He Keeps Me Singing (11/27-30)

27-30 Nov. 2015 - He Keeps Me Singing – Story of Luther Bridgers. Resource from the Devotional book with songs and stories provided by Dorothy Callies.

“And the ransomed of the Lord shall return, and come to Zion with singing with everlasting joy on their heads . . .” Isaiah 35:10.

Though battered by life, the patriarch Job declared that God is able to give us “songs in the night” (Job 35:10). When the Psalmist, Asaph, felt overwhelmed, he consoled himself with God’s “song in the night” (Psalm 77:6). God is strong enough to keep us singing, even in the night seasons.

North Carolina native Luther Bridgers began preaching at age seventeen while attending Asbury College in Kentucky. Afterward, he developed a reputation as an effective pastor/evangelist/church planter. The Lord gave him a wonderful wife and three precious boys.

In 1910, when Luther was twenty-six and the future seemed bright, he took his family to his wife’s home in Harrodsburg, Kentucky, southwest of Lexington. They were going to stay with her parents while Luther was on a preaching trip.

One evening a nearby neighbor, unable to sleep, rose in the night and glanced out his window. He was horrified to see flames. Racing across the field, he gave the alarm, but by that time the house was fully engulfed. Luther’s in-laws evidently escaped, but his wife and sons perished.*

During the long, slow recovery from overwhelming grief, Luther suffered deep and almost suicidal depression, according to some sources. But he recalled the Bible’s promise of “songs in the night,” and several months later he wrote both the words and the music for this gospel song about God’s ability to keep him singing. Notice how he alludes to his tragedy in verse 4:

         

Though sometimes He leads through waters deep, / Trials fall across the way,

Tho' sometimes the path seems rough and steep, / See His footprints all the way.

Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, Sweetest Name I know,

Fills my every longing, Keeps me singing as I go.

In 1914, Luther married again and became a general evangelist for the Methodist Episcopal Church South, a ministry that kept him occupied for the next eighteen years (with a brief interruption after the World War I when he traveled to Belgium, Czechoslovakia, and Russia, doing Evangelist work).

After 1932, he served as pastor in churches in Georgia and North Carolina, and retired in Gainesville, Georgia, in 1945. He passed away in Atlanta in 1948.

 [*Dr. Alfred B. Smith, the “Dean of Gospel Music,” says that Luther himself was at his in-laws that night and had to be restrained by neighbors from re-entering the collapsing inferno.]

Song: He Keeps Me Singing

(Music and Words from Luther B. Bridgers)

1. There’s within my heart a melody, Jesus whispers sweet and low;

“Fear not, I am with thee; peace be still,” In all of life’s ebb and flow.

Chorus:

Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, Sweetest name I know,

Fills my every longing, Keeps me singing as I go.

2. All my life was wrecked by sin and strife, Discord filled my life with pain,

Jesus swept across the broken strings, Stirred the slumbering chords again.

Chorus:

Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, Sweetest name I know,

Fills my every longing, Keeps me singing as I go.

3. Feasting on the riches of His grace, Resting ‘neath His sheltering wing.

Always looking on His smiling face, That is why I shout and sing.

Chorus:

Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, Sweetest name I know,

Fills my every longing, Keeps me singing as I go.

4. Tho’ sometimes He leads through waters deep, Trials fall across my way,

Tho’ sometimes the path seems rough and steep, See His footprints all the way.

Chorus:

Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, Sweetest name I know,

Fills my every longing, Keeps me singing as I go.

5. Soon He’s coming back to welcome me, Far beyond the starry sky,

I shall wing my flight to worlds unknown, I shall reign with Him on high.

Chorus:

Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, Sweetest name I know,

Fills my every longing, Keeps me singing as I go.

Precious Lord, Take My Hand (11/23-26)

23-26 Nov. 2015 – Precious Lord, Take My Hand – Share a story about how Thomas Dorsey obtain this special song. This song is my favorite. 

“I the Lord thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, 'Fear not; I will help thee.” (Isaiah 41:13)

Thomas Dorsey (1899-1993 - not the famous ball player) has an honored title of 'The Father of Gospel Music', and his music is loved around the world. The journey to this title and fame was a very difficult one.

