Past Bother You? 8/31/19

31 August 2019 – Does Past Brother You? -   Manna by Dorothy & Tony Callies  

Philippians 3:13b
". . . one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind . . ."

Does the memories of past bothered you? Today is the last day of the month, August 31^st. Think about Paul. If the devil had anything to bring against Paul, he would remembered how he had persecuted the early church and caused the deaths of many, including Stephen, the first Christian martyr.

Paul had done horrible things that were hard for him to forget. But he had such a revelation of God’s awesome forgiveness that he could say, “forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead.  My goal is to reach heaven and meet Jesus Christ, the One who called me to Him." Like Paul, you can forget your past, the wrongs you have done and the hurts you have caused others or been through yourself.

Know something? God can take the tears of yesterday and transform them into the miracles of tomorrow. And tomorrow is a new month, September first. Praise God! Can you believe this? He can restore to you in all abundance what you have lost. He can cause all things, even the painful events of your past, to work together for your good (Romans 8:28). Praise God! I believe it! I received it!

God’s Word says, “The glory of the Lord will protect you from behind” (Isaiah 58:8 NLT). His glory will cover your past. Wherever you go, His glory covers your past. It is no longer the same past that you know of because His glory has come down on your past. It has been wiped out. It is gone! So don’t let your past rob you of today’s joy!

Wow! God . . is so good! . . . God . . is so good! . . . God . . is so good, He is so good . . to me! . . . Remember the favorite song? God is so good! He is so good to me!

May the Lord cover you with the blood of Jesus today!

Dorothy

[Revised from old Manna]

Pass It On 8/26-30/19

26-30 August 2019 - Pass It On – Devotion shared by Dorothy & Tony Callies

2 Corinthians 1:7 “As you are partakers of the sufferings, so also you will partake of the consolation (comfort).”

I would like to share Our Daily Bread devotion written by Randy Kilgore. I like the title, “Pass It On.” Something that we have gone through, your experience of suffering would bring understanding what’s like for others to go through.  So we comfort those who are going though time of suffering.  So sharing with those who suffer builds character.

“I’ve noticed through the years that those who have suffered are quick to comfort other sufferers. When a young couple suffers the loss of a child in the past asks if they can help.  If a couples loses their main income, almost immediately another couple steps forward to offer their aid, remembering their own journey through foreclosure years earlier.

“Again and again we see the body of Christ aupporting and encouraging one another.  These Christians have learned that they can use the trials they’ve been through to reach out to others going through similar (same) difficulties.

”Have you been sick?  Lost a loved one?  Been imprisoned?  Unfairly treated? In all of our trials, God promises to bring something good out of even our darkest moment (James 1:2-4). One key way this takes place is when we share the comfort He offered us with those who are now going through trials. 

“As Paul points out in 2 Corinthians 1:3-7, we are comforted by a Savior who knows our suffering and we honor Him when we pass His comfort on to still others. May we never leave someone to suffer alone.  If we know the trial that another person is facing, God will help us to guide that person to Him—surest comfort of all.” ---Randy Kilgore.

Prayer: Dear Lord, help us to step forward when others around us are suffering trials similar to what we’ve been through.  Enable us to be a comfort, as You have been to us in the past. Amen!    Key: God comforts us so that we can comfort others. (RK)

Dorothy: I was looking for song under “Comfort” and I was surprised to see long lists of “comfort.” It was difficult so I just picked this simple heartfelt song.

Song: Just When I need Him Most

Just when I need Him most,

Just when I need Him most,

Jesus is near to comfort and cheer,

Just when I need Him most.

(Inspiring Choruses)

May God use you to comfort others,

Dorothy 

Your Confidence 8/21-25/19

21-25 August 2019 - Your Confidence – Manna by Dorothy & Tony Callies

Theme: Cast Not Away Your Confidence

“So do not lose courage you had in the past, which has great reward” (Hebrews 10:35 ncv). “Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompense of reward” (Hebrews 10:35 kjv).

Confidence means a strong belief and trust and something told as a secret. Cast mean throw away. So cast not away means “do not throw it away” or “think less of.”

