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October 2008 Archives

Printable Issue 1413  Today is Wednesday, October 1st, 2008; Karen's Korner #1413
I received this daily devotional email from Joel and Victoria Osteen last fall. In light of the economy and credit shortages, I thought this one is a good one.
 
No matter who we are, I think we have at least some concern of what is going to happen with the U.S. economy. I do; I wish I didn't. I wonder if I (we) sometimes put too much trust in the federal government and the safety of our personal dollars, and not enough in our coming Kingdom, future lives, and an out-of-this-world economy which cannot falter nor fail.
 
I want to believe Him more and better, but I know to do that I am going to need His help:
 

Heaven’s Currency

“And whatever you ask for in prayer, having faith and believing, you will receive”

(Matthew 21:22 AMP).

In the natural realm, we exchange money for the things we want and need. But in the spiritual realm, faith is what we exchange. The Bible tells us that when you pray, have faith, and you will receive it. Faith moves mountains. Faith pleases God. Faith is what opens doors. What is faith? It’s believing in God and His goodness. It’s knowing that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. Faith is believing that the promises of God are true. It’s obeying His Word. Faith causes you to act. Where does faith come from? Everyone is given a measure of faith. Romans tell us that faith grows by hearing the Word of God. The more you hear the Word of God, the more real it becomes in your life and the easier it is to believe His promises. It doesn’t matter how much faith you have today, begin investing your faith by choosing to obey God’s Word. As you hear and obey the Word, you will be empowered by faith, and you will move forward into the abundant life God has in store for you!

Heavenly Father, thank You for the power of Your Word at work in my life. I submit myself to You today and ask that the seeds of faith in my heart grow strong. I open my heart to You and ask You to remove any doubt or unbelief so that I can serve You with my whole heart all the days of my life. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Printable Issue 1414  Today is Thursday, October 2nd, 2008; Karen's Korner #1414
A couple of different thoughts and sayings:
 
* From my sister, Amy: 
 
Saw a sign (for sale) yesterday which I though was really good:
 
LORD,
 
Let there be
 
LOVE
 
In our hearts
 
JOY
 
In our lives
 
PEACE
 
In our homes
 
AMEN
 
~~
 
Taken from a daily flip calendar for October 2:
 
"From ages past
no one has heard,
no ear has perceived,
no eye has seen
any God besides You,
who works for those
who wait for him."
 
~ Isaiah 64:4
 
"So many things will offer themselves to me for
'worship' today.
But reveal yourself, God,
in all your creativity,
as the only being
worthy of my true adoration."
 
~~
 
And from another flip calendar for today's date
 
"Heart of Joy"
by Mother Teresa:
 
