Dangerous like Wolves (10/31)

31 October 2015 Dangerous like Wolves – Manna by Dorothy Callies

Matthew 7:20 NCV, “…you will know these false prophets by what they do.”
Matthew 7:15 NCV, “…They come to you looking gentle like sheep, but they are really dangerous like wolves.”

Note: This is a warning from Jesus Christ who prophecy what the false prophets will do. In the New Testament times, they are called, ‘Professed Christians’ who declare openly what they believe. The word ‘profess’ means to declare or tell one’s belief and to pretend to be something when they are not.

They will act like a true Christian, but they do not follow the true teaching of Christ or apostles’ teaching like John, Peter and Jude. For example: They tell you that Jesus was not born in the flesh, yet they acted like a Christian. Jesus said, “They are really dangerous like wolves.”

What exactly do the wolves do? In some movies, have you ever seen the pack of wolves? They find something to eat and they attack animals or even a human being. They tear them to pieces to eat. It is not a pleasant thing to watch, but that is what wolves do.

Have you ever met someone who really talks smoothly to begin with and then suddenly they change and try to convince you that their ‘false’ teachings are right? Inside of you, you felt crushed, confused, and lost. It could leads to emotional confusion if you don’t know the warnings from the Word of God.

This is why Jesus warned about the ‘Professed Christians’ whose works are like the “wolves” and they tried to find those who they can change them from what they believe in the Doctrine of Christ [2 John 1:9].

This is why John said, “…try (test) the spirits whether they are of God…” It means find the Word of God, the Sword and make sure you protect yourself from these “wolves” who are out to destroy you. Study the Doctrine of Christ, the basic teachings from Apostles’ epistles (letters) from the Bible. This is your only protection: Know the Word of God. Stand firm and study Jesus’ warnings from the Gospel!

Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the words of warning that came from Your Son, Jesus Christ. He is truly a prophet who cares for His own sheep. I remember “Ivan” who stood for You and the Communist was like “wolves” trying to talk him out of his faith in You. When they didn’t succeed, they acted like ‘wolves,’ stabbed him six times and beating his body until finally he died as a true Christian martyr [Jan 9, 2008 Fresh Manna]. My heart goes out to those new baby Christians who are learning to trust You and I pray they will stand for You in Jesus’ name, amen.

[Dec. 2008 Manna for Oct 31^st, 2015 with some revision. This is a perfect time to be alert, watch and pray that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.]

God bless you today!

Conflict (10/30)

30 October 2015 - Conflict - Manna by Dorothy Callies 

Theme: "Don't shy away from conflict"
Isaiah 41:21 "Present your case," the Lord says. "Bring forward your strong arguments."

My Son,
Having conflict in your life is normal. Only dead people have no conflict in their lives. Some people tend to shy away from conflict because it makes them nervous. They believe if they ignore it, it will go away. But that just doesn't happen.

If you ignored a wound, it would become infected and lead to other problems. Ignoring it wouldn't make it go away. The same is true about difficult situations in your life.

I don't want you to shy away from conflict. It isn't bad if you handle it well. If you approach the situation with confidence in Me and love toward the other person or people, then you have the power to heal or to prevent the wounds of conflict. Turn to me, and let's face conflict together.

Your Mediator,
God
e-mail from God for Men by Andy Cloninger

Dorothy:
The phrase: shy away means don't push it away or wish for something better. The word conflict means struggle; fight; disagreement; clash; direct opposition. What this mean to me? Things don't always go the way I want. This is called 'conflict'. I am sure you may have face something that God put you there and you do not like it. This is called 'conflict'. The e-mail from God for Men touched my heart because I often struggle with several things.

I had wondered if a struggle was okay or not. Then I open the book and God spoke to me about the conflict. I see that God was at work through my struggle or conflict. It made me realize that God do cares for me. I believe God is speaking to you today. Maybe you are going through the same thing. Just know that God loves you and so do I.

 [This is from Dec. 2008 Manna. Awesome! We all need this in time of Halloween.]

Quiet Morning (10/29)

29 Oct 2015 - Quiet Morning – Manna by Dorothy Callies 

Psalm 18:1-3
I will love you, Lord. You are my strength.

V2 The Lord is my rock, my protection, my Savior.
My God is my rock. I can run to Him for safety. He
is my shield and my saving strength, my defender.
V3 I will call to the Lord, who is worthy of praise,
and I will be saved from my enemies. (NCV)

Psalm 59:17
God, my strength, I will sing praises to you. God,

my defender, you are the God who loves me. (NCV)

Psalm 77:14
You are the God who does miracles; you have
shown people your power [strength]. (NCV)

Psalm 81:1

Sing aloud unto God our strength: make a joyful

noise unto the God of Jacob. (KJV)

Worship Song: In the Quiet of the Morning

In the quiet of the morning…
I will worship Your name…
I will lift my voice [sign] with singing…
to praise you again…
For it fills my heart with glad.. ness…
that remains [stays] through the day…
In the quiet of the morning …
I will worship Your name…

(Author unknown)

Dorothy: I found this Manna from Dec. 2008. I'm quoting

God’s Word and singing this song of faith to fight against

my noising tinnitus that just came up worse this morning. 

