Our Help 9/3/21

03 September 2021 Our Help – Manna by Dorothy and Tony Callies

Psalm 121:2 “[Our] help comes from the Lord.”

             Reading the devotion reminds me that God’s peace is given during the chaos time. The word chaos is not common among the deaf if I spell it, but in sign language it interprets “confusion time.” And “our help comes from the Lord” who gives peace, the inner peace during confusion time.

            As for news about Tony, he was in the hospital last August 26, 2021 for surgery to put stent in Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms which is nearby the kidneys area. The stent helped to open the blood vessel area. Without the stent, it would rupture and cause death. The surgery was successful. Tony slept off and on for 12 hours until at night he slept soundly. The next day, Tony became alert. He was able to get up and use walker and walked a bit.  Then he went home on August 27, 2021. He was back to normal except to rest 7-10 days before assume normal activities.

            I want to add that I had taken the picture of Jesus with surgeon and other helpers who assisted with surgeon. It was in the hospital that the guide showed me the picture that impressed me. The guide lets me know that Jesus is guiding the surgeon during the time of surgery on Tony which last about an hour and a half. The picture was awesome and it reminds me of the verse that “our help comes from the Lord” guided the surgeon on Tony’s.

          May the Lord bless you today!

Dorothy

 

 

 

Be Tenderhearted 8/10/21

10 August 2021 Manna by Dorothy and Tony Callies

Theme: Be Tenderhearted

Ephesians 4:32 “Be . . . tenderhearted like Christ . . .”

Matthew 14:14 “. . . Jesus saw a great many people, and was touched with compassion toward them, and He healed their sick.”

             When I came close to Tony, my heart felt “tenderhearted” and I felt “compassion.” It was a new experience for me to see the words that Holy Spirit was showing me.  “Be tenderhearted.” So I search and try to understand more about the word, ‘tenderhearted.’ It means be loving, showing care, be considerate, be thoughtful, do not be harsh, be gentle, be mild, be sensitive to touch, be tender [Merriam-Webster].

            Also have “compassion” like Christ has. The word compassion means “feeling with.” Jesus felt the pain. Jesus hung on the cross for six hours with great pain He ever experienced. When I realized how painful Jesus had faced, then I looked at Tony, lay my hands on his shoulder, I committed Tony upon the “altar” at the cross of Jesus.

            Jesus said, “When I am lifted up, I will draw all men unto Me.” Jesus was lifted up at the cross and He finished His work at the cross, the very place where He suffered great pain for six hours was really hard to imagine, but believed in His work at Calvary. I rested in the finished work of Christ at the cross.

            I began to see Tony’s improving in some ways and I continued to rest in the cross of Jesus’ finished work and thank Him for taking our places at the cross. “Make me glad to hear joy and gladness; that the bones which You have broken may rejoice” (Psalm 51:8). And “restore unto me the joy of salvation and uphold me with Your free Spirit” (Psalm 51:12). The joy of salvation is complete healing for our souls, minds, and bodies.

            Daily I quoted, “Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me” (Psalm 51:8) through the blood of Jesus Christ.  And this verse I used as a part of the battlefield against the works of the devil who throw all kind of wrong thoughts to be harsh, unkind, and mean spirits. But Christ wants us to “be tenderhearted” like Him, not like Satan’s unkind and impatience spirits.

            Dear Heavenly Father, Abba, thank You for showing us that You, God, anointed Jesus with Holy Spirit and with power and that Jesus went about doing good and healing all that were oppressed of the devil for You, God was with Jesus, Your Son (Acts 10:38). Thank you for showing us Your Word of healing. In Jesus’ name. Amen!

            Something to share with you. Oppressed means to take control or rule in a harsh or cruel way and to cause to feel burdened in spirit. Satan tried to take control in a cruel way. Do not allow Satan’s influence us to be “harsh” in spirits.

            May God help us to see the difference between Christ’s tenderhearted and Satan’s cruel ways.  And God bless you today!!!

 Dorothy

Pruning Time 7/25/21

25 July 2021 Manna by Dorothy & Tony Callies

Theme: Pruned to Thrive

            John 15:2 “Every branch that does bear fruit he (Heavenly Father) prunes so that it (you) will be even more fruitful.”

            The word thrive means to grow vigorously; do well; flourish 2: to gain in wealth or prosper. Vigor means done with force and energy. [Merriam-Webster]

            Another important word is prune. It means to reduce by getting rid of things that is not necessary or wanted. 2: to cut off the parts of a woody plant that are dead or not wanted like (prune the hedge).  [Merriam-Webster]

            The last time I did the Manna was in June 25, 2021 and the theme was Perfect Peace whose mind is stayed on God in the early morning devotion. Then late afternoon suddenly Tony took sick unexpectedly that landed him in ER later discovered that he had blood infection that came from gallbladder that was badly infected.  