"Today more than ever,
we need to pray
for the light to know the will of God,
for the love to accept the will of God,
for the way to do the will of God.
 
~~~
Printable Issue 1415  Today is Friday, October 3rd, 2008; Karen's Korner #1415
Our one apple tree has been loaded with apples this fall, as have most apple trees this year. When we first started picking them shortly after Labor Day, we had to pull them off the tree. Sometimes a couple of leaves near the apple would come along with the maturing fruit.
 
Not any more! Last week, we picked the last bags and boxes of the apples. They were literally trying to fall off the tree into my hand and sometimes they would fall to the ground without anyone touching them.
 
It brought to mind this Bible verse:  "The harvest is so great, and the workers are so few," Jesus told his disciples. "So pray to the one in charge of the harvesting, and ask him to recruit more workers for his harvest fields." - Matthew 9:37,38 Living Bible
 
The commentary about those verses: "Jesus looked at the crowds following him and referred to them as a field ripe for harvest Many people are ready to give their lives to Christ if someone will show them the way. Jesus commands us to pray that people will respond to this need for workers. Often, when we pray for something, God answers our prayers by using us. Be prepared for God to use you to show another person the way to him."
 
Since we couldn't use any more apples and after picking lots of bags of apples for others, the remainder of the apples are now falling off the tree onto the ground. When the process is over, next week we will go out and pick up the rotting apples.
 
From ripe, valuable fruit to rotting, worthless fruit in a matter of a few weeks!
 
Father God, we pray for more workers to harvest more people for Your Kingdom; help each one of us to do the tasks which You have assigned us to do. We want to take more of our friends and family with us into Your Future Kingdom. We love how You care for us and the plans You have for all of Your Children. We need Your help to do Your Will. In the Name of Your Son, Amen.
Printable Issue 1416  Today is Monday, October 6th, 2008; Karen's Korner #1416
A week ago I heard a cable news show with John Hagee on "worry, fear, and doubt". I scribbled down notes from it and shared it with our Sunday School classes yesterday. What Hagee had to say, I liked and I wanted to share it with Karen's Korners readers. I have never done this before, but I am going to email portions of my notes over the next five days.
 

What about the national economy? My bills? My job? My retirement? My health? My future? My family members?

 

Worry, Fear, Doubt- PART 1

 

Portion of some of the comments by John Hagee, caught by Karen Weld

Sunday broadcast – September 28, 2008

 

Philippians 4:6,7:

6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

 

The definition of fear, worry, doubt:  Something in your life which you can’t have your own way.

 

You might be angry at God.

 

Paul says, “Don’t be weary beyond worry. God is on His throne; He has everything under control.”

 

We are a child of the King; nothing can defeat us. Royalty flows through our veins.

Psalms 55:22 - “ Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall.”

Psalms 46:1 - “ God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.”

Philippians 4:4 – “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!”

Rejoicing is not a reflex; nor an emotion. To rejoice is a choice.

Psalm 27:1,3,5 & 6 – “The LORD is my light and my salvation—  whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid? Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, even then will I be confident.  For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his tabernacle and set me high upon a rock. Then my head will be exalted above the enemies who surround me; at his tabernacle will I sacrifice with shouts of joy;  I will sing and make music to the LORD.”

 

Psalm 118:24 – “This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.”

 

Remind yourself:  “In every battle of life, I am victorious!”

Printable Issue 1417  Today is Tuesday, October 7th, 2008; Karen's Korner #1417
(I am learning that some people may not have gotten yesterday's Karen's Korner. If that happened to you, please let me know!)
 
Part two of "Worry, Fear, and Doubt":
 

Worry, Fear, Doubt

 

Portion of some of the comments by John Hagee, caught by Karen Weld

Sunday broadcast – September 28, 2008

 

I Peter 5:7 – “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”

Luke 12:22 & 30 – “Then Jesus said to his disciples: "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them.”

Why worry when you can pray?

As Christians, we can walk through fire and not be burned.

God is creator of heaven and earth. He is the Alpha & Omega. He is the One who flung the stars into place in creation.

Hebrews 13:5 – “Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you."

Rejoice with joy! We worship an awesome God. And He is here! He walks with us. He conquers our enemies. He rescues us from EVERY storm.

Worry is sin! Worry is faith in fear. It is believing that God cannot take care of you or your situation.

Faith in God is our belief that God will take care of everything. He has provided for us before and He will take care of us now. He has taken care of our health and we have been healed. We have a place to live, food to eat, clothes to wear.

Fear is the rejection of faith. Fear and worry go together. Fear is proof that Satan has control of your life.

Printable Issue 1418  Today is Wednesday, October 8th, 2008; Karen's Korner #1418
Part three of "Worry, Fear and Doubt":
 
Worry belongs to no one class: rich or poor; young or old.

If you are in debt, you worry about getting money. If you have money, you worry about being able to keep it – keeping the IRS from getting it. You worry if you have $$ or if you don’t. You worry about something you said; or something you should have said. You worry about something you have done; something you shouldn’t have; or something you should have done. You worry about how your body looks, used to look and no longer looks; or what it is going to look like in the future. You worry if you aren’t married; you worry because you are married.

You worry because of your lust, rust, and dust!

You worry at bed time; and you worry when you get up in the morning.

Worry destroys creative ability. It keeps us from being and doing our best. Worry is a killer; it causes wrinkles. It paralyzes our mind. It gives us a lack of rest. It shatter us. It is the mother of cancer, heart disease, ulcers, and high blood pressure. It heralds that disaster is coming…..It pollutes our dreams and drowns our hopes.

 It isn’t what you are eating that is killing you; it is what is eating you!!

Worry is trouble that never happens. Worry is useless.

Matthew 6:27 – “Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?”

Worry solves no problems, dries no tears, provides no answers, and produces no worthy thing.

If you can change something, change it!  If you can’t change it, don’t worry!

Begin to rejoice in the calamity that you fear. Tell God that you are happy to be in this dilemma and that you trust Him to fix it. God is in charge and it will be all right.

Don’t worry that you won’t be delivered into an ideal situation. There is never any ideal situations! And there never has been!!!

Learn to enjoy your life…..right now!! Not later!

Printable Issue 1419  Today is Thursday, October 9th, 2008; Karen's Korner #1419
Part four of "Worry, Fear, and Doubt":
 

