Jesus I'll Never Forget 3/29-31/18

29-31 March 2018 - Jesus I’ll Never Forget – Manna from May 16, 2008

Song: Jesus, I’ll Never Forget

Jesus I'll never forget
what You've done for me,
Jesus I'll never forget,
How You set me free,
Jesus I'll never forget,
How you brought me out,
Jesus I'll never forget, no nev..er..
[Collection of Songs: Author unknown]

Psalm 119:16
KJV: I will delight myself in thy statutes: I will not forget thy word.
NCV: I enjoy obeying your demands, and I will not forget your word.
AMP: I will delight myself in Your statues; I will not forget Your Word.

The meaning of STATUTE:
1. Established rule, law, decree.
2. God's Word, the Bible.
3. All through the Bible, it represent Christ.

Dorothy: The short song, "Jesus I'll never forget" reminds me of a story about Peter and the disciples. From John 6:25-59, Jesus explained to the people that He was the Bread of Life and that they should "eat his flesh and drink his blood." The Jews argued among themselves and thought He was crazy, 'eat his flesh and drink his blood'? No way!

From John 6:60-69 was about "The Words of Eternal Life." Many of the followers had a hard time accepting what Jesus said. So they left Him. Verse 67-69 NCV: Jesus asked the twelve followers, "Do you want to leave, too?" Simon Peter answered him, "Lord, where would we go? You have the words that give eternal life. We believe and know that you are the Holy One from God."

If Jesus had asked you this question, "Do you want to leave, too?" What would you say to Him? Would you say like Peter? "Lord where would I go? You have the words that give eternal life. I believe and know that You, Jesus are the Holy One from God."

Does it feel good to tell Jesus this? Only You have the Words. Jesus, I'll never forget what You have done for me. May your day be blessed with this devotion. Amen!

Song: Jesus, I’ll Never Forget

Jesus I'll never forget
what You've done for me,
Jesus I'll never forget,
How You set me free,
Jesus I'll never forget,
How you brought me out,
Jesus I'll never forget, no nev..er..
[Collection of Songs: Author unknown]

God Is Our Refuge 3/27-28/18

27-28 March 2018 - God Is Our Refuge - Manna by Dorothy Callies

Devotion with Tony Callies:
"The Lord is our refuge or protection"... against what? Who? [John 10:10] "The thief cometh not, but to steal, and to kill, and to destroy..." The thief is Satan, himself. He is the one who tries to take away your health, finance and spiritual growth. He tries to kill you physically and spiritually. he tries to destroy your hope in God; destroy your reputation as a Christian, and things you owns. [John 10:10b] "...I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly." Yes,

Jesus is your REFUGE and your PROTECTION against
Satan who hates you and wants to hurt or kill you.

Dorothy's intercessory prayer:
Oh dear Heavenly Father, help us to be strong in the Lord and in your great power. We put on the armor of God so that we can fight against the devil's evil tricks. We know that our fight is not against people on earth but against the rulers and authorities and the powers of this world's darkness, against the spiritual powers of evil in the heavenly world.

That is why we need You, God as our full armor. Then on the day of evil we will be able to stand strong. And when we have finished the whole fight, we will still be standing. Help us to stand strong, with the belt of truth tied around our waist and the protection of right living on our chest. On our feet we wear the Good News of peace to help us stand strong.

And also we use the shield of faith which we can stop all the burning arrows of the Evil One. We accept God's salvation as our helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Help us to pray in the Spirit at all times with all kinds of prayers, asking for everything we need. Help us to always be ready and never give up.

 Help us to always pray for all God's people, especially our Deaf people in U.S.A. and in other countries of the world. Thank You Holy Spirit for interceding for us. In Jesus' Name I pray. Amen. [Ephesians 6:10-18 New Century Version]

Note: This came from May 15, 2008 Manna

Dorothy 

The Rock 3/23-26/18

23-26 March 2018 - The Rock – Manna by Dorothy Callies

I went through a shaking time that led me to find a lot of songs relates to “The Rock” and I thought I would share this. And also verses . . . 2 Samuel 22:1 “David sang this song to the Lord when the Lord saved him from Saul and all his other enemies. 

