His Workmanship 10/17/21

17 October 2021 - Manna by Dorothy and Tony Callies

Theme: His Workmanship (A highly skilled worker)

 Ephesians 2:10 “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God has before ordained (to become a Christian worker or minister) that we should walk in them.”

            The movie called, “The Gospel of John” the part that impressed me when Jesus quoted, “My Father and I are always working.” It was from John 5:17 that Jesus had just healed the man of 38 years of being crippled, he got up and walked. It happened on the Sabbath day that the religious Jew complained against Him for working on Sabbath day. Still Jesus said that He and His Father are always working.

            Why this impressed me? I tell you why. In our everyday lives, I often wondered what does God do when things happened to us. I read one story of a man who wrote about his friend who had just lost his wife and he was in deep grief. He asked God a question, “What do You do when a man is grief over the loss of his wife?” It felt like there’s no profit when a person is grief. (What does it profit when a person grief?)

            Then he received a vision: A melting pot of gold with refining fire.  The dross (a waste or foreign things) appeared on top of melting gold, Jesus wiped the dross from the top of the melting pot. The refining fire makes the gold clearer. Jesus explained that He was working on man’s life of grief, making his gold richer as Jesus continued to remove the dross of man’s life. So the man’s grief was not a waste, but a “grief” was a refining fire.

            That really hit me! Because Jesus was working but we don’t see it. That’s what FAITH is all about. Ephesians 2:8 “By grace you are saved through FAITH; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God.”

            Using the verse John 5:17 to remind me that Jesus is working which was why Paul explained, ““For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works” (Ephesians 2:10) The word, workmanship means the art or skill of workman: Craftsmanship also means a highly skilled worker. That we should walk in them meaning be trained in God’s Word to become His worker? Something to think about.

            My friend if you are grieving, know this that Jesus is working … He is not ignoring you … as we sometimes felt that way. I just know that God does cares no matter how Satan tried to “buffet us” that God doesn’t care. I used the John 5:17 to tell Satan off that God is working … and boy that’s feels good!

            May God richly bless you!

 Dorothy

 

 

Pray Without Ceasing 9/29/21

Good morning! I just had to share this Manna with you. It was eye opening for me. Thank You Holy Spirit. Tony doing some improvement in some ways. Every day I see tiny miracle in Tony. Thank you for your prayers. Dot

             1 Thess. 5:17-18 “Pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus in you.”

            Paul closed his first letter to the Christians at Thessalonica, he stirred them with Scriptures of encouragements from verses 12-22. [I translated into my language.]  

          “Now we encourage you.  Urge you to take notice those who work hard among you and encourage you.  Think very highly in love for their work.  Be at peace with others.  Warn those who are rude and not show respect to others.   Comfort the shy.  Support the weak.  Be patient with all.  Make sure no one has revenge spirit. Seek what is good.  Rejoice always.  Don’t give up praying. Always give thanks.  Don’t stop Holy Spirit’s helping you.  Don’t look down at prophecies.  Test all things.  Hold on what is good.  Stay away from appearance of evil.”

            Paul prayed from verse 23, “Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify (cleanse) you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.”     

            From Paul’s word, I was very impressed that Paul has given the Christians the word of encouragement on how to build yourselves through Jesus’ teaching.  

 May the Lord bless you!

Dorothy

PS. This came from Bible Study. God’s Word is actually our Presence of God. It is based on John 1:1 that “The Word was God” meaning it is Jesus. Oh, it is Jesus!

Pray in Spirit 9/21/21

21 September 2021 Pray in Spirit- Manna by Dorothy & Tony Callies

 Theme: Pray in the Spirit – Jude 1:20.

“But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit.”

            Why do we need to build ourselves on faith and keep praying in Spirit? The answer is in Jude 1:21 so we could “keep ourselves in the love of God and looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.”

            “The Spirit helps us with our weakness. We do not know how to pray as we should. But the Spirit Himself speaks to God for us, even begs God for us with deep feelings that words cannot explain. God can see what is in people’s hearts. And He knows what is in the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit speaks to God for His people in the way God wants.” (Rom. 8:26-27 NCV).

            Do you ever wonder who Jude was? Jude was the brother of Jesus. And Jude really encouraged us to pray in the Holy Spirit. Holy Spirit helps us in prayer so we are to pray in the Spirit. Let us pray that Christ will guide us through Holy Spirit’s help. If we made mistakes and sinned, 1 John 1:9 tells us to confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. The blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleansed us from all sin (1John 1:7).                    

         The next theme explained more definition about intercession:

            From Roman 8:26-27 the key word is intercession. Holy Spirit makes intercession for us. Holy Spirit makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God. It is important to know the meaning of the word intercession and what Holy Spirit does. Intercession comes from the word, intercede. Intercession means the act of interceding. Intercede means to act as a go-between for hostiles (an enemy) parties; to plead in behalf (spoke for; representative) of another.

            “To go-between for hostiles.” Who is our hostiles that Holy Spirit has to intercede for us? Satan is our hostile, means he is our enemy. Satan mess things up and we get confused. Hostiles can be refer to problems that we sometime cannot handle it.

            So Holy Spirit act as a go-between us, our problems and Satan. It is like we are in the court and Holy Spirit is our advocate, our lawyer with Christ. Holy Spirit presents our case before God in the court. Satan is opposing enemy. Holy Spirit speaks to God about our problems that Satan has caused and Holy Spirit wants to set us free in our spirits. Holy Spirit presents our case to God against Satan that we are under Christ’s blood and Satan lost his case.  

            It is important to understand the meaning that the Holy Spirit is our “go-between” for our problems and talked to God about the situations we faced. The will of God means the plan of God and only the Holy Spirit who is God, knows what is in the mind of God. So praying in the Holy Spirit will open our hearts and minds to see God’s purpose in all things.

            Like Roman 8:28 tell us: “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to His purpose.”

            For what purpose? Roman 8:29 tells us what purpose of what we go through.

“For whom He did foreknow, He also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of His Son.” [He knew about us before. He plan ahead. God, the Father wants us to be like Jesus, His Son.]

            NCV interpret this from Roman 8:29: “We know that in everything God works for the good of those who love Him. They are the people He called, because that was His plan. God knew them before He made the world, and He decided that they would be like His Son so that Jesus would be the first-born of many brothers.” Romans 8:30 in NCV. “God planned for them to be like His Son, He also called, and those He called, He also made right with Him; and those He made right, He also glorified.”

            Translate: This is deep. God knew about us before the world was ever created. God knew what we are right now. Why are we facing problems? God said, “So you would be like My Son.” What does that really means? It means you will suffered like His Son had suffered. But Jesus’ life was full of God’s love and God wants us to be like Jesus, full of Holy Spirit and full of love. Amazing grace! Whatever suffering you go through, just be filled with Holy Spirit and let Him lead you. How rich is that!!!   

God bless you! 

Dorothy

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!