The Lily of the Valley 12/31/18 Happy New Year!

31 Dec. 2018 - The Lily of the Valley & Beautify the Meek 
Manna by Dorothy and Tony Callies

I am the Rose of Sharon, and the lily of the valleys.
Song of Solomon 2:1

In the land of Israel, Sharon is the coastal plain just south of Mount Carmel. Christ is often compared into the rose of Sharon and the lily of the valleys—common flowers of the field. This song is about Christ as the type of the lily of the valleys.  Sometime I make it personal to sing it to Jesus when I use the words: ‘You’re or You’ instead of ‘He’s or He’.  It just puts more feeling toward Him while the original song is more of a testimony of who He is. Yet it is still a blessing to sing it. 

Song: The Lily of the Valley
I have found a friend in Jesus, He’s everything to me;
He’s the fairest of ten thousand to my soul;
The Lily of the Valley, in Him alone I see
All I need to cleanse and make me fully whole.
In sorrow He’s my comfort, in trouble He’s my stay;
He tells me every care on Him to roll (give or confess).
He’s the Lily of the Valley, the bright and morning Star;
He’s the fairest of ten thousand to my soul.
[Lyrics: Charles W. Fry; Music: William S. Hays]

Dorothy: December 31, 2018 reminds me that it will be the last year of 2018.  I want it to be remembered that Christ was like the lily, the flower that is beautiful to look at.  It reminds me of a Scripture: “It beautify the meek.”  To me it means I sense the inner beauty, the beauty of Christ.  Here’s a Psalm 149:4 “For the Lord takes pleasure in His people: He will beautify the meek with salvation.”

Just words of encouragement to share with you that the Lord takes pleasure in you and He will beautify you with the power of Holy Spirit.  My friend, this takes faith to believe it and let the Holy Spirit change you.  Surely, the Lord will beautify the meek.  He will make you beautiful.  Heavenly Father, thank You for Your amazing grace and Your Word beautify us in Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen!

And Happy New Year!!!!!

Dorothy and Tony

One Warning 12/28-30/18

28-30 Dec 2018 - One Warning – Manna by Dorothy and Tony

Continue from 24-27 Dec. 2018 Manna

One Warning: John 3:18-20 NIV

Whoever believes in Him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son. V19.  This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. V20. Everyone who does evil hates the Light, and will not come into the Light for fear that their deeds will be exposed.

Word of God brings Light: John 3:21 NIV

But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what they have done has been done in the sight of God.

Dorothy: This is the second part I want to share.  One warning: Whoever does not believe in the Lord Jesus Christ stands condemned already. The word condemn means to declare to be wrong; to pronounce guilty; to declare to be unfit for use.

Wow! To declare to be unfit for use which means unfit for entrance to heaven.  The only ticket to enter the kingdom of God, the heaven is to believe and accept Jesus Christ into their hearts. That really makes me want to pray earnestly for the families and friends and many people who have not yet open their hearts to Jesus.

Jesus spoke to Paul on the way to Damascus that He has called him to minister and to witness among the Gentiles and “to open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and inherit heaven by faith in Me” (Acts 26:12-18).

This is the guidance of prayer that in the name of Jesus, “we commanded Satan to remove his hands from blinding them to the gospel of truth, to open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness into light, and to set them free from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and have faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and be able to enter heaven.” I plead the blood of Jesus Christ over their eyes and hearts to invite Jesus into their hearts. In Jesus’ name!

Come into my heart,

Come into my heart,

Come into my heart, Lord Jesus.

Come in today, come in to stay,

Come into my heart, Lord Jesus. 

(Inspiring Choruses)

My prayer for them is to let Jesus come into their heart.

Blessings,

Dorothy 

Unto Us a Son is Given 12/24-27/18

24-27 December 2018 - Unto Us a Son Is Given

Merry Christmas to you from Dorothy and Tony Callies

God Gave His Son: John 3:16 NIV

For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.

