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.

Encamped 9/28-30

28-30 September 2016 - Encamped – Verse for the Day by Dorothy Callies

Psalm 34:7 “The angel of the Lord encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them.” [encamp= to set up and occupy or take place at the camp]

One missionary told a story of how the natives with spears, came upfront and meant to attack the missionary and the family.  The missionary and family prayed earnestly for the Lord to protect them.  Suddenly, the natives ran away.

The missionary was puzzled what caused them to flee.  Later on, one man told a story to the missionary that he and the other natives what they seem to have seen the angels surrounded the missionary’s home. The shining lights from the angels had blinded their eyes which caused them to flee. 

The commentary note from the Bible says that the angel of the Lord probably refers to the angelic hosts of heaven.  They are “ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation. God has appointed His angels to protect and rescue His saints from physical and spiritual harm.  The promise of divine intervention is reserved only for those who truly fear God.

Ps. 34:7 NLT: For the angel of the Lord guards all who fear Him, and He rescues them.” Let us trust His word that He will guards those who really loves Him and truly shows great respect to the Lord.  He is able to deliver us from evil.

Song: He Is Able To Deliver Thee

            (William A. Ogden, Sing His Praise)

‘Tis the grandest theme through the ages rung;

‘Tis the grandest theme for a mortal tongue;

‘Tis the grandest theme that the world ever sung,

“Our God is able to deliver thee.”

Chorus:

He is a - ble to deliver thee,

He is a - ble to deliver thee;

Tho’ by sin oppressed,

Go to Him for rest;

“Our God is able to deliver thee.”

Dorothy: It makes me think of a story of Daniel who was delivered from the lions when Daniel was thrown down into the pit.  The angels closed the mouth of the hungry lions who could have eaten him.  Daniel trusted God in peace. So can we, like Daniel trust our God in peace. Our God was able to deliver Daniel so our God is able to deliver us.

Prayer: Thank you Lord for the wonderful message that You want us to trust You with all our hearts especially when we hear of tragic news on TV or newspapers. All our eyes are upon You as our deliverer. You are able to deliver us in Jesus’ name we pray. Amen!

Blessed Redeemer 9/25-27

25-27 September 2016 - Blessed Redeemer – Manna by Dorothy Callies

            John 5:39 Jesus said, “You search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life; and these and they which testify of Me.”

            In the King James Version this verse reads like a command, “Search the Scriptures”; in the New King James Version and other versions it reads like a statement of fact, “You search the Scriptures.”  Both translations are valid (founded on truth or fact).

            We are to search the Old Testament books; for in them Christ is revealed unto us in the type and prophecy.  He is the theme of the Old Testament from Genesis to Malachi.

            It is a fact that the Jews, scribes, and Pharisees searched the Scriptures; they pored (to read with great attention; study) over them, they diligently (show great effort) investigated them.  However, they were spiritually blind to the Messiah; they saw only the Law, they missed the purpose of the Scriptures.

            They were so legalistic (think only the Law) that they searched the old Scriptures for one purpose: to interpret the Law.  But they were so blinded by the Law that they did not recognize the Lawgiver, who came to fulfill the Law.

            To understand about the Law, you need to know about the ceremonial laws that God command the priest to sacrifice the animals at the altar such as God gave law that they sacrifice the lamb at the altar morning and night.  This was the type of Jesus’ future sacrifice on the cross as the Lamb.

            So when Jesus said, “Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets.  I did not come to destroy but to fulfill” (Matt.5:17).  One example: Jesus fulfilled the Law of the lamb sacrificed at the altar and Jesus was sacrificed at the cross. When Jesus said, “It is finished.”  He meant that the natural lamb being sacrificed was finished.  The animals that were being sacrificed was finished.  No more repeated bloody sacrificed. Jesus ended it all. Jesus died once for all.  He completed the law of sacrifices.

            In this verse Matt. 5:17, Jesus speaks of the Law and the Prophets; the reference is not just to specific laws, but rather to the whole of the Old Testament books.  He fulfilled all the ceremonial laws related to the atoning sacrifices, as well as the moral laws, both positive and negative. 

            He fulfilled all the types (biblical objects, persons, and events that illustrate what is to come) and all the prophecies that pertained (related) to His first coming. When He returns, He will fulfill all those related to His second coming.

            If the Jewish rulers had truly understood the types and prophecies of the Old Testament books, they would have recognized the Christ early in His ministry, and accepted Him as their Messiah.

