Pass Me Not 1/25-31

25-31 January 2018 - Pass Me Not – Manna by Dorothy Callies

Job 30:20 “I cry unto Thee, and Thou does not hear me.”

I faced another crisis during the week of Jan. 23^rd and finally I asked God, “Why . . . ?” Gently, Father God led me to read about Job’s question which came from the “steps.” Job 31:4 says, “Does not He sees my ways and count all my steps?” Then next is Job 30:20 “I cry unto thee, and thou does not hear me.”  From Matthew 27:46 even Jesus cried out to His Father, “Why . . .?” “Why . . . did You forsake Me?”

The commentary on Job 30:20: All God’s people have this experience at some point in their walk with God, a time in which they cry out to God for help and He does not seem to answer them. Even the Lord Jesus Christ experienced this (Matt. 27:46).

 (1) Through this experience our faith is tested.  At such times we must nevertheless persevere in faith (see Matt. 15:21-28; Luke 18:1-7; 1 Peter 1:7). Persevere means to keep at something in spite of difficulties, opposition, or discouragement. 

(2) We know from God’s dealing with Job and with faithful believers throughout the history that no true follower of the Lord is ever really abandoned (given up completely) by Him (Heb. 13:5), and no earnest prayers ever go unheard (ref. Heb. 10:32-39).

Theme: Explaining what this means about “Let This Cup Pass from Me.”

Matthew 26:39 NCV: After (Jesus) walking a little farther away from them, Jesus fell to the ground and prayed, “My father, it is possible, do not give me this cup of suffering.  But do what you want, not what I want.”

*Commentary: What Christ meant by “this cup” has been the subject of much discussion.   (1) It is doubtful that Christ was praying to be saved from physical death, for He had resolutely (firm determination to) set Himself to die for the sin of mankind.  Luke 9:51 “. . . He **steadfastly set His face to go to Jerusalem.” [**firmly fixed; determination]   (2) It is more probable that He was praying to be delivered from the punishment of separation from God, the ultimate (the final) penalty for sin.

*Christ prayed that His physical death might be accepted as full payment for the sin of sinners.  [Meaning Christ did not want “to experience the separation” from His Father. When sins came upon Jesus on the cross, God looked away from His Son and darkness came upon Jesus from noon to 3 p.m. a complete separation from God because God cannot look at sins that Jesus bore for us.]

Let this cup pass means “Father, do not abandon me while I take the sins of the world upon Me.”   Jesus realized He has to go through this and then He surrender completely to God and experience the horrible separation from His own Father who could not look at sins of the world upon Jesus. Because God is holy.

Dorothy: Reading how Jesus struggled to drink “the cup” and His determination to set His face toward Jerusalem has inspired me to persevere/keep my faith in God. Something inside of me grew stronger and made me want to stay on and allow God to mold my life into deeper love of Jesus.  I felt blessed and somehow I pray that this will bless you and help you through the crisis time when you think of Jesus and the cup.

Song: Pass Me Not

1. Pass me not, O gentle Savior,

Hear my humble cry;

While on others Thou art calling,

Do not pass me by.

2. Let me at a throne of mercy

Find a sweet relief;

Kneeling there in deep contrition,

Help my unbelief.

3. Trusting only in thy merit (work),

Would I seek Thy face;

Heal my wounded, broken spirit,

Save me by Thy grace.

4 . Thou the Spring of all my comfort,

More than life to me;

Whom have I on earth beside Thee?

Whom in heaven but Thee?

Chorus:

Savior, Savior

Hear my humble cry;

While on others Thou art calling,

Do not pass me by.

(Written by Franny Jane Crosby)

Steps of a Good Man 1/22-24

22-24 January 2018 - Steps of a Good Man – Manna by Dorothy Callies

Psalm 37:23 “The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, and He delights in his way.”

The psalmist wrote the verse with a beautiful inspiration of God’s faithfulness and care for everyone who really walk with Him. “The law of his God is in his heart; none of his steps shall slide” (Psalm. 37:31). It interprets this way: The study of God’s Word and hide them in your heart; none of your steps shall slipped and fall. It means God’s Word will guide you and God will make sure that you would not step into the wrong way.

The steps of a good man or a good person means our faithfulness to God through reading the Bible, recite Bible verses, or even studying the Bible, listening some TV preachers teaching God’s Word, praying for someone and blessing them, helping and sharing God’s Word, and serving others in needs and many more.

