Grace Greater 8/28-31

28-31 August 2016 _ Grace Greater – Manna by Dorothy Callies

This Monday morning song came to me:

Grace Greater Than Our Sin.

Marvelous grace of our loving Lord,

Grace that exceeds (beyond) our sin and our guilt,

Yonder (looking) on Calvary’s mount (much) outpoured,

There where the blood of the Lamb was spilt (cut shed).

Chorus:

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.

(Wrote by Julia Harriette Johnston, Sing His Praise)

Jesus Healed a Sick Man at the Pool of Bethesda, Proving His Deity in His Power to Give Life – Reading from John 5:1-18.  The deity of Christ means that Jesus is God.

            Key verse: John 5:8-9 Jesus said to him, “Rise, take up your bed and walk.” And immediately the man was made well, took up his bed, and walked.  And that day was the Sabbath.

            (1)  From the book of John, he explained the seven signs or miracles to prove that Jesus is God. I was impressed with the third of the seven signs proving the deity of Jesus Christ happened in the city of Jerusalem at the pool of Bethesda, near the Sheep Gate.  Bethesda means “House of Mercy.” 

            (2)  Here one lame man out of a multitude (many) of ill people found grace in the eyes of the Lord Jesus, who said to the man, “Rise, take up your bed and walk.”  This healing was pure grace—that is, it was unmerited (unworthy) and solely (only) due (something owe) to God’s kindness and mercy (grace).

            (3)  It is important to understand the word “unmerited.” Let’s focus on the meaning of the word, merit.  It means the actions that determine one’s worthiness of reward; a quality worthy of praise; a person’s worth. Now, the word, unmerited means not worthy. A person being good cannot earned God’s grace.

            (4)  Jesus found the man in the temple, and said to him, “See, you have been made well.  Sin no more, lest a worse thing come upon you” (John 5:14).  The man’s healing was instantly and complete.  The man did not seek Jesus; Jesus sought him.  The man did not ask to be healed; it was Jesus who asked, “Do you want to be made well?”

            (5)  Even after Jesus healed him, he did not know who Jesus was.  The Jews asked him, “Who is the Man who said to you, ‘Take up your bed and walk’? But the one who was healed did not know who it was . . .  Afterward Jesus found him in the Temple” and he finally learned who had healed him.  He then left the temple and told the Jews that it was Jesus (John 5:12-14).

            (6)  Now the last thing Jesus said to him was, “See, you have been made well. Sin no more, lest a worse thing come upon you” (v.14).  Of the seven signs, this was the most unusual.  Only God has perfect, eternal knowledge of all people and all events—past, present, and future.

            (7)  In this sign or miracle, when He revealed to the man that his sins had caused his sickness, and warned him not to continue to practice sin.  Jesus had shown that He has all knowledge.

            (8)  In this sign or miracle we see Jesus the Creator giving life to one of His creatures (person) according to His sovereign (supreme ruler) will, by giving grace upon a hopeless, helpless, sinful man who had suffered physical infirmity for 38 years.

           

            Question: Why did Jesus heal only one man out of a multitude of sick and lame people waiting to be healed?  The man had no one to help him, and this sign or miracle shows us His grace upon this man.  This shows us that we have hope in forgiveness of sins and to sin no more. That story tells us of Jesus’ amazing grace and healing.

            This miracle was the most unusual because Jesus has shown what His grace really mean. This man didn’t even know who healed him until later Jesus met him and told him that it was He that healed him. Jesus knew the man’s problem and encouraged him to “sin no more.”  Only God has perfect, eternal knowledge of all people and all events—past, present, and future. This is why I sang it this morning:

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.

May the Lord bless you today!

Dorothy

PS.  Part of this came from my personal Bible studies and I change it to Manna and I thought to share this part with you.  This would be a very good sermon to preach if you want to tell this story about God’s grace.

Jesus: I Pray 8/25-27

25-27 August 2016 – Jesus: I Pray – Manna by Dorothy Callies

John 17:1  Jesus spoke these words, lifted up His eyes to heaven, and said: “Father, the hour has come, Glorify Your Son, that Your Son also may glorify You.” (NKJV)

Poem: Jesus: I Pray (Based on KJV John 17)

Father, the hour is come:

            Glorify Thy Son;

     That Thy Son may glorify Thee.

Thou hast given Me power and grace

            To accept all the hardships I would face.

     Eternal life to many as Thou has given Me.

I have glorified Thee on the earth

            Since the day of My birth.

     I have finished the work which Thou gavest Me to do.

I have given them Your Word

            Out of My mouth, they have heard

     Each word was given and they truly believe in You.

Now, I pray for them that they are Thine.