2 Samuel 22:2-4 He (David) said: “The Lord is my rock, my protection, my Savior. My God is my rock.  I can run to Him for safety. He is my shield and my saving strength, my defender and my place of safety. The Lord saves me from those who want to harm me.  I will called to the Lord, who is worthy of praise, and I will be saved from my enemies” (NCV).

Song: The Rock Never Moves

When days are warm and the sun shine bright,

And all is beautiful and light,

My faith never wavers, My hope never dim;

For Jesus is my Rock, And I stand on Him.

Chorus:

And the Rock never moves beneath my feet,

Tho’ raging storms around me beat;

I stand secure, my safe retreat

Is Christ, the Rock of A…ges…

[Lyrics: Margot Zilch]

Dorothy: The shaking time led me to find more verses and the question was: What is God’s purpose in shaking time? Hebrews 12:26 “When he (God) spoke before, His voice shook the earth, but now He has promised, “Once again I will shake not only the earth but also the heavens. V27. The words “once again” clearly show us that everything that was made—things that can be shaken—will be destroyed.  Only the things that cannot be shaken will remain” (NCV).

So the writer quoted: “Let us be thankful, because we have a kingdom that cannot be shaken . . .” Hebrews 12:28. There’s another encouraging song that really helped me.

Song: The Solid Rock

My hope is built on nothing less

Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness;

I dare not trust the sweetest fame,

But wholly lean on Jesus’ name.

Chorus:

On Christ, the solid Rock I stand;

All other ground is sinking sand;

All other ground is sinking sand.

[Lyrics: Edward Mote]

Prayer: Thank You, heavenly Father for the words of encouragement in time of shaking. Thank You for the songs that encourages my soul and the center of my heart, the emotions. Thank You for keeping me strong. I remember one verse says, “The kingdom of God is within you.” Thank You for reminding me this verse. In Jesus’ name, amen!   

God bless you!   

Dorothy

Hiding in Thee 3/20-22/18

20-22 March 2018 - Hiding in Thee – Manna by Dorothy Callies

Psalm 32:7 NCV, “You are my hiding place.  You protect me from my troubles and fill me with songs of salvation.” Psalm 32:7 KJV, “Thou art my hiding place; thou shalt preserve me from trouble; thou shalt compass me about with songs of deliverance.”

Songs of salvation . . . three things that salvation have meanings of:

1)  the saving of a person from sin.

2)  something that saves

3)  the saving from danger or evil

[From Franklin, Merriam-Webster technology dictionary]

In this song of deliverance, the word deliver means to set free.  Closest meaning is salvation. Many times we talk of salvation.  There was one evangelist woman on TBN TV who explained the whole picture of what salvation actually has for us. She gave a long definition and details on salvation but one thing . . .

I was impressed she mentioned that salvation includes the complete or wholeness of healing. When we accepted our Lord Jesus Christ, the healing was ours automatically.  That was part of deliverance from what ailing (health problems) our bodies. That was the wholeness of health from salvation. Any kinds of sickness is an enemy that we need deliverance from. 

So what would comfort us? Songs of salvation or songs of deliverance.  Like one example of a song, “He is able to deliver us” and more . . .  It is just something inspired me. Since then if I see or hear that word, ‘salvation’ I would remember that wholeness, the healing would always be included and I claimed that promises from God.  This was what the evangelist woman was telling us . . . to hold that promises of God, the salvation. 

The song, “Hiding in Thee,” I just happened to find that simple song and the verse seems to match well.  It was a time of comfort . . . God’s comfort to my heart . . . keep praying . . . keep believing . . . keep salvation . . . keep deliverance . . .  Psalm 32:7 NCV, “You are my hiding place.  You protect me from my troubles and fill me with songs of salvation.”

Song: Hiding in Thee

O, safe to the Rock that is higher than I,

My soul in its conflicts and sorrows would fly;

So sinful, so weary, Thine would I be;

Thou bless “Rock of Ages,” I’m hiding in Thee.

