Hold Me! 6/26-30

26-30 June 2016 – Hold Me! – Manna by Dorothy Callies

Hebrews 12:28 “Let us therefore, receiving a kingdom that is firm and stable and cannot be shaken, offer to God pleasing service and acceptable worship, with modesty and pious care and godly fear and awe” (Amplified Bible).

The last Manna God said that He will shake the nations . . . reminds me of more topic about the things that cannot be shaken will remain and the things that can be shaken—will be destroyed. What exactly are the things that cannot be shaken will remain?

In New Century Version seems clear: “So let us be thankful, because we have a kingdom that cannot be shaken.  We should worship God in a way that pleases Him with respect and fear, 29) because our God is like a fire that burns things up” (Heb. 12:28-29).

Our faith in God and His kingdom will remain strong during the shaking time. We hold on to our faith in God’s Word. Many things could “shake” us, but our faith in God and the Holy Spirit as our helper would make us strong in Him.

Today’s news (June 24th), “7 Hurt in Tornadoes” which is about 40 miles north of our hometown, Bloomington, Illinois.  We are thankful that none were killed and it could have been worse.  Many times we prayed that God would help all of us to focus on Him and to keep our faith in God. There are always miracles to look to and God is always there to help in many ways. 

Our faith may be shaken, but asking God for wisdom and guidance, He will help us through it all.  Let us become stronger in Him and His Word. I like the song I found from an old pamphlet in 1984, “Hold me” and it just melt my heart. The song brought the very Presence of God and I pray that you would feel Him holding you . . .

Prayer Song:  Hold Me!

      Written by Dorothy Callies in 1984

Hold me, gently, O my Savior …

Hold me sweetly in every way …

Hold me tenderly, O Redeemer …

Hold me, firmly while I pray …

Hold me, gently, O my Savior …

Hold me sweetly in every way …

Hold me tenderly, O Redeemer …

Hold me, firmly while I pray …

Prayer: Lord God of Heaven, thank you for holding me so closely.  Thank you for miracle of healing of all kinds of problems that we faced.  Thank you for helping us to be strong in you. Thank you for giving us wisdom and guidance in time of needs. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen!

             

I Will Shake 6/21-25

21-25 June 2016 - I Will Shake – Manna by Dorothy Callies

Haggai 2:6-7  “For thus saith the Lord of hosts; Yet once, it is a little while, and I will shake the heavens, and the earth, and the sea, and the dry land. 7) And I will shake all nations . . .”

Jesus gave a prophecy 2,000 years ago of what would happen in our days.  Luke 21:26, Jesus said, “Men’s hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken.”

Why are the men’s hearts failing for fear? Reason is catastrophe which means a sudden disaster; complete failure. Disaster means a sudden great misfortune like a flood or tornado that happens suddenly and causes much suffering or loss. Not only that but wars, rumors of wars.

What was God trying to do? Simple … trying to get our attention that time is coming. The day of salvation is now. When I look at the catastrophe news (TV or newspaper), I remember God said, “I will shake . . .” Also I just studied “The Sovereignty of God” . . . Results? God’s Presence became more real. Why? I will quote just a few notes.

“A few things we should know about: (1) He (God) is in absolute control of all things and all people. (2) “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28). (3) All of the powers of darkness, sin, Satan, demons, and the wickedness of mankind (people) cannot change the purpose of our sovereign God. (sovereign in ASL is ‘supreme ruler’).

“One thing we should know about the sovereignty of God and our responsibility as a person. Paul explained in Roman 9:1-24 that we do not always understand the mystery of God. One example: God used Pharaoh that “His name may be declared in all the earth” (Rom. 9:17).

“Sometimes we questioned God’s ways and we don’t always understand the purpose of His plan for us.  So Paul makes it clear that God is truly sovereign, a supreme ruler, and we are responsible to become aware of our Creator.  God is a good God and He can be trusted to do all things well.  God invited us to become His adopted children through the finished work of Christ presented in the Gospel.

“Like the song we sing sometimes:

Oh, how I loved Him, how I adore Him.

My breath, my sunshine. My all in all.

The great Creator became my Savior.

And in all God’s fullness, dwelleth in Him (Jesus).