            All Mine are Thine, and Thine are Mine.

     Keep them, oh, Father, from this world at all cost.

I am in this world, no more,

            But these do and I come to Thee for

     You, Father to keep them that none will be lost.

I pray that all of My believers may be one.

            I pray that Our desires for them may be done.

     That the world may see and truly know Our greatest love.

Neither do I pray for these disciples alone,

            But many more who will come to Me to atone.

     That they may behold My glory and Holy Spirit, My Dove.

                       

                                    --Jesus Christ  

                        (Written by Dorothy Callies, 1980’s)

Dorothy: If you ask, "Did I really heard Jesus spoke to me this poem as I wrote them down?" Jesus was real to me as He sat close by me on the sofa when I wrote this poem related to His prayers from John 17.  Three prayers of Jesus: 1. Jesus prays for Himself (John 17:1-5).  2. Jesus prays for His disciples (17:6-19).  3. Jesus prays for all believers (17:20-26).

May the words of Jesus bless you today.

Dorothy

Beyond My Fault 8/22-24

22-24 August 2016 – Beyond My Fault – Manna by Dorothy Callies

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

Do you ever felt like that sometimes you felt unworthy of who you are? I sometimes felt that. When I see these verses and a song . . . it makes me realized that God’s love is so amazing that our mind cannot really understand it.  It takes faith to believe what God’s Word says to us in Isaiah 61:3.

"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

Think about that! Replace our ashes? A crown of beauty!  Replace our sorrow? An oil of gladness! Replace spirit of sadness?  Clothes us with praise! That is how much God really, really, really loves you!  I grasp this and surrender my heart to Him and sing this song . . . of worship to Abba, our Father who art in heaven . . . to Jesus who loves us so much to look beyond my fault and forgave me. I sing to Jesus using “You” instead of “He” … You looked beyond my fault and saw my need . . .

Song: He Looked Beyond My Fault

                Song by Dottie Rambo [Londonderry Air]
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. (2 times)

Oh how I pray that we all comes to love You, Jesus and allow Your love just to overflow us again and again.  Let this healing begin in our souls and be free in the Spirit of love. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen!

May God bless you today!!

Dorothy     

The Greatest, Who? 8/19-21

19 21 August 2016 – The Greatest, Who? – Manna by Dorothy Callies

Jesus was speaking to disciples. Who Is the Greatest?

Luke 9:46-48 NCV: Jesus’ followers began to have an argument about which one of them was the greatest. Jesus knew what they were thinking, so he took a little child and stood the child beside him. Then Jesus said, “Whoever accepts this little child in my name accepts me. And who ever accepts me accepts the One who sent Me, because whoever is the least among you all is really the greatest.”

Poem: Who Is the Greatest?

Who is the greatest of you all?
I called a child who was very small.

In the midst of them, I set the small child
as an example of tenderness, he was so mild.

You must change your way to enter
the kingdom of heaven which will last forever.

Be like this little child who is ever so humble.
A child who believes in Me easily and doesn’t mumble.

That is the kind of people that Father and I like the best.
They are what makes the kingdom of heaven, the greatest.

Anyone whose heart accepts the child in My name
Has accepted Me because the child and I are the same.

But woe to you who hurts the child that believes in Me.
It would be better for you to be drowned by the Sea.

Take heed with My little ones that you do not despise.
Because the angels watch over them so “be careful,” is My advice.

Poem from Matthew 18:1-6
[Written by Dorothy Callies in 1980]

I thought it would be special to send this out since I enjoy reminding myself the value of being like a child, such is the kingdom of God. Oh, heavenly Father, help us to be like a child, completely relying on You. Such a beautiful relationship of loving, caring, adoring together.
 

May Jesus’ words touch you and bless you!

Dorothy

Deaf Shall Know 8/16-18

16-18 August 2016 - The Deaf Shall Know – Manna by Dorothy Callies

The song or poem brought back the memory since I have seen this from the Deaf Convention’s theme: The Deaf Shall Know. It was probably around 1960's during Maxine Strobridge who was an A/G National Representative of Springfield, Missouri.  I am not sure of the exact wordings, however I would like to share this and the Scriptures. 

Song or Poem: The Deaf Shall Know

The Deaf shall know . .  the Savior, Jesus Christ.

The Deaf shall know . .  the truth and the life.

The Deaf shall know . .  that Jesus came to save today.

The Deaf shall know . .  that Jesus is the only way.

(Author, unknown)

Reading from NKJV Mark 7:31-37 – Jesus Heals a Deaf Mute (Cannot speak).

“Again, departing from the region of Tyre and Sidon, He came through the midst of the region of Decapolis to the Sea of Galilee.  32) Then they brought to Him one who was deaf and had an impediment (not able to speak) in his speech, and they begged Him to put His hand on him.

