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! 

Cool! 

The Servant Is 4/29/21

29 April 2021 - The Servant Is – Manna by Dorothy & Tony Callies

John 13:16 “Verily, verily, I say unto you, ‘The servant is not greater than his lord …’

I would like to begin how it happened that I have this Manna:

            Tony was taken by EMT to ER last Sunday morning at 10 a.m. on April 25, 2021 because his pulse was too low. Tony’s body was dehydrated and he had two IVs and also had taken several tests. [Tony is fine and he is much better]

            Last March 30-31, 2021 Tony was at ER because he didn’t feel good. The highlight was focus on liver issue and they wanted to do more “probing” into his liver, but I declined it. Tony has had liver problem for many years and at different times and testing, the doctors were never able to figure out problem except for calling it ‘Gilbert Syndrome.’ But they say that this test shows it was something different.   

            The next day on the follow-up with Tony’s primary doctor who decided to stop one medicine called, ‘liptor’ kind for three weeks and see if there would make a difference. Three weeks past, Tony was at ER again for different reason, dehydrated. After being at ER from 10-5 pm, he looks much better so I started to work on ‘hydrated’ food list that would help with his body and mine too.

            But I want to point out about the test on liver. At ER, they say that the liver is good. His liver is really fine. I was shocked. After so many years, finally I heard them say, “Liver is fine and good?” The next day, Tony had follow-up with immediate ‘nurse’ and an hour of questionnaire. The nurse discussed about how the liver was just fine. And the doctor made the right decision as the doctor suspect that the medicine was causing Tony’s high blood pressures constantly. Now, his blood pressure is normal.

            I pondered this … I turned to God, “Did You just healed Tony’s liver and not the bone yet?” I was silence with God’s Presence being there. Nothing was said but His presence was so sweet and I just simply sense an inner joy and peace. Then Jesus quoted, “The servant is not greater his lord …”

            The next thing, a friend told me the story of two missionaries who went to Iran to preach the gospel. At the custom, they were taken as spies and both missionaries were separated into cells. One missionary’s name was Dan who was taken out of cell to the tormentor’s room. The torture went on for four months. Dan grew tired and felt like he would never be able to leave the cell. One day, the very bright light came upon Dan and Jesus was standing and said to Dan, “I am with you. I am there for you.”

            The tormentor took Dan out of cell and Dan finally said, “I guess we will be here for a long time and we might as well become friends. My name is Dan and took his hand out for a shake … the tormentor was shocked for few minutes, gave his name and took out his hand to shake Dan. Suddenly the tormentor felt the strange power inside him and he wept and wept and felt the change inside. They became friends and Dan told him that Jesus loves him as Dan “love his enemies.”

            Next thing, all staff surrounded Dan and he was in the middle. He told them, “Jesus loves you” and Dan preached the gospel for 20 minutes to them. Then Dan and the tormentor were released and got back to USA and testified what God had done. 

            When I heard this, the deep impression on my heart was that ‘Dan was tortured for four months’ and Jesus was there with him. I pondered … it took the right timing of Dan’s suffering to win a soul for Jesus. Then suddenly verse, “The servant is not greater than the lord.” [In another word, Dan suffered just like Jesus suffered]

            On the research: John 13:16 was about Jesus washing disciples’ feet. If Jesus served, you served too. As a servant, the disciples were not better than Jesus. Jesus left us an example and quoted, “The servant is not greater than his lord.” Translate: “As a servant, we are not better than Jesus as our Lord.”  

            According to John 15:20 is another topic on suffering itself. “Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted Me, they will also persecute you …”

            Then back to the thought of Dan going through four months of beatings … Dan’s endurance impressed me … pondering … Then Jesus spoke to my heart … “This month of April 2021 is the fourth year that you and Tony have endured together since April 2017. It was a molding character time that allows the Holy Spirit to work inside of you and Tony. My peace I give it to you. Come unto Me. I will give you rest.”

            So Paul’s prayer that “[God] would grant you, according to His glory, to be strengthened with might by His Spirit in the inner man; That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith, that [you] being rooted and ground in love … and to know the love of Christ, which [is beyond] knowledge, that [you] might be filled with all the fullness of God” (Ephesians 3:16, 17, 19).

            I felt the new change inside of me with this thought: “Dan suffered four months of beatings. Tony and I suffered four years. I felt like a body of Christ, our brothers and sisters of the world are suffering too. I felt the comforts and inner strengthen when my thoughts were on Dan’s powerful testimony of Jesus Christ.

            My complete trust in God that He has a perfect plan for Tony and me on day to day basis. Paul’s prayer of 2,000 years ago is still in effect to all of us today. Take this opportunity of Paul’s prayer over you today.

            God bless you!

Dorothy

PS. Happy May First today.

           

God Comforts Us 4/22/21

22 April 2021– Manna by Dorothy and Tony Callies

Theme: God Comforts Us

2 Corinthians 1:4 “[God] comforts us in all our troubles, so that we comfort those in any trouble.”   (Summary means get to the points or covering the points)

    Summary devotion some *part are from ‘Our Daily Bread’ written by Alyson Kieda.            

            *The story of a kitten who was very ill, the owner dropped him off at an animal shelter, thinking this kitten will not get well. When the kitten got well, the vet adopted him and live at the shelter and now spends his days “comforting” cats and dogs—just out of surgery or recovering from an illness—through his warm presence and gentle purr.

            Dot: It is a very heart touching to know that the story of this cat God is telling us that “God is like that cat” soothing which means to bring comfort to us with warm presence and just like a cat with a “gentle purr.” (aww)

            Giving this picture about the cat help us to understand that God cares and “comforts us in all our troubles.” On TV with several advertisements, I have seen cats have shown the loving embrace to their owners that is very heart touching and it just melt my heart. Just picture this God that God is doing it to you. I love that thoughts.

            *God, our Father comforts us, and when we experienced His comfort, He wants us to be able to comfort others who are going through hard time.

            Dot: We often sees this in Face Book that friends share their thoughts of prayers and try to comfort them.  Just remember that *our Savior who really felt that pain and suffered for us, is more than able to comfort us in our suffering and problems. Jesus helps us through our pain and prepare us to do the same for others.

            *Prayer: Dear Father God, thank You for Your comforting presence in my pain and sorrow.  Help me in turn to be a comfort to others. [End of summary devotion]

            I remember the song, The Comforter Has Come. It touches my heart.

 Song: The Comforter Has Come

Lo, the great King of kings,

     with healing in His wings,

To every captive soul

     a full deliverance brings;

And tho’ the vacant cells (empty jails)

     the song of triumph rings;

The Comforter has come!

Chorus:

The Comforter has come,

The Comforter has come,

The Holy Ghost from heaven.

The Father’s promise given;

O spread the tidings around,

Wherever man is found,

The Comforter has come!

[Frank Bottome, Sing His Praise]

 

May God bless you today!

Dorothy