Rose of Sharon 12/28-31/16

28-31 December 2016 - Rose of Sharon – Manna By Dorothy Callies

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

In the land of Israel, Sharon is the coastal plain just south of Mount Carmel. Christ is often compared into the rose of Sharon and the lily of the valleys—common flowers of the field. This expresses His presence with us. There are songs about Christ as the type of the Rose of Sharon and the lily of the valleys. It has brought a close relationship between me and Christ when I sang these songs to Him, ‘Sweet Jesus’ and ‘The Lily of the Valley.’ It just reminds me of what Christ is to me and you.

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 way side,
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 desire;
Sweet Jesus, sweet Jesus, What a wonder You are,
You’re precious, more precious than gold.
[Words and Music by Paul Goodwin]

Song: The Lily of the Valley
I have found a friend in Jesus, He’s everything to me;
He’s the fairest of ten thousand 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.
[Lyrics: Charles W. Fry; Music: William S. Hays]

Dorothy: I was checking out my old Manna of 2009 of https://dotcallies.blogspot.com/ and came across this songs that I loved so well.  I decided to share this with you and I plan to memorize ‘The Lily of the Valley’ since I know ‘Sweet Jesus’ by heart.

During the year of 2016 the Lord has truly been good to all of us. Now we looking forward to the year of 2017, Immanuel, God is with us.  Tony and I want to wish you a  Happy New Year!

Dorothy 

Tender in Love 12/25-27

25-27 December 2016 - Tender in Love – Manna by Dorothy Callies

Luke 2:7 “[Mary] brought forth her first born Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger” (NKJV). 

This is an awesome love that God had Mary held His Son, the baby Jesus in her arms so tender in love. This reminds me to sing this song. I hope you would enjoy this from my memory of the song from long ago.

Song: He’s Got the Whole World in His Hand

He’s got the whole . . world . . in His hand,

He’s got the whole . . world . . in His hand,

He’s got the whole . . world . . in His hand,

He’s got the whole world in His hand!

He’s got the little tiny ba - by in His hand,

He’s got the little tiny ba – by in His hand,

He’s got the little tiny ba – by in His hand,

He’s got the whole world in His hand!

(Author unknown, actual songs collection)

He’s got the tiny baby Je - sus in Mary’s arms,

He’s got the tiny baby Je - sus in Mary’s arms,

He’s got the tiny baby Je - sus  in Mary’s arms,

He’s got the whole world in His hand!

(This song creative from Dorothy’s)

He’s got the whole . . world . . in His hand,

He’s got the whole . . world . . in His hand,

He’s got the whole . . world . . in His hand,

He’s got the whole world in His hand!

May the Lord bless you during Christmas holiday!

Love in Christ,

Dorothy and Tony Callies

Awesome in Power 12/22-24

22-24 December 2016 - Awesome in Power – Manna by Dorothy Callies

Psalm 68:35 “You, God are awesome in Your sanctuary; the God of Israel gives power and strength to His people.  Praise be to God! (NIV).

Song: Oh God, Awesome!

Oh God, awesome in power,

Oh God, tender in love.

Oh God, You are my God,

And I love You.

Oh God, full of compassion,

Oh God, faithful and true.

Oh God, You are my God,

And I love you.

(Collection of songs, author unknown)

Deuteronomy 34:12  “For no one has ever shown the mighty power or performed the awesome deeds that Moses did in the sight of all Israel” (NIV).

Psalm 66:3  Say to God, “How awesome are Your deeds!  So great is Your power that Your enemies cringe (shrink in fear) before You” (NIV).

Psalm 145:6  “They tell of the power of Your awesome works—I will proclaim Your great deeds” (NIV).  

God has revealed Himself through Moses of His awesome in power during his time at Egypt.  God also revealed Himself to David, the King of His power during his lifetime. Today God revealed to us through His Word, through the creation and through the universe.

Often in the early mornings when Tony and I would come out of the apartment building, I would look up at the blue sky with a feeling of great respect and great wonder toward God’s creation. Just knowing that God is there as a Creator, it just made me want to love Him!

Tony loves this song from memory and he often sang this from the depth of his heart.  When he sings in sign language, His face just glow from the depth of his inner spirit. It was when one could sense the presence of God so real.  It was an awesome sight!

So I pray that when you are able to really get into the Holy Spirit’s realm (feeling of atmosphere of His Spirit) you would be able to sense that song with tenderness and full of grace and allow Him to bring healing to you.

May you be blessed by His Spirit!