Dorothy: These came from the studies. What impressed me?  Jesus did not come to destroy the law, but to fulfill or to complete the laws.  He came to complete the prophecies about Him while He was on earth.  There were many things that Jesus did in the New Testament were fulfilled from the Old Testament.  This led me to sing the Chorus: Blessed Redeemer written by Avis Burgeson Christiansen, Sing His Praise. God bless you as you sing this to Jesus.

Blessed Redeemer, precious Redeemer!

Seems now I see Him on Calvary’s tree;

Wounded and bleeding, for sinners’ pleading,

Blind and unheeding, dying for me!

Fragrant Living 9/22-25

22-24 September 2016 - Fragrant Living – Manna by Dorothy Callies

Philippians 4:18 NKJV, “I am full, having received … the things sent from you, a sweet-smelling aroma … well pleasing to God.”

I am thankful that God has given me the sense of smell so we can enjoy the many fragrances of life. Some mornings I go out for fresh air to breathe. I think of red smelling roses that I bought for a friend in the hospital.  Sometimes, I walked and smell the fresh-cut grass.    

Fragrant (adjective) means having a sweet or agreeable smell. Fragrance (a noun) means a sweet, pleasant, and often flowery or fruity smell.  Fragrance has the same meaning of aroma, usually pleasant smell like the aroma of red roses. 

What was Paul trying to say to the Christians who lived in Philippi?  The Philippians church was a missionary church that ministered to Paul’s needs during his travels. They were faithful in supporting Paul as a missionary in his work for the gospel of Jesus Christ. 

From verses 15 through 17 explained of Paul’s traveling that no other churches has ever supported him with giving.  The Philippians church was the only one that helped Paul with his personal needs.  When he was in other town, they sent someone to meet his personal needs. What does this mean to Paul?

Paul says that our generous acts of love toward others are like a “sweet-smelling aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well pleasing to God.”  Paul says that our intentional act of reaching out to meet someone’s need actually fills the throne room of God with a fragrance that brings pleasure to Him.  Imagine that!

KJV quotes, “an odor of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, well pleasing to God.” We can please God with the aromas that rise from being a blessing to others! So when we give support to a faithful missionary, it is like an offering was brought to God. 

Jesus said that what is done for one of the least of His brethren is done for the Lord Himself (Matt. 25:40). We can please God with the aromas that rise from being a blessing to others!  So let us be a blessing to someone today!

Song: Make Me a Blessing

     (Ira Bishop Wilson, Sing His Praise)

Give as ‘twas given to you in your need;

Love as the Master loved you;

Be to the helpless a helper indeed;

Unto your mission be true.

Chorus:

Make me a blessing,

Make me a blessing;

Out of my life may Jesus shine;

Make me a blessing, O Savior, I pray,

Make me a blessing to someone today.

May the Lord bless you real good today!

Dorothy  

Taking Risks 9/19-21

19-21 September 2016 - Taking Risks – Manna by Dorothy Callies

Acts 15:25-26 “. . . Barnabas and Paul, men who have risked their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ” (NKJV).

King James Version quoted this: “Barnabas and Paul, men that have hazarded their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”  The word hazard is an interesting word to me. I have not noticed it when reading through the Bible.  It is through the topic that I could learn from deeper studies and be blessed with God’s word.   

Hazard means a source of danger like <a fire hazard>.  Risk means possibility of loss or injury. Danger means the place of not being protected from injury, harm, or evil. Other meaning of the word danger, hazard, peril, risk mean a threat of loss, injury, or death.

Risk suggests danger that may result from a chance freely taken like <willing to take the risks that come with flying a plane>.  So we see that Barnabas and Paul were chosen to work among the Gentiles.  Paul as a missionary in the Roman Empire, faced hazards that resulted in shipwrecks, beatings, persecution, and imprisonment (2Cor. 11:22-30).

God had been blessing the Gentiles and He opened the door of faith to the Gentiles. But there were conflict over the circumcision that Paul and Barnabas had faced the group of men who believed in legalism, the law or custom of Moses that you must be circumcised first before you accept Jesus Christ and be saved.   

Paul strongly disagreed and often he faced the arguments with those men who were against him very strongly.  Paul took the chance to preach that “you are saved because of the work of Christ and that is grace.  It is not of circumcision or the works that saved you.  It is by putting your faith in Christ and you are saved.” Paul was more than willing to take these risks to make Christ known.