Thomas loved music. At a very early age, long before his music education at the Chicago College of Composition and Arranging, he was playing piano in a Vaudeville act. After college, he frequented the jazz clubs, gaining quite a reputation as the very talented 'Georgia Tom'.

In 1921, at the age of 22, Thomas gave his life to Jesus. Almost immediately he left the jazz clubs and began writing Gospel music. He took great effort to circulate his musical scores, but it was three long years before anyone started to notice. Little by little his reputation grew, not only as a songwriter but as a church music director.

In 1932 while the now Reverend Dorsey was leading a church service, a man came on to the platform to hand him a telegram - his wife had just died in childbirth. Within 24 hours his newborn baby died also. Thomas quickly spiraled downward into the depths of despair, doubting the goodness of God and determining never to write another hymn.

A week after that horrible, life changing day, Thomas was deep into his grief, sitting alone at a piano, in a friend's music room. Into the room came a heavy peace such as he had never known before. As that peace enveloped him, Thomas felt the urge to play the piano. His fingers found a familiar melody and the words to Precious Lord, Take My Hand began to well up from his heart and to spill out of his mouth. God had given him a song that would not only lift him from despair, but would also change the course of his music career.

Precious Lord, Take My Hand has been translated into more than 40 languages, has been sung by some of the biggest names in Gospel music, including Mahalia Jackson and Elvis Presley, and it was Dr. Martin Luther King's favorite hymn. Reverend Thomas Dorsey went on to write many more hymns, including the famous Peace in the Valley, which when recorded by the Sunshine Boys in 1951, became the first Gospel song recording in history to sell more than one million copies.  

Precious Lord, Take My Hand

“. . . and lead me in the way everlasting.” (Ps. 139:24)

Precious Lord, take my hand,
Lead me on, let me stand,
I am tired, I am weak, I am worn;
Through the storm, through the night,
Lead me on to the light:
Take my hand, precious Lord,
Lead me home.

When my way grows drear,
Precious Lord, linger near,
When my life is almost gone,
Hear my cry, hear my call,
Hold my hand lest I fall:

Take my hand, precious Lord,

Lead me home.

When the darkness appears
And the night draws near,
And the day is past and gone,
At the river I stand,
Guide my feet, hold my hand:
Take my hand, precious Lord,

Lead me home.

(Words and Music: Thomas A. Dorsey, 1938,

Hill and Range Songs, Inc.)

[Resource from sharefaith.com/stories and songs]

Victory is Mine (11/20-22)

20-22 November 2015 - Victory is Mine – Manna by Dorothy Callies

Song: Victory is Mine

Victory is mine, victory is mine,
Victory, today is mine.
I told Satan, get thee behind,
Victory, today is mine.

Healing is mine, healing is mine,
healing, today is mine.
I told Satan, get thee behind,
Healing, today is mine.

Jesus is mine, Jesus is mine,
Jesus, today is mine.
I told Satan, get thee behind,
Jesus, today is mine.
[Song collection, author unknown]

Let God fight your battle for you and defeat the attack of illness.
"The LORD is my strength and song, and He has become my salvation [healing]; He is My God, and I will praise Him; my father's God, and I will exalt Him. The LORD is a man of war; the LORD is His name". Exodus 15:2-3 NKJV

Exodus 15:1-18 - Then sang Moses … This song. This song celebrates God’s victory at the Red Sea over Egyptian powers. It is a hymn of praise and thanksgiving to God for His majesty, military might, and faithfulness to His people. [The Commentary said:] The deliverance out of Egypt foreshadows and prophesies the victory of God’s people over Satan and the antichrist during the last days; hence one of the songs of the redeemed is called the “song of Moses” is found in Rev. 15:3.

John: “And I saw as it were a sea of glass mingled with fire: and them that had gotten the victory over the beast, and over his image, and over his mark, and over the number of his name, stand at the sea of glass, having harps of God. And they sing the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, Great and marvelous are thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints” (Rev. 15:2-3 KJV).

What does this mean? The story of Israel’s deliverance out of Egypt and their victory over the horse and his rider God has thrown them into the sea (Ex. 15:21); should encourage us to trust God that the future prophesies that God would give “them” the victory over Satan and the antichrist during the last days. This helps me to realize who God is . . . A Victor God, a Winner! And who is “them”?