And God delights in what you are doing for Him. God is pleasing. God is happy when we allow Him to guide us step by step and to keep growing in Christ. It is glory just to walk with Him. Why? Because it is an honor to walk with Jesus.  When we are in worshipful praise to God, it is like we are in heavenly happiness that God delights our presence with Him. Oh yes, it is glory just to walk with Jesus.

Song: It is Glory Just to Walk with Him

(Written by Avis M. Burgeson, Sing His Praise)

It is glory just to walk with Him,

It is glory just to walk with Him;

He will guide my steps a-right,

Thro’ the vale and over the height;

It is glory just to walk with Him.

May the Lord bless you today!

Dorothy

8 Steps to Divine Nature 1/18-21

18-21 January 2018 - Eight Steps to Divine Nature – Manna by Dorothy Callies

Let me begin with Tony’s testimony the small part that is so inspiring when he wrote the preaching sermon on 8 steps to divine nature in 1980’s.  It is found in 2 Peter 1:1-11 (read below verse 3-8). Tony wrote:

            “I remember way back to the days when I was a young Christian.  I was hungry for God’s blessings upon me.  So I made up my mind to seek God till I get His blessings.  Several minutes were easy for me to pray but no blessings.  I continued to pray some more.  My body “screamed” for comfort.  I used Temperance . . . brought my body under control with determination.  No blessings. 

            Then I used Patience . . . kept on praying some more without giving up.  No blessings.  I was ready to give up the whole idea of getting God’s blessings because I was tired and my body ached.

            God put into me a strong determination, Godliness that I was willing to pray on and on when I was so tired and had some pain in my body.  While praying with suffering the Heaven was opened and the blessings of God flooded my soul to an overflow.  I was full of joy.  I won the victory.  My tiredness and pain disappeared.  I felt like a new person again.”

            What was Tony’s secret that the heaven was opened and the blessings of God came? Tony wrote:

            “Godliness . . . God-like . . . Like God (same as God) . . .  It means EXTRA patience with some sufferings.  Before you understand about Godliness, you will have to know God first.  Have you ever thought of how much Patience God has for the world? How much?  The sins of the world have grieved God but God hold on a little longer for His judgment upon the world.  That is Godliness.  Why? . . . Because He wants the world to be saved through His Son Jesus Christ.

            Jesus hung on the cross with extra Patience, suffering and lots of pain.  That is Godliness.

            Do you ever suffer during prayer time?  That is where real victory comes in.  Blessing of God fall upon the Christians who are seeking God with Patience and some sufferings or pain.  That is Godliness.” [Then Tony wrote his testimony with his experience of how he received the blessings of God through determination and prayer with suffering.]

Reading from 2 Peter 1:3-8 NCV: “Jesus has the power of God, by which He has given us everything we need to live and to serve God.  We have these things because we know Him.  Jesus called us by His glory and goodness. Through these He gave us the very great and precious promises.  With these gifts you can share in being like God, and the world will not ruin you with its evil desires. Because you have these blessings, do your best to add these things to your lives:

             (1) to your faith, add goodness; and

            (2) to your goodness, add knowledge; and

            (3) to your knowledge, add self-control; and

            (4) to your self-control, add patience; and

            (5) to your patience, add service for God (Godliness); and

            (6) to your service for God (Godliness), add kindness for your brothers and                                sisters in Christ; and

            (7) to this kindness, add

            (8) love.

If all these things are in you and are growing, they will help you to be useful and productive (growing) in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Dorothy:  Tony shared his testimony with the Word of God, the “value of suffering” that comes from ‘Godliness.’  God had given Tony the determination which was the key to get him through prayers and Tony had received God’s blessings and healings for his tiredness and pains. Then Jesus reminds me of Luke 18, the story of a determined widow who got what she asked for. And that “we should always pray.”

I am overwhelmed with this blessed Manna that has really inspired me.  It made me realized that I need that determination to get through what God has led me to do. I believe this Manna encouraged you to keep on believing God’s great plan for you.

Song: My Savior’s Love

I stand amazed in the presence

Of Jesus the Nazarene,

And wonder how He could love me,

A sinner condemned unclean.

How marvelous! How wonderful!

And my song shall ever be;

How marvelous! How wonderful!

My Savior’s love for me!

(Written by Charles H. Gabriel)

May the Lord Jesus Christ blessed you!

Dorothy

One Step from God 1/15-17/18

15-17 January 2018 - One Step from God – Manna by Dorothy Callies

I was flipping through the old song book, Melodies of Praise of 1957 and came to the song that impressed me.  The word, ‘step’ caused me to do the research from the technology Bible and I found this. Psalm 73:2 “But as for me, my feet were almost gone; my steps had well-nigh (near) slipped.” NCV: “But I had almost stopped believing, I had almost lost my faith.” Ever felt like that sometimes?