(Author, unknown)

“Let us worship our Creator and love Him with all our heart, and with all our soul, and with all our mind, and with all our strength (Mark 12:30).”

The Mighty Toe 6/16-20

16-20 June 2016 - The Mighty Toe – Manna by Dorothy Callies

1 Corinthians 12:15, 22 - If the foot says, “I am not a part of the body because I am not a hand,” that does not make it any less a part of the body. 22) In fact, some of the parts that seem weakest and least important are really the most necessary (NLT).

What’s so special about a toe? When we bumped our bare toe against something, we really “see stars” with a big ouch… pain… ohhh that hurts! The whole body felt it.  Is toe really that important? Oh yes, it balance our body better when we walk. This subject led me to read one story I like to share.

It is called, “Toe Wrestling.”  Every year, people from across the countries would come to England for the world championships.  Competitors sit on the ground facing each other and then lock the big toe of the other’s bare foot. It’s the same idea with an arm wrestler pins a competitor’s wrist. It seems a very strange sports.

In a way, this unusual competition gives honor to a part of the body that is largely ignored—until we drop something on the toe.  Oh, oh that’s hurt. We give attention to it until it becomes comfortable and the whole body felt relief. 

Paul used the foot to remind us that there is no ‘unimportant’ parts in the body of Christ. In another word, everyone is important. Each person in the body of Christ is important. Even if you think of yourself as overlooked and ignored by others, still you have a great value in Christ.

The Lord uses small tools to perform a large tasks.  And you can honor God like a true champion by using your special skills for God’s glory.  Even the smallest toe becomes the “mighty toe” for Jesus.  He cares that much for you and me.

Prayer Song: “Lord, Keep Your Hand on Me”

You laid your hand, mighty Lord,

            on the range (land, mountain),

Laid your wonderful hand on the prairie (grassland).

Lord you poured forth the fountains

Raised up the mountains

Oh!  Lord keep your mighty hand on me . . .

You touched your clouds, made them rain,

From the rain made the sea,

From the sea, formed the clouds

To give us life abundantly; . . .

You have the earth and the sky

            in your command, Lord

Oh!  Please keep your precious hand on me …

       (Collection from Inspiring Choruses)

May the Lord bless you and use you in His mighty kingdom of God, in Jesus’ name!

There is None Like Me 6/11-15

11-15 June 2016 - There is None Like Me – Manna by Dorothy Callies

Isaiah 46:9 “Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like Me.” (KJV)

What was it that they should remember the ‘old days’? One, to remember what God had done for Israel when He led them out of Egypt into the wilderness; His Presence through the pillar of cloud that covered them during the heat of the day, and pillar of fire to warm them during the night of their sleep. God send Manna for their food for forty years until they entered the Promise Land.

Yet Israel wanted to add more idols of Babylon beside God.  They carried the idols, Bel and Nebo which were heavy with ‘silver and gold’ and the oxen were staggering with weight. They were into captivity and their idols did not delivered them. Their idols did not protect the people, and the people cannot protect their idols.  They go off into captivity together (Israel and their idols).  (Isaiah 46:1-2)

Didn’t they get it?  They couldn’t 'let it go' of their idols. That’s when God said, “To whom will you compare Me?  Who is My equal?  Some people pour out their silver and gold and hire a craftsman to make a god from it.  Then they bow down and worship it (the idol)!  They carried it (the idol) around on their shoulders, and when they set it (the idol) down, it (the idol) stays there.  It (the idol) cannot even move!  And when someone prays to it (the idol), there is no answer.  It (the idol) has no power to get anyone out of trouble” (Isaiah 46:5-7 NTL).

God was telling His people that He is better than idol that cannot even move. He moves around and He can hear their prayers while idol cannot.  God said, “Listen to Me, all you are left in Israel.”  Many were taken into captivity and carried away to Babylon and there were some who stayed in Israel.  There are two verses I love to hear God says this:

“I created you and have cared for you since before you were born.  I will be your God throughout your lifetime—until your hair is white with age.  I made you, and I will care for you.  I will carry you along and save you” (Isaiah 46:3-4 NLT).

Dorothy: Oh, that verses melt my heart when God said this: “I created you and have cared for you… I made you and I will care for you…”  This is so comforting to know that God meant what He says.  We have a wonderful God and there is none others like Him. He truly cared for us.   I remember this song that my dad sang to me.