That’s another issue of those who went through the tribulation time and they had victory over the beast, victory over his image, victory over his mark, and victory over the number of his name. They that had gotten victory stood at the sea of glass, having harps of God, singing … and this is the prophecy! This means it hasn’t happen yet, but it will be some day!

Prayer: Oh dear Abba, thank You for Word to renew our inner man day by day, learning to trust in You, Father. Thank You for Jesus and thank You for Holy Spirit to help us through in Jesus’ name we pray. Amen! (2008 Manna revised for Nov.  20-22, 2015)

He Looked Beyond My Fault (11/17-19)

Song: He Looked Beyond My Fault
Amazing grace shall always be my song of praise,
For it was grace that bought my liberty;
I do not know just why He came to love me so,
He looked beyond my fault and saw my need.
I shall forever lift mine eyes to Calvary
To view the cross where Jesus died for me;
How marvelous the grace that caught my falling soul!
He looked beyond my fault and saw my need.
[Song by Dottie Rambo, Londonderry Air]

God's Word says: "I will give them a crown to replace their ashes, and the oil of gladness to replace their sorrow, and clothes of praise to replace their spirit of sadness. Then they will be called Trees of Goodness, trees planted by the Lord to show his greatness.
Isaiah 61:3 NCV

"... to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor. Isaiah 61:3 KJV

Psalm 37:24
KJV: though he stumble, he will not fall, for the LORD upholds him with His hand.
AMP: Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down, for the Lord grasps his hand in support and upholds him.

What are you going through? I would sing that song; quote God's Word and allow the Holy Spirit to make intercession for those who are going through a very rough time.  There’s power in prayer, in unity, in love and a heartfelt spirit.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, Abba, thank You for that marvelous grace that You have caught our falling soul. You looked beyond our faults and saw our needs. And You lifted us up into the higher ground and set us free to love You with all our hearts. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen!

[Manna from 2008 revised for Nov. 17-19, 2015 Manna]

A Story of Ivan (11/13-16)

13-16 November 2014 - A Story of Ivan – Manna by Dorothy Callies

Ivan was a soldier in the Red Army and a Christian who put his faith in God. The Communists had called him so many times to the headquarters tried to talk him out of his faith in God. The Communists were not successful. Then he was called in to meet the Major Gidenko's office, who was the head of the Political Directive Committee. Gidenko was sure that he could solve the problem by threatening him to back away from his faith. After a long talk and questionings with Ivan, Major Gidenko finally gave an order for him to stand in the street near the barracks, with the temperature of 13 degrees below zero. Ivan went out after 10 p.m. until 3 a.m., wearing only summer uniform and it was snowy, icy blast of wind.

Ivan prayed a long time, but soon prayer did not come easily. Ivan was worried how long he could stand all night, wondering if he could freeze to death. Soon after, he remembered the angel who had visited him that early morning, and said, "Do not be afraid, I am with you!" Ivan knew the angel was with him even though he did not see the angel. So he began to pray fervently.

At 12:30 a.m., three officers were bundled by their overcoats, hats and boots, came to Ivan, and asked him if he had changed his mind to come in and get warm. Ivan replied, "No, comrade officers. As much as I want to come in and go to bed, I cannot. I will never agree to remain silent about God." Ivan noticed three officers were already shaking from the cold. They were stamping their feet, and slapping their hands, impatient to return to their heated barracks. Ivan checked his hands--they were cold, but not too cold. He still could move his toes easily. It was a miracle!

One senior officer mumbled to Ivan, "You'll feel differently in another hour," and he quickly left. Ivan continued to pray until he was dozing while standing on his feet. It was 3:00 in the morning, the senior officer woke him up to return to barracks. For the next 12 nights, Ivan continued to stand in the street outside his barracks. Miraculously, he did not freeze; he did not beg for mercy.

Ivan continued to speak about his faith to his comrades and officers. He sang about the glory of God, Jesus Christ in barracks, though it was strictly prohibited. Soldiers around him were converted, and impressed by his strong faith in God. The Communists continued to torture Ivan and tried to get him to deny Jesus, but they were not successful.

