Through It All 12/28-31/19

28-31 Dec 2019 – Through It All – Manna by Dorothy and Tony Callies

Mark 13:13 “. . . he that endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.”

NIV: “. . . he (you) who stands firm to the end will be saved.”

We are coming to the end of December 31, 2019 for the last time. What do I remember the year of 2019 that stands out in my mind at this moment? I thought about it  . . . “God!” I couldn’t remember any details of events, but I do remember that God was there from time to time. That was a precious memory that just strengthen my faith, “God!”    

Since I couldn’t remember details, I looked into my calendar of 2019 and scan through it month by month.  I could not believe so many challenged things had happened. Then the quote came to me, “Through it all.”  I found the song.   

Song: Through It All

Through it all, through it all,

I’ve learned to trust in Jesus,

I’ve learned to trust in God!

Through it all, through it all,

I’ve learned to depend upon His Word.

(Andrae Crouch, Sing His Praise)

So the key was to trust in Jesus! And to trust in God and to depend upon His Word! That’s when I remembered. Depending on His Word encouraged my soul through the year of 2019. I want to share a part of devotion I had read.

“We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. (Heb. 6:19)” In difficult times, how can we have hope when we would face with challenge situations? Those who put their faith in God’s promises knows that:

            *God is good.

            * God’s love endures.

            * God’s promised the gift of eternal life.

            * God keeps His promises.

John Eldredge quotes, “Faith looks back and draws courage; hope looks ahead and keeps desire alive.”

God bless you! 
Dorothy

Heavenly Host 12/24-27/19

24-27 Dec 2019 - Heavenly Host – Manna by Dorothy & Tony Callies

Luke 12:13-15 “And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away . . . into heaven . . .”

Somehow the song echo in my heart: “Hark the Herald Angels sing” meaning “pay attention to the good news what Angels sing about.”  Imagine, angels suddenly appeared out of the sky singing . . . “Glory to the newborn King . . .” That would have been awesome!

Song: Hark the Herald Angels Sing

1. Hark! The herald angels sing

“Glory to the newborn King!

Peace on earth and mercy mild,

God and sinners reconciled!”

Joyful, all ye nations, rise,

Join the triumph of the skies,

With an-gel-ic host proclaim,

“Christ is born in Bethlehem.”

(Charles Wesley, Sing His Praise)

Christmas time is a time to celebrate the birth of Jesus! It always seem like Christ being born brings excitement to everyone especially with the angels who had announced the birth of Jesus Christ to the lowly shepherds who were tending to their sheep.

The shepherds came to see Mary, Joseph and the baby lying in a manager. The shepherd were so excited that they shared what they had seen the angels appeared to them from the heavenly host singing to them of Christ’s birth. "But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart" (Luke 2:19). Mary was amazed and cherished the thought of what God has done by sending the heavenly host of angels to the lowly shepherds. 

So like Mary, let us also cherished this wonderful story of Christ's birth into our hearts. And we wish you a MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Tony and Dorothy 

A Cheerful Heart 12/21-23/19

21-23 Dec. 2019 - Cheerful Heart – Manna by Dorothy & Tony Callies

Proverbs 15:15b “. . . the cheerful heart has a continual feast.” NIV

Proverbs 17:22 “A merry heart does good, like medicine . . .” NKJV

What’s the difference between cheerful and merry heart? Really almost no difference except that merry has good sense of humor comes from disposition of a mind while being cheerful is more like a good spirits. I was just pondering those meanings.

Merry= full of good humor and good spirits like Merry Christmas!

Cheerful= full of good spirits 2. Pleasantly bright like “a sunny cheerful room”

You might ask what start all this? Well, while I was at the desk, I noticed my different translation Bibles were piled up.  So I reorganized the piles and noticed the Character devotional book was hidden at the bottom. I just felt like to open the Character Devotional book on page 98 and read the above verse of NIV, the cheerful heart . . .

Then it asked questions: What is your attitude today? Are you fearful, angry, bored, or worried? Perplexed (confused)? Frown? (Some places, I summarized to my language instead) To me it was a strange question to ask myself, what is my attitude today? In another words, what am I like? Huh?  Then it says: “If so, God wants to have a little talk with you.”

I thought, “oh, oh. God wants to talk to me through this devotion.” I read on to what it says: “God created you in His own image and He wants you to experience joy, contentment, peace and abundance. God has given you free will, including the ability to influence the direction and the tone of your thoughts.”

I was thinking of Tony and what his attitude was. He often has a sense of humor and laughed a lot.” I have seen him teased the interpreters and they laughed with Tony and his face just glow with joy. Tony has a “cheerful disposition.” I am a serious person.