Dorothy and Tony

Set Your Mind 12/19-21

19-21 December 2016 - Set Your Mind – Manna by Dorothy Callies

Colossians 3:2 “Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth”.

            Christmas lists check off . . . oh oh . . . I miss something . . . I’m going crazy trying to count down the days of Christmas!  Got a family gathering . . . What kind of food am I going to bring . . . Oh boy! I forgot cookies . . . Can’t live without it . . .  Oh, the presents . . . I got to wrap them . . . Oh, the Christmas cards, I got to mail it . . .

            Our minds are full of things . . . It is a normal thing to do.  Just don’t forget James 1:5, “If any of you lack wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.”  Oh, generous God, He’s with you day to day.

            God is a busy God, yet He finds time to help you with little things.  You are a busy person, just simply find time to ask Him to help you to smooth things out.  I did! I had problem with something and blessed Holy Spirit, He got me a help to solve it.

            When we turn our eyes toward Jesus, He becomes a powerful reminder that our old life “died, and [our] life is hidden with Christ in God” (V.3).  Spiritual graces, power, experiences, and blessings are all with Christ in heaven.

            Jesus gives those things upon all who sincerely ask Him, and diligently seek Him. What things on earth are, but a short moment.  What things above us are eternal life. Something worth setting your mind upon.  It means simply ‘just don’t forget Jesus.’  

            A wonderful chorus to remember is to ‘turn your eyes upon Jesus.’

Song: Turn Your Eyes upon Jesus

1.  O soul, are you weary and troubled?

No light in the darkness you see?

There’s light for a look at the Savior,

And life more abundant and free!

Chorus:

Turn your eyes upon Jesus;

Look full in His wonderful face,

And the things of the earth will

            grow strangely dim,

In the light of His glory and grace.

2. Through death into life everlasting

He passed, and we follow Him there;

Over us sin no more hath dominion—

For more than conquerors we are!

[Then chorus]

3. His word shall not fail you—He promised;

Believe Him, and all will be well:

Then go to a world that is dying,

His perfect salvation to tell!   [Then chorus]

(Written by Helen Howarth Lemmel, Sing His Praise)

By the way, Merry Christmas to you!

Dorothy

Stay Close 12/16-18

16-18 December 2016 - Stay Close – Manna by Dorothy Callies

1 Thess. 5:11 “Comfort each other and edify one another.”

            Have you ever felt lost and have a moment of loneliness that seems strange to you? Sometimes God allows this to let us know that it’s time to reach out for others. I came to notice the devotion, “Stay Close.” 

            Also I remember the song that a deaf lady, Muriel sang, “Close to Thee” at Flint, Michigan, a Deaf Church in 1970’s or 80’s.  The way she sang in sign language with expressive spirit was really beautiful.  It touched my heart.  

            The devotion from ‘Our Daily Bread’ was written by Anne Cetas: “My friend and I were traveling together, and she seemed a bit frazzled (tired and nervous).  When we got to the airport, she forgot to have her identification available and couldn’t find her reservation confirmation number.

            The ticket agent waited patiently, smiled, and then helped her at the “self” check-in.  After receiving her ticket, she asked, “Where do we go next?”  The agent smiled, pointed at me, and said to her, “Stay close to your friend.”

            That can be good advice for all of us when our lives get frazzled—stay close to your friends.  Although Jesus is our best friend, we also need relationships with other believers to help us survive in this life.

            In his first epistle, Peter was writing to believers who needed one another because they were suffering for their faith.  In a few short sentences in chapter 4, Peter mentioned the need to receive and give “fervent love,” prayer, and hospitality (vv.7-9).  He also included the need for believers to use their spiritual gifts to minister to one another (v.10).

            In another passages, we’re encouraged to comfort each other with the comfort we’ve been given by God (2 Cor. 1:3-4) and to build each other up in love (1 Thess. 5:11). When life get difficult, staying close to our Christian friends will help us to get through.” –Anne Cetas.” (End)

Dorothy:  I looked up the word edify and it literally means building up with encouragement and comfort. The word, comfort means to give strength and hope to and ease the grief or trouble.  This is an awesome reminder what two powerful words could for us and for others, ‘Comfort and edify.’  Like the devotion quoted, “Staying close to godly friends, helps us to stay close to God.”

Song: Close to Thee (words by Fanny Jane Crosby, Sing His Praise)

1. Thou, my everlasting portion, More than friend or life to me;

All along my pilgrim journey, Savior, let me walk with Thee.

Chorus:

Close to Thee . . close to Thee . . Close to Thee . . close to Thee;

All along my pilgrim journey, Savior, let me walk with Thee.