Condemn Not: John 3:17 NIV

For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him.

Dorothy: After reading John 3:16-17 from Prayer Calendar on Christmas early morning to pray for families and friends, I felt impressed to continue to read from John 3:18-21. These verses stand out and impressed me greatly. “I am not condemned because I believe in God’s Son.” Why is it important? Because Satan accuse us before God day and night. Our testimony: “They overcame him (Satan) by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony …” [Rev. 12:10-11].

My greatest Christmas joy is knowing that God does not condemn us because we believe in Jesus Christ, God’s only Son. And we overcome Satan by the Word of testimony that God send His Son to save us from Satan’s condemning us. What a great Christmas gift!!!!

Merry Christmas to you!!

Love,
Dorothy and Tony Callies 

[To be continued with John 3:18-21 by Dec. 28-31, 2018]  

Real Love 12/20-23/18

20-23 Dec 2018 - Real Love – Manna from April 2014 by Dorothy & Tony 

 1 John 4:9, 10a, NLT “God showed how much He loved us by sending His only Son into the world so that we might have eternal life through Him. This is real love.”

            *Everyone believes that love is important, but love is usually thought of as a feeling. In reality, love is a choice and an action, as 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 shows. God is the source of our love: He loved us enough to sacrifice His Son for us. Jesus is our example of what it means to love; everything He did in life and death was supremely loving.

            *The Holy Spirit gives us the power to love; He lives in our heart and makes us more and more like Christ. God’s love always involves a choice and an action, and our love should be like His. How well do you display (show) your love for God in the choices you make and the action you take?

            *John says, “God is love,” not “Love is God.” Our world, with its shallow (showing little knowledge, thought, or feeling) and selfish view (opinion) of love, has turned these words around and contaminated (changed the meaning of) our understanding of love.

            *The world thinks that love is what makes a person feel good and that it is all right to sacrifice moral (conscience of right and wrong) principles (a rule of conduct or action) and others’ rights in order to obtain (get) such “love.” But that isn’t real love.

            *Real love is like God, who is holy, just and perfect. If we truly know God, we will love as He does. Jesus is God’s only Son. While all believers are sons and daughters of God, only Jesus lives in this special unique relationship such as John 1:18 quotes, “No one has ever seen God. But His only Son, who is Himself God, is near to the Father’s heart, He (Jesus) has told us about Him (His Father).”

            [*Notes from QuickVerse Life Application Bible]

Song: Love, Wonderful Love

Love, wonderful love of God,

To me has been made known;

To me the Spirit freely gives

And claims for His own;

O love so wondrous, so divine,

That I am His and He is mine.

Chorus:

Love, wonderful love,

The love of God to me,

Love, wonderful love,

So great, so rich, so free;

Wide, as wide as the ocean,

Deep, as deep as the sea,

High, as high as the heavens above,

His love to me.

(Seth Sykes, Sing His Praise)

Dorothy

PS. To me, this is an awesome mediation: “God’s love always involves a choice and an action and our love should be like His. How well do you show your love for God in the choices you make and the action you take?”  It helps me to realize the choice I made and action of love was to take care of Tony whatever he needs.  Love is not just a feeling, but a choice and action. That is a rewarding and uplifting information. Thank You, Lord! 

So God bless you today! 

Take Care of You 12/14-19/18

14-19 Dec. 2018 God Will Take Care of You

Verse for Today by Dorothy and Tony Callies

Psalm 95:6-7 “Come, let’s worship Him and bow down. Let’s kneel before the Lord who made us, because He is our God and we are the people He takes care of and the sheep that He tends” (NCV).

“O come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the Lord our Maker.  For He is our God; and we are the people of His pasture, and the sheep of His hand” (KJV).

Song: God Will Take Care of You

1. Be not dismayed whatever betide,

God will take care of you;

Beneath His wings of love abide,

God will take care of you.

Chorus:

God will take care of you,

Thru every day, O’er all the way;

He will take care of you,

God will take care of you.

