Poor in Spirit 10/27-31

27-31 October 2018 - Poor in Spirit – Manna from 10/2015 by Dorothy Callies

Matt. 5:3 Jesus said, “Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”

The Amplified Bible translated “Blessed (happy, to be envied, and spiritually prosperous with life-joy and satisfaction in God’s favor and salvation, regardless of their outward conditions) are the poor in spirit (the humble, who rate themselves insignificant), for theirs is the kingdom of heaven!” (Matt.5:3).  [Insignificant=not important]

**Being poor in spirit does not mean that a man must be poverty-stricken and financially poor. Hunger, nakedness, and slums are not pleasing to God, especially in a world of plenty. Christ is not talking about material poverty. He means what He says: poor in spirit. Being “poor in spirit” means several things.

**We acknowledge or understand that we are completely helpless before God and we depend on God to meet our need. We understand that the real blessings of life and eternity come only from a right relationship with God. We understand that our attitude toward others is not proud and not looking down toward others. We understand that we could show our appreciation to others through our giving to those in great need.

**The opposite of being “poor in spirit” is having a spirit that is full of self. There is a world of difference between these two spirits. There is the difference thinking that we are righteous versus acknowledging that we need the righteousness of Christ. There is the difference of being self-righteous versus being given the righteousness of Christ. Self-righteousness goes no farther than self; that is goes no farther than death. Self dies and everything with self including our self-righteousness. But the righteousness that is of Christ lives forever.  [**Commentary from The Preacher’s Sermon & Outline Study]. (Versus=ASL opposite)

Dorothy: What impressed me that being “poor in spirit” receive forgiveness of sin and God’s continue to remember His covenant and that is our assurance in Him (Ps.105:8). “For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more” (Heb.8:12). “And their sins and iniquities I will remember no more” (Heb.10:17). “He hath remembered His covenant forever …” (Psalm 105:8).

Jesus said, “Blessed are the poor in spirit for the kingdom of God belongs to you.” We have nothing in this world, but we have everything in Jesus. Only Jesus can satisfy so let’s sing.

Song: Only Jesus

Only Jesus, only Jesus,

Only He can satisfy;

Every burden becomes a blessing,

When I know my Lord is nigh.

Song: Return to the One

Return to the One who loves you

Return to the Savior who cares.

He’ll give perfect peace

Your burden He’ll bear

Return to the Savior who cares.

 (Inspiring Choruses)

Testimony from Callies 10/26/18

26 October 2018 – Testimony from Tony and Dorothy

It was a last minute plan to join with Audrey who need someone to ride with her to the Deaf Women Retreat at Spencer Lake Camp, Wisconsin on the weekend of Oct. 19 through 21, 2018.  I encouraged Tony to be with me for personal assistant so I contact someone who made an arrangement for both for us to be together at camp.

It was good to meet those whom we have known for many years and meet some new faces.  Cindy Dively, bless her heart asked me and Tony to sing special duet and she wanted to introduce us as an “old timer” to the new generations who doesn’t know our ministry to the Deaf. Cindy had shown a slide of Tony’s book that he had written, God’s Chosen Vessel.  She asked that I briefly explained what’s in the book.

I started with how we made silent movies from the drama we had traveled over USA and Canada after we got married from June 1967 to 1969. When we settled at Rockford, Illinois we made two movies.  Then we moved to Normal/Bloomington, Illinois and Tony became Pastor to the Deaf in 1970. We made five more silent movies. 

Fast forward to technology to VHS in 1985 and how God led us to the ministry of VHS. Then Tony and I worked with Deaf Video Communication to complete five books on verse by verse Bible Studies in sign language with captioned and voice interpreted.  Then next technology was DVDs and the Bible studies are now in internet. So contact DVCTV.COM if interest.

Tony had prayed three hours a day that the Deaf all over USA would come to know the Lord and the Word of God.  Last July 2017 we learned from David Stecca of DVC that many had started their own Bible studies from the internet from Tony’s teachings. Even reached to the Deaf at Central American Country. 

Several Deaf and hearings have asked if we would write the second, God’s Chosen Vessel book because they wanted to know what’s up with us since 1977.  Our next goal would be in ASL technology with the help of technician person to be able to explain from what’s in the book from 1977 and testify what God has done since 40 years of our adventures.