2. Lead me thro’ the vale of shadows, Bear me o’er life’s fitful sea;

Then the gate of life eternal, May I enter, Lord, with Thee.

Chorus:

Close to Thee . . close to Thee . . Close to Thee . . close to Thee;

Then the gate of life eternal, May I enter, Lord with Thee.

Dorothy 

Faithful unto Death 12/13-15

13-15 December 2016 – Faithful unto Death – Manna by Dorothy Callies

Revelation 2:10 “Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.”

The church at Smyrna—a first century congregation that suffered persecution for Christ—was challenged to be faithful unto death.  Their spiritual commitment had not gone unnoticed by the Master (Rev. 2:9). Jesus was aware of their suffering and what they were going through.

And for more suffering that was to come, Jesus offered this encouragement: “Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer.  Indeed the devil is about to throw some of you in prison, that you may be tested . . . . Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life” (Rev. 2:10).

Our Lord Jesus Christ understands what you are going through. Although there is much suffering in this world, Jesus promises eternal life to His children. In His strength we can be faithful unto death.

Paul said in his suffering, “I know how to live when I am poor, and I know how to live when I have plenty.  I have learned the secret of being happy at any time in everything that happens, when I have enough to eat and when I go hungry, when I have more than I need and when I do not have enough.  I can do all things through Christ, because He gives me strength” (Phil. 4:12-13 NCV).

Dorothy: Yes, I can do all things through Christ who strengthen me! Yes, I believe God’s Word through Christ who has healed me completely!  Yes, I shall be faithful to Jesus until death.  Yes, Jesus promised me a crown of life for being faithful to Him.  These words came to me spontaneously and it’s my favorite memory song:

“Yes, Lord, we greet Thee, born this happy morning.

Jesus to Thee be all the glory given.

Word of the Father, now in flesh appearing.

O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him,

O come let us adore Him . . . Christ, the Lord!”

   (Lyrics: Frederick Oakeley, O Come, All Ye Faithful,)

May the Lord bless you today!

Dorothy

Rend the Heaven! 12/10-12

10-12 December 2016 – Rend the Heaven! – Manna by Dorothy Callies

Isaiah 64:1 “Oh, that You would rend (tear open) the heavens! That You would come down! That mountain might shake at Your presence” (NKJV).

            The prophet, Isaiah pleaded to God, “Rend the heavens!” and “come down!” Make Your name known by making the mountains shake and the nations tremble, he advised the Lord (Isaiah 64:1-3).

            Isaiah wanted God to “come down” as He had in the past. Isaiah remembered the Scripture about God’s visit on Mt. Sinai, Isaiah wanted that experience again.

            Have you ever prayed like that sometimes? Do you ever want God to “come down” and make the nations tremble before God and that He would solved all the problems of the world right away?  But you know something? God always has a better plan than we do. 

            God had already told Isaiah that God that He would be doing something new. “Behold, the former things have come to pass, and new things I declare: before they spring forth I tell you of them” (Isaiah 42:9).

            Can you guess what something new that God was telling Isaiah?  That “something new” was Jesus!  God did indeed “come down.” But not in Isaiah’s lifetime.  And not in the dramatic fashion (powerful way) that Isaiah longed for.  God said, “He will not cry out, nor raise His voice, nor cause His voice to be heard in the street” (Isaiah 42:2).

            He came in the modest form of an infant. He came in a quiet way.  The glory of the Lord did revealed the most dramatic fashion (powerful way) was through the host of angels only to the lowest shepherds who were watching the sheep.

            God did not revealed to the whole world. The lowly shepherds had witnessed that God did “come down” as a babe in the hand of Mary and Joseph. They were to raise Jesus into normal family life until Jesus right time to minister to the people.

            Jesus announced “I am the living Bread which came down from heaven” (John 6:51).  Jesus did something new that has never been done before.  He healed the multitudes, fed thousands of people, raised the dead and preached the greatest gospel.

            Sometimes, like Isaiah, we want God to do the dramatic ways, but God has something else in mind.  Through Jesus, He came to change our hearts, not just our circumstances (things around us).  We can sing this personal song to our souls.

Song: Heaven Came Down and Glory Filled My Soul

            (Words and music by John W. Peterson)

Heaven came down and glory filled my soul,

When at the cross the Savior made me whole;

My sins were washed away—

And my night was turned to day—

Heaven came down and glory filled my soul!