2. No matter what may be the test,

God will take care of you;

Lean, weary one, upon His breast,

God will take care of you.

(Civilla Durfee Martin, Sing His Praise)

Dorothy: Weary and worn, I was inspired by song I found and verses from Prayer Calendar that “He is our God and we are the people He takes care of and the sheep that He tends.”

Bless Josh who came on Thursday, Dec. 13^th to help with bedding's, laundry, clean the bathroom and kitchen floor.  I truly thank God that He took care of us through friends that He sent from time to time when we need a little help at the right time. 

Prayer: Thank You, God Father that the song and the verses are truly convincing (proving) that You truly takes care of Your own people who loves You and worship You as our Creator, and our God who loves us through Your Son who saves us from bondage of sins. Through the blood of Jesus we are set free. We thank You and love You. In Jesus’ name, amen!   

God bless you today!

Dorothy 

His Glorious Power 12/11-13/18

11-13 Dec 2018 - Strengthen with His Glorious Power

Manna by Dorothy and Tony Callies

“God will strengthen you with his own great power so that you will not give up when troubles come, but you will be patient. And you will joyfully give thanks to the Father who has made you able to have a share in all that he has prepared for his people in the kingdom of light” (Colossians 1:11-12 NCV).

Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness; Giving thanks unto the Father which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light” (Colossians 1:11-12 KJV).

1. God will strengthen you.
2. How? With His own great glorious power.
3. Why? So that you will not give up when troubles come.
4. With what? With patience, you will be patient.
5. Our attitude should be? Joyfully give thanks to the Father.
6. What’s in it for us? Father who made you able to have a
share of the inheritance with saints in heaven.

Song: In the Name of the Lord

There is strength in the name of the Lord;

There is power in the name of the Lord;

There is hope in the name of the Lord!

Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord.

(Phill McHugh, Gloria Father, Sandi Patti Helvering,

Sing His Praise)

Dorothy: I found the song that goes with this old Manna that really encourages me.  It is a wonderful promise and also I need to be constantly reminded that I am strengthened with His glorious power that is hidden within me. And also in Tony when I pray for God’s strengthen within Tony.

Prayer: Thank You Heavenly Father for the wonderful promise that You will strengthen us with Your glorious power unto all patience and endurance with a joyful heart, knowing that we have a home in heaven. We are looking forward to be with You and all the saints in Jesus’ name I pray. Amen!

God bless you today!

Dorothy

Truly Amazing! 12/8-10/18

08-10 Dec 2018 - Truly Amazing!   Manna by Dorothy and Tony Callies

1 John 3:1 “Behold, what amazing love the Father has given to us, that we are called the children of God. And we really are His children” (Other translation)!

I like to continue with NIV. “See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God!  And that is what we are!” (1 John 3:1). It is a good meaning of the word, lavish.  Lavish means spending or giving more than is necessary. Another meaning for lavish is extravagant going beyond … What did God go beyond? John 3:16 tells us that God gave us His Son to save us.

How did John, the Beloved Apostle, explained God’s amazing love? John wrote a letter (1 John 1:1) “Here is what we announce to everyone about the Word of life.  He was here from the beginning.  We have heard Him.  We have seen Him with our eyes.  We have looked at Him.  Our hands have touched Him.” NIRV is so clear to our everyday language. This one happened to be good. [NIRV=New International Reader Version]

John was so excited that he repeated three times, “We have seen Him!” From 1 John 1:1-3. I could not imagine how he and the disciples must have felt when they realized that Jesus is God’s Son, who was so willing and came down from heaven to earth just to be in the flesh and walked among them.  I thought of a song that fits how John must have felt.

Song: The Wonder of It All

(George Beverly Shea, Sing His Praise)

Chorus:

O, the wonder of it all!

The wonder of it all!

Just to think that God loves me.

O, the wonders of it all!

The wonder of it all!

Just to think that God loves me.

