Story of Thomas Hudson 11/20-30

29 -30 November 2017 - Now I Am Strong - Manna from May 2009

Dorothy: I read this simple story and it has encouraged me to be strong in the Lord.  

Now I Am Strong

Thomas Hudson
England, 1558

The crowd looked on, curious about what the martyr would do next. Thomas Hudson had come this far without denying his faith. The bishop had questioned him again and again, he'd not weakened in prison, and now he was walking to the place of execution. At the last minute, would he recant (deny his faith in Jesus)?

Just before the chain around him was made fast, Hudson stooped, slipped out from under the chain, and stood a little to one side. A hush came over the crowd--everyone wondered why he hesitated. The Christians prayed.

Only Hudson knew the real reason he had stepped down. At the last minute he had suddenly been attacked with doubts and felt his faith growing weak. Not willing to die while feeling this way, he fell upon his knees and prayed to God, who sent him comfort.

Then he rose with great joy, as a reborn man, and cried, "Now, thank God, I am strong. I don't care what man can do to me!" Going to the stake again, he put the chain around himself. The fire was lit.

Stories from the Book: Jesus Freaks from the Voice of Martyrs.

Ephesians 6:10-13 CEV "Finally, let the mighty strength of the Lord make you strong. Put on all the armor that God gives, so you can defend yourself against the devil's tricks. We are not fighting against humans. We are fighting against forces and authorities and against rulers of darkness and powers in the spiritual world. So put on all the armor that God gives. Then when that evil day comes, you will be able to defend yourself. And when the battle is over, you will still be standing firm."

Paul the Apostle
Martyred in Rome, 65 AD

God bless you!

Dorothy

Hold On 11/27-28

27-28 November 2017 - You Must Hold On - Manna from May 23, 2009 revised.

Good morning! Do you ever woke up and say, “I don’t feel important?” This is a battlefield to where Satan is accusing us continually before God [Rev. 12:10]. God has answers for us against Satan and He says, "Do not lose courage! You must hold on to Me! You are important to Me! I know the numbers of your hairs. Hold on! I love you!"

Philippians 1:6 NCV: “God began doing a good work in you, and I am sure he will continue it until it is finished when Jesus Christ comes again.”
Hebrews 10:35-36 “So do not lose courage you had in the past, which has a great reward. YOU MUST HOLD ON, so you can do what God wants and receive what He has promised.”

Remember you are important to God. Jesus died and rose again just to do this for you. You are important to God. So don’t lose courage. Your trusting in God will bring great reward. God is working inside of you and God will finish it when Christ comes.

Revelation 12:11 tells us that “they overcame him, (Satan, the accuser) by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of the testimony…” This is our weapons: the blood of the Lamb and confessing the word of God. Plead the blood of Jesus over our thoughts, feelings and boundaries and trust in God that we have the peace knowing that God is working inside of us through the power of the Holy Spirit in Jesus’ name we pray. Amen. Let us sing the song of victory, “Great and Mighty is the Lord our God.”

Great and mighty is the Lord our God
   Great and mighty is He …
Great and mighty is the Lord our God.
   Great and mighty is He …
Lift up your banners,
   let the Christians sing,
Praises to our king.
   Great and mighty is the Lord our God,
Great and mighty is He ...

   [Unknown author]

November 27 and 28, 2017 – Prayer from Dorothy Callies

Thank you, heavenly Father for giving us strength to continue to speak the word of God for our healing.  Thank you, Jesus that You have given us authority to speak in Your name for by Your stripes, we are healed. Thank you, Holy Spirit for the anointing upon us to continue the flow of healing power upon our bodies, and upon the prayer requests and upon the names from prayer marathon.  There are others who pray joined in unity of blessing of the Holy Spirit and the power of deliverance from those of us who are afflicted, and be set free in Jesus’ name. Amen!  Like the song says:

Set my spirit free that I might worship Thee.

Set my spirit free that I might praise Thy name.

Let all bondage go, and let deliverance flow.

Set my spirit free to worship Thee.

(Written by John Haddock).

May the Lord bless you today!

Dorothy 

In Faith Nothing Doubting 11/24-26

24-26 November 2017 - In Faith, Nothing Doubting – 2009 Manna by Dorothy

For news: In the morning, Tony helped himself put the walker into the back seat of the car!!! Then he held the door and got in the front seat of the car. I was shocked. And then Tony helped with washing dishes yesterday. Impressive!!! (Nov. 25^th).

