Fresh Manna From Heaven

Long Break

2012-02-10T11:02:00.000-08:00

Hi, In case you are wondering if I would ever put in the blogger.Right now, I probably will not be able to keep it up. There areso many devotions and you could always check it out. I would say maybe I am taking a break. I might do things differently.Dorothy

Song: Where Art Thou?

2012-01-14T11:38:00.000-08:00

Good morning! This song is good with Covenant Adamic. Maybe God
is calling us back to the relationship with Him. God loves you!

Song sends from Linda Martin of Virginia!

Song: WHERE ART THOU?
1. In the beautiful garden called Eden,
'Twas in the cool of the day,
The voice of the Lord was walking,
Seeking His creatures of clay.

Chorus: Where art thou? Where art thou? I hear Him
The voice of the Lord calling thee,
He seeks thee, He's looking, He searches,
Oh, hide not thyself from this Friend.

2. From the dust of the earth he was molded,
This man that God loves so today,
'Twas His breath that God breathed in his being,
To live and to walk in His way.
(Chorus)

3. Through the years man has stumbled and fallen,
And lain by the wayside in sin,
But God's love is the same, oh forever,
He's calling, He's calling again.
(Chorus)

(From memory. Author unknown).

Thank you, Linda Martin!

Dorothy

Song: In the Garden

2012-01-11T11:01:00.000-08:00

Dorothy: This was from Dean Hardy of Canada:

When I read this morning's devotion (Series One: Covenant-Jan. 11, 2012), the song that came to my mind while reading it was

"In the Garden" . . .

1. I come to the garden alone
While the dew is still on the roses
And the voice I hear falling on my ear
The Son of God discloses.

Refrain
And He walks with me, and He talks with me,
And He tells me I am His own;
And the joy we share as we tarry there,
None other has ever known.

2. He speaks, and the sound of His voice,
Is so sweet the birds hush their singing,
And the melody that He gave to me
Within my heart is ringing.
Refrain.

3. I’d stay in the garden with Him
Though the night around me be falling,
But He bids me go; through the voice of woe
His voice to me is calling.
Refrain.

Words: Charles Austin Miles (1912)

Blessings, Dean

PS. Thank you Dean! It was awesome!

Miracles, Where?

2012-01-05T15:22:00.000-08:00

Judges 6:13a
"Where are the miracles ...?"

Have you ever ask this question: "Where are the miracles that God has done in the past?" Story of the Angel of the Lord visits Gideon are found in chapter 6, verses 11-24. One part interest me: The angel appeared to Gideon and said, "The Lord is with you, mighty warrior!" (v.12).

Then Gideon said, "Sir, if the Lord is with us, why are we having so much troubles?" (v.13).

Have you ever question this to God? Is it wrong to ask God? No! He delights that you turn to Him. Like He said to Gideon of old, He is saying to us today, "Go with your strength ... and I am the One who is sending you." Whatever God has plan for you, you have His strength in you.

But Gideon had more questions and God was willing to deal with him until "Gideon understood he had been talking to the angel of the Lord. So Gideon cried out, "Lord God! I have seen the angel of the Lord face to face"" (6:22). Gideon was scared and he thought looking at the face of the angel of the Lord, God would punished him and also for asking Him so many questions.

But do you know what God said to Gideon? "Calm down! Don't be afraid! You will not die!" (6:23 ncv). Wow! This touched Gideon so much that he "built an altar there to worship the Lord and named it "The Lord Is Peace"" (6:24). The story goes on about Gideon trusted God for strength and Gideon did the job!

This inspires me to realize that God wants to perform a miracle for you. If you have question, ask Him. If you lack wisdom, ask Him (James 1:5). So let's expect a miracle today!

Song: Expect A Miracle!
Expect a miracle when you pray,
Expect a miracle every day,
When you expect it, God will find a way
To perform a miracle for you each day.
(Inspiring Choruses)

Ohhh, it feels good to trust God today, don't you?

Dorothy

Series Seven: Ashes in Heaven

2012-01-04T15:51:00.000-08:00

Hebrews 9:28 "So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many ..."

Jesus became the sin bearer. Jesus became the bearer of sins of others because He was sinless. He was smitten, not for His own, but for ours!

Now, let us visualize Jesus coming into heaven from the darkness of the pit of hell, bearing the sins of the whole world. Jesus bowed down, with his priestly garments torn and splattered with mud, filthy with the rot and stench of the world. Jesus came with His shoulders bowed into the presence of God. (This should break our hearts.)

Then as Jesus stood there, bowed, with God's back turns towards him, Gabriel, the angel of the Lord, spoke in a loud voice and said, "Take those filthy garments from Him, remove them to a place where they will never be found, and put on Him now the new, kingly robes, the royal priestly robes." Then the angels who stood before Him placed the robes over Him and Gabriel said, "Take a crown and put it on His head." That is when Jesus became our King and our High Priest! (Zechariah chapter 3, name of Joshua is really Jesus in Greek language.)

Next thing, let's visualize Jesus, the High Priest, carrying His blood as He enters the very tabernacle of God in the heavens where records of sin are kept! He splashed His blood on the book of broken laws, and upon the altar of the broken commandments as a thick cloud blotting out forever the records of anything that is written in heaven that you could be charged with. Jesus had turned those charges as sins into ashes. All of our failures are covered by the blood that speaks to God, and the blood of Jesus says, "It is done! It is finished!"

We could pray like this: "Jesus, thank you for tasting death for me. Thank you for destroying all evidence of sin that has been held against me, and turned those records into ashes. Help me to believe that those ashes were really gone!"

What this meant to me?
On the earth during Moses' time, the "ashes" were the type of our sins what Christ would do in heaven and the "ashes" were completed once for all.

If a sinner accepted Christ, his sins were already "in ashes" 2,000 years ago in heaven. Did you get that? That was why Jesus said, "It is finished!" What was finished? Christ's work was finished. His blood sprinkled on old records and they were turned into ashes since the beginning of Adam's time until the end of the world. At 'The Great White Throne' sinners will face why they didn't take this opportunity that their sins were forgiven through Christ and that their sins were already turned to ashes. They didn't take it. Instead they will "taste second death in the lake of fire" when Jesus already did that! Oh! Let us pray for lost souls!

Let us be faithful to Him!

Dorothy
Note: Some part of the statement from the book,
The Angel Assignment by Rolland Buck.

Series Six: Sprinkle Ashes

2012-01-03T15:37:00.000-08:00

Hebrews 9:13 ". . . the ashes of an heifer sprinkling . . ."

In order to understand about Hebrews 9:13 ". . . the ashes of an heifer sprinkling . . ." First, individuals represent Israel who put their hands upon the heifer or a young calf as an example that their sins are put upon the heifer or young calf. Then the workers cleaned up the heifer and prepare for the priests to offer heifer upon the altar for burnt offering.

If you know about the Tabernacle, a brazen altar was the first thing inside and on this altar the sacrifice was to be made. The offerings were to be burned to ashes, and then were sprinkled on Israel. All the sins of Israel were placed on the sacrifice. Then the sacrifice, being made SIN, FELT THE SEARING HEAT so that when Israel came to be accepted of God, and the ashes were sprinkled along with the blood, GOD WAS SAYING TO ISRAEL, "YOU HAVE GIVEN ME YOUR SINS. I AM GIVING THEM BACK TO YOU NOW, AND LETTING YOU SEE THE EMPTY SHELLS, THE ASHES OF SOMETHING THAT HAS LOST ITS POWER AND ITS LIFE. IT IS REDUCED TO NOTHING. Why? BECAUSE THE FIRE OF JUDGMENT HAS BEEN GIVEN TO THE SUBSTITUTE (the young calf), AND YOUR (Israel's) SINS WERE THERE ON THE BODY OF THAT SUBSTITUTE (Heifer, the young calf), WERE DESTROYED.

Hebrews 9:13 NCV "The BLOOD of goats and bulls and the ASHES of a cow (calf) are sprinkled on the people who are unclean, and this makes their bodies clean again."

This kind of sacrifice was effective in Israel in the purifying of a life so that the people could say, "It is done, it is done! My SINS that were placed there (on heifer at Brazen altar) are nothing but ASHES. Then the people receive pardon and freedom for a whole year. The high priest enters the Most Holy Place once every year ... Praise God! Christ was offered as a sacrifice one time, not every year.

Now Heb. 9:14a tells us, "How much (better) is done by the blood of Christ. He offered Himself through the eternal Spirit as a PERFECT SACRIFICE to God."

Now the ashes that was burned was a type of God's judgment against sins. The altar (prayer time) reminds us that our sins were already burned to ashes when we came to the cross of Jesus. Jesus took our sins with His blood had already burned our sins into ashes. The ashes were blown away. Gone! Now we are free in Christ! Wow! I pray you get this.

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for the open our eyes to see the types of ashes of the heifer, blood of goats and bulls and more. You were looking forward for Christ to fulfill this prophecy. No wonder You love us so much to send Jesus to the world to be saved. Oh the wonder of it all just to think that You, God loves us and forgave us through Christ in Jesus' name I pray, amen!

May the Lord bless you!

Dorothy

Bless My Friends!

2012-01-02T15:29:00.000-08:00

Good morning! I trust that you had a good holidays! Let's begin with a new 2012!

Psalm 37:4
"Delight thyself also in the Lord; and He shall give thee the desires of thine heart."
Job 22:21
"Acquaint now thyself with Him, and be at peace: thereby good shall come unto thee."
Psalm 27:14b
"Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen thine heart."
Isaiah 41:10
"Don't be afraid, for I am with you. Do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you. I will help you." NLT

The Lord has given us the words of encouragement and "Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly . . . singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord (Col.3:16). Let us quote: "I can do all things through Christ which strengthen me." Phil.4:13

Prayer:
My dear Heavenly Father, may Your name be holy in me,
May Your kingdom rule my life,
May Your will, Your plan control me,
May You be sovereign on earth as You are in heaven,
Give me daily bread for today's need,
Forgive my debts as I forgive my debtors,
Lead me not into temptation,
Protect me from the evil one,
Your kingdom rules in my life,
Your power can do anything, and
Your glory is forever and ever,
In Jesus' name I pray, Amen!

Lord Jesus, I pray, let me begin the new day with You. I am asking you to bless my friend today, give them strength to be like Paul "to press on" with the job we all need to do. We are trusting you for strength and power to do that You have given us. We look forward to the miracle You plan to give. Help us to look for that miracle in Jesus' name I pray, amen!

God bless your day with Him!

Dorothy

Happy New Year

2012-01-01T16:13:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year! Yike! It is 2012 and "Happy New Year"!

"This one thing I do: forgetting the past and straining toward what is ahead"
Philippians 3:13b (ncv).

"Is there such a thing as a "month with two faces"? The Roman god Janus who was often shown with two faces since he was the protector of gates and doors. His month, JANUARY, "looks two ways," back to last year and ahead to the new one." (From Scholastic Children's Dictionary).

When one looks back, one learns from many mistakes and failures. One is looking forward to work on having much more success in whatever they would be doing. This was true with one company who was very successful in their business year after year. What's their secret? The company had 99% of failures before they were able to climb into successful business. Why? They learn something from many failures that lead them to try something else. That something else had leaded them to a success.

Paul said, "Brothers and sisters, I know that I have not yet reached the goal, but there's one thing I always do. FORGETTING THE PAST AND STRAINING TOWARD WHAT IS AHEAD, I keep trying to reach the goal and get the prize for which God called me through to the life above. All of us who are spiritually mature should think of this way, too" Philippians 3:13-15a.

Paul's desire was to serve Christ. Paul sees himself as a runner in a race (Heb.12:1), using all his strength and pressing on to keep that fellowship with Christ (v8-11). What about you? What is your goal for January 2012? If you lack wisdom, James 1:5 tells us to ask God. He will give you wisdom. He loves doing this so ask Him.

So let's begin with a Happy New Year, friend!

Dorothy

The Goal for New Year of 2012

2012-01-01T16:03:00.000-08:00

Galatians 6:9 KJV
"Let us not be weary in well doing; for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not."

When a farmer planted his seeds on the acres, does he see the sprouts grow overnight? Does he get harvest in one week? No! A farmer knows it takes months, not days, not weeks. He cultivates the soils to soften the soil for the water to go through easily. Soon the crops grow better. He also cut out the weeds from choking the newly sprouts. Does the farmer get tired and quit? No, he doesn't. He waited for the harvest. Great time of happiness comes when he finally to get to see the results of his labors.

Do you ever get tired doing the work for Lord? Like helping others, teaching class, preaching God's Word, giving money to church and helping others in need? Do you ever become weary of doing things for the church and for others? God has an answer for you.

God's Word says, "We must not become tired of doing good. We will receive our harvest of eternal life at the right time if we do not give up. When we have the opportunity to help anyone, we should do it. But we should give special attention to those who are in the family of believers" (Galatians 6:9-10 NCV).

Chorus: We'll Work Till Jesus Comes.
We'll work till Jesus comes,
We'll work till Jesus comes,
We'll work till Jesus comes,
And we'll be gathered home.
(Elizabeth Mills, Sing His Praise)

Let us not be weary in doing the Lord's work!

Dorothy

Happy New Year!

2011-12-31T09:03:00.001-08:00

Happy New Year! Yike! It is 2012 and "Happy New Year"!

January First 2012 Bread Box

"This one thing I do: forgetting the past and straining toward what is ahead"
Philippians 3:13b (ncv).

"Is there such a thing as a "month with two faces"?
The Roman god Janus who was often shown with two faces since he was the protector of gates and doors. His month, JANUARY, "looks two ways," back to last year and ahead to the new one." (From Scholastic Children's Dictionary).

When one looks back, one learn from many mistakes and failures. One is looking forward to work on having much more success in whatever they would be doing. This was true with one company who was very successful in their business year after year. What's their secret? The company had 99% of failures before they were able to climb into successful business. Why? They learn something from many failures that lead them to try something else. That something else had leaded them to a success.

Paul said, "Brothers and sisters, I know that I have not yet reached the goal, but there's one thing I always do. FORGETTING THE PAST AND STRAINING TOWARD WHAT IS AHEAD, I keep trying to reach the goal and get the prize for which God called me through to the life above. All of us who are spiritually mature should think of this way, too" Philippians 3:13-15a.

Paul's desire was to serve Christ. Paul sees himself as a runner in a race (Heb.12:1), using all his strength and pressing on to keep that fellowship with Christ (v8-11). What about you? What is your goal for January 2012? If you lack wisdom, James 1:5 tells us to ask God. He will give you wisdom. He loves doing this so ask Him.

So let's begin with a Happy New Year, friend!

Dorothy

Guest: Song of Ashes

2011-12-27T03:22:00.000-08:00

"The Spirit of the Lord has anointed Me . . . to give you beauty for ashes, oil of joy for mourning, garment of praise for heavy heart . . ." (Isaiah 61:1, 3).

A guest, Linda Martin of VA know a song from memory that fits "Beauty for Ashes." Linda doesn't know the author. It is a very old, country western kind of song. I hope you will enjoy this.

The Best of the Trade
1. The Lord gave me beauty for ashes,
For my sorrow He gave to me joy,
I was sad and oppressed, I exchanged that for rest,
And a peace that the world can't destroy.

Chorus: I traded my sin for Salvation,
I traded my load for relief,
I obtained peace for my condemnation,
And the joy of the Lord for my grief.
I traded a life that was wasted
For a temple to dwell in God made.
What I got was so much more than what I had before.
That I'm sure I got the best of the trade.

2. Had He charged me the difference for trading,
Then His grace I could never afford.
But He canceled my debt, and I have no regret,
Though it looks like I cheated the Lord.

Chorus: I traded my sin for Salvation,
I traded my load for relief,
I obtained peace for my condemnation,
And the joy of the Lord for my grief.
I traded a life that was wasted
For a temple to dwell in God made.
What I got was so much more than what I had before.
That I'm sure I got the best of the trade.
(Author: Unknown)

PS. This is really good. May the Lord bless you today!

Call Me!

2011-12-20T04:30:00.000-08:00

Good morning! Christmas holidays seem to be a busy time! Really, it depends on who we are. For me, this early morning, taking time out with God is like "breathe of fresh air" to my inner spirit. So I decided to draw a card for Bread Box. Ahhh, it feels so good to have Bread Box back sometimes! (Lately, I have been studying series on "blood sprinkle" and I didn't realize it was going to be a big subject. Yowee!)

"Call upon Me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shall glorify Me."
Psalm 50:15

Want to glorify Him? Just get into trouble! (me, Dorothy, a little mischief) Huh? Humm? No way? But trouble comes to us anyway! It is often not our choice to have troubles or when trouble time comes. But you know something? God just simply loves to help us. He says, "Call to Me in times of trouble. I will save you, and you will honor Me" (Psalm 50:15 ncv). Actually, our calling to Him makes Him feel honor.

The Lord simply invites all of us faithful believers to call continually upon Him in times of need and trouble. God desires to hear our prayers to help us, and have His name exalted as a God who rescues His people. This is where our testimonies come in to tell others what He has done for us. We made God happy!

So God said, "Trust Me in your times of trouble, and I will rescue you, and you will give Me glory" (NLT Ps. 50:15).

Praise God for His Word to us so trust God today!

Song: I'm Glad I'm A Christian.
I'm glad I'm a Christian,
I'm trusting the Lord;
I'm reading my Bible,
believing each word.
The past is forgiven
From sin I'm set free,
A mansion in heaven
is waiting for me.
(Inspiring Choruses)

Series Five: Figures

2011-12-19T04:13:00.000-08:00

Hebrews 9:24 KJV
"For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now appear in the presence of God for us."

Heb. 9:24a NCV tells us that "Christ did not go into the Most Holy Place made by humans, which is only a copy of the real one. He went into heaven itself and is there now before God to help us."

The word, figure mean something that represents a form especially of a person and/or a pictorial illustration. Or the figure could be "picture like this" or "copy like this or "compare like this."

I remember reading one article about "the treasure." A Christmas story of a father who went to the store to find the gifts for his children. The father wrapped the gifts and put them under the tree. The children glee with excitement when at times they watched the gifts day by day. They could hardly wait for that day of Christmas to find out what was inside the gifts. Oh, the excitement was unbearable, but they wait!

Imagine the father had taken the pleasure of watching his own children waiting until that day the gifts were opened and their glowing faces show surprised.

Suppose the father did not wrap the gifts he bought and put under the tree and they had already saw it . . . Was it any thrill? Were there any excitement?

Now you know why our Heavenly Father like to wrap the "gifts" to us and we have to "figure" it out what was in the gifts. That gift is "The Bible" and often it had "figures," "pattern," and "types." We search, study, talk or preach about His Word. Imagine our Heavenly Father delights in us searching "the treasure," "Christ" in the Old Testament. The "sprinkling of blood" was the figure of Christ's blood.

And many more! Let's delight our heavenly Father by searching His Word!

Series Four: Patterns

2011-12-16T04:06:00.000-08:00

Hebrews 9:23a KJV
"It was therefore necessary that the patterns of things in the heavens ..." NCV: "So the copies of the real things in heaven ..."

Why did the Lord tell Moses to build the Tabernacle and everything pertaining (belong) to the Tabernacle? There are several answers to this question. First, there people who want to know what heaven was like? God had brought a little heaven on earth. The Tabernacle, the earthly tent and everything in it--which were copies of things in heaven. Heb. 8:5a tells us that "the work they do as priests is only a copy and a shadow of what is in heaven ..."

Another answer is found in Heb. 9:1-2a in NCV says, "The agreement had rules to worship and a place on earth to worship. The Holy Tent was set up for this."