Chorus:

Hiding in Thee,

Hiding in Thee,

Thou blest “Rock of Ages,”

I’m hiding in Thee.

[Lyrics: William Orcutt Cushing, Sing His Praise]

May the Lord God bless you tremendously, 

Dorothy

PS. Tony continues to improve. It’s a slow progress, but I see improvement along the way. I called that a miracle for Tony especially he will be 81 by March 24^th.  Praise the Lord for His goodness and thank you for continuing prayer. 

The Nations 3/15-19/18

15-19 March 2018 - The Nations – Manna by Dorothy Callies

Theme: When Did We See You?

Matthew 25:40, and 45 NCV:  “Then the King will answer, ‘I tell you the truth, anything you did for even the least of my people here, you also did for me.’ ” v. 45 “Then the King will answer, ‘I tell you the truth, anything you refused to do for even the least of my people here, you refused to do for me.’ ”

Matthew 25:32 SHEEP FROM THE GOATS: Commentary, Full Life Study Bible.

Reading from Matthew 25:31 through 46 is a prophetic story about the King will judge all people of the nations. The sheep and the goat judgment will happen after the tribulation and Christ’s return to earth but before the beginning of His earthly reign.   (1)  At the time of Christ’s coming the saved and the lost who are living on earth and who survived the tribulation are still mingled together. (2)  The judgment involves the separation of the wicked from the righteous. (3)  It will be based on outward works of love and kindness to those belonging to Christ and who are suffering.  The presence of love and compassion is taken as an inherent part of true faith and salvation (vv. 35-46). (4)  The wicked will not be allowed to enter Christ’s kingdom, but will go into eternal punishment (vv. 41, 46). (5)  The righteous will inherit eternal life (v.46) and the kingdom of God (v.34). [End of commentary]

Dorothy: Now that we are aware of the whole picture of The Judgment of the Nations. I want to share what I notice from reading verses 37-39 New Century Version Bible, “When did we see you?” That statement really impressed me because it was an everyday simple routine what we do to ourselves and toward others.  Yes, a simple routine might consider a boring routine to some of the people . . . but you know something?  Even the boring routine is counted for the King.  Again, I say, what seems boring to some . . . is counted . . . to the King . . .  Remember the lazy servant who buried the bag of money considered "boring" to even do the work for the master and that kind of attitude led the servant to outer darkness.

What was the simple routine? Being hungry, get food. Being thirsty, get drink. Being alone and away from home, got invited to their home. Being naked, get clothes. Being sick, get help. Being in prison, got visitors. That simple routine was kindness, love and compassion toward others. 

When the King appears, we will be shocked to hear Him say, “You did that to Me. How wonderful!” Then we’ll ask, “When did we see You?” His answer will be simple. “What you did to others, doing the simple routine, you did the same simple routine to Me.”  We might say, “Really? Wow!” And the King will say, “Welcome to the kingdom and here’s the rewards waiting for you!” We would probably be in daze and feeling awesome with wonders.  O, the wonder of it all! Just to think that the King loves me!

Song: The Wonder of It All

O, the wonder of it all! The wonder of it all!

Just to think that God loves me.

O, the wonder of it all! The wonder of it all!

Just to think that (Jesus) loves me.

[George Beverly Shea, Sing His Praise]

God greatly bless you!

Dorothy

The Talent 3/12-14/18

12-14 March 2018 - The Talent – Manna by Dorothy Callies  

Theme: A Hard Man!

Matthew 25:14-23, 28-29; Matthew 24-27, 30

A story of a man who traveled from far country came to the place where he owns servants and decided to give them money to invest in their works and to make profit for him. Two of the servants diligently worked with the money that was given to them and they gained more profits. But there was one servant who decided to bury the money and hid it.

Notice something: It took a long time for the master to come back and to check how those servants were doing. Those two servants did a good job and surprised rewards for their labor were to become ruler or being in charge of many things.  Clearly, the master was looking for someone whom he could be trusted to handle the affairs or business for him.

