The Great Creator 5/29-31/18

29-31 May 2018 - The Great Creator – Manna by Dorothy Callies

Song: The Great Creator (Oh, How I Love Him)

Oh, how I love Him!  How I adore Him!

My breath, my sunshine, my all in all!

The great Creator became my Savior,

And all God’s fullness dwelleth in Him.

[Inspiring Choruses]

Genesis 1:1 “In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.”

Dorothy: The song inspires me to sing to my great Creator . . . and why did He created us? First of all, He loves us and the Holy Spirit inspires us to worship Him in songs and in words.  God wants us to choose Him, to embrace Him, to love Him, and to adore Him.

I like the commentary that tells about God’s creation.  God created the heavens and earth in order to receive back the glory and honor due Him.  All the elements of nature like sun and moon, trees of the forest, rain and snow, rivers and streams, hills and mountains, animals and birds—shout out praise to the God who made them (Psalm 98:7-8; 148:1-10; Isaiah 55:12). How much more God desires and expects to receive glory and praise from human beings … that is us.

God created Adam and Eve in His own image so that He could have a loving, personal relationship for all eternity.  God designed humankind as a triune being (body, soul, spirit), possessing mind, emotion, and will with which they can respond to Him freely as Lord and worship and serve Him out of faith, loyalty, and gratitude.

God so desired this intimate relationship with the human race that, when Satan succeeded in tempting Adam and Eve to rebel against and disobey God’s command, He promised to send a Savior to redeem humankind from sins’ consequences (Genesis 3:15). In this way God would have a people for His own possession who would enjoy Him, glorify Him, and live in righteousness and holiness before Him.

Also to reach the highest point of God purpose in creation is recorded in the book of Revelation, where John describes the end of history with these words:  “He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself shall be with them and be their God” (Rev. 21:3).  [End of commentary]

Dorothy: Has anyone ever seen God face to face since the fall of Adam and Eve? Even Moses asked to see God’s face.  One of the disciple, Philip asked Jesus, “Lord, show us the Father . . .”   Jesus explained that “You only see the Father in Jesus.” [Ref: John 14:8-12].  So are we going to see Heavenly Father, face to face?

Until that day, when new heaven and earth will be completed, John saw a vision that God, the Father Himself, will finally come out and revealed Himself among His people and God will personally wipe away all tears from their eyes with His own hands.  The people will finally see the face of our heavenly Father beside His Son, Jesus.  It is through the cross of Jesus Christ that brought us together with our Heavenly Father.

This just made me want to sing to Him:

Oh, how I love Him, how I adore Him.

My breath, my sunshine, my all in all. 

THE GREAT CREATOR BECAME MY SAVIOR.

And all God’s fullness, dwelleth in Him (Jesus).

May the Lord bless and inspires you!

Dorothy

Special Guest 5/28/18

Special Guest: Karen Batts from Peoria, Illinois

Greeting from Illinois! Happy Memorial Day.

Those who serve our country....I thank you for your services.

Normally I respect Dorothy page....she is most kind to allow those who have something from the Lord to "reply to all"..today I cannot withhold His message to us all......if this message touches you, please share it to us...I need to hear it from you.

The Lord Jesus talked to me this morning about how those who are close to Him....such as those who fought wars and crimes...do see "WRITING ON THE WALL" as decision must be made. Many face it with fear, run away from it, go the other direction, or do what they feel is right....at that point of time of WRITING ON THE WALL will not depart as it was the Father who place it there for their own goods. This also apply to us/deaf.

Yet He is talking to us today about the "WRITING ON THE WALL" which is clearly see by those who walk close to Jesus...and our action are being record down in the Book of Life.  Today whatever you are facing....be assure that it lines up to the WRITING ON THE WALL which Jesus Himself put it on your life...it is to save your life from hardmenship, which will face you.