33) And He took him aside from the multitude, and put His fingers in his ears, and He spat and touched his tongue.  34) Then, looking up to heaven, He sighed, and said to him, “Ephphatha,” that is, “Be opened.”  35) Immediately his ears were opened, and the impediment of his tongue was loosed, and he spoke plainly.

36) Then He commanded them that they should tell no one; but the more He commanded them, the more widely they proclaimed it.  37) And they were astonished beyond measure, saying, “He has done all things well.  He makes both the deaf to hear and the mute to speak.”

From verse 36, do you ever wonder why Jesus commanded them not to tell about the healing? The commentary from the Quick Verse Life Application Bible explain why. [Jesus asked the people not to talk about this healing, because He didn’t want to be seen simply as a miracle worker.  He didn’t want the people to miss His real message.  We must not be so concerned about what Jesus can do for us that we forget to listen to His message.]

Dorothy: My mother took me to several healing meetings believing that God would heal me of my deafness until I was 12 years old, she finally said, “God has a plan for you.  You are going to a Deaf School.”  So I went to Deaf School and learn the sign language and my education improved. I was saved when I was 13 and understood the message of salvation through Sign Language. From there God has done many wonderful works through my being Deaf.  Even God is glorified through Deaf people who loves Him.

Key: Jesus wants our relationship and to listen to Him personally.  The first three years, Jesus developed the relationship with His disciples before He sent them out to work for Him. So it is important to stay close to Him, worship Him and to love Him.

God bless you today! 

Dorothy

Deaf Hear Words 8/13-15

13-15 August 2016 - That Day Deaf Hear – Manna by Dorothy Callies

Isaiah 29:18 KJV “And in that day shall the deaf hear the words of the book . . .”

Song: In That Day Shall the Deaf

In that day shall the Deaf

Hear the Words of the Book.

In that day shall the Deaf

Hear the Words of the Book.

Word of joy, Word of peace,

Word of Love that never cease,

And that Jesus died for all.

(Author, unknown)

Reading from Isaiah 29:17-24, there is a note from the Full Life Study Bible inspired me to share this inspiration Word of God with you.  

“Isaiah’s prophecies of judgment are never without hope, for they characteristically include the theme of Israel’s restoration.  These verses envision the last days of this age when the humble and poor of Israel will turn to God (v.18-19) and the wicked will be destroyed (v.20-21).

Israel’s full restoration will occur (happen) shortly before Christ’s return to earth to reign (Rom. 11:26; Rev. 12:6). The blessings of sight for the blind and hearing for the deaf (v.18; 35:5) accompanied Christ’s first coming; God’s people will receive full redemption at His second coming.”

Reading from Isaiah 35:5-7 KJV, “Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped. Then shall the lame man leap as an hart (deer), and the tongue of the dumb (can’t speak) sing: for in the wilderness shall waters break out, and streams in the desert.  And the parched (dry) ground shall become a pool, and the thirsty land springs of water . . .”

Dorothy: I was watching TBN, a religious program and there were special people singing. Being deaf, I was not able to really hear at all and I talked to God about this.  Until I read the song and the research, I came to realize that God did care about the Deaf.  One for today, the Deaf shall read His Word.  The second is the future prophecy about Israel’s full restoration . . . it means all people will be healed from deafness, blindness, lame and those who couldn’t speak before Christ’s reign on earth.

The note quoted that “Isaiah’s prophecies of judgment are never without hope.” To me it means that we have hope and that God does care about us being “Deaf” and He has a great plan for us. So . . .

Let us trust our God today!

Dorothy

Words Forever 8/10-12

10-12 August 2016 - God’s Words Are Forever – Manna by Dorothy Callies

Isaiah 40:8 NKJV “The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of God stands forever.”

The commentary notes from Full Life Study Bible:  “The word of our God shall stand for ever.” All created life is fragile (easily broken or destroyed) and weak and will ultimately (completely) come to an end. But God’s word endures forever.  God’s promises will be fulfilled; His redemptive truth cannot be annulled (cancelled) or changed.

His redemptive truth means His redeeming plan has already been set up. Jesus is our Redeemer. He bought us back from what Satan had stolen from Adam in the first place. The Bible reminds us that people are like grass that withers, and flower that easily fades, but God’s Word is our promise and that includes healing . . . There’s a song that seems to impress me so I like to share it with you.

Song: The Bible Stands

            (Written by Haldor Lillenas, Sing His Praise)

The Bible stands like a rock undaunted (not afraid)

‘Mid the raging storms of time;

Its pages burn with the truth eternal,

And they glow with a light sublime (shine).