To grasp the deep meaning of Heb. 10:35, we need to read this part of Hebrews 10:32-34. “Remember those days in the past when you first learned the truth. You had a hard struggle with many sufferings, but you continued strong. 33 Sometimes you were hurt and attacked before crowds of people, and sometimes you shared with those who were being treated that way. 34 You helped the prisoners. You even had joy when all that you owned was taken from you, because you knew you had something better and more lasting.”

Do you ever felt like you have suffered more when you first heard the truth which is the gospel of Jesus Christ? You used to have a lot of friends, but now it seems some of them have hurt and attacked your faith in Jesus Christ? Do you ever tried to help those new friends who were also attacked by others who made fun of them for having Jesus Christ in their lives?

In Paul’s time, some of the wealthy Christians had lost their homes and were taken to prison because of their faith in Jesus Christ. Others had taken over their wealth. Paul had heard that they still have joy even when they lost their homes or things because they knew in their heart that there was something better in heaven for them. Paul encouraged us not to “Cast or throw away your confidence” and do not lose courage what we had in the past. Look forward to the reward for what we have done for the Lord’s work. God’s Word comes to us what we need to hear and be encouraged in Him that we are not alone. God will reward us. Let us trust Him!

Song: Cast Not Away Your Confidence
I believe the answers on the way.
I believe the Lord has heard me pray.
Cast not away your confidence,

    says the Lord thy God.
Now by faith in Him alone I stand.
Firmly held by His Almighty hand.
Fully, trusting in His promise,

     praise . . the . . Lord . . .
(Song collection by author unknown)

Dorothy

PS. I was encouraged by this Manna from December 7, 2009 that I had written ten years ago. Imagine that! Time flies and God’s Word remain true and faithful. God knows how to keep us in touch with Him. When He speaks through His Word, we are certainly revived.  Thank You, Lord for that!

When God Fills Us 8/16-20/19

16-20 August 2019 - When God Fills Us – Devotion by Callies

I just felt like I need to share this kind of devotion that I had read from “Our Daily Bread” written by Adam Holz from March 4, 2019.  That writing inspired me about how he faced the situation and how that verse became clearer to his need. May God bless you as you read this devotion.

Psalm 16:11 “You make known to me the path of life; You will fill me with joy in Your presence, with eternal pleasures at Your right hand” (NIV).

“What had I done?” It should have been one of the most exciting times of my life. Instead it was one of the loneliest.  I’d just gotten my first “real” job after college, in a city hundreds of miles from where I grew up. But the thrill of that big step quickly faded. I had a tiny apartment. No furniture. I didn’t know the city. I didn’t know anyone. The job was interesting, but the loneliness felt crushing.

One night, I sat at home with my back against the wall. I opened my Bible and stumbled onto Psalm 16, where verse 11 promises God will fill us. “Lord,” I prayed, “I thought this job was the right thing, but I feel so alone.  Please fill me with a sense of Your nearness.” I offered variants (different) of that plaintive plea (not fancy prayers) for weeks. Some nights, my sense of loneliness eased (had some comfort), and I had a deep experience of God’s presence. Other nights, I still felt achingly isolated (painfully alone).  

But as I returned to that verse, anchoring (to hold in place) my heart in it night by night. God gradually deepened my faith. I experienced His faithfulness in a way I never had before. And I learned that my job was simply to pour out my heart to him . . . and humbly await His faithful response, trusting His promise to fill us with His Spirit.

Prayer: Lord, we can feel so empty at times. But You’ve made known the path of life.  You long for us to trust You.  Help us to cling (hold on) to Your promise to fill us in our desperate moments.  (Written by Adam Holz, Our Daily Bread, 3/4/19).

Dorothy:  What impressed me? Adam different prayers for weeks.  Some nights, he had deep experience of God’s presence. Other nights, still lonely.  Still held on to that verse 11 night by night.  Slowly God deepen his faith.  New experience with God’s presence and His faithfulness.  Adam learn to pour out heart to Him and wait for His faithful response, trusting His promise . . . “You make known to me the path of life . . .” Ps. 16:11.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for showing me the story of Adam. It blessed me to understand how important it is to trust in You.  I pray that if any Deaf have faced the lonely time, that the devotion of Adam would bless them how he deals with it by turning to Your Word of promises that “You make known to them the path of life . . .”  Thank You, Lord for the devotion. In Jesus’ Name, Amen!

Key: “Wilderness experience is the best teacher for our character building.”  