Dorothy: What does that means to me? God has a timing in everything. He will answer prayers at the right time. The book of Revelation revealed that there will be a “surprise visit of Christ’s coming” to the whole world, they shall see Him and tremble.          

            So meanwhile, we continue to pray and to live day by day, trusting the Lord and let heaven come down and we be filled with His glory.  That’s awesome, isn’t it? To be filled with His glory! Amen! And Amen!                        

The Tares 12/7-9

07-09 December 2016 - The Tares – Manna by Dorothy Callies

Matthew 13:24-25 . . . “The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field: But while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way.”

This is about the “justice of God” from the Manna called, “Doing Good” from Dec. 4-6.  As I wrote the devotion, I thought about “The Tares” from Jack Chick Publications, chicknews@chick.com.  There’s a connection about “the justice of God” in the parable of the Wheat and the Tares.

Jesus gave the parable of the Wheat and the Tares from Matthew 13:24-30. My impression of this parable was about the Tares and what the enemy had done. During the night when the workers slept, the enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat.  When the grain had grown and produced a crop, then the servants noticed that the tares also appeared.

The servants were alarmed and came to the owner about this “problem with the tares.” “Didn’t you sow good seed in your field? How did the field get the tares?” asked the servants.  The owner simply said, “An enemy has done this.”  The servants want to solve this problem right away and asked him, “Do you want us to go and gather them up?”

Let’s stop right there.  How did the servants know the difference between the tares and the wheat?  Tares are grassy weeds that looks like wheat. Tares are identified as darnel, a weed like corn; black seeds, a weedy rye grass. When its seeds are infested with a certain fungus, they become poisonous. 

The servants were eager to get rid of tares since they could see the difference with the golden wheat. Here is the interesting answer, the owner said, “No, it’s too early. If you tried to get rid of tares, you might also uproot the wheat with the tares because they are almost alike.”  Are you getting the picture idea?  Do we get rid of people who are “the tares?”  The tares are the children of the wicked one.

We have problem with the ‘tares’ yet the owner said, “Let both grow together until the harvest, and at the time of harvest …” Here’s the answer about when will God judge the “tares?” The harvest is the end of the age …” (Matt. 13:39).  The angels are the reapers, and the tares are gathered and burned in the fire, so it will be at the end of this age.

Dorothy: We as the “the Wheat,” the righteous will shine forth as a sun in the kingdom of their Father (Matt. 13:43).  This should encourage us to keep on “doing good” among “the tares,” knowing their end will come.  Therefore, the chorus encourage us to sing:

Thank You, oh, my Father, for giving us Your Son,

And leaving Your Spirit ‘till the work on earth is done.

(Lyrics and music by Melody Green, ‘There is a Redeemer’)

May the Lord bless you today!

Doing Good 12/4-6

04-06 December 2016 – Doing Good – Manna by Dorothy Callies

1 Peter 3:17 “It is better, if it is the will of God, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil” (NKJV).

I was reading a story about an army officer who was in prison for 8 years—for doing good. Why was he in prison then?  Some of his superiors, who were corrupt with drugs and took bribes from the drug runners, ordered him to turn his head to let them move their drugs.  So what happened that caused him to be in prison?

An army officer and his troops were deployed or taken into a special place to deal with heavy drug trafficking, and his intention was to bring justice to that area.  He and his troops began dealing with the criminals to protect the people.

That was when an army officer discovered that some of his superiors took a large sum of money so they allowed the drug runners to continue their “business.”  He was arresting the drug runners, but his superior ordered him to let them go.  He repeatedly refused until he was finally arrested and imprisoned for 8 years—for doing good. 

If Apostle Peter was reading this story, Peter would have understood that kind of heartache because he, having also been jailed for doing good.  Peter gave us this verse: “It is better, if it is the will of God, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil” (1 Peter 3:17).

As an army officer shared the stories of what God taught him in prison, Bill Crowder quoted, “I learned that the justice of God is not hampered by the evil of men.  Doing good is still pleasing in His sight—even when we’re mistreated by the world for it.”

Dorothy: “The justice of God is not hampered by the evil of men.” I’ll interpret this: Men who have done evil work will not get away with their “wrong doing” because God’s justice will come at the right time against them.  So while we are still on earth, God is pleased that we continue “doing good,” even if we are not treated right by others.

This devotion has impressed me to sing the song of “Standing on the Promises” because I was inspired that the army officer had stood on His Word during his 8 years of prison.  Peter encouraged us to continue “doing good” even if others are not so nice to us.  God knows what they have done, yet He wants us to keep on “doing good.” 