So the people would come to the Tabernacle as a reminder that God is to be worship. Like Moses who kept the Passover and the sprinkling of blood on the door posts to save their first sons of Israelite. Like Jesus who died on the cross and "sprinkling His blood" over us. Today, we have Holy Spirit who reminds us to worship God and ask for the blood of Jesus over us. (Ref: Heb.11:28)

So let's worship God through song of your choice!

Song: When I See the Blood
1. Christ our Redeemer died on the cross,
Died for the sinner paid all his due;
All who receive Him need never fear,
Yes, He will pass, will pass over you.
Chorus:
When I see the blood,
When I see the blood,
When I see the blood,
I will pass, I will pass over you.

2. Oh, what compassion, oh, boundless love!
Jesus hath power, Jesus is true;
All who believe are safe from the storm,
Oh, He will pass, will pass over you.
(Then Chorus)
(John G. F.)

Series Three: Sprinkle

2011-12-14T17:17:00.000-08:00

Hebrews 9:14a NCV
"How much more is done by the blood of Christ."

In my own word, "it is far better to have Christ's blood than to have the blood of goats, calves, and bulls that were sprinkled over the people who were unclean and had to be clean again and again every year since Moses' time and until Jesus' time.

Hebrews 9:22 tells us that "the law says that almost everything must be made clean by blood, and sins cannot be forgiven without blood to show death" (NCV). Moses had to sprinkle the blood on the Holy Tent and over all the things used in worship (v21).

From the TV, Joyce Meyer quoted several rituals of sacrifices of the animals from the Old Testament. She said that it was really a lot of blood, a lot of butchering of animals, and a lot of sacrifices every year. She asked the audience, "Are you glad that Christ's death on the cross takes away our sins once and for all? It should makes us really appreciate Christ's sacrifice for just one time." They answered, "Amen" with relief on their faces (TV camera show this).

So how much better that Christ's blood offered Himself as a perfect sacrifice to God one time forever. His blood will make our conscience pure from our useless acts so we may serve the living God.

Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for sending Your Son to the world that through Christ, they might be saved through His precious blood in Jesus' name, we pray. Amen!

So let's trust God today!

Dorothy

Song: Under the Blood.
Lord, keep my soul from day to day,
Under the blood, under the blood,
Take doubts and fear and sin away.
Under the precious blood.
Chorus:
Under the blood, the precious blood.
Under the cleansing, healing flood:
Keep me, Savior, from day to day,
Under the precious blood.
(Author: unknown)

Where's the Line? Guest: Paula

2011-12-12T08:39:00.000-08:00

Guest: Paula Hardy from Canada share the Christmas song.

Dorothy, recently I found the most inspiring yet saddened Christmas song and I'd like to share it with you. It is my prayer that everyone who love the Lord will be in the line at His throne, we all will bow down and worship Him.

Song: Where's the Line to see Jesus

Christmas time was approaching, the snow is starting to fall,
Shoppers choosing their presents, people filling the mall
Children waiting for Santa with excitement and glee.
A little boy tugged my sweater, looking up and ask me,
Where's the line to see Jesus? Is He here at the store?
If Christmas time is His birthday, Why don't we see Him more?
As I stood in amazement at this message profound,
I looked down to thank him, he was no where around,
The little boy at the mall might as well have had wings
As the tears filled my eyes, I thought I heard him say,
Where's the line to see Jesus? Is He here at the store?
If Christmas time is His birthday, Why don't we see Him more?
Where's the line to see Jesus? He was born for me.
Santa Claus brought me presents, but Christ gave me His life.
In the blink of an eye, at the sound of His trump,
We'll all stand in line at His throne. Every knee shall bow down,
Every tongue will confess, that Jesus Christ is Lord.
Where's the line to see Jesus? Is He here at the store?
If Christmas time is His birthday, Why don't we see Him more?
Where's the line to see Jesus? He was born for me.
Santa Claus brought me presents, but Christ gave me His life.
Where's the line? Where's the line?
Where's the line for the Lord?
(Author: unknown)

May the Lord touched your today!

Peace 2 Guest: Jane

2011-12-11T03:35:00.000-08:00

From December 4th, responding to Bread Box “Peace” from Jane.

Hello Dot,

It was so good to hear from you in spite of being so busy. Funny thing about "Peace". I shared this devotion with the ladies last night (Dec. 3rd) at a Christmas party. It's from "Christmas Prayer", a keepsake devotional for the holiday season. Collected by Renae Brumbaugh.

"Finding Peace"

Peace I leave with you, my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27

If you ask people at the shopping mall or on the street today to define peace, many of them will tell you it is the absence of conflict. To have peace, we often feel we must remove ourselves for the source of our stress. When we arrive at a place without stress and conflict, we think we'll find peace.

The problem is, no such place exists- at least not here on earth. Oh, we may find temporary peace by changing jobs or changing relationships or planning a beach retreat. But it won't last. It never does.

Jesus offers a different kind of peace. His peace is in spite of circumstances, not because of them. The peace of God travels with us, inhabiting our hearts and minds no matter what is going on around us. When we draw on His peace, we can find tranquility even in the midst of conflict. His peace is there for the taking; all we have to do is claim it, as we call on Him.

Dear Father,

I'm so glad You don't give as the world gives. As I purchase gifts my family and friends this holiday season, I know that my gifts are an imperfect reminder of my love for them. Each gift will grow old or run out, the next year I'll purchase new gifts. But Your gifts are eternal, and they begin the moment we accept them.

Thank you for the gift of Your peace, which I can access any time, simply by calling on You. I'm glad that Your peace can be found even in the most stressful of situations, even in the midst of chaos and conflict. Thank You, Father, for Your peace. Please help me to be a messenger of that peace, carrying it to those I love. Amen.

It was a good one to share. I was the only person that did homework for the party. We were told to share a verse or devotion. The party was nice and relaxing.

May God be with you during this Christmas season.
Jane (from Canada)

Series Two: Sprinkle

2011-12-09T03:05:00.000-08:00

Hebrews 9:11a
"But Christ being an high priest of good things to come, by greater and more perfect tabernacle ..."

During the time of Moses, the tabernacle was the foreshadow of Christ. God had spoken to Moses about the coming of Christ. Moses quoted, "There is someone like me, who will come." The word, foreshadow mean a thing, hint or suggestion of beforehand, or plan ahead of time or in advance of time.

God had a plan that the tabernacle was meant to be a "shadow." It means something better than this will come and it is called, "foreshadow" and that "foreshadow" is Christ. When Christ came on earth, He became the real "tabernacle" and after He arose and went to heaven, He became the perfect High Priest in "heavenly tabernacle."

Basically, if we study the type of the tabernacle and all the rituals of "sprinkled blood," that was done so many times, we would come to understand why Christ is the perfect sacrifice once and for all. We have a great High Priest.

So "let us go right into the presence of God, with true hearts fully trusting him. For our evil consciences have been "SPRINKLED WITH CHRIST'S BLOOD" to make us clean ..." Heb.10:22a.

God bless you today!

Dorothy

Series One: Sprinkle

2011-12-06T03:28:00.000-08:00

Isaiah 52:15a KJV: "So he (the Messiah) shall sprinkle many nations ..."

At Springfield, Missouri, Central Bible College for the Deaf in 1962-1964, I took the course called, The Typology of Christ, the Tabernacle and learn about the rituals of sprinkles and their purposes. Because of those studies, my heart had grown to love God's Word, and it brought me a new understanding what the "foreshadows" and the "prophecies" about "Christ in the Old Testament" was all about. There are so much mysteries behind those stories and we have yet to discover those "clues" that God had left for us to dig the treasure, "Christ in the Old Testament."

Now three words, "sprinkle many nations," we need to go back to the meaning of ritual on "sprinkle." During Moses' time, God gave him a special instruction about "the sprinkle over different things." One that impressed me was when Moses "sprinkled the blood" of an animal in front of the people, the congregation who were standing before 'The Meeting Place' or in front of 'The Tabernacle.' To sprinkle with the blood mean to bring cleansing and purifying the people who came before God for forgiveness of their sins.

Now this statement, "So he (the Messiah) shall sprinkle many nations" could meant several prophecies and some have yet to come. One: on the Day of Pentecost, 3,000 souls accepted Christ when they heard Peter preached the prophecy of Joel. The Holy Spirit "sprinkled them" when they repented of their sins and accepted Jesus in their hearts. Different people came from several different nations to celebrate Passover and Pentecost Festival.

Two: For several years, some well-known Evangelists went out to other countries and have preached to thousands of people of other nations. These nations have accepted Christ when they heard the gospel of Jesus Christ. So Holy Spirit "sprinkled them with Jesus' blood."

Third: When Messiah will rule "A Thousand Year of Peace," other nations will come to meet Christ at Jerusalem, the Kings and other important people, the Messiah shall "sprinkle His blood" over them as a sign of forgiveness and accepted them. They will be in awe when they get to know the true Messiah that they didn't know before. They will ponder; think in their heart so deeply of who Christ would be.

That would be the day when all will know the Lord like NIRV says: "But many nations will be surprised when they see what he (the Messiah) has done. Kings will be so amazed that they will not be able to say anything. They will know the meaning of things they never heard about."

Song: Isn't He Wonderful?
Isn't He wonderful, wonderful, wonderful?
Isn't Jesus my Lord wonderful?
Eyes have seen, ears have heard,
It's recorded in God's Word,
Isn't Jesus my Lord wonderful?
(Inspiring Choruses)

Sprinkle Many Nations

2011-12-05T02:52:00.000-08:00

Isaiah 52:15 KJV
"So he (the Messiah) shall sprinkle many nations; the kings shall shut their mouths at him: for that which had not been told them shall they see; and which they had not heard shall they consider."

NIRV left out one sentence on "he shall 'sprinkle' many nations." I like the rest of NIRV translation: "But many nations will be surprised when they see what he (the Messiah) has done. Kings will be so amazed that they will not be able to say anything. They will know the meaning of things they never heard about."

Reading from 52:13-15 of Isaiah, he was writing about the servant of the Lord is Jesus Christ Himself. Also Isaiah 53 foretold Christ's suffering and His glory. What I want to focus on was the prophecy of "sprinkle many nations." This phrase refers to the spiritual cleansing and purification that people from all nations would experience when they received the message of the Servant-Messiah. This cleansing would come by the "sprinkled blood of Christ."

In the Old Testament, there's an instruction from God to Moses about the "sprinkle" issues that this might become a series of "The Sprinkle." This topic has impressed me greatly especially "sprinkle blood." Now there are few things that came to my mind and my heart. It will takes several series of "the sprinkle" to be able to see the whole picture so please bear with me as I share the series of "The Sprinkle" this month.

Right now just a thought of this verse, "Jesus shall sprinkle many nations" lead me to do a lot of research on the "sprinkles" in the New Testament and the Old Testament. The Technology Bible shows about 80 in O.T. and seven in N.T. Mostly in Hebrews and one in Peter. It is going to be interesting because the word, sprinkle has a very important part of God's plan. Somehow it touched my heart and I will be able to share them with you as the Holy Spirit leads.

So trust God and pray for Holy Spirit's leading! It is very helpful! Thank you for caring!

Love and prayers,

Dorothy

Live in Peace!

2011-12-04T03:03:00.000-08:00

"Live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you."
2 Cor. 13:11bc

Collection Songs: Peace

(ASL) Peace, peace, wonderful peace,
Flowing down from the mountain of God.
Come over my spirit forever I pray,
His love, very deep and like oceans of love.

Peace! Peace! Wonderful peace,
Coming down from the Father above;
Sweep over my spirit forever I pray,
In fathomless billows of love.
(W.D.Cornell; W.G.Cooper)

Peace give I to thee,
Peace give I to thee,
Not as the world gives,
Give I to thee,
Peace give I to thee.....
(Vic House, Praise Chorus Book)

I've got peace like a river,
I've got peace like a river,
I've got peace like a river in my soul.
I've got peace like a river,
I've got peace like a river,
I've got peace like a river in my soul.
(Author unknown)
(I've got love like an ocean)

Why the verse and the song about "peace"? When I heard the news of Jimmy Schwyhart who had just resigned from NF President, how does that make you feel? I asked Tony this question: "Sad to see a good man to leave, but not depressed. I would encourage everyone to pray for Jimmy and His family." This is the reason we all need peace verse and songs of peace to uplift us for Jimmy and continue to believe God's healing.

"Congratulation to Belinda McCleese who became the first female President of NF" Tony said.

So trust God today!

For more information about Jimmy, log in
http://www.nfdeaf.com/

Reason for Christmas!

2011-12-03T02:57:00.000-08:00

A guest from Rhoda Nelson from Minnesota wrote a song.
God bless you. Dorothy Callies

Reason for Christmas. (Song/poem)

I see all the lights in the windows.
I see all the crowds everywhere.
But how many stop to remember
The reason for songs in the reason
for songs in the air?

There Must be a reason for Christmas!
I pray that wherever I go
I'll always remember the reason
And always let others know.

The world sings its gay Christmas music.
The world sings its gay Christmas songs.
But how many stop to remember
The ONE to Whom Christmas belongs?

I KNOW there's a reason for Christmas.
Christ Jesus, Redeemer of men.
Was born as a babe in a manger.
Oh! Tell it again and again.

By Rhoda Nelson

Paul's Travail in Birth Again

2011-11-18T01:14:00.000-08:00

Galatians 4:19 KJV
Paul said, "My children, of whom I travail in birth again until Christ be formed in you."

Paul had started the Galatians church and they were born again. Paul had won them to the Lord through the travail in spirit of prayer like a spiritual mother brings forth a child. Now Paul was travailing again. It was not for being born again, but it was more like "a growing pain" to be like Christ in His character. For Paul, it took spiritual prayer of agony like he had to travail and be in pain again until Jesus becomes real in their lives, and until they become like Him in His character.

Why was Paul doing this for the churches of Galatia? The churches were going through some kind of mixed doctrines influenced by some "deceptive (deceiving)new people" who came to church and tried to confuse the "new born babe" in Christ. The "new born babe" in Christ were only drinking "milk" in God's Word and it took a lot of time to really get to know the "teachings of Christ" from God's Word.

I want to share this because I have several ladies who are great prayer warriors who are suffering in great pain physically as well as spiritually. One lady shared with me saying that she felt like a contraction birthing in her body and recognize it to be spiritual birthing, like Paul said, "travailing in birth again." She said that often it is so painful that it drove her crazy. She cried to God to relief her. So I shared the great news that God is moving among ladies who are turning to the Lord. And now we are "travailing in prayer" that the ladies will grow into more of Christ's awareness as well as their life-changing.

If some of you are going through this "painful feeling," just know this, God need you to suffer a little bit for your friends, your families and your church members. It is not pleasant, but very necessary in spiritual growth if we are to see many Deaf turning to Christ and to grow spiritually and to be like Him.

Let's bear the "pain" a little bit together and support one another in prayer! God will bless your endurance in Him!

Song: To Be Like Jesus.
To be like Jesus,
To be like Jesus,
All I ask to be like Him.
All thru life's journey
From earth to glory,
All I ask to be like Him.
(Inspiring Choruses)

Trust God today!

Fear Not, I Have Redeemed Thee

2011-11-16T02:57:00.000-08:00

Isaiah 43:1-3a - KJV: But now thus saith the Lord that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine. When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee. For I am the Lord thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour.

NCV: Now this is what the Lord says. He created you, people of Jacob; he formed you, people of Israel. He says, “Don’t be afraid, because I have saved you. I have called you by name, and you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you. When you cross rivers, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned, nor will the flames hurt you. This is because I, the Lord, am your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.

In those verses, the Lord had spoken, ‘I have redeemed thee.’ What does that really means? Redeem means to set free; rescue or save. This verse reminds me of a song called, Redeemed. The song could be used for worship and to remember that Christ has redeemed us. [It also means ‘to buy back’. Jesus bought us back with His blood at the Cross from Satan who once ‘owned’ us].

In this part of the chapter 43, God expresses His love for Israel and God had been good and kind to them. God has created and redeemed us. We belong to Him and He knows each of us by name. God even knows how many hairs you have on your head. Can you count your hairs on your head? Impossible! We would never be able to count our hairs, but God does take the time to count the number of your hairs. That is a personal thing for God to care that much for us. It is a wonderful thought to know that God will be with us in time of troubles. We are precious and honored in His sight. We are people of His great love. We can express ourselves to the Lord through the song, ‘Redeemed.’

Song: Redeemed
Redeemed how I love to proclaim it! Redeemed by the blood of the Lamb;
Redeemed thro’ His infinite mercy, His child, and forever, I am.
Chorus: Redeemed, redeemed, Redeemed by the blood of the Lamb;
Redeemed, redeemed, His child, and forever, I am.
[Lyrics: Fanny J. Crosby; Music: William J. Kirkpatrick]

So trust God today to care that much for you!

Dorothy

My Rock

2011-11-15T01:29:00.000-08:00

The Lord is my Rock, Yahweh Tsuri.

Psalm 144:1
Praise be to the Lord my Rock, who trains my hands for war my fingers for battle.

Prayer: Dear Lord, You are the Person we could really depend on. We could count on Your faithfulness day by day. When we are shaken, You kept us calm. When we are in trouble, You save us. When we are downhearted, You lift us up to a higher ground with You, our Rock and keep us steady. You taught us to trust God for today! Thank You for hearing our cries and deliver us from the power of oppression and set us free in our spirits in Jesus' name I pray. Amen!

David praised God for delivering him from his enemies (Ps. 144:1-2,7-10). Hannah prayed, "There is no Rock like our God" (1 Samuel 2:2).

Song: His Name is Wonderful!

His name is wonderful! His name is wonderful!
His name is wonderful, Jesus, my Lord!
He is the mighty King, Master of everything,
His name is wonderful, Jesus, my Lord.
He is the great Shepherd, The Rock of all ages,
Almighty God is He! Bow down before Him,
Love and adore Him, His name is wonderful,
Jesus, my Lord! (Author ?)

May the Lord bless you today!

Fear Not, Thy Words were Heard

2011-11-14T02:51:00.000-08:00

Daniel 10:11-13 KJV
And he (Gabriel) said unto me, O Daniel, a man greatly beloved, understand the words that I speak with thee, and stand upright: for unto thee am I now sent. And when he had spoken this word unto me, I stood trembling. V12 Then said he unto me, FEAR NOT, Daniel for from the first day that thou didst set thine heart to understand, and to chasten thyself before thy God, THY WORDS WERE HEARD, and I am come for thy words. V13 But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me one and twenty days: but lo, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me; and I remained there with the kings of Persia.
Daniel 10:11-14 NVC
The man in the vision said to me, “Daniel, God loves you very much. Think carefully about the words I will speak to you, and stand up, because I have been sent to you.” When he said this, I stood up, but I was still shaking. V12 Then the man said to me, “Daniel, DO NOT BE AFRAID. Some times ago you decided to get understanding and to humble yourself before your God. Since that time GOD HAS LISTENED TO YOU, and I have come because of your prayers. V13 But the prince of Persia has been fighting against me for twenty-one days. Then Michael, one of the most important angels, came to help me, because I had been left there with the king of Persia. V14 Now I have come to explain to you what will happen to your people, because the vision is about a time in the future.”

Daniel prayed and fasted for twenty-one days and nothing had happened. He had visions and Daniel needed God to explain to him what they meant. God send Gabriel from the very first day Daniel had prayed and Daniel’s prayer was heard. But Satan tried to stop Gabriel from getting to Daniel. So Michael came to help Gabriel but the warfare went on for twenty-one days. Finally, Gabriel came through and met with Daniel.