Before we start to sing, I noticed Tony did not sit on the high stool to help with his balance.  He stood up!!! I looked at him and asked, “Are you going to sit down?” Tony responded that he’s fine and he rather stand up and sing with me.  I was really surprised and impressed at the same time.  We sang two songs. Then Cindy asked that pastors pray anointed prayer for Tony and me.  We felt God’s blessings and gave Him the glory.

Later on, I asked Tony, “What made you decide to stand while we were singing?” Tony answered, “I want to show the Deaf what God can do.”  My eyes were wide open with delight. I thought “Whoa!”  Just so you know that I taped the verse on the kitchen counter to see this daily and I interpreted Jeremiah 33:3 “Call on Me, and I will show you great and mighty things which you haven’t seen yet.”  At camp, I just saw one miracle, Tony standing while singing. I guess I get to practice on that with Tony. Thank you, Lord!

May the Lord bless you today!

Dorothy

A Contrite Spirit 10/21-25/18

21-25 October 2018 - A Contrite Spirit – Manna by Dorothy Callies

Isaiah 66:2 KJV, “. . . but to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at My word.”

The word, contrite means a feeling or showing sorrow and remorse (deep regret) for a wrong that one has done; to feel or express grieve. To tremble means to have strong fear. In another word, to have a strong respect to His Word. A person who really believe very strongly with God’s Word and show great respect to God’s Word. The word, poor here means a person who has nothing. [The next Manna will expand this subject.]

“The heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool: where is the house that ye build unto me? And where is the place of my rest? For all those things hath mine hand made, and all those things have been, saith the Lord”. . . (Is.66:1-2a). God’s Temple was already there and the people just loved beautiful designed Tabernacle. Yet why was God not impressed with all the fancy building that was constructed for Him?

According to Isaiah 66:3 God had spoken that He was not satisfied with the way they had offered to Him. Why? He said, “. . . he that burneth incense (at the Golden Altar), as if he blessed an idol …” Oh, stop right there, an idol? They were not satisfied to worship God only, they wanted other idols to worship, too. They had no respect for His Word. God said, “Yea, they have chosen their own ways, and their soul delighteth in their abominations” (Is.66:3c). God was not happy so what was God really looking for?

God said, “To this man will I look.” God is looking for a certain kind of person whose hearts are a contrite in spirit. Jesus said, “. . . He hath sent Me to heal the brokenhearted . . .” (Luke 4:18). A contrite spirit could lead to having a broken heart. Are you brokenhearted? His arms are wide open. Jesus is the healer of broken hearts. Let us pray.

Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, if You are looking for someone whose heart is a contrite spirit, here I am. I bring my brokenhearted before You. I bow down before You. Only You can fix my shattered dreams. Only You can work on my broken life and weave them together again. Jesus, You will always be my friend. You are the healer of broken hearts. I trust You to bring peace and joy in my soul. I pray for my friends who are going through their time of brokenhearted. I pray that You will heal their wounded hearts. I thank You for Calvary that brings healing to their hearts. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen!

Song Healer of Broken Hearts

He’s the healer of broken hearts,

He’ll mend your shattered dreams;

He’ll pick up the threads of your broken life

And weave them together again.

To your soul He’ll bring peace and joy,

A friend in need He’ll be;

The healer of broken hearts is Jesus of Galilee.

(Georgia Stiffler, Country Western Gospel Favorites) 

May the Lord heal your broken heart. 

Dorothy 

The Lord is Mine 10/16-20/18

16-20 Oct. 2018 – The Lord is Mine - Manna by Dorothy and Tony

Lamentations 3:24 “I say to myself, ‘The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for Him’” (NIV). “The Lord is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in Him” (KJV). “I say to myself, “The Lord is mine, so I hope in Him” (NCV).

When we say, “The Lord is my portion,” we are saying that the Lord is my share. He is part of my life.  He is mine. He belongs to me.  Without Him I am nothing. Therefore I will wait for Him to do the work that needs to be done.  

Jeremiah, the weeping prophet, wrote the book of Lamentations. He witnessed the destruction of Jerusalem and he wept over it. Jeremiah wrote his grief over the people who have not been faithful to God.

Yet Jeremiah set his hope in God and said, “Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness. I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for Him.” The Lord is good to those whose hope is in Him, to the one who seeks Him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord” (NIV Lamentations 3:22-26).