Do you worry? Is this something that you brought with you at birth? Or is it learned?

You can get rid of worry when you realize that it is a practiced behavior. Anything learned can be unlearned.

Philippians 4:8 – “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”

Get worry, fear, and doubt out of your mind, thoughts, speech.

You are what you think about; you are responsible for what you think. You are the only one who controls it. A bad or good attitude is your choice!!

Worry is contagious; so is faith! Attitude controls your life!

II Corinthians 4:17 – “For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.”

Philippians 4:13 – “I can do everything through him who gives me strength.”

The devil’s mad and I’m glad!

Rejoice in the Lord; not in your situation!!

 

Enjoy this Karen's Korner or any past Karen's Korner by visiting the web site www.karens-korner.com .

Printable Issue 1420  Today is Friday, October 10th, 2008; Karen's Korner #1420

 

Part (and final) five of "Worry, Fear, and Doubt": from a message by Pastor John Hagee

 

Paul was writing and exclaiming of God’s goodness after having been beaten three different times, each one could have caused his death. He was falsely imprisoned.....And while standing knee-deep in city sewage, he kept on rejoicing ….  by choice ... !

On the other hand, Thomas, who Hagee termed a thumb sucker, said, “I’m not going to believe until I see the scars in His hands……”

You have the peace of God, the peace with God. Everything has been fine, everything is fine.. It will be okay in the future! Praise be to God…..

You will not have real peace until you are no longer at war with God.

If the sin of worry is part of your life, ask God to heal you from your less-than-holy attitude.

****

LORD JESUS, Forgive this sin of worry and every shortcoming that is in my life. Cover it with the blood of Jesus, which flows within me. LORD OF MY LIFE, I reject the thought, act, and deed of worry because God is with me and within me. Thank You that Your blood flows through me. Thank You that You are touching me and my life right now. Thank You that together we have and we will conquer worry! AMEN.

****

(If you ever want to re-read the worry, fear, and doubt lesson by John Hagee, as jotted down in notes by me; should you ever want to use the text for a Sunday School class, ladies' program, or share with a friend in its entirety, just go to the Karen's Korner web site - listed below - and print the five Karen's Korners from #1416 - #1420 - by clicking on the printer icon for each one! It is mighty powerful stuff; it has helped to re-enforce what I believe and know to be a fact!)

***

 Enjoy this Karen's Korner or any past Karen's Korner by visiting the web site www.karens-korner.com .

Printable Issue 1421  Today is Monday, October 13th, 2008; Karen's Korner #1421
Recently I volunteered to be an ambassador for our local Christian radio station. All three KJYL staff members were unable to visit Kamrar Community Church's mission Sunday. Would I be available to be their representative at the celebration worship service?
 
I was happy to attend on the station's behalf yesterday.
 
Another of the ministries supported by the church, "Lighthouse Center of Hope" located in nearby Iowa Falls, was represented at the service and with a display in the fellowship hall. Candi Twedt serves as its director and was happy to tell the congregation of the center's work.
 
The mission statement on the Lightouse's summer newsletter states: "to nurture respect for human life, mentor Biblical manhood and womanhood, and provide care for mother and child."
 
So what types of things does the ministry provide?
 
"We work to strengthen families," said Twedt. "We want to equip young men and women to develop moral character, self-control, and respect for human life. We provide physical, emotional, and spiritual support. We provide non-judgmental counseling."
 
Twedt said she likes talking to school and church groups illustrating what casual sex is like. "I like to use a piece of tape and put it on someone's arm," she said. "They are asked to remove it and put it on the person next to them. Eventually, the tape won't stick to anyone. It just falls off. It illustrates what happens when we choose to have sex with multiple partners. Sex is the glue which holds a relationship together. It is something which you can give to your spouse which you give to no other person. Our society says to use a condom, but it isn't possible to put a condom on your heart." The good news is some of the education is working: increasing the number of high school students choosing to abstain from sex, moving from 50% to 67% in a decade plus.
 
So what happens to people who choose otherwise? The Lighthouse is there to provide encouragement and support. "If someone comes to us who is pregnant," said Twedt, "we let them know that God has given them the gift of life. Now they have to decide what to do with that gift. Is that gift for you? Or for someone else?"
 
If someone has chosen an abortion, the Lighthouse ministry works with parents and grandparents who grieve the choice of an abortion after the fact. "Satan tells us to get rid of the problem," Twedt said, "and then condemns us after we have made that fateful choice. But God forgives us for the mis-choices we make. 2 John 1:5 says, 'God is Light and in Him there is no darkness.'"
 
From their summer newsletter:
 
When citizens of a foreign war
kill each other,
the news calls it 'civil war'.
When it happens in America,
the news calls it 'choice'.
 
~ quoted in a Focus on the Family publication
 
~~
 
As we were standing in front of Candi's display, three-year-old twins began handling some of her props:  10-week and 15- week fetus models.  They oohed and aahed, saying, "A baby!  A baby!", as they took turns holding the smaill infants.
 
Too bad the tots can't teach some adults, what the two instintively knew:  at a few weeks after conception, a baby is........a baby!
Printable Issue 1422  Today is Wednesday, October 15th, 2008; Karen's Korner #1422
(Computer server problems yesterday; sorry. Look for a Karen's Korner on Saturday to make five this week!)
 
People would have to live in a cave or on another planet to not know that the world is in a financial crisis.
 
Here are a couple of verses from Psalms 49 which put things in perspective:
 
Verses 1 - 3:  "Listen, everyone! High and low, rich and poor, all around the world--listen to my words, for they are wise and filled with insights.
 
    5 - 9: "There is no need to fear when times of trouble come, even though surrounded by enemies! They trust in their wealth and boast about how rich they are, yet not one of them, though rich as kings, can ransom his own brother from the penalty of sin! For God's forgiveness does not come that way. For a soul is far too precious to be ransomed by mere earthly wealth. There is not enough of it in all the earth to buy eternal life for just one would, to keep it out of hell."
 
Commentary surrounding the verse:  "Trusting in wordly possessions is futile. You cannot take possessions with you when you die, and they cannot buy forgiveness of sin. Riches, pride, and fame are futilite from an eternal perspective."
 
Printable Issue 1423  Today is Thursday, October 16th, 2008; Karen's Korner #1423
Several daily thoughts from "365 Day Brighteners for a Woman's Heart":
 
* "Each one of us is God's special work of art.
Through us, He teaches and inspires,
delights and encourages,
informs and uplifts
all those who view our lives."
 
~ Joni Eareckson Tada
 