"Memorial"  is to allow us to LOOK BACK what HE HAS PLACE IN OUR HEART TO LOOK BACK.....CAREFULLY OBEY THOSE "WRITING ON THE WALL" it is a warning to us ...at HIS MERCY, HE is allowing us to pay close attention to follow HIS WILL as it is for our own goods. Our eyes/feeling, do not always agree with HIS WRITING ON THE WALL, but He is our Father, He see everything ahead....WRITING ON THE WALL is clearly HIS LOVE toward us...please KNOW THIS LOVE.

Today, attention to the pen written in love...those who do see the WRITING ON THE WALL are clear display of proof that He had told and showed you....it must be follow.  

In the New Testament...there are Hall of Fame.....God hold these precious souls in the highest honor because they love not their own life. They laid down their lives for Jesus and now are lifted up in the Hall of Fame.

Today, I, ask of all of you to take moment of your time as your time depend on the decision you make/made...which direction are you taking ? ? ? when the posted of WRITING ON THE WALL is clearly from Our Father. Those message you saw clearly was from His Heart. Pause the moment when He told you "HIS Will" ...several times and gave you proof thereof. 

The song that plays in my heart is ... It is a salvation song....but it is so much more ..it is living in the moment, He clearly loves and talks to you..listen to the words of "Time after Time"

Time after time, He has been waiting before

And NOW He waiting again

To see if you are willing 

To open the door 

Oh how much He wants to come in.

The Savior is waiting 

To enter your heart

Why don't you let Him come in?

There's nothing in this world to keep you apart

What is your answer to him?

Time after time, He has waiting before

And now He is waiting again

To see if you are willing

To open the door

Oh how He wants to come in

If you take one step 

Toward the Savior my friend

You'll find His Arms Open WIDE

Receive Him, and all of your darkness will end

Within your heart He'll abide

Time after time

He has waited before

And now He waiting again

To see if you are willing 

To open the door 

Oh how He wants to come in

So much love to you all brother and sister,

Please obey His Loving "Writing on the Wall".

From Peoria, Illinois,

Your deaf sister in the Lord,

Karen Batts

Doubt Not, Believe! 5/25-28/18

Happy Memorial Day! 

25 28 May 2018 Doubt Not, Believe! – Manna by Dorothy Callies

Matthew 21:21 Jesus answered and said unto them, Verily I say unto you, if you have faith, and doubt not, you shall not only do this which is done to the fig tree, but also if you shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; it shall be done.  Matthew 21:22 And all things whatsoever you shall ask in prayer, believing, you shall receive.  [‘ye’, I translated to ‘you’]

Mark 11:23 For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith.  Mark 11:24 Therefore I say unto you, What things soever you desire, when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you shall have them.

Dorothy: I wrote a new Journal little book I bought from the garage sale. I started with a testimony what God has done.  When we had problem with the first downstairs (8 steps) apartment in 2007 with water seep (flow slowly) through the corner of the floor wall in the dining room. It happened on the very raining days.  When it wasn’t raining, it dried up. It happened off and on until it had gotten worse and I just wept and told the Lord that I could not take any more of this problem. 

While several maintenance men worked on it, and comforted me at the same time, they send for a sale lady to come and help me find another apartment.  Apartment 5 upstairs was available for two months and I was amazed that it was already prepared for us to move in right away. 

Once again God had planned ahead and provided us a way out of the problem with Apartment 2.  We had lived downstairs for four years and moved upstairs to Apartment 5 for seven years.  When climbing upstairs became too much for Tony and me, once again, God provided another apartment with first floor.  My testimony was: He has done great things!

When I read Psalm 71, prayer of an aged person on May 4th.  My testimony was: God cares!  That was when Jesus spoke to my heart, “Believe and doubt not!”  I searched the Scriptures and it inspired me to hear Jesus’ Word again . . . reminds me to believe and not doubt in my heart that God does cares!

Song: Keep on Believing

Keep on believing, God will answer prayer;

Keep on believing, never despair;

Tho’ you be heavy laden and

     burdened down with cares,

Remember God still loves you

     and He answers prayer.

             [Inspiring Choruses]

Happy Memorial Day!

