineveh to preach repentance. The history told of the one of the most remarkable city-wide spiritual awakenings in all of history. The king called the entire city to fasting and repentance. Jonah knew that God was a gracious God. God forgave the city of Nineveh when they had repented of their sins.

Jonah was angry because in the past years, Nineveh had been “cruel” to Israel and they had done terrible things. So Jonah felt Nineveh deserved to have God’s judgment rather than to spare them if and when they repented of their sins. Jonah did not want God to cancel His plans of judgment against Nineveh who was the enemy of Israel.

God taught his angry prophet that He delighted in making His grace available to everyone, not just to Israel and Judah. Jonah knew that God was a gracious God who was slow to anger and the God of great kindness. God delighted in canceling His plans of judgment when people repented of their sins.

Doesn’t this make you want to love God even more? When you read this story of Jonah of how much God cares to find someone like Jonah to go to the worst city of Nineveh because God was more interested in “saving the souls.” How much more does God loves you and gives you another chance to know how gracious God is to you right now.

So let us trust our gracious God today!  

Song: Grace Greater Than Our Sin

Grace, grace, God’s grace,

Grace that will pardon and cleanse within;

Grace, grace, God’s grace,

Grace that is greater than all our sin.

(Julia Harriette Johnston, Sing His Praise)

God is Gracious

December 9-10, 2013 - God is Gracious – Manna by Dorothy Callies

Nehemiah 9:17b “… Thou art a God ready to pardon, gracious and merciful …”

I find it interesting to search more verses about the topic, gracious. The purpose is to know more about God’s gracious. The word, gracious means marked by kindness and courtesy. The word, kind means wanting and liking to do good and to bring happiness to others. 2: showing gentleness or goodness out of heart.

Nehemiah had left his job as a cup bearer to the King Xerxes and Queen Esther of Babylon to Jerusalem to rebuild the walls. Nehemiah was also called to bring God’s people back to the Lord from their erring (sinful) ways. The Word of God was read by Ezra and the people repented and turned to God by saying, “Thou art Lord.”

The Lord is a gracious and compassionate (showing mercy) God; therefore He is ready to accept again those who have forsaken Him and sinned against His laws whenever they repent. He helped His children to overcome their sin and to keep following His ways. How kind is our God! Ps. 111:4 “He hath made His wonderful works to be remembered: the Lord is gracious and full of compassion.”

Psalm 116:5 “Gracious is the Lord, and righteous: yeah, our God is merciful. Psalm 116:6-8 “The Lord preserveth the simple: I was brought low, and He helped me. Return unto thy rest, O my soul; for the Lord hath dealt bountifully with thee. For thou hast delivered my soul from death, mine eyes from tears, and my feet from falling.”

Do you ever felt like you were brought low and falling? God wants us to know who He is and that He is kind to reach down and lift us up into His arms of love. How gracious is our loving God who is always ready to pardon, to forgive us from all of our erring ways. His blood cleanses us from all unrighteousness and be clothed with Christ’s robe of righteousness. Praise Him for the salvation of the Lord!

Song: God is Love, God is Light

God is love, God is light,

God is faithful day and night.

He is eternal, He never changes

Though the seas rise to

   swallow mountain ranges.

God is interested in you and me,

Wanting us to be the best we can be.

We’re not perfect living the way we do

But He knows just what we’re going through.

God is love, God is light,

God is faithful day and night.

He is eternal, He never changes

Though the seas rise up to

   swallow mountain ranges.

(Inspiring Choruses)

O Taste and See

December 7-8, 2013 - O Taste and See – Manna by Dorothy Callies

Psalm 34:8 “O taste and see that the Lord is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in Him.”

In this verse, it is about the Lord Himself. The word, taste means the actual living through the event or series of events such as learn by experience. “Taste and see” does not mean, “Check out God’s credentials.” Instead, it is a warm invitation: “Try this; I know you’ll like it.” When we take that first step of obedience in following God, we cannot help discovering that He is good and kind. When we begin the Christian life, our knowledge of God is partial and incomplete. As we trust Him daily, we experience how good He is.  