~~~
 
"When we are away from God,
He misses us far more than we miss Him."
 
~ Ruth Bell Graham
 
~~~
 
"Getting things accomplished
isn't nearly as important as
taking time for love."
 
~ Janette Oke
 
~~~
 
"I have learned from experience that the greater part of our happiness or misery
depends on our dispositions and not on our circumstances."
 
~ Martha Washington
 
~~~
 
"Our job is not to straighten each other out,
but to help each other up."
 
~ Neva Coyle
 
~~~
 
"There's something much more important than taking time and effort to make
our outer being as lovely as possible.
We can tighten our stomach muscles and suck it up,
pay a plastic surgeon to tuck is up,
or spend a lot of money trying to dress it up,
but unless we are growing beautiful on the inside,
our efforts to be glamorous on the outside are useless."
 
~ Kathy Peel
 
****
 
 
 
 
 
 
Printable Issue 1424  Today is Friday, October 17th, 2008; Karen's Korner #1424

Forwarded to me by Kim Lee:

How to Have a Quiet Time
by Rick Warren, author of "THE PURPOSE DRIVEN LIFE"

“The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” 1 Samuel 16:7 (NIV)

***

Once you’re convinced that a daily quiet time is necessary for spiritual growth, how do you go about having one? You may be motivated to do it but may not know how.

Start with the proper attitudes
In God’s eyes, why you do something is far more important than what you do.
It is quite possible to do the right thing but with the wrong attitude.

This was Amaziah’s problem, for “he did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, but not wholeheartedly” (2 Chronicles 25:2).