Daniel was encouraged as this angel called him, “a man greatly beloved” and told him, “Fear not” (v.12). God loves Daniel for his love and faithfulness to Him. Daniel had a house in Babylonia and he went to pray in an upstairs room which had windows that opened toward Jerusalem. Three times each day Daniel would kneel down to pray and thank God, just as he faithfully had done. This was probably why Daniel was a man that God really loved him.

Do you ever felt like that your prayers were not always heard? Be of good cheer, God has heard your prayers. He is saying, “Fear not, I have heard all of your prayers.” Like Jesus said, “men ought always to pray and not to faint” [Luke 18:1]. Keep praying and thanking Him will keep us in touch with God and He will called you, “a child of greatly beloved.” Keep thanking Him like Daniel did to God three times a day. Remember, Daniel was taken captive from his homeland, Jerusalem about 500 miles or more to Babylonia where he stayed. Yet, Daniel had an excellent spirit in him because he thanked God three times a day.

Let this Word of God encourage our hearts to thank Him daily.

Give Up?

2011-11-11T13:01:00.000-08:00

Ecclesiastes 3:6 NIV
" ... a time to give up ..."

Do you sometimes felt like it was easier just to give up and do nothing? I am thinking of football players. I try to imagine what it would be like if one team just stay defensive all the times, keeping the opponent players from reaching their goal, and preventing the opponent from hurting their own players. Then somehow the defensive player stole the ball and decided to sit on it and say, "I give up."

What would you say to that? Ridiculous! Absurd! Preposterous! That's unreasonable things to do! That's not right! It makes no sense! That's dumb thing to do! That's not football! Would it makes you angry to watch the football defensive players do something like that? What would you say to them? "Get off the field and let the offensive players come into the field. Let's play game! Huh?"

Why did I bring this up? I was reading a note that say, "Satan can get along very well with Christians as long as they are on the defensive side." In another word, "try to protect yourself from getting hurt. They don't want to move forward spiritually."

To understand this, I tried to visualize the football defensive players that are always on the defensive plays. You might say: "That's not the rule of the game!" Then I understood that the offensive players take turn to play the field after defensive players leave the field. The offensive players move forward reaching the goal of touch down. Sometimes they do get hurt. They often get tackled down. Sometimes painful!!! And then they get back to the game!

If we want to shake Satan loose from us being so "defensive," we need to become "offensive" and move forward. If we want to see Satan defeated, we need to get into "spiritual offensive" and get moving! Yes, we'll get tackled down often and that's painful! But that's what it takes to be "a spiritually offensive player." A reminder that Satan isn't comfortable with "spiritual offensive" Christians who is always on the move.

So when it is "time to give up," you will experience what it is like to be "defensive" long enough so that you would become determined to get into "spiritual offensive." You would want to be on the move. The Holy Spirit is always on the move, on the offensive side so let's join with Him.

Song: I Have Decided To Follow Jesus.

1. I have decided to follow Jesus,
I have decided to follow Jesus,
I have decided to follow Jesus,
No turning back, no turning back.

2. The world behind me, the cross before me,
The world behind me, the cross before me,
The world behind me, the cross before me,
No turning back, no turning back.

3. Tho' none go with me, I still will follow,
Tho' none go with me, I still will follow,
Tho' none go with me, I still will follow.
No turning back, no turning back.

4. Will you decide now ... to follow Jesus?
Will you decide now ... to follow Jesus?
Will you decide now ... to follow Jesus?
No turning back, no turning back.

(Arranged by Cliff Barrows and Don Hustard,
Billy Graham New York Crusade Song Book
compiled by Cliff Barrows in 1969)

Guest: Rhoda Nelson

2011-11-09T01:35:00.000-08:00

IN HIS HANDS

He has taken, blessed and broken
And it seemed I could not stand
All the crushing pain and torment
Yet I was in His hands

Through the sleepless nights I wondered
And often did demand
To know WHY?
Yet I'm certain that I was in His hands

To my questions and my queries
Was a gentle reprimand
"Hush, My child. Only trust Me -
You are still in My hands"

So it is that I am silent
And the birds and grains of sand
Do testify so greatly of the work of His hands

So it is I do not know yet
What design He has planned
All I know is - as I trust Him
I am in my Savor's hands.

Rhoda

I wrote this many years ago when I realized (through the story where Jesus TOOK the little boy's lunch (sufficient to meet the needs of one) then He BLESSED the bread - then BROKE it - all the while remaining in His hands) then and only then was He able to GIVE to feed thousands!

Jesus Himself was TAKEN sent to earth. He was BLESSED at the river jordan. Then during His earthly ministry He met the needs of individuals (whether one on one or in groups) where He was. It was only after He was BROKEN on Cavalry that He could meet the needs of you and me and all people for all time.

I trust the above poem gives you encouragement (or challenge) as you consider His breaking in your life so that you can be further spent for Him.

Rhoda Nelson of Minnesota

Prayer for Health

2011-11-08T14:07:00.000-08:00

My prayer for you and for your health: (You might want to use personal name for someone)

Thank You, heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ for you (names); in Jesus' name I bring these requests before You.

Thank You heavenly Father for sending Your Word, the Lord Jesus Christ, and healing for them (names), anointing them and delivering them from their destructions. I give You thanks for Your loving kindness, and for Your wonders to all of us. I pray they offer You thanksgiving and sing joyfully about You.

Father, I pray that they (names) give attention to Your words and hold on to Your Words because the Word are life and health to their whole body and You will remove sickness from their body and anoint them in Jesus' name.

I thank You, Father for Jesus, Himself bore their sins in his body on the cross, so that they might die to sins and live for righteousness; by His wounds they have been healed and anointed them in Jesus' name.

Thank You, Father that Christ has redeemed them from the curse of the Law by becoming a curse for them in order that the blessing given to Abraham might come to them through Christ Jesus so that by faith they might receive the promise of the Spirit. I thank You Father for already healed their body and anointed them in Jesus' I pray. Amen.

References: Ps. 107:20-22; Prov.4:20-22; Exod.23:25; 1Pet.2:24; Gal.3:13,14,29.

Song: I Am Healed

I am healed . . .
By His stripes . . .
By the stripes that makes
the blood so freely flow . . .
Just as surely as I know,
I am saved forever more,
I am healed by His stripes,
that Jesus bore . . . .
(Author: Don't know)

I sang this out of memory. May the Lord heal
you and anoint you today in Jesus' name!

Dorothy

Leave You? Never!

2011-11-05T01:51:00.000-07:00

Jesus said: I am with you always, even to the end of the age. Matthew 28:20

Jesus spoke to the disciples before He went up in the cloud of glory that He will never leave them alone. The Holy Spirit, the Comforter will be with them forever.

God was with Moses and now Joshua himself heard the same word from the Lord, "As I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you nor forsake you" (Josh. 1:5).

Jesus will never leave you alone!

Poem:
Jesus whispers "I am with you"
In the hour of deepest need;
When the way is dark and lonesome,
"I am with you, I will lead."
(Morris, Daily Bread)

May the Lord God bring you an inner healing and outer
healing in Jesus' Name! So trust God today!

Dorothy

Vision: Pelican Part 3

2011-11-04T02:18:00.000-07:00

Just this early morning I saw a quick vision of "Pelican in the wilderness" and then suddenly the "hand of God" swoop up the pelican and carry it over to the water of life and pelican swam happily for fresh water after being in the desert for a time being.

The point I have discovered that God was showing me that many of us at like "pelican in the desert" feeling dry spiritually. Do you ever felt like a "parched soul" hungering for something new with God? GOD WANTS TO SWOOP YOU UP INTO THE WATER OF LIFE and be baptized in the Spirit. The very throne of God, the water of life flows through the rivers spiritually and all you need to do is to surrender your soul, your heart into that Spirit where you would just let Him flows through you. Let the Spirit of God fill you, flows through and saturate your souls and be filled with His love and healing power in your body in Jesus' name. Believe and trust God! Amen.

Dorothy

The Parched Soul Part 2

2011-11-02T02:04:00.000-07:00

Our guest is Brenda Harness of Illinois shared this beautiful expression of David and the Pelican. Thank you Brenda for sharing! I appreciate it.

David has a pattern of pouring out his sadness in the beginning of a psalm (vs. 1-11), then contrasting his condition to the strength and glory of God (vs.12 "But thou, O Lord, shall endure forever...").

My pastor explained that the wilderness, in the Bible, is usually the desert. I believe that David is telling us that he is feeling so depressed that he feels his soul is parched/extremely dry. (I felt that way when I started going to church again in the late 1990s. The lessons and Pastor's sermon made me cry, in a good way, because I realized that they were words of nourishment for my parched soul.) So, David realizes that he is like a pelican in the desert, because there is no good thing to feed his soul, if he only relies on himself. But, then, in verse 12, David remembers the power and glory of God, and that He alone can rescue us.

So, David gives us 11 verses, or ways, in which he feels downcast/depressed, and then shows us 18 ways in which God is greater than our problems. It sounds like a good recipe to make us realize that we have so many reasons to be thankful. Blessings!

Reading Scripture: Psalm 102:1-28
1Hear my prayer, O LORD, and let my cry come unto thee. 2Hide not thy face from me in the day when I am in trouble; incline thine ear unto me: in the day when I call answer me speedily. 3For my days are consumed like smoke, and my bones are burned as an hearth. 4My heart is smitten, and withered like grass; so that I forget to eat my bread. 5By reason of the voice of my groaning my bones cleave to my skin. 6.I am like a pelican of the wilderness: I am like an owl of the desert. 7I watch, and am as a sparrow alone upon the house top. 8Mine enemies reproach me all the day; and they that are mad against me are sworn against me. 9For I have eaten ashes like bread, and mingled my drink with weeping. 10Because of thine indignation and thy wrath: for thou hast lifted me up, and cast me down. 11My days are like a shadow that declineth; and I am withered like grass. 12But thou, O LORD, shall endure for ever; and thy remembrance unto all generations. 13Thou shalt arise, and have mercy upon Zion: for the time to favour her, yea, the set time, is come. 14For thy servants take pleasure in her stones, and favour the dust thereof. 15So the heathen shall fear the name of the LORD, and all the kings of the earth thy glory. 16When the LORD shall build up Zion, he shall appear in his glory. 17He will regard the prayer of the destitute, and not despise their prayer. 18This shall be written for the generation to come: and the people which shall be created shall praise the LORD. 19For he hath looked down from the height of his sanctuary; from heaven did the LORD behold the earth; 20To hear the groaning of the prisoner; to loose those that are appointed to death; 21To declare the name of the LORD in Zion, and his praise in Jerusalem; 22When the people are gathered together, and the kingdoms, to serve the LORD. 23He weakened my strength in the way; he shortened my days. 24I said, O my God, take me not away in the midst of my days: thy years are throughout all generations. 25Of old hast thou laid the foundation of the earth: and the heavens are the work of thy hands. 26They shall perish, but thou shalt endure: yea, all of them shall wax old like a garment; as a vesture shalt thou change them, and they shall be changed: 27But thou art the same, and thy years shall have no end. 28The children of thy servants shall continue, and their seed shall be established before thee.

The Pelican Part 1

2011-11-01T01:58:00.000-07:00

Psalm 102:6a "I am like a pelican of the wilderness ..."

What does pelican looks like? It is a group of large web-footed birds with a very large bill having a pouch on the lower part used to scoop in fish for food.

Many years ago, when Tony and I were visiting his parent at Florida, we went to the pier and we watched some of the pelicans at the beach. There was one pelican that fascinated me. The way it was designed. Then sometimes the pelican would catch fish and goes inside the pouch of the bill. We know that pelicans are water-birds living near and on the water. They eat fish.

When I read the Psalm 102:6a that David said, "I am like a pelican of the wilderness ..." What? Huh? We know the pelican is a water-bird, not in the wilderness or out in the desert so what was David tried to tell us? What was he going through that he "pictured himself like pelican in the wilderness?"

The 102 chapter of Psalm, David felt his age and he is getting old and he felt abandoned. But he remembered the Lord shall endure forever (Ps. 102:12).

God shall answer the prayers of the needy; He will not reject our prayers (Ps. 102:17).

To be continued to Part 2.

WHEN GOD TOUCHED ME

2011-10-30T05:21:00.001-07:00

When God touched me and said,
“It’s time to be with Me, please.”
“But God, there’s so much to do.
I can’t sit and be at ease.”

Suddenly I felt the pain in my heart.
In my spirit I saw God cried
Like a child, being pushed away.
I felt so empty and so dried.

“God, I didn’t mean to hurt You.
Oh, not to hurt you this much.
I get so confused and mixed up.
I am always in a great rush.

“Oh, God, how can I sit still
And let all things go by?
Sometimes I wish I just go away
From everything, I want to die.

“So many, many things in my mind
Go round and round likes a windmill.”
Finally I sat down and scolded myself,
“Listen to God and be very still.

“God wants me to rest and relax
From all turmoil and all tide.”
Suddenly things became strangely quiet.
I could feel all loosen up inside.

As I waited, I felt so very strange.
So restful, it was meant to be.
As I waited quietly before God,
That is WHEN GOD TOUCHED ME.

He gave me great peace of mind.
He filled my soul with great love.
Now I can truly enjoy my work
‘Cause God’s strength came from above.

--Written by Dorothy Callies
--Inspired by Holy Spirit
November 1981

Less Honorable? Series 5

2011-10-28T04:43:00.000-07:00

1 Corinthians 12:24-25
KJV: For our comely parts have no need: but God hath tempered the body together, having given more abundant honour to that part which lacked: v25 That they should be no schism (or division) in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another.

The big toe said to the tiny toe, "I don't need you!?" The tiny toe said, "Oh, I'm all alone! I'm miserable! I'm unhappy! The big toe doesn't like me! I am not important at all! I'm not worth it! Why should they be bothered with me anyway?"

God's Word said, "No! Those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are really necessary. And the parts of the body we think are less are parts to which we give the most honor. We give special respect to the parts we want to hide. The more respectable parts of our body need no special care. But God put the body together and gave more honor to the parts that need it so our body would not be divided. God wanted the different parts to care the same for each other. If one part of the body suffers, all the other parts suffer with it. Or if one part of our body is honored, all the other parts share its honor" (1 Cor. 12:22-26 NCV).

"In fact (prove) God has arranged the parts in the body, every one of them, just as He wanted them to be" (1 Cor. 12:18). (I love this verse. That's why I repeat it.) The tiny toe is still part of one body.

How do I help with "the tiny toe" person? One way is to pray for "tiny toe person" who might felt like "I am the least!" There are programs to get involved with and become part where God would lead the person to.

When we go to church, sometimes we have some person who seems to be the "little toe" and who may not be that important? Watch it! God count it important! Be convicted of this and learn to love one another as Christ has loved us. Yowee!

So let's love one to another and be blessed by Him!

Song from memory:
This is a Little Light of Mine
This is a little light of mine,
I'm gonna let it shine.
This is a little light of mine,
I'm gonna let it shine,
Let it shine, let it shine ...
(Author?)

Inspire song for "Little Toe"
I may be a "little toe," but
I'm gonna let it shine.
I may be a "little toe," but
I'm gonna let it shine,
Let it shine, let it shine ...
(Dorothy: I laugh and it is so cute and awesome)

No Need? Series 4

2011-10-27T04:33:00.000-07:00

1 Corinthians 12:21
"... I have no need of you ..."

Have you ever heard your eye say to the hand, "I don't need
you!?" And the head say to the feet, "I don't need you!?"

Does God have the answer to this? Let's read God's Word:
"In fact (prove) God has arranged the parts in the body,
every one of them, just as He wanted them to be"
(1 Cor. 12:18).

So . . . the eye cannot say to the hand, "I don't need
you!" And the head cannot say to the foot, "I don't need
you!" No! Those parts of the body that seem to be weaker
are really necessary (1 Cor. 12:21-22 NCV).

So we need God and each other to be successful!

Song: I Need Thee

1. I need Thee every hour,
Most gracious Lord;
No tender voice like Thine
Can peace afford (give).
Chorus:
I need Thee, O I need Thee;
Every hour I need Thee!
O bless me now, my Savior,
I come to Thee.

2. I need Thee every hour,
Most Holy One;
O make me Thine Indeed,
Thou blessed Son.
Chorus:
I need Thee, O I need Thee;
Every hour I need Thee!
O bless me now, my Savior,
I come to Thee.
(Anne Sherwood Hawks,
Sing His Praise)

Great Team Work! Series 3

2011-10-27T04:07:00.000-07:00

1 Corinthians 12:12
KJV: For as the body is one, and hath MANY members, and all the members of that one body, being MANY, are one body: so also is Christ.
NCV: A person's body is only one thing, but it has MANY parts. Though there are MANY parts to a body, all those parts make only one body. Christ is like that also.
NIRV: There is one body. But it has many parts, they make up one body. It is the same with Christ.

I was reading the story again from October 16 devotion. It was about a basketball coach who emphasized the important of a team work. "To achieve victory on the basketball court, 'the coach' saw the importance of teaching his players that they were a team--not "just a bunch of independent operators." Each person contributes to the success of everyone else."

Independent operators? What's that? In another word, "in a real game, you don't play basketball by yourself." [Otherwise, it would be boring just to watch one person in the whole game. It is much more exciting to watch two teams play against each other and see who is winning]. The whole basketball court is not for one person but "MANY." When it comes to a team, "each person contributes to the success of everyone else." It means you can only become more successful when you help or share with one to another. And also allow others to help you or share with you. That is a success.

It is the same way that the body of Christ works together. And we were all made to share in the One Spirit (1Cor.12:13). You know something? I think it would be boring for God just to be God alone. He wants a spiritual team players. This is why God created us so He could share what He has for us and this makes God even greater and more glorified. Also we share ourselves with Him and with others. This is far richer experience we could ever have. The word, "many" makes me think of God's Word: "Be fruitful and multiply." It is like "be successful in whatever you do, do it heartily as unto the Lord" (Col.3:23).

So today, you just bless God for created us and love Him with all your hearts!

Song: Bind Us Together
Bind us together, Lord;
Bind us together with cords
that cannot be broken.
Bind us together, Lord;
Bind us together, Lord;
Bind us together with love.
There is only one God.
There is only one King.
There is only one Body,
That is why we can sing:
Bind us together, Lord;
Bind us together with cords
that cannot be broken.
Bind us together, Lord;
Bind us together, Lord;
Bind us together with love.
(Bob Gillman, Sing His Praise)

Numbers Up! Series 2

2011-10-25T03:57:00.000-07:00

Deut. 1:10a
"The Lord God your God has increased your numbers as that today . . ."

At Wisconsin Deaf Women Retreat, we first heard the numbers of ladies was 96. The verse tells us that it was the Lord that causes seven more ladies to come the next day on Saturday of October 22nd which total up to 101.

Linda Martin was telling me about the Mid Atlantic Deaf Women Retreat first started in 2010. It meets at the Potomac District campgrounds in Falling Waters, West VA. So the numbers of the ladies to the new retreat went up since 2010. First year 37 and second year 42. "The Lord God your God has increased your numbers ..."

Also I have heard that there might be another 'new planting' Deaf Women Retreat somewhere in USA. Then I read the verses of how God was telling Abraham that through his descendant there would be "many." God was pleased to share with us His Word of prophecy with Abraham as well as it is for us today. There will be more and more deaf ladies turning to the Lord God. The point is that God is glorified when the "numbers goes up." So let's glorify God today!

Song: Glorify Thy Name
Father we love Thee,
We worship and adore Thee;
Glorify Thy name in all the earth.
Glorify Thy name;
Glorify Thy name;
Glorify Thy name in all the earth.