The word, good has a very broad meaning so I will choose a few. God is good. God is just who shows a great concern for what is right. God is kind who shows His gentleness. God is right who show His justice and fairness. God is loyal who shows His faithfulness. There are several verses to read that the Lord is good.

Ps. 86:5 “For thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee.” Ps.107:1 “O give thanks unto the Lord, for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.” Ps.135:3 “Praise the Lord; for the Lord is good: sing praises unto His name; for it is pleasant.” Ps.145:9 “The Lord is good to all: and His tender mercies are over all His works.”

Song: God Is So Good

God . . is so good ….

God . . is so good ….

God . . is so good,

He is so good . . to . . me ….

(Author, unknown)

Good to Wait Quietly

December 6, 2013 - Good to Wait Quietly – Manna by Dorothy Callies

Lamentations 3:26 “It is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord” (NIV).

It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the Lord (La.3:26 kjv). But it is good for me to draw near to God: I have put my trust in the Lord God, that I may declare all thy works (Ps. 73:28 kjv).

In the Old Testament, salvation means that God would save them from the danger or evil. Moses said unto the people, “Fear ye not, stand still and see the salvation of the Lord, which He will show you today” (Ex.14:13a). The Israelite saw the Egyptian soldiers who were chasing them. Moses said, “The Lord shall fight for you, and you shall hold your peace.”

We have seen a movie of Moses and it was always amazing to watch how God divided the Red Sea and the water became walls on both sides. I tried to imagine if the Israelite had taken a short cut to Philistines route, we would have never read the story of the Red Sea being divided. The Pharaoh and the Egyptian soldiers would capture them and bring them back to Egypt. God knew this. He had a plan. He had led them to the mountains where the Israelite were trapped.

The Red Sea opened up and became walls for the Israelite to walk through until they reached the top of the mountain. The Egyptian soldiers chased them through the Red Sea and God had commanded the walls of the waters be loosed and it covered all the soldiers and they drowned. So the enemies would no longer chase them. The Israelite were free to travel with God’s presence.

This story gives me a confidence that I am not to worry, but to ‘stand still and see the salvation of the Lord.” So I am sharing this with you that we are not to fear, but to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord. Thank You, Lord for giving us the strength to wait quietly for Your work in us, in Jesus’ name I pray, amen!

Song: In the Quiet of the Morning

In the quiet of the morning,

I will worship Your name.

I will lift my voice with singing

to praise You again.

For it fills my heart with gladness

that remains through the day,

In the quiet of the morning,

I will worship Your name.

(Author unknown)

My Portion

December 5, 2013 - My Portion – Manna by Dorothy Callies

Lamentations 3:24 “I say to myself, ‘The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for Him’” (NIV).

When we say, “The Lord is my portion,” we are saying that the Lord is my share. He is part of my life. Without Him I am nothing. Therefore I will wait for Him to do the work that needs to be done.

Jeremiah, the weeping prophet, wrote the book of Lamentations. He witnessed the destruction of Jerusalem and he wept over it. Jeremiah wrote his grief over the people who have not been faithful to God.

Yet Jeremiah set his hope in God and said, “Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness. I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for Him.” The Lord is good to those whose hope is in Him, to the one who seeks Him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord” (NIV Lamentations 3:22-26).

There is a time of grief when we read or see or hear the news of tragedy that many are going through. Our hearts could sense the grief that others are going through. Our hearts could sense the heaviness of sufferings, yet the Lord is our portion, He feels the grief, He feels the sufferings, therefore we wait for the Lord to provide help.

Again, I say, “It is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord.” To wait means to stay in place until someone comes or until something happens. We are to wait for the Lord until something happens. That is what our faith in God does.

So let us trust the Lord today!

