Rock Like Our God

Bread Verse by Dorothy Callies

1 Samuel 2:2 

“No one is holy like the LORD! There is no one besides You; There is no Rock like our God.”

Hannah praised God for being a Rock, a God who is firm, strong, and unchanging. In our fast-paced world, friends come and go, and circumstances change. It is difficult to find a solid foundation that will not change. Those who devote their lives to achievements, causes, or possessions have as their security which has some certain limits and often changeable. The possessions that we work so hard to get will all pass away. But God is always present. Hope in Him. He will never fail. [Part of the notes from resources]

Other references are good to share: 

Exodus 15:11 “Who is like unto thee, O LORD, among the gods? Who is like thee, glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders?” 

Deuteronomy 4:35 “Unto thee it was showed, that thou mightest know that the Lord he is God; there is none else beside Him.”

Song: Praise the Name of Jesus

Praise the name of Jesus,

Praise the name of Jesus,

He’s my Rock, He’s my Fortress,

He’s my Deliverer, in Him will I trust,

Praise the name of Jesus.

[Roy Hicks, Jr. Psalm 18:1]

Don't Be Afraid

Bread Verse by Dorothy Callies

Isaiah 41:10 “Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you. I will help you” (NLT).

The word, dismayed interest me to search the meaning when God said, “Do not be dismayed.” So God is saying, “Do not let things ‘to cause you to lose courage’ or ‘to feel concern.’” In another word, upset or to feel disturb greatly especially in mind. Do not be upset or feel bothersome in your mind. Do not let your mind trouble you.

The word, afraid also has another meaning that interests me, “having a dislike for something” that we don’t want it there. We don’t want it because it upset us. We want things to be perfect and in harmony. When it isn’t in harmony, we feel “screw up.” Things are not smooth the way we want it.

I remember Jesus’ word: “Let not your heart be troubled. Neither let it be afraid. Believe in God. Believe also in Me.” (Ref. Jn. 14:1, 27) God does not want us to be afraid. God wants us to build our trust in Him. To build our trust means that we are to quote His promises that He will continue His grace and strengthen to face all the circumstances of life. He will help us through times of crises. He quoted, “I am with you. I am your God.”

When we quote the promises of God, it would be like “we are bathing ourselves into His Presence.” Bathing would be like “swimming into the flows of the Spirit,” the rivers of life from the very throne of God. (Ref. Rev. 22:1). Bathing would wash off our being afraid and washing off our dismay in us. He would fill us with peace as Jesus said, “My peace I give it to you.” I pray in the name of Jesus that there would be peace inside of you. Amen!

Song: Wonderful Peace

Peace! Peace! Wonderful peace,

Coming down from the Father above,

Sweep over my spirit forever I pray,

*In fathomless billows of love.

(W.D. Cornell, Sing His Praise)

[*ASL: In plenty deep and much love]

Halted

This devotion was halted because I was taken to emergency hospital 2 nights to be treated for the shortage of breathe. It was due to bronchitis and narrow airway. They gave me medication so that I could breathe easily and rest for 10 days. I just trust God day by day and thank you for your prayers.

Dorothy Callies

Nothing Impossible

Bread Verse by Dorothy Callies

Luke 1:37, NLT “For nothing is impossible with God.”

An angel came to Mary with salutation and good news that Jesus shall be born and be called the Son of God. Impossible! And also Elisabeth, who was barren, shall bring forth a son and named him John. Impossible! Sarah, Abraham’s wife laughed when she heard that she would have a son in her old age. Impossible! Genesis 18:14 NIV asked, “Is anything too hard for the Lord?”

Jeremiah 32:17 NIV “Ah, Sovereign Lord, You have made the heavens and earth by Your great power and outstretched arm, nothing is too hard for You.” Jesus said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible” (Matt.19:26 NIV). Again, Jesus said, “What is impossible with men is possible with God” (Lu.18:27 NIV).

Paul talked about Abraham’s faith and that Abraham believed God that he would have a son in his old age. Abraham did not waver through unbelief. Abraham was fully persuaded that God had power to do what He had promise (Rom. 4:21 NIV).

Like Abraham, let us trust God that nothing is impossible with Him!

Song: God Can Do Anything but Fail

God can do anything, anything, anything

God can do anything but fail.

He’s the Alpha and Omega,

     the beginning and the end,

He’s the fairest of ten thousand to my soul;

God can do anything, anything, anything

God can do anything but fail.

(Inspiring Choruses)

How Lovely Tabernacle

Bread Verse by Dorothy Callies

Psalm 84:1 “How lovely is your tabernacle, O Lord of hosts!” (NIV)

“Even the sparrow has found a home, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may lay her young—even Your altars, O Lord of hosts, my King and my God. Blessed are those who dwell in Your house; they will be praising You. For a day in Your courts is better than a thousand.