May God bless you!  

The Tears (10/26-28)

26-28 Oct 2015 - The Tears – Manna Dorothy Callies

Psalm 126:5 “They that sow in tears shall reap in joy.”

I have a story to share about “the tears.” In the month of June one Sunday morning at the Riverside Deaf Church in California, I had a special farewell song to the Deaf Congregation to sing to in sign language, “He Washed My Eyes with Tears.” While I was singing the song, I suddenly burst into tears, I mean, really flowing tears. The Deaf Church had a Kleenex box near me to wipe my tears every now and then. The Deaf congregation didn’t seems to mind because they also were weeping with me. It was an unforgettable experience for all of us. In case you asked, “What’s so special about it?”

It was when Tony and I just got married in June 3, 1967 and a week later after the honeymoon on Sunday in the month of June, it was the last day for me to leave the Riverside Deaf Church in California I sort of grew up with when I was a teenager. I had been involved with lots of Church activities, Movie Ministry, Youth Ministry and Outstation Ministry. I didn’t realized until that day of leaving that we were kind of closely knitted and it nearly broke my heart into tears. The song, “He Washed My Eyes with Tears” meant a lot to me then.

For me, leaving the Riverside Deaf Church means the beginning of the new life with Tony. In the month of June 1967 we began our traveling ministry of Evangelism in Oklahoma Deaf Camp and several Deaf Churches and throughout the United States that Maxine Strobridge, the former National Representative of Assembly of God had arranged the advanced dates for almost two years. We only had a Mercury car to travel with and we were blessed to able to sleep at any kinds of beds we had already slept in for almost two years. Imagine that!

“They that sow in tears shall reap with joy” applied to many souls we have won to the Lord during those two years of traveling ministry. Psalm 126:6 “He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves (souls) with him.” NIV: “Those who go out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with them.”

Song: He Washed My Eyes with Tears

He washed my eyes with tears—that I might see—

The broken heart I had—was good for me;

He tore it all apart—and looked inside,

He found it full of fear—and foolish pride.

He swept away the things—that made me blind,

And then I saw the clouds—were silver lined;

And now I understand—‘twas best for me—

He washed my eyes with tears—that I might see.

He washed my eyes with tears—that I might see—

The glory of Himself—revealed to me;

I did not know that He—had wounded hands,

I saw the blood He spilt—upon the sands.

I saw the marks of shame—and wept and cried,

He was my substitute—for me He died;

And now I’m glad He came—so tenderly,

And washed my eyes with tears—that I might see.

(Ira F. Stanphill, Country Wester Gospel Favorites)

Work of Thy Hand (10/21-25)

21-25 October 2015 - Work of Thy Hand – Manna by Dorothy Callies

Isaiah 64:8 KJV, “But now, O Lord, thou art our father; we are the clay, and thou our potter; and we all are the work of Thy hand.”

Have you ever went to the ocean to collect sea shells or even sea glass? The sea glass are also known as beach glass. Unfortunately, sometimes people throw glass bottles into the sea and often they are pieces of shattered glass bottles. To begin with, the glass had a purpose, but then it was casually (little use) thrown away and became broken.

If the discarded glass ends up in the ocean, its journey is just beginning. The glass is tossed about by currents and tides, its polished edges are ground down by sand and waves. Eventually, the sharp edges glass are smoothed and rounded. The jewel-like sea colored glass has found new life by collectors who would treasured them.

When I think about the discarded glass going through so much currents and tides, and rubbed down by the sand and waves, I tried to imagine what it is like for us to go through this. Have you ever felt like some people tried to “rub you down into the sand” as if you were worth nothing? Boy, that must have hurt, yet the Scripture tells us that “we all are the work of Thy hand.” Prayer: “O Lord, teach us to trust You.”

I found several references that inspired me even more to realize “the work of God’s hand” into our lives. “Though I walk in the midst of trouble, thou wilt revive me: though shalt stretch forth thine hand against the wrath of mine enemies, and thy right hand shall save me. The Lord will perfect (mature) that which concerns me: thy mercy, O Lord endureth forever: forsake not the works of thine own hands” (Psalm 138:7-8 KJV).

Even though we don’t always understand God’s way or thoughts, but we can know this: our broken lives can be renewed when we allow ourselves to be touched by God’s love and grace. Then we can quote this scripture by faith: “For thou, Lord, hast made me glad through thy work: I will triumph in the works of thy hands. O Lord, how great are thy works and thy thoughts are very deep” (Ps. 92:4-5 KJV).

