Live to Praise Him 9/27/17

27 September 2017 - Live to Praise Him – Manna by Dorothy Callies

King Solomon wrote about “all is vanity” with man and their everyday routine. After his long research for man’s purpose of life, Solomon finally came to the conclusion: “Fear God, and keep His commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. For God shall bring every work unto judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil” (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14).

What brought this on? It was about the “everyday routine” that I was thinking about. I ask myself a question: What was the whole purpose of our everyday routine when Tony and I stayed home a lot. It took time for Tony to regain his strength with his body and to be able to strengthen his hip and his arm and shoulder.

While mediating, I came to remember King Solomon and his “futility.” I was curious as to why I thought of it so I did some research on the word, futility.  It came from futile and it means having no result; useless; concerned with not important things.  Futility means useless act. In another word, nothing gain from it. Also vain (vanity) means having no success such as “all is waste”.

God did not created us for “nothing.” King Solomon realized that from Ecclesiastes 12:1 and quoted, “Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth . . .” So it applied to me that I am to remember, my Creator . . . so I am singing to my Creator . . .  And it is worthy to worship Him, to sing unto Him and to remember our Creator who takes pleasures in us.  

So my daily duty is to show great respect to my Creator and to read His Word and keep His commandment that bring life to my whole being (spirit, soul, mind, heart and strength). Like David said, “While I live I will praise the Lord; I will sing praises to my God while I have my being” Psalm 146:2.

Song: Oh, How I Love Him!

Oh, how I love Him!

     How I adore Him!

My breath, my sunshine,

     My all in all:

The great Creator

     Became my Savior,

And all God’s fullness

     Dwelleth in Him.

(Inspiring Choruses)

May God bless you today!

Dorothy

Was It Worth It? 9/19

19 September 2017 - Was it worth it? – Manna by Dorothy Callies

            Good morning! It is 3 a.m. and it’s time for me to seek the Lord!  My thoughts were in the battles about taking care of Tony. While I was praying, I felt led to check out the December 2016 Manna.  After reading this Manna, God actually gave me His Word of comfort and yes, it is worth it.  I really miss my Manna and it is amazing how God has chosen the right Manna to encourage me at this time of the morning. Bless God! It was really an uplifting message for me. Thank You, Heavenly Father for being so kind!  

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 

Crushing Events 9/6&12/17

06 & 12 September 2017 – Crushing Event Turned Out for Better – Manna by Dorothy

As for the news Tony is finally home as of September 11^th, 2017.  I was planning to send this Manna last Sept. 6^th, saying that Doctor was going to sign the discharged by Friday, Sept. 8^th and that Tony would be coming home on Sept. 11^th on Monday. 

But I thought I would hold this until today is Sept. 12^th, when I am finally at my laptop while Tony is resting in his power chair.  He is doing alright, but somehow he felt a little weak. He wasn’t eating good lately so now he’s home and I pray that eating right and routine exercise will finally build him up.  So I’m thankful for your prayer. 

This part of Manna was saved from Sept. 6^th. I was reading the story about Warren Buffet, the financial expert, one of the richest people in the world, was rejected by Harvard’s Business School at age 19. After he failed his admissions interview, he remembered a “feeling of dread,” because he was concern about his father’s reaction to his failure.  Looking back, Buffet says, “[Everything] in my life . . . that I thought was a ‘crushing event’ at the time has turned out for the better.”

I like to continue the devotion written by Jennifer Benson Schuldt, the Daily Bread. “Rejection, though undeniably painful, does not have to hold us back from accomplishing what God wants us to do. The citizens of Jesus’ hometown denied that He was the Messiah (John 1:11, “[Jesus] He came to His own [people], and His own [people] did not receive [accept] Him.”)

“Many of His followers rejected Him (John 6:66, From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him.)  Just as Jesus’ rejection was part of God’s plan for His Son (Isaiah 53:3, He was hated and rejected by people . . . NCV), so was Jesus’ continued ministry.

“Enduring earthly rejection and knowing that the Father would turn away from Him at Calvary (Matt. 27:46), Jesus went on to cure the sick, cast out demons, and preach good news to the people. Before His crucifixion, Jesus said, “[Father], I have finished the work which You have given Me to do” (John 17:4).

“If rejection has become a hindrance to the work of God has given you to do, don’t give up.  Remember that Jesus understands, and those who come to Him will always be accept by Him (John 6:37).  [End of Jennifer’s writing on Daily Bread Devotion].

Dorothy: What impressed me was about this story of Warren and his crushing event. And that Jesus’ rejection was part of God’s plan for His Son.  I just felt like God was speaking to me about the “crushing event at the time has turned out for the better.” What Tony went through “crushing event since April 13^th, he fell and broke his hip, and that his surgery for hip replacement will become better for him.”