1. There’s the wonder of

     sunset at evening,

The wonder as sunrise I see;

But the wonder of wonders

     that thrills my soul

Is a wonder that God loves me.

[Then chorus]

2. There’s the wonder of

     spring-time and harvest,

The sky, the stars, the sun;

But the wonders of wonders

     that thrills my soul

Is a wonder that’s only begun.

[Then chorus]

God bless you!

Dorothy

 

Sing Praises 12/5-7/18

05-07 Dec 2018 - Sing Praises – Manna by Dorothy and Tony

Psalm 98:4 “Shout joyfully to the Lord, all the earth; break forth in song, rejoice, and sing praises” (NKJV).

Psalm 98 encourages us to sing a new song for God who “has done marvelous things; His right hand and His holy arm have gained Him the victory” (v.1).  Psalm 98 encourages us to praise Him –even in times of difficulty—for God remembers “His mercy and His faithfulness” toward Israel (v.3). 

Although this Psalm 98 is about God freeing the Israelites from slavery, it is also a prophetic song of praise for the victory of the Lord and for His salvation made known to Israel and all the nations (v.1-3).  This is about our salvation through Jesus Christ our Lord and the gospel of Jesus Christ is spreading all over the world.

The psalmist wrote: “Let the sea roar, and all its fullness, the world and those who dwell in it; . . . let the hills be joyful together before the Lord” (v.7-9).  This verses encourages us to join with God’s creation in singing praise to our Savior!

Dorothy:  The Psalm 98 has truly open my inner spirit to see that our God is a faith God because His holy arm have gained Him the victory.  Oh Lord, thank You for the Holy Spirit that works inside of me and I pray that the Holy Spirit will also work inside of those who read this Manna. Oh let’s sing the wondrous love of Jesus! Sing His mercy and His grace!

Song: When We All Get to Heaven

Sing the wondrous love of Jesus,

Sing His mercy and His grace;

In the mansions bright and blessed,

He’ll prepare for us a place.

Chorus:

When we all … get to heaven,

What a day of rejoicing that will be!

When we all … see Jesus,

We’ll sing and shout the victory.

Let us then be true and faithful,

Trusting serving every day;

Just one glimpse of Him in glory

Will the trials of life repay.

Chorus:

When we all … get to heaven,

What a day of rejoicing that will be!

When we all … see Jesus,

We’ll sing and shout the victory.

(Eliza Edmunds Hewitt, Sing His Praise)

May the Lord truly bless you!

Dorothy

Be Joyful in Hope 12/3-4/18

03-04 Dec. 2018 - Be Joyful in Hope – Manna By Dorothy and Tony Callies

Romans 12;12 “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer” (NIV).

I was reading Daily Bread devotion about Diane who was being too embarrassed to share her request with the praying group.  She was afraid what other would think if she shared that *she had a family member who had been struggling with an addiction for years.  She felt that others would not *understand how her loved one could be a believer in Jesus and still struggle daily.

So Diane only share her request with *a few trusted friends she asked to pray with her.  Together they asked God to set her loved one free from the very real bondage of addiction that he might experience freedom in Christ—and that God would give Diane the peace and patience she needed.  As she prayed, she found comfort and strength from her relationship with Him.

*Many of us have earnest, persistent prayers that seem to go unanswered.  But we can be assured that God does care and He does hear all our requests.  He urges us to continue to walk closely with Him, being “joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer” (Romans 12:12).  We can lean on Him.  [*Actual quote from Alyson Kieda. Some are summary]

Dorothy: Reading this article really encouraged me to know that I am not the only one being in affliction.  What is my affliction? Debts from four different medicals which totaled $6,495.00. The payments are slow, but steady. $3,000 on personal loan because the car Insurance payments had doubled due to accidents quota. It would take two more years of waiting to reduce half the payment on car insurance. 

The debts are my affliction and I have been carrying this "medical" burden alone since September 11, 2017 when Tony came home from five months in hospital, and two Rehab Healthcare.  And here the devotion encouraged me to “be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.”  