Jesus we love Thee,
We worship and adore Thee; glorify Thy name in all the earth.
Glorify Thy name;
Glorify Thy name;
Glorify Thy name in all the earth.

3. Spirit, we love Thee,
We worship and adore Thee; Glorify Thy name in all the earth.
Glorify Thy name;
Glorify Thy name;
Glorify Thy name in all the earth.
(Donna Adkins)

Many? Series 1

2011-10-24T03:48:00.000-07:00

1 Corinthians 12:14
KJV: The body is not one member but many.
NIV: Now the body is not made up of one part but many.

Last Friday night we had service on Oct. 21, 2011 at Deaf Women Retreat, Spencer Lake, Wisconsin. I was sitting in the back of the service and everyone was praying. The word, "many" came to me.

On Saturday morning, I got up and got dressed and went out of the room. I could feel the Lord's Presence and the word, "many" came to me again. I felt the Lord wanted to show me something so I sat on the chair beside the fireplace at the lodge and read some verses.

Then Audrey came out of the room and sat down on another chair and looked at me. "What are you doing?" I told her that I was working on the "Bread Box" because I felt the Lord's presence. The word, "many" came to me so I was doing a research. Audrey asked, "From the pager?" I replied, "Yes from this tiny blackberry pager." Audrey said, "I thought you work on the computer?" I answered, "Yes I do when I am at home, but at retreat, I was inspired by the Lord at that moment so I used blackberry pager." Audrey was in awe how I used the pager for Bread Box. I said, "I gotta get new one soon." So we got up together for breakfast. (I would finish the rest later.)

On Saturday night the numbers of the ladies went up from 96 to 101. Wow! That is "many" ladies. So what are you trying to show us, Lord? Remember Abraham? The stars? So I read the references on Gen. 15:5; 22:17; 26:4; Exodus 32:13; Deut.1:10 "The Lord God your God has increased your numbers as that today you are as "many" as the stars in the sky." NIV Deut. 10:22 "Your forefathers who went down into Egypt were seventy in all, and now the Lord your God has made you as numerous as the stars in the sky." 1 Chronicles 27:23 ". . . the Lord ... increase Israel like to the stars of the heavens." Heb. 11:12 "so many as the stars of the sky."

Dorothy

Morning Prayer

2011-10-21T02:52:00.000-07:00

Martin Luther's Morning Prayer

We give thanks to thee, Heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, thy dear Son, that thou hast protected us through the night from all danger and harm; and we beseech (ask) thee to preserve and keep us, this day also, from all sin and evil, that in all our thoughts, words, and deeds, we may serve and please thee, into thy hands we commend our bodies and souls; and all that is ours. Let thy holy angel charge concerning us, that the Wicked One have no power over us. Amen.

In Jesus' name Amen!
I repeat Lord's Prayer and a verse "He (you) that cometh (continue to come) must believe that he (God) is, and that he (God) is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him" (Heb. 11:6).

May the Lord bless you and heal you today!

Dorothy

Hall of Mirrors!

2011-10-20T02:24:00.000-07:00

Hebrews 4:16 NCV
“Let us, then feel very sure that we can come before God’s throne …”

How do we come before God’s throne? Do we need to bow before Him many times before we come into His throne? Let me tell you why I ask this question.

I read an article about a French King Louis XIV in 1682 and the King had the beautiful palace in Versailles, France. He was sitting on his dazzling silver throne! His silver throne was overpowering light like the desert sunlight. The King Louis XIV was showing much of his wealth by having his 241-foot-long Hall of Mirrors on both sides. When a visitor wants to approach the King, he had to show curtsy or bow a little at every five steps as he walked the entire distance to meet the king sitting on his dazzling silver throne!

Foreign emissaries (a person sent on a mission to represent another) who come to France had to submit to the most humiliating ritual to the court of French monarch’s favor toward their country. How many times counted for a person to bow at every five steps before the King on this 241-foot-long Hall of Mirrors? How long would it take to get there? Sigh? Humiliating?

Know something? Our Heavenly Father gave us assurance that it will not be like that! By comparison, our God, the King of Kings, invites His people to come to His throne freely. We can come to Him anytime—no advance appointments and no bowing required! How thankful we should be that our heavenly Father is so much more inviting! “Through [Christ] we . . . have access by one Spirit to the Father” (Eph. 2:18). Hebrews 4:16 tells us that we can “come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”

Oh praise the Lord! Let us come before Him in awe and gratitude, for our God is willing to hear your petitions at anytime.

Oh, just trust God today!

Dorothy

Uphold All That Fall

2011-10-19T02:17:00.000-07:00

Psalm 145:14
The Lord upholdeth all that fall, and raiseth up all those that be bowed down.

The QuickVerse Life Amplification quotes, “The LORD helps the fallen and lifts up those bent beneath their loads.” Sometimes our burdens seem more than we can bear, and we wonder how we can go on. David stands at this bleak intersection of life’s road and David meditates on the Lord, the great burden bearer. A bleak intersection is like a dark time when a person stands at the cross roads and he doesn’t know what to do. Through Psalm 145, David remembers that God is our great burden bearer and how God is able to lift us up.

Psalm 145:19b “He hears our cries and rescues us.”
If you are bending under a burden and feel that you are about to fall, turn to God for help. He is ready to lift you up and bear your burden.

Trust the Lord to uplift you today!

Song: My Burdens Rolled Away
1. I remember when my burdens rolled away;
I had carried them for years, night and day;
When I sought the blessed Lord,
And I took Him at His Word,
Then at once all my burdens rolled away.
Chorus:
Rolled away..., rolled away...,
I am happy since my burdens rolled away...;
Rolled away..., rolled away...,
I am happy since... my burdens.. rolled away.
[Minnie A. Steele]

Glory in Weakness?

2011-10-18T02:36:00.000-07:00

2 Corinthians 12:9b KJV
“Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities …”

Why would Paul “glory in his infirmities or weakness?” Scripture tells us that he had problem with something that he asked God for healing power. But God said to Paul, “My grace is sufficient for thee; for My strength is made perfect in weakness” (2 Cor. 12:9a).

It would be helpful to know what glory really is. To us, glory is about heaven, splendor and bliss; complete happiness; joy; feeling of great pleasure or happiness that comes from success, good fortune or a sense of well-being. When we say we give glory to God; we are giving praise, honor and worshipfully praise and giving thanksgiving.

When Paul talk about giving glory about his infirmities, Paul would say, “I rejoice proudly and I am happy that God could use me so much better when I am weak in my body.” Why? “That the power of Christ may rest upon me” (2 Cor.12:9c).

NIV But he said to me (Paul), “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me (2 Cor. 12:9).

Grace is God’s presence, favor, and power. It is a force, a heavenly strength given to those who call upon God. The grace will come upon the faithful believer who accepts his weaknesses and difficulties for the gospel’s sake. So therefore let us “glory in our weakness” so that Christ’s power may be upon us. Did you get this? Does it blow your mind? Paul tells us to “glory in your weakness” so that Christ’s power may come upon us.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, this is something beyond our mind to understand what You are working on us. Glory in weakness? Teach us to experience this so we know what Your Word is talking about. Holy Spirit, our Helper, help us to grasp this deep meaning of “Glory in our weakness” in Jesus’ name I pray. Amen!

So trust God today!

Dorothy

The Red Carpet?

2011-10-17T02:42:00.000-07:00

Romans 5:3 KJV
“… we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience.”

Ouch! Ouch? Why should Paul talk about glory in tribulations? You know, most of us Christians visualized “the red carpet” rolled out for us because we have “A Great Big Wonderful God” in our lives. Just like God rolled back the mighty RED SEA for the Israelite to walk through. It was like God had rolled out “the red carpet” at the same time God pushed back the mighty RED SEA. We know that God is so powerful; He should be able to fix things automatically? Why? He is OUR GOD! And when we read God’s Word that says, “We glory in tribulations?” What? Why should we glory in tribulations when we have “A Great Big Wonderful God” in our lives?

Now let us narrow down our thoughts to “Our Father who are in Heaven” in a tender and personal way. So what is our heavenly Father looking for in us? Jesus came down to earth to explain this: “By their fruit you will recognize them. “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of God, but only he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven. Many will say to Me on that day, “Lord, Lord, did we not prophecy in Your name, and in Your name drive out demons and perform many miracles? Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you, Away from Me, you evildoers!’ “Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the Rock. The rain came, and the streams rose, and the wind blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock (Matt. 7:20-25 NIV).

Whoa! Did you see that? Jesus talked about tribulations! He said “The rain came, and the streams rose, and the wind blew and beat against … that house . . .” That house stands because it was built on the rock. The other house fell and crash because it was built on the sand (Matt. 7:26-27). Jesus explained the kind of people God is looking for in the character of honest and good fruit. So who are you? Does Jesus know you? Jesus said to the people, “I never knew you.” Ouch! What does that means? There will be many deceitful people in the church and the only way to test them out will be through “tribulations.” Through the tribulations, either we are like the house that will stand through the storms or we like the house could crash through the storms. Those who stand through the tribulations time, Jesus will say, “I know you.”

Now, we can truly say, "I glory in tribulation, I rejoice in my trouble times because I depend on Christ constantly." That is my fruit that my heavenly Father is looking for. I am truly His child. There is no deceit in me because I suffered for Him. My house stands because I practice His Word inside of me. The storms can beat me, but still I stand for Him. Jesus please knows me so that I may go to heaven with You and fellowship with You. That is our prayer.

May the Lord touch your heart today!

Dorothy

Glory in Tribulations?

2011-10-15T01:39:00.000-07:00

October 13-15 2011 Bread Box

Romans 5:3 KJV
We also glory in tribulations, knowing tribulations produces perseverance.

I wrote about the ‘hope’ on October 12th and I use NIRV translation, “. . . We are full of joy even when we suffer. We know that our suffering gives us the strength to go on. The strength to go on produces character. Character produces hope. And hope will never let us down” (Romans 5:3a,4,5a). One thing I need was a story and I found it the next day. This story impressed me and I want to share this with you from “The Daily Bread” RBC Ministries booklet.

It was a story about a young teenager, Melissa, who was 17 years old. She loves to draw “Smiley Face.” While she would read her own Bible, she used a green ink pen to draw a small, simple face next to Romans 5, and circled verse 3. It means that this verse had impressed her. Then suddenly, the car accident had taken her life and left the family in suffering and the pain of loss. The father was telling this story of how he found his daughter’s Bible, opened it and saw Melissa’s smiley face in the margin next to Romans 5 and circled verse 3. The father said, “How could she know that these verses would tell her story, while guiding our lives and the lives of others over the past 7 years? Romans 5 begins by explaining our justification through faith, which gives us peace with God through Jesus (v.1). Melissa had that peace. And right now she is enjoying the fruits of her faith, as verse 2 describes: We “rejoice in hope of the glory of God.” Imagine the smiley face she could draw now!”

The father continue: “And then there’s the rest of us, all of us left behind when loved ones precede us in death. Somehow, we “rejoice in our sufferings.” Why? Our suffering brings perseverance (patience through), which brings character, which brings us hope (vv.3-4). We feel helpless in times of tragedy, but we are never hopeless. God pours His love into our hearts—and with it the great hope of His glory. It’s all part of God’s mysterious yet marvelous plan.” (Dave Branon)

This reminds me of a song once sang by Johnny Cash, “We’ll understand it by and by.”

So trust the Lord to guide you day by day!

Dorothy

Any Hope?

2011-10-12T01:41:00.000-07:00

Romans 8:24b-25
But hope that can be seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what he already has? We hope for what we don’t have yet. So we are patient as we wait for it (NIRV).

Do you ever felt like when you are in so much pain that there is no hope of healing from God? Roman 5:5 “And hope will never let us down. God has poured His love into our hearts. He did it through the Holy Spirit, whom He has given to us.”

Is there a reason for so much suffering? Do we ever wonder “what’s up with God” for not answering prayers sometime? Roman 5:1-5a gives us the reason. Let’s read His Word. “We have been made right with God because of our faith. Now we have peace with Him because of our Lord Jesus Christ. Through faith in Jesus we have received God’s grace. In that grace we stand. We are full of joy because we expect to share in God’s glory. And that’s not all. We are full of joy EVEN WHEN WE SUFFER. WE KNOW THAT OUR SUFFERING GIVES US THE STRENGTH TO GO ON. The strength to go on produces character. Character produces hope. And hope will never let us down” (NIRV).

Think about that. While we are suffering, it is actually producing, changing, and making our characters. Character is what we are now. Suffering is producing and making some changes in us. We don’t see this. That’s why we need "hope." Hope is desire something and expects that it will happen and we will get something soon. So who is our hope? Christ, the Rock is our sure hope.

So hold on to that hope in God! Trust Him! He knows what He is doing!

Dorothy

PS. Song given by Sonya Dupuis of Alberta, Canada
Song: "Lord I Know I Have Been Changed"

Lord, I know I have been changed,
The angels in heaven done signed my name,
Lord, I know I have been changed,
Lord, I know I have been changed,
Lord, I know I have been changed,
The angels in heaven done signed my name,
You’re gonna look for me, and I’ll be gone,
The angels in heaven done signed my name,
I have been changed, I have been changed,
He changed my walk, he changed my talk,
I have been changed, I have been changed,
The angels in heaven done signed my name
He picked up and He turned me around,
He place my feet on solid ground,
I once was blind but now I see,
I thank the Lord for CHANGE!
(Author unknown)

Falling?

2011-10-11T02:32:00.000-07:00

Jude 1:24a
KJV: “Now unto Him that is able to keep you from falling …”

Do you feel like you are falling slowly? Jude 1:24 NCV says, “God is strong and can help you not to fall.” Why? He loves you that much enough that “He can bring you before His glory without any wrong in you and give you great joy” (Jude 1:24b
NCV)

Who then can really do this? Jude 1:25 “He is the only God, the One who saves us. To Him be glory, greatness, power, and authority through Jesus Christ our Lord for all time past, and forever, Amen” (NCV). There! Authority through Jesus Christ our Lord! So God is able to keep you from falling, falling, and falling. He will “present you faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy” (Jude 1 24b). So God is exceeding joy which means He is more than just being joyful. He is very, very joyful to do this to you. He looks forward to the day to “present you faultless.”

Why is God looking forward to that? You remember that Satan stands before God day and night accusing us, telling God that we are not perfect and we will fall. In Revelation 12:9-11 tells about Satan, the great dragon, the deceiver will finally “shut up”and be thrown out of heaven and will no longer “accuse our faults before our God.” Scripture tells us that we overcame Satan through the blood of the Lamb and by the word of testimony, His Word.

NIRV: “Give praise to the One who is able to keep you from falling into sin. He will bring you into his heavenly glory without any fault. He will bring you there with great joy. Give praise to the only God. He is our Savior. Glory, majesty, power and authority belong to Him Give praise to Him through Jesus Christ our Lord. Give praise to the One who was before all time, who now is and who will be forever. Amen” Jude 1:24-25.

God is looking forward to present you faultless so trust Him to keep you from falling!

Dorothy

Like A Dove?

2011-10-07T12:18:00.000-07:00

Do you ever wish you had wings like a dove? So then you could fly away and be at rest? Even for a bit? Away from everything just to be at peace? Ahhh that happens to David, the King. He said in:

Psalm 55:6,7,8a
"And I said, Oh that I had wings like a dove! For then would I fly away and be at rest. Lo, then would I wander far off, and remain in the wilderness. Selah (think calmly about that). I would hasten my escape. . ."

A wilderness? Why would David, the King think about the wilderness? A wilderness is a lonely and unpleasant place, huh? There was a history that tells about a cave that the priests have library scrolls of God's Word hidden just in case the enemies comes into Israel's land destroy everything in it. Scrolls were put in jars to keep it dry. History has discovered several other hidden caves that had scrolls found in the jars that had God's Words being preserved.

David may have known about this secret place of caves in the wilderness. David might thought that this was the best place to spend time with studying the scrolls and less people around and be at peace.

His heart was troubled with his son, Absalom that tried to take his throne. David said, "My heart is sore pained within me: and the terrors of death are fallen upon me" (Psalm 55:4).

Inspite of all this, David found comfort in expressing his anguish heart to the Lord and to quote this Psalm 57:7 "My heart is fixed, O God, my heart is fixed: I will sing and give praise."

David might have a wish that he could fly away like a Dove, yet he remembered the importance to set his heart toward God and to say "My heart is fixed."

Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father. My friends might going through an emotional times because of problems in whatever state they are in. They need You to fix their heart. Help them to hold on to You, God for You are their refuge in time of trouble. Let Your Presence be known to them so they have assurance that You are with them. Bless them and heal their heart, their emotions in Jesus' name I pray! Amen!

So really, really trust God today!

Dorothy

Sweet Holy Spirit!

2011-10-06T12:11:00.000-07:00

Psalm 51:11 KJV
Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy Holy Spirit from me.

David prayed this prayer to God: "Do not send me away from You or take Your Holy Spirit from me." This is a psalm of David when the prophet Nathan came to David after David's sin with Bathsheba.

David prayed with all of his heart from the whole chapter of Psalm 51. Verse 3-4: "I know about my wrongs, and I can't forget my sin. You are the only One I have sinned against; I have done what you say is wrong. You are right when You speak and fair when You judge." Verse 10, 12, 13, 17: "Create in me a pure heart, God, and make my spirit right again. Give me back the joy of salvation. Keep me strong by giving me a willing spirit. Then I will teach Your ways to those who do wrong, and sinners will turn back to You. The sacrifice God wants is a broken spirit. God, You will not reject a heart that is broken and sorry for sin. Verse 14a: I will sing about Your goodness." NCV

Song: Sweet, Sweet Spirit

Sweet Holy Spirit,
Sweet heavenly Dove,
Stay right here with us,
Filling us with Your love;
And for these blessings,
We lift our hearts in praise;
Without a doubt we'll know
That we have been revived
When we shall leave this place.
(Doris Mae Akers, Sing His Praise)

This morning this chorus came to me and I searched through technology Bible the word "Holy Spirit." Psalm 51:11 impressed me and to remind me not to become "slack (lazy) in the spirit." So we pray, "Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me" (Ps. 51:10). Oh yes, renew a right spirit within me in Jesus' name we pray. Amen!

Have a blessed day!

Dorothy

Faith of our Fathers

2011-10-04T12:05:00.000-07:00

Paula Hardy of Canada sends this song called, "Faith of our Fathers." I found a verse to match the song.

Hebrews 11:13
"These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth" (Heb. 11:13).

The 11th chapter of Hebrews are often called, "The Hall of Fame on Faith." It explains that there were people who desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: and God is not ashamed to be called their God: for He had prepared them a city (Heb. 11:16). That city is the future heavenly Jerusalem that will some day be upon the new earth. Looking forward to that day takes great faith to believe in God's great plan.

The song was about our "fathers' faith" still passed on to us from generations to generations and what they suffered and went through. The song reminds us of how important it is to continue to "Have Faith in God." Paula Hardy added that song when Dean Hardy was sharing the devotion from Sept. 29 and 30 about "Faith of Abraham." Those words are good.

Song: Faith of our Father
1. Faith of our fathers, living still,
In spite of dungeon, fire, and sword;
Oh, how our hearts beat high with joy
Whene’er we hear that glorious Word!
* Refrain:
Faith of our fathers, holy faith!
We will be true to thee till death.

2. Faith of our fathers, we will strive
To win all nations unto thee;
And through the truth that comes from God,
We all shall then be truly free. (Refrain)

3. Faith of our fathers, we will love
Both friend and foe in all our strife;
And preach thee, too, as love knows how
By kindly words and virtuous life. (Refrain)
(Frederick Williams Faber, Sing His Praise)

Let's pass our faith in Christ to others!