The song itself seems to be fitting if anyone felt like they were drifting away from God by losing ambitious to continue with God in faith. To grow in faith it often takes step by step to keep growing in Christ. Step by step is every day with Jesus and His God’s Word.  Psalm 37:23-24 NCV: “When a person’s steps follow the Lord, God is pleased with his ways. If he stumbles, he will not fall, because the Lord hold his hand.”  

Song: When You’re One Step from God

Written by Herbert Buffum, Melodies of Praise

Chorus:

You’re a million miles from the gates of Peace

When you’re one little step from God;

It seemed easy to drift from the track,

But you find it so hard to get back;

Tho the door of Hope may be opened wide

To your feet as you sadly plod (walk),

You’re a million miles from the gates of Peace

When you’re one little step from God.

1. Have you ever wandered away from your home

In a strange and a far – off place?

Do you know what it is to be sad and lone,

And to long for a friendly face?

Then you feel you are out of the world, and sigh

For the sights you have left behind;

And you look and you long for the “By and By”

When again friends and home you find.

2. Have you ever tasted the love of the Lord,

And have found it beyond compare?

Did you one time rejoice in His precious Word

And you found help and comfort there?

But the clouds long ago hid your Savior’s face,

And you quailed (lose courage) ‘neath the chast’ning rod,

And you find no enjoyment in any place

When you’re one little step from God.

3. Just a step—yet far enough off to be lost;

Just a step—yet you’re still outside;

Just a step—yet you shrink from the final cost;

Just a step—and so hard you’ve tried!

Then the song you sang come to haunt your dreams,

And you sigh for the paths you trod;

Tho you’re just one short step from the fold, it seems

You are millions of miles from God.

After reading several different verses about the step, 1 Peter 2:21-24 impressed me.  This focus on Christ and His character that I had not thought of it before. After I read this song and then reading 1 Peter 2:21-24, it made me realized that if a person was “one step from God,” he or she might want to get back into Christ’s step and be closer to Him once again.

1 Peter 2:21-24 “. . . Christ leaving us an example that we should follow His steps.  v. 22 who did no sin, neither was guile found in His mouth,  v. 23 who, when He was revile, reviled not again; when He suffered, He threatened not; but committed Himself to him that judge righteously,  v. 24 who his own self bare our sins in His own body on the tree that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed (KJV).

NCV: “ . . . Christ suffered for you and gave you an example to follow. So you should do as He did. He had never sinned, and He had never lied. People insulted Christ, but He did not insult them in return.  Christ suffered, but He did not threaten.  He let God, the One who judges rightly, take care of him.  Christ carried our sins in His body on the cross so we should stop living for sin and start living what is right.  And you are healed because of His wounds. Verse 25: You were like sheep that wandered away, but now you have come back to the Shepherd and Protector of your souls.”

Dorothy: What this means to me? It was awesome and it touched my heart because I have never thought of this before. This song is good for altar call when someone felt like he or she might felt far from God and hearing this song might make them realized they are “million miles away from God” and would want to come back to Him.  It never hurt to come to the altar of God and make sure we stay close to Him. Amen!

May the Lord bless you real good!

Dorothy

Song Strengthen Us 1/11-14/18

11-14 January 2017 - Songs that Strengthen Us – Manna by Dorothy Callies

Exodus 15:18 “The Lord shall reign forever and ever.”

A song I remembered so well when I was 13 years old, just learning the sign language when I attended Riverside Deaf School in California, “I Must Tell Jesus.” It was Sunday night service with my deaf sister, Anna Gerti Inga and deaf brother-in-law, Lester with my other hearing brother-in-law, Howard who helped with finger spelling interpreting service in Assembly of God church in Pomona, California.  I wore hearing aid at that time, I really sang my heart out and I remember one hearing man watched us to make sure we get the right page when we joined with the large hearing congregation.

When I sang with my voice and with my signs and with my whole heart, “I must tell Jesus”, I felt the song really uplifted me and really strengthen me.  It was really a prayer song, and a heartfelt song to Jesus. Even now, it does wonders to my inner spirit. It brings healing to my body when I need it so badly. 

Song: I Must Tell Jesus

E. A. Hoffman, Melodies of Praise

Chorus:

I must tell Jesus! I must tell Jesus!

