Hope 28 Song

Revelation 21:21 - "I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband."

Song: In the New Jerusalem
1. When the toils of life are over
And we lay our armor down,
And we bid farewell to earth with all it's cares,
We shall meet and greet our loved ones,
And our Christ we then shall crown
In the new Jeru-sa-lem.
CHORUS: There'll be singing, there'll be shouting
When the saints come marching home,
In Jeru-sa-lem, In Jeru-sa-lem; [In the New Jerusalem]
Waving palms with loud hosannas
As the King shall take His throne,
In the new Jeru-sa-lem . . . .

2. Tho' the way is sometimes lonely,
He will hold me with His hand,
Thro' the testings and the trials I must go;
But I'll trust and gladly follow,
For sometimes I'll understand,
In the new Jeru-sa-lem . . . .
CHORUS: There'll be singing, there'll be shouting
When the saints come marching home,
In Jeru-sa-lem, In Jeru-sa-lem; [In the New Jerusalem]
Waving palms with loud hosannas
As the King shall take His throne,
In the new Jeru-sa-lem . . . .

3. When we join the ransomed army
In the summer-land above,
And the face of our dear Savior we behold,
We will sing and shout forever,
And we'll grow in perfect love,
In the new Jeru-sa-lem . . . .
CHORUS: There'll be singing, there'll be shouting
When the saints come marching home,
In Jeru-sa-lem, In Jeru-sa-lem; [In the New Jerusalem]
Waving palms with loud hosannas
As the King shall take His throne,
In the new Jeru-sa-lem . . . .
LYRICS AND MUSIC: C. B. Widmeyer

Looking forward to meet Jesus in the sky!

Dorothy

Hope Series 27

Revelation 21:5 - "And he (Jesus) that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said to me (John), Write: for these words are true and faithful."

            
            Theme: Revelation, A Book of Hope

God opened the "Genesis" with His new creation, a paradise for Adam and Eve while "Revelation" closes human history. But there is one distinct (clearly seen) difference in Revelation--evil is gone forever. Genesis describes a garden with an evil serpent; Revelation describes a perfect city with no evil. The Garden of Eden was destroyed by sin; but paradise is re-created in the New Jerusalem.

Jesus said, "Behold, I make all things new." God is the creator. The Bible begins with the majestic story of His creation of the universe, and it concludes (end) with His creation of a new heaven and a new earth. This is a tremendous hope and encouragement for the believer.

The book of Revelation ends with an urgent plea; "Come, Lord Jesus!" In a world of problems, persecution, evil, and immorality, Lord Jesus Christ calls us to endure in our faith. Our goal is to hold on to the hope of His calling that God has given us to do, endure.

Revelation is, above all, a book of hope. It shows that no matter what happens on earth, God is in control. It promises that evil will not last forever. Like Scripture said, "The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet (Rom. 16:20a). And Revelation represents a picture of the wonderful reward that is waiting for all who believe in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.

May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen. (Rev. 22:21)

Dorothy

PS. My friend, this is a closure of the Hope Series 27 with one more song in Hope 28, "In The New Jerusalem." I pray that God has blessed you with Hope Series from 1 through 28. After that, it will varies "Fresh Manna" devotion since it's Christmas!!!!

Hope Series 26

Job 42:7a - Then The Lord said to Eliphaz, "I am angry with you and your two friends, for you have not been right in what you have said about Me, as My servant Job was."


                Theme: Hope for Job's Friends
 
God made it clear that Job's friends were wrong. Job's friends made the mistakes of guessing that Job's suffering was caused by some great sin. They were judging Job without knowing what God was doing. This should warn us to avoid making any rash judgments about a person we "think we know" because God may be working in ways we know nothing about.

Does Job's friends have any hope of forgiveness from God and from Job? Yes, God gave them an instruction what they must do. They were to take some animals for burnt offering and go to Job for offering. God said for Job to pray and intercede for them.  When Job prayed for his friends, The Lord gave back everything he had lost, but this time, twice as much as before (Job 42:8-10).

What can we learn from this? After Job receiving much criticism, Job was still able to pray for his three friends. Is it difficult to forgive someone who has accused us of wrong doing? Job gave us a perfect example that he did forgave his friends. Job prayed for them when they had hurt him. Job forgave them. Can we forgive our friends who hurt us?

God called Job a good man and God had Job prayed for them. Their only hope was through Job's intercession for them. If your friends have hurt you and God might be angry at them for hurting you, would you pray to God and ask Him to spare them from His anger and cover them with the blood of Jesus and ask God to save their soul?

The key to all this one verse: "Humble yourself in the sight of the Lord and He will lift you up." (James 4:10) I have quoted this so often when I had faced some challenges of criticism. God will reward you when you pray for them. There's peace in forgiveness.

So trust God today!

Dorothy

PS. I know it's long, but I believe that many of us might have faced this. I love this devotion because of who God was and still is through the story of Job. This soften my heart about God Himself. I love Him!

Hope Series 25 Part 2

Job 38:1 - The Lord answered Job from the whirlwind, "Who is this that questions My wisdom with such ignorant words."

        Theme: Job's Patience -  Who is This?
Here are the few things I notice of how God deals with the situation with Job. This shows me that God was aware of all kind of conversations between Job and his four friends. It was when Job and his four friends were finally at silence for the lost of words at the end of chapter 37. Then "BOOM" . . .  God entered the scene with a grand opening with His appearance of whirlwind to Job.  Whoa! That must be something! We would love this, won't we? The Lord answered Job from the whirlwind, "Who is this that questions My wisdom with such ignorant words" (Job 38:1).

Surprisingly, God didn't answer any of Job's questions; Job's questions were not at the heart of issue. Instead, God used Job's ignorance (lack of knowledge, education, or awareness) of the earth's natural order to reveal Job's ignorance of God's moral order. If Job did not understand the workings of God's physical creation, how could he possibly understand God's mind and character?

So God asked him questions. "Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth? (38:4).  Do you know when the mountain goats give birth? (39:1a). Take a look at the mighty hippopotamus. I made it, just like I MADE YOU (39:15). God asked Job several questions about the animal kingdom in order to demonstrate how limited Job's knowledge really was. God was not seeking answers from Job. Instead, He was getting Job to recognize and submit to God's power and sovereignty. Only then could Job hear what God was really saying to him.