 Song: Faith in God

Faith in God can move a mighty mountain,

Faith in God can calm the trouble sea;

Faith can make the desert like a fountain,

Faith will bring the victory.

(Inspiring Choruses) 

He inclined to me

December 1-4, 2013 - He Inclined to me – Manna by Dorothy Callies

Psalm 40:1 “I waited patiently for the Lord; and he inclined to me, and heard my cry.”

The word, incline means to bend the head or body forward or to lean; to bend from an upright position like [the tree leans to one side]. So we visualized God bend His body and His head with His ear to hear our cry. David knew God would incline, bend down Himself to hear his cry. So David waited patiently for the Lord.

Waiting for the Lord can transform us into a people of growing faith. When we become frustrated with God’s apparent (clear to see) delay in answering our prayer, it is good to remember that He is interested in developing faith and perseverance in our character (James 1:2-4). Wait on the Lord!

We are encouraged to keep our trust in God and experiencing His personal goodness because it is necessary for our perseverance in the faith. Perseverance means to keep at something in spite of difficulties, oppositions or discouragement. It is all about our character that God is interested in us to “be like His Son.”

John, the beloved mentioned that some day, “we shall be like Him” (1John 3:2). Paul mentioned that “God chose us to become like His Son” (Romans 8:29). So how do we become like His Son? Waiting on the Lord does that work, transforming us to be like Him. It is God’s work through the power of Holy Spirit for “we shall be like Him; for we shall see Him as He is” (1Jn.3:2).

Now we know what “waiting on the Lord” does to our character. That should make us want to let Him do His work in us. It is not like we are sitting around and doing nothing. When we wait before the Lord quietly, we allow His presence to influence our lives. Come to think of it! What exactly does the word, wait mean? It means to remain in place in readiness (prepared for use or action) or expectation of something. Await means to be ready for something like [a reward awaits you].

Waiting on the Lord is to be ready for something that God, our Father wants to do great things for us. So let us wait on God today!

Song: O, To Be Like Thee

O, to be like Thee! O, to be like Thee!

Blessed Redeemer, pure as Thou art;

Come in Thy sweetness, come in Thy fullness;

Stamp Thine own image deep on my heart.

[Lyrics: Thomas Obediah Chisholm, Sing His Praise]

God's Timing

November 29-30, 2013 – God’s Timing – Manna by Dorothy Callies

Ecclesiastes 3:1 “To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven.”

God has an eternal plan that includes and purposes and activities of every person on earth. “Every man should eat and drink, and enjoy the good of all his labor, it is the gift of God” (Ecc.3:13). The ability to enjoy life and live it properly is a gift from God that comes only when we are brought into a right relationship with Him and sincerely submit ourselves to Him as our Lord and God. He then gives us joy in what we do. [Note from The Full Life Study Bible]

I was reading a story of a church near the south coast of Jamaica that took the people eight years to build a church. The people were not disappointed. In fact, they were excited about what God is doing, and they are patient with His timing.

I thought, “Wow!” We are often not that patient. We want our church to grow quickly, our people to mature right away, and our problems to be fixed today. In our microwave world, we want everything done instantaneously. But sometimes that is not God’s plan. Maybe we need to be reminded that some things take time—God’s time.

When the Israelites first left Egypt, God sent them on the long route to the Promised Land. Ex. 13:17-18 NCV “When the king (Pharaoh) sent the people out of Egypt, God did not lead them on the road through the Philistine country, though that was the shortest way. God said, “If they have to fight, they might change their minds and go back to Egypt.” So God led them through the desert toward the Red Sea.”

It was through the wandering desert, they came to know God as He prepared them, taught them, and challenged them. In fact, His ways brought many miracles that would not have happened if they went through the short cut route.

What touched my heart today? God has timing so we have the chance to grow in Christ and to know Him personally. So let us trust God today.