I cannot bear my burdens alone;

I must tell Jesus! I must tell Jesus!

Jesus can help me, Jesus alone.

1. I must tell Jesus all of my trials;

I cannot bear these burdens alone;

In my distress He kindly will help me;

He ever loves and cares of His own.

2. I must tell Jesus all of my troubles;

He is a kind, compassionate Friend;

If I but ask Him, He will deliver,

Make of my troubles quickly an end.

3. Tempted and tried, I need a great Savior,

One who can help my burdens to bear;

I must tell Jesus, I must tell Jesus;

He all my cares and sorrows will share.

4. O how the world to evil allures me!

O how my heart is tempted to sin!

I must tell Jesus, and He will help me

Over the world the victory to win.

Dorothy: What made me write this Manna? It started with Daily Bread devotion that inspired me: *In the Old Testament times, the people of Israel were often inspired to compose and sing songs to celebrate God’s help during times of need. When the Lord saved His people from certain destruction by Pharaoh’s army, Moses and the children of Israel sang this song to the Lord . . . ‘I will sing to the Lord, for He has triumphed gloriously!  The horse and its rider He has thrown into the sea! The Lord is my strength and song, and he has become my salvation’” (Exodus 15:1-2).

*Music has the power to lift our spirits by reminding us of God’s faithfulness in the past.  When we’re discouraged, we can sing songs and hymns that raise our eyes from challenging circumstances we face to see the power and presence of the Lord.  We are reminded that He is our strength, our song and our salvation. [*Quote from David McCasland wrote].

Dorothy: So it is our songs of praise that raise our eyes to see God’s faithfulness day by day.  I want to thank God, Father who has given me the Holy Spirit for being such a wonderful person with the great encouragement He has given to me and to you. May the Lord bless you as you sing your other favorite song as well.

Will He Find Faith? 1/7-10/18

07-10 January 2017 –  Will He Find Faith? – Manna by Dorothy Callies

The point of this Manna: Jesus was trying to encourage us in our difficult time and that He has the answer for us. So search the Scripture and let Him speak His Word:

Luke 18:8, “. . . when the Son of man cometh, shall He find faith on the earth?”

Today on Jan. 8th, I just came to the point where my strength ran out, and my spirit was down. I felt like that some of us are going through some trying time.  A time when you felt like, God has failed us.  It felt like someone was having a “falling out” with God.  Maybe Holy Spirit was revealing to me what someone had been going through.

I just remember the word of Christ, “Find faith.” So I went to my technology Bible and found in Luke 18:8, “. . . when the Son of man cometh, shall He find faith on the earth?” NLT: “But when I the Son of Man, return, how many will I find who have faith?”

Remembering the story of a woman who did not give up with the ignorant judge who finally became weary and gave her what she needs. Jesus used this story of a widow from Luke 18:1-7. Jesus encouraged those who have prayed to God who might felt like God kept putting it off in answering prayers. 

Jesus said in NLT: “. . . so don’t you think God will surely give justice to His chosen people who plead with Him day and night?  Will He keep putting them off? Luke 18:8 “I tell you, He will grant justice to them quickly!  But when I, the Son of Man, return, how many will I find who have faith?”

I thought the commentary would be interested to share:  Jesus’ question in this verse probably shows that as the time for His return draws near, evil will become so dominant (much controlling) that many in the church will fall away from an honest faith. As we come near to the end of time, the question for each believer are:

            1) Am I persevering (keeping on) in faith, continuing steadfast (hold on) in prayer, and calling on God that justice may be done and His righteous cause triumph completely and forever?

            2) Or am I so preoccupied (so busy) with this life that I am not looking forward to Christ’s return and His eternal kingdom?

Dorothy: I am amazed that there was another “Falling Away” warning what Jesus has to say about “will He find faith” when He returns to earth. I remember an old story that one hero soldier who was supposed to come home by the train and that there were crowd of excited people waiting for him, but he didn’t show up. The next day, there were less crowd of anxiously people waiting for him, and again, he didn’t show up. The next day, fewer people waiting patiently for him, and again, he didn’t show up. The next day, the hero soldier finally came home from the train and only one person happily greet and hug him.

It’s like the same example:  Jesus is coming soon, will He find someone whose faith is very strong and hold on to His promise of coming that are willing to wait for Him? It is like unanswered prayers that God has His timing. Jesus said: “God has already heard your cry.” Be like a persistent widow who didn’t give up asking for help.