Then the Lord said to Job, "Do you still want to argue with the Almighty? You (Job) are God's critic, but do you have the answers?" (40:1-2) We could reply with Job to the Lord and say, "I am nothing--how could I ever find the answers? I will put my hand over my mouth in silence. I have said too much already. I have nothing more to say." (40:3-5 QVLAB)

Then Job replied to the Lord. "I know that You can do anything, and no one can stop You. You ask, 'Who is this that questions My wisdom with such ignorance?' It is I. And I was talking about things I did not understand, things too wonderful for me. I have heard about You before, but now I have seen You with my own eyes. I take back everything I said, and I sit in dust and ashes to show my repentance" (Job 42:1-3, 5-6 QVLAB).

Job humbled himself to the Lord and because Job kept trusting God, God rewarded Job. Job lived 140 years. After that, Job lived to see four generations of his children and grandchildren. He died an old man who had lived a long good life (Job 42:16-17).

You will be rewarded when you keep your HOPE in God and keep trusting Him! He loves you that much!

Dorothy

Hope Series 24 Part 1

James 5:8 - "You, too, must be patient. DO NOT GIVE UP HOPE because the Lord is coming soon."

                    Theme: Job's Patience
In the New Testament, James used Job as an example of encouragement. James 5:11:a "You have heard about Job’s patience, and you know the Lord’s purpose for him in the end. You know the Lord is full of mercy and is kind" (NCV).  James 5:8 " You, too, must be patient. DO NOT GIVE UP HOPE because the Lord is coming soon."

When Job was in grief, he wanted to give up, to be freed from his comfort, and to die. Do you ever felt like that? Know something? God did not grant Job's request. Maybe that's why God did not alway grant our wishes. God had a greater plan for Job so God has a greater plan for you as well.  Job trusted God when things were easy and he had everything. But when difficult times came, Job was tested and often beyond his limits.

So I would like to share a few things I noticed of how God dealt the situations with Job. His friends tried to figure out "why Job was suffering." After many days of speeches from his four friends, Eliphaz, Bildad, Zophar, and Elihu to Job, they had came to the end when they could not find the "word of wisdoms" to comfort Job's suffering. Job was miserable and despair and he began to lose hope. Sometimes we might felt like Job and questioned, "Does God care when I am suffering?" Surprisingly, the Bible will tell us that. (The next Hope 25, Part 2 will lead to deeper subject).

Suddenly, the Lord answered Job from the whirlwind, "Who is this that questions My wisdom with such ignorant words" (Job 38:1).  Out of a whirlwind, God spoke! He cares! Oh yes He cares! There's a song called, "Does Jesus Care?"

 Chorus: Does Jesus Care?
O yes, He cares; I know He cares;
His heart is touched with my grief;
When the days are weary,
the long night dreary,
I know my Savior cares. . . .
(Lyrics: Frank E. Graeff)

Yes, God is a caring God!  Believe this!

Dorothy

Hope Series 23

1 Peter 1:3-4 KJV
"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a LIVELY HOPE by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you."

                Theme: Lively Hope and/or Living Hope
 
Tony and I were reading Billy Graham's book, "Nearing Home," and he wrote about the closing part on "Don't live without hope." A short story about a young man who wrote to Billy that he believed that once you are dead, that's it. Life after death is just a myth.

Billy's reply came from his heart. "Your letter deeply saddened me," he wrote, "because it means you are living without hope--hope for this life, and hope for the life to come. Have you honestly faced how empty and meaningless this will make your life?" Then Billy urged the young man to turn to Jesus Christ and put his life into His hands, for He alone can give us hope for the future. What would our lives be like without any hope of life beyond the grave? (Note from page 167, Nearing Home by Billy Graham).

It is good to repeat the scriptures and read it again, the "living hope" from NCV: 1 Peter 1:3-4 --3Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. In God’s great mercy he has caused us to be born again into a LIVING HOPE, because Jesus Christ rose from the dead. 4Now we hope for the blessings God has for his children. These blessings, which cannot be destroyed or be spoiled or lose their beauty, are kept in heaven for you."

It reminds me of the words in song: "My hope is built on nothing less Than Jesus' blood and righteousness; I dare not trust the sweetest frame, but wholly lean on Jesus' name. On Christ the solid Rock, I stand; All other ground is sinking sand; All other ground is sinking sand." It is written by Edward Mote from Sing His Praise, "The Solid Rock."

May the Lord bless our  lively hope because Jesus Christ rose from the dead!

Dorothy

Hope Series 22

Colossians 1:27 " . . . Christ in you, the HOPE of glory."
Theme: Hope of Glory and Songs

Christ's living in me is my HOPE and my assurance of future glory and eternal life. It is only through His indwelling (living in my heart) and my continual close communion with Him can remove my doubts about my home in heaven. To have Jesus in my heart is to have life in Him. That is my hope of glory, hope of my heavenly home. I like the songs that gives me "hope of glory, my heavenly home" with Christ.

Song: Heavenly Sunlight
In the bright sunlight, ever rejoicing,
Pressing my way to mansions above;
Singing His praises gladly I'm walking,
Walking in sunlight, sunlight of love.
Chorus:
Heavenly sunlight, heavenly sunlight,
Flooding my soul with glory divine;
Hallelujah, I am rejoicing,
Singing His praises, Jesus is mine.
(Henry J. Zelley, Sing His Praise)

Song: I Feel Like Traveling On
1. My heavenly home is bright and fair,
I feel like traveling on.
Nor pain, nor death can enter there,
I feel like traveling on.
Chorus:
Yes, I feel like traveling on,
I feel like traveling on;
My heavenly home is bright and fair,
I feel like traveling on.

2. The Lord has been so good to me,
I feel like traveling on.
Until that blessed home I see,
I feel like traveling on.
Chorus:
Yes, I feel like traveling on,
I feel like traveling on;
My heavenly home is bright and fair,
I feel like traveling on.
(Lyrics: William Hunter, Sing His Praise)

I remember Johnny Berry, Rev. Bea Berry's husband who loves to sing that song, "I Feel Like Traveling On" during my time in 1960's in the former Riverside Deaf Church in California (the deaf church moved in different town where Rev. Tom and Joyce Mathers are now the pastors. They build a new deaf church.)