Song: How Great is our God

How great is our God …

How great is His name …

He is the greatest One …

Forever the same …

He rolled back the water …

Of the mighty Red Sea …

And He said, “I’ll lead you …

Put your trust in Me” …

(Unknown author)

Longsuffering

November 25-28, 2013 - Longsuffering – Manna by Dorothy Callies

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

King James Version quoted “Strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness” [Col.1:11]. The word, longsuffering means patiently enduring lasting offense or hardship. The word, offense means an act of attacking (Merriam-Webster). Another High School Dictionary Thorndike-Barnhart gave a meaning of longsuffering to enduring trouble, pain, or injury long and patiently.

My story was about getting a new royal blue eye glasses when I had to make several trips between Eye Clinic and LensCrafter which irritated me and I wasn’t happy. I couldn’t hide it from the staff and I apologized for my impatience behavior when Eye Clinic made a mistake on the prescription for eye lens. When I thought it was final … again Eye Clinic made another wrong eye prescription.

When I became aware of my lack of patient, the Holy Spirit urged me to realize the importance of “longsuffering.” I learn something about the difference between short patient and long enduring patient. I remember Galatians 5:22 verse had one of the nine fruits of the Spirit was “longsuffering.” So I prayed, “Holy Spirit, help me.” The Holy Spirit spoke to my heart, “Be nice.  Be patient. Look pleasant. Explain kindly.”

So again I met a different staff and I explained all over again what the problem was. Finally, the Eye Clinic gave me the corrected prescription for eye lens. And again, I made another trip to LensCrafter to drop off the eye lens prescription. Two hours later, I finally got my new royal blue eye glasses that helps cut down the light glare for my glaucoma problem. This time I allowed the “fruit of longsuffering” be revealed inside of me. Slowly there was a quiet joy like the Scripture quoted, “longsuffering with joyfulness.”

I wondered my friend if you are going through some crazy situations that might cause you to “pull your hairs, huh?” I think Holy Spirit wants to talk to you about “longsuffering.” I pray that “God will strengthen you with His own great power that you will not give up when troubles come, but you will be patient (with longsuffering).” I believe we need the touch of Jesus to enable us to have “longsuffering” fruit of the Spirit.

Song: He Touched Me

1. Shackled by a heavy burden,

‘Neath a load of guilt and shame;

Then the hand of Jesus touched me,

And now I am no longer the same.

Chorus:

He touched me, O, He touched me,

And O, the joy that floods my soul;

Something happened, and now I know,

He touched me and made me whole.

(William J. Gaither, Sing His Praise)

Wait on the Lord

November 23-24, 2013 Wait on the Lord – Bread Verse by Dorothy Callies

Psalm 37:34a “Wait on the Lord, and keep His way, and He shall exalt thee to inherit the land” (KJV). “Wait for the Lord’s help and follow Him. He will honor you and give you the land” (NCV).

Do you ever felt like you are losing patient with the Lord? Here’s another translation about that. “Don’t be impatient for the Lord to act! Travel steadily along His path. He will honor you, giving you the land. You will see the wicked destroy” (NLT). You know it is hard to wait patiently for God to act when we want the change right way. But God promises that if we submit to His timing, He will honor us.

Peter encouraged us and said, “So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and in His good time He will honor you” (1 Peter 5:6). So we are encourage to be patient, steadily doing the work of God that He has given us to do, and allow Him to choose the best time to change the circumstances or allow Him to change us. How could we do that? There’s an answer in the song.

Song: Waiting on the Lord

1. Waiting on the Lord, for the promise given;

Waiting on the Lord to send from heaven;

Waiting on the Lord, by our faith receiving;

Waiting in the upper room.

Chorus:

The po – wer! The po – wer!

Gives vic-t’ry over sin and purity within;

The po – wer! The po – wer!

The pow’r they had at Pentecost.

[vic-t’ry=victory; pow’r=power]

[Charles F. Weigle, Sing His Praise]

Yes, the power is in the Holy Spirit! He has given us the Holy Spirit to enable us to wait on the Lord, and keep His way, and He will honor us in His time. So let us wait for the Lord’s help and follow Him.