Then I read on to what it says, “Here’s how God wants you to direct those thoughts.”  Philippians 4:8 in NIV. “Finally, my brothers and sisters, whatever is true . . . noble . . . right . . . pure . . . lovely . . . admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”

Charles Kingsley quotes, “The people I have seen succeed best in life have always been cheerful and hopeful people who went about their business with a smile on their faces.”

Lord, I thank You for showing me this devotion and that You have spoken to my heart. Now I am asking You, Father for help to turn my thoughts to those verse, Philippians 4:8 and to experience four things: Joy, contentment, peace and abundance. Help me to share my faith and my hope with others through Manna. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen!

May the Lord richly bless you!

Dorothy

Step By Step 12/16-20/19

16-20 Dec. 2019 - Step by Step – Bread Box from May 2015 by Dorothy & Tony Callies

Psalm 37:23 KJV, “The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way.” NLT: “The steps of the godly are directed by the Lord. He delights in every details of their lives.”

The word, step means a rest for the foot in going up and down like a stair. 2: a movement made by raising the foot and bringing it down elsewhere 3: a way of walking.

The person in whom God delights is one who follows God, trust Him, and tries to do His will. God watches over and makes firm every step that person takes. The word, delighted means highly pleased; to take great pleasure; to give joy or satisfaction to; please greatly. Can you imagine that God is very happy to work with us?  Yes, very happy!

1 Samuel 2:9 NLT, “He will protects his godly ones, but the wicked will perish in darkness. No one will succeed by strength alone.”

Psalm 40:2-3 NLT, “He lifted me out of the pit of despair, out of the mud and the mire. He set my feet on solid ground and steadied me as I walked along. 3) He has given me a new song to sing, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see what He has done and be astounded. They will put their trust in the Lord.”

Psalm 147:11 NLT, “Rather, the Lord’s delight is in those who honor Him, those who put their hope in His unfailing love.”

Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, thank You so much for Your words tells us that You delights in every details of our lives. Even when we have problems You taught us to keep our eyes on You. You taught us to trust Your promise that You will do the work inside of us, something we don’t see that needs to be changed to receive the fruits of the Spirit. Thank You that you are with us every step of the way. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen

Song: Step by Step

Step by step I’ll follow Jesus,

Hour by hour I’m in His care,

Day by Day He walks beside me,

Thru the year I’ll know He’s there.
He can still the mighty tempest (storm),

He can calm the troubled sea,

He the waters trod (walk),

He’s the Son of God,

He’s the One who always walks with me.

(Percy Crawford, Let’s Sing)

Dec. 13, 2019 Dorothy: My testimony: “Many will see what He has done and be astounded. They will put their trust in the Lord.”  Be astounded means to be fill with puzzled wonder, something extraordinary and surprised. Something we never dream how God has planned details of our lives. Step by step is a daily details of our lives.

May the Lord bless you so much!

Dorothy

God's Wisdom 12/11-15/19

11-15 December 2019 - God’s Wisdom – Manna by Dorothy & Tony Callies

Theme: World’s Wisdom vs God’s wisdom.

“… the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men” 1 Cor. 1:25 KJV.

“This ‘foolish’ plan of God is far wiser than the wisest of human plans, and God’s weakness is far stronger than the greatest of human strength” 1 Cor. 1:25 NLT.  “Even the foolishness’ of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength” 1 Cor. 1:25 NCV.

I would like to share the commentary from the Bible on “the wisdom of this world” in my own words. “The wisdom of this world is a wisdom that leaves God out. The world emphasizes human self-sufficiency … means to meet one’s need. It’s like “I can do it by myself. I don’t need God. I get help from other sources. I get help from someone else, but not from God. ”  

The wisdom of this world makes man the highest authority … meaning, they have the power to do whatever they want or need to do.  The wisdom of this world refuses to recognize God’s revelation in Jesus Christ.  This wisdom God calls foolishness (1 Cor. 3:19-20). Humans (people of the world) have failed to find the truth or come to know their Creator (v.21). They don’t want to admit that there is a Creator of Universe.

Paul emphasizes that God’s standards and values are different from those accepted by the wisdom of this world. God is working on overthrowing their false standards and their own wisdom. God will bring an end of all the human’s self-sufficiency, human’s own way and philosophies (man’s idea), and all other worldly systems.

Now we have Christ Jesus … (1:30).  It is through Christ, in Christ, and with Christ that we, the believer receives wisdom from God and experiences righteousness, sanctification and redemption. (Ref: Rom. 4; 2 Thes. 2:13-15; Rom. 3:24; Eph. 4:30) End of commentary.