I found the song that is something new and inspiring, but it’s almost like a poem.

Song: Make My Life to Be

Make my life to be like a melody (song)

Ever telling forth the message of the cross.

Make my life to be like a symphony (harmony)

Ever telling of the years of gain or loss.

With Jesus in my heart, no discord can arise (there’s peace)

He can make the saddest heart to harmonize; (to be comforted)

Make my life to be like a melody (song)

Every telling for the message of the cross.

(Inspiring Choruses)

Poor in Spirit (10/16-20)

16-20 October 2015 - Poor in Spirit – Manna by Dorothy Callies

Matthew 5:3 Jesus said, “Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”

The Amplified Bible translated “Blessed (happy, to be envied, and spiritually prosperous with life-joy and satisfaction in God’s favor and salvation, regardless of their outward conditions) are the poor in spirit (the humble, who rate themselves insignificant), for theirs is the kingdom of heaven!” (Matt.5:3).  [Insignificant=not important]

**Being poor in spirit does not mean that a man must be poverty-stricken and financially poor. Hunger, nakedness, and slums are not pleasing to God, especially in a world of plenty. Christ is not talking about material poverty. He means what He says: poor in spirit. Being “poor in spirit” means several things.

We acknowledge or understand that we are completely helpless before God and we depend on God to meet our need. We understand that the real blessings of life and eternity come only from a right relationship with God. We understand that our attitude toward others is not proud and not looking down toward others. We understand that we could show our appreciation to others through our giving to those in great need.

**The opposite of being “poor in spirit” is having a spirit that is full of self. There is a world of difference between these two spirits. There is the difference thinking that we are righteous versus acknowledging that we need the righteousness of Christ. There is the difference of being self-righteous versus being given the righteousness of Christ. Self-righteousness goes no farther than self; that is goes no farther than death. Self dies and everything with self including our self-righteousness. But the righteousness that is of Christ lives forever.  [**Commentary from The Preacher’s Sermon & Outline Study]. (Versus=ASL opposite)

What impressed me that being “poor in spirit” receive forgiveness of sin and God’s continue remembrance: the assurance that God will never forget. “For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more” (Heb.8:12). “And their sins and iniquities I will remember no more” (Heb.10:17). “He hath remembered His covenant forever …” (Ps.105:8).

Jesus said, “Blessed are the poor in spirit for the kingdom of God belongs to you.” We have nothing in this world, but we have everything in Jesus. Only Jesus can satisfy so let’s sing.

Only Jesus

Only Jesus, only Jesus,

Only He can satisfy;

Every burden becomes a blessing,

When I know my Lord is nigh.

Return

Return to the One who loves you

Return to the Savior who cares.

He’ll give perfect peace

Your burden He’ll bear

Return to the Savior who cares.

 (Inspiring Choruses)

A Contrite Spirit (10/11-15)

11-15 October 2015 - A Contrite Spirit – Manna by Dorothy Callies

Isaiah 66:2 KJV, “. . . but to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at My word.”

The word, contrite means a feeling or showing sorrow and remorse (deep regret) for a wrong that one has done; to feel or express grieve. To tremble means to have strong fear. In another word, to have a strong respect to His Word. A person who really believe very strongly with God’s Word and show great respect to God’s Word. The word, poor here means a person who has nothing. [The next Manna will expand this subject.]

“The heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool: where is the house that ye build unto me? And where is the place of my rest? For all those things hath mine hand made, and all those things have been, saith the Lord”. . . (Is.66:1-2a). God’s Temple was already there and the people just loved beautiful designed Tabernacle. Yet why was God not impressed with all the fancy building that was constructed for Him?

According to Isaiah 66:3 God had spoken that He was not satisfied with the way they had offered to Him. Why? He said, “. . . he that burneth incense (at the Golden Altar), as if he blessed an idol …” Oh, stop right there, an idol? They were not satisfied to worship God only, they wanted other idols to worship, too. They had no respect for His Word. God said, “Yea, they have chosen their own ways, and their soul delighteth in their abominations” (Is.66:3c). God was not happy so what was God really looking for?

God said, “To this man will I look.” God is looking for a certain kind of person whose hearts are a contrite in spirit. Jesus said, “. . . He hath sent Me to heal the brokenhearted . . .” (Luke 4:18). A contrite spirit could lead to having a broken heart. Are you brokenhearted? His arms are wide open. Jesus is the healer of broken hearts. Let us pray.

Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, if You are looking for someone whose heart is a contrite spirit, here I am. I bring my brokenhearted before You. I bow down before You. Only You can fix my shattered dreams. Only You can work on my broken life and weave them together again. Jesus, You will always be my friend. You are the healer of broken hearts. I trust You to bring peace and joy in my soul. I pray for my friends who are going through their time of brokenhearted. I pray that You will heal their wounded hearts. I thank You for Calvary that brings healing to their hearts. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen!