When you come to meet with God in a quiet time, you should have these proper attitudes:

•Expectancy – Come before God with anticipation and eagerness. Expect to have a good time of fellowship with him and receive a blessing from your time together. That was what David expected: “O God, you are my God, earnestly I seek you” (Psalm 63:1).

•Reverence – Don’t rush into God’s presence, but prepare your heart by being still before him and letting the quietness clear away the thoughts of the world. Listen to the prophet Habakkuk: “The Lord is in his holy temple; let all the earth be silent before him” (Habakkuk 2:20; also Psalm 89:7). Coming into the presence of the Lord is not like going to a football game or some other form of entertainment.

•Alertness – Get wide-awake first. Remember that you are meeting with the Creator, the Maker of heaven and earth, the Redeemer of men. Be thoroughly rested and alert. The best preparation for a quiet time in the morning begins the night before. Get to bed early so you will be in good shape to meet God in the morning; he deserves your full attention.

•Willingness to obey – This attitude is crucial: you don’t come to your quiet time to choose what you will do or not do, but with the purpose of doing anything and everything that God wants you to do. Jesus said, “If anyone chooses to do God’s will he will find out whether my teaching comes from God or whether I speak on my own” (John 7:17). So come to meet the Lord having already chosen to do his will no matter what.

***

Printable Issue 1425  Today is Saturday, October 18th, 2008; Karen's Korner #1425
(Saturday's Karen's Korner to make up for none on Tuesday due to computer problems!)
 
A pass along email which I have received from several people:
 
 
                               NO MATTER WHO WINS THE ELECTION =

                 TEN ABSOLUTES NO MATTER WHO WINS THE ELECTION: 
 
     1. The Bible will still have all the answers.

     2. Prayer will still work.

     3. The Holy Spirit will still move.

     4. God will still inhabit the praises of His people.

     5. There will still be God-anointed preaching.

     6. There will still be singing of praise to God.

     7. God will still pour out blessings upon His people.

     8. There will still be room at the Cross.

     9. Jesus will still love you.

   10. Jesus will still save the lost.


ISN'T IT GREAT TO KNOW  WHO IS STILL (& really) IN CONTROL?
Printable Issue 1426  Today is Monday, October 20th, 2008; Karen's Korner #1426
This is a daily email devotional by Joel and Victoria Osteen, which talks about 'harvest of blessings'; seems appropriate in 'harvest' season:
 
 
Don’t Give Up
 
“So let’s not get tired of what doing good what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up” (Galatians 6:9).
 
Are you believing God for something? Is it taking longer than you thought or expected? No matter how long you may have been standing, don’t give up! Your season is coming. Your harvest of blessing is on its way. It might be today, it might be tomorrow, it might be next week, next month or next year, but remember, at the right time you will experience your breakthrough. Be encouraged today because God is faithful and His promises are true. Keep standing, keep hoping, keep believing. Keep doing good. Keep declaring the promises of God over your life. Choose to be around people who are going to encourage you and fill your heart and mind with God’s Word. Let a song of praise come out of your mouth. As you continue to press on in faith and keep an attitude of victory, you will see your harvest of blessing and live as an overcomer in every area of your life.
 
 

Heavenly Father, thank You for Your faithfulness in my life. Fill me with Your strength to keep doing good and standing firm until I see my harvest of blessing. Thank You for Your peace in my life. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Printable Issue 1427  Today is Tuesday, October 21st, 2008; Karen's Korner #1427
A few more quotes from "365 Day Brighteners":
 
"Choices can change our lives profoundly.
The choice to mend a broken relationship,
to say 'yes' to a difficult assignment,
to lay aside some important work to play with a child,
to visit some forgotten person --
these small choices may affect our lives eternally."
 
~~ Gloria Gather
 
**
 
"It is easy to love those who are far away.
It isn't always easy to love those who are right next to us.
It is easier to offer a dish of rice to satisfy the hunger of a poor person,
than to fill up the loneliness and suffering of
someone lacking love in our own family."
 
~~ Mother Teresa 
 
**
 
"Integrity is a commitment to live
consistently with what you know
to be true about life."
 
~~ Pam Farrell
 
**
 
"God has designs on our future,
and He has designed us for the future.
He has given us something to do in the future
that no one else can do."
 
~~ Ruth Senger
 
**
 
"You are God's created beauty and
the focus of His affection and delight."
 