Dorothy: My point in this Manna was “to understand why God has chosen the foolishness” that He considered “wiser” better than man’s wisdom of this world. God said from Isaiah 55:9 “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.” KJV

Prayer: Yes, Heavenly Father, your ways are higher. Teach us to trust You with all our hearts and believe in Your marvelous plans. Thank You for Your grace and kindness towards us through Jesus Christ, our Lord, amen!

Song: Jesus Is the One

Jesus is the One,

Yes, He’s the only One,

Let Him have His way

   until the day is done;

When He speaks, you know –

Dark clouds will have to go

Just because He loves you so.

(Inspiring Choruses)

Dorothy

God Has Chosen 12/6-10/19

06-10 December 2019 - God Has Chosen – Manna by Dorothy & Tony Callies

1 Corinthians 1:27-28 Paraphrases: “God has chosen foolish things . . . God has chosen weak things . . . God has chosen base things . . .” Why? “So that no one may boast before Him” (1 Cor. 1:29).

Let’s read KJV: “But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to confound (confuse) the wise; and God has chosen the weak things of the world to confound (confuse) the things which are mighty; And base things of the world, and things which are despised, has God chosen? Yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought (nothing) things that are” (1 Cor. 1:27-28). In another words, God made something out of nothing. What seems worthless, God made it valuable.

Paul talked about the people of the world who could not accept Christ because they thought that to have Jesus died on the cross was a foolish thing to do. And because the cross was for criminal and Jesus was innocent.  The people of the world thought that was a weak thing for Christ to surrender to the soldiers and allow them to beat Him up. Also to have Jesus Christ being whipped was the despised thing to do.  The base thing is like the lowest and nothing valuable what Christ has to go through. 

Three things to notice what God has chosen:  The foolish things; weak things and base things.  Again, why? NLT quoted: “so that no one can ever boast in the presence of God.” Let us read from NLT 1 Corinthians 1:27-28. God gave the answers to the people of the world why He has chosen three things.

“. . . God deliberately chose things the world considers foolish in order to shame those who think they are wise.  And He chose those who are powerless (weak) to shame those who are powerful. God chose things despised (base, no value) by the world, things counted as nothing at all, and used them to bring to nothing what the world considers important.” Why? “So that no one may boast before Him” (1 Cor. 1:29).

Then comes the answer from Paul: “God alone made it possible for you to be in Christ Jesus. For our benefit God made Christ to be wisdom itself.  He is the one who made us acceptable to God. He made us pure and holy, and He gave Himself to purchase our freedom. As the Scriptures says, ‘The person who wishes to boast should boast only of what the Lord has done.’ (1 Corinthians 1:30-31 NLT).

Dorothy: What I am trying to say, all those Scriptures made me realized who God is. We have the wisdom of God . . . God has chosen . . . made me realized what we have gone through seemly foolish, weak things and making no sense at all.  Here is what we need to do. TRUST GOD for His wisdom in all things. Often we say, “It made no sense what I am going through!” Again, TRUST GOD for His wisdom in all things. I felt encouraged by the Holy Spirit when I say, “TRUST GOD for His wisdom in all things.”

May the Holy Spirit encouraged us to TRUST GOD,

Dorothy 

Song: How Great is Our God!

How great is our God …

How great is His name …

He is the greatest One …

Forever the same …

He rolled back the wa-ter …

Of the mighty Red Sea!

And He said, “I’ll lead you …

Put your trust in Me”…

(Inspiring Choruses)

God Gives Life 12/1-5/19

01-05 December 2019 – God Gives Life – Manna by Dorothy & Tony Callies

Romans 4:17b “. . . the God who gives life to the dead and calls things that are not as though they were” (NIV).  It means you believe something is there by faith although you have not seen the answer to prayer yet.

Story: “William Carey was a sickly boy, born to a humble family near Northampton, England.  His future didn’t look too bright.  But God had plans for him.  Against all odds, he moved to India, where he brought incredible social reforms and translated the Bible into several Indian languages.  He loved God, and accomplished many things for God.”  (Quote from Our Daily Bread)

This story reminds me of a history on William Carey.  It was a story that was not very pleasant to read especially his family.  His personal life had some terrible crisis, yet he kept at his ministry until it was time for him to go home to heaven. He lived that long in spite of being a sickly boy to begin with. God raised a sickly boy to life!

What he had accomplished was the most amazing story I have ever read.  You could google his story and learn something from it.  In India, they have a statue of William Carey in memory of his great work.   