Dorothy

Trial of Your Faith 5/21-24/18

21-24 May 2018 - Trial of Your Faith – Manna by Dorothy Callies

James 1:3 AMP: “Be assured and understand that the trial and proving of your faith bring out endurance and steadfastness and patience.”  KJV: “Knowing this that the trying of your faith worketh patience.”  My ASL interpretation: My faith grows because of patience with problems. 

James, the half-brother of Jesus and the leader of the Jerusalem church is the author of the book, James.  James’ writing was to encourage the Jewish believers who were suffering various trials that were testing their faith.  James encourage the readers that “True faith obeys God’s Word.”  It will takes a reading of a whole book to get what James meant that “true faith obeys God’s Word.”  [Besides it’s only five chapters.]

How much is your faith worth to God?  Peter quoted, “The trial of your faith, bring MUCH MORE PRECIOUS than of gold . . .” (1 Peter 1:7a).  Imagine that . . . faith vs gold?  How much is gold worth?  A lot but they are earthly gold. Faith with patience is so precious to God that your faith will bring praise, honor and glory when Jesus will appear to us.  So which last forever? Gold or faith?  Faith!  Our faith in Jesus is forever.

Dorothy: What brings out about faith that I’m writing about?  I was going through a lot of difficult things that confronted (to face especially challenge) me and I was signing to myself . . . my right hand folds in “A” and I place on my chin and move it down a little as in “patience” . . . oh “patience” . . . with things . . .  Then suddenly Holy Spirit brought out James 1:3 that “patience” and faith works together.  Then I remember Peter speaks of faith is more precious than gold.

It seems like the Word of God becomes clearer when we experience difficult problems that really require patience to hold on to the faith in God and His Word. I was reading the part on ‘Our Daily Bread, Feb. 19, 2010’ that the real trials in life must be experienced.  It is in actual seasons of heartache and loss that we gain greater insights in life, faith and our need of God. 

James wrote, “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience” (James 1:2-3 NKJV).  Trials come because we live in a broken world, but we decide if we want to learn about the faith that comes with patience and it is an important way to grow in Christ.  Thank You, Jesus!

Song: Faith in God

Faith in God can move a mighty mountain,

Faith in God can calm the troubled sea;

Faith can make the desert like a fountain,

Faith will bring the victory. 

Song: Faith is a Victory

Faith is a victory

Faith is a victory

Faith is a victory,

Oh glorious victory

That overcomes the world.

[Both song from Inspiring Choruses]

God bless you!

Dorothy 

Never Alone! 5/17-20/18

17-20 May 2018 – Never Alone! – Manna by Dorothy Callies

Joshua 1:5 “As I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you nor forsake you.”

God made this promise to Joshua just before he led the Israelites into the Promised Land. Joshua needed that courage to go boldly where Joshua had not gone before.  Joshua wanted to make sure that the same God who was with Moses, would also be with him.  Joshua wanted God to guide him, and give him wisdom how to plan the victory after victory while claiming for the new Promised Land.  And God did exactly that.

Strange to think, Tony and I are moving into a different apartment on the first floor and just a thought of memory  . . . Since the year of Dec. 2001, we were called to pastor a Deaf Church and we sold our Mobile home and moved to the third floor of the apartment at the town of north Akron, Ohio. There were many stairs to climb.  It was like living in a cabin because on the third story apartment, it had patio and we could see a view of trees for miles. It was an awesome sight.  It was almost like a forest.  Northern part of Akron City had hills to drive around. It had homes, and parks, several recreation area as well as picnics area.

On Dec. 2003, we moved to Deaf Video Communication’s janitor’s apartment at Carol Stream, Illinois and there were also a lots of stairs on the job for cleaning upstairs ‘hotel rooms.’  When Tony retired from the janitor’s job in March 2007 at the age of 70, we moved to Bloomington, IL and to an apartment with stairs, 8 steps stairs in June 30, 2007 and it would be 11 years both downstairs (4 years) and upstairs apartments (7 years).  I guess the “exercise pays off.”

Looking back, God has kept His promised never to leave us nor forsake us when it became too much for us to climb several apartments with routine stairs. God is still with Tony and me moving to a new adventure place with the first floor. It will be our 17^th moves since 1969 when we ended our evangelism tour from 1967.   