I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of wickedness. For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord will give grace and glory; no good thing will He withhold from those who walk uprightly. O Lord of hosts, blessed is the man who trusts in You!” (Psalm 84:3,4,10,11,12).

“Blessed are they that dwell in thy house: they will be still praising thee” (Ps.84:4 kjv). Those who go to the house of the Lord seeking His presence will receive His blessing. This blessing includes the nearness of God, a renewed spiritual strength, answered prayer, and grace, glory and goodness.

Song: Reverence My Temple

Reverence my temple,

I am the Lord.

He hath commanded

Thus in His Word.

Help me, dear Master,

Reverent to be;

Make all my service

Pleasing to Thee.

(Inspiring Choruses)

Will Not Fail Thee

Bread Verse by Dorothy Callies

Deuteronomy 31:6c “… He will not fail thee, nor forsake thee” (KJV)

God is speaking to us today, “Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the Lord thy God, He is that doth go with thee; He will not fail thee, nor forsake thee” (Deut.31:6).

The greatest encouragement we hear God speaking to us is through His Word, “And the Lord, He it is that doth go before thee; He will be with thee, He will not fail thee, neither forsake thee: fear not, neither be dismayed” (Deut. 31:8 KJV).

Many times God would repeat His word that He will not fail. He wants to assure us that He will not forsake us. We need to trust His Word that the Lord will never desert or forsake us. Because of this promise, we need to “be strong and of a good courage” in time of trials. Sometimes a song would be helpful.

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’er I go

Jesus’ love never failed me yet.

(Inspiring Choruses)

With Moses, With You

Bread Verse by Dorothy Callies

Joshua 1:5 “… as I was with Moses so I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee” (KJV).

Twice, two different Bread verses appeared. The first one I read the verse was sitting at the kitchen “desk” and I felt like it was for me only. Then later in the restroom, I took out another Bread box verse, the same one, huh? Lord, did You really want me to work on Joshua 1:5? I believe God wants to speak to you today.

Do you ever felt like God isn’t answering any prayers? Again God said, “I will be with you, just as I was with Moses. I will never leave you. I will never desert you” (NIRV). Do you ever felt like God isn’t keeping His promises? Again God said, “Just as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you or forget you” (NCV).

Who was God speaking to? Joshua! He is speaking to us, also. God’s foundational promise was to Joshua. Moses had just died and this leaves Joshua alone to carry the burden of millions of Israelite. He promised Joshua, “I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.”

Today, we have His Presence through Jesus Christ and also through the Holy Spirit that was poured out upon us. For us that was a double blessing that Joshua only had God’s presence in his time. Yet, God had kept His promise with Joshua all through his life time. We read of all the tribes that Joshua led and he helped established 12 tribes. If God had helped Joshua, how much more could He help you today?

So let us trust our loving God today! I found the song that is new to me.

Song: In Your Presence

In Your presence, in Your presence, there is peace;

In Your presence, in Your presence, there is joy.

I will linger, I will stay in Your presence day by day

that Your likeness may be seen in me.

(J.D. and Steven Ray Phifer, Sing His Praise)

PS. Linger means take time.

Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, in time like this, we need Your presence to assure us that You will do what Your plans are. We really need miracles from You and we are trusting that You will do as You have promised. Help us to really, really and to really, really believe in You. Sometimes our flesh tempts us to “doubt” You, but we speak to our flesh, “Trust God.” So we trust You in Jesus’ name, we pray, Amen!

Everlasting Arms

Bread Verse by Dorothy Callies

Deuteronomy 33:27 “The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms: and he shall thrust out the enemy from before thee; and shall say, Destroy them” (KJV).

Do you need help? Here is a reminder. “There is no one like the God of Israel. He rides in the heavens to help you. He rides on the clouds in his glory” (Deut.33:26 NIRV). Do you need deliverance? Here is a reminder. “God lives forever! You can run to him for safety. His powerful arms are always there to carry you. He will drive out your enemies to make room for you. He’ll say to you, ‘Destroy them!” (Deut.33:27 NIRV).

Our ancient God is your home. He is like your government who will protect you. The underneath means under the control of. What will God control? He will thrust out and push out with force against the enemy who tried to destroy us. He shall say, “Destroy them and put them to destruction.” Thank You, Lord for reminding us that You are still in control and that our trust is in Your everlasting arms.  

Song: Leaning on the Everlasting Arms

1. What a fellowship, what a joy divine,

Leaning on the everlasting arms;

What a blessedness, what a peace is mine,

Leaning on the everlasting arms

Chorus:

Lean – ing, lean – ing,

Safe and secure from all alarms;

Lean – ing, lean – ing,

Leaning on the everlasting arms.