Many believers take risks to spread Jesus’ good news. My prayer is that God will provide His Spirit to empower us and His Word to make the message clear that we are saved by His grace, not of our works (Eph. 2:8-9).  Ask God for the courage to speak up and witness for the Savior.  Taking the risk will be well worth it.  This song is a heart-loving prayer to Jesus.  I believe Holy Spirit will inspires you and you will be blessed through this song.

Song: I Will Serve Thee

I will serve Thee because I love Thee,

You have given life to me;

I was nothing before you found me,

You have given life to me.

Heartache, broken pieces,

Ruined lives are why you died on Calvary;

Your touch was what I longed for,

You have given life to me.

   (By William J. & Gloria Gaither,

                Country Western Gospel Favorites)

A Heart Like Jesus 9/16-18

16-18 September 2016 – A Heart Like Jesus – Manna by Dorothy

Colossians 3:4 “And when Christ, who is your real life, is revealed to the whole world, you will share in all His glory.”

Could we really have a heart like Jesus? That is what God wants! Do we have a Scripture to prove this? Yes, it is in Romans 8:29 in NTL, “For God knew His people in advance, and He chose them to become like His Son . . .” 

I found this prayer song that was next page to the song, I Am Thine, O Lord.  It was in the Manna, Rise in Faith.  I was so impressed with the words and I realized that was a prayer to Jesus, asking Him to give us a heart just like His heart.  I am just learning to sing this. 

Just like His heart, you are revealing this to the whole world and sharing His glory to others who are hungry to see this.  It would be an awesome “operation of God”, meaning the work of God in you. The result of this: God would be glorified when you bear much fruit (John 15:8). NTL: “My true disciples produce much fruit.  This brings great glory to My Father.”  I pray that we revealed His glory to others.

Prayer Song: A Heart Like Your Heart, Lord

            (H. Maurice Lednicky, Sing His Praise)

Give me a heart like Your heart, O Lord, I pray:

A heart that is broken for one who’s gone astray.

Let me never grow calloused by the things I have seen,

But have a heart of compassion for a brother in need.

Give me a heart like Your heart, O Lord, I pray:

A heart ruled by love for there’s no better way.

Let me not remember wrongs that have come my way,

But have a heart of forgiveness for another today.

May the Lord bless you today!

Dorothy

Rise in Faith 9/13-15

13-15 September 2016 - Rise in Faith – Manna by Dorothy Callies

Colossians 2:12 KJV “. . . you are risen with Him through the faith of the operation (work) of God, who hath raised Him from the dead.”

NLT is even clearer in full Scripture of Col. 2:12 “For you were buried with Christ when you were baptized.  And with Him you were raised to a new life because you trusted the mighty power of God, who raised Christ from the dead.”

Colossians 3:1-4 NLT, “Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits at God’s right hand in the place of honor and power.  2) Let heaven fill your thoughts.  Do not think only about things down here on earth.  3) For you died when Christ died, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God.  4) And when Christ, who is your real life, is revealed to the whole world, you will share in all His glory.”

Dorothy:  I felt like a new revelation from Col. 3:4. When Christ, who is your real life, is revealed to the whole world, you will share in all His glory.  I felt like an open door of my life since Tony and I went to the Retreat last weekend of Sept. 9-11. 

And from Col. 3:1 “. . . set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits at God’s right hand . . .” Just like Jesus said, “The kingdom of God is within you.” Another word, “God’s heaven is right within you.”  Through the power of Holy Spirit, we rise in faith to believe Jesus’ word and bring heaven to the lost souls.  Amen!

Song: I Am Thine, O Lord

  (Fanny Jane Crosby, Sing His Praise)

I am Thine, O Lord, I have heard Thy voice,

And it told Thy love to me;

But I long to rise in the arms of faith

And be closer drawn to Thee.

Chorus:

Draw me near-er, near-er, blessed Lord,

To the cross where Thou hast died;

Draw me near-er, near-er, near-er, blessed Lord,

To Thy precious bleeding side.

Dorothy: Point of this song, “I long to rise in the arms of faith,” means that I just want to believe more than ever that Jesus will reveal Himself in our lives.  I am sure you would want the same thing, believing that Jesus would reveal His glory in you. That other Deaf would see Christ in you and they would open themselves to Him.