Mark 11:22-25 New Century Version
Jesus answered, “Have faith in God. v23. I tell you the truth, you can say to this mountain, ‘Go, fall into the sea.’ And if you have no doubts in your mind and believe that what you say will happen, God will do it for you. v24. So I tell you to believe that you have received the things you ask for in prayer, and God will give them to you. v25. When you are praying, if you are angry with someone, forgive him so that your Father in heaven will also forgive your sins.”

There is a reason why Jesus answered these verses. The day Jesus left Bethany, he became hungry. He saw the fig tree and came to the tree and found no figs. He cursed the tree for having no figs to eat. The next day, Jesus was passing by with his followers; they saw the fig tree dry and dead, even to the roots. Peter became excited and said to Jesus, “Teacher, look! The fig tree you cursed is dry and dead” [Mark 11:7-21]!

I find this interesting about the fig tree being cursed because the tree did not have the figs ready for Jesus to eat. I believe Jesus had a reason so He could teach Peter and the disciples how important it was to have faith in God. When I said to myself, “have faith in God,” it seems like inside of me became calm. The spoken word became active. Jesus used the fig tree as an example to pray in faith, nothing doubting. Let His word bless our heart to have faith in God and let us not have any doubt in our hearts.

Song: Victory
I am trusting in the Lord,
I am standing on His Word,

Victory . . . victory . . .
I have peace and joy within,
Since my life is free from sin,

Victory . . . victory . . .

Chorus:

Victory . . . yes, victory . . .

Hallelujah! I am free,

Jesus gives me victory,
Glory, glory, hallelujah!
He is all . . . in all to me . . .
[Lyrics & Music: B.E. Warren, Sing His Praise]

November 26, 2017 Dorothy: This song impressed me and I had forgotten about it. It’s been eight years and the Lord spoke to my heart to look this up in March 31, 2009. I just love that song.  It really boosts me up. Thank You God Father. I really appreciate it in Jesus’ name.  May the Lord bless you today!

Happy Thanksgiving 11/21-23

21-23 November 2017 - Happy Thanksgiving to you and Happy Belated Thanksgiving to Canada friends!  [Canada just had theirs last month of October 2017] I just found this Manna, the Christian and suffering from Dec. 2009.  I just need the encouragement so . . .

I thank God for His Word spoke to me through Dec. 2009 Manna. I thank God that through His Word spoke to me through reading KJV on I Peter 4:12, reminding me not to think it strange when the fiery trial which is to try or test me, as though some strange thing happened to Tony.

Maybe you are going through some “strange fiery trial,” that doesn’t make sense?  I am reminded of Paul saying that we go through some dark glass (1Cor.13:12) that we can’t see it clearly now, but someday, we will understand it all when we see Christ. His glory will be revealed in us.

For now, we shall live by faith and trust the Lord with all our hearts and lean not to your own understanding, but in all our ways … just trust God (Prov. 3:5-6). Thank You, Father God for your words of encouragement. You really cares for us in Jesus’ name we pray. Amen!  Dorothy

Manna from Dec. 2009 - The Christian and Suffering

“My friends, do not be surprised at the terrible trouble which now comes to test you. Do not think that something strange is happening to you. But be happy that you are sharing in Christ’s suffering so that you will be happy and full of joy when Christ comes again in glory. When people insult you because you follow Christ, you are blessed, because the glorious Spirit, the Spirit of God, is with you” (1 Peter 4:12-14 NCV).

As long as Satan is in the world, he continues to oppose the work of the gospel among the Christians. Satan would send every kind of troubles and afflictions upon the faithful believers who are in this ungodly world. Satan’s warfare is always going against our faith in Christ and always against the Word of God. Satan would do anything to keep us from reading or memorizing the Word of God.

Through fiery trials (terrible trouble) God allows you to share in His suffering and forms within you the quality of character He desires. God wants to make you a very fine child of God. Trust Him. Just remember when you suffer and remain faithful to Christ, you will be considered blessed, for “the spirit of glory and of God rest upon you.” We are blessed when God’s Presence is with us. Let us be thankful to God!