Why this story does inspired me?  Sometimes I am puzzled at what God was doing with our lives. Sometimes it felt like we are in the wilderness season … and yet I heard one lady testified from TBN saying that the best experience a person could ever have is “to go through the wilderness experience.” It is a character building experience.

I stopped to think. Oh yes, God is there with us whether or not if we feel anything. If we don’t feel anything . . . that is a wilderness of “nothingness” or “empty feeling.”  It is a birth of “our faith” God allows us to go through.  Just like He was with Israel through 40 years of wilderness, His pillar of fire and clouds coverings had shown that His presence was always there. Even today we don’t see them, but this story assured us that GOD IS HERE!  Just as He was with William Carey, God is here with us . . .

Just a thought! “God who gives life to the dead and calls things that are not as though they were.”  Feeling dead? He promised to give life to your dead feelings!  You are to call them that “my feeling give life and inspiring” even though “I feel nothing.” Do you get it?  Feel nothing? Good! Then act in faith as if you had a wonderful feeling with God’s presence.  Know something?  God will do exactly that!!! I remember our favorite song!

Song: How Great is Our God!

How great is our God …

How great is His name …

He is the greatest One …

Forever the same …

He rolled back the wa-ter …

Of the mighty Red Sea!

And He said, “I’ll lead you …

Put your trust in Me”…

(Inspiring Choruses) 

Dorothy

 

Increase Our Faith 11/29-30/19

29-30 Nov 2019 – Lord, Increase our Faith - Manna by Dorothy & Tony Callies

Romans 4:17b “. . . the God who gives life to the dead and calls things that are not as though they were” (NIV).

“Abraham staggered (wavered, doubt), not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; and being fully persuaded, what he (God) had promised, he (God) was able also to perform (to do & to act)” (Romans 4:20-21, KJV).

NIV quoted: “Yet he (Abraham) did not waver (doubt) through unbelief regarding (about) the promise of God, but was strengthened in his (Abraham’s) faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God had power to do what He (God) had promised” (Romans 4:20-21).

Abraham was strong in faith! Abraham believed in God! Abraham trusted God to keep His promise. Abraham was fully persuaded that nothing is impossible with God. Abraham had confidence that God, being a Creator of heaven and earth can do anything what He plans to do.

At the right time, God created Abraham’s body to become a new person. God created Sarah’s body to become youthful again so both had a son Isaac to carry on the generations of the “resurrected line of the future resurrected Christ.” (Selah: think of those awesome thought).  

Abraham now in heaven, stand in awe when he kept seeing the multitude of the generations that open their hearts to Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. Just as he was called the “father of many nations.” God truly blessed Abraham for believing in His Word of promise.

Oh, this just made me want to say, “Lord, increase my faith!”  Just like “the apostles said unto the Lord, ‘Increase our faith’.” Jesus answered the apostles just to have faith like a grain of mustard seed that grew to become Sycamine tree. (Ref: Luke 17:5-6).

Prayer: Thank You, Jesus for Your Word that bring life to my soul.  Thank You, Jesus for reminding us to have faith like a tiny mustard seed. Thank You Jesus for the inspiration story of Abraham. Lord, I believe. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen!

‎Song: Lord I Believe

Lord, I believe, Lord I believe,

Savior raise my faith in thee

Till it can move a mountain, 

Lord I believe Lord I believe

‎All my doubts are buried 

   in the fountain.

(Inspiring Choruses)

Lord, Increase our Faith!

Dorothy

Light of the World 11/26-28/19

26-28 Nov. 2019 - Light of the World – Manna by Dorothy & Tony Callies

Jesus said, “I have come as a Light into the world, that whoever believes in Me should not abide in darkness”—John 12:46.

“The great invitation of Christmas is to open our hearts to the Savior who came to end our darkness.  Jesus said, “While you have the light, believe in the Light, that you may become sons of light. . . . I have come as a Light into the world, that whoever believes in Me should not abide in darkness.” (John 12:36, 46). The way out of our spiritual night is to walk in the light with Him.” –David McCasland, Our Daily Bread.

Dorothy: Even though it isn’t Christmas yet, Tony and I watched Hallmark movies on Christmas stories so many times and it certainly felt like it.  I came to that devotion which inspired me to write a song.

Song: The Light of the World is Jesus

The Light of the world is Jesus—

Just a glimpse of Him—

The Light of the world is Jesus—

The things of the earth grow dim—

The Light of the World is Jesus—

Look full in His wonderful face—

The Light of the world is Jesus—

In the light of His glory and grace—

(Anonymous)

The Holy Spirit was encouraging me through the song and it inspired me so much so that I sang it to Tony to cheer him up. I put Manna in advance since it will be a busy holiday week. So . . .