Seems like memory of so many stairs, I never thought of it until now as if God was telling me, just as I was with you all those years with stairs you have climbed, I am still with you even on the first floor.  God has not changed.  We have . . . well into our ages.  So we are never alone!  Like God told Joshua that He would never leave Joshua alone, the same God will not leave you alone.  What a comfort thought!

Song: Never Alone

No, never alone!  No, never alone!

He promised never to leave me,

Never to leave me alone.

No, never alone!  No, never alone!

He promised never to leave me,

Never to leave me alone.

[Inspiring Choruses]

May God bless you always! 

Dorothy 

Tell It All 5/13-16/18

13-16 May 2018 - Tell It All – Manna by Dorothy Callies

Psalm 62:8 “Trust in Him at all times, you people; pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us.”

I was reading a short devotion about how the writer was telling about a clerk who helped him buy a small digital voice recorder.  The clerk explained how he kept one just like it in his car when he worked in California.  The clerk used it to talk about everything that happened that day on the job. When he arrived home, he erase it all so no need to go over days’ problems with his family. 

Being Deaf, I can’t use the voice recorder.  I would use the video recorder if I want to sign my problems and to “pour out my heart” into it and then erase it.  But here’s a problem with video recorder.  It is a dead end and I would still feel like it doesn’t really “cure my problems.”  Why? Because I am human and I need another person to talk to.

That’s where God comes in.  The psalmist wrote: “People, trust God at all time. Tell Him all your problems, because God is our protection” (Psalm 62:8 NCV).  I like the KJV’s quote: “pour out your heart before Him.” To pour out is to let your heart flow freely to Him.  I poured out my troubles to God who would listen to me.

“God, my back hurt. All the packing to do, I can’t even do some heavy work. I guess I just have to ask friends for help.  Gee! Getting older is no fun at all.  Please, I ask You to strengthen my back.  Teach me how to rest in You like Scripture says in Psalm 62:1-2,5-7 NCV.

“I find rest in God; only He can save me.  He is my rock and my salvation.  He is my defender; I will not be defeated. I find rest in God; only He gives me hope.  He is my rock and my salvation.  He is my defender; I will not be defeated.  My honor and salvation comes from God.  He is my mighty rock and my protection.”

Boy . . . that made me feels good because I have a God who hears me and He gave me strengthen in my body when I quote the Scriptures.  It reminds me of a song, What a Friend we have in Jesus.  Thank You, heavenly Father for being such a wonderful God!

Song: What a Friend We Have in Jesus

What a Friend we have in Jesus,

All our sins and griefs to bear!

What a privilege to carry

Everything to God in prayer!

O what peace often forfeit (forget),

O what needless pain we bear,

All because we do not carry

Everything to God in prayer!

[Lyrics: Joseph Medlicott Scriven, Sing His Praise]

May the Lord bless you today.

Dorothy

Planned Ahead 5/8-12/18

08-12 May 2018 - Planned Ahead – Manna by Dorothy Callies

 Jeremiah 29:11-13 TLB: “For I know the plans I have for you….plans for good and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.  In those days when you pray, I will listen.”

Dorothy: What a great encouragement to hear or read God’s Word!  I also read devotion on the title from “I Have Planned Ahead for You.” I interpreted some of my own words to make it clear from very advanced languages even for myself.  I asked God for wisdom. [James 1:5-6, ‘If you need wisdom you should ask God for it, He is generous and enjoys giving to all people, so He will give you wisdom. But when you ask God you must believe and not doubt’ (NCV)]

Do you feel that God is afar off and that He is not near?  He is always near you.  In the middle of hard time, God is supporting you.  In dark time, Jesus is your Light. No darkness can hide His face from seeing how great faith you have in Him.

In grief, God is your comfort.  In failure, God’s encouragement is most welcome.  In loneliness, God’s presence would be more tender with you.  God will multiply His wisdom and strength in time of needs for you. 

God is our Lord God who has no limits.  God does not lack anything.  God does not reserve His stores for He always has a fresh supply for you daily.  His supplies never ran out.  He always has plenty for you.