As for me, day by day, I see a miracle of improvement or Tony.  The word from the Lord means a lot to help Tony and me see that it was part of God’s plan and that we are to trust in Him in all we do.  We continue to believe in miracle day by day. [End] 

As of Sept. 12, 2017, I’m seeing on TV all the latest news about the Hurriance Irma has caused a lot of damaged in Florida.  I’m not sure how this subject of the “crushing events turned out for better” in this kind of situation.  I still need to believe that God is trying to reach people to turn to Him constantly and believing in miracles that is greatly needed right now. My heart goes to them and constantly praying that God will do wonders. “What is impossible for men, are possible for God,” Jesus quoted this. So I am holding on to this verse of Jesus’ words for me, Tony and for all of us.

This Was Good! 8/30/17

30 August 2017 - This Was Good! – Manna by Dorothy Callies

I would like to share the commentary that came from The Full Life Study Bible by Donald C. Stamps. I have my reason to share this devotion so bear with me until I make my point from this Manna.

Genesis 1:31 “And God saw everything that He had made, and behold, it was very good.”  Seven times God states that what He created was “good” (Genesis 1:4,10,12,18,21,25,31). Each part of God’s creation completely fulfilled His will and intended purpose.  God created the world to reflect His glory and to be a place where humankind could share in His joy and life.  Notice how God created according to a plan and order:

            Day 1 – light

            Day 2 – firmament (sky)

            Day 3 – dry land

            Day 4 – light-bearers

This part were to bring order to creation.

            Day 5 – fish and birds

            Day 6 – animals and humans

This part were giving life to creation.

            Day 7 – rest

This part of creation is complete and very good.

Dorothy:  I had noticed that some of the days, there was something new with Tony being improved. I watched Tony getting better slowly day by day.  I asked God, “Why couldn’t you just simply healed him completely like You did in the New Testament days when Jesus healed people instantly?” 

The next morning, Holy Spirit encourages me to watch the TBN channel on August 29^th, Tuesday morning at 6:00 with Joel Osteen. I’ll try my best to explain what impressed me about his sermon. He talked about our daily basis of lives and how to focus on small things and to say, “It was good.” Instead of looking into a “big picture” and waiting for that day to come into “big accomplishment or success.”

Start with small things to thank God for.  Each day, when something new and improved you have made, thank God for that and say, ‘it was good.’  Then Joel used the illustration of God’s creation and to notice each day when God had created something new, God would say, ‘it was good.’  On the sixth day, God saw everything that he had made, and, behold 'it was very good' (Genesis 1:31).

Joel also encouraged to take note that this was a partial victory to celebrate for and to know that ‘this was good’ whatever we have done.  God worked His creation on day to day basis.  When He created something new, He would say, “This was good!”  When I 'heard' this,  something inside of me became alive with words of encouragement, telling me to thank Him for healing Tony on day to day basis and to say, “this was good.”

The same day around noon, for the first time, I asked Tony if he would like a date out to McDonald which was nearby to BLM Rehab.  He was delighted. So I took Tony out to my small car, and he was able to get in and out with our new transport wheelchair (22 lbs). I was impressed and “it was very good.” Because last month or so, he couldn’t do it without help.  So I’m learning to thank God for small things each time I see new improvement in Tony.  

So your prayers does really matter and Tony wants to thank you for that. And God blessed you!

Dorothy

News of Tony on 8/22/17

22 August 2017 - News of Tony by Dorothy Callies [Revised to Power Chair]

The verse from Psalm 25:3 says, “Indeed, none of those who wait for You will be ashamed.” This came from chapter 19, the War Room book that I have been reading daily as part of my devotions. Here are few tips that impressed me especially when it comes to praying for Tony. I like to quote them:

“Persistence is a necessary part of praying effectively (successfully). Whether God answers in twenty minutes or twenty years, we should never give up on Him.  In Scripture, God reveals that He wants us to trust Him patiently on our knees.

He delights when we walk by faith and show our dependency on Him as we come before His throne. In fact, He may use delays in our life to reveal our hearts and our level of trust in Him.  In the meantime, we must wait upon the Lord in faith.”

Reading part about George Muller who was one of the greatest praying men of all time, documented fifty thousand answers to prayer in his lifetime. George had build five orphanages for 10,000 children according to the google information. His secret? He goes on praying until the answer comes. George Muller never gave up. That story encourages me to keep praying until the answer comes.

Today, I would like to share some news about apartment visited for Tony as therapist observed him taking a walk from friend’s SUV, to walker, to transport wheelchair, and again to walker and to the apartment with stairs that had 8 steps. For Tony to be able to climb stairs, he needed me behind him with belt to hold his balance and a volunteer beside him, to help him reached each steps he took since there were only one rail for him to hold on to. He struggled, but he made it up to end and sat down to take a breath.