God bless you!

Dorothy

Bind 11/21-25/19

21-25 Nov. 2019 - Bind – Manna by Dorothy and Tony Callies

Matthew 12:28 Jesus said, “If I cast out devils by the Spirit of God, then the Kingdom of God is come unto you.” NVC: “But if I use the power of God’s Spirit to force out demons, then the kingdom of God has come to you.”

What challenge Jesus to quote this Scripture about cast out devils by the Spirit of God? It all started with healing event: The man was possessed with a devil, blind, and dumb (unable to talk) and Jesus healed the man so that he could both speak and see. The people were amazed and believed that Jesus is the Son of David, the Messiah. (Ref. Matt. 12:22-27))

But when the Pharisees heard about the miracle, they said in their thoughts that Jesus gets His power from Satan, the prince of demons, to cast out demons. Jesus knew their thoughts and Jesus took the challenge and gave His wise answers. “If Satan cast out Satan, his kingdom will not survive.” It means he can’t really fight against himself.

Jesus went on and said, “But if I am casting out demons by the Spirit of God, then the Kingdom of God has arrived among you” (Matt. 12:28 NLT). “Or else, how can one enter into a strong man’s house and spoil (take) his goods, except he first bind the strong man? And then he will spoil (take) his house” (Matt. 12:29 KJV). NLT: “Let me illustrate this. You can’t enter a strong man’s house and rob him without first tying him up. Only then can his house be robbed!” Jesus gave the instruction about the “bind” which means to tie up by force.

How did Jesus build His church? From Matthew 16:18-19 what Jesus meant that He will build His church through Peter’s preaching. It is through the Day of Pentecost that Peter preached God’s Word that “bound” the force of demons and through the moving of the Holy Spirit’s Presence convicted the hearts of 3,000 people to accept Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.  Jesus meant that even the gates of hell shall not be able to stop the preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Jesus gave the keys of the kingdom of heaven to Peter “to bind or to loose” (Matt.16:19).  Peter went to the house of Cornelius and his preaching had already “bound” the force of demons. While Peter was still speaking God’s Word, Holy Spirit fell upon all those who heard the word and they spoke with tongues, and magnify God (Acts 16:46).

This was what Jesus had taught: First the Spirit of God in you to cast out the devils, or bind the demons, or bind the strong man and then, only then would God’s kingdom come which means God’s Presence moves among you and in you, to heal, to deliver, to be filled with Holy Spirit, to encourage you, to talk to you and whatever there is to loaded us with all benefits and be able to meet all our needs.

Dorothy: You know. This is the first time I see things clearly how powerful the Word of God “bind” the force of demons so people’s eyes were opened to the gospel of truth that set them free to accept Jesus Christ in their hearts.  Actually, we could built several sermons or devotions on “bind.” Amazing truth of our Lord Jesus Christ!

One story I want to share this: When I was a speaker at the ladies retreat in the state of Washington during the month of October 2002. I was preaching about the “bind” of a strong man, the Warrior Demon on Saturday night.  There was a picture of what it look like and I instructed all the ladies who were standing together to sign with me.  The deaf ladies and I “commanded that Warrior Demon and all the forces of demons to leave the building and to go out to the back door” that was open from the platform.

The moment we, together spoke this “command,” all of us ladies could feel like the “vacuum” that pulled the force of demons out through the open door.  Immediately the power of the Holy Spirit came down and the ladies that were standing fell back to their seats. God’s Spirit was so powerful that many of them were delivered, healed and felt the freedom in the Spirit of God.  Their faces glowed and they were so surprised to see how simple this was and we were so blessed with God’s Spirit moved so freely among us.  Awesome grace of God!

This was exactly what Jesus taught us that He gave us the keys of the kingdom of heaven to us to “bind or loose” (Matthew 16:18-19). Let the Holy Spirit show you how to use this Scripture for your personal needs and for your families and for your friends. Really, the theme of “binding” is a big subject and there’s a lot to cover on this.  Right now, it is all I could take for a very short Manna to feast on.  So God richly bless you today!  

.

Song: The Windows of Heaven are Open

The windows of heaven are open,

God’s blessings are falling tonight.

There’s joy, joy, joy in my heart,

Since Jesus made everything right.

I gave Him my old tattered garment,

He gave me a robe of pure white;

I’m feasting on MANNA from heaven,

And that’s why I’m happy tonight.

(Inspiring Choruses)                                                              

May God bless you!