So let’s ask God for Holy Spirit’s power in us!

Wait Patiently

November 21-22, 2013 - Wait Patiently – Bread Verse by Dorothy Callies

Psalm 27:14 “Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and He shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord” (KJV).

In this Scripture, the word, wait means state of watchful expectation and an act or period of waiting. In another word, we are put in a place to wait, watch and expect. While we wait, God promise to give us strength. Waiting is the most difficult thing to do, but God wants us to “Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the Lord” (Ps.27:14 NLT).

*David, the Palmist knew from experience what it meant to wait for the Lord. He had been anointed King at age 16 but didn’t become King until he was 30. During the period of time, David was chased through the wilderness by jealous King Saul. David had to wait on God for the fulfillment of His promise to reign.

*Waiting on God is not easy. Often it seems that He isn’t answering our prayers or doesn’t understand the urgency of our situation. That kind of thinking might seem natural that God is not in control or is not fair. But our God is worth waiting for. Lamentations 3:24-26 calls us to hope in and wait for the Lord because often God uses times of waiting to refresh, renew, and teach us. We are encouraged to make good use of our waiting times by discovering what God may be trying to teach us.

*Reference: Lamentations 3:24-26 NIV ‘I said to myself, “The Lord is my portion (share); therefore I will wait for Him.” The Lord is good to those whose hope is in Him, to the one who seeks Him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord.’ [*Part of the notes came from Quick Verse Life Application Bible]

Do you ever felt like “time stands still” and nothing’s happening except for tragedy that was going on around us? Actually, God is at work. We just don’t see it. That is why it is called, “Faith.” Jesus said, “Blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed” (Jn.20:29b). So let us “Wait for the Lord’s help. Be strong and brave, and wait for the Lord’s help” (Ps.27:14 ncv).

Song: Reach Out and Touch the Lord

Reach out and touch the Lord as He walks by;

You’ll find He’s not too busy to hear your cry;

He’s passing by this moment, your needs He supply.

Reach out and touch the Lord as he walks by.

[Lyrics: Bill Harmon, Sing His Praise]

May the Lord uplift your hearts and comfort you!

The Longing Soul

November 16-20, 2013 - The Longing Soul – Bread Verse by Dorothy Callies

Psalm 107:9 “For He satisfieth the longing soul, and filleth the hungry soul with goodness.”

“They wandered in the wilderness in a solitary way; they found no city to dwell in. Hungry and thirsty, their soul fainted in them. Then they cried unto the Lord in their trouble and he delivered them out of their distresses. And He led them forth by the right way, that they might go to a city of habitation. Oh that men would praise the Lord for His goodness, and for His wonderful works to the children of men! For He satisfieth the longing soul, and filleth the hungry soul with goodness” (Psalm 107:4-9).

“O GIVE thanks unto the LORD, for He is good: for His mercy endureth for ever. Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, whom He hath redeemed from the hand of the enemy” (Psalm 107:1-2).

This psalm exhorts (urge strongly) the redeemed to praise the Lord for deliverance from desperate and dangerous situation. The psalmist uses the examples to illustrate that God responds to the extreme (most advanced) troubles of His people when they pray: hunger and thirst (v.4-9), slavery (v.10-16), illness almost to death (17-22), and the danger of storm (v.23-32). [Note from the Full Life Study Bible, Donald Stamps]

Last Sunday noon on November 17^th, the tornado hit the town, Washington which is about 45 miles north of Bloomington where we live. It was 11:30 a.m. and the weather was nice and warm to 65 degree. Some of us deaf group went to Apple Bee to eat lunch. Then at noon there was a sudden gush of winds and we started to pray together, pleading the blood of Jesus over all our people, situations, Etc. I even plead the blood of Jesus over Taco Bells over all areas. We continue to pray until we all had peace that God will watch over us. Then it rained very hard with some hails. We remain calm and went on eating and stayed at Apple Bee until the storm was over.