Tony got up with walker and he walked right into the apartment for the first time since April 11^th. He walked toward his brand new (used) POWER chair and helped him to get up easily.  He just loved it and was able to click to his own TV.  He looked wonderful.  Then it was time to go down stairs and back to SUV and back to Nursing home.  The Therapist said that if we had lived on the first floor, Tony would come home. But since our apartment have stairs, it would takes about two to three more weeks to strength his muscles.  And still would need two volunteers to help him up.  He still could come home soon.

Meanwhile, we will be working on home service and therapist to come to our apartment. And it would takes a lot of prayers and consideration if we should move to first floor apartment or stay in our present apartment. 

As for me, I rested a lot in between times and totally depend on God to help me stay strong and be able to help Tony. Also eating right makes a difference. So thank you for your prayers.

May God bless you!

Dorothy

Anchors in the Storm 8/10/17

10 August 2017 – Anchors in the Storm – Manna by Dorothy Callies

Joshua 1:9 “The Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

I love that phrase: “The Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” I just felt like Tony and I need an anchor that hold us safe in our spiritual life. It is when I just cannot trust my feelings. An anchor of promise is just want I need.  When God called Joshua to lead His people after Moses’ death, He gave him anchors of promise he could rely on in troubled times.

The Lord said, “I will be with you.  I will not leave you nor forsake you. . . . The Lord your God is with you wherever you go” (Josh. 1:5, 9).  God also gave Joshua and His people the “Book of the Law” to study and observe (vv.7-8).  That, and God’s presence, were anchors the Israelites could rely on as they faced many challenges.

I was faced with some feeling of doubts that threaten my faith in God. I didn’t like that feelings and I didn’t know what to do with it until I read the devotion, “Anchors in the Storm.”  Oh, how I love God that cares enough to tell me this: “I will be with you.  I will not leave you nor forsake you” (Joshua 1:5).

Although my faith may feel weak, but today I have anchored in God’s promises and presence, He will safely hold me and Tony. It is like a sailboat dropped an anchor in time of storm. That anchor is so important for sailboat that held the people inside until the storm is over and they could safely navigate the sailboat into an inlet area.  

That thought of an anchor in God’s promises and His presence, had really uplifted me and Tony very much.  That thought stayed with me all day long, an anchor in the Lord. Thought of a song came to me: “I’ve Anchored in Jesus.” Just a chorus.

I’ve anchored in Jesus, the storms of life I’ll brave;

I’ve anchored in Jesus, I fear no wind or wave;

I’ve anchored in Jesus for He hath power of save;

I’ve anchored to the Rock of A – ges.

[Lewis Edgar Jones, Sing His Praise]

Tony is doing well today! His motivation is improving. Keep praying that everything will works out for Tony to come home by August 31^st.  Many thanks!  I’ll keep you update. And few more names have been added to Marathon Prayer list are: Dean & Karen Hardy, Dianne Oppriecht, Joyce & Roy Bonnett, Joyce Matos and Richard & Linda Tritt.

Dorothy

Vision of Grapes 8/7/17

07 August 2017 – Vision of Cluster Grapes – Manna by Dorothy Callies

Since April 13^th, Tony fell at the hospital and had his broken right hip replaced, and fractured his upper arm, I was able to maintain my inner emotion in peaceful spirit for almost four months. I have heard some who said, “You are really strong.”  All I could think of was to stay in God’s Word every morning and pray and be at peace and support Tony in all he is going through.  

But recently I was beginning to experience the anguished inner spirit for the last few days and I asked God why. While I was praying, I saw a vision of a hand that held the cluster of grapes.  The hand started to squeeze and press together as the cluster of grapes’ juices flows into a bowl.  The more it squeezed, the more juices keep flowing until I could see some juice from the fruited grapes.

I mediate what this means. Then God spoke to my inner spirit and said “I am flowing out the juices of your deep crush and anguish heart. The juices from the grapes will become a blessing to others and many who need to come out of darkness and get into the marvelous light.”  One note I found that says, Peter reminded us that we are “a people for His own possession, that [we] may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.” (1 Peter 2:9 translation).

John 15:5 came to me and Jesus said, “I am the Vine and you are the branches: you that lives in me and I live in you, we both bring forth much fruit: for without Me you can do nothing.” Then a vision of seeing Jesus at the Garden of Gethsemane praying, Jesus experienced anguished and crushed spirit that caused pain in his body, and sweat out the blood of His flesh.

I just absorbed those words into my heart, realizing what Jesus had gone through. At the cross, he was crushed and anguished filled His heart until He said, “It is finished.”  The time will come when God’s work inside of us that the prayers will be answered. I really appreciate the Prayer Marathon. I keep showing Tony the list of names so he knows you are praying for him.

May God bless you real good!

Dorothy