Dorothy

Loads Us with Benefits 11/16-20/19

16-20 Nov. 2019 - Loads Us with Benefits – Devotion provided by Dorothy & Tony

             “Blessed shall you be when you come in, and blessed shall you be when you go out” Deuteronomy 28:6.

            In the Jewish community, the promise, “Blessed shall you be when you come in, and blessed shall you be when you go out,” refers to being blessed in the affairs of one’s daily life, whether in or outside one’s home.

            So here, God is saying that you are blessed in your everyday life. Do you believe it? Do you believe that every day, your family and work life are blessed? Or do you think that you are blessed only during Christmas when you receive your gifts and year-end bonus, or when you get that promotion you have been wanting? Perhaps you think that the blessed life only begins when you meet the man or woman of your dreams!

            No, my friend, you are blessed every day and you have God’s Word for it. Psalm 68:19 says, “Blessed be the Lord, who daily loads us with benefits, the God of our salvation!” And because God’s Word says so, believe that every day of your life is loaded with benefits.

            Every morning, when you get up, believe that it is a day that the Lord has made, and rejoice and be glad in it (see Psalm 118:24). Start the day expecting it to be loaded with the benefits that God has prepared just for you.

            At night, when it is time to sleep, know that you will be blessed when you get up in the morning because there will be another load of benefits from your heavenly Father, who so loves you unconditionally, waiting for you!

            You can’t make your blessings happen. But if you will just believe what God has said in His Word and act like it is so, the blessings will manifest in your life. In fact, God wants to bless you more than you want to be blessed! His Word declares it: “Blessed shall you be when you come in, and blessed shall you be when you go out…Blessed be the Lord, who daily loads us with benefits, the God of our salvation!”

            Beloved, believe God’s Word. Believe Him for the blessings and you will find yourself loaded with His daily benefits. [Devotion by Joseph Prince]

Dorothy: I like what this says: “You are blessed every day and you have God’s Word for it. Psalm 68:19 says, “Blessed be the Lord, who daily loads us with benefits, the God of our salvation!” And because God’s Word says so, believe that every day of your life is loaded with benefits.”

             I need to believe this and sign it out loud, “daily loaded me with benefits and I have God’s word in me.” Quoting the verse activated my faith in His words.

            Daily loaded me with budget plan; daily loaded me with healing; daily loaded me with peace, daily loaded me with super natural strength in my body; daily loaded Tony with healing power in his body; and many more . . . And thank You Lord for that . . .

            May God bless you as you quote God’s Word for your healing power in Jesus’ name, I pray, amen!

Song: He’s the Lord of Glory

He’s the Lord of glory,

He is the great I am

The Alpha and Omega,

The Beginning and the End.

His name is Wonderful,

The Prince of Peace is He.

The Everlasting Father,

Throughout eternity.

(Inspiring Choruses)

Awesome Grace! 11/13-15/19

13-15 Nov. 2019 - Awesome Grace! – Manna by Dorothy & Tony Callies

Song: In ASL: Awesome Grace

1. Awesome grace! Awesome sweet feeling,

That saved a miserable like me!

I once lost, but God found me,

Before blind, now I understand.

2. His grace taught my heart respect,

His grace set me free;

So precious grace He gave me,

That time I first believed Jesus.

3. Many dangers time, many troubles thru,

Many time I pray to Jesus.

His grace leads me through safely

His grace lead me home to heaven.

[Note: No intention to replace writer’s original words in

Amazing Grace’s song. It’s just ASL song for the deaf culture].

Dorothy: I was looking through the Blog on Fresh Manna from Heaven from 2007 where I first started with the help of Mike back in Deaf Video Communication when we were living at Carol Stream, Illinois from Dec. 7, 2003 to June 30, 2007.

In the early spring of 2007, I remember the day I was driving on a highway from the Sage Company to Wadsworth, Ohio.  We lived in an apartment and we had a job as a custodian couple. It took 30 minutes’ drive to home from where I worked as a Data Computer for only few hours every morning from Monday to Friday. I use that time to meditate and worship God.  

At that moment, I sensed Holy Spirit sat next to me and He talked to me about the prophecy. He reminded me from one Scripture what we went through and that it was fulfilled.  I was so surprised that it was part of God’s plan. Holy Spirit gave me an assurance that nothing was done by accident. I was in awe of God’s wondrous works in our lives.

Holy Spirit went on and said that one day I would write a book.  I responded, “No way would I ever write a book!”  Holy Spirit said, “Yes way, you will write a book.”  I shook my head in disbelief, but there was peace that Holy Spirit’s presence gave me positive feeling that God will be with me all the way!”  So I took His word and put in my heart and pondered them. 