Chorus:

The Bible stands tho’ the hills may tumble; (fall suddenly)

It will firmly stand when the earth shall crumble; (break down)

I will plant my feet on its firm foundation,

For the Bible stands.

The Bible stands for every test we give it,

For its Author is divine;

By grace alone I expect to live it,

And to prove it and make it mine.

Chorus:

The Bible stands though the hills may tumble;

It will firmly stand when the earth shall crumble;

I will plant my feet on its firm foundation,

For the Bi – ble – stands . . .

May this Manna encourage us to hold on to “what our God says will stand forever.”  Let us trust God today!

Dorothy

The Father Knows 8/7-9

07-09 August 2016 - The Father Knows – Manna by Dorothy Callies

Matthew 6:32b “Your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.”

NLT: “Your heavenly Father already knows all your needs.”

Matt. 6:33 NLT “And He will give you all you need from day to day if you live for Him and make the Kingdom of God your primary concern.” Also, “So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries.  Today’s trouble is enough for today” (Matt. 6:34).

Dorothy:  We know the song, He is all I need, but sometimes it comes with a grief that the prayers are not always answered as we would have like to see it done.  Holy Spirit came to me with this card verse, “Your heavenly Father knows . . .” It felt like He made a deep impression on my heart and repeatedly said, “Your heavenly Father knows . . . He knows . . .”

Does God cares when our heart is pained … too deeply for a joyous song? Does God cares when our burdens are too heavy to carry … And when there’s too much problems that cause distress? Sometimes the way becomes weary and seems like the days are so long.  Does God really care?  Does Jesus care?  There is an answer from the song.

Song: Does Jesus Care?

O yes, He cares: I know He cares,

His heart is touched with my grief;

When the days are weary,

The long nights dreary,

I know my Savior cares.

(Frank E. Graeff; J. Lincoln Hall)

This is an uplifting song that our heavenly Father knows our needs. We can know that Jesus does care what we are going through. So . . .

Trust Him today,

Dorothy

Be Faithful 8/4-6

04-06 August 2016 - Be Faithful – Manna by Dorothy Callies

Matthew 25:23b “Thou has been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things.”

Awesome! Be faithful! Two powerful words encourage us to “Be Faithful!” Do you ever feel discouraged when everything seems like nothing has happened yet? What should we do? Remember the words of Jesus when He said … “Faithful servant.” It means a lot to Jesus to call us, “Faithful servants.”

Can Jesus count on you to be loyal to Him as a friend?  Can Jesus count on you to be firm in keeping promises?  Can Jesus count on you to fulfill the duties as a faithful worker? Are you the one that has faith?  Can He count on you to be faithful to Him?

Rev. 2:10 “… be thou faithful unto death …” Those are the words of Jesus Christ to the Church in Smyrna (one of the seven churches). Even Jesus encouraged the Church in Smyrna not to be afraid of suffering. “Fear none …”

Dorothy: What does this means to me?  A lot because there are so many things we have been doing including the Lord’s work.  The more we got older, the more we wondered if our day to day basis have meanings? Am I doing the right thing?  Until I saw the verse, “Thou has been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things.” Jesus’ words inspires me.  Also the song reminds me to return . . .

Song: 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)

Oh, my heart melt … Thank You, Jesus!

Dorothy

Eye Not Seen 8/1-3

01-03 August 2016 - Eye Not Seen – Manna by Dorothy Callies

1 Cor. 2:9 KJV “But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love Him.”

From what I understand about this verse: God in His wisdom has done many wonderful things that we have yet to see and hear. It means there’s always more coming from Him and let us continue in faith, believing God will do great things for us.

And this verse lead me to find a song called, “Isn’t He Wonderful” verses written by Herbert Buffum, Jr., but the chorus was anonymous. The song came from ‘Melodies of Praise’ Gospel Publishing House in Springfield, Missouri.

Song: Isn’t He Wonderful

What a wonderful, wonderful love,

Brought our Savior to earth below.

And our sins, which were scarlet are cleansed,

For His blood washes whiter than snow.

Chorus:

Isn’t He wonderful, wonderful, wonderful,

Isn’t He wonderful, wonderful.

Eyes not seen, ears not heard,

What’s recorded in God’s Word,

Isn’t He wonderful, wonderful.

Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, You have so many wonderful things for us that we have not seen yet. Like David said in the Psalm 27:14 “Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and He shall strength our heart: wait, I say, on the Lord.”

We thank You for having done many good things for us already.  By faith we are still looking forward to see marvelous things that You, God will do for us. I pray that our faith will grow more and more than ever before to trust in Your miracles especially in healings for many of us. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen!

God bless you!

Dorothy