2. Oh, how sweet to walk in this pilgrim way,

Leaning on the everlasting arms;

Oh, how bright the path grows from day to day,

Leaning on the everlasting arms.

3. What have I to dread, what have I to fear,

Leaning on the everlasting arms;

I have blessed peace with my Lord so near,

Leaning on the everlasting arms.

(Elisha Albright Hoffman, Sing His Praise)

Everlasting Strength

Bread Verse for the Day by Dorothy Callies

Isaiah 26:4 “Trust ye in the Lord for ever: for in the Lord, JEHOVAH is everlasting strength” (KJV).

He is a sure and firm foundation. The word trust is the key to our firm belief in our character, ability, strength or truth of someone in which our confidence is placed. God is the One we put our trust in.

How does it feel when we trust in our living God? It feels good because God can only work in us when we trust Him. When in doubt, God is not really a happy God. The Scripture tells us that without faith and without trust, it is impossible to please Him. We that keep coming to God must keep on believing that He is a real God who loves us and that He will rewards us when we diligently seek Him. Ref: Heb.11:6.

How do we diligently seek Him? One is the song that I would like to sing from the Name of Jesus. The reward is His Presence when we sing as the Holy Spirit helps us. He also rewards us with His strength and blessings and healing.

Song: The Name of Jesus

1. The name of Jesus is so sweet;                                  

I love its music to repeat;

It makes my joys full and complete,

The precious name of Jesus.

Chorus:

“Jesus,” oh, how sweet the name!

“Jesus,” every day the same;

“Jesus,” let all saints proclaim

Its worthy praise forever.

2.I love the name of Him whose heart

Knows all my griefs and bears a part,

Who bids all anxious fears depart;

I love the name of Jesus. (Then chorus)

3. That name I fondly love to hear;

It never fails my heart to cheer;

Its music dries the falling tear;

Exalt the name of Jesus. (Then chorus)

4. No word of man can ever tell

How sweet the name I love so well;

Oh, let its praises ever swell;

Oh, praise the name of Jesus. (Then chorus)

(W.C. Martin, Sing His Praise)

Perfect Peace

Bread Verse for the Day by Rev. Dorothy Callies

Isaiah 26:3 “Thou wilt keep him (us) in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee because he (you) trusteth in thee” (KJV).

During Isaiah situation, there was a trying time and stressful days of the end of history occur (happen), God will keep in perfect peace the remnant (survivor) that remain steadfast (firmly fixed in place) and faithful to the Lord. In times of trouble we are encourage to try to keep our minds turned to the Lord in prayer, trust, and hope. I encourage you to place your trust in Him because He is a Rock who endures forever.

The word “trusteth” means to keep on trusting. Three letters “eth” means keep on. Eth is old English in using verb suffix. Sometimes you might see the word in the Bible that comes with “eth” usually means “keep on” or like “giveth” means keep on giving.

Song: Thou Wilt Keep Him in Perfect Peace

Thou wilt keep him (me) in perfect peace

Whose mind is stayed on Thee;

When the shadows come and darkness falls

He giveth inward peace;

For He is the only perfect resting place –

He giveth perfect peace!

Thou wilt keep him (me) in perfect peace

Whose mind is stayed on Thee.

(Inspiring Choruses, Christian Assembly of God)

The Name

Bread Verse for the day – by Rev. Dorothy Callies

Proverbs 18:10 “The name of the Lord is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe” (KJV). “The name of the Lord is a strong fortress; the godly run to him and are safe” (NLT).

The name of the Lord represents His person, authority, and character. The righteous means the born-again believers turn to the Lord for a place of refuge and help in time of trouble. Let us trust the name of the Lord when we call upon Him for prayer.

Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, today is the day that our souls turn to You, to praise You, the Almighty God who is our creator and we love you. We call upon the name of the Lord because You are our strong tower. Your Word tells us to run into You and our souls are safe in You and throughout the eternity. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Chorus: The Name of Jesus

“Jesus,” oh, how sweet the name!

“Jesus,” every day the same;

“Jesus,” let all saints proclaim

Its worthy praise forever.

(W.C. Martin, Sing His Praise)

PS. This is put into Deaf Prayer Partners Lifeline for Bread Box Verse, a daily reminder that God is with us. The Manna is my deep study and its takes hours while Bread Verse just a reminder to stay close to Him.

Happy New Year!

Dear Friends,
     I asked God to bless you for reading the Hope Series and it would be good to
read them again sometimes. It takes a lot of times and prayers for me to write them.
 I really learned something that I was glad I could share this in the blogger. I pray
that it would really bless you.

    I want to say, "Happy New Year!"

Dorothy