Now it is November 11, 2019, I looked through the archives of Manna from 2007 from the Blog and also, on the shelf, I have 12 binders, one for each year on Manna.  Then I realized what Holy Spirit tried to tell me that one day you will be a writer. Well, I wrote Fresh Manna in blog and I have 12 binders of Fresh Manna. It’s like “12 books” to me.

Amazing grace! Awesome grace of God! 

 And God bless you real good! 

Dorothy

God's Grace Increased 11/7-12/19

07-12 Nov 2019 – God’s Grace Increased – Manna with JP Devotion.

Provided by Dorothy and Tony Callies (See Dot’s note below why this is important)

Theme: God’s Unstoppable Grace

Romans 5:20 “Moreover the law entered, that the offense might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound.” [NCV: The law came to make sin worse. But when sin grew worse, God’s grace increased.]

            When a top executive is charged for corruption or a church minister is caught in the very act of adultery, you will probably hear the phrase “fallen from grace” being used of them. We have come to believe that when someone falls into sin, he falls from grace.

            But God wants us to know that when someone falls into sin, he does not fall from grace—he actually falls into grace! Thank God His grace is there to put the person back on his feet.

            The Bible tells of prostitutes and corrupt tax collectors—sinners—who fell into God’s grace and got back on their feet. If the sin in their lives could stop God’s grace, they would never have been able to receive His grace of healing, help and power to live right.

            Now, it is important you understand that God hates sin because it destroys our lives, relationships and bodies. Sin is evil! But sin is not overcome by us talking about it and relying on our willpower to overcome it. It takes God’s grace to destroy sin. In fact, it is when you are under His grace that sin has no dominion (rule) over you (see Romans 6:14). It is when you see His grace in providing His Son to put away your sins and make you eternally righteous that sin will not dominate you.

            The devil will say to you, “You think that you can still expect God’s blessings after what you did this morning?” That is when you must remind yourself that Christ alone is your perfection and righteousness. All of us have faults. None of us deserve God’s blessings. That is why we plead the grace of God, which is His unearned, unmerited and undeserved favor toward us.

            Sin does not and cannot stop God’s grace. If His grace can be cut off by sin, Jesus would never have come to save us because we were all terrible sinners. But praise God, “where sin abounded, grace abounded much more”!

            My friend, God’s grace is bigger, deeper, wider and more powerful than all the world’s sins put together. Receive His grace right now to walk in total victory over that weakness or evil habit in your life! End of Joseph Prince’s devotion.

Dorothy: “God wants us to know that when someone falls into sin, he does not fall from grace—he actually falls into grace! Thank God His grace is there to put the person back on his feet.”

            This phrase made it so clear that when we fall into sin, we fall into His grace so we can get back to our right path. Romans 5:20 has inspired me to be able to understand the verse so clearly. I read devotion several times until I really felt God’s amazing grace.

            Satan brought so many bad memories of mistakes that I had made. I am so thankful that Christ alone is my righteousness, His robe of righteousness, His blood washed away all the bad memories and there is no condemnation in Christ (Rom. 8:1).

            “If our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart …” (1John 3:20). Satan tried to make us feel guilty in many things. You could use 1John 3:20 as your word of testimony against the work of the devil and say “I have God’s grace on me in Jesus’ name!” Also 1John 4:4 “Greater is He that is in you, than he (the devil) …”

            I pray for God’s blessing on you and may His face to shine upon you! In Jesus’ name. Amen!

God's Alphabet 11/1-6/19

01-06 Nov 2019 - God’s Alphabet from Christine Brown from Dec.2016

Provided by Dorothy Callies (Permission to use ABC by C.B.)

Revelation 22:13 “I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last.” Revelation 1:8 “I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was,  and which is to come, the Almighty.” (ref: Rev. 21:6)

In Hebrew letter begin with A and end with O, just like A begin and end with Z.

Poem: God’s Alphabet

Although things are not perfect

Because of trial as pain

Continue in thanksgiving

Do not begin to blame

Even when the times are hard

Fierce winds are bound to blow

God is forever able

Hold on to what you know

Imagine life without His love

Joy would cease to be

Keep thanking Him for all the things

Love imparts to thee

Move out of “Camp Complaining”

No weapon that is known

On earth can yield the power

Praise can do alone

Quit looking at the future

‘Redeem the time at Hand”

Start every day with worship

To “thank” is a command

Until we see Him coming

Victorious in the sky

We’ll run the race with gratitude

Xalting God’s most high

Yes, there’ll be good times and

            yes some will be bad    but…

Zion waits in glory . . .

            where none are ever sad!