May the Lord bring hope of glory in your heart today!

Dorothy

Hope Series 21

Colossians 1:23b
" . . . be not moved away from the HOPE of the gospel . . . "

Theme: Be Not Moved Away from Hope.

The second topic that impressed me was, "be not moved away from the hope of the gospel." Colossians 1:23 "If ye continued in the faith grounded and settled, and not be moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I, Paul am made a minister."

What would that be which might cause us to "be moved away from the hope of the gospel?" What was Paul, the Epistle writer, talked about? Let's search the scriptures.

There are two words, grounded and settled. Paul used those words that our faith can be grounded and settled with the hope of the gospel of Jesus Christ. And that our faith would not be shaken so easily when someone comes to us with the different kind of teachings. It is important to "be grounded and settled" with the "doctrines of Jesus Christ."

"... He (you) that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he (you) have both the Father and the Son" (2 John 1:9).  Where do we find the doctrines or the teachings of Jesus Christ? The four books of the gospel are Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. And the book of Acts which was the evidence of the gospel.

For example: Someone comes to you and say, "There is another kind of gospel . . . " which has a different kind of teachings that are not of Christ.

What would you do? I would search the scriptures like Galatians 1:7-12. These verses explained that the Bible clearly affirms that there is only one gospel, "the gospel of Christ".  It has to come through "the revelation of Jesus Christ" and "the inspiration of the Holy Spirit". Also John, the Beloved said, "Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God" 2John 1:9.

When you know there's only one way to heaven is through Jesus Christ. Then let us not be moved away from our hope of the gospel which is our Savior and our Redeemer!

So let us be true to our Lord Jesus Christ!

Dorothy

Hope Series 20

Colossians 1:23b
" . . . be not moved away from the HOPE of the gospel, which ye have heard . . . "

Do you remember when you first heard the gospel of Jesus  Christ? What did you used to believe before? For me, I used to believe that I, automatically, was a Christian when I went with my family to church while I was growing up. The theme, "the  gospel of Jesus Christ" did not have any impact on me. While growing up, I wore hearing aid, but the words were not always clear to my concept of understanding. I didn't learn sign language then.

I went to California School for Deaf in Riverside and there I learned sign language at the age of 13. I went to Deaf Family Camp at Pinecrest and there was a lady evangelist who preached in sign language, came to me personally, "Have you asked Jesus to come into your heart"? I respond that I go to "church" and that I was a Christian. She asked me again, and again until I realized that I did not ask Jesus to come into my heart. I was really surprised that this was what "the gospel of Jesus Christ" was all about.

So the question is, "Have you truly invite Jesus to come into your heart?" Revelation 3:20 Jesus said, "Behold, I stand at the door and knock . . ." Where would Jesus do that? At your heart! So when you open your heart to Jesus, you would say, "Come into my heart!" Jesus said, "I will come in . . ." and He will fellowship with you.

This is our hope of the gospel was when we first heard the gospel of Jesus Christ and this is when we invited Him into our life. This is my favorite song, "Come Into My Heart."

Song: Into My Heart
Into my heart, into my heart
Come into my heart Lord Jesus;
Come in today, come in to stay.
Come into my heart Lord Jesus.
(Inspiring Choruses)

So let's invite Him today!

Dorothy

PS. If someone say: Well, Jesus already lives in my heart. Yes, that is true! This is a simple reminder of how we have asked Jesus into our hearts. I just love to do this because this inspired me again and again just to feel closer to Him. And just so I don't lose out with Him when we might easily forget. Like Bread + Wine Communion, Jesus said, "Do this often to remember Me."

Hope Series 19

Jeremiah 17:7
Blessed is the man that trusteth in the Lord, and whose HOPE the Lord is.

What would happen if a person decided not to put his or her hope in God? Sometimes there might be questions: "Is it worth to keep our hope in God? What  if I decided that it would be easier just to give it up?" Surprise that God has something to say to us about that!

"This is what The Lord says: Cursed are those who put their trust in mere humans and turn their hearts away from the Lord. They are like stunted shrubs in the desert, WITH NO HOPE FOR THE FUTURE. They will live in the barren wilderness on the salty flats where no one lives." Jeremiah 17:5-6 NLT.

What would we as a person be like when we keep on trusting the Lord and keep our hope in God?

"But blessed are those who trust in the Lord and have made the Lord their hope and confidence. They shall be like trees planted along a riverbank, with roots that reach deep into the water. Such trees are not bothered by heat or worried by long months of drought. Their leaves stay green, and they go right on producing delicious fruit." Jeremiah 17:7-8 NLT.

This should encourage us that we did the right thing to keep on trusting the Lord and our hope is in God who promised to meet our needs.

So let us keep trusting the Lord!

Dorothy

Song: Keep Me True
Keep me true, Lord Jesus, keep me true;
Keep me true, Lord Jesus, keep me true;
There's a race that I must run,
There are victories to be won.
Give me power, every hour, to be true.
(Inspiring Choruses)

Hope Series 18

Ephesians 6:17
"And take the helmet of salvation . . . "

 Theme: Helmet of Hope
Are you struggling with problems within yourself? What are you thinking of? Sometimes our mind are open to any thought that comes our ways unexpectedly.  Even if you may wonder, "Where did those thoughts came from?"

Paul, the epistle writer,  knows this so well which he advised us to take the helmet of salvation. The word salvation means, saving a person from danger or evil or even sins. Saving us from whom? Our fight are against the devil's tricks (Eph. 6:11). How do we do something about it?  If you know the powerful word, TAKE. It means to lay hold of. It is like 'grasp' such as 'take my hand'. Another meaning for TAKE is to capture every thought and put it under the helmet of saving us from downfall with wrong thoughts.

 So Holy Spirit is encouraging us to TAKE "the helmet of salvation”, which is “the hope of salvation” (1 Thess. 5:8). When we struggle with our thoughts, we have the power to speak God's word, "I put on the helmet which is the hope of salvation for me." It feels good to know that God's Word is there for us.