Chorus: When We See Christ
It will be worth it all when we see Jesus;
Life’s trials will seem so small when we see Christ;
One glimpse of His dear face, all sorrow will erase;
So bravely run the race till we see Christ.
(Lyrics & Music: Esther Kerr Rusthoi)

God bless you!  Dorothy

O I Want to See Him 11/14-20

14-20 November 2017 - O I Want to See Him – Manna by Dorothy Callies

Song: O I Want to See Him

Chorus:
O, I want to see Him, look upon His face
There to sing forever of His saving grace;
On the street of glory let me lift my voice;
Cares all past, home at last, ever to rejoice.

Verse:
As I journey thro' the land singing as I go,
Pointing souls to Calvary, to the crimson flow,
Many arrows pierce my soul from without, within;
But my Lord leads me on; thro' Him I must win.
[Words and Music: R.H. Cornelius]

Acts 1:10b,11 NCV “... two men wearing white clothes stood beside them. They said, "Men of Galilee, why are you standing here looking into the sky? Jesus, whom you saw taken up from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you saw him go."
Acts 1:14 NCV  “They all continued praying together with some women, including Mary the mother of Jesus, and Jesus' brothers.”
Acts 7:55, 56 NCV “But Stephen was full of the Holy Spirit. He looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God and Jesus standing at God's right side. 56 He said, "Look! I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at God's right side."

Notes: Stephen Saw Jesus Standing
The Bible normally speaks of Jesus as seated at the right hand of God. But here Jesus stood up in order to welcome His first martyr to Himself. Stephen had confessed Christ before men and defended the faith. Now Christ, in honor of His servant, confesses him before His heavenly Father. For all faithful believers near death, the Savior stands ready to receive you as your intercessor and advocate.

Dorothy: What this mean to me? The song, "O, I want to see Him" encourages me that someday I will see Jesus. When I do see Him, I will see Him standing, waiting for me, welcoming me like He did with Stephen.

Why does Jesus stand? He shows respect and honor those who stood for Him. He wants to welcome us just like He welcome Stephen. While we are on the earth, remember Luke 18:1 says we should always pray and never lose hope like the persistent widow.

Thank You, Lord for reminding us with Luke 18:1 that we should always pray and not lose hope in Jesus’ name. Amen. May God bless you and I just want you to know that I am praying for you and encouraging you with the words of God.

Dorothy

(Revised from Manna from June 2009)

Your Confidence in God 11/10-13

10-13 November 2017 - Cast Not Away Your Confidence [Manna in 2009]

“So do not lose courage you had in the past, which has great reward” (Hebrews 10:35 ncv).

“Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompense of reward” (Hebrews 10:35 kjv). Confidence means a strong belief and trust and something told as a secret. The word, cast mean to throw away.

To grasp the deep meaning of Heb. 10:35, we need to read this part of Hebrews 10:32-34. “Remember those days in the past when you first learned the truth.You had a hard struggle with many sufferings, but you continued strong. 33 Sometimes you were hurt and attacked before crowds of people, and sometimes you shared with those who were being treated that way. 34 You helped the prisoners. You even had joy when all that you owned was taken from you, because you knew you had something better and more lasting.”

Do you ever felt like you have suffered more when you first heard the truth which is the gospel of Jesus Christ? You used to have a lot of friends, but now it seems some of them have hurt and attacked your faith in Jesus Christ? Do you ever tried to help those new friends who were also attacked by others who made fun of them for having Jesus Christ in their lives?

In Paul’s time, some of the wealthy Christians had lost their homes and were taken to prison because of their faith in Jesus Christ. Others had taken over their wealth. Paul had heard that they still have joy even when they lost their homes or things because they knew in their heart that there was something better in heaven for them. Paul encouraged us not to “Cast or throw away your confidence” and do not lose courage what we had in the past. Look forward to the reward for what we have done for the Lord’s work. God’s Word comes to us what we need to hear and be encouraged in Him that we are not alone. God will reward us. Let us trust Him!