Prayer: God, Father teach us to deeply trust You that You will answer prayers. Help us to be like the persistent widow who did not give up to get help what she asked for. Thank You for the Scripture that reminds us to keep our faith in Your Word of promised. And that You promised to meet our needs in due season we shall reap. I thank You for that word of encouragement in Jesus’ name, amen!

Consider the Clouds 1/3-6/18

03 06 January 2018 Consider the Clouds – Manna by Dorothy

Job 37 16 “Do you know how the clouds are balanced?

The point of this Manna was simply this: Do I want a miracle? Yes, I do. Then just look at the cloud, and see how the clouds floats. The question is: Why do the clouds float? The writer, David Roper wrote: “Clouds float because God in His wisdom has ordered the natural laws to reveal the “wondrous works of Him who is perfect in knowledge” (Job 37:16),

Clouds then can be thought of as a symbol—an outward and visible sign of God’s goodness and grace in creation. So when I am taking some time to see what images I can imagine in the clouds, I will remember this: The One who made all things beautiful makes the clouds float through the air. 

When I go outside, I often see clouds and consider the wondrous work of God. Clouds that floats in the air is a miracle to me.  This encourage me to know that God is a God of miracle so I will look for miracle today, a miracle of healing for all of us.

Prayer: God, Father in heaven, I consider a miracle how the clouds are balance so I know that You will do a miracle for those who really need one today. So I thank You for the promised healing that You have spoken through Your Words and I claimed that Word today for healing power, a miracle power inside of our bodies that sorely need deliverance from ailments. We continue to hold on to You and we know that You hold on to us in Jesus’ name I pray. Amen! Healing flows into our bodies in Jesus’ name!

Song: What He Has Done for Others

Written by Thoro Harris, Melodies of Praise

O trust Him, fully trust Him! commit to Him your life;

He’ll keep you all the journey thru;

In every hour of conflict, in all the bitter strife,

What He has done for others He will do for you.

For you, yes, for you! His promise is true;

Now let the Savior enter and your heart renew;

O glory, hallelujah! God’s word abideth true:

What He has done for others, He will do for you.

Dorothy: All I could say, Lord, hear our prayers and we lift up Your name and that we worship You . . . and glorify You . . . and praise You . . . in Jesus’ name. Amen!

The Lord Jesus blesses you today!

Dorothy

In His Grip 1/1-2/18

01-02 January 2018 - In His Grip – Manna by Dorothy Callies

Today is a new beginning to mediate that “Christ has laid hold of me.” Let us read on:

Philippians 3:12b “. . . I press on, that I may lay hold of that which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me” (NIV).

Reading King James Version on this verse 12 part b “. . . but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus.” I admit I did not understand this depth of Paul’s writing until I read the Daily Bread devotion, “In His Grip.” It explained the example of “grip.”  It means to seize firmly or to grasp or to hold on to for this kind of devotion.

The writer, David Roper from Daily Bread tells the story when they cross a busy street with small children and say to them, “Hold on tight,” and the little ones grasp their hand to mom and dad as tightly as they can.  But the writer said that they would never depend on their grasp.  It is “mom and dad’s” grip on their hands that holds them and keep them secure. 

In another word, the littles one who hold hands to the adults sometimes they easily slipped so it is the adults’ strength that have to hold firmly to the little ones’ hands to make sure they are safe when they cross the busy street. 

The writer was comparing to what Paul said in this scripture, saying, Paul insists “Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me (Phil.3:12). Or more exactly, “Christ has a grip on me!” Paul is saying, “I lay hold on Jesus, but Jesus also laid hold of me.”

The writer, David Roper quoted: “One thing is certain: It is not our grip on God that keeps us safe, but the power of Jesus’ grasp. No one can take us out of His grasp—not the devil, not even ourselves. Once we’re in His hands, He will not let us go.”

Dorothy: Wow! What a beautiful thought to begin with the New Year Resolution. I have never thought the way Paul explained so deeply and that it took the translation to understand the depth from King James Version Bible. And it also took David Roper, the writer to expand the meaning of the scripture from Philippians 3:12b that I have come to appreciate God’s Word revealed to me clearly.

We are not to worry about how we have to hold on to God, but that we understand, Jesus Christ has already laid hold of us. Jesus said from John 10:28-29 that “no one is able to snatch them out of My Father’s hand.” Oh, I just felt a deep released that Satan cannot get us. What a deep freedom to know that Christ and I are holding on to each other! It is not just us alone! Praise God for His grace and kindness that hold on to us.

May the Lord Jesus Christ bless you!

Dorothy