So praise the Lord, we have helmet of hope!

Dorothy

Hope Series 17

Our Guest is Dean Hardy of Canada and his testimony of hope about Jonathan.

God’s Everlasting Faithfulness Gives Us Hope Each Day

Psalm 111:1-4 ncv – 1 Praise the Lord! I will thank the Lord with all my heart as I meet with His godly people. 2 How amazing are the deeds of the Lord! All who delight in Him should ponder them. 3 Everything He does reveals His glory and majesty. His righteousness never fails. 4 He causes us to remember His wonderful works. How gracious and merciful is our Lord!

These past few weeks have been quite a rollercoaster ride for those of us who are family and friends of Jonathan, one of our new leaders in Ottawa Valley Deaf Church.

Several weeks ago—Sunday, September 16—I was out of town at a family wedding with my wife and oldest daughter. While we were waiting for the reception to start,  I received some bad news—Jonathan had collapsed in a store and was without a heartbeat for at least 25 minutes. Someone tried CPR, then paramedics arrived 10 minutes later, but it took another 15 minutes of working on him to get his heart going again. At the hospital they put him into a medically induced coma and kept his body as cool as possible to protect the brain from possible swelling. At that time it was not looking good. We immediately began to pray and asked many others churches to pray. Jon would need a miracle. But the Lord was already at work. Ruth his new wife of less than one year was at work and Jon decided to go to the store to pick up a few things before church. If he had been at home there would have been no one to call 911 and Jon would not be with us.

I was unable to get to the hospital until Monday evening, Sept 17, but a couple of our Deaf church leaders had already been to the hospital to spend time supporting Ruth and the family in prayer and encouragement. Jon became a Christian only a year and a half ago, but has been growing in his faith. Just recently he had taken on leadership responsibilities in our church. He and Ruth were looking forward to celebrating their first anniversary which falls on October 8th.  My son and I married this wonderful couple outdoors on a beautiful fall day on October 8th—God truly has blessed them. Now this!

There were many questions—would Jon ever wake up again—had he suffered brain damage from being out for so long—would he ever be the same—would he be able to go back to work (he’s only 50)???? So all week long we waited and prayed—waited and prayed—waited and prayed some more. People all over were praying. Someone even called the local Christian radio station to ask people to pray. The doctors and nurses were positive and encouraging, but with the brain no one could say anything definite until he woke up. But the Lord encouraged us all week to keep trusting Him to take care of Jon. Dorothy Callies’ devotional series on hope during this time was a very timely encouragement.

As I prayed over Jon on Wednesday evening, Sept. 19th during the first week of our vigil, a peace settled on my heart. On the drive home, about ten minutes in, I decided to turn on my MP3 player on my phone. The first song that came on was Twila Paris’ The Battle is the Lord’s. This was an encouraging reminder of God’s sovereignty. Young David declared this to Goliath in 1 Samuel 17:47. Goliath had been mocking David—who was only a young teenager with no battle experience—and his God. He told Goliath that God was in control and would give him the victory in this situation which seemed humanly impossible. Our friend Jonathan’s situation seemed impossible, but again and again God assured us He was in control.

The doctors postponed waking him up several times to make sure the conditions were right. There was concern he would wake up in a panic like many patients do. We prayed for the peace of Jesus to settle on his heart. After another postponement on Friday, Sept. 21st, we all went home thinking it would be another 2-3 days. But Saturday morning—September 22nd—after sleeping for 6 days, Jon woke up quietly, peacefully. After he was able to focus a little he signed “I love you” to his wife, Ruth. What joy we experienced as one by one, we rushed back to the hospital to watch this miracle unfold. Even though he was still very groggy and confused, Jonathan recognized everyone who came into the room and signed ILY to each one. The next day, Sunday, Sept. 23rd, he was still in a very confused state—but all day he did two things repeatedly. He said, “Praise the Lord” and insisted on laying hands on each person who visited to ask God’s blessing on them. Even though some of the details were still mixed up it was amazing how much he remembered—names, places, events. A close cousin who visited commented at how free and uninhibited his praise and worship of God was—it was a joy to watch.

The following Monday, Sept. 24th, he was talking much more, but still somewhat confused—however, each day he was a little better than the day before. On Wednesday, September 26th Jonathan was moved out of the Coronary Care Unit into a regular room. When I visited him on the Thursday, Sept. 27th, of that week he was himself, the Jon we all know and love. He was communicating clearly and seemed back to normal. The doctors still don’t know why he collapsed so suddenly on September the 16th, or how he recovered so well. But we who are the Lord’s people know—it was our God, the Great Physician who protected Jon’s mind and has brought him back to us. Although they are still unsure of what caused the 25 minute heart stoppage the doctors put in an internal defibrillator as a precaution if this happens again. Jonathan finally went home Friday, October 5th just before Canadian Thanksgiving and their 1st anniversary on October 8th—Thanksgiving Monday. We all had much to be thankful for with that extra blessing—thank You Lord.

A verse that came to me on the Sunday morning after he woke up, was 2 Chronicles 16:9a ncv.“The Lord searches all the earth for people who have given themselves completely to Him. He wants to make them strong. . . .” In the NKJV it says He wants “to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him.” God is looking for opportunities to show the world His power, grace and mercy through those who trust Him. His gracious actions give us hope each day—even those days which seem dark, frightening, when God appears silent. We know we can trust Him no matter what happens—Our God reigns and He is fully in control!  (End)

I hope you read this far. Prayer for Jonathan is needed as he will see his doctor for his first check up this week. We pray, oh Lord for Your continuing mighty miracles on Jonathan's life. We believed and we received. In Jesus' name, Amen!

Dorothy Callies

Hope Series 16

We have a guest, Rhoda Nelson of Minnesota who wrote the song and she said:
"Can't wait! Want to send you one of my favorite songs I wrote. Its how I feel!"

November 2, 2012
Hope Series 16 Song for the Day

Colossians 3:16
"Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly . . . singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord."