God speaks:  Rejoice and face each day with joy; for I have planned ahead for you, and made all necessary arrangements and reservations.  I am your guide and benefactor.  Place Your Hand in Mine. [Benefactor=one who helps another especially by giving money]

Dorothy: As for news, amazing things has happened when I ask for your prayer in finding apartment with “no steps.”  On Wednesday, May 9^th we met with the agent when our lease was expired.  He found an apartment with the first floor so we signed a new lease and getting ready to move in next month in the middle of June. So thank you for your prayer and God bless you so much.

What this Manna means to me . . . God had already planned ahead and the people were moving out at the right time and we’re able to move in next month.  I could see the perfect timing of God’s plan.  The devotion reminded me to realize who God is.  I read them again and again until those words saturated my mind and my heart. To saturate means to soak in and absorb all the words into my deep heart.

Song: Thank You, Lord

Thank You Lord, for saving my soul.

Thank You Lord, for making me whole.

Thank You Lord, for giving to me

Thy great salvation so rich and free.

[Inspiring Choruses]

God bless you!

Dorothy  

Just a Little While 5/4-7/18

04-07 May 2018 – Song: Just a Little While – Manna by Dorothy Callies

Psalm 71:16a “I will go in the strength of the Lord . . .”                            

Title: The Prayer of an Aged Man on the whole chapter of Psalm 71.

It was King David’s prayer: “Lord, you are my hope. Lord, I have trusted You since I was young.  I have depended on You since I was born; You helped me even the day of my birth.  I will always praise You.  I am an example to many people, because You are my strong protection.  I am always praising You; all day long I honor You (NCV, Psalm 71:5-8).

Psalm 71:9 KJV: “Cast me not off in the time of old age; forsake me not when my strength faileth.”  NCV: “Do not reject me when I am old; do not leave me when my strength is gone.”  King David prayed: IN THEE, O Lord, do I put my trust: let me never be put to confusion (KJV Psalm 71:1). NCV: “In You, Lord, is my protection. Never let me be ashamed.”

Commentary on “I PUT MY TRUST.” This psalm contains (explained) a prayer by an older person (v.9) who faces troubles and needs God’s help to rescue him from his enemies and afflictions (vv. 1-2,18).  King David had walked in God’s ways since childhood (vv. 5-6,17) and experienced exceptional troubles in life (v. 20), yet David had kept his faith and confidence in God.  David was determined to live the rest of his life with the confidence that God will manifest (show) His power and goodness in his life.

Ps. 71:9 “IN TIMES OF OLD AGE.”  When strength is failing and the troubles of aging are more evident, we are encouraged to remember God’s guidance in days gone by and look unto Him as our protector, helper, and supporter for the last days of life.  And the hour of death when physical strength fails, we should know that He will not forsake us but will be near (vv. 12,18) as He brings us by the holy angels into His heavenly presence (Luke 16:22).

Ps. 71:18 KJV: “Now also when I am old and grayheaded, O God, forsake me not; until I have shown thy (Your) strength unto this generation, and thy (Your) power to everyone that is to come.” NCV, “Even though I am old and gray, do not leave me, God.  I will tell the children about Your power; I will tell those who live after me about Your might.”

Dorothy: This is my inspiration verse: “I will go in the strength of the Lord . . .” Psalm 71:16a.  On this one, I like the KJV better than NCV.  Our hope and purpose in life, we will continue to live in God and be filled with His Spirit, so that His power and goodness might be clearly shown in Tony’s life and mine.  I pray that through the Manna whoever read it would be inspired to seek earnestly God’s kingdom and His righteousness (Matthew 6:33).

As for news: The other day, I asked the Lord what to read in the Bible.  He led me to read Psalm 71 and I was impressed there was such “The prayer of an aged man” as shown in the Full Life Study Bible.  As a result of this study the last few days, I felt confidence that it was time to move on to seek “no step” apartment as I saw the ads. Our lease is coming up this month of May for June 30^th and please pray that the same landlord will find the right apartment for Tony and me. If not, we might seek elsewhere.