Song: Standing on the Promises

  [Lyrics and Music: Russell Kelso Carter, Sing His Praise]

Standing on the promises that cannot fail,

When the howling storms of doubt and fear assail,

By the living Word of God I shall prevail,

Standing on the promises of God.

Chorus:

Stand - ing, stand - ing,

Standing on the promises of God my Savior;

Stand - ing, stand - ing,

I’m standing on the promises of God. 

God bless you as you stand on His promises!

Hide Thou Me 12/1-3

01 03 December 2016 – Hide Thou Me – Manna by Dorothy Callies

Colossians 3:17 NIV, “Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus.”

I like the story about George MacDonald who wrote the poem called, The Hidden Life.” George as a young Scot (a person born or living in Scotland), was intellectually gifted and he had a very important position in the eyes of other people with a college career. It means that George could have an important permanent occupation or might have a job after he completed the academic studies.  

When George heard that his aging father wasn’t able to handle the family farm himself, George return home to help him out. His friends lamented (expressed sorrow for) what they saw as a waste of George’s talents just by serving or helping his father. George wrote a poem called, “The Hidden Life.” He put together what was called, “ordinary deeds” and “simple forms of human helpfulness.”  

Maybe you may have serve in some unnoticed place, doing everyday deeds and maybe you “feel like” it is a waste of time or even your friends might think that’s a waste. BUT take heed, God wastes nothing.

Every act of love we provide for others, God takes notice of this.  It has eternal rewards. Every place, no matter how small, is very important to Him.  It can be a simple things of human helpfulness like: be there when they need you, listen to them, understanding others, loving them, and praying with them. It brings us closer to God.

This reminds me of a song called, Hide Thou Me. I once sang this in sign language 44 years ago in the hearing church while a young man was singing with his beautiful voice. (I used to wear hearing aid.) There was a deep feeling that comes with a song.

Song: Hide Thou Me

Sometimes I feel discouraged,

     and think my life in vain,

I’m tempted then to murmur,

     and of my lot complain;

But when I think of Jesus,

     and all He’s done for me,

Then, I cry, O Rock of Ages,

     Hide Thou Me.

Chorus:

O Rock of Ages, Hide Thou me,

No other Refuge, have I but Thee,

When life’s dark vale I wander,

Far, far from Thee;

Then, I cry, O Rock of Ages, Hide Thou Me.

(Lyrics and music: L.R. Tolbert & Thoro Harris

                in Melodies of Praise)

May the Lord bless you!

Dorothy 

Happy New Year! (12/27-31)

December 27-31, 2015 - Pressing Toward the Goal – Manna by Dorothy Callies

 [Revised from 12/31/2013]

Philippians 3:13 “… I am focusing all my energies on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead” (NLT).

Paul said that his goal was to know Christ, to be like Christ, and to be all Christ had in mind for him. This goal took all of Paul’s energies. Paul gave us an example that we are to set our eyes on the goal—knowing Christ.  Paul said, “… I keep working toward that day when I will finally be all that Christ Jesus saved me for and wants me to be” (Phil.3:12 NLT).

Paul said, “I am still not all I should be, but I am focusing all my energies on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I strain to reach the end of the race and receive the prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us up to heaven” (Phil. 3:13,14 NLT).

Paul had reason to forget the past—he had held the coats of those who stoned Stephen, the first Christian martyr (Acts 7:57, 58, Paul is called Saul here). Paul was not proud of what he did. When he accepted Christ, many Christians were not able to accept Paul then. Paul went away for a while to get to know Christ. Later on, Barnabas went to find him and became his friend. Barnabas introduced Paul to the Christians to hear him preach the gospel. They were amazed that Paul became a different man. They forgave Paul and learned to forget what Paul had done in the past.

We have all done things for which we were ashamed of. But our hope is in Christ, and we can let go of past guilt and look forward to what God will help us to become like Jesus. Don’t dwell on your past. Instead, grow in the knowledge of God by concentrating on your relationship with Him now. Realize that you are forgiven, and then move on to a life of faith and obedience. Look forward to a fuller and more meaningful life because of your hope in Christ.

Song: My Lord Knows The Way

My Lord knows the way thro’ the wilderness,

All I have to do is to follow.

My Lord knows the way thro’ the wilderness,

All I have to do is to follow.

Strength for today is mine all the way,

And all that I need for tomorrow.

My Lord knows the way thro’ the wilderness,

All I have to do is to follow.