"Homesick For Heaven"
 1. God made this world its beauty you can see;
He made the stars. He made the honey bee.
He gave His life for every human heart.
That's why I sing My God How Great Thou Art!
Chorus:
Now I'm homesick for heaven.
 I long my dear Saviour to see.
I know He will greet me when the pearly gates open for me.

2. Christ promised me a mansion over there.
He said "be true and trust me everywhere".
And though the path be rugged to that land,
I long to see the nail prints in His hand.
Chorus:
That's why I'm homesick for heaven.
I long my dear Saviour to see.
I know He will greet me when the pearly gates open for me.

3. I kneel in prayer; I look up in His face.
Then I thank the Lord for His redeeming Grace,
But how my heart longs for that blessed day,
When up in Heaven all tears are wiped away.
Chorus:
That's why I'm homesick for heaven.
I long my dear Saviour to see,
I know He will greet me when the pearly gates open for me.

4. Down here below my body's wracked with pain,
My spirit's free for peace within me reigns.
But someday soon upon that golden shore,
There'll be no pain, no suffering evermore.
Chorus:
That's why I'm homesick for heaven.
I long my dear Saviour to see,
I know He will greet me when the pearly gates open for me.
(Song written and Copyright by Rhoda Nelson)

There are other favorite songs of Rhoda:
Chorus medley:
1. My Home is in Heaven
2. I've Got a Mansion
3 It Will Be Worth it All.

Oh may the Lord bless you real good!

Dorothy

Hope Series 15

It is Sunday, October 21st. Audrey, Karen and I were at the Deaf Women Retreat which ended at 1:00 pm at Spencer Lake, Wisc. We had really good time.

I put together the verses about the teaching of Jesus and us meeting Him in the air. Our church called it, "The Rapture." While the word, rapture is not in the Bible, but the meaning of the phrase is the same, "caught up in the air." So I pray this will touch our hearts about that "Blessed Hope" Part two.
 
Matthew 24:40b
" . . . One will be taken . . . "

Who said that? It was Jesus who said, "Two men will be in the field. One will be taken, and the other will be left. Two women will be grinding grain with a mill. One will be taken, and the other will be left" (Matt.24:40-41).

Again, what was Jesus talking about? Paul wrote what Jesus meant. It wass find in I Thessalonians 4:16-18:
16 For the Lord himself will come down from heaven with a commanding shout, with the call of the archangel, and with the trumpet call of God. First, all the Christians who have died will rise from their graves. 17 Then, together with them, we who are still alive and remain on the earth will be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air and remain with him forever. 18 So comfort and encourage each other with these words. (QuickVerse Life Application Bible)  

And 1 Cor. 15:51  But let me tell you a wonderful secret God has revealed to us. Not all of us will die, but we will all be transformed. 52 It will happen in a moment, in the blinking of an eye, when the last trumpet is blown. For when the trumpet sounds, the Christians who have died, will be raised with transformed bodies. And then we who are living will be transformed so that we will never die.

Wow! When I put the those words together, I see the picture of what will happen when Jesus said, "One will be taken . . . " Know what? That is our "Blessed Hope," "One will be taken." We will be taken up to meet Jesus in the air. There's a song about this.

"In the Great Triumphant Morning"
Chorus:
We shall all rise to meet Him,
we shall all rise to greet Him,
In the morning when the dead in Christ shall rise.
We shall all rise to meet Him,
we shall all rise to greet Him,
And shall have the marriage supper in the skies.
(R. E. Winsett, Sing His Praise)

What does this mean to me? I was more impressed when I saw how the other verses fit in when Jesus said, "One will be taken . . ." We have dvd from "The Classic Films on "The Rapture." One part shows the baby disappeared right in front of your eye when one watch this film. When the baby was taken, both parent were left behind. It was awesome to watch a very old film of 1970's which came alive since DVD started in 2004. Back then, it was a very popular rented films to many deaf churches. You can order it from me at dotcallies@hotmail.com. 

He's coming soon!

Dorothy

Hope Series 14

Titus 2:13a  "While we wait for the blessed hope . . ."

Theme: Blessed Hope! There are two parts.
Acts 1:9-12 tells us about the time when the disciples had seen Jesus taken up into the sky while they were watching, and He disappeared into a cloud.  As they were straining their eyes to see Him, two white-robed men suddenly stood there among them. The angels said, "Men of Galilee, why are you standing here staring at the sky? Jesus has been taken away from you into heaven. And someday, just as you saw Him go, He will return!" The apostles were at the Mount of Olives when this happened so they walked the half mile or a day's journey back to Jerusalem. They began their ministry from Jerusalem.

So what is our blessed hope? "--the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us to redeem us . . ." (Titus 3:13b; 3:14a). There are many songs about His coming and the purpose of those song is to encourage one another to stay faithful to Him.

Jesus said, "When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always to be with Me where I am" (John 14:3). We can look forward to eternal life, that blessed hope, because Jesus has promised it to all who believe in Him.

The disciples at that time, didn't really understood what Jesus was talking about until after they saw Him go. They heard the angels saying that He will return. Then they realized that's the "Blessed Hope" that He is coming back to earth on the Mount of Olives.

Song: Looking for That Blessed Hope.

Looking for that blessed hope (that joyful hope),
Looking for that blessed hope (that glorious hope);
We know the hour is nearing,
The hour of His appearing;
We're looking for that blessed hope.
(Lyrics and Music: Thoro Harris, Sing His Praise)

He is coming back to earth to reign!

Dorothy

Hope Series 13

Theme: Be Ready to Give Answer

1 Peter 3:15b "My ASL Version"
" . . . Be ready ... to give an answer to why you have HOPE that is in you . . ."

You face a lot of problems  and someone notice you and your faith in God. What is your secret that you don't give up so easily? What make you stand strong in all things? What kind of answer will you give to those who have been watching you and your life?

Let's read: 1 Peter 3:15a "But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord" (NIV).  First thing you have is Jesus Christ in your heart as your personal Savior. Because you have Jesus in your heart, then you are "ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh (keep asking) you a reason of the HOPE that is in you . . ." (KJV).

What did you have? You quietly trust in God as the Lord of all. You believe that Christ is truly in control of all events. You have HOPE in Christ and you are prepared to tell them what Jesus has done in your life.