During the last weekend, we had been busy preparing our things for the upcoming garage sale on May 10 and 11 at friends’ home.  Bless their hearts to help us out.  There were a lot of stuff that we had to get rid of to make our lives easier.  I appreciate friends that have truly helped us.

All of the sudden, the song came to me and I share it with Tony if he remember we sang the chorus for many years.  He started to sing and Tony laughed with joy as we sang it together.  So we’re practicing as duet for the upcoming 15^th Annual Anchor Deaf Women’s Ministry for afternoon service on May 19^th Saturday at First Assembly of God Church, 800 East Vernon Ave, Normal, Illinois. If you want to know about it, contact Barb Reu’s email: path431reu@gmail.com.

Song: Just a Little While

[Lyrics: Eugene Monroe Bartlett, Sing His Praise]

Chorus:

Just a little while to stay here,

Just a little while to wait,

Just a little while to labor,

In the path that’s always straight;

Just a little more of troubles

In this low and sinful state (earth),

Then we’ll enter heaven’s portals (place, gate)

Sweeping (walking) thro’ the pearly gates.

1. Soon this life will all be over,

And our pilgrimage (traveling) will end;

Soon we’ll take our heavenly journey,

Be at home again with friends;

Heaven’s gates are standing open,

Waiting for our entrance there;

Some sweet day we’re going over,

All the beauties there to share.

[Then Chorus]

2. Soon we’ll see the light of morning,

Then the new day will begin;

Soon we’ll hear the Father calling,

“Come My children enter in”;

Then we’ll hear a choir of angels

Singing out the victory’s song;

All our troubles will be ended,

And we’ll live with heaven’s throng (group).

[Then Chorus]

May the Lord bless you today!

Dorothy

Love Never Fails 5/1-3/18

01-03 May 2018 - Love Never Fails – Manna by Dorothy Callies

1 John 4:7-12 NCV, “Dear friends, we should love each other, because love comes from God.  Everyone who loves has become God’s child and knows God.  V8. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. V9. This is how God showed His love to us: He sent His one and only Son into the world so that we could have life through Him. V10. This is what real love is:  It is not our love for God; it is God’s love for us in sending His Son to be the way to take away our sins. V11. Dear friends, if God loved us that much we also should love each other.  V12. No one has ever seen God, but if we love each other, God lives in us, and His love is made perfect in us.” 

1 John 4:16 NCV, “And so we know the love that God has for us, and we trust that love. God is love.  Those who live in love live in God, and God lives in them.”

[Condensed from “Come Away My Beloved” written by Frances J. Roberts]

Behold, I am the Lord, your God; is anything too hard for Me?  I am the LIGHT of the world, and the greatest darkness shall never be able to stop that light.  I shall be to thee a cloud to preserve by day and a pillar of fire to protect by night. Both in the sunshine and in the darkness, I shall be near you. 

Hold on to your faith for there is a great reward waiting for you.  If I seem to be far from you, PRAISE ME! So praise Me continually for Praise keeps working on Faith, and God lives in the Praise of His People. 

If ever darkness seems to press about you, remember this, you have neglected to PRAISE ME.  Love ME; pour out your adoration and worship Me. Be sure of this: LOVE NEVER FAIL.  Loving Me never fails to bring Me to your side.  Anyone who sees Me most clearly is the one who loves Me most dearly. [End]

Prayer: Dear Father God, the Creator of heavens and the earth, the One who made the sky and the seas. You are Lord, One God whom we serve day by day. Thank You for Your Word that You are faithful to us when we are not always faithful to You. Lift us up and draw us near to You and help us to love You until we could really feel Your love. Thank You for showing us how we could reveal You to others through our love in action towards others. Let us feel Your arms of love through the Holy Spirit. By faith, we are healed of any problems that we have in Jesus' name. Amen!

Song: Never Failed Me Yet

Never failed me yet,

Never failed me yet,

Jesus’ love never failed me yet,

This one thing I know

That wherever I go

Jesus’ love never failed me yet.

[Inspiring Choruses]

May the Lord be with you today! 

Dorothy