Dorothy
(Thank you Paula Hardy)

No Energy?

2011-10-03T11:53:00.000-07:00

Do you ever felt like you have no energy? Do you ever felt like the time is moving so very slow? Do you ever felt like lacking in firmness, weak or feeling soft? It is like 'we're not keeping busy with our spiritual lives'? Often hear this, "we goof off"?

Know something? The Scripture tells us "THAT THE LORD IS NOT SLACK CONCERNING HIS PROMISE" (2 Peter 3:9a).

God doesn't goof off. God doesn't play around. God doesn't slack around "AS SOME MEN COUNT (GOD) SLACKNESS" (2 Peter 3:9b) and saying, "Where is the promise of His coming?" (2 Peter 3:4a).

Peter was defending God against those who thought that God was taking His sweet time and "fooling around with us." That was absolutely not true! Peter defend God by saying, "Dear friends, here is one thing you must not forget. With the Lord a day is like a thousand years. And a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is NOT slow (slack) to keep His promise. He is NOT slow (slack) in the way some people understand it. He is patient with you. He doesn't want anyone to be destroyed. Instead, He wants all people to turn away from their sins. But the day of the Lord will come like a thief (2 Peter 3:8-10a). NIRV.

What do we do while we wait for His promise? 2 Peter 3:14,15 "Dear friends, I know you are looking forward to that. So try your best to be found pure and without blame. Be at peace with God. Remember that our Lord is waiting patiently to return, people are being saved" (NIRV).

More and more people are getting saved! Thanks to your prayers!

So trust God today!

Dorothy

Faith by Guest Dean

2011-09-30T08:32:00.000-07:00

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.

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

2011-09-29T09:05:00.000-07:00

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)

Have faith in God today!

Dorothy

Learning to Lean on Jesus

2011-09-28T15:37:00.001-07:00

Here's a guest from Edmonton, Canada with a song, "Learning to Lean on Jesus" so I add verse of John 13:23 and I did little research on "Lean" to give us a little visualize (picture) meaning. Lean means to cast one's weight to one side for SUPPORT ; a feeling of liking; an act of bending. The whole purpose of the song is learning to LEAN on Jesus for SUPPORT. You need Jesus for support. Don't do it alone. Even the disciples were learning to lean on Jesus for support. Just picture yourself like John did in this verses. Oh what a blessing thought of comfort!

John 13:23 "Now there was "LEANING ON JESUS' bosom (front of human chest) one of His disciples, whom Jesus loved. John 13:25 He (John) then lying on Jesus' breast . . ."

From Pastor Dale + Wilma Boyd respond to devotion (on 9/26 His Strength).

Hello there!
Good devotion!! it reminds me of old song when I was so young. Let me write this song:

Learning To Lean On Jesus

Learning to lean
Learning to lean
I'm learning to lean on Jesus
Finding more power than I'd ever dreamed
I'm learning to lean on Jesus.

Sad broken hearted, at an alter I knelt
I found peace that is so serene
And all that He asks is a child like trust
And a heart that is learning to lean

Learning to lean
Learning to lean
I'm learning to lean on Jesus
Finding more power than I'd ever dreamed
I'm learning to lean on Jesus.

Learning to lean
Learning to lean
I'm learning to lean on Jesus
Finding more power than I'd ever dreamed
I'm learning to lean on Jesus.

Learning to lean
Learning to lean
I'm learning to lean on Jesus
Finding more power than I'd ever dreamed
I'm learning to lean on Jesus.

Words & Music: Helen H.Lemmel, 1922

Hold Your Ground

2011-09-27T15:27:00.000-07:00

1 Corinthians 15:58
KJV: Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, immoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.
NCV: So my dear brothers and sisters, stand strong. Do not let anything change you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your work in the Lord is never wasted.

What does the Scriptures has to say when we might be tempted to give up? Some of them came from “The Bible from 26 Translations.” So I am putting some of the words together and would say:

“Since future victory is sure, let us be strong in our purpose and HOLD YOUR GROUND. Let us stand firm and let nothing move you. As we continue to be busy for the Lord and let us always be devoted to the Lord. Let us work for the Lord always and work without limit. Let us be active in the Lord’s service at all times. Why? Because you know that your labor in the service of the Lord is never thrown away.”

Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, I am asking You to open our spiritual eyes and let us see the work of the Holy Spirit and help us to be true to you. After reading the Scripture, I realized that Satan is working very hard to try to discourage us to give up the service of the Lord. Oh Holy Spirit, revive us today and deliver us from Evil One who walk about as Roaring Lion seeking to whom he could destroy. We ask for help and we believe that You will reveal Yourself to us and assure us that You do care and love us so much. Thank You, Father in Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

May the Lord bless you today!

Dorothy

Fear Not, I Will Strength You

2011-09-26T02:38:00.000-07:00

Isaiah 41:10
KJV: Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I WILL STRENGTH THEE; yea I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.

NCV: So don't worry, because I am with you. Don't be afraid, because I am your God. I WILL MAKE YOU STRONG and will help you; I will support you with my right hand that saves you.

AMP: Fear not; [there is nothing to fear] for I am with you; do not look around you in terror and be dismayed [loss of courage because of fear of what is about to happen; trouble greatly], for I am your God. I WILL STRENGTHEN AND HARDEN YOU [to difficulties]; yes, I will help you; yes I will hold you up and retain [hold; keep] you with My victorious right hand of rightness and justice.

Wow! What an awesome promise from the Lord our wonderful God who cares about us. We are in the New Testament time, but we became the chosen servants of God and we can claim the promises of these verses for ourselves. God's word has spoken to us that we must not fear other humans because God is with us.

The word, "harden" means He will make us able to "endure" anything we face. He will give us grace and strength when we need to face all the things that are happening around us. God will help us through times of crisis and He will be our peace. He will also support us and be our advocate, like a lawyer in time of need. God begins doing a good work in us, and let us trust Him to continue until it is finished when Jesus Christ comes again.

This is my prayer for you:
That your love will grow more and more; that you will have knowledge and understanding with your love; that you will see the difference between good and bad and will choose the good; that you will be pure and without wrong for the coming of Christ. See the good about trusting Him, and realize that it is bad to worry too much. I pray that we all talk about good things God will do for us in Jesus' name. Amen!

Song:
Trust in the Lord with all your heart
and lean not to your own understanding.
In all your ways, acknowledge [get to know] Him and
He shall direct your path.
(Song collection)

May the Lord shine His face upon you and bless you today.

Fear Not, I Am Thy Shield

2011-09-23T04:23:00.000-07:00

Genesis 15:1
KJV: The Word of the Lord came unto Abram in a vision, saying ‘Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward.’
NCV: The Lord spoke his word to Abram in a vision: “Abram, don’t be afraid. I will defend you, and I will give you a great reward.”
AMP: The word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision, saying, ‘Fear not, Abram, I am your shield, your abundant compensation, and your reward shall be exceedingly great.’

Abram’s name was later changed to Abraham is found in Genesis 17:5. Abraham was in the battle with the kings and he had overcome them. After his battle with the kings, Abraham became troubled and fearful. God came to Abraham in a vision to help him feel assured that God was Abraham’s shield and reward. Abraham went on to talk to the Lord about having no child to carry on to his heir. But God had promised him that he would have a son to carry on. Even though it was impossible for Abraham and Sarah to have a son in their old age, yet Abraham believed God.

Genesis 15:6 in NCV: Abram believed the Lord. And the Lord accepted Abram’s faith, and that faith made him right with God.

Abraham’s kind of faith that he had trusted God completely even though all odds were against Abraham: his old age and Sarah’s. Abraham’s heart toward God was an enduring trust, obedience and submission. This is the kind of faith that pleased God for without faith, it is impossible to please Him. We who come to God must believe that He lives and He is real. We are encouraged to believe that God is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him (Hebrews 11:6).

What does this means to me? I see on television so many things that are going on: hurricanes, weather changing, more violence on TV than ever before, people seems restless, and many changes are taking place in USA. This can make us fearful and wonder what future holds for us. God has words for all these things. The Lord is speaking to us: “Fear not, I am your shield, your protector, and I am your great reward. I will reward you for trusting Me with all your heart. Things will happen for you when you trust Me and love Me with all your heart.”

Prayer: Dear Lord, thank You for reassurance that You are our shield and our rewarder. Thank You Lord for keeping our eyes only upon You. Keep our heart from becoming fearful. Change them to complete trusting in You. In Jesus’ Name, I pray. Amen!

So keep trusting God today!

Fear of Evil

2011-09-22T04:15:00.000-07:00

Proverbs 1:33
"Whoso hearkeneth (keep on listen carefully) unto Me shall dwell safely, and shall be quiet from fear of evil."

Tony: Many things can happen. It is easy to panic when we hear fearful news. God help us to learn to stay "cool head" ... not being afraid of bad things.

Last Sunday at deaf service, we sang the chorus "Just a Little While" and it is a very old song. It was written long we were even born (1921). The song has a meaning. The song is a great encouragement to keep our spirits from being fearful. Always sing something when there are fearful news going on. It lifts our spirit until God filled us with His love and peace.

Chorus: Just a Little While
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 trouble
In this low and sinful state;
Then we’ll enter heaven’s portals,
Sweeping through the pearly gates.

1. Soon this life will all be over
And our pilgrimage will end,
Soon we’ll take our heav’nly 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.
(Eugene Monroe Bartlett,1921, Sing His Praise)

So trust God today!

Dorothy

Fear Not, Neither Be Discouraged

2011-09-21T17:12:00.000-07:00

Deuteronomy 1:21
Behold, the Lord thy God hath set the land before thee: go up and possess it, as the Lord God of thy fathers hath said unto thee; fear not, neither be discouraged. [ncv: don’t be afraid and don’t worry].

This was a time when Moses and the people finally came into the “future Promise Land” and the people were scared of difficulties, oppositions and more battles coming up. The word ‘fear’ seems to be very common among people. They were always afraid of many things that they want to go back to Egypt. Why? Because it was their ‘security’ and it was 'safe' for them to ‘stay home.’ But that was not what God wants. He had a bigger plan for them and a better place for His people. The land of the ‘unknown’ was a very fearful thing for them. They were discouraged. So what does the word, fear really mean?

Fear mean being afraid; feeling that danger or evil is near; dread; an uneasy feeling; anxious thought and concern. Dread mean look forward to fear; dislike to experience; fear greatly; fear of something will happen or may happen. Discourage means take away the courage or brave; reduce the hope or have no confidence that thing will work. Fear hinder us from doing something great.

Another scripture in Deut. 1:29,30 “… Dread not, neither be afraid of them. [ncv: Don’t be frightened; don’t be afraid…] The Lord your God which goeth before you, he shall fight for you, according to all that he did for you in Egypt before your eyes.”

God’s words of encouragement were in Deut. 3:22 ‘Ye shall not fear them for the Lord your God shall fight for you.’ The Israelite faced powerful enemies whom they could not defeat them in their own strength. Israel’s natural tendency was to fear the awful consequences [result] of defeat. ONLY BY LOOKING TO GOD, THEY COULD GAIN VICTORY. God’s word encouraged them to look to God who was bigger than the enemies. He showed His power in Egypt and He can do it again for them.

We as believers in Christ do face a lot of difficulties and a lot of battles. BUT the Lord your God will fight for you. God promise to be with you, give you the strength and the power to accomplish or do His will.

Our prayers to God will help us realize that He alone has the strength to heal, and strength to give us the courage to face whatever we need. God in us can do the job He asks us to do. Greater is He that is in you than he [devil] that is in the world.

When you believe, you feel the strength. When you trust God, you sense the blessing. When you love God, you feel the peace and the joy of knowing that He does care for you. Also know that the Lord your shall fight for you [Deut. 3:22].

So trust God today!

PS. Song: "Faith in God"
Faith in God can move a mighty mountain.
Faith in God can calm the troubled sea,
Faith will make the desert like the fountain,
Faith will bring the victory.
(Song Collection)

Fear Not, I Am With Thee

2011-09-20T14:59:00.001-07:00

Genesis 26:24 KJV: The Lord appeared unto him [Isaac] the same night, and said, ‘I am the God of Abraham thy father: fear not, for I am with thee, and will bless thee, and multiply thy seed for my servant Abraham’s sake. NCV: The Lord appeared to him [Isaac] that night and said, “I am the God of your father Abraham. Don’t be afraid, because I am with you. I will bless you and give you many descendants because of my servant Abraham.”

There was a reason why the Lord appeared to Isaac and to say to him, “Fear not, for I am with thee.” After I read the chapter 26 of Genesis, it explained the troubles Isaac was having with “the neighbors.” There were famine and Isaac seeks help from Abimelech and he provided the land to Isaac. Isaac was able to sow a good crop and harvest was plentiful because the Lord had blessed him. Isaac became very wealthy and digs the wells again because his father, Abraham had dug several wells during his time. [Philistines had covered the wells with dirt.]

Abimelech was the king of the Philistines and he became worried because Isaac became stronger than him. He told Isaac to leave his place and go somewhere else. Isaac moved to the valley of Gerar and camped there. Every time they dig the wells, there were neighbors of herd men who tried to take the wells from Isaac. Isaac had to move several times and dig another well. It can be very frustrated for Isaac and his herd men who tried to take care of the animals that needed water from the wells. This was when Isaac became fearful of being “pushed around” by neighbors. Isaac wondered if he would ever stay in that land that God had promised him. God saw his fear and came to Isaac and comforted him by saying, “FEAR NOT, FOR I AM WITH THEE, AND WILL BLESS THEE, AND MULTIPLY THY SEED FOR MY SERVANT ABRAHAM’S SAKE.”

God appeared to Isaac and passed on to him the promises made with Abraham. Like his father, Isaac had to learn to live by the promises of God. This was an important part of the covenant promise which was the personal relationship with God described in the words, “I am with thee.” Finally, Isaac had peace with Abimelech when he saw how the Lord blessed Isaac. Isaac’s servants found another well and name it Shebah and name the city, Beersheba. Isaac trusted God.

What does this means? This encourages me to know that when God was with Isaac and He said to me, “Fear not, for I am with thee.” God’s promise is for me and for you. This story should inspire us to trust God when we have problems. If God cares enough to calm Isaac’s fears, God cares enough to calm our fears also. Isn’t He wonderful?

Chorus: Jesus knows all about our struggles;
He will guide till the day is done!
There’s not a friend like the lowly Jesus,
No, not one! No not one!
[Lyrics: Johnson Oatman, Jr.]

Purpose of Being a Friend by Guest

2011-09-17T14:54:00.000-07:00

Be Skillful in your Counsel/Friendship

Not every friend is a good counselor, so we must choose wisely. "the purposes of a man's heart are deep waters, but a man of understanding draws them out. (Proverbs 20:5 NIV) It takes a counselor/friend with loving patience and a discerning spirit to help us what lies deep within our hearts.

A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother" (Prov 18: 24 NIV) It is not enough to have a friends, we must have a friend who will "speak the truth in love" (Eph 4:15)

Often in my ministry, people will approach me or my husband, Terry, or both of us, with personal problems and ask for advice. I , Terry or we try to avoid giving counsel for several reasons:
1. I don't know the people/person
2. I'm not going to be there long enough to continue a counseling relationship
3. A quick chat after a meeting or service isn't counseling
4. I don't want to take the place of a faithful local pastor

Often these are the questions we asked... "Have you discussed this matter with your pastor?" and answers are as common as this as following: "I talked with my Pastor but it didn't do any good." or " I have talked to Pastor but he/she doesn't understand or care about my problems!" "Oh! he/she never listen to me!" (It is then we know it is the person with this problem is the one who isn't taking in heart to listening the counseling of the Lord.) We, both also know that whatever we say will probably do little good! We set out to be a friend, while one might have spiritual sludge will slowly dissipate (vanish) from your heart's harbor(shelter), we do the best we can to show our action like David's prayer "Set a watch, Oh Lord, before my mouth; and keep the door of my lips" (Ps. 141:3). Yielding our hearts to the Lord, what comes out of the mouth originates the heart. We hold on to Proverbs 10:32 the lips of the righteous know what is acceptable. A friend who hold these values is indeed a very rich friend to have, holding and speaking words of encouragement and hope.

Our friends can often see dangers and detours that are hidden from us. With lovely kindness and much prayer and quick moving in a gentle way, have spoken what needed to be said... Has avoid rages and isolates that could have happen if we had not listen to wise counsel....is a true friend. It is a privilege to have them. They become at times "ointment and perfume delight to the heart and the sweetness of a man's friend given delight by hearty counsel. (Proverb 27:9 NKJV)

We in the Christian World.... Must be careful and be wise in our counsel/friendship. Friendly suggestions are as pleasant as perfume, but sometimes a friend's counsel may not be perfume! It may be acid! Even then, we have nothing to lose! For "as iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance(calm control) of his friend" (Proverb 27:17 NKJV) The sparks may fly, but GOD will give us the light that we need. "Faithful are the wounds of a friend, but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful" ( Proverb 27:6) "Death and life are in the power of the tongue" (Proverb 18:21) How we accept and apply rebuke is a test of how devoted we are to the truth and wisdom and how sincere we are in wanting to know God's Will.

Friends who flatter us and avoid telling us the truth are only doing us harm. Not every friend is a good counselor, so we must choose wisely. In all your ways acknowledge Him (Proverb 3:6) means allow Him to be your friends and God will give you HIMSELF and provide you wonderful friends that will stick with you closer than a brother. Only a true friend will speak wisely, say the right thing at the right time in the right way, are people who store God's truth in their hearts. What a wonderful friend that person is who have God's Goodness in hearts!

Some friends live only for entertainment and try to escape the burden of life. Others live for enjoyment and try to make the most of life. God's dedicated people live for enrichment and discover fulfillment in life as they do the will of God from the heart.

The Question?! Which one are you?

Be a Godly Friend!

Karen Batts

Song: Face to Face

2011-09-15T03:02:00.000-07:00

I Corinthians 13:12 KJV For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.

Moses prophesied about Christ and it was fulfilled after 1,400 years. When Jesus was born, Mary and Joesph looked at Jesus, "Face to face." During His growing years on the earth, people saw Jesus "face to face." Now after 2,000 years we know Christ is coming soon and it will be an exciting time when Jesus comes, we shall behold Him, "Face to Face." The song, "Face to Face" is an encouraging theme that could revive our inner spirit during our worship time to the Lord. Or you could cite it to your inner spirit for a moment of your time. Let the Holy Spirit richly bless you.

Song: Face to Face
1. Face to face with Christ my Savior,
Face to Face what will it be--
When with rapture (joy)I behold Him,
Jesus Christ who died for me?

Chorus:
Face to Face I shall behold Him,
Far beyond the starry sky;
Face to face in all His glory,
I shall see Him by and by!

2. Only faintly now I see Him,
With the darkened veil between,
But a blessed day is coming
When His glory shall be seen. [Chorus]

3. Face to face! O blissful moment!
Face to face--to see and know;
Face to face with my Redeemer,
Jesus Christ who loves me so. [Chorus]
[Lyrics: Carrie E. Breck; 1Cor.13:12]

May the Lord bless you today!

Dorothy

Let's Not Be Weary

2011-09-14T02:26:00.000-07:00

Galatians 6:9 "... Let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not."

Two things I would like to share with you.
First thing, what kind of work should we continue to be doing? The answer is found in Galatians 6:10 NIRV: So when we can do good to everyone, let us do it. Let us make a special point of doing good to those who belong to the family of believers.

One of the jobs to do is to "speak kind words toward others" and that is "sorely" (greatly) needed among the Christian brothers and sisters in the Lord.