When the lord or master came to this servant who buried the talent, he found that the servant had an attitude problem against him. The master said that he was a lazy servant who did nothing for him. The master has no used for him in his country.  He cannot be trusted. So the master cast him out into outer darkness where there would be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

The point of this story:  This was about the attitude of servant who thought that the master was a hard man who took advantage of him, gave money to use for his labor and get profit from his work while the master do nothing. That attitude of a lazy servant sent himself to the outer darkness.

Although he was a servant to the master, yet the attitude of the servant had destroyed his own future plan. The master could have given him a promotion to be in charge of important jobs. The lazy servant didn’t seem to care and think nothing of it. He just thought, “Why should I do things for him?” That kind of attitude affects his future, the outer darkness (Matthew 25:24-27, 30).

This is a warning to us if we ever thought that God, the Creator is a hard master who doesn’t have any feeling about us and many things that was going on in the world. Even in USA, the shootings in many places, the crazy weather around the world, and so many things had happened that we couldn’t believe what was going on.

Prayer: Oh Lord God, the Creator of heaven and earth, please forgive us if we ever thought that . . . Teach us to be patience and trust in Your wisdom in all things and that You have a great plan for us.  You are waiting for more people to accept Your Son, Jesus Christ who died for the world (John 3:16).  Help us to be truly faithful servants so You would welcome us home to be with You and gives rewards for our labor.  We love You, we worship You . . . In Jesus’ name. Amen!

Song: Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus

His word shall not fail you—He promised;

Believe Him, and all will be well:

Then go to a world that is dying,

His perfect salvation to tell!

Chorus:

Turn your eyes upon Jesus;

Look full in His wonderful face,

And the things of earth will grow strangely dim

In the light of His glory and grace.

(Helen Howarth Lemmel, Sing His Praise)

May the Lord uplift your heart and bless you!

Dorothy

PS. Commentary from ‘The Full Life Study Bible,’ Matthew 25:15, TALENTS:

The parable of the talents warns us that our place and service in heaven will depend on the faithfulness of our lives and service here (on earth) (v. 29). A talent represents our abilities, time, resources, and opportunities to serve God while on earth.  These things are considered by God as a trust that we are responsible to administer (to manage the personal business) in the wisest possible way.

Ten Virgins 3/9-11/18

09-11 March 2018 – Ten Virgins – Manna by Dorothy Callies

Song: Draw Me Nearer (I Am Thine, O Lord)

[Lyrics: Fanny Jane Crosby, Sing His Praise]

I am Thine, O Lord, I have heard Thy voice,

And it told of Thy love to me;

But I long to rise in the arms of faith

And be closer drawn to Thee.

Chorus:

Draw me near-er, near-er, blessed Lord,

To the cross where Thou hast died;

Draw me near-er, near-er, near-er, blessed Lord,

To Thy precious bleeding side.

Oh, the pure delight of a single hour

That before Thy throne I spend,

When I kneel in prayer, and with Thee, my God,

I commune as friend with friend!

Chorus:

Draw me near-er, near-er, blessed Lord,

To the cross where Thou hast died;

Draw me near-er, near-er, near-er, blessed Lord,

To Thy precious bleeding side.

In the early morning on March 8th, I awoke with a song in my heart to share with you. And the Lord showed me a few verses to share that was related to a Pie Story, “I never knew you.”

Theme: I Know You Not

Parable of the Ten Virgins (Matthew 25:1-13)

This is a famous story that most of us know about. What is interesting about the Ten Virgins was that they all dressed alike as virgins were pure in appearance. What we don’t know was the attitude of the inside of Ten Virgins. It was during the long waiting time that five of the foolish virgins ran out of oil for their lamps. They didn’t expect it would take that long to wait for the groom to come. It is possible that they thought it was “good enough oil” and it shouldn’t take that long to wait. Opp!

Surprisingly, it took that long to wait. The five wise virgins brought extra oil just to be safe and they had enough oil for their lamps when the groom showed up. But five foolish virgins ran out of oil and had to go out to get more oil. They need that oil in their lamps to use for the wedding.  When they returned the door was already shut. They knocked and asked that the door be opened. But the groom said, “I know you not.”