This is a glorious experience you could ever receive, my friend.  It is awesome what God could do through you and your life.  Just like Paul said, “When Christ, who is your real life, is revealed to the whole world, you will share in all His glory.”

May the Lord bless you today!

Dorothy

America! America! 9/10-12

10-12 September 2016 - America! America! Manna by Dorothy Callies

“America! America! God shed His grace on thee, and crown thy good with brother hood from sea to shining sea!”  That’s what came to me today on Sept. 8th! And I wondered what’s up with that!  I felt a strong spirit of patriot!

Later on, I realized that it has been 15 years ago that the World Trade Center Building has been destroyed on September 11, 2001.  I watched the TV advertised about this … I realized that there’s a spirit of America, being patriot, people who loves our country.  I seem to sense it very strongly and would like to sing this song.

God reminded me that as long as the nation honor God, He will bless the nation. Let us pray to bring God back into our nation since the pilgrims came to America to worship Him freely without any persecution.

Song: America, the Beautiful!

    (Katherine Lee Bates, Sing His Praise)

O beautiful for spacious skies,

     For amber waves of grain,

For purple mountain majesties

     Above the fruited plain!

America!  America!

     God shed His grace on thee,

And crown thy good

             with brotherhood

     From sea to shining sea!

Thinking of all the people who died during that time were many heroes who tried to save the lives of others. I saw the words that touched my heart. 

O beautiful for heroes proved

     In liberating strife,

Who more than self their country loved,

     And mercy more than life!

America!  America!

     May God thy gold refine

Till all success

            Be nobleness

And every gain divine!

It makes me think of a verse Jesus said in John 15:13 NLT: “And here is how to measure it—greatest love is shown when people lay down their lives for their friends.”

May the Lord bless you as you pray for the nation to turn back to God!

Dorothy

Thou Art Worthy 9/7-9

07-09 September 2016 - Thou Art Worthy – Manna by Dorothy Callies

Rev. 4:11 “Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.”

Question: What is the Lord worthy of? The Scripture in Revelation tells us that “they sung a new song, saying Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou was slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, tongue, and people, and nation” (5:9).  There are many that the Lord is worthy of.

This morning of September 6, the song came to me, “Thou art worthy.” I just felt impressed to focus the worthiness of our Lord Jesus Christ. He is worthy of our worship. He is worthy to be loved by us.  He is worthy since He is our Creator. He is worthy because He died for us.  He is worthy because . . . oh, He is just simply worthy . . .

Song: Thou Art Worthy

(By Pauline M. Mills; Rev. 4:11: 5:9)

Thou art worthy, Thou art worthy,

Thou art worthy, O Lord,

To receive glory, glory and honor,

Glory and honor and power.

For Thou has created, hast all things created;

Thou has created all things.

And for Thy pleasure they are created,

For Thou art worthy, O Lord.

May the Lord bless you today!

Dorothy

The Name of Jesus 9/4-6

04-06 September 2016 - The Name of Jesus – Manna by Dorothy Callies

Philippians 2:9-11 KJV, “Wherefore God also hath highly exalted Him, and given Him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”

Song: The Name of Jesus

                (Lyrics: W. C. Martin)

I love the name of Him whose heart

Knows all my griefs and bears a part,

Who bids all anxious fears depart;

I love the name of Jesus.

Chorus:

“Je - sus,” oh, how sweet the name!

“Je - sus,” every day the same;

“Je - sus,” let all the saints proclaim

Its worthy praise forever.

Dorothy:  This early waking morning of September 2, I was inspire to sing the name of Jesus, above all names.  I looked up several different songs about the name of Jesus. I came to like this part of the song and I want to memorize this for deliverance, “bids all anxious fears to depart.” Jesus takes part to carry your burden.  He knows your griefs.

All our problems should bow to Jesus’ name, all things in earth that causes problems to our bodies, should bow to the name of Jesus.  At the name of Jesus, He sets the captive free.  Jesus, oh, how sweet the name!  Jesus, every day the same.  Jesus, let all of us tell of Him being worthy of our praise forever.

Song:  My Heart is Stirred

(Collection of songs)

My heart is stirred whenever I think of Jesus

That blessed Name which sets the captive free;

The only Name through which I find salvation

No name on earth has meant so much to me.

Dorothy: Truly, my heart is stirred when I speak the name of Jesus. That blessed name, Jesus sets me free.  That blessed name, Jesus break the power of sickness.  That blessed name, Jesus removed all our diseases.  That blessed name, Jesus comforts our heart.