Finally, Ivan's body was returned to his family. His body showed that he had been stabbed six times around the heart. There were signs of beatings on the whole body. Then he had been drowned. Colonel Malsin, his commander said, "Ivan Moiseyev died with difficulty. He fought with death, but he died as a Christian." Ivan's father was proud of his son, the Christian hero, who should be an example for all faithful youth that they should love Christ as Ivan, his son had loved Him. Note: Ivan wrote his last letter to his family before he died, gave them comforts that he was ready to go and be with the Lord Jesus Christ (He was only 20 years old).

Dorothy: Ivan gave the "Good News" to the soldiers. They were converted and turned their faith in God. Ivan had "harvested" more souls to Jesus through his suffering. Ivan died as a "Soldier of the Cross" and the song seems to fit him well. 
 

Song: Am I a Soldier of the Cross

Am I a soldier of the cross,
A follower of the Lamb,
And shall I fear to own His cause,
Or blush to speak His name?

Must I be carried to the skies
On flowery beds of ease,
While others fought to win the prize,
And sailed through bloody seas?

Are there no foes for me to face?
Must I not stem the flood?
Is this vile world a friend to grace,
To help me on to God?

Sure I must fight if I would reign;
Increase my courage, Lord.
I'll bear the toil, endure the pain,
Supported by Thy Word.

Thy saints in all this glorious war
Shall conquer, though they die;
They see the triumph from afar,
By faith's discerning eye.

When that illustrious day shall rise,
And all Thy armies shine
In robes of victory through skies,
The glory shall be Thine.         
 
[Isaac Watts wrote the hymn in 1721 to accompany his text message on 
1 Cor. 16:13, "Watch ye, stand fast, quit you like men, be strong."
 
On January 8th, 2008 I woke up at 3 a.m. The Lord urged me to read the book, "Jesus Freaks,” dc Talk and The Voice of the Martyrs, Stories of Those Who Stood for Jesus. I read one article about Ivan, the soldier of the Red Army and I was so impressed with Ivan's stand for Christ. 

May God bless you!

Dorothy

[Jan. 8, 2008 revised for Nov. 13-16, 2015 Manna]

Come unto Me (11/10-12)

10-12 November 2015 - Come unto Me – Manna by Dorothy Callies 

Song: Come unto Me

1. Hear the blessed Savior calling the oppressed,
“O ye heavy laden, come to Me and rest;
Come, no longer tarry, I your load will bear;
Bring Me every burden, bring Me every care.”
Chorus:
Come unto Me; I will give you rest;
Take my yoke upon you, Hear Me and be blest;
I am meek and lowly, Come and trust My might;
Come, My yoke is easy, And My burden’s light.

2. Are you disappointed, wandering here and there,
dragging chains of doubt and loaded down with care?
Do unholy feelings struggle in your breast?
Bring your case to Jesus, He will give you rest.
Chorus:

Come unto Me; I will give you rest;
Take my yoke upon you, Hear Me and be blest;
I am meek and lowly, Come and trust My might;
Come, My yoke is easy, And My burden’s light.

[Charles P. Jones, Sing His Praise]

Matthew 11:28, 29, 30 Jesus said,
KJV: “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your soul. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

NCV: “Come to me, all of you who are tired and have heavy loads, and I will give you rest. Accept my teachings and learn from me, because I am gentle and humble in spirit, and you will find rest for your lives. The teaching that I ask you to accept is easy; the load I give you to carry is light.”

Today's prayer:
Dear Lord, I pray for strength and peace into our hearts in time of trouble. I pray for the joy of the Lord into our hearts and that You are our Life. You are our strength. You are our peace since Jesus said, "My peace I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in Me. Trust God." Thank You Holy Spirit for the inspiration this morning. In Jesus' name amen.

May God bless you today.

[Manna from Dec. 2008 revision for Nov. 10-12, 2015]

Hearts Warm? (11/7-9)

07-09 Nov. 2015 – Hearts Warm? – Manna by Dorothy Callies

Theme: Was not our hearts warm?

Luke 24:32 KJV: And they said to one another, Did not our heart burn within us, while he talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the scriptures?

NCV: They said to each other, "It felt like a fire burning in us when Jesus talked to us on  the road and explained the Scriptures to us." AMP: And they said to one another, Was not our heart greatly moved and burning within us while He was talking with us on the  road [and] as He opened and explained to us [the sense of] the Scriptures?