I just wrote the budget plan on sheet.  Jesus said to ask the Father anything and He will supply your needs.  So I wrote a date and a prayer, thanking Him for already met this need by faith. You know, it’s strange. It’s the first time, I put anything down like this.  So all I need to do is to quote this: “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.”  Thank You, Father! I know You have a plan.  I trust You. Amen!

Song: At the Cross

At the cross, at the cross

   where I first saw the light,

And the burden of my

     heart rolled away.

It was there by faith

        I received my sight,

And now I am happy

           all the day!

[Isaac Watts, Ralph E.Hudson, chorus]

May the Lord richly bless you today!

Dorothy

Joyfully Give Thanks! 12/1-2/18

01-02 Dec. 2018 - Joyfully Give Thanks – Bread Verse

Dorothy and Tony Callies

Happy first day of the month of December 2018! Dean and his mom, Paula Hardy from Canada is visiting with us, last night and this morning of December 1^st.  They were traveling and visiting families and old friends. It was amazing to see Dean being healed from a very close to death. Dean is a living witness of what God has done! God is glorified! 

It's wonderful to see Dean and his mom, Paula, who is 86, being able to travel far and wide.  They have been traveling for a month and now plan to have a few stopover at Wisconsin and Michigan before they are finally home.  So pray for their safe trip.

Colossians 1:11-12 “God will strengthen you with His own great power that you will not give up when troubles come, but you will be patient. And you will joyfully give thanks to the Father who has made you able to have a share in all that He has prepared for His people in the kingdom of light” [NCV].

Dorothy: Joyfully give thanks to God who made us able to share in all God has prepared for us.  I meditate on this . . .  God has prepared for us . . . Truly God was kept busy working in our daily lives.  I am learning . . .  to joyfully give thanks to God . . .  It feels like . . . this song . . .

Song: Like a Mighty Sea

Like a mighty sea,

     like a mighty sea,

Comes the love of Jesus,

     sweeping over me;

The waves of glory roll,

    the Savior to extol (praise),

Comes the love of Jesus,

     sweeping over my soul.

       [Lyrics and music by A. I. Zelley and   

         H. L. Gilmour, Melodies of Praise]

May the Lord bless you today!

Dorothy

Oh the Joy 11/29-30/18

29-30 Nov. 2018 - Oh the Joy – Today’s Verse

Tony and Dorothy Callies

John 15:11 “These things I have spoken unto you, 

that My joy might remain in you, and that your 

joy might be full.”

Song: He Touched Me

Since I met this blessed Savior,

Since He cleansed and made me whole,

I will never cease to praise Him;

I’ll shout it while eternity rolls (continue).

Chorus:

He touched me, O, He touched me,

And O, the joy that floods my soul;

Something happened, and now I know,

He touched me and made me whole.

(William J. Gaither, Sing His Praise)

This is a testimony song while singing with the 

people.  But in secret, I want to sing it just to 

Jesus, Himself, I use this in a personal way.

Since I met You blessed Jesus,

Since You cleansed and made me whole,

I will never stop to praise You,

I will sing to You for eternity roll (continue).

You touched me, O Jesus, You touched me.

And Oh the joy that You floods my soul;

Something happened, and You know,

You touched me and You made me whole.

(Inspiration to Jesus only)  

While I was typing, my left shoulder felt the tapped 

and no one there. I turned on right side and it was 

Tony and he greeted me, “Good morning.”   

So I start singing to him this:

Jesus touched you, O He touched you.

And O, the joy that floods your soul;

Something happened, and now you know,

Jesus touched you and He made you whole.

In Jesus’ name. Amen!

Something different today and may God bless you!

Dorothy 
PS. *Please note that it is not intended to replace 
the original song.  It is just inspiring singing to Him.