Later we learned that it hit the town, Washington, partly. My boss told me that the Taco Bell was spared, but next side, the gas station and the stores were wiped out. This made me realized how important to plead the blood of Jesus because God said, ‘When He sees the Blood, He will pass over.’ The newspaper declared a miracle that only one person died.

This psalm of 107 has a purpose for us today for all believers who in misery and affliction cry out to the Lord. It builds up our faith and encourages us during those times when we need God to intervene (to come between in order to stop) specifically in our lives.

So let us continue to trust God who continues to help us!

PS. I know you’re wondering how I am doing. I am okay, but not out of the wood yet. At times, I struggle and I notice that I depend on God so much more to keep on believing God for strength and healing. This Psalm 107:9 has greatly encourages me. God bless you.

The Ship

November 11-15, 2013 The Ship – Manna by Dorothy Callies

Psalm 107:26 “Their ships were tossed to the heavens and sank again to the depths, the sailors’ cringed (shrink) in terror.”

 

Reading from New Living Translation Psalm 107:23-31. “Some went off in ships, plying the trade routes of the world. They, too, observed the Lord’s power in action, His impressive works on the deepest seas. He spoke, and the winds rose, stirring up the waves. Their ships were tossed to the heavens and sank again to the depths; the sailors cringed in terror. They reeled and staggered like drunkards and were at their wits’ end. “LORD, HELP!” they cried in their trouble, and He saved them from their distress. He calmed the storm to a whisper and stilled the waves. What a blessing was that stillness as he brought them safely into harbor! Let them praise the LORD for His great love and for all His wonderful deeds to them.”

Psalm 107:23-31 tells a story of people in peril (danger) at sea. In KJV, the verse quoted, “their soul is melted because of trouble.” Have you ever felt like that, “soul is melted because of trouble?” The Psalmist was telling us that when the sailors send an S.O.S. to God and God responds by smoothing out the sea and guiding them to their destination.

I visualized us inside a ship that faced a towering wall of water edged with claw-like form that was about to crash down our struggling ship. Sometimes I felt like Satan’s hands were like the claws and he tried to crash us down. The Scripture teaches us to call, “LORD, HELP!” We cried in our troubles and God held back Satan’s claw-like hands from destroying us. God gave us a “smooth” sailing and we arrive in a safe spiritual harbor of rest from the sufferings and pains.

I read this commentary and I thought it was good to share. “Those who have never truly suffered may not appreciate God as much as those who have matured under hardship. Those who have seen God work in times of distress have a deeper insight into His loving-kindness. If you have experienced great trials, you have the potential (real possible) for great praise.” (Note from Quick Verse Life Application).

As for the news: I went for a check up with the Doctor and the next thing I will see the lung specialist next month. I still need prayer since my bronchus areas are not too comfortable. My breathing seems to improve some with the medicine inhaler. As for Tony, he is fine with the new medicine he is taking. As for Manna, I am not sure what it would be like since I am struggling with my health issue. I appreciate your prayers.

God bless you!

Car Wash

Isaiah 43:2 “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you” (NKJV).

Do you know what it is like to be compared as a car and you as a car would go through the car washed? Imagine we like a car would line up and waited. The guys would vacuum my car rugs, and seats. Then the powers began moving my car forward. Then there comes a thunderous rush of water, soap, and brushes hit my car from all directions. This doesn’t sound pleasant.

What if I get stuck in here or water crashes in? Oh, my car moved on to a clear rinse of water. Suddenly the water ceased. My car get blow-dry. Then guys came to my car with rags and clean inside and outside polished. Then my car is ready to go and face the world again. So this is what God was doing, preparing us …

Are you going through “the rivers of difficult time”?  The Lord God has spoken: “When you go through deep waters and great trouble, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown!” (NLT).  Let His Word of love flows into our spirits and healed us in Jesus’ name. In His presence there is peace.

News from Dorothy and it is November 6, 2013.