There is a time of grief when we read or see or hear the news of tragedy that many are going through. Our hearts could sense the grief that others are going through. Our hearts could sense the heaviness of sufferings, yet the Lord is our portion, He feels the grief, He feels the sufferings, therefore we wait for the Lord to provide help.

Again, I say, “It is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord.” To wait means to stay in place until someone comes or until something happens. We are to wait for the Lord until something happens. That is what our faith in God does.

So let us trust the Lord today!

 Song: Faith in God

Faith in God can move a mighty mountain,

Faith in God can calm the trouble sea;

Faith can make the desert like a fountain,

Faith will bring the victory.

(Inspiring Choruses) 

Dorothy

PS. Hearing the news of Hurricane Michael worse destructive, I find this Manna, the words of encouragement to keep trusting God.  God always has a plan. When Jeremiah saw how Jerusalem was destroyed, God immediately gave hope that His people who have been faithful will return to Jerusalem after 70 years of captivity.  They would rebuild the Temple and the walls of Jerusalem. 

Our prayers goes to Christian volunteer workers who are helping people with needs in many places. They are introducing Christ into their lives and turn to Him for help and guidance in rebuilding their lives.  May the Lord heal the wounded in hearts.

God's Darkroom 10/11-15/18

11-15 October 2018 - Gods Darkroom – Manna by Dorothy & Tony Callies

Lamentations 3:6, 26 “He hath set me in dark places … it is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the Lord” (KJV).

Do you ever wonder who really invented the idea of having a camera? God gave gift to man to invent the camera. When we have camera, we like to take pictures. Inside the camera, we have film. When we completed the films inside the roll, we take it out and go to the store and give the roll of film to the clerk. The clerk put inside the envelope and tells you how many days it would be done.

Then the films are sent to the person who has the skills in the development of photographs. The films must first be taken INTO A DARKROOM. The person worked with the chemicals to bring out the film into pictures. When it is done in the dark, then it would be safe to expose the negatives to light and produce the final prints. The light, which would have destroyed the film, now brings out its beauty.

Lamentations 3:6 in NCV says, “He made me sit in the dark …” God has taken pictures of us, meaning we have had many wonderful experiences with Him. So now God takes us through “DARKROOM” experiences to develop our spiritual life. As we pass through trial, sorrow, frustration, disappointment, and dark times, the Lord was developing the image of Christ within us. Then we are ready to be displayed in the light. Heaven would be our final print of life in Christ.

“It is good to wait quietly for the Lord to save” (NCV). Word of advice: Do not seek to get back into the light too soon. Let us wait for His perfect timing so He could “imprint His love” on the film of our lives. While we wait, take the time to sing uplifting song.

Song: In Times Like These

In times like these you need a Savior;

In times like these you need an anchor;

Be very sure, Be very sure,

Your anchor holds and grips the Solid Rock.

This Rock is Jesus, Yes, He’s the One;

This Rock is Jesus, The only One;

Be very sure; Be very sure,

Your anchor holds and grips the Solid Rock.

(Lyric: Ruth Caye Jones, Sing His Praise)

So let’s put our trust in the hand of God on our lives!

Dorothy

 PS. Manna was from March 27, 2013 God's Darkroom. It became a blessing to me to know that God is working inside of us.  It is a very uplifting devotion. I pray that you will be able to see God’s great work inside of you.  The Lord God said, “Call on me and I will show you great and mighty things which will surprises you” (Jeremiah 33:3). O Lord, may Your face to shine upon us (Psalm 119:135), in Jesus’ name. Amen!

I Call on You 10/9/18

October 9, 2018 - I call on You Personal Journal by Dorothy

September 26 2018 - I call on You

Personal Journal by Dorothy Callies

Psalm 17:6 NKJV

“I call on You, my God, for You will answer me;

turn Your ear to me and Hear my prayer.”

David, the singer-poet of Israel called upon God.

God is the One we trust with our lives every day.

God gives us peace and assurance every day.

God is our safe place every day.

Oct. 9, 2018 – Spontaneous by Holy Spirit

Song: Every Day with Jesus

Every day with Jesus

Is sweeter than the day before.

Every day with Jesus,

I love Him more and more.

Jesus saves and keeps me,

and He’s the One I;m waiting for.

Every day with Jesus,

Is sweeter than the day before.

[Inspiring Choruses]

Oct. 9, 2018 - Spontaneous by Holy Spirit to pray. 