            After few days the hospital send him to another town for better skilled surgeon with two teams who would focus on his heart and his breathing by putting him to sleep because of his age 84.  The surgery was successful and it took Tony a long time to recover after a month in two hospitals and a nursing home. Tony finally gained his strength and was looking so much better enough to come home on July 27^th.  

            I had pondered over the purpose of God’s plan even in the worse condition we had ever experienced. Until this morning on July 25th instead of Bible Study, I just felt like reading the devotion on “Our Daily Bread” of Feb. 2, 2021 that happened to be opened for me to read. After reading this devotion and searched for the meaning of the words, I was so surprised that God even has the answer to the situation, “Prune to Thrive.” I continued to be amazed so I spoke to Abba, my Heavenly Father,

             “Boy, You certainly have the answer to everything. Even in the chapter of John 15, I have read it for so many years and yet today, You showed me John 15:2 that You Heavenly Father “prunes” Tony and me into deeper level of spiritual growth. So You are glorified, feeling so rich to watch us grow and radiant, giving out more light and glowing with Your love in us. It’s awesome, Lord! It’s humbly to admit that You are a wise God who knows what You are doing with all of us. So I thank You for reminding me and Tony that You are our Creator and Jesus became our Savior. Thank You in Jesus’ name.”

             The author who wrote about a bumblebee and the Russian Sage, I find it difficult to understand the words so I took the time to study and wrote the meaning. I even had to google what Russian Sage looks like. So I could get a clear picture about the Bumblebee land on the Russian Sage, brilliant blue blossoms flowers brought out the color. Finally . . .

             I came to the point that I was able to understand about trimming down the dry parts of the bush to a stub which leaves about 2-3 inches above the soil. At the next season, it grew again, but much more radiant because of pruning that had seemed so cruel, but . . .

             *“The surprising beauty that results from harsh cuts may be one of the reason Jesus chose pruning imagery to describe God’s work among believers. In John 15, He says, I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. . . Every branch that does bear fruit He prunes so that it will be even more fruitful” (vv.1-2).

            *“Jesus’ words remind us that in the good times and bad, God is always working in us toward spiritual renewal and fruitfulness (v.5). During “pruning” seasons of suffering or emotional barrenness, we may wonder if we’ll ever thrive again.

            *“But Christ encourages us to continue to stick close to Him; “No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in Me” (v.4). As we continually draw spiritual nourishment from Jesus, the resulting beauty and fruitfulness in our lives will show the world God’s goodness.” Quote *“…” by Adam R. Holz from “Our Daily Bread” of Feb. 2, 2021.

 Note from Dorothy Callies:

            This Manna is a word of encouragement from the Lord to me and to you. My feelings are so deep and I can’t find words to explain. In Romans 8:26-28 Holy Spirit help us with intercessory prayer with deep feelings that words cannot be explained.

            Holy Spirit searches the hearts and know what is in God’s mind and Holy Spirit makes intercession for us according to the will or plan of God. And I know that all things work together for good to us that love God, to us who are called according to His purpose, and His great plan.

            May the Lord bless you today!

Perfect Peace 6/22/21

           The Manna was from June 15, 2021 and the theme is Perfect Peace, written by Dorothy & Tony Callies. My translation: “You will keep me in perfect peace when my mind is stayed on You: because I trusted in You” (Isaiah 26:3).

            In Isaiah 26, the prophet declares that God’s people can trust in the Lord forever, “for the Lord . . . is the Rock eternal.” He is able to support us with supernatural peace in every situation. Encouragement is to focus on God’s unchanging character. Crying out to Him during troublesome times gives us new life; active strength; energy of our body and mind for our hope.

            God can handle our ever-changing emotions and our questions. He stays with us and refreshes our spirits with enduring hope. Even when we feel like our lives are falling apart, God can make our faith so much stronger. “Thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ” (I Cor. 15:57).

           Today is June 22^st and I am finally at my laptop giving news of Tony and me. Tony became sick with running nose for few days last June 10 through 13^th. He slept a lot and was weak. He was taken to the hospital from 16^th to 19^th. The physical therapist requested that Tony takes a lot of therapy to regain his strength. The van driver took Tony with wheelchair and drop him off to Rehab Nursing Home.     

            When we entered the room, we looked over the situation, Tony’s face looked bewildered and he was not comfortable from what he had seen. I was shocked at the sight that would not fit Tony’s need. At that moment, I felt God’s strength came right through me. So I let Tony decide what he wants and he choose to go home.

            On the way out of Rehab to our car upfront, I was amazed that God’s strength went right through Tony to get up from wheelchair into our car with help. Arriving home, I had help to make sure that Tony makes it home.  

            On June 15^th, I read the devotion about having “perfect peace whose mind is stayed on God,” and I quoted it often. This verse prepared me when crisis came, I was at peace knowing that God is here. The Word of God gave me strength and peace to endure the things I went through. Now, I wait on the Lord to give Tony the strength and time to be able to get up slowly.

            Seeing the devotion from “Our Daily Bread” verses about “the victory” really impressed me that the Lord God will give me and Tony the victory during the day of our battle. God truly cares!