And the second thing and listen to this: "Some people plant to please their sinful nature. From that nature they will harvest death. Others plant to please the Holy Spirit. From the Spirit they will harvest eternal life. Let us not become tired of doing good. At the right time we will gather a crop if we don't give up" (NIRV Gal.6:8-9).

To me this is the word of encouragement because it reminds me that studying God's Scripture, ponder them and share them with you from the Spirit, I will harvest eternal life. And you who listen to God's Word and do them, will also harvest eternal life. Because if I do what my flesh want, it will lead me to feeling "dead in spirit."

I confess that sometimes, I became weary and tired. Blessed Holy Spirit who brought that verse of Galatians 6:9 to me: Let us not become weary ... Ohhh sweet Holy Spirit! Kind words of encouragement! Thank you, Holy Spirit for deliver me from temptation of "lazy flesh." If you have that temptation, quote Lord's Prayer. It helps!

So today, let's say kind words of encouragement to others and the Lord will bless you!

Dorothy

Faithfulness Rewards! Guest

2011-09-13T03:00:00.000-07:00

Guest from Karen Batts!

Revelation 14:13
I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them.

Just because our works don't precede us as our passport into heaven doesn't mean they have no relevancy (no bear) to our future entrance into heaven.

Remember that John is writing to a church under heavy spiritual artillery fire. The church was driven underground. Leaders and laypeople alike were being murdered. John, himself, miraculously survived being boiled alive in oil and was now sentenced to life on Patmos.

The purpose of the Revelation is to communicate HOPE. The early Christians are repeatedly told to NOT GIVE UP. Under NO CIRCUMSTANCES were they to compromise or give up. Their faith in and labor for the Lord were not in vain! Their sacrifice counted! Vigilance (watchfulness) would someday lead to victory, faithfulness would be rewarded, and in this context John says that their "works do follow them."

In Malachi, the people asked the prophet if it was really worth serving God? He answered saying that someday God would right all wrongs and justify all inequities (unfairness). Indeed, there is a reward for serving God. DON'T GIVE UP- YOUR GOOD WORKS WILL BE REMEMBERED (Malachi 3:14-4:2 )

In Hebrews 11, God displays His "HALL OF FAME" containing those who were faithful, each of whom He would always remember and never be ashamed of. Faithfulness is rewarded!

In First Thessalonians, there is the Crown of Rejoicing. ( 2:19-20).
In First Peter, there is the Crown of Glory. (5:4)
In James, there is the Crown of Life. (1:12)
Finally in Second Timothy, there is the Crown of Righteousness. (4:8)

If you ever get tired of doing the right thing and feel like giving up - DON'T! No matter what the pressure, never surrender! Hold tight! Hang onto HOPE. Someday your works shall follow you. God will remember your faithfulness!

It's worth it!

Karen Batts

Fear Not, Thou Shall Not Be Ashamed

2011-09-12T03:00:00.000-07:00

Isaiah 54:4-5
KJV: Fear not, for thou shalt not be ashamed: neither be thou confounded; for thou shalt not be put to shame: for thou shalt forget the shame of thy youth, and shalt not remember the reproach of thy widowhood any more. V5 For thy Maker is thine husband; and the Lord of hosts is His name; and thy Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel; The God of the whole earth shall be called.
NCV: Don’t be afraid, because you will not be ashamed. Don’t be embarrassed, because you will not be disgraced. You will forget the shame you felt earlier; you will not remember the shame you felt when you lost your husband. V5 The God who made you is like your husband. His name is the Lord All-Powerful. The Holy One of Israel is the one who saves you. He is called the God of all the earth.

Dorothy: God was speaking to Israel who was going through some troubled time. They had done evil and worship other gods that God wasn’t happy about. God punished Israel for their sins and allowed the enemies to capture Jerusalem and many people were captive and taken to different countries. They came back home to rebuild Jerusalem. In 70 A.D. Jerusalem was destroyed again. The people of Israel were scattered all over the world. Years later, the Jews from all over the world started coming back to their homeland. It was a time Israel felt ashamed what they had done. God promised a future Messiah and through Him, there would be hope for Jerusalem. Messiah would rule the whole earth some day. Israel will forget their shame. They will realize that all things were meant for good like Romans 8:28 says, ‘We know that all things work together for good to them that love God…’ Is it hard to imagine that someday, Israel would not even remember what they had done? God wants to give a new beginning, a new start, a future new heaven and new earth. What more could Israel ask for? They will rejoice forever.

Have you ever felt ashamed and wonder if you would ever forget what you have done in the past? We might say: I wish I had known about this mistake and I would not have to do this at all. Now I feel ‘doomed’ because it isn’t the same as before. I wish I was a better person so I would always do things right. What would God say to us about this?

“Fear not, for you will not be ashamed. Don’t feel confused why things happened to you recently. Don’t be afraid because you are ashamed of what was happening to you. Don’t be embarrassed about your past and you will not be ashamed. I am working inside of you to be like My Son, Jesus. Like Romans 8:28 says, ‘We know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to his purpose.’ Behold, I made all things new. You will not remember all of the past. All things are under the blood of the Lamb who gave Himself for you. You are forgiven. You are washed. You are cleaned. You are in the right standing with Me because the Lamb has given you a robe of righteousness. You need to trust Me in all the word that I have spoken to you. Be at peace with Me. Love Me and Trust Me with all your heart. I have loved you with an everlasting love.”

Song: Jesus, Jesus, Jesus
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, Sweetest name I know,
Fill my every longing, Keeps me singing as I go.
Verse:
There’s within my heart a melody (song)
Jesus whispers sweet and low,
Fear not, I am with thee, peace, be still,
In all of life’s ebb (troubles) and flow.
[Lyrics & Music: Luther B. Bridgers]

Wrestling Prayers for You

2011-09-10T12:06:00.000-07:00

Colossians 4:12, 13a
NIV: “Epaphras, who is one of you and a servant of Christ Jesus, sends greetings. He is always wrestling in prayer for you, that you may stand firm in all the will of God, mature and fully assured. I vouch for him that he is working hard for you …” NCV: “Epaphras, a servant of Jesus Christ, from your group, also greets you. He always prays for you that you will grow to be spiritually mature and have everything God wants for you. I know he has worked hard for you …”

I like the KJV quote: “Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, saluteth you, always labouring fervently for you in prayers, that you may stand perfect and complete in the will of God. For I bear him record, that he hath a great zeal for you…”
“Labouring fervently (Greek, agonize, from which we derive the English word “agonize”) denotes an intense desire, an agonizing, a wrestling, or striving in prayer. Faithful N.T. believers not only continued steadfast in prayer (v.2), but agonized with strong pleading in their prayers. The needs of our families, churches, and the world are no less significant today. We ought to pray fervently, knowing that in our struggles Christ’s power is working mightily in us (1:29). Note: The FULL LIFE Study Bible, D. Stamps.

“Laboring fervently” is the translation of a Greek word from which we get our word AGONY. It was used of wrestlers who in the Greek gymnastic games strained to overcome an opponent. The Merriam-Webster dictionary state: the word, agony means intense pain of mind and body 2: a strong sudden display of emotion: outburst (an agony of delight). WORD HISTORY In ancient Greece a public gathering was called agon. Since the Greeks placed a high value on sports and athletic competition, there were almost always athletic events at gatherings on festival days. The STRUGGLE to win the prize in such contests came to be called ‘agonia.’ This term came also to be used for any difficult physical struggle and then for the PAIN that went with it, physical or mental. Our English word agony, meaning “INTENSE PAIN OF MIND OR BODY,” thus comes from a word that originally meant a happy celebration. Etymology: Middle English agonie “agony,” from Latin agonia (same meaning), from Greek agonia “struggle,” from agon “gathering contest for a prize.”

This is a “cure” for the “lukewarm Christian” who needs to get into wrestling spirit of prayers. I am going through this sense of “lukewarm spirit” or “lazy spirit” atmosphere and I don’t like it. My friend is struggling. She cries a lot and is in a great pain. I didn’t understand why God hasn’t healed her until I read this verse “laboring fervently.” Then I understood that her intercessory prayer was like wrestling in prayer, striving in prayer, agony in prayers, cry a lot in prayers and speaking in tongues prayers for all the Deaf saints. Her agony prayers, “Lord, don’t let the Deaf go to hell without You, Jesus!” That is a true spirit of ‘a Greek wrestler.’ Be of good comfort! If you are going through the similar experience, just know that God is working mightily in you, needing this wrestling prayer’s breakthrough for all of us.

So trust God today.

Fear Not, To Take Mary, Thy Wife

2011-09-09T03:00:00.000-07:00

Matthew 1:20b-21 “Behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying Joseph, thou son of David, FEAR NOT TO TAKE UNTO THEE MARY THY WIFE: for which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.”

Story of Joseph from Matthew 1:18-25; Luke 2:1-7
After Mary came home from visiting Elizabeth, Joseph learned about her pregnancy. Mary was engaged to marry Joseph, but he felt he had to divorce her secretly. Joseph was a good man and he did not want to disgrace her in public. There was a law that if a woman is caught having a child before marriage; by law the public has the right to stone a woman to death. This troubled Joseph greatly. He had fear in his heart. He didn’t know what to do. Joseph went to sleep and an angel came to him in a dream. The angel said, “Joseph, don’t be afraid to take Mary as your wife, because the baby in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you will name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” An angel went on to explain about the fulfillment from the prophet who spoke about the virgin shall bring forth a son. The Lord’s angel wants Joseph to realize who this child was. It must have surprise Joseph that it was the Holy Spirit that came upon Mary to have a child be called, Immanuel, which means “God is with us.”

The Lord’s angel helped Joseph to know about the prophecy and help him to remove his “fear.” When Joseph woke up, he did what the Lord’s angel had told him to do. Joseph took Mary as his wife. Joseph did not have sexual relations with Mary until she gave birth to the son. And Joseph named him Jesus. God wanted Jesus to have a family to grow up with. Joseph and Mary had more children so Jesus had brothers and sisters [Matthew 12:46-47; Mark 3:31-32; Luke 8:19,20].

Story about the angels and the shepherds from Luke 2:8-20
Luke 2:20 “And the angel said unto them, FEAR NOT, for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David, a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.”

Dorothy: Have you noticed that God encouraged people from time to time, “Fear not”? Why is that? I watched a program, TBN and Rev. Hagee was preaching about the “Wild Horse of Fear”. He talked a lot about what fear can do. God had begin ‘Fear not’ with Abraham, and all through with Isaac, Moses, David, Daniel, Zachariah, Mary, Joseph, the shepherds, disciples, and Peter from Genesis to Revelation. There are many "Fear Not." Fear can paralyze us and not be able to do anything. God does not want to paralyze us so He comforts us not to be afraid. What was the reason we all would fear? Fear of new things and we get scared of new plan that we might not know about. God often does that and God knows it is important to tell us, “Fear not.” He is with us. He will hold us up. He will take care of us. Praise the Lord.

Oh Yes! You Have a Purpose!

2011-09-08T01:21:00.000-07:00

The guest is Karen Batts of Illinois sharing her personal testimony.

I was just at Camp Manitoumi in a very tiny town. That old saying, "If you blink your eyes, you missed the town!" That how small this tiny town was, but had a wonderful camp site. A Good size of Deaf came to this retreat, I saw many of my old friends who had 'wealth' with knowledge of God and have such deep love for God. They were a group of them.

A verse came to me while I was there. I was hit with sickness and tiredness that I had to laid down. I had to rest for a bit then I would come out later and chat with many of my old friends. They left and later I woke up. Then I completely understood. With our old body hit with arthritic and our body easily tired out and still this same verse urges me to remember!

In Revelation 1: 9 b "I, John, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God and for the testimony of Jesus Christ."

Imagine the despair John might have wrestled with. Patmos was an unfamiliar place with unfamiliar people, unfamiliar food, and unfamiliar accommodations. (Just like we old folks, in this camp, with odd tasting food and water, with ground bit rough to walk on, and a distant to get to one place to another. With some people whom you might not have seen before or have forgotten who they are. Feeling out of place, not belonging in this camp group or ground.)

So John might have been feeling this, "is this the end?" "Can God still use me?" and so on. Oh Wait! Even on Patmos, in the midst of being isolated, alone, and aging, John found purpose and meaning. There!!!!! God gave John the REVELATION! All John had to do was to open up his heart, listen, and write. Satan did everything to 'shut up' John and thought it was a brilliant ideal to throw John in this island of Patmos! HA HA HA Satan could not shut John mouth or his hands! All John did was "Saw, Listen, Wrote it down" the most valuable book in all our books in the Bible. It gives us victoriously means what is to be expected in our last days. And it gets us outfitted and groomed for an eternity of life. Also it gives us to take courage of our "boiling oil of today's tribulation" can be "the anointing oil for tomorrow's triumph!"

So! Old Folks! Take COURAGE! Speak! Sign out your wisdom! Whatever your Patmos, instead of fighting it, EMBRACE it. In life's worst, there is still worth! In the midst of life's desolation's, GOD still sends His REVELATIONS.

Take COURAGE!

Karen Batts

Guest 2 Timothy 1:7

2011-09-07T03:23:00.000-07:00

The guest is Karen Batts from Illinois sharing her comments from 9/6 Bread Box devotion. "Receiving your Bread Box today (9/6/11) I am stirred to add comments."

II Timothy 1:7
When Paul wrote this letter to Timothy... Paul's situation had changed drastically! He is now in prisoner in Rome and was facing certain death. This was very dark times and hour for Paul.

Yet Paul had great concern about his brother in the Lord... Timothy! Not on himself! Paul wanted and prayed for success of the Gospel ministry to be encouraged... knowing that Timothy is timid, suffered from physical ailments and was tempted to let other people take advantage of him and not assert his authority as a pastor.

In verse 6 Paul reminded Timothy that he had imparted to Timothy the spiritual gift that he will need in his ministry. The Laying on of Hands was a common practice in Paul's days... Verse 7 that God in no way gave us anything to fear about! We have the Spirit of Power, to Love and to Have Self Discipline.

Today! The Holy Spirit and laying of hands has a powerful effect! And it is a gift of God to us and Paul reminded us in the Holy Spirit, we gain talent, training, experience and power! God personally tells us that we have the Spirit of Power, to Love and the Power to Have Self -discipline. What a wonderful power tools coming from God!

What encourage me is that Timothy didn't need to add any more lesson to his learning from Paul...He was already ordained by the elders and received an enabling gift from God when the elders laid hands on him. He only need to STIR UP what he already had inside his life and spirit. This was learned in I Timothy 4:14 which said "Neglect not the gift that is in thee." He needed just to stir it up! Paul was confident of the genuineness of Timothy's faith. The Spirit within him would give all the power needed for the ministry. He could not ask for any more!

Today, Stir up the gift that God has given to you... Be a blessing to your elders leaders and show that God is still doing mighty things that we are still learning/seeing each time we are together. Show the Spirit of Power, to Love, and Power to Have Self-Discipline being cultivated in our Deaf World today. Use them! And Develop them in the ministry wherever God puts us in.

Be Stir up! Be in Power! Be in Love! And finally Be in Self-Control. Go for it!

Karen Batts

The Spirit of Fear 2 Tim. 1:7

2011-09-06T03:09:00.000-07:00

2 Timothy 1:7
KJV: For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
NAS: For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline. AMP: For God did not give us a spirit of timidity—of cowardice, of craven and cringing and fawning fear—but [He has given us a spirit] of power and of love and of calm and well-balanced mind and discipline and self-control.
NCV: God did not give us a spirit that makes us afraid but a spirit of power and love and self-control.

Dorothy: If God did not give us a bad and fearful spirit then who did? Satan! Satan tried to shoot his arrows of many kind of bad fears. God wants us to know that He does not try to put bad fears in us. Hebrews 13:5b-6a in NCV: God has said, “I will never leave you; I will never forget you.” So we can be sure when we say, “I will not be afraid, because the Lord is my helper.”

What does this means to me?
Love is a powerful thing. If I am fearful, I will remember that love is missing. So I would quote: God does not give me spirit of fear. He gave me power to overcome my bad fears. He gave me love through the power of Holy Spirit and Holy Spirit helps me to have self-control. I pray for my friends too. Amen. May you be blessing today.

Poem: The Spirit of the Lord
The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,
Because He hath anointed me to sing.
The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,
Because He has anointed me to bring.
The gospel to all, great or small.
To open prison’s door, and that what’s for.
To set the captive free, and the blind to see.
The lame to walk, and the dumb to talk.
To heal the brokenhearted, and to lift up dishearten.
To set at liberty and that is for me.
Once I was bruised, but now I am used,
By the Spirit of the Lord…
By the Spirit of the Lord…
By the Spirit of the Lord…
(Dorothy Callies)

Come Unto Me

2011-09-02T03:17:00.000-07:00

Song: Come unto Me
1. Hear the blessed Savior calling the oppressed,
“O ye heavy laden, come to Me and rest;
Come, no longer tarry, I your load will bear;
Bring Me every burden, bring Me every care.”
Chorus:
Come unto Me; I will give you rest;
Take my yoke upon you, Hear Me and be blest;
I am meek and lowly, Come and trust My might;
Come, My yoke is easy, And My burden’s light.

2. Are you disappointed, wandering here and there,
dragging chains of doubt and loaded down with care?
Do unholy feelings struggle in your breast?
Bring your case to Jesus, He will give you rest.
(Charles P. Jones)

Matthew 11:28,29,30 Jesus said,
KJV: “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are
heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my
yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek
and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your
soul. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

NCV: “Come to me, all of you who are tired and
have heavy loads, and I will give you rest. Accept
my teachings and learn from me, because I am
gentle and humble in spirit, and you will find rest
for your lives. The teaching that I ask you to accept
is easy; the load I give you to carry is light.”

AMP: “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy-
laden and over burdened, and I will cause you to rest—
I will ease and relieve and refresh your souls. Take My
yoke upon you, and learn of Me; for I am gentle (meek)
and humble (lowly) in heart, and you will find rest—
relief, ease and refreshment and recreation and blessed
quiet—for your souls. (Jer.6:16) For My yoke is
wholesome (useful, good) not harsh, hard, sharp or
pressing, but comfortable, gracious and pleasant; and
My burden is light and easy to be borne.”

Greatest, How?

2011-09-01T02:56:00.000-07:00

Matthew 23:11
KJV: But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant.
NCV: Whoever is your servant is the greatest among you.

Mark 10:42-45
NCV: Jesus called them together and said, "The non-Jewish people have rulers. You know that those rulers love to show their power over the people, and their important leaders love to use all their authority. But it should not be that way among you. Whoever wants to become great among you must serve the rest of you like a servant. Whoever wants to become the first among you must serve all of you like a slave. In the same way, the Son of Man did not come to be served. He came to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many people."

Serve means to help; be useful; be what is needed. What Jesus was saying to His disciples about how to a become servant was to be useful and helpful to others. Jesus was useful and helpful to others through God's Word, through healing touch and other things. Like the song interpret: If you want to be a great person, then learn how to become useful to others. God would open up a river that flows from inside of you because you already start giving yourself to others. This is what God's kingdom is all about, serving others.

God bless you today!

Dorothy

Song: If You (Want to) Be Great.
If you would be great in God's Kingdom,
then learn to be servant of all,
If you would be great in God's kingdom,
then learn to be servant of all.
Learn to be servant of all;
Learn to be servant of all.
I'll open up a river
when thou art a giver
and learn to be servant of all.
(Author unknown)

Cup of Water

2011-08-31T02:59:00.000-07:00

Matthew 10:42a
"And whosoever shall give to drink unto the little ones a cup of water ...."