May the Lord bless you!

Dorothy

Faith by Guest Dean

Faith by Guest Dean

Good morning! The guest is Dean Hardy of Canada share this from 9/29/11 "If You Have Faith" devotion. Thank you Dean for sharing this. It really touched me. Dorothy Callies

Good thoughts Dorothy!

Interesting timing--last night in our Bible study we looked at Galatians 3. Paul talks about the importance of living by faith every day using the example of Abraham. Looking at Abraham's story, we see that though he began his walk with God 'by faith' in following God without question (Genesis 12:1-5; Hebrews 11:8-10). But then he often tried to fulfill God's promises in the flesh/his own strength--I.e. Going to Egypt because of a famine without asking God about what he should do (Genesis 12:10), lying to protect himself instead of trusting God (Genesis 12:11-13; 20:1-2), worrying about who his heir would be because he still didn't have a son (Genesis 15:1-3), trying to produce an heir through his servant girl (Genesis 16:1-4). In the midst of all this God was trying to teach Abraham how to live by faith every day (Genesis 15:6). Sometimes he got it right (Genesis 21:1-6; 22:1-14; Hebrews 11:11-12; etc), other times he fell back on to his old fleshly/human habits.

In Galatians 3, Paul tells us that Abraham's example teaches us how to live by faith each day. "The Scriptures say that God accepted Abraham because Abraham had faith. And so, you should understand that everyone who has faith is a child of Abraham. . . . God told Abraham the good news that all nations would be blessed because of him. This means that everyone who has faith will share in the blessings that were given to Abraham because of his faith. . . . The Scriptures also say, 'The people God accepts because of their faith will live.' " Galatians 3:6-11 (cp. Habakkuk 2:6) CEV. I have noticed that many Christians understand clearly and believe that salvation comes through God's grace by faith alone, but many do not know how to live by faith after they are saved. This is the continual challenge for us as we grow in our faith and understanding of God's ways.

Serving Abba together, Dean

If You Have Faith from 9/29/11

Matthew 17:20b
NCV: "...I tell you the truth, if your faith is as big as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move. All things will be possible for you."

Matthew 21:21-22
NCV: Jesus answered, "I tell you the truth, if you have faith and do not doubt, you will be able to do what I did to this tree and even more. You will be able to say to this mountain, 'Go, fall into the sea.' And if you have faith, it will happen. If you believe, you will get anything you ask for in prayer."
Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, I give you my little mustard seed of faith. They are so small and I know that You will make it grow bigger & bigger so I could receive an answer to prayer that I need so much especially in my body. There are other needs, Lord and help me to sing this song, "Faith In God" over and over until I have the assurance that my needs are already met. Thank You for keep reminding me through Your Word, "Have faith in God". I feel good when I hear your words of encouragement and it boosts my faith. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Song: Faith in God
Faith in God can move a mighty mountain.
Faith in God can calm the trouble sea.
Faith will make the desert like the fountain,
Faith will bring the victory.
(Song collection, Author: unknown)

God Bless you,

Dorothy

Renew Strength 8/10-15/19

Theme: Renew Strength

Isaiah 40:31
"They that wait upon the Lord
shall renew their strength; they
shall mount up with wings as eagles;
they shall run, and not be weary;
and they shall walk, and not faint."

Song: They That Wait Upon The Lord.

They that wait upon the Lord shall
renew their strength, they shall
mount up with the wings as an eagle;
they shall run and not be weary,
they shall walk and not faint.
Teach me Lord, teach me Lord to wait....

Dorothy:
Dear Lord, keep us close to You. We love
You. Wash us with the Blood of Jesus.
In Jesus' name, Amen!

God Who Looks 8/6-9/19

06-09 April 2019 – God Who Looks – Manna by Dorothy & Tony Callies

Theme:  The Pursuing God or The God who looks for us.

Galatians 4:4-5 “God sent forth His Son, born of a woman . . . to redeem those who were under the law.”

One pastor of Presbyterian Church had observed that Christianity is special among all religions because it is about God pursuing us to draw us to Himself.  What exactly does the word, pursue means? It means to follow in order to catch up with and seize. In another words, God looks for us to bring us closer Him, close to His heart.