I began to understand why God was preparing me the devotion for “passing through the waters” and that He would be with me. He wants me to be aware that He knows what is happening. You will understand why when I tell you this. Just after I came out of the hospital last week, Tuesday-Thursday, guess what?

Yesterday on Nov. 5, 2013, Tony went to ER to have his blood clots in his lungs being worked on with new medications and shots. He will be in the hospital for few days. So I appreciate your prayer. God has giving me strength moment by moment. What helps also was taking Ensure drinks as needed to support my body when I am on steroid medication until I see the Doctor on Nov. 11^th to reevaluate my bronchus. I am trusting God that all things will work together …

May God bless you!

Dorothy 

Halted

This devotion was halted because I was taken to emergency hospital 2 nights to be treated for the shortage of breathe. It was due to bronchitis and narrow airway. They gave me medication so that I could breathe easily and rest for 10 days. I just trust God day by day and thank you for your prayers.

Dorothy Callies

Springs Without Water

October 25-31, 2013 Springs Without Water – Manna by Dorothy Callies

2 Peter 2:17 “Those false teachers are like springs without water …” (NCV).

Peter was writing about the false teachers who would cause the people to be lost. The false teachers even refuse to accept the Master, Jesus, who bought their freedom. This requires study of God’s Word and a determined effort to know the truth and teachings of Scripture. Studying God’s Word will help us to defend our faith and resist the false teaching.

The holy faith is the New Testament revelation handed down by Christ and the apostles. The important thing is to be faithful to what Jesus Christ teaches. Without a strong view of Holy Scripture, the full authority and teaching of the Bible are weakened; the Bible will in time be replaced by human’s other religious experience or human become independent into their own belief.

Without a strong view of Holy Scripture, the church has no true and sure foundation for its faith. Without Jesus’ teachings, there is no salvation. Without the Gospel of Jesus Christ, there is no message to preach. Without the Son of God, there is no baptism in the Holy Spirit and the working of miracles. Without Jesus Christ, there is no hope looking forward for His coming again. Without Jesus, we have no living water to drink from and eventually it will lead to spiritual death.

The song “Without Him” is a powerful testimony against the false teachers that should constantly remind us that from Him comes the living water of eternal life. Hallelujah! My heart is filled with praises to Thee.

Song: Without Him

Chorus: Jesus, O, Jesus!

Do you know Him today?

Do not turn Him away.

Oh Jesus, Oh Jesus!

Without Him how lost I would be.

1. Without Him I could do nothing.

Without Him I’d surely fail;

Without Him I would be drifting

Like a ship without a sail. (chorus)

2. Without Him I would be dying.

Without Him I’d be enslaved;

Without Him life would be hopeless,

But with Jesus, thank God, I’m saved.

(Mylon R. LeFevre, Sing His Praise)

Wells Without Water

October 22-24, 2013 Wells Without Water – Manna by Dorothy Callies

2 Peter 2:17 “These are wells without water, clouds that are carried with a tempest; to whom the mist of darkness is reserved for ever” (KJV).

Jude who is a half-brother of Jesus wrote this letter. “… clouds they are without water, carried about of winds; trees who fruit withereth, without fruit, twice dead, plucked up by the roots, raging waves of the sea, foaming out their own shame; wandering stars, to whom is reserved the blackness for ever” (Jude 1:12c-13 KJV).

Peter wrote “Those false prophets are like springs without water. They are like mists driven by a storm. The blackest darkness is reserved for them” (2Pet.2:17 NIRV).

Jude wrote “They are like stains at the meals you share. They eat too much. They have no shame. They are shepherds who feed only themselves. They are like clouds without rain. They are blown along by the wind. They are like trees in the fall. Since they have no fruit, they are pulled up. So they die twice. They are like wild waves of the sea. Their shame rises up like foam. They are like falling stars. God has reserved a place of very black darkness for them. He will keep them there forever” (Jude 1:12-13 NIRV).