(Inspiring Choruses)

Greetings from Callies (12/22-26)

FROM TONY AND DOROTHY CALLIES WITH CHRISTMAS' GREETING:

CHRISTMAS IS A BUSY TIME OF HOLIDAYS! BAKING COOKIES! ONE DEAF FRIEND SAID, "BAKING COOKIES WILL KEEP HER BUSY ALL WEEK".  THINKING ABOUT COOKIES, I REALIZED THAT CHRISTMAS COOKIES ARE THE POPULAR TIME OF OUR "SWEET TOOTH" WITH ALL KINDS OF DESIGNS. I REMEMBER LEARNING HOW TO MAKE "NO BAKE DROP COOKIES" FROM MY DEAF SISTER, ANNA WHO LIVES IN CALIFORNIA WITH HER GRANDDAUGHTER, SABINA WHO HAS A SON NAME, ELIJAH. MY DEAF SISTER IS 84 AND SHE IS DOING WELL.

TONY TOLD ME A WONDERFUL CHRISTMAS STORIES ABOUT HIS THREE BROTHERS AND HIS PARENTS. HIS MOM WAS SO GREAT WITH BAKING SO MANY DECORATIVE HOLIDAY COOKIES. THESE BOYS JUST LOVE THEM, ESPECIALLY TONY. WHEN ONE GETS OLDER, THE MEMORIES OF CHRISTMAS FAMILY GATHERINGS WHILE GROWING UP ARE PRECIOUS. ESPECIALLY BAKING HOLIDAY COOKIES TIME!

IT MAKES ME THINK OF GOD, OUR CREATOR WHO LOVES TO SEE THE CREATIONS OF ALL KINDS OF IMAGINABLE 'COOKIES.' WE ARE BLESSED TO HAVE OUR CREATOR WHO BECAME OUR SAVIOR AND A CHRISTMAS TIME IS A TIME TO REMEMBER JESUS' BIRTHDAY. SO "HAPPY BIRTHDAY JESUS!"

Memory of Crisis 2008 (12/17-21)

17-21 December 2014 - Memory of Crisis 2008 – Callies’ News

Psalm 34:7-8 “The angel of the Lord encampeth round about them that fear Him, and delivereth them. O taste and see that the Lord is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in Him.”

Memory of Christmas crisis was seven years ago on Dec. 19, 2008. After reading the crisis news, the Lord reminds me of how He is always with Tony and me. I wrote this news in December 22, 2008 for Fresh Manna.

[As for news, we had no power last Friday, Dec. 19th until Dec. 21, 2008 when we came home to check the power on late Sunday morning. We stayed at Double Tree Hotel which is across the lake from our apartment. It was like a special Christmas date on Saturday night when it got too cold to stay in our apartment on the second night with no power.

I had the Fresh Manna ready but no power and something urged me to go to Panera. I remembered they had wireless free so we were there on Saturday morning for breakfast. I was able to transfer from document saved to Fresh Manna. Awesome to me, there was a way to do that when power went out.]

O taste and see that the Lord is good. You are blessed when you trust in God! Maybe you had some crisis time in the past or recently, but you learn to trust in God in all things that we don’t always understand. When we trust God, notice something? We feel good! That is a feeling of God’s blessing on you when we trust in Him! I am reminded of a . . .

Song, ‘Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus!

‘Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus, Just to take Him at His word.
Just to rest upon His promise, Just to know “Thus saith the Lord.”
Jesus, Jesus, how I trust Him, How I’ve proved Him o’er and o’er.
Jesus, Jesus, Precious Jesus! Oh for grace to trust Him more.

Oh, how sweet to trust in Jesus, Just to trust His cleansing blood.
Just in simple faith to plunge me ‘Neath the healing, cleansing flood.
Jesus, Jesus, how I trust Him, How I’ve proved Him o’er and o’er.
Jesus, Jesus, Precious Jesus! Oh for grace to trust Him more.

I’m so glad I learned to trust Thee, Precious Jesus, Savior Friend;
And I know that Thou art with me, Wilt be with me to the end.
Jesus, Jesus, how I trust Him, How I’ve proved Him o’er and o’er.
Jesus, Jesus, Precious Jesus! Oh for grace to trust Him more.

(Lyrics: Louisa M. R. Stead, Sing His Praise)

A Story of Arthur & the Cross (12/13-16)

13-16 Dec 2015 - A Story of Arthur & the Cross – Manna from Jan. 2008 Revised. God used Arthur to carry the cross, around the world and to spread the Good News about Jesus.

Cheer-leading by Arthur Blissit
Give me a 'J'!
J
Give me an 'E'!
E
Give me an 'S'!
S
Give me a 'U'!
U
Give me another 'S'!
S
What's that spell? Jesus!