~~ Janet L. Weaver Smith
 
**
 
"Though I am surrounded by troubles,
you will bring me safely through them...
Your power will save me.
The Lord will work out his plans for my life --
for your loving-kindness, Lord, continues forever."
 
~~ Psalm 138:7-8 TLB
 
**
Printable Issue 1428  Today is Wednesday, October 22nd, 2008; Karen's Korner #1428
An email forwarded to me this a.m. by Kim Lee from Rick Warren of "The Purpose Drive Life" fame:
 
Faith Is Active
by Rick Warren

When will you ever learn that “believing” is useless without doing what God wants you to? Faith that does not result in good deeds is not real faith. James 2:20 (LB)

***

Is faith simply a frame of mind? Some see it that way … a passive attribute of a Christian waiting to see what God has in store for you: a promotion, cancer, depression, betrayal, blessing, wealth, or injustice. They might say, “I’ll just wait to see what God is going to do for me and go with the flow.” That’s crazy talk.

Faith is active. It’s not passive. It’s a commitment. Look at your lifestyle and see what kinds of actions follow as a result of it. If you’ve got the real stuff, faith can be demonstrated.

When you were baptized you made a statement to God and the people around you. You said, “I’m in!” But it doesn’t stop at baptism – not by a long shot! What else do you do? You start following the pattern of Jesus. Faith is proven by how we live. Don’t misinterpret this. What you do – your walking around, everyday life – doesn’t get you into heaven. It doesn’t make you saved. It doesn’t mean you’re a Christian; it shows you are a Christian.

The next steps:

· Celebrate the lavish gift of grace. You were saved because Jesus is crazy about you and wants you to be with him in heaven. Revel in it!

· Show your faith. Wedding rings don’t make you married, but they say yes in a visible way. In the same way, baptism isn’t the thing that will get you into heaven but it’s an act of obedience. (Jesus commanded us to baptize and be baptized.)

· Share your faith with the people around you. If you are excited about what God has done in your life, then why not share it? There are lots of ways to do that. Get plugged into serving God. There are literally millions of possibilities. Point people to Jesus and love them like Jesus did. It’ll be something you will relish for eternity.

Printable Issue 1429  Today is Thursday, October 23rd, 2008; Karen's Korner #1429
Life continues:  campaigns go on, the election looms, the stock market was down a big number again yesterday. Add to that any personal dilemmas:  health issues, personal finances, family issues.
 
So from where does any joy come??
 
Psalm 147 says joy comes from God and we can give that joy back to Him by our worship and praise (in part):
 
"Hallelujah! Yes, praise the Lord!
How good it is to sing His praises!
How delightful and how right!
 
He heals the broken-hearted, binding up their wounds.
He counts the stars and calls them all by name.
How great He is!
His power is absolute!
His understanding is unlimited.
The Lord supports the humble, but brings the wicked into the dust.
 
Sing out your thanks to Him; sing praises to our God....
He covers the heavens with clouds,
sends down the showers and makes the green grow in mountain pastures.
But His joy is in those who reverence Him,
those who expect Him to be loving and kind.
 
Praise Him, O Jerusalem! Praise your God, O Zion!
He sends His orders to the world. How swiftly His word flies.
 
Hallelujah!
Yes, praise the Lord!
Printable Issue 1430  Today is Friday, October 24th, 2008; Karen's Korner #1430
Today's Karen's Korner is the daily devotional which I received this morning from Joel and Victoria Osteen. I am thinking of about three people/families who come to mind who could 'really' use their words today. I am betting there are others!
 
Osteens' words make me think back to when Merry was sick the year that she was killed. She had been in and out of the hospital, was sick, and had more surgeries than this mom liked! We had just been called by her husband Ed to take travel one more time to the hosptial. Merry was sick again...
 
I was busy telling God why I didn't like doing this any longer and how I wanted things to be different. This thought popped into my mind, "Tell Me thank you."
 
"But God I don't want to do this. I don't like what is happening," I retorted mentally.
 
His reponse, "I never said you had to like it."
 
When the thanks started coming to the front of my mind,:"Thank you that Merry has good care". "Thank you for the time in which we live, for good medicine and for new surgeries." "Thank you that I have another opportunity to trust You."
 