We might say, "My hope in Christ is that He suffered when He died for our sins once for all time. He never sinned, but He died for sinners that He might bring us safely HOME TO GOD. He suffered physical death, but He was raised to life in the Spirit. Now Christ has gone to heaven and is seated in the place of honor next to God. He is waiting for us to come home and that is my "Blessed Hope."

Prayer Song: Make Me a Blessing
1. Out in the highways and byways of life
Many are weary and sad;
Carry the sunshine where darkness is rife (widespread).
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.

2. Tell the sweet story of Christ and His love;
Tell of His power to forgive;
Others will trust Him if only you prove
True every moment you live.
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.

3. 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.
(Lyrics: Ira Bishop Wilson; Music: George Stark Schulaer, Sing His Praise)

Oh wow, Lord! I pray that You make me a blessing to someone today!

Dorothy

Hope Series 12

Song of Solomon 2:1 "I am . . . the Lily of the Valley."

      The flowers, the lilies are so small and they are found in the hidden valley.
 Jesus is our hidden "Lily of the Valley."

Song: The Lily of the Valley

1. I have found a friend in Jesus, He's everything to me;
He's the fairest of ten thousand to my soul;
The Lily of the Valley, in Him alone I see
All I need to cleanse and make me whole.
In sorrow He's my comfort, in trouble He's my stay
He tells me every care on Him to roll.
He's the Lily of the Valley, the bright and morning star;
He's the fairest of ten thousand to my soul.

2. He all my grief has taken and all my sorrows borne;
In temptation He's my strong and mighty tower;
I have all for Him forsaken and all my idols torn
From my heart, and He keeps me by His power.
Though all the world forsake me, and Satan tempts me sore,
Through Jesus I shall safely reach the goal;
He's the Lily of the Valley, the bright and morning star;
He's the fairest of ten thousand to my soul.

3. He will never, never leave me, nor yet forsake me here,
While I live by faith and do His blessed will;
A wall of fire about me, I've nothing now to fear;
With His manna He's my hungry soul to fill.
Then sweeping up to glory, to see His blessed face,
Where rivers of delight shall ever roll!
He's the Lily of the Valley, the bright and morning star;
He's the fairest of ten thousand to my soul.
(Lyrics: Charles W. Fry; Music: William S. Hays)

May the song bless your heart as it has blessed me!

Dorothy

Hope Series 11

Hosea 2:15b "I will give her (Israel) . . . the valley of Achor for a door of HOPE:
and she shall sing there, as in the days of youth . . ."

Theme: The Valley of Achor, the Door of Hope

The man in the story of Joshua 7 who caused Israel's trouble is Achan. Achor (Valley of Trouble) is the name given to the place where it happened. Achan died because of his disobedience and he had sinned against the Lord. The battle of Ai was lost because of Achan. Trouble, a valley near Jericho was the results of Israel lost the battle because of the sin of Achan.

The "valley of Achor" was called a "door of hope," because immediately after the execution of Achan, The Lord said to Joshua, "Fear not ... I will help you defeat ..." (Joshua 8:1). Joshua and his fighting men won the battle against the city of Ai. From that time Joshua went forward in the successful conquest into the Promised Land.

Hosea 2:15 uses the expression in the same sense: "The valley of Achor for a door of hope," which stands for trouble would be turned into joy, despair into hope. Isaiah 65:10  uses the same expression "the valley of Achor," a place for herds to lie down in which is the same sense which has been a source of trouble would become a source of blessing.  Is. 65:10 "The Plain of Sharon will be a field for flocks, and the Valley of Achor will be a place for herds to rest. They will be for the people who want to follow Me."

The word, valley has a very important meaning for us. It represents our day to day activity. We can only stay a very short time on the mountaintop of a wonderful experience with God, carefree troubles, and that everything goes well. Eventually, we come down into the valley where we make our day to day living. This is the reality of our daily lives of troubles. This is where God becomes our daily God of our living hope.

God is speaking to us, "Fear not ... I will help you ... I am the Door ... And the door is opened in heaven" John 10:9; Rev. 4:1.

I, Dorothy, saw a vision of a "door opened in heaven" between Jan-March 1973 after forty days of fasting. So to say, after "forty  years of wandering and trouble times" should now become our source of blessings.  Like Joshua, God is speaking to us, "Fear not ... I will help you ..." Like Joshua, we are going forward into the successful conquest against our enemies and they must move out of our way and allow God's blessing to flow through us from "the door of heaven." Can you say, amen? I say, amen!

There's a song called, "The Lily of the Valley" and it will be on the next Hope 12. It is important to remember that our Savior was found in the lily of the valley. The flowers, the lilies are so small and they are found in the hidden valley. Jesus is our hidden "Lily of the Valley." You could only find Him in the hidden valley of our day to day activity. This is far more enriching experience than the mountaintop experience. It is different. I would say, it is more blessing to be in the valley of Achor (trouble) because that is where Jesus becomes our source of blessing. Maybe you disagree, but in all those 40 years, God has been much more real to Tony and me. I pray that you would find Him.

Amazing grace that God loves you and me!

Dorothy

Hope Series 10

Psalm 147:11 NIV
The Lord delights in those who fear Him, who put their hope in His unfailing love.
[Fear Him: we show great respect toward our Creator]

Prayer of Might and Grace of our Lord:

Dear Abba Father  in Heaven, how good it is to sing praise to You. You healed the brokenhearted and binds up our wounds. You know the number of the stars and call them each by name. So You know every one of our name personally. Lord, You are great and mighty in power. You delight those whose heart shows great respect toward You.  Lord, You lifted up the meek and humble in heart and You love them. Your love never fail.

When we are overwhelmed with problems, we are able to call upon You because You are our hope and our support.  Lord, You delight in those who are of a humble spirit.  We earnestly pray for our spirit of humility so that we may continue to be pleasing to You.

We thank You, Father for Jesus' unfailing love that saved us from darkness of hell and deliver us from all afflictions of enemies and set us free with the anointing power of Holy Spirit upon us in Jesus' name we pray, amen!