In December of 1969, Arthur Blissit began to carry a twelve-foot wooden cross on a journey that would take him around the world and in every nation on earth. Since that time, he has walked over 37,000 miles with the cross in more than 300 nations and territories. Website to order the book, "Give Me J". www.tbn.org.

Arthur and his wife were carrying the cross in Sri Lanka--a predominately Buddhist nation. A story about a man who met Arthur and his wife, Denise, carrying the cross. A man asked question about the cross and Arthur. He told of how he was dying and a Man came to him, but the man didn't know His name. The man recognized the cross from the bookstore. Arthur had introduced Jesus to him and that His name was Jesus. Arthur told him about the Bible. The man gloriously welcomed Jesus in his life. Jesus had revealed Himself to this man.

You might ask, "What exactly happened when he carried the cross?" On page 168 summary story: On a warm day in the early 1980's, during a long cross walk from Warsaw to Czestochowa, Poland, he stopped to rest. His interpreter, an English-speaking Polish school teacher, was sitting near him and they were eating as they sat in the grass. People were all around him, when suddenly through the crowd came a young woman who sat down in front of him. The girl name was Anna.

Beautiful and 24-years old, she had lovely clear eyes and short blonde hair. But she sat there with tears running down her face, and her legs were covered with blood. Through the interpreter, he explained that Anna had heard that Arthur knew how to find Jesus. The girl's legs were bleeding and he asked what was wrong with her legs. Interpreter pointed toward the hill where they could see the people climbing up on their knees.

Anna has been climbing that hill on her knees to show her love for Christ and has been trying to find Jesus. Someone just told her that the man with the cross knew how to talk with Jesus, so she came to see if he can tell her how to find Him. Arthur explained to her, "Jesus loved you before you ever started up that hill, and He loves you now that you have come down. All that blood was not necessary; he has already shed His blood for you.

Now I know He appreciates your desire to show your love, but you don't have to do that to prove you love Him. He can live in your heart." He explained how Christ had died for her and had offered her the gift of salvation. She prayed and invite Jesus into her heart and He became her Savior. Anna cried, hugged, laughed and smiled, and said, "I have found Jesus. I found Him. Now I know Him--that is all I need. I've found Him! I've found Him!" And she ran away.

Dorothy: It reminds me of a song:
Reach out and touch the Lord as He walked by.
You'll find He's not too busy to hear your heart cry.
He's passing by this moment, your need to supply.
Reach out and touch the Lord as He walked by.

(Inspiring Choruses)

The Love of God (12/9-12)

09-12 December 2015 - The Love of God – Manna by Dorothy Callies

Oh, I pray that this fresh manna will open your heart, mind, and soul to grasp the true love that God has for you as He has to me. Sigh!!! How awesome to experience His loving Word, His Presence!

Question: Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? (Roman 8:35a) Paraphrase: “I am persuaded that ‘nothing’ shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:35, 37-39 See below).

Theme: THE LOVE OF GOD . . . IN CHRIST JESUS OUR LORD.

*Only “in Christ Jesus” has God’s love been manifest, and only in Him do we experience it. Only as we abide in Christ Jesus as “our Lord” can we have the certainty that we will never be separated from God’s love. **If anyone fails in his spiritual life, it will not be from a lack of divine grace and love (v.31-34), nor from external force or overwhelming adversity (v. 35-39), but from his own neglect to remain in Christ Jesus.  [*Commentary from The Full Life Study Bible].

Dorothy: God had already loved us so much that nothing would stop God from ever loving us. Now the next question, what are the things that could make a person give up on God even though God still loves this person very much? I wrote the list of things from KJV, Romans 8:35 to give us the idea. Then NLT from Romans 8:35, 37-39 explained more clear that nothing could keep God from loving us so much through Christ. Then comes the famous song called: The Love of God written by Frederick M. Lehman 1917.

1. Shall tribulation?  When you are going through so much trouble that you felt like you had enough trouble? So you give up with God? Our answer should be “No way.” Why? Because God still loves us. Our troubles doesn’t stop God from loving us. Hallelujah!

2. Or distress?  When you are in deep depression, does this mean that God gave you up because you are feeling depress? The answer is no because God’s love has never left you.

3. Or persecution?  Many Christians of the world are going through persecution. Ivan, the Russian Christian Soldier went through terrible torture yet Ivan knew that God still loved him and Ivan didn’t stop loving God because of torture. What a testimony!