Song Healer of Broken Hearts

He’s the healer of broken hearts,

He’ll mend your shattered dreams;

He’ll pick up the threads of your broken life

And weave them together again.

To your soul He’ll bring peace and joy,

A friend in need He’ll be;

The healer of broken hearts is Jesus of Galilee.

(Georgia Stiffler, Country Western Gospel Favorites) 

Broken But Beautiful (10/6-10)

06-10 October 2015 - Broken But Beautiful – Manna by Dorothy Callies

Jeremiah 18:4 KJV, “And the vessel … was marred … so He made it again …”

Reading from NLT Jeremiah 18:1-4, “The Lord gave another message to Jeremiah. He said, “Go down to the shop (potter’s house) where clay pots and jars are made. I will speak to you while you are there. 3) So I did as He told me and found the potter working at his wheel. 4) “But the jar he (the potter) was making did not turn out as he had hoped, so the potter squashed the jar into a lump of clay and started again. 

Have you ever wondered if your life were different than what you had today, would it be better? So your life had been broken, marred, or damaged by others that cause it? What would God do when your life was marred, ruin and not perfect. You are compare like a vessel or a vase or a jar and God would have to squash your life and your character. To squash means to press or crush and squeeze the clay together and start over anew. God would make you a new person like a new vessel into the likeness of Christ. God’s plan is to make you to become like Him. And . . .

God can only work with broken things. From the broken heart, blessing flows out even much greater than you ever dream of. Out of a broken heart, you can be sure that God will comfort you. “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise” (Psalm 51:17). “I will dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones” (Isaiah 57:15).

Out of a lump of clay, He can make something beautiful of your life. The only thing to do is to trust Him today . . . and sing this song . . . And God bless you . . .

Song: Something Beautiful

Chorus:

SOMETHING BEAUTIFUL, something good –

All my confusion—He understood;

All I had to offer him was brokenness and strife,

But He made SOMETHING BEAUTIFUL of my life,

If there ever were dreams that were lofty and noble,

They were my dreams at the start;

And the hope that I harbored down deep in my heart;

But my dreams turned to ashes,

My castles all crumbled, my fortune turned to loss,

So I wrapped it all in the rags of my life,

and laid it at the cross.

(Gloria and William J. Gaither, Country

Western Gospel Favorites)

Helping Together by Prayer (10/1-5)

01-05 Oct 2015 - Helping Together by Prayer – Manna by Dorothy

2 Cor. 1:11 KJV “Ye also helping together by prayer for us . . .”

Question: What was Paul going through when he asked the Corinthian Christians for their prayers for him and his friends? 2 Cor. 1:8-10 NCV, “Brothers and sisters, we want you to know about the trouble we suffered in Asia. We had great burdens there that were beyond our own strength. We even gave up hope of living. 9) Truly, in our own hearts we believed we would die. But this happened so we would not trust in ourselves but in God, who raises people from dead.

10) God saved us from these great dangers of death, and He will continue to save us. We have put our hope in Him, and He will save us again. 11) And you can help us with your prayers. Then many people will give thanks for us—that God blessed us because of their many prayers.”

Paul said, “. . . we despaired even of life” (2Cor.1:8 KJV). Paul had a terrible times with dangers, fear, anxiety, despair, and hopelessness—circumstances that weigh him down which was beyond his human power of endurance. Paul knew that God had not forsaken him. Paul knew that the Christians would help him with the prayers of intercession. 

This is a great comfort to know that we have Christians praying for us. We can be like Paul who had determined that for his entire Christian life he would remain faithful to his Lord. Our continue prayers that we keep our strong faith in Christ and stand true to Him, especially in the month of October. For the churches and the true born-again Christians, the month of October has been known to have the worse trials.

So let us pray: Our Heavenly Father, we plead the blood of Jesus Christ over all the Deaf Christians who believed in You, Your Son and the Holy Spirit. We plead the blood of Jesus over all the ministers, interpreters, workers and volunteers (Deaf and Hearing) who are working with the Deaf people. We plead the blood of Jesus over the Christians families who believed in You and they stand for You. We put on the whole armor of God that we may be able to stand against the wiles (tricks or traps) of the devil and be strong in our faith in You. We thank You by faith for the great victory that has already been given to all of us. In Jesus’ name, we pray! Amen!

Song: Pray, Pray

Pray, pray when things go wrong,

And gloomy fears around you throng (many);

The loving God your voice will hear,

Look up to Him, He’s always near.

Chorus:

Pray, pray though your eyes grow dim,

Go with your troubles straight to Him;

Pray, pray for God understands;

Have faith, leaving all in His dear hands.

(Authors: Lizzie DeArmond; Composers: Charles H. Gabriel, 1912)