Song: O What a Wonder

O what a wonder that Jesus loves me
        Out in the darkness no light could I see;
O what a wonder,
         He put His strong arm under
And wonder of wonders He saved even me.
(Inspiring Choruses)

Thank You Lord for being delight in us!

Dorothy

Hope Series 9

Psalm 33:22 NIV
May Your unfailing love rest upon us, O Lord, even as we put our HOPE in You.

Prayer of Hope and Love: 

And now, Lord, what wait I for? My hope is in You.  We wait in hope for You, Lord. Why? Because You are our help and our shield. I will praise You forever for what You have done; in Your name I will hope, for your name is good. I will praise You in the presence of Your saints. [Reference: Ps. 39:7 KJV; 33:20; 52:9 NIV]

May Your unfailing love rest upon us, O Lord, even as we put our hope in You. I don't always understand why things happened to my friends, but my hope is in You. I ask You to open our hearts to see the wonders of Your love that never fail. Help us to grow into Your arm of unfailing love. 

We, Deaf people can't hear music and we depend on sight and sixth sense. Lord, I am asking You to reveal Your unfailing love so much more to us than ever before. Let Your words of hope dwell deeply inside of us and may our hope in You become alive as we speak Your Word. Let Your words of healing be upon my friends' troubled health be fulfilled in Jesus' name I pray, amen! 

Song : Never Failed Me Yet

Never failed me yet, 
Never failed me yet,
Jesus' love never failed me yet.
This one thing I know
That where're I go
Jesus' love never failed me yet.
(Inspiring Choruses)

May the Lord's unfailing love rest upon us! 

Dorothy

Hope Series 8

"I rise before dawn and cry for help; I have put my HOPE in Your Word." 
Psalm 119:147 NIV

Prayer of a Troubled Heart:

O Lord God, hear my cry when I called for You. I will allow no trouble, crisis, or suffering to shake my HOPE in You. You are my Salvation and my deliverance. You are my strength.  In times of anxiety or threat of my situations, I will put myself unto You. And in my earnest prayer, I will tell You all that is in my heart.

I will wait upon You, O Lord God of heaven, for miracles that Your Word have promised us. You are merciful and Your love is eternal. My heart longs to be near You and to have a talk with You. I am able to enter Thy court because it is through the sacrifice of Your Son, Jesus Christ and through His blood which cleansed us from all unrighteousness. And through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit in us who helps us to draw near to You, O Abba, Daddy ...

You promised that I will be satisfied with Your goodness and blessings (Ps. 65:4). When I enter into Your Presence, I found peace from my troubled heart. For that I thank You and continue to put my HOPE in You. In Jesus' name, amen!

May God arise, may His enemies be scattered; may His foes flee before Him  Ps. 68:1 NIV. In Jesus' name I pray, amen!

Song: Faith in God

Faith in God can move a mighty mountain,
Faith in God can calm the troubled sea;
Faith will make the desert like a fountain,
Faith will bring the victory.
(Inspiring Choruses) 

May the Lord bring peace to your troubled heart.

Dorothy

Hope Series 7

Verse for Today:

"You answer us with awesome deeds of righteousness, O God our Savior, the hope of all the ends of the earth and of the farthest seas." Psalm 65:5 NIV

There are three words found: hope in NIV; confidence in KJV; trust in NCV. They are basically the same, but a little different in some way. I was surprised to see it was NIV when I thought I was going through KJV in technology Bible. NIV Ps. 65:5 touched my heart even more!

Prayer and An Awesome Prayer Answered!

Dear Father in Heaven, what an awesome timing!  You led me to study the notes and prayer on Hope Series 6 about "crying out to You" for several days. I felt impressed on Sunday early morning to sent out HOPE 6 for Monday, 24th. And then on Sunday noon, I receive news from Paula Hardy of Ottawa: A Prayer of Thanks for Victory, Psalm 118:1-4 "Give thanks to the Lord, because He is good, and His love is eternal. Let the people of Israel say, "His love is eternal." Let all who worship Him say, "His love is eternal."

Paula Hardy wrote: "We [deaf friends in Ottawa Valley Deaf Church] have reason for wanting to give our Lord praise for His love and goodness. One of our member had heart attack recently. He was in induced coma and yesterday (Saturday) he woke up and said to his wife "I love you." We who worship the Lord say, "His love is Eternal." Amen!"

O Lord, You gave us HOPE that You heard our disquieted souls. We praise You that Your face shine on us and that Your love is indeed eternal. We'll keep on praising You for others who need victory, also. In Jesus' name we pray, amen!

Song: Faith is a Victory

Faith is a victory,
Faith is a victory,
Oh glorious victory,
That overcomes the world.
[inspiring Choruses] 

May the Lord touch your heart today!

Dorothy

Hope Series 6

Verse for Today:

Psalm 42:5 Why art thou cast down, O my soul? And why art thou disquieted in me? HOPE THOU IN GOD: for I shall yet praise Him for the help of His countenance (face). (Ps. 42:11; 43:5 Disquieted: restless; uneasy feeling; feel disturb or something that bother you). 

NCV:  Why am I so sad? Why am I so upset? I should put my hope in God and keep praising Him, my Savior and my God. 

Prayer from Psalm 42 'Wishing to be near God.'

O Lord God, I cry to You from a broken heart and body. Sometimes I felt like David who said to You, "Why have You forgotten me?" My afflictions in my body are like enemies who troubled me again and again. They are saying, "Where is the God who heals you?" I asked my soul, "Why are you so discouraged? Why are you losing hope?" 

I tell my soul, "Look up to God and put your hope in Him, not in yourself. Keep praising God who is your Savior." O Lord God, my soul thirst for You like a deer thirsts for streams of water. I yearn for Your Presence with healing in its wings. By faith I will leap like calves released from the stall (Malachi 4:2). The stall that confined me like a prison, I shall be free from my afflictions. I will praise You for anointing oil of Holy Spirit that flows through my body in Jesus' name, I pray. Amen!  "My soul, look up to God!"

Song: Near to the Heart of God

There is a place of quiet rest
Near to the heart of God,
A place where sin cannot molest,
Near to the heart of God.
Chorus:
O Jesus, blest Redeemer,
Sent from the heart of God,
Hold us who wait before Thee
Near to the heart of God.
(Lyrics and music: Cleland Boyd McAfee,
Sing His Praise from GPH)

May the Lord bless you and heal you today!