Dorothy: I was cleaning out the savings stuff from the box and want to share this with you. It really impressed me so thought you’ll enjoy this as well.  

God bless you. 

Your Father Knows 10/27-31/19

27-31 Oct. 2019 - Your Father Knows – Manna from July 2014 by Dorothy Callies

Matthew 10:29, 31 NLT “Not even a sparrow, worth only half a penny, can fall to the ground without your Father knowing it.  So don’t be afraid, you are more valuable to Him than a whole flock of sparrows.”

I woke up in the morning with an inner spirit singing from the Holy Spirit. He encourages me to get up and go to the laptop. As I sat down to do the work with Manna, and I receive an inspiration from the Holy Spirit tenderly singing to you.

Your Father knows … just how you’re feeling …

Your Father knows … just when you’re hurting …

Your Father sees … the birds that fall …

Your Father sees … your tears that roll …

Your Father cares … and He embrace …

Your Father cares … and He sees your face …

Your Father loves … and He lifts you up …

Your Father loves … and fill your cup …

With Father’s love … and overflowing …

With Father’s love … and flows with healing …

(Words written by Dorothy Callies with help of Holy Spirit)

Jesus said that God is aware of everything that happens even to the sparrows. You are far more valuable to Him than they are. You are so valuable that God sent His only Son to die for you (John 3:16). Because God places such value on you, you need never to fear any personal threats or difficult trials. These cannot shake God’s love or dislodge His Spirit from within you. (Dislodge: to force out of a place especially of rest, hiding, or defense)

But this doesn’t mean that God will take away all your troubles.  Jesus said, “Look, I am sending you out as sheep among wolves. Be as wary as snakes and harmless as doves” (Matt. 10:16 NLT). Be wary means be very cautious; especially being on guard against danger or trickery; be careful. Be harmless means be free from hurting others.

From Matt. 10:16, Jesus gave a warning about the opposition of the Pharisees, they were like ravaging wolves, they attacked Jesus and often He responded with words of wisdom. He was gentle like a dove, yet strong with God’s Word and His teaching.

He knows the risk of sending you out as a sheep among wolves, meaning the danger of all things around you. But remember this: the real test of value is how well something holds up under the wear, tear, and stress of everyday life. Those who stand up for Christ in spite of their troubles truly have their lasting value and they will receive great rewards.

Matthew 5:11, 12 from NLT quote: “God blesses you when you are mocked and persecuted and lied about because you are My followers. Be happy about it! For a great reward awaits you in heaven. And remember, the ancient prophets were persecuted, too.”  End.

Dorothy: From the shelf where I kept the Manna binders, I was led by Holy Spirit to choose July 30-31, 2014 and read “Your Father Knows.” The poem that Holy Spirit inspired me to write has really impressed me that once again, my heavenly knows what I was going through. Once again, His words stirred my heart as well as reading Joseph Prince’s today’s devotion, “God has seen your future and it is good.”

May the Lord bless you today!

Dorothy Callies

Good Stewards 10/22-26/19

22-26 October 2019 - Good Stewards – Manna by Dorothy Callies

1 Peter 4:10 “As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.”

The word, steward, means to serve others. Manifold means many ways to serve others. As NIV explained it: “Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.” In another words, we can show God’s grace through our action of serving others.

            “A group of teenagers on a ministry trip in Jamaica were enjoying some downtime with a game of Ultimate Frisbee.  But when someone noticed that a boat had overturned off a nearby beach, the game ended and the teens eagerly rushed to the water to help.

            There they found a small group of professional boat operators struggling with their craft—trying to turn it upright.  That’s where the teens could help.  They waded in, put their young strength to work, and together they were able to right the boat.

            What happened that day in the Caribbean Sea reminds me of what can happen in the church.  The “professionals,” the pastor and others who are trained to lead the church, face a task they can’t do alone. It’s often a struggle to get the work of the church done until laypeople join in and work alongside the leadership.

            This was the situation in Acts 6.  Some in the church were being neglected and the “professionals,” the apostles who were leading the church, realized they couldn’t do everything themselves.  Only when seven laypeople pitched in to help the leaders could the church proceed.

            How can you come alongside your pastor and other leaders to help keep your church moving ahead?” –Dave Branon (Our Daily Bread devotion)

           

Let us sing! Jesus, Use Me!

Je-sus, use me,

And O, Lord don’t refuse me,

For surely there’s a work that I can do . . .

And even though it’s humble,

Help my will to crumble, (break down)

Though the cost be great –

I’ll work for You . . .

[Inspiring Choruses]

May the Lord bless you real good!

Dorothy