            I remember the chorus that someone sang this: “Victory is mine. Victory is mine. Victory, today is mine. I told Satan, ‘Get thee behind.’ Victory, today is mine.” Singing this chorus several times really brought inspiration to my soul.

            “Thank You, Lord for Your mercy endures forever. Thank You for the healing power. Thank You for Your love that was given to us. Thank You for the victory through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Amen!

            May the Lord bless you today!

When We Sleep 5/29/21

 When We Sleep …
(Why we sleep? We’re out of strength)

During the night, when we sleep,  God recharge His living strength
into our bodies as we breathe His very life into our living soul.

When we get up— our strength are fully charged for the day. Why?
We are made “In His image” and our strength and our breathing comes from God.

Proof? Genesis 2:7
  The Lord God made man and breathed into his nose the breath of life and the man became a living soul.

When it is time to die, God simply, “unplug us.” As those who are born
again, we go home to heaven.

But take note:
Those who have not open their hearts to God and the Lord Jesus Christ, they have no idea that when they sleep, God recharge His life, His living strength into their bodies. His living breath into their nose.  
That is called, “Grace.”

Written by Dorothy Callies
May 29, 2021

God of Ordinary 5/21/21

21 May 2021 – Devotion provided and Manna by Dorothy Callies

Theme: God of the Ordinary

1 Corinthians 10:13 “He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear.” Translate: God will make sure that you will not be overwhelmed with situation that you are going through.

            I like to share from the Daily Bread devotion that I read this morning from the storage box I save. I picked it out because I was expecting God to speak to me and He did. Here is what He was telling me what we are going through daily ordinary day. How I felt? I was surprised at the right timing I needed to hear this from Him. I was wondering when He will ever heal us. I just kept quoting God’s word of healing knowing that we shall reap if we faint not. The writer is Joe Stowell from Our Daily Bread.

            “Hearing testimonies about how God did something spectacular (wonderful) in someone else’ life can challenge us. While we may rejoice to hear about answers to prayer, we may also wonder why God hasn’t done anything amazing for us lately.

            It’s easy to think that if God showed up in astonishing (surprising) ways for us like He did for Abraham, then we would be more inspired to be faithful servant of God. But then we remember that God showed up for Abraham every 12 to 14 years, and most of Abraham’s journey was rather ordinary (see Gen. 12:1-4; 15:1-6; 16:16-17:12).

            God’s work is usually done behind the scenes in the ordinary things of life. As our text says, “He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out” (1 Cor. 10:13).

            Every day God is busy shielding us from devastating onslaughts of Satan that would otherwise leave us helplessly defeated. And when temptation hits, He is making exit ramps for us so we can escape.

            When we put out head on the pillow at night, we should pause to thank God for the amazing things He has done for us that day in the midst of our ordinary lives. So, instead of longing for Him to do something spectacular for you, thank Him! He already has.” [End] 

 Prayer: Lord, help me to be constantly aware of Your power and presence are with me even in the ordinary times in my life. Thank You for Your amazing work on my behalf (interest) that I know nothing about. [Amen!]

 God is always in control behind the scenes, even on “ordinary” days. 

Written by Joe Stowell, Our Daily Bread Devotion.

             Dorothy: “Every day God is busy shielding us from devastating onslaughts of Satan …” That impressed me because I am always aware of Satan trying hard to get me which is why I tried to practice praying for “the armor of God” to shield me from Satan’s wiles.

            One time when it seems like Satan couldn’t touch me, Satan used the “hit and run” man who saw me pulling out from the car parking lot, but he would not stop to show respect to my car. Instead, the man drove on and “brush” my back bumper that left a black mark. The man got out of his black jeep, looked at his black bumper and said, “My jeep seems fine.” He looked at my white car bumper like it’ll be easy just to wash it off. Then he left. I was absent-minded and didn’t think to take a picture of him and his car license. I was angry at Satan and said, “Did you just have to “brush my car”? It was like he shrugged his shoulder and left. Boy, was I mad? Yes!

            The car wash was not able to wash off the black mark on bumper so I took it to Auto Body shop and the man used alcohol to wash off the black mark, but it had three small paints off the spots. It has to be fixed. It cost me $500 dollars.

            I learned to thank God that it wasn’t a serious damaged and learned to “forgive that man” who didn’t stop to show respect. Reading this devotion helps me to understand that God has a purpose in everything we do. I rest in His promise and trust Him completely with peace and joy inside of me.

            Prayer: Thank you Lord for showing me this devotion to let me know that You are constantly busy preventing Satan’s seeking out to destroy me and Tony. In Jesus’ name. Amen!

            I’m sure that you might be going through some kind of a crazy situation that doesn’t make sense, but just know that God is busy protecting you. Even when some people goes through which looks like they weren’t protected at all.  Still, I learn to trust God and remind myself that He is an all-powerful God. God knows what He is doing. Just trust Him.  

 May the Lord heal you deeply!

 Dorothy

Orman

Orman visited today! 

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