Prayer: Thank You, Lord for reminding me that

every day, I am to trust You when I call upon You,

and You will answer me.  You will turn Your ear

to me and hear my prayer.  You comfort my heart

when I quote the Scripture to You. I pray for my

friends and families that You will bless them and

heal them through the blood of Jesus Christ who

shed His blood on the cross for us. I thank You

for answered prayer by faith in Jesus' name. Amen

God bless you today!

Dorothy

[I will add that to my personal Journal today Oct. 9, 2018.

I am greatly encouraged when I sang and prayed this

Prayer for you. Amen!]

Word, Again & Again 10/6-10/18

06-10 October 2018 - His Word, Again & Again – Manna by Dorothy & Tony

2 Chronicles 36:15 “The Lord . . . sent word to them . . . again and again, because He had pity on His people.” [NIV from Daily Bread]

I became interested in this verse from Daily Bread devotion so I did some research.  I see that the KJV were difficult to grasp its meaning, “… rising up betimes, and sending …” and AMP: “… sent to them persistently …” and NLT: “… repeatedly sent …”

NCV seems clear: “The Lord, the God of their ancestors, sent prophets again and again to warn His people, because He had pity on them and on His Temple.”  And another one:  New Int’l Reader Version (NIRV): “The Lord, God of Israel sent word to His people through His messengers. He sent it to them again and again.  He had pity on His people. He also took pity on the temple where He lived” (2 Chronicles 36:15).

Dorothy: What impressed me about 2 Chronicles 36:15? I was reading a devotion about a young girl who visited her great-grandmother and she had a farm that had electric fence to keep the cows from breaking through the fence to the green grass. The girl was warned not to touch the electric fence or she’ll get electric shock. 

Somehow she ignored the warning and her finger touched the electric fence and she got zapped with electrical current strong enough to teach a cow a lesson. Then she understood why her parents had warned her because they loved her and did not want her to get hurt.  [Part of the story from Jennifer Benson Schuldt, Daily Bread]

This story is a comparison of God toward His people. When God saw His people in Jerusalem making idols to worship them, He “sent His word to them . . . again and again, because He had pity of His people” (2 Chron. 36:15).  God spoke through the prophet Jeremiah, but the people wanted to do their own plans.  They ignored the prophet’s warning. So God allowed the King of Babylon to destroy Jerusalem and captured many people. And destroyed the Temple.

In Jerusalem, God had pity over His people and the temple because He knew that soon He would have to allow the other nations to punish His people for not listening to Jeremiah’s warning to stop worshiping idols and turn back to Him.  God knew that His people will suffer and God had mercy on them because He loved them.  He wanted them to realize that they had broken the commandment, not to make and worship idols.

This study shows me how much God cares and that He is pleased when we are reading, studying, searching God’s Word daily, and pray daily. It reminds me of a song.

Song: Wonderful Words of Life

(Lyrics: Philip Paul Bliss, Sing His Praise)

Sing them over again to me,

Wonderful words of life;

Let me more of their beauty see,

Wonderful words of life;

Words of life and beauty,

Teach me faith and duty;

Beautiful words, wonderful words,

Wonderful words of Life

Beautiful words, wonderful words,

Wonderful words of life.    

May the Lord bless you today!

Dorothy

Stir Up 10/1-5/18

01 Oct. 2018 - Stir Up - Personal note from Dorothy's Journal of Sept. 12, 2018, will go to Deaf Prayer Partners Lifeline Blog. 

Hebrews 10:24 kjv: "And let us consider one another to *provoke unto love and to good works."   *Provoke=Call forth, stir up.

NKJV: Let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good work.  NCV:  Let us think about each other and help each other to show love and do good deeds. 

AMP: Hebrews 10:23
"So let us seize and hold fast and retrain (to keep in possession or use) without wavering the hope we cherish and confess, and our acknowledgment of it, for He Who promised is reliable (for sure) and faithful to His Word." 

AMP: Hebrews 10:24
 "And let us consider and give attentive, continuous care to watching over one another, studying how we may stir up (stimulate and incite) to love and helpful deeds and noble activities."

**The purpose of my personal Journal note is just simply a reminder for myself with God's Words.  I thought it would be nice to share this with you because right now I have not been able to work on Manna yet so happy October first day of the month to you!!!

Dorothy