Jesus on the Road to Emmaus is found in Luke 24:13-35.
 The song, "Let's talked about Jesus," reminds me of the story of two followers who were on the way to a town called, Emmaus. They were talking about Jesus because they didn't know that Jesus had arose. When Jesus joined and walked with them to Emmaus, they were discussing the Scriptures. Later when their eyes were opened and they recognized Him, and He vanished. They realized that when Jesus talked about the Scriptures, their heart were inspired.

What does this means to me? It made me realized that reading the Scriptures will inspired me, touched me, healed me, blessed me, lifted me, changed my life and get to know Jesus more and more. The Scriptures were all about Jesus. The whole Bible is an inspiration from God.

Prayer: Dear Lord, help us to realize You have revealed to us through Your Word, the Bible. Open our eyes to see You, the same way You have opened two followers' eyes to recognize You and Your Word. Help us to find someone to talk about You and let our hearts burn within us. In Jesus' name. Amen! God bless you!

Song: Let’s Talk About Jesus!
Let's talk about Jesus!
The King of kings is He.
The Lord of lords supreme!
Throughout eternity.
The great I am the Way,
the truth, the Life, the door.
Let's talk about Jesus more and more.

(Inspiring Choruses)

[This Manna is from March 2008 for Nov. 7-9, 2015]

Many Deceivers (11/4-6)

04-06 Nov. 2015 - Many Deceivers – Manna by Dorothy Callies 

2 John 1:7-8 KJV: For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist. v8. Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward.

NCV: Many false teachers are in the world now who do not confess that Jesus Christ came to earth as a human. Anyone who does not confess this is a false teacher and an enemy of Christ. v8. Be careful yourselves that you do not lose everything you worked for, but that you receive your full reward.

Summary Note: John warns that many deceivers and false teachers are perverting [turn from the truth of] God’s Word and trying to persuade Christians to accept their views. Their false teaching concerns the person of Jesus Christ. They deny that Jesus Christ was the eternal Son of God, born of the virgin [Matt. 1:18; Luke 1:27], the blood of Jesus provides forgiveness for the sins of all who believe [1 John 2:2; 1 John 4:9-10] and who is “the true God, and eternal life” [1 John 5:20].

John loves the truth [2 John 1:1]. John loves and cares for others which show in the book of John how he reveals about Christ. The note explains that it is possible that some people will show love toward others, but not live by God’s truth about Jesus Christ. And also some people will promote God’s truth and doctrine of Christ and not show love and concern for others. What God wants is that we show both love for His truth and love for others. We must speak the truth in love [Eph. 4:15; 1 Cor. 13:6].

What does this means to me? It is about Christ and who He is. And what John is trying to tell us about the deceivers. Have you ever had someone who tried to change your belief and join their “other organization” that does not follow God’s truth and the teachings of Christ and apostles? What should you do? Study God’s Word very carefully and always remember that Jesus is our strong foundation of salvation.

Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, I pray that we stay true to You. Help us to be strong and reminds us Your Word that we “look to ourselves, that we lose not those things” what Jesus has taught us. I pray that we abide in the “doctrine of Jesus Christ” (2 John 1:9). In Jesus’ name I pray, amen! May you be blessed with this song.

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)  

[Dec. 2008 Manna for Nov. 4-6, 2015 with little revision. Now you have the Scriptures about those who claimed that “Jesus Christ was not born in the flesh,” John, the Beloved Disciples said, “They are antichrist” 2 John 1:7] 

Bee Sting (11/1-3)

01-03 November 2015 - Bee Sting – Shared by a friend 

From Worthy News Brief shared to us by Maria R.                                             

Matthew 5:11-12 “Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.”

An ancient story is told of the Queen of Sheba. She sent two wreaths of roses to Solomon, one real and one artificial, to test his reputed wisdom. She defied him to detect the genuine from the artificial. Solomon at once directed that some bees be brought into the room and of course, they immediately flew to the real flowers and thought nothing of the counterfeit.

So it is with us as believers. When we find ourselves overwhelmed, surrounded, being attacked from every side with the bees of revile and persecution, it simply means they recognize that we are the real deal! Our beautiful aroma attracts those scary bees but the Lord, in the end, "Where,[oh bees], is your sting?"

Rejoice when the bees come around! Don't lose heart! God has the victory!