Acknowledge Him 11/27-28/18

27-28 Nov 2018 - Acknowledge Him – Verse for the Day

Dorothy and Tony Callies

Hosea 6:3 “Let us acknowledge the Lord, let us press on to acknowledge Him” (NIV). (*Few parts from reading devotion)

Two dictionaries’ meaning for acknowledge: 1. admit as true and show appreciation.  2. to recognize something. For me, it would simply mean “get to know Him.”

*Hosea, an Old Testament prophet, encouraged the Israelites to “press on” (Heb. 6:3), to acknowledge God because they had forgotten Him (4:1). As the people forgot God’s presence, they began to turn away from Him (v.12) and before long there was no room for God in their thoughts.

Hosea’s simple insight to acknowledge God reminds me that God is near and He is at work in our lives, in both joys and struggles. When I acknowledge God, His presence is right there. I remind myself that God is here. Yes, He is right here!

Song: Trust in the Lord

Trust in the Lord

   with all your heart,

And lean not to your own

   understanding.

In all your ways,

   acknowledge Him

     and He will direct your paths.

(Inspiring choruses, Proverbs 3:5-6)

What this means to me? It just inspires me to know that God is here. Just a simple reminder that God is here!  I speak to myself, “God is here.”  Yes, God is here! That is what acknowledge means and also “Get to know Him.”

Prayer:  I trust You Lord that You are working out our daily lives.  Just as Abraham had a dormant (boring) life, yet Abraham knew that You were working in his life and Sarah’s.  In time, they finally had Isaac, just simply bring Isaac into the world, and follow God’s greatest plan.  Thank You, Lord!

God bless you!

Dorothy

Fullness of Joy 11/25-26/18

25-26 Nov. 2018 – Fullness of Joy  

Today’s Verse by Dorothy and Tony

Psalm 16:11 “You will show me the path of life;

in Your presence is fullness of joy . . .” (NKJV).

Song: In Your Presence

In Your presence

   in Your presence, there’s peace;

In Your presence

   in Your presence, there is joy,

I will linger, I will stay

   in your presence day by day

      that Your likeness may be seen in me.

(Lyrics: J.D. and Steven Ray Phifer, Sing His Praise)

Dorothy: I was reading today’s devotion about

“God is Here” and it reminds me of this verse,

in His presence is fullness of joy.  And also a song,

In Your Presence.  I remember Joseph Prince sang

that song in his church and I saw how it was being

sung in rhythm.  It was very inspiring. 

Why this verse?  It was a feeling of dormant, a feeling

of “nothing is happening” with God. But it’s not true.

It just the feelings I couldn’t shake it off, so reading

that “God is here” and writing in my personal journal,

had led me to remember that In His Presence is fullness

of joy.  So I open my heart to Him to heal that “dormant

feeling” and allow His joy into my heart.

Until then, God bless you!

Dorothy

Jumps for Joy 11/23-24/18

23-24 Nov 2018 - Jumps for Joy – Verses for Today – Dorothy & Tony Callies

Psalm 28:6-7 KJV: “Blessed be the Lord, because He has heard the voice of my supplications. The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in Him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise Him.”

Psalm 28:6-7 NIRV: “Give praise to the Lord.  He has heard my cry for His favor.  The Lord gives me strength.  He is like a shield that keeps me safe.  My heart trusts in Him, and He helps me.  My heart jumps for joy.  I will sing and give thanks to him.

Song: Nearing the Shore

Nearing the shore, we’re nearing the shore;

Trouble soon will be over, we’ll suffer no more.

Toiling all done, victory won,

It’s joy to know that we’re nearing the shore.

(Laura Ashwood, Sing His Praise)

Dorothy: What this means to me? In NIRV, I found three words, “jumps for joy” that translates from “greatly rejoiceth.”  Sometimes the KJV seems difficult to understand so I appreciate the translation to make it more clear and meaningful.  Even just for a verse for today to keep me going.  I just flip the song book and I like this song because I had a vision of seeing two of our dogs were barking from the shore, waiting for us to come home. It is a comforting thought.  May the Lord bless you today!