I was able to do what needed to be done in the next few hours and days. Plus I knew that God was taking care of Merry. And of me.
 
 
Connect to Your Deliverer

 “Even though the fig trees have no blossoms, and there are no grapes on the vines; even though the olive crop fails, and the fields lie empty and barren; even though the flocks die in the fields, and the cattle barns are empty, yet I will rejoice in the Lord! I will be joyful in the God of my salvation!” (Habakkuk 3:17-18).

Habakkuk knew what to do when things seemed completely hopeless. His world was literally falling apart around Him. There was destruction every where he looked. But Habakkuk knew that God was bigger than his circumstances! So what did he do? He invited God into his circumstances by rejoicing and praising the Lord. He made the choice to be joyful knowing that it would connect him to the One who would deliver him!

Are you facing a situation that seems dark or hopeless? No matter how difficult things may seem, God has a plan to bring you out into a place of victory. Your praise is the bridge that will carry you into your land of promise. The Bible tells us that God inhabits the praises of His people, and when the presence of God manifests, the enemy has to flee!

The Bible also tells us that there is fullness of joy in His presence. His joy empowers us to walk through any difficulty we may be facing. No matter how things may seem in the natural, you can rejoice today because God is working behind the scenes on your behalf. As you praise Him, He will fill you with His joy and pour out His abundant blessing in every area of your life.

Father in heaven, I come to You trusting that You are my Deliverer. No matter what is going on around me, today I choose to bless and praise Your name. I choose to connect to You, knowing that You are the source of my strength, hope, and peace. In Jesus’ Name.

Printable Issue 1431  Today is Monday, October 27th, 2008; Karen's Korner #1431
This is something that Mariel Betts saw in her hometown newspaper, thought it was timely for a Karen's Korner this week, as we come into the election and voting next week. She took the time to type it and email it to me, for you:
 
  Daniel 2:21:   "And He changes the times and the seasons; He removes kings; He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding."

             Americans will be going to the polls very soon and will vote for the next president and vice-president of the United States. Many more state officials will be elected, as well as those in the local communities.
             In looking at the passage from Daniel, one mught wonder "does it really matter if we vote or not?  "The passage tells us "[God] removes kings and raises up kings," so doesn't He ultimately choose?
             Yes--God ultimately chooses everything. And yes--it matters that we vote. Everything that happens in God's sovereign economy has two  parts; His part and our part.
            Whether it is salvation or a good marriage or a successful carreer, both God's grace and our activity is required. From a practical perspective, the Bible is filled with exhortation that depend on our responsibility. The same verse that says God removes and raises up kings also says that He gives "wisdom----and  knowledge." And Proverbs 2:1-8  says that acquiring wisdom is like searching for buried treasure. There is work to be done in order to find it.
         So make sure you do your part!  Do your homework in knowing the facts about the candidates. Pray for God's guidance in making the right choices for Christian leadership. And don't forget to VOTE!
        
          The sovereignty of God never excuses us from responsibility.    ~  Will Metzner
Printable Issue 1432  Today is Tuesday, October 28th, 2008; Karen's Korner #1432
Several days ago, our dog Sparky, who is about 28 pounds, sidled up to the recliner chair in which I was sitting. If I am leaning back, he tends to nuzzle under my arm and hand to get me to pet him.
 
That particular day I was snuggled under an afghan as it was chilly and we hadn't yet turned on our heat. Both of my hands and arms were tucked underneath. "Oh, he'll think of something else," I thought.
 
Not to be!
 
Sparky, who rarely jumps up onto the furniture, landed in my lap. He was still looking for my hands and arms and for a pat on his head.
 
I didn't budge. He continued to nuzzle around and eventually jumped off my lap and chair, running to his dog bed where he curled up.
 
As I watched, Sparky trail off, I thought about God and how He treats me; how He treats you. He never allows us to walk away without taking us into His arms and giving us a hug, if that is what we have come to Him seeking.
 
If you haven't done this for awhile (or ever), visualize yourself seated in your favorite chair or driving in your vehicle (or wherever you are as you are reading this message), see two large arms coming around your shoulders and giving you a great big, warm and loving hug. Allow Him to hold you in His arms, even if it is but briefly.
 
After my encounter with Sparky and as I was sitting in church a couple of days ago, I could visualize God wrapping His arms around all of us and giving everyone who was seated there a big collective hug.
 