Little thing like giving a cup of water to a child gets reward. Jesus said, "He shall no wise (way) lose his reward" (Matt. 10:42c).

Every day what we are accustomed to ... will reflect what we will do in the future kingdom of God. It is like "practice doing good little things" on the earth and God would bless you with greater things in the future kingdom.

Tony once told someone who brought the cup of water to him before he preach. He said, "Did you know that you will receive reward given by Jesus?" Really? Huh? They seem surprised so the scripture was given to them to find in Mark 9:41 "For whosoever shall give you a cup of water to drink in My name, because ye belong to Christ, verily I say unto you, he shall not lose his reward." Then everyone want to get a cup of water to Tony. Tony said, "Whoa, one at a time per week, ok?"

It makes a person feel good to do something that would be very helpful to others.

So God bless you today!

Song: It Is No Secret
It is no secret -- what God can do.
What He's done for others, He'll do for you.
With arms wide open, He'll pardon you.
It is no secret -- what God can do.
(Author: Stuart Hamblen, Song Sheet)

Honor Your Parent

2011-08-30T02:51:00.000-07:00

Mark 7:10 KJV Jesus said,
"Moses said, Honour thy father and thy mother..."

I was referring to the "little things" and it was on my mind. Somehow I found an article such as honoring your parents. For me I had parents while many others may not. However, I want to share something I was really impressed what Jesus said to the Pharisees.

In Jesus' day, He had something to say to the Pharisees who found creative ways to avoid family duties (Mark 7:9-13). It was a little thing that bothered Jesus enough to speak up against what the Pharisees had done.

In those days, the parents did not receive Social Security like we do now. So the parents depend on their children to support their needs when they could no longer work for their earnings.

Just because they happened to be Pharisees and they realized they had the power to do what they want. Actually, they became greedy and didn't want to spend so much money on their aging parents so they came up with an idea by dedicating their material possessions to God (declaring them as Corban) rather than using their assets or money to provide for their parents. This was called "Tradition of men" used as an excuse not to honor their parents. They claimed that their laws were more powerful than God's Law. Their tradition had violated (broke) the commandment to honor their father and their mother. Because of this, the Pharisees became wealthy.

There is another scripture to prove that Jesus has exposed them as greedy Pharisees. It is found in Matt. 23:14; Mark 12:40 and Luke 20:47. The Pharisees were known to "devour widows' houses" which means they "took the widows' houses" and sold them to get the money for themselves. The widows lost everything they own when their husbands died and they had no law to protect themselves.

From Luke 18:2-5 you may understand why Jesus told a story of a widow who came to judge for protection against the Pharisees or creditors (adversary) from taking her house. It takes a judge to protect the widow since she lost her husband.

What the Pharisees had done to their parents and to the widows bothered Jesus enough to expose them to public. He let the people know how He felt about that.

Jesus really cares so just trust Him today!

Dorothy

Little Thing

2011-08-29T02:47:00.000-07:00

Luke 16:10a
He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much.

Luke 19:17b
" ... faithful in a very little ..."

Jesus has something to say about being faithful in little things. Every day faithful in many good little things are important to God.

One example, Tony and I were going to the Food Store. I got out of the car quickly and walked ahead. Then Holy Spirit urged me to slow down and go to Tony. I went to Tony and put my hand into his hand as we walked together slowly. I felt blessed. That is a little thing, just to be with him and held his hand. I was amazed how important it was for Holy Spirit to remind me do little thing, even just to hold his hand.

It is just like Jesus said, "He that has done to the least of My brethren, you have done unto Me." It is like I held Jesus' hand through Tony. Awesome!

What little things have you done for Jesus today? Think about it and be blessed.

Dorothy

Faithful is He

2011-08-26T17:09:00.000-07:00

1 Thessalonians 5:24
KJV: Faithful is He that calleth you, who also will do it.
NIV: The one who calls you is faithful and He will do it.
NCV: You can trust the One who calls you to do that for you.
NLT: God, who calls you, is faithful; he will do this.
NIRV: The One who has chosen you is faithful. He will do all these things.

This is the word of encouragement from Holy Spirit quoting this verse to me: "Faithful is He who calleth you, who also will do it." I remember Maxine Strobridge's favorite verse she quoted it every time Maxine stood up to speak. She was the former National Representative for the Deaf (1950's to 1967. In 1967 she became Missionary to Korea.) First time I met her when I was about 15 years old and she looked at me and spoke to me that God has a plan for me. God laid on her heart to work on having special classes for the Deaf in Central Bible College at Springfield, Missouri. I was 19 years old when the first classes for the Deaf were opened in 1962. I was one of the twelve deaf students and looking back to all the years what God has done until now in 2011. Maxine was right. God did have a plan.

I had a thought wondering if I would continue with the "Bread Box" (Fresh Manna). That is when the verse popped up "be faithful" to what God has called me to do. Oh oh . . . the word "faithful" is an important word to remember because of the "reward day" is coming when Jesus will speak to His servant and say, "Well done, good and faithful servant . . . enter thou into the joy of the Lord" (Matt. 25:23).

Has God called you to do something for Him?

Trust God today!

Dorothy

Sad Seed?

2011-08-25T16:54:00.000-07:00

2 Corinthians 9:7
"Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver."

God doesn't want sad seed! For God to bless your giving it has to be done with joy, out of your heart, and unto God, not unto man.

I often think a sign, HANDLE WITH PRAYER, should be near when you give. The spirit in which you give is the most important part of giving. You clothe your gift . . . whatever it is . . . in your spirit, and it reflects you. Without a doubt, the spirit and attitude of your giving are powerful influences in your receiving.
Note: "Seed-Faith Scriptures" with personal commentary by Oral Roberts (1972).

Dorothy: Wow! That was a powerful statement from Oral Roberts. It touched my heart. Here's why. On Sunday morning, August 14th, we were at Illinois Deaf Camp and were planning to give the registration fee with lunch meals for Tony and me. But the registration fee was returned to us since attending Sunday morning service was free.

During the service, they announced that the Illinois Deaf Camp was $500 short and need it advance for next year reservation for the deaf camp. So with the registration fee given back to us, Tony and I gladly put in the offering along with many others who also were glad to help by giving. Then later on when I read, "The way you give is important" has really touched my heart that God doesn't want sad seed! God loves a cheerful giver.

The word, seed means we plant something that we are to expect harvest of blessing from God. A farmer knows that without planting the seeds, there would be no harvest.

So trust God today!

Dorothy

Wonderful Peace

2011-08-24T16:40:00.000-07:00

A simple reminder that fear is not the boss. God is!!!!

1 John 4:18d
KJV: "He that feareth is not made perfect in love."
NLT: "If we are afraid, it is for fear of judgment, and this shows that his (God's) love has not been perfected in us."
AMP: "For fear brings with it the punishment, and so he (you) who is afraid has not reached the full maturity of love [is not yet grown into love's complete perfection]."
NCV: "It is punishment that makes a person fear, so love is not made perfect in the person who fears."

Let us pray the Lord's Prayer for deliverance of fear and be set free in Jesus' name.

Our Father who are in heaven, Holy is Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily need. Forigve us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespasses against us. Lead us not into temptations for hearing so many things that cause us to have fear in our hearts. But deliver us from fear that Satan would take advantage of us through "hearing" the bad news so often. Deliver us from being afraid. Deliver us from being so uncertain about future. Deliver us from worries about anything. And set us free to worship You for Yours is the kingdom. You have the power to deliver us from all things and give us rest and peace in our mind and hearts. Your deliverance upon us give you the glory for glory belongs to You. We give you the praise for the wonderful deliverance of fear. We depend on You for peace and glory. We honor You through Jesus' precious name. Amen!

We love You Father, because You first loved us (1John 4:19).

So trust God today.

Song: Wonderful Peace
I am resting tonight in this wonderful peace,
Resting sweetly in Jesus' control;
For I'm kept from all danger by night and by day,
And His glory is flooding my soul.
Chorus:
Peace! Peace! Wonderful peace,
Coming down from the Father above,
Sweep over my spirit forever I pray,
In fathomless (deep) billows (sea wave) of love.
(W. D. Cornell, altered, Sing His Praise)

Perfect Love

2011-08-23T16:33:00.000-07:00

1 John 4:18b "Perfect love casteth out fear."

Why is it important to have "perfect love?" Because fear hath torment. To have torment is to experience extreme pain, distress of body or mind. To have torment is a cause of suffering in mind or body. To have torment is a cause of worry and trouble in your soul. The word harass is another meaning for torment. Harass means to tire out by continual efforts b: to annoy persistently c: to create an unpleasant situation.

Fear indeed is an unpleasant feeling to have. Pastor Connie mention in Jabez's devotion: "In this time of turmoil - again and again people come to me worried, scared and unsure. One thing I know. That is for SURE - that I can "take to the bank" is the WORD OF GOD!"

So how do we get "perfect love?" The answer is found in 1 John 4:17 NLT says "And as we live in God, our love grows more perfect." In Amplified Bible the word perfect, means full-grown, complete, and perfect.

Full-grown love turns fear out of the doors. Our full-grown love grows more complete when we have fellowship with Him and His Word. That is how you get "perfect love." Just let God lives in your heart. 1 John 4:16 NLT says "God is love, and all who live in love live in God, and God lives in them."

You either have fear or God. You can't have both. So we need Him and His Word in our hearts to drive out fears!

So trust God today!

Dorothy

Song: I Need Thee Every Hour
I need Thee every hour,
Most gracious (precious) Lord;
No tender heart like Thine
Can peace afford (give).
Chorus:
I need thee, O I need Thee;
Every hour I need Thee!
O bless me now, My Savior,
I come to Thee.
(Annie Sherwood Hawks, Sing His Praise)

No Fear in Love

2011-08-22T16:31:00.000-07:00

1 John 4:18a KJV
"There is no fear in love ..."

What? There is no fear in love! But there are fears everywhere so how could there be "no fears?"

1 John 4:18c "Because fear hath torment." Fear causes problem in the bodies. Fear does not give us peace. Fear is a lack of faith in God. Fear destroys the faith. Fear destroys confidence in God. Fear destroys our trust in God. Fear destroys love. 1 John 4:18d "He that feareth (keeps on having fear, talk fear of things) IS NOT MADE PERFECT IN LOVE." It means a person is not mature enough to walk in love. It takes practice to turn "fears into fully trusting God in all things." Even when things go bad? Yes, even when things go bad. God has a plan. Remember that!

So finally what is the solution to the problem of getting rid of "fear?" The answer is: "But perfect LOVE casteth OUT FEAR" (1 John 4:8b).

About that perfect love, that is something for us to figure it out. Think big about that subject for the week: Perfect love cast out fear. Now the next step will be "how do we get perfect love?" Like Paul said, "Think on these things ...." I am working on it.

Trust God today and let the Holy Spirit teach us how to have perfect love for God is love!

Prayer: Dear Father who are in heaven, Your name is holy and honorable. Your kingdom will soon come. Your will be done by faith that all will be accomplished according to Your plan on earth as it is in heaven. Give us our daily bread as You meet our physically need and soon our spiritually need, too. Forgive our fears of all kinds. Thank You for forgiving our sins as we follow Your steps to forgive those who have hurt us and to keep forgiving them as You have kept forgiving our sins. Give us grace to change our ways and not to repeat our sins. Help us not to go into temptations that often faced us, but to be an overcomer of all things. Deliver us from evil surroundings or dangers and from Satan's fiery darts that go into our thoughts unpleasant so often. Help us to watch what we think and put Your Words into our thoughts and hearts and stay close to You. Yours is the Kingdom on earth and heaven, and the power belongs to You and all the glory are Yours for You alone are worthy to be praise. You are to be glorified, Lord! Amen to that, Lord!

Dorothy

Poem: Instead of

2011-08-19T16:26:00.000-07:00

Veronica Nickerson of Winnipeg, Canada send this poem.
Thank you Veronica!

While reading my bible, I looked at Matthew 6:11 (“Give us this day our daily bread” – we should praise God, pray for His work in the world, pray for our daily needs, and pray for help in our daily struggles.) It teaches me that before I start to pray, I make sure I mean what I say. I must admit that I never or know how to write poems in my life but this one I am amazed. I would like to share my poem God inspired me with you.

Poem: "Instead Of"

Instead of wanting people see me as a Christian,
I learn to let them see Jesus in me.

Instead of looking at people’s sins & faults,
I learn to look at my own sins & faults.

Instead of trying to run people’s lives,
I learn to let God control our lives.

Instead of with words saying how much I love God & others,
I learn to show my actions of my love & meanings.

Instead of throwing “preaching” words down people’s throats,
I learn to be friends with them & tell them how Jesus has saved my life.

Instead of thinking as myself as “holy”,
I learn to let Holy Spirit change my life everyday.

Instead of sitting & letting people do for me,
I learn to take skills God gives me into actions to glorify Him.

Instead of waiting for people to come visit me,
I learn to go visit them or texting them that they are
in my thoughts & see how they are doing.

Instead of expecting people to help me or give me gifts or their times,
I learn to give them my time, gifts, love with no return.

Instead of telling them what to do or criticizing them,
I learn to listen to them and what they have to say.

Instead of disliking their ways of serving God,
I learn to see their background of their lives, and
learn to have patience and harmony with them because
God created us.

Instead of worrying what people think of me,
I learn to worry what God thinks of me.

Blessings,
Veronica

Callies' News

2011-08-15T16:22:00.000-07:00

Dorothy's News: Testimony on the Lord's Prayer.
The first part of why the Lord led me into understanding the important of citing the Lord's Prayer. It all began when I felt something was needed to keep us uplift in prayer. So I began to study and share with you as it enlighten my soul when I discovered the true pattern of the Lord's Prayer. We prayed at least two or more times a day. Often we felt urged to say it and we felt good to obey Him.

On Aug 9th, we found a chair, big and tall from Office Max that I couldn't believe the price was on sale and reasonable. Several months ago, Tony's old favorite office chair's leg had been broken. (It was plastic). It was hard to find a good one until Aug 9th.

When we started the Lord's Prayer just before we moved from Apt 2 to Apt 5 on June 29th of 2011, I noticed God answered prayers when we quoted, "Give us this day our daily bread." It is like God would say, "Sure, I will do it because you put Me first!"

Now for Tony's news:
Yesterday on Sunday morning, Aug 14th at Deaf Camp, Lowpoint, Illinois, we were thrilled to meet Tim Carter from Las Vegas. He was our camp speaker, speaking on "What are you lacking?" The whole point was the importance of staying in His Presence day by day. Reality is what you do every day in your lives.

Pray for Tim Carter as he continues his evangelism ministry.

May the Lord bless you today!

Dorothy
Ps. 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.
(Author: Percy Crawford, Let's Sing, Song Leader's Handbook 1962)

Note: Thank you Holy Spirit for bringing this song to my heart and be able to share with you.

Series 13: Lord's Prayer? Can't!

2011-08-12T00:06:00.000-07:00

Series 13: Those Who Can’t Pray The Lord’s Prayer

If you don’t know Christ…you can’t pray, “Our Father.”

If you glorify yourself…you can’t pray, “Hallowed be Thy name.”

If you reject His rules…you can’t pray, “Thy kingdom come.”

If you won’t submit…you can’t pray, “Thy will be done.”

If your life is only for here and now…you can’t pray, “On earth as it is in heaven.”

If you are self-sufficient…you can’t pray, “Give us our daily bread.”

If you won’t forgive…you can’t pray, “Forgive us our debts.”

If you seek sin…you can’t pray, “Lead us not into temptation.”

If you are a friend of evil…you can’t pray, “Deliver us from evil.”

If you build your own kingdom…you can’t pray, “Thine is the kingdom.”

If you want power…you can’t pray, “Thine is the power.”

If you always take credit,…you can’t pray, “Thine is the glory.”

(Author: Elmer L. Towns, Praying The Lord’s Prayer for Spiritual Breakthrough)

Series 12: Explaining The Lord’s Prayer Petitions

2011-08-11T00:10:00.000-07:00

PRAYING FOR GOD’S GLORY:
The first petition is the worship of God…“Hallowed by thy name.” The presence of God comes when you correctly worship Him.

The second petition, when you pray “Thy kingdom come…,” you are asking for help in living each day by Kingdom rules.

The third petition, God has a plan for your life. When you pray wholeheartedly “thy will be done…,” He will help you find the best way to live.

The first three petitions are called “Thy Petitions” because they center on God (THY name be holy, THY kingdom come, THY will be done). To pray right, you begin by focusing on God and His plan. His plan is on earth as it is in heaven.

Hinge (joint or connection) petition means it is attached to “Thy Petitions.” It is like a door that swings both ways so this petition is attached to God’s glory and a person’s spirituality.

The fourth petition, “Give us our daily bread” means you need bread to feed your physical life. You need physical life to glorify God and to live spiritually. Once God gives you bread for your physical needs through the hinge petition, you are now ready to pray the final three petitions. These are called the “Us Petitions” (Lead us not into temptation, forgive us, and deliver us from evil.)

PRAYING FOR OUR SPIRITUALITY:
The fifth petition, “Forgive us our sins.”
The Sixth petition, “Lead us not into temptation.”
The Seventh petition, “Deliver us from the evil one.”

Benediction: Thine is the kingdom, power and all the glory. Amen.

Note: The Lord’s Prayer with seven petitions is like having many roots, just as the tree that reaches to heaven is supported by an unseen roots system that reaches into the ground. Many benefits are available to you as you pray each petition. It will change your life if you practice them like a jogger runs around the tracks many times to prepare for physical fitness games. It will help us to walk closer to God; this practice in the Lord’s Prayer will help us receive many answers to prayer. We need to believe this.

Dorothy: I paraphrase some from Praying The Lord’s Prayer, Dr. Towns.

May the Lord touch your heart and enrich you much more.

Dorothy

Series 11: Seven Petitions

2011-08-10T23:45:00.001-07:00

Series Eleven: The Seven Petitions on The Lord's Prayer

“Thy” Petitions “In heaven”
1. Thy name be hallowed,
2. Thy kingdom come,
3. Thy will be one.
On earth as it is in heaven.

“Us” Petitions “On earth”
4. Give us our daily bread.
5. Forgive us our debts (our sins),
As we forgive those who sins against us.
6. Lead us not into temptation,
7. Deliver us from the evil one.

Benediction: Thine is the kingdom, power and all the glory.

Benediction means an expression of good wishes. 2. The short
blessing at the end of a religious service. 3. To praise,
speak well. (Bene “well” and diction “to say.”)
From Latin means “To bless.”

The Lord's Prayer for Me.
My heavenly Father, may Your name be holy in me,
May Your kingdom rule my life,
May Your will control me,
May You be sovereign on earth as You are in heaven,
Give me daily bread for today's need,
Forgive my debts as I forgive my debtors,
Lead me not into temptation,
Protect me from the evil one,
Your kingdom rules in my life,
Your power can do anything,
And Your glory is forever and ever. Amen.
(Author: Dr. Towns, Praying The Lord’s Prayer)

Series Ten: Sample of Lord's Prayer

2011-08-09T06:16:00.000-07:00

Dorothy: I think you might enjoy few examples of The Lord's Prayer for few days.

Series 10: Dr. Towns' Daily The Lord's Prayer Sample.

Our Father who art in heaven… may Your name be holy in my duties today…as Your name is holy in heaven.

Thy kingdom come… may You reign in my life on earth as You rule heaven.

Thy will be done… in studying… teaching… counseling… as Your will is done perfectly in heaven.

Give me daily bread… for my physical strength… for all my needs this day.