Song: Cast Not Away Your Confidence
I believe the answers on the way.
I believe the Lord has heard me pray.
Cast not away your confidence, says the Lord thy God.
Now by faith in Him alone I stand.
Firmly held by His almighty hand.
Fully, trusting in His promise, praise the Lord.
(Song collection by author unknown) 

Dorothy today's manna: I was beginning to lose courage and I found this from 2009 Manna. From this verse, God's Word speak to me: “Do not lose courage you had in the past, which has great reward” (Hebrews 10:35 ncv). I noticed the next two verses [Heb. 10:36-37] also speak to me: "For you have need of steadfast patience and endurance, so that you may perform and fully accomplish the will of God, and thus receive carry away [and enjoy to the full] what is promised. For still a little while [a very little while], and the Coming One will come and He will not delay" (Amplified Bible).

So I need patience?  I need endurance? Why?  The verse gave answer: So that I may be able to fully accomplish the will of God? Ohhh that takes faith in God.  So the will of God or the plan of God is that I need patience and endurance to allow Him to accomplish something that He has been working on.  Thank You Lord for teaching me to have faith in You and in Your work in our lives. Thank You for the uplifting spirit through Your Word.  In Jesus' name, I pray, amen! 

May the Lord bless you today!

Moment by Moment 11/5-9/17

05-09 November 2017 - Moment by Moment – Manna by Dorothy Callies

Galatians 5:16 “Walk in the Spirit . . .”

The word, walk has a long list of meanings . . . to fit this sentence, “Walk in the Spirit,” I choose this kind of meaning.  Walk=manner (the way) of living: conduct, behavior in social life. It is like a various walks of live. In another word, our daily life-style or daily way of living. Paul explained how to live a daily walk from Galatians 5:16-25. Paul explained the difference between the Spirit and the flesh.   

The best way to begin with is the Fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22-23. “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.” And verse 25 “If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.”

Something I just noticed, ‘live in the Spirit and walk in the Spirit.’  [This could create a sermon on the difference between live in and walk, but I will keep it simple in this Manna.] To live in the Spirit is inside of us, but Paul, the writer of Galatian encouraged us to “walk in the Spirit.”  I would like to quote from the “War Room” book, The Battle Plan for Prayer.

“Every believer in Jesus Christ has the Holy Spirit within them (Eph. 1:13-14).  But we must be filled with, submit to, and walk in the Sprit, as opposed to the following our sinful flesh.  The command to “be filled with the Spirit” (Eph. 5:18) is not just for Christians in charismatic leaning congregations.  The Greek tense used in Ephesians 5:18 is a command to keep being filled by God’s Spirit.  It is not a one-time experience but a moment by moment, daily way of living and submitting and walking in the Spirit (Gal. 5:16-25).”

Dorothy:  When I read that part that said, ‘moment by moment,’ suddenly I remembered a song for that. I search from the song book and was surprised to see it was still there after so many years from not singing this song. It will be included at the end.

What this Manna means to me? It seems that the Holy Spirit was encouraging me to focus on how to walk in the Spirit as a part of daily living. I struggle on day to day basis on the surrounding with Tony.  For example, I get irritated with him for being so slow.  I don’t get joy inside of me. Until a friend advise me to remember his age and let him be himself.  Just simply encourage him to walk more.

So when Tony decided to let us go out for late lunch/early dinner [He didn’t want me to cook. Sweet!] I changed my thought to enjoy him as he is and I held his arm close as he walked toward the car. Suddenly I felt the inner joy. We both cheer each other and it was awesome.  Then I understood one of the fruit that I was missing was joy. I share the song with Tony, “Moment by Moment” at Denny’s while we were waiting for our food. Tony remembered some words and sang along with me. It was good to share with him.

Song: Moment by Moment

Moment by moment I’m kept in His love;

Moment by Moment I’ve life from above;

Looking to Jesus till glory doth shine;

Moment by moment, O Lord, I am thine.

(Lyrics: Daniel Webster Whittle, Sing His Praise)

God bless you so much!

Dorothy

The Ways of God's Spirit 11/2-4/17

02-04 November 2017 - The Ways of God’s Spirit – Manna by Dorothy Callies

1 Cor. 2:10 “The Spirit searches all things, even the depths of God.”

            I would like to quote some of the emphasis (special attention to). I was reading from the War Room book which teaches the battle plan for prayer. I just felt led to study His Word again through this chapter 25. When I typed the word quote with “. . .” it means I quote it from this small part that I want us to notice. Then my name means I explain what I say or I interpret the meaning from the quote.