Song: Jesus is the Sweetest Name I know

(Lyrics: Charles Wesley)

Jesus is the sweetest name I know,

And He’s just the same as His lovely name.

And that’s the reason why I love Him so;

Oh, Jesus is the sweetest name I know.

May the Lord bless you today!

Dorothy

Springs of Living Water 9/1-3

01-03 September 2016 - Springs of Living Water – Manna by Dorothy

Numbers 21:17, 18 NLT, “There the Israelites sang this song: “Spring up, O well! Yes, sing about it! Sing of this well, which the princes dug, which great leaders hollowed out with their scepters and staff.”

What’s the story about this well?  The people were traveling on the wilderness and they were thirsty.  They were hot. They need water to drink so the Lord led the people of Israelites to travel to Beer, which is the well where the Lord said to Moses, “Assemble the people, and I will give them water.

But when they arrived to the well, it was full of sand, rocks and sticks. They could have been discouraged because there was no water to start with.  But the Lord led them to sing to the well and as they continue to sing, at the same time digged out the sand, rocks and sticks. And finally the water came gushing out.  All the Israelites were able to drink the water. 

God had really blessed them because they acted out in faith believing God, “Get the people to come to the well and I will give them water.”  They trusted God to meet their thirst for water. So they took action to sing to the dry well by faith and the water came.

‘Dry well’ full of sand, rocks and sticks could represent problems, sicknesses, money difficultly, difficult relationship with others and many more.  Whatever we have, let us take action to sing to the ‘dry well’ by faith and let the water of the Holy Spirit ‘clean out’ the sand, rocks and sticks out of our lives.  Allow the Holy Spirit to overflow our lives with healing, love, and tenderness.  Let us sing . . .

Song: Springs of Living Water

                (John Willard Peterson, Sing His Praise)

How sweet the living water from the hills of God;

It makes me glad and happy all the way;

Now glory, grace, and blessing mark the path I’ve trod;

I’m shouting “Hallelujah” every day.

Chorus:

Drinking at the springs of living water,

Happy now am I,

My soul they satisfy;

Drinking at the springs of living water,

O wonderful and bountiful supply.

May the Lord bless you today as you receive to answer to your prayers!

Dorothy

Thank God for Comfort (9/27-30)

27-30 Sept. 2015 – Thank God for Comfort – Manna by Dorothy Callies

2 Cor. 1:3-4a KJV, “Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; Who comforteth us in all our tribulation . . .”

We can thank God for His comfort who is “the God of all comfort.” The word “comfort” translates the Greek: paraklesis means to stand beside a person, encouraging and helping him in a time of trouble. God supremely fulfils this role; He sends to His children the Holy Spirit, He who is called “comforter.”

In John 14:16 tells us that Jesus calls the Holy Spirit “another comforter.” “Comforter” translates the Greek: parakletos, meaning “one called alongside to help.” This is a rich word, meaning Comforter, Strengthener, Counselor, Helper, Adviser, Advocate, Ally, and Friend. The Greek word for “another” is allon, meaning “another of the same kind.” The Holy Spirit continues what Christ Himself did while on earth. [From the Full Life Study Bible]

Question: Why would Jesus need another Comforter? So who is the first comforter? God, our Father in Heaven was always the first Comforter. Jesus was the second Comforter to the disciples while He was on earth. Because He was leaving the earth, He promised another Comforter. Another of the same kind, who? God the Father and God the Son . . . both of them were alway the Comforter.

While Jesus was on earth, He was limited with His flesh. When God send another Comforter, the Holy Spirit to 120 disciples and Holy Spirit was like an internet coming into a person, spoke the language to another person who knew the language, went back to his home country and share the Gospel to many. Holy Spirit can be everywhere at once. It’s hard to imagine that, but believe it! Nothing is too hard for God to send the Comforter when we need Him the most.

So “all praise to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. He is the source of every mercy and the God who comforts us. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When others are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us. You can be sure that the more we suffer for Christ, the more God will shower us with His comfort through Christ” (2Cor.1:3-5, NTL).

My friend, when you are weighed down with troubles, remember it is good for you because God through His Holy Spirit could comfort you. And you will be able to comfort others as well. You will be able to thank God for His comforts through the Holy Spirit!

Song: Come, Holy Spirit

Chorus:

Come, Holy Spirit, I need You,

Come, sweet Spirit, I pray;

Come in Your strength and Your Power,

Come in Your own gentle way.