4. Or famine?  Would shortage of food makes a person to give up God? When there’s famine in another world, does it mean God doesn’t love them? No, God still loves them.    

5. Or nakedness?  If a person lack clothing for certain weather like winter, would that make a person to give up God thinking He doesn’t loves this person enough? God’s love is still there. 

6. Or peril?  In time of danger, will we continue to be faithful to God? God’s love for us remain the same. God does not change.

7. Or sword?  We hear stories of Christians being “threatened with death” when they stand up for Christ. Their love for God was very strong because they know in their hearts, God still loves them.

The New Living Translation from Romans 8:35, “Can anything ever separate us from Christ’ love? Does it mean He no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or are hungry or cold or in danger or threatened with death?” v37) No, despite of all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us.

V38) And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from His love. Death can’t, and life can’t. The angels can’t, and the demons can’t. Our fears for today, our worries about tomorrow, and even the powers of hell can’t keep God’s love away. v39) Whether we are high above the sky or in the deepest ocean, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

 Song: The Love of God

1.      The love of God is greater far
Than tongue or pen can ever tell;
It goes beyond the highest star,
And reaches to the lowest hell;
The guilty pair, bowed down with care,
God gave His Son to win;
His erring child He reconciled,
And pardoned from his sin. 

o    Refrain:
Oh, love of God, how rich and pure!
How measureless and strong!
It shall forevermore endure—
The saints’ and angels’ song.

2.    When hoary time shall pass away,
And earthly thrones and kingdoms fall,
When men who here refuse to pray,
On rocks and hills and mountains call,
God’s love so sure, shall still endure,
All measureless and strong;
Redeeming grace to Adam’s race—
The saints’ and angels’ song.

3.    Could we with ink the ocean fill,
And were the skies of parchment made,
Were every stalk on earth a quill,
And every man a scribe by trade;
To write the love of God above
Would drain the ocean dry;
Nor could the scroll contain the whole,
Though stretched from sky to sky.

Frederick Lehman tells us that verse 3 “had been found penciled on the wall of a patient’s room in an insane asylum after he had been carried to his grave.” While it is only supposition that he was the one who adapted the Jewish author’s poem to leave us these well-known lines, if the account is true it shows in any case that he highly esteemed the message.

[From Timeless Truth, Free online library on music]

To You that Overcome (12/5-8)

05-08 December 2015 – To You that Overcome – Poem by Dorothy

Romans 8:37 KJV: Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him that loved us. NCV: But in all these things we have full victory through God who showed his love for us.

1. To you that overcome I will give to eat the tree of life.
2. To you that overcome I will give thee a crown of life.
3. To you that overcome shall not be hurt of the second death.
4. To you that overcome I will give to eat of the hidden manna.
5. To you that overcome I will give you a white stone with your new name on it.
6. To you that overcome I will give you power to rule over the nations with a rod of iron.
7. To you that overcome I shall give you clothing in white raiment.
8. To you that overcome I will not blot out your name out of the book of life.
9. To you that overcome I will confess your name before My Father & before His angels.
10. To you that overcome I will make your enemies to come and bow before your feet.
11. To you that overcome I will make your enemies to know that I have loved thee.
12. To you that overcome I will make a pillar in the temple of My God.
13. To you that overcome I will write upon you the name of My God.
14. To you that overcome I will write upon you the name of the city of My God.
15. To you that overcome I will write upon you My new name.
16. To you that overcome I will grant you to sit with Me in My throne,
            Even as I also overcome,
17. I am set down with My Father in His throne.
[Poem written from Revelation 2 & 3 by Dorothy Callies in 1980’s]

What is conquer? The dictionary says: 1. get by fighting; win by war: conquer a country. 2. Overcome by force; defeat; get the better of: conquer an enemy, conquer a bad habit. 3. be victorious; be the conqueror.

Reading from Romans 8:31-39 would give the whole picture of what the key verse of Romans 8:37 was about.  (Manna from 2008 revised to Dec. 5-8, 2015)

Dorothy: Reading this, boy! That is a lot of promises Jesus had already made for us who are overcomers. The same God who knows the number of your hairs … care that much to reward you a lot. That should really encourage us to rejoice in all things and be able to overcome things when they are bad. Just review all the rewards that Jesus has promised us would be enough to sing, “It would be worth it all.”

Song: When We See Christ
It will be worth it all when we see Jesus,

Life’s trials will seem so small when we see Christ;

One glimpse of His dear face, all sorrow will erase,

So bravely run the race, till we see Christ.

[Lyrics & Music: Esther Kerr Rusthoi, Sing His Praise]