Forgive me my sins… and the consequences of my sins… including my actions and intent… and forgive others as You have forgiven me.

Lead me not into temptation… don’t let sin overwhelm me, but give me victory today.

Deliver me from the evil one… protect me from physical and spiritual harm.

For thine is the kingdom… I recognize Your sovereign control of my life.

For thine is the power… I recognize Your ability to do these things.

For thine is the glory… I give You credit for every answer.

In Jesus’ Name. Amen

Author: Praying the Lord’s Prayer by Elmer L. Towns

Series Nine: Kingdom, Power, Glory

2011-08-08T17:35:00.000-07:00

Matthew 6:13c
For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.

You are finishing The Lord's Prayer with the blessing. It is like the benediction, the expression of good wishes, to praise, to say and speak well. In Latin means "to bless." You are wrapping up your prayer to God.

When we pray "Thine is the kingdom," we recognize God's rule over our lives. We recognize that God is the source of answered prayers. God can and will answer your prayers the way He chooses. When we pray, "Thine is the kingdom," we are telling God that He is the King of our lives and we are His followers in His Kingdom.

When we pray, "Thine is the power," we realize that God has the ability to answers our prayer. We recognize that God is the Creator and Ruler of this world. God can do anything according to His plan. Trust Him!

When we pray, "Thine is the glory," we recognize that God gets the credit for all our answers to prayer. God alone is to be glorified for all He has done for us. We are simply obeying His commandment to pray "The Lord's Prayer" because He, Himself wants to bless us and to inspire us. We are to recognize that the blessing comes from Him. The hardest part is to learn that we must let God do it in His own way, and whatever the answer we receive, all glory and all credit goes to Him.

When we pray, "For ever" at the end of The Lord's Prayer, we recognize that God is eternal. God existed from the beginning and will never end. He is for ever and ever.

When we end The Lord's Prayer with "Amen," we are "signing off" with God. We agreed what we have prayed and say "so be it." It means that we have faith to believe that God will answer. We have hope that our future will be bright. And that God has received our praise and worship. And we say, "Amen, it is done!"

Then God wants to bless you for saying "The Lord's Prayer" over and over again!

The Lord's Prayer:
Our Father which are in heaven. Holy be Thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.

Series Eight: Deliver Us

2011-08-05T18:05:00.001-07:00

Matthew 6:13b "... But deliver us from evil."

When you pray "Deliver us from evil," you are praying for deliverance from the power of Satan and his clever deceitful plan that tried to destroy us. There are growing number of people becoming interested in the occult because of its attraction in the movies related to the supernatural powers. Satan kept himself hidden so they don't think much about it. John quotes, "The great dragon ... that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world" (Rev. 12:9). Jesus called him, "A murderer ... a liar, and the father of it" (John 8:44).

When you pray "Deliver us from evil," you are asking God to protect you from the evil one. This prayer helps us to remember that God is wiser than us, and He knows how to defend us from evil one. God is more powerful than us, and He has power to defend us. Like David said, "The Lord shall preserve thee from all evil:... The Lord shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in" (Psalm 121:7,8).

Each day we need to ask God for spiritual protection for ourselves and others around us. We could pray like this: "Deliver us from the evil one who would destroy our health by different kinds of disease. Deliver us from evil one who would try to hurt us in ways that we do not even think about. When we go out to drive our car, protect all of us from the evil one who try to harm us from the traffic accident." John reminds us that "Greater is he (Jesus) than he (the evil one) that is in the world" (1 John 4:4).

May the Lord deliver us from the evil one... protect us from physical and spiritual harm. In Jesus' name... Amen.

So trust God today!

Dorothy

The Lord's Prayer:
Our Father which are in heaven. Holy be Thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts (sins), as we forgive our debtors (those who sin against us). And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.

Series Seven: Lead Us Not

2011-08-04T18:09:00.000-07:00

Matthew 6:13a "And lead us not into temptation."

When you pray "Lead us not into temptation," you are asking God to guide your steps today. You recognize that God is your Leader. You confess you need Holy Spirit to help you choose the right thing to do for today.

Many things come to us and we get to choose. When morning comes, I have two choices. Allow "to do" lists first into my mind or I put God's word first into my heart. One of the most dangerous temptation is "I'll do it later." The center of the heart is the most important part. Putting God first thing in the morning control my day better. Jeremiah quote: "The heart is deceitful above all things ... Who can understand it?" (17:9 NIV) This is a good reason to pray "don't let us yield to temptation." This is our heart's cry that we have felt the destruction of sins and we do not want to feel it again.

When you pray "Lead us not into temptation," you are setting up a watchful attitude over your spiritual life. You are making sure that temptation does not lead you away from God and His Word. Paul predicts that in the future there will be many falling away from God (2 Thess. 2:3). Falling away from God is cause by not having the root deep enough into the Word of God (Luke 8:13).

Jesus prayed to His Father, "I pray not that Thou should take them out of the world, but that Thou should keep them from evil" (John 17:15). When you pray, "Lead us not into temptation," you are praying the same prayer Jesus had prayed before the night Jesus died on the cross.

So now we realize that The Lord's Prayer can help us overcome temptation.

Dorothy

The Lord's Prayer:
Our Father which are in heaven. Holy be Thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts (sins), as we forgive our debtors (those who sin against us). And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.

Series Six: Forgive us

2011-08-03T17:36:00.000-07:00

Matthew 6:12 "And forgive our debts, as we forgive our debtors."

NCV: Forgive our sins, just as we have forgiven those who sinned against us.

When you pray "Forgive our sins," you are making sure that our sins (any type of sins or faults) do not separate our loving relationship with our heavenly Father. It is a constant reminder that we are still in the flesh and that we humble ourselves before God and He will lift us up. It is a good to remember that we were once a sinner and now saved by the grace of God.

Romans 3:23-24 NIV: For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.

When you pray "Forgive our sins," it should make you feel good and be refreshed. It is like a daily soap that washes us and keep us clean.

When you pray "Forgive our debts as we have forgiven our debtors," it shows us that our relationship with other people are just as important to God the Father. We are asking God to forgive our sins as well as we are to forgive those who have sins against us.

This is important because Matthew 6:15 tells us that if you don't forgive others, your Father in heaven will not forgive you. So Matthew 6:14 tells us that it is important to forgive others for their sins, your Father in heaven will also forgive you for your sins. So let us be willing to have a forgiving spirit!

Dorothy

PS. This makes me appreciate The Lord's Prayer more than before.

The Lord's Prayer:
Our Father which are in heaven. Holy be Thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts (sins), as we forgive our debtors (those who sin against us). And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.

Series Five: Give Us Daily Bread

2011-08-02T17:29:00.000-07:00

Matthew 6:11 "Give us this day our daily bread."

When you pray, you are asking God to meet your need for this day. It is a good reminder that God our Father is our main Source of all things. All through the Bible's stories, it tells of how God comes to His people when they need Him.

One I can think of during the 40 years of wilderness, the dry desert where you cannot raise any food from the sand nor find much water for just two millions people. So God became their daily provider with manna except on the Lord's Day, a day of rest from their labor. The water came out of the rock by miracles. Another place bitter water became sweet by cutting down the tree that fell upon the bitter water. (This is a type (picture) of Christ's tree on the cross comes into person's bitter life, and his life becomes sweet.

In the wilderness, during the day it is very hot and during the night it is very cold. They were living in the tents. So during the day God revealed Himself as a pillar of cloud over the Tabernacle and the clouds spread out and covered the people from the sun to keep them cool. The covering clouds became their "air condition." During the night, God revealed Himself as a pillar of fire and it spreads out the heat and kept them warm all through the night. God's pillar of fire became their "heater."

Awesome? He met their daily need. Also their clothes did not wear out for forty years and no one was sick during those forty years. It went on every day for forty years. God was their Source, their suppliers, and everything they need. What does that show you? Your heavenly Father cares. He knows your need before you ask Him.

So let us trust God today!

Dorothy

The Lord's Prayer:
Our Father which are in heaven. Holy be Thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts (sins), as we forgive our debtors (those who sin against us). And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.

Song: He Is All I Need
He is all I need, He is all I need.
Jesus is all I need.
He is all I need, He is all I need
Jesus is all I need.
(Author: unknown)

Series Four: Thy Will

2011-08-01T17:18:00.000-07:00

Matthew 6:10b "Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven."

When you pray "Thy will be done," you recognize God as your Father and you are asking God to guide you day by day.

When you pray "Thy will be done," you ask God to help you find His plan for you. David prayed, "Open my mine eyes that I may see wonderful things in Your law" (God's Word) (Psalm 119:18 NIV). It is God's desire that you come to know Him and His great plan for you.

What God had plan in heaven; He also had a plan on earth. Example: Jesus from heaven came to earth. Jesus gave many parables to compare what heaven was like through using the earthly stories. When you read the parables and study them carefully, you will come to understand what Jesus tried to tell us. Jesus talked about many things, about God the Father and the Holy Spirit. So when you read your Bible, it will tell you God's will for your daily life on earth before you are ready for heaven.

It is not always easy to follow what God wants, but we can know that His plan is always good so ...

Trust God today!

Dorothy

The Lord's Prayer Round: Our Father which are in heaven. Holy be Thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.

Series Three: Thy Kingdom

2011-07-29T19:25:00.000-07:00

Matthew 6:10a "Thy kingdom come."

When Jesus said "The kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel" (Mark 1:15). Christ came to proclaim and brought the kingdom of God on earth. How? He was that kingdom of God in the flesh. The kingdom in Christ was His work of miracles. He revealed that the kingdom of God was here. Never before in history were those multitudes of people who were healed by Christ Jesus in those days.

The Pharisees demanded to know when the kingdom of God should come. Jesus explained that it was not something you see with your eyes or tell where it should be on earth. So Jesus said, "The kingdom of God is within you" (Luke 17:20-21). According to Jesus, the present nature of the kingdom of God is spiritual. We manifest or show how the Holy Spirit works in our lives to glorify Christ on earth. Wow! Our important evidence that we are to experience the kingdom of God is a life of "righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost" (Rom. 14:17).

When we pray, thy kingdom come, we are praying that God's power to destroy the works of Satan, to bring healing power among the sick, to save the lost soul, to promote righteousness, and to pour out the Holy Spirit upon His people.

When we pray, thy kingdom come, we are praying for Christ to return soon and to reign on earth (1,000 years of peace). We also pray for the future new heaven and new earth, Yes, Thy Kingdom come. Like Revelation says, "Come, Lord Jesus" (Rev. 22:20a).

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen (Rev. 22:21).

The Lord's Prayer Round:
Our Father which is in heaven. Holy be Thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.

Series Two: Thy Name

2011-07-28T19:17:00.000-07:00

Matthew 6:9b "Hallowed be Thy name." (Holy be Thy name)

When we pray, we show proper uses and respect to His name. When we pray, we honor God’s name. When we pray, we glorified God’s name. When we pray, we exalted His name. His name is not to be used in profanity like we have seen on TV. They really degraded God when they do that. God's name is Holy! So let's exalt His holy name!

Song: Holy Is the Lord.
Holy is the Lord and mighty is His name.
King of heav'n yet down to earth He came.
Angels sing His praise,
All men (people) should do the same.
Holy is the Lord and mighty is His name.
(Author: unknown, song collection)

There are some songs that could be related to the name of God. Our inner spirit senses the awareness of God when we sing His name. Our God has a name so our worship touches God. Therefore God visits us when we sing His name.

The Lord's Prayer Round:
Our Father which are in heaven. Holy be Thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.

May the Lord bless you today!

Series One: Our Father In Heaven

2011-07-27T19:03:00.000-07:00

Matthew 6:9a "Our Father which art in heaven."

Song: Awesome in Power
1. Oh, God,... awe-some in pow - er...
Oh God,... gen-tle in love...
Oh God,... You are my God ... and I love You...
2. Oh God,... full of com-pas-sion...
Oh God,... faith-ful and true...
Oh God,... You are my God ... and I love You...
(Rick Founds, collections)

This was Tony's favorite short worship of who God is. I would like to share the note from The Full Life Study Bible by Donald C. Stamps on Our Father ... in heaven. Prayer involves worship of the heavenly Father. As Father, God loves us, cares for us, and welcomes our fellowship and intimacy (private nature share as feeling close to Him); through Christ we have access (permission to enter) to Him at any time to worship Him and communicate our needs to Him. How He responds to His children depends upon our faith and obedience to Him.

The Lord's Prayer Round:
Our Father which are in heaven. Holy be Thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.

May the God bless you today!

The Lord's Prayer for me

2011-07-26T18:52:00.000-07:00

I thought it was good to share this part for individual although I prefer The Lord's Prayer more often. Tony thought it was impressive and sometimes we use it over coffee prayer time. I made copy and put it in my purse because we can't remember that one.

Dr. Elmer L. Towns wrote a book called, Praying The Lord's Prayer for Spiritual Breakthrough. On introduction, he explained how he prays daily on the Lord's Prayer as a pattern, a way to pray. First, he explained his struggle in prayer until he tried the Lord's Prayer. He then went on to explain each part of the sentence that helps him to understand the purpose of the Lord's Prayer and to share with others. I suggest you check it out your local Christian Bookstore and show them the number of the book: ISBN 0-8307-2042-1.

The Lord's Prayer for Me.
My heavenly Father, may Your name be holy in me,
May Your kingdom rule my life,
May Your will control me,
May You be sovereign on earth as You are in heaven,
Give me daily bread for today's need,
Forgive my debts as I forgive my debtors,
Lead me not into temptation,
Protect me from the evil one,
Your kingdom rules in my life,
Your power can do anything,
And Your glory is forever and ever. Amen. (By Dr. Towns)

Key to remember about the Lord's Prayer: it is not a prayer to be repeated, but a pattern (a way) to enable us to include everything we are required to pray when we talk to God. Yes, The Lord's Prayer leads us to our heavenly Father first and we stop there for a moment to focus on God. Like the scripture says, "Seek God First." We use worship song for a moment and then went on to finish the Lord's Prayer.

No wonder Tony and I felt good when we pray The Lord's Prayer with all our heart, with all our mind, with all our spirit, and with all our strength. So our heavenly Father who is in heaven wants us to become familiar with the pattern of the Lord's Prayer.

May the Lord God bless you today!

The Lord's Prayer Rounds

2011-07-25T18:46:00.000-07:00

Matthew 6:9-13 After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, hallowed (holy) be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.

After being with Tony for various short prayers often in the early morning before we go out for coffee together, I had a question. Prayer! Is there a better way to pray? Hum? Then somehow, the Lord's Prayer came up. We sign together the Lord's Prayer. We felt good, but why? So I asked the Lord about it.

Sometimes later, it was a busy time to move from Apt two to Apt five in the same building. I noticed the book that I had kept and organized with the group of "prayers" for the purpose to check it out later. Well, that later was now! So I pulled out the book from the shelf, "Praying the Lord's Prayer For Spiritual Breakthrough" by Elmer L. Towns.

I open the first cover and I noticed the name written was Nancy Gipple of California who gave me the book as a gift in June 2002 at Phoenix, AZ Deaf Convention/National Deaf Culture Fellowship.

God bless Nancy's heart! Little does she know that a book as a gift would become a blessing to me! God was answering my prayer, knowing that the book, Nancy gave me was right on the shelf. Now nine years later, I pick the right time to read and to study the Lord's Prayer! By the way, Nancy Gipple went to be with the Lord on Tuesday morning, November 23, 2010.

Now that I realize God was answering my question about why we felt good to pray the Lord's Prayer. So I went on to read the "Foreword" by Dr. Yonggi Cho of Korea who had a breakfast meeting with Dr. Elmer L. Towns. Dr. Towns asked Dr. Cho about how to have prayer more effective. Surprise answers: Dr. Cho uses Lord's Prayer like a prayer round. Like a runner who jogs around and around a race track to get physically fit. He prays the Lord's Prayer rounds to be spiritually fit. Why the Lord's Prayer? It covers everything you need. Dr. Cho uses Lord's Prayer round and then, he prays two hours each day for prayer requests people send to him. (His church is the largest church in the world).

So now I understood why I felt an urge to pray the Lord's Prayer several times in the morning. I pray one early in the morning and again during coffee time with Tony and also on the way to work. Three times! So it was called, The Lord's Prayer Rounds and it is okay. I felt an urge because quoting The Lord's Prayer really help Tony and me when we just couldn't think of anything else to pray at that moment. The Lord's Prayer Rounds became a blessing to us.

The Lord is good, isn't He? Really! He is an awesome God! He knew I would need this simple book and God used Nancy Gipple to give me this book nine years ago when I need it at the right time in July 2011! May the Lord touch your heart today! God cares for you!

Lily of the Valley

2011-07-23T10:43:00.000-07:00

Song of Solomon 2:1
"I am the rose of Sharon, and the lily of the valleys."

Christ is often like the rose of Sharon and the lily of the valleys--common flowers in the field. This expresses His presence with us in our common problems. Jesus is there when you need Him the most. I found another song called; He's the lily of the valley. I have heard of this song in the old days and I remember hearing church sang it, but I have almost never use it until now. It is because of the verse it has led me to search the title of the song that I remember. The words touched my heart and I pray it will touch yours. The words are encouraging. So here goes!

Song: He's the Lily of the Valley.

I have found a friend in Jesus,
He's everything to me;
He's the fairest of ten thousands to my soul;
The Lily of the Valley, in Him alone I see
All I need to cleanse and make me fully whole.
In sorrow He's my comfort,
in trouble He's my stay;
He tells me every care on Him to roll.
He's the Lily of the Valley, the bright and Morning Star;
He's the fairest of ten thousand to my soul.
(Charles W. Fry, Sing His Praise)

Let the song lift your inner spirit to Jesus and
may He becomes real to you!

Altogether Lovely

2011-07-22T10:32:00.000-07:00

Song of Solomon 5:16
"His mouth is most sweet: yea, HE IS ALTOGETHER
LOVELY. This is my Beloved, and this is my Friend ..."

Thank you Paula Hardy of Canada who send this song:
Jesus is altogether lovely!

Altogether lovely,
He is altogether lovely,
And the fairest of ten thousand,
This wonderful Friend divine;
He gave Himself to save me,
Now He lives in heaven to keep me,
He is altogether lovely,
Is this wonderful Savior of mine.
(Author: Unknown)

Dorothy:
If you are in pain, sing. If you are going through
darkest time, praise. For praise open the gate of
heaven and God dwells in the heart of praise. Do
not forget this. When you praise Him, you are silent
the enemy. When you praise Him, your inner spirit
rises to Jesus who is altogether lovely. Only Jesus
can heal you.

So trust Jesus today!

Sweet Jesus

2011-07-21T10:25:00.000-07:00

Song of Solomon 5:16
"His mouth is most sweet: yea, He is altogether lovely. This is my Beloved, and this is my Friend ..."

He is altogether lovely means everything about Jesus is precious, desirable, and delightful. Song of Solomon gives the type of Christ's relationship between the future bride, the Church and Himself as the groom. The song, Sweet Jesus is a very old song and the words help to express our devotion to Him.

Song: Sweet Jesus
Sweet Jesus, sweet Jesus,
What a wonder You are;
You're brighter than the morning star;
You're fairer, much fairer,
Than the lily that grows by the wayside,
Precious, more precious than gold.
You're like the rose of Sharon,
You're the fairest of the fair,
You are all my heart could e'er (ever) desire;
Sweet Jesus, sweet Jesus,
What a wonder You are,
You're precious, more precious than gold.
(Paul Goodwin)
From song collections.

May the song touch Jesus' heart from you!
Each day is new. Open your heart to Jesus!
He loves you!