And  I pray this devotion will touch your soul!

Dorothy

Hope Series 5

Verse for Today: 

"That they might set their hope in God, and not forget the 
works of God, but keep His commandments" Psalm 78:7.

Prayer to our Lord God from Psalm 78:

O Lord God, the children of Israel forgot You.
            Help us not to be stubborn.
Their spirit were not steadfast with You.
            Help us to stay faithful to You.
The children of Israel did not keep the covenant with You!
            Help us to study Your Word and keep our Covenant with You.
The children of Israel forgot Your wonders and Your miracles.
            Help us to remember that:
a)  You divided the Red Sea and caused them to pass through.
b)  You led them through the day with clouds to keep them cool and night with                                   a light of fire to keep them warm.
c)  You brought streams of the rock, and caused the water to run down like rivers 
           so 2.5 millions of Your Israelite children could drink the cool water.
d)  You rained down manna so they could eat and it tasted like angels' food.
e)  You have done many miracles and nothing is too hard for You.

So You Lord God, being full of compassion, forgave their sins and destroyed
them not because You remembered that they were flesh like a wind that passed 
away and not come again.

Thank You for the Holy Spirit that You sent to help us stay true and faithful to You. 
You sent Your Words and healed us in Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

Chorus for Today: How Great is Our God. 

How great is our God,
How great is His name.
He's the greatest One,
Forever the same.
He rolled back the waters
Of the mighty Red Sea
And He said, "I'm going to lead you,
Put your trust in Me."
(Inspiring Choruses)

May the Lord bless you today.

Dorothy

Hope Series 4

Verse for Today about Hope:

For thou art my hope, O Lord God: thou art my

trust from my youth. Psalm 71:5

Prayer of An Aged Person from Psalm 71:

O Lord God, as I pray, I am an older person who

faces troubles and I need your help to rescue me

from mine enemies and afflictions. I have walked

in your ways since I have accepted your Son, Jesus

Christ as my personal Savior from my youth. I have

kept my faith and my confidence in you. I am 

determined to live the rest of my life that you, God 

will manifest in your power and your goodness in my

life. When my strength is failing, thou art my hope, my

protector, my helper, and my supporter for the rest of

my days. I ask you to bless all my older friends who

are close to you in Jesus' name I pray, Amen!

Chorus for Today: Surely Goodness and Mercy

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me,

       All the days, all the days of my life;

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me,

      All the days, all the days of my life.

And I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever,

      And I shall feast at the table spread for me;

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me,

     All the days, all the days of my life.

Lyrics: John Willard Peterson, Alfred Barney Smith,

           Sing His Praise, Gospel Publishing House,

           Springfield, Missoui

God bless you today!

Dorothy

Hope Series 3

Verse for Today:

"For thou in thee, O Lord, do I hope: thou

will hear, O Lord my God." Psalm 38:15

Prayer for Today:  O Lord God, 

Be not far from me, O Lord, and hear my 

prayer. I put my hope in you when everything

around me was failing. I rely on you because 

you are my Lord, you are my God, and you

are my Father whom I could trust. Help my friends

to put their trust in you completely and rest in your 

arm of love, knowing that all things work together 

for good in Jesus' name, I pray, amen!

Chorus for Today: Keep On Believing 

Keep on believing, God will answer prayer;

Keep on believing, never despair;

Tho' you be heavy laden and 

     burdened down with care, 

Remember God still loves you

     and He answers prayer. 

(Inspiring Choruses)

May the Lord bless you real, real good! 

Dorothy

Hope Series 2

Verse for Today:

". . . teach me, for you are God my Savior,  and my hope is

in you all day long." Psalm 25:5b

Prayer for Today:

Dear Heavenly Father, teach me to ask you like a child would

ask the father for help. Help me to be aware that You are God

my Savior, who would save me from mine enemies who seek

out to destroy me. Even in the midst of suffering, there is hope.

My hope is in you all day long and I put my trust in you. 

In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen!

Song with Heart-felt Prayer for Today: 

My Faith Looks Up to Thee

My faith looks up to Thee,

Thou Lamb of Calvary, Savior divine!

Now hear me while I pray, 

Take all my guilt away;

O let me from this day Be wholy Thine!

(Lyrics: Ray Palmer, Sing His Praise)

May the Lord bless you real good today!

Dorothy Callies

Hope Series 1

Verse for Today:

"But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait
for it with perseverance." Romans 8:25

Prayer for Today:

Dear Heavenly Father, I pray that I put my hope in you
when I do not see the answer to prayers yet. Teach me to
wait on you since I know you have a plan. Teach me to
wait with perseverance, not giving up easily, but to keep
trusting in you. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Song for Today: The Solid Rock

My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus' blood and righteousness;
I dare not trust the sweetest frame,
But wholly lean on Jesus' name.
On Christ, the Solid Rock, I stand;
All other ground is sinking sand;
All other ground is sinking sand.
(Edward Mote, Sing His Praise)

May the Lord put a song in your heart today be lifted
up in Jesus' name. Amen!

Dorothy

The Lord Our God

Verse for the Day:

"The Lord is my strength and song, He is become

 my salvation: He is my God ... and I will exalt 

Him." Exodus 15:2ac 

Prayer for the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

I am asking you to make strong us from illness and 

also to restore health to those who have been sick last

 week. You, Lord, are our strength. You are our song that

 lifted us from misery. You are our salvation, saving us from 

destruction of illnesses. You are our God. I will praise you. I 

will exalt you. In Jesus' name, amen! 

Chorus from "Blessed Assurance"

This is my story, this is my song,

Praising my Savior all the day long;

This is my story, this is my song,

Praising my Savior all the day long. 

(Fanny Jane Crosby, Sing His Praise)

Dorothy: The Lord is my song that lifted my soul to Him. 

May the Lord bless you today

Happy New Year 2012

As for news, the Prayer Guideline for Intercessor was in the
Fresh Manna instead of this blog. So I hope you enjoy them.
I will see if there's some idea to add to this blog.
Have a good year of 2012.

Dorothy