            Quote: “God knows we often can forget to pray, and not know what to pray, or how we should be praying (Rom. 8:26). . . And yet God urges us to keep entering into prayer anyway . . . knowing He can lead us through the One He has put into our hearts.”

            Dorothy: Often I felt like I just don’t know what to pray when I felt like prayers have not been answered. So sometimes I just don’t pray much . . . I just felt like resting in Him . . . trusting in Him . . . and then what impressed me was . . .

            Quote: “God urges us to keep entering into prayer anyway . . . knowing He can lead us through the One He has deposited into our hearts.”

            Dorothy: What deposited into my heart? When I pray, I just praise Him, thank Him, love Him, worship Him, sing to Him and keep on trusting Him when I don’t see prayers answered yet.  And I often don’t know what’s more to ask God for . . .

            Quote: “The Holy Spirit is the engine of the Christian life, guiding and empowering us to do what we cannot do on our own.”

            Dorothy: In my own word about the ‘Holy Spirit is the engine …’ It means Holy Spirit has the natural ability to put our prayers into right place. What Holy Spirit is?

            Quote: “He is the holy, rushing wind of God (John 3:8), breathing life through every part of our prayer lives.”

            Dorothy: Rushing wind of God, oh yes, sometimes I felt that gentle breeze when I just breathe and sigh when I was praying. I guess I didn’t realize that was to let me know that Holy Spirit was there, taking care of my prayer.

            Quote: “Thanks to His indwelling presence and loving encouragement, our utter (complete) helplessness is stabilized (set) by His faithful empowerment and utter (complete) provision.”

            Dorothy: This quote tells me that when I am helpless, Holy Spirit already empowered my prayer anyway and He is the One that explained to the Father exactly what I am trying to express what’s in my heart. So that’s what the verse meant: “The Spirit searches all things . . .”  “Even the depths of God?”

            Dorothy: This tells me that God has a deep secret plan for Tony and me that we haven’t seen God’s complete goal yet. I am thinking of you as a friend that God has a goal for you and that we are to trust our Potter, the One who guide our lives.

            Quote: “Our finite (limit) knowledge is surrounded by His infinite (unlimited) wisdom.  We offer Him our best work of prayer but trust His Spirit to launch it into far greater works” (John 14:12-17).

            Dorothy: Oh praise the Lord! This gives me understanding that the Holy Spirit is the One who searches all things and causes our prayer to do greater work that we have no idea what it could do or where it goes. That is the deep things of God.

            Prayer: God Father, I call unto You as Jehovah Jireh for provision . . .  You have given us the Holy Spirit to empower us to keep on praying and the Holy Spirit will take care of our praying. Thank You for reminding me through reading the “War Room” book. I could feel Your encouragement in my spirit and I thank You for that!  I continue to pray for my friends and my families to be healed. In Jesus’ name. Amen!

Song: Holy Spirit, You’re a Comfort

Holy Spirit, you’re a comfort to me,

Holy Spirit, you’re a comfort to me.

You lead me, you guide me,

With God’s Word, you helped me.

Holy Spirit, you’re a comfort to me.

(Song collections)

May God bless you!

Dorothy

All Things New -11/1/17

01 November 2017 - All Things New – Manna by Dorothy Callies

Happy November First! It’s a brand new day God has given us.

Revelation 21:5-6
KJV: And he that sat upon the throne, said, "Behold I make all things new.  And he said unto me, [John] Write: for these words are true and faithful. And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely.

NCV: The One who was sitting on the throne said, "Look! I am making everything new!"
Then he said, "Write this, because these words are true and can be trusted." The One on the throne said to me, "It is finished. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. I will give free water from the spring of the water of life to anyone who is thirsty.

Jesus spoke to John to write this that God is faithful and true. That was 2,000 years ago and still today Jesus said, that He can be trusted to keep His words. I read His Word and put it in my heart today.  Today is a new day! The Lord stirred my heart to keep on trusting Him.  He is faithful. He is true to His Word.  He is my everything!

Song: He is My Everything
He is my everything, He is my all,
He is my everything, great or small,
He gave His life for me,
Made everything anew,
He is my everything,
Jesus, I love you.
(Song collections, author unknown)

May the Lord bless you real good and be healed today. In Jesus' Name. Amen!

Dorothy