While in every other religious system, people pursue (chase) their god or idol, hoping that through their good behavior, keeping of rituals, good works, or other efforts, they will be accepted by the god or idol they pursue or look for.  

What a big difference between God and idol!  Our God who tried to find us while people tried to find an idol to worship to that their idols would be “satisfied” with them. No wonder God was angry and called that idols stupid because idols are made of wood, brass, or gold.  They cannot hear, see, feel, touch or even the idols cannot speak words of encouragement.

In the O. T. God had pursue His own people by sending prophets so many times to come back to Him. The Scripture shows us what kind of God we have! God talked to us … God feels for us … God hears our prayers … God sees our hearts … God touched us … God still heals today while idols cannot heal!

During the time when Jesus was among the people, they would still be under the law and the law “demands” death to those who have not obeyed the law. Especially those who broke the first commandment by worshiping an idol.  Jesus came to meet that law’s demands which He had died on the cross. So now Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law and set us free (Ga. 3:13). Hallelujah!

Truly God sent His Son, who was born of Mary, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law.  Meaning, God wants to save us through Christ . . . O what a Savior . . . His heart was broken . . . His hands were nail-scarred . . . His side was riven . . . He gave His life-blood so that we would be born-again and be with Him forever.

Song: What a Savior

1. Once I was staying in sin’s dark valley,

No hope within could I see;

They search thru heaven and found a Savior

To save a poor lost soul like me.

Chorus:
O what a Savior, O hallelujah,

His heart was broken on Calvary;

His hands were nail-scarred,

His side was riven,

He gave His life-blood for even me.

2. He left the Father, with all His riches,

With calmness sweet and serene (show peace),

Came down from heaven and gave His life-blood,

To make the vilest sinner clean. (Chorus)

(Marvin P. Dalton, Melodies of Praise)

May the Lord bless you!

Dorothy  

Exra's Worship 8/1-5/19

01-05 August 2019 - Worship – Manna by Dorothy & Tony Callies

Theme: Worship, the History of Ezra

Nehemiah 8:5-6 “And Ezra opened the book in the sight of all the people; (for he was above all the people); and when he opened it, all the people stood up: And Ezra blessed the Lord, the great God.  All the people answered, Amen, amen, with lifting up their hands: and they bowed their heads, and worshipped the Lord with their faces to the ground.”

What was it like in the Old Testament for the people of God to worship Him?  There was a history that Samaria people were influence by foreign people to add other gods to worship as well as their One God.  Having more idol gives them more power to their worship.  The idea had influence Judah as well.  Time after time God sent prophets to warn them to not to add more idols for their worship at the same time worshiping their one True God.

If you would notice that the book of 2 Kings Chapter 25 ended with Judah being carried away with captivity by the king of Babylon.  During those 70 years of captivity, God was with them. When 70 years had passed, God allowed the Israelites to return home and Ezra led them. 

Ezra had renewed the books of 1^st and 2^nd Chronicles to bring back the memory of God’s Covenant. It’s the similar stories from 1^st and 2^nd Kings. Ezra had great love of God’s Word and he used the Word of God as part of worship to listen to.  “When he opened it, all the people stood up: And Ezra blessed the Lord, the great God.  All the people answered, Amen, amen, with lifting up their hands: and they bowed their heads, and worshiped the Lord with their faces to the ground.”

That’s one of the part of their worship custom, they stood up to respect Ezra’s reading God’s Word.  The people hearing the Word of God was meant to bless them, to save their souls, enrich their lives and to bless them richly as long they worship God first.

Today, we hear the Pastor speak God’s Word or we, (Deaf) see the Pastor signs God’s Word are part of our worship to Him. In our daily reading God’s Word is part of our worship to Him.  We show respect to His Word.  We honor Him. That’s part of our worship to Him.

Jesus said, “They that worship Him must worship Him in spirit and in truth.”  Reading God’s word is truth. Part of the worship is reading the Bible, “The Truth.” May God really bless us when we read His Word so richly and so freely, in Jesus’ name, amen!

Song that I remember way back in Ohio Deaf Church that I heard one of children’s songs  sang like this: Praise Him, Praise Him, all of God’s children, God is love, God is love. Thank Him, Thank Him, all of God’s children, God is great, God is great.  

May the Lord bless you as you worship Him and honor Him,

Dorothy