Big God. Big arms!
 
He's Got the Whole World in His Hands
By Obie Philpot
 
He's got the whole world in His hands [Repeat 4x]
He's got the wind and the rain in His hands [Repeat 3x]
He's got the whole world in His hands
He's got the sun and the moon in His hands. [Repeat 3x]
He's got the little bitty baby in His Hands. [Repeat 3x]
He's got you and me Brother in His hands. [Repeat 3x]
He's got everybody here in His hands. [Repeat 3x]
 
***
Printable Issue 1433  Today is Wednesday, October 29th, 2008; Karen's Korner #1433
I received this several days ago from Tim and Dawn Hamilton. I don't know if Billy Graham really wrote it or not, or if it was read on Paul Harvey's radio broadcast or not.There is a web site where people have been checking accuracy or credibility of pass-along emails. Several days ago, I learned that the site might not always be trusted. So read what was forwarded, whether you believe all of it, some of it, or none of it, most of us have to agree that America has wandered off God's best for us individually or collectively, at least to some degree:
 

Billy Graham's Prayer For Our Nation

 
 "Heavenly Father, we come before you today to ask your forgiveness and to seek your direction and guidance.  We know Your Word says, 'Woe to those who call evil good,' but that is exactly what we have done.  We have lost our spiritual equilibrium and reversed our values. We have exploited the poor and called it the lottery. We have rewarded laziness and called it welfare.  We have killed our unborn and called it choice. We have shot abortionists and called it justifiable.  We have neglected to discipline our children and called it building self esteem.  We have abused power and called it politics. We have coveted our neighbor's possessions and called it ambition.  We have polluted the air with profanity and pornography and called it freedom of expression.  We have ridiculed the time-honored values of our forefathers and called it enlightenment.  Search us, Oh God, and know our hearts today; cleanse us from every sin and Set us free. Amen!'"


Commentator Paul Harvey aired this prayer on his radio program, 'The Rest of the Story,' and received a larger response to this program than any other he has ever aired. With the Lord's help, may this prayer sweep over our nation and wholeheartedly become our desire so that we again can be called 'One nation under God.'

Printable Issue 1434  Today is Thursday, October 30th, 2008; Karen's Korner #1434
I am working on a Sunday School lesson for Sunday. We will look at Psalms 18. If you have the opportunity, you might like to read the entire chapter (50 verses). The topic includes calling on God for His help and strength; gratitude for His deliverance and victory.
 
Anything going on in your life from which you would like strength, deliverance, and victory?
 
Psalm 18:28 - 36 --
 
."You, O LORD, keep my lamp burning; my God turns my darkness into light. With your help I can advance against a troop; with my God I can scale a wall.

 "As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the LORD is flawless. He is a shield for all who take refuge in him. For who is God besides the LORD? And who is the Rock except our God? It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect..He makes my feet like the feet of a deer; he enables me to stand on the heights. He trains my hands for battle; my arms can bend a bow of bronze.

"You give me your shield of victory, and your right hand sustains me; you stoop down to make me great..You broaden the path beneath me, so that my ankles do not turn."
 
Commentary: "Our troubles, like deep waters, threaten to drown us. David, helpless and weak, knew that God alone had rescued him from his enemies during times when he was defenselee. How often we wish that God would quickly rescue us out of our troubles. Remember that God can deliver us or help us remain steady as we go through troubles. Either way, his protection is best for us. When you feel drowned by troubles, ask God to help you, hold you steady, and protect you. In his care, you are never helpless.
 
"Many say belief in God is a crutch for weak people, who cannot make it on their own. God is indeed a shield to protect us when we are too weak to face certain trials by ourselves. He strengthens, protects, and guides us in order to send us back into an evil world to fight for him.
 
"God promises to give us strength for life-building challenges and protection from life-threatening troubles. But he doesn't promise to eliminate our troubles. If God promised no rough roads, no mountain to climb, and no battles, we would not grow. But with these life-building challenges, he sends strength to overcome. If he left us alone with life-threatening troubles, we would not survive. But God sends his protection. We need his protection to survive life's impossible threats and his strength to grow as we respond to life's challenging circumstances."
Printable Issue 1435  Today is Friday, October 31st, 2008; Karen's Korner #1435
Forwarded by a friend: 
 