Come as a wisdom to children,

Come as new sight to the blind,

Come, Lord, as strength to my weakness,

Take me: soul, body, and mind. (Then Chorus)

(Gloria & William J. Gaither, Sing His Praise)

Thank God for Pain (9/24-26)

24-26 Sept 2015 Thank God for Pain – Manna by Dorothy Callies

Acts 14:22 KJV, “. . .  we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.”

What was this really about when Paul and Barnabas said: “They encouraged them to continue in faith, reminding them that they must enter into the Kingdom of God through many tribulations” (Acts 14:22 NLT)?  This was about Paul who were preaching the Good News in different cities, Lystra and Derbe.

“Now some Jews arrived from Antioch and Iconium and turned the crowds into a murderous mob. They stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city, apparently dead. But as the believers stood around him, he got up and went back into the city. The next day Paul left with Barnabas for Derbe” (Acts 14:19-20).

What? Paul got stoned and left him for dead? Why? In New Testament times God did not always protect His servant from harm. To bring the Gospel’s truth into the darkness of the world always give people two choices: to accept Jesus Christ as their Savior or to reject the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The people who rejected the Gospel often brought persecution to God’s servants at a great cost of their lives.  

When Paul was writing to the churches of Galatia, he said, “I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus Christ” (Gal. 6:17). Reading from New Living Translation about Paul’s many trials from 2 Cor. 11:16-33, makes me wonder how did Paul goes through all that pains? What was Paul’s secret? Paul was always thankful for many things, even thank God for pain.

Now what kind of marks did Paul had in his body? Paul had been whipped many times while he was in jail several times. Five different times the Jews gave Paul 39 lashes. Three times Paul was beaten with rods. Wow! That’s many marks on Paul’s body! Why did they do this? They tried to stop Paul from preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

In 2 Cor. 11:27 NLT, Paul said, “I have lived with weariness and pain . . .” KJV, “In weariness and painfulness . . .” Yet Paul was always thankful . . . even when Paul had “a thorn in the flesh” (2Cor.12:7).  Paul gave us a perfect example how to depend on God’s divine grace, and now God is saying to you, “My grace is sufficient for thee: for My strength is made perfect in weakness” (2Cor.12:9).

What impressed me about Paul? I just never thought of how much Paul went through until I brought up the topic called, “Thank God for Pain.” Sometimes you read through the Bible, but don’t think much of it until you have the topic to start with. Then you search the scriptures related to the topic and you realized there’s something more that brought inspiration you didn’t notice before. Thank You Lord for teaching me this!

So if you have problems that you can’t get rid of yet, think about Paul who loves Christ so much that he was willing to bear the marks of the Lord Jesus Christ. And think about God’s grace. [Song: Let’s just praise the Lord … praise the Lord … Let’s just lift our hands toward heaven and praise the Lord … praise the Lord! Repeat]

May God bless you today!  

Be Ye Thankful (9/21-23)

21-23 Sept 2015 - Be Ye Thankful – Manna by Dorothy Callies

Colossians 3:15 “And let the peace of God rule your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.”

NLT: “And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body, you are all called to live in peace. And always be thankful.”

The list are from the songs “Thanks to God” might be helpful to find words when we pray and we can be thankful to God for:

Thanks for prayers answered

Thanks for prayers deny

Thanks for storms

Thanks for supply

Thanks for pain

Thanks for pleasure

Thanks for comfort

Thanks for grace

Thanks for love

Thanks for roses

Thanks for thorns

Thanks for home

Thanks for fireside,

Thanks for hope

Thanks for joy

Thanks for sorrow

Thanks for tears

Thanks for peace  

And many more thanks to God for.

When we are thankful, it opens the door inside our hearts and God dwells in the hearts of thanksgiving. Paul’s letters has many verses that he was always thankful for. I chose two for examples: “I thank my God, making mention of you always in my prayers” (Phil.1:4). “I thank my God always …. that you are enriched by Him …” (1 Cor. 1:4).

Inspiration Song:

Thank you, Lord for amazing grace!

Thank you, Lord for your lovely face!

Thank you, Lord for your heart of love.

Thank you, Lord for the Spirit above.

Thank you, Lord for everything.

Thank you, Lord for the love you bring.

Thank you, Lord for my eyes to see.

Thank you, Lord for loving me.

(Written by Rev. Dorothy Callies)