The commentary from the Full Life Study Bible quoted what “twice dead” means. The apostate teachers among Jude’s readers are “twice dead” (literally, “twice having died”). The false teachers were once believers in Christ who had “passed from death into life” [John 5:24] but had sometime afterward severed (separated) their union with Christ and passed out of life back into death [Eph.2:1]. The word apostate means “giving up their previous loyalty to Christ.”

Paul wrote the reason for their spiritual death. “For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify (control) the deeds of the body, ye shall live” (Rom. 8:13 KJV). It was their failure to put to death the sinful deeds of the body that leads to spiritual death and the lost of inheritance in the kingdom of God. The words “ye shall die” mean that a Christian can pass from spiritual life back into spiritual death. It means that sin is always striving to regain control over us.

Like Jude quoted the kind of teachers who had no control over their flesh, their souls were lost. So how do we avoid this? In my translation what Paul meant, “If you through the Spirit do discipline the body that often tried to tempt you, you shall live.” It means that we as believers must continually decide whether we will surrender to the ‘pulling’ of the sinful human nature or surrender to the demands of the divine nature of which we partake in Christ living in us.

Wow! Now we know what it means “wells that has no water.” This is why Jesus said, “Come and drink” the living water. It is Jesus that keeps us alive. Keep drinking the Word of God from day to day. Amen!

I see why I miss the Bread Verse is like drinking the living water for my soul! Log in: http://www.deafprayerpartners.blogspot.com/

News about Bread Verse

The Bread Box Verse now goes to the Deaf Prayer Partners LIFELINE. Log in:

http://www.deafprayerpartners.blogspot.com/

If you check my profile, you will see two Blogs:
Fresh Manna and Deaf Prayer Partners Lifeline.
You could try to click it for Bread Box Verse.

Any questions, email dotcallies@hotmail.com

Many thanks!

Dorothy Callies

Shall Never Thirst

October 19 21 2013 Shall Never Thirst – Manna by Dorothy Callies

John 4:14a “But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst …”

Jesus is the living water. Water does at least three things. It cleanses or purifies; it refreshes; and it revitalizes or energizes. How does a person feel when he or she drinks the water? Like someone quote, “Drink lots of water.” Why? The water cleanses your body. The water refreshes your body. The water energizes your body.

What happens when we “drink the living water” which is Jesus Himself? Jesus, the living water cleanses us. Jesus, the living water purifies us. Jesus, the living water refreshes us. Jesus, the living water revitalizes us. Jesus, the living water gives us new life. Jesus, the living water gives us new strength. Jesus, the living water gives us energy. Jesus, the living water gives us the power to do things.

The “water” given by Christ means spiritual life which Isaiah 12:3 quotes, “Therefore with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation.” To partake of this living water, you need to “drink” as Jesus said, “If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink” (Jn.7:37). This act of drinking is not just for a moment or just for one time, but rather a repeated drinking.

The word “drink” is a present command or a strong encouragement to continue to repeat the same thing over and over. Drinking the water of life requires regular communion with the source of the living water, Jesus Christ Himself.

Word of warning: No one can continue to drink of the water of life if we become separated from its source (who? Christ). No one can survive without drinking the living water who is Christ. What happened when a person become separated from Christ? Such people will become, as Peter describes, “springs without water.” [More to come on the next Manna]

I wondered if we really understood what Jesus was trying to tell us about the living water like He had talked with the Samaritan woman at the well. He said, “If you only knew the free gift of God and who it is that is asking you for water, you would have asked him, and he would have given you living water” (Jn.4:10 NCV).

Let’s listen to Him today.

Song: There is a River                                              Song: Only Jesus

There is a river                                                          Only Jesus, only Jesus,

That flows from deep within;                                     Only He can satisfy;

There is a fountain                                                     Every burden becomes a blessing,

To cleanse the soul from sin.                                     When I know my Lord is nigh.

There is a vast supply,                                               [Inspiring Choruses]

There is a river

That never run dry.

[Inspiring Choruses]