Song: He Careth For You

He careth for you,

He careth for you,

Through sunshine and shadow,

He careth for you.

(Inspiring Choruses)

Mightier Than All 6/6-10

06-10 June 2016 - Mightier Than All – Devotion from “Our Daily Bread”.

Psalm 93:1 “The Lord reigns, He is clothed with majesty; the Lord is clothed, He has girded Himself with strength.” (NKJV)

          Iguazu Falls on the border of Brazil and Argentina is a spectacular waterfall system of 275 falls along 2.7 km (1.67 miles) of the Iguazu River.  Etched (a design on a hard material) on a wall on the Brazilian side of the Falls are the words of Psalm 93:4, “Mightier than the thunders of many waters, mightier than the waves of the sea, the Lord on high is mighty!” (RSV).  Below it are these words, “God is always greater than all of our troubles.”

          The writer of Psalm 93, who penned (wrote) its words during the time that kings reigned, knew that God is the ultimate (the greatest and farthest) King over all. “The Lord reigns,” Psalmist wrote. “Your throne is established from of old; You are from everlasting” (Ps. 93:1a-2).

          No matter how high the floods or waves, the Lord remains greater than them all.  The roar of a waterfall is truly majesty, but it is quite different matter to be in the water hurtling (to throw violently or powerfully) toward the falls. That may be the situation you are in today.

          Physical, financial, or relational problems loom (appear suddenly) ever larger and you feel like you are about to go over the falls.  In such situations, the Christian has Someone to turn to.  He is the Lord, “who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think” (Eph. 3:20) for He is greater than all of our troubles. –C.P. Hia, Our Daily Bread.

Dorothy Callies: What does this devotion means to me?  The Lord led me to read this devotion and I read it three times before I truly understood this special devotion. God is encouraging me that “God is greater than all of our troubles.” Yes, again I say, “God is always greater than all of our troubles.” It reminds me of this song, “How Great is Our God.”

Song: How Great is Our God.

How great is our God …

How great is His name …

He is the greatest One …

For-ever the same …

He rolled back the wa-ter …

Of the mighty Red Sea …

And He said, “I’ll lead you …

Put your trust in Me” …

(Song from collections, Unknown author)

Love We Can Trust 6/1-5

01-05 June 2016 - Love We Can Trust – Manna by Dorothy Callies

Lamentations 3:22 “Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed (destroyed), because His compassions (mercy) fail not” (NKJV).

Maybe the most painful statement a person can hear is, “I don’t love you anymore.”  Those words end relationships, break hearts, and shatter dreams. Often, people who have been betrayed guard themselves against future pain by deciding not to trust anyone’s love again.  Sometimes a person might felt like that with God.

But the wonderful thing about God’s love for us is His promise that it will never end.  Jeremiah, the prophet experienced the anguish, the extreme pain and distress that left him with emotionally exhausted (Lam. 3:13-20). Jeremiah’s own people rejected his calls to respond to God’s love and to follow Him.

Jeremiah reached to his lowest point and said, “My strength and my hope have perished from the Lord” (Lam. 3:18). Yet, in his darkest hour Jeremiah thought of God’s unfailing love and wrote, “Through the Lord’s mercies we are not ‘destroyed,’ because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness” (Lam. 3:22-23).  

Jeremiah continued, “The Lord is my portion,” says my soul, “Therefore I hope in Him. The Lord is good to those who wait for Him, to the soul who seeks Him. It is good that one should hope and wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord” (Lam. 3:24-26 NKJV). In spite of Jeremiah’s anguish, he put his trust in God.

A person may vow to love us forever yet fail to keep that promise, but God’s love remains steadfast and sure. “He will not leave you nor forsake you” (Deut. 31:6). That is a love we can trust.  His grace, His loving-kindness and gentleness are new every morning. It feels so fresh spiritually when you open your heart to Abba, your ‘daddy.’ His love will not let you go. May the Lord heals you in Jesus’ name.

Song: O Love That Will Not Let Me Go

      By George Matheson, Sing His Praise

O Love that will not let me go,

I rest my weary soul in Thee;

I give Thee back the life I owe,

That in Thine ocean depth its flow

May rich - er, full - er be.