Here’s the point:  When the groom arrived and he had more time to become acquainted with five wise virgins who also took the time to get to know the groom. And the groom gave them responsibilities to become servants with his bride and groom. So when all entered the house for the wedding, the door was locked. When the foolish virgins arrived, there was no time to become acquainted with the groom since the wedding was about to get started.  This was the reason the groom meant as I interpret this, “There isn’t any time more to prepare you for the wedding. It’s too late now. The wedding is about to start. You can’t come in.”

Dorothy: What interest me was the word, acquainted means to be familiar with. It is about a close associate or companion. Be together often as an everyday experienced. Getting to know a person. To Jesus, it is important for Him to get to know you and at the same time we get to know Him as our future groom.

Keep extra oil is to be filled with Holy Spirit. And to study His Word, keep His Word in your heart and keep in touch with Jesus in a personal way. Talk to Him. Get to know Him personally. So He could say, “I do know you.”  So the song, Draw Me Nearer, encouraged me to keep in touch with Jesus and my dear heavenly Father. 

Dear Jesus, thank you for showing me the parable which I never thought it links together with Matthew 7:21-23 and Matthew 25:1-13 “I never knew you and I know you not.” Help me to stay close to you and I know there are more verses You wanted to share with me and to share with others. Thank you Holy Spirit for helping me to keep my heart open to Jesus. Thank You in Jesus’ name I pray. Amen! By memory, I used Lord’s Prayer as well.

May God bless you!

Dorothy

Pie Story 3/5-8/18

05-08 March 2018 – Pie Story – Manna by Dorothy Callies

Theme:  I Never Knew You

Matthew 7:21-23 ESV (English Standard Version)

“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.  On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’  And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’ ”

This part of the verse “I never knew you” . . . really bothered me and I asked the Lord, “How do I know that You won’t say that to me?” That was in 1969 when Tony and I were guests of Tally and Clarence Christiansen of Rockford at their home after our Evangelism tour during Christmas time. Tony had a job working second shift at Listerine Company as a janitor six days a week.  His only day off was on Sunday.

One day I wanted to make a homemade “Perfect Apple Pie” and I was making dough for pie shell and apples preparation, getting ready to put in oven. Meanwhile, Tony came to me and wanted me to take the time to talk to him.  He said to me, “Please drop it and sit down and talk with me.” But I said that I wanted to please him by baking his favorite apple pie to go with the early supper. He kept persuade me to talk with him, but I ignore him and kept right on working on the pie.

His time was running short and he only had an hour left to leave for work on the second shift.  While the pie was almost done with baking, I only had the time to prepare food. Then supper and the pie were ready to eat. So I told Tony that now I have time to talk while we are eating.  Tony said to me, “Yes, but the time is too short. When I asked you to talk with me, it was more important to me that you drop making pie. Now, I have to go to work and there’s no time to talk more. The pie is fine but that doesn’t means I am pleased with the pie alone. When I wanted to talk, you need to stop and pay attention to me. I need that fellowship with you.”

Then Tony left for work. I was shocked, down-hearten and disappointed that I wasn’t really pleasing Tony at all with his favorite apple pie. While I was pondering over what I had done, wishing I had listened to him more.  I was crushed.  Then I sensed the Spirit of Jesus appeared and He spoke to me, “This is exactly what I meant (Matt. 7:21-23).  If you kept this up, being too busy in the ministry like many people have, and when I asked them to stop and pay attention to Me.  I need your fellowship, your worship, your taking time with My Word, get into the fellowship Me.

“But when the people like Matthew 7:21 and 22, they were too busy doing the ministry for themselves and being with people all the time.  They were proud at what they do.  They didn’t have time for Me at all. They were not doing what My heavenly Father wants, His will, His plan. They did not bother to check God’s will for them. 

“So that is the reason I said, “I never knew you.” It is a perfect example how Tony felt about you is exactly how I felt with many people who called me, “Lord, Lord, didn’t we do great work for you, huh?” Really? The answer is no, I wasn’t pleased with them . . . Why? They didn’t bother to check with God’s Will. They didn’t bother to check with Me.  They didn’t come to know Me personally and My Father’s will for their lives.  So what do I do when they come to Me at the last days? I simply said, “I didn’t have any relationship with you at all.” So therefore they cannot enter into the kingdom of God because they are strangers to Me.”  Now, does that answer your question? [End of Jesus speaking].

Prayer: Yes, that answered my question, but oh Lord, please forgive me for ignoring you like I ignored Tony had wanted just to talk with me.  Like You just wanted the time to talk. Help me to be sensitive to You and Holy Spirit and God, the Father and to learn His will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Help me to spend more time with Your Word. Help me to know You more than ever before. Help me to keep the fellowship with You. Help me to keep my heart open to You. I asked Holy Spirit for help to remind me, check with me and make sure I follow God’s will, God’s plan, and God’s wishes for us. Thank You, Jesus for making Your Word clearer.  In Jesus’ name, I pray. Thank You. Amen.

After that, I felt Jesus comforted my heart and I was at peace.  After that, I would meet with Tony, and I took the time to fellowship with Tony before he goes to work on second shift.  Later on when we moved to Bloomington, Illinois, he had a day time job, Tony’s favorite time was early morning, we would just talked for an hour.  Soon afterward, we would go out for breakfast and have fellowship together for an hour before he goes to work.  Tony just love to chat with me and enter God’s presence with us.  It was like heaven between Tony and me.  Even to this day, we are doing it.

Now the word, knew interests me to go further into study what Jesus meant when He said, “I never knew you.” Knew actually meant it for relationship.  It’s like Jesus would say, “I never had relationship with you or fellowship with you.” I choose to type all of its meaning from Franklin’s technology dictionary, Merriam-Webster. Because it helps to understand what Jesus was trying to say about “knew.”

The word, knew is a past tense of know. The word, know means:

1. a: to have understanding of <know yourself>

b: to recognize the nature of <knew them to be honest>

2. a; to recognize the identity of <knew me by my walk>

b: to be acquainted or familiar with <knows the city very well>

3. a: to be aware of the truth of <know that the earth is round>

b: to have a practical understanding of <knows how to write>

4: to have information or knowledge <ask someone who knows>

5: to be or become aware <knew about the problem>

Now, what exactly was Jesus looking for? John 15:5 is the key when He explained what He wants. “I am the Vine. You are the branches. Live in Me and I in you, we bring fruit together. Without Me, you can do nothing.” This is about having relationship with Jesus.

God bless you real good!

Dorothy

Marinating! 3/2-4/2018

02-04 March 2018 - Marinating – Devotion by Dorothy Callies

I was searching for deeper understanding what God is doing with our lives.  I know that everything has a purpose even though it seems like it doesn’t make sense. When I read the first chapter of the book, written by Dutch Sheets, the Intercessory Prayer, it gave me a new highlight about God, Himself. I want to share some part of the articles.

Dutch Sheets was writing a story about someone who asked him to pray for a “very ill young person” and when he arrived he learned that ‘Diane’ was in coma. Dutch didn’t really want to pray, however through it all, he shared some interesting experience he had.

Dutch expected the Lord to heal this young lady through prayers in a dramatic, easy, quick way.  After all, that’s how it happened with Jesus. But what he didn’t expect was to invest three to four hours of his life each week for a year (including the travel time) and he didn’t expect it to take so long. He didn’t expect to learn so much.

Yes, God restored Diane! He healed her brain, the outer layer of which the doctors said had been totally destroyed by a virus. She was completely healed. But what kept Dutch Sheets going? He wrote: “It was not just a strong hope I had at this point but a great faith.  I had turned to God many times throughout the course of that year asking Him if He really sent me to this little girl. Each time I received His assurance: “I sent you. Don’t quit.”

Dutch Sheets quoted: “A lack of endurance is one of the greatest causes of defeat, especially in prayer.  We don’t wait well.  We’re into microwaving; God, on the other hand, is usually into marinating. So I persisted for a year, and as I did my faith grew until I knew deep inside we were going to win.” 

“My motto had become Galatians 6:9 “Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we shall reap if we do not grow weary.”  My persistence was rewarded . . . What did I learned from that year-long endeavor? Much, plus a whole lot! And I am still learning.” [End]

Dorothy: What impressed me, “God is usually in marinating.”  I looked up the meaning of word, marinate. It means to soak in a marinade.  Marinade also means a sauce in which meat or fish is soaked to enrich its flavor.  At the store I have seen the word, marinate on bottle and I have used it for meat flavor when pour into bowl and allow the steaks to soak for hours. When I grilled them, the steaks had more enriching flavor. 

This part hits me to understand why God is into marinating with us.  God is soaking us in His Words . . . we quote them . . . we study them . . . we read them . . . that is soaking . . .  To God, He wants more flavor in us by growing into the likeness of Christ . . . oh there are so much to add to this what brings flavor in our lives.

[At that moment I was interrupted and had to stop. Tony was up in the morning so I joined with him to get ourselves ready. It was during those waiting time with Tony, God revealed to me that the marinating, the soaking period of time has something to do with soaking into the very relationship with Jesus Christ. Whatever we go through and waiting on God, He is marinating us . . . He is working inside of us.

 It is so important to believe in God, believe also in Jesus (John 14:1). And allow our relationship to grow in Christ. Oh sweet Jesus! What we go through is all about having relationship with Christ and keeping in touch with Him. Suddenly this song came to me.

Song: Sweet Jesus! Sweet Jesus!

Sweet Jesus! Sweet Jesus!

What a wonder You are!

You’re brighter than the morning star;

You’re fairer, much fairer

Than the lily that grows by the wayside,

Precious, more precious than gold.

You’re like the Rose of Sharon,

You’re the fairest of the fair!

You are all my heart could ever desire.

Sweet Jesus! Sweet Jesus!

What a wonder, You are!

You’re precious, more precious than gold.

(Collection songs out of memory)

Oh may the Lord truly bless you!

Dorothy

Life Above the Sun 3/1/18

01 March 2018 Life Above the Sun – Sharing Devotion Dorothy Callies                                  Happy March First day of the Month.  I was impressed that Joseph Prince also share John 10:10. God’s blessing be upon you.  

John 10:10 I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.

LIFE ABOVE THE SUN by Joseph Prince

When you are not enjoying abundant life, you will feel as if life is full of toil. In your heart, life is meaningless and empty. You feel like someone “grasping for the wind”. (Ecclesiastes 2:11)

It seems as if nothing you do adds up to much. The Bible calls this life “under the sun”. (Ecclesiastes 2:11) Someone who lives life under the sun may or may not know God, but God is either forgotten or not the center of things in his life. His thoughts are earthly and he does things to gratify his flesh. In the end, he finds life depressing and unfulfilled. Life under the sun is full of despair.

But this is not so with someone who lives life above the sun with God. For life with Him is filled with joy and pleasures at His right hand. (Psalm 16:11) Life is abundantly full and good just as Jesus promised—“I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly”.

When you live life above the sun, your thoughts are heavenward and you become Christ-occupied. You live for Him because you know that all things were created through Him and for Him. (Colossians 1:16) When you live for His glory, your life takes on a new meaning and purpose.

God’s Word says, “And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist.” (Colossians 1:17) The Greek word for “consist” means “held together”. In Christ, all things are held together. And that is why when Christ is the central figure in your life, you will have it all together. Your mind will be held together. Your hopes and dreams will be held together. Your family will be held together by the cords of His love.

Your life will not be empty, but full of God’s goodness because “Christ in you, [is] the hope of glory”. (Colossians 1:27) It is a wonderful life—this life lived above the sun. And you will have an even more wonderful life to come in heaven!

Song: Constantly Abiding

Constantly abiding, Jesus is mine;

Constantly abiding, rapture divine;

He never leaves me lonely, whispers O so kind;

“I will never leave thee,” Jesus is mine.

(Written by Anne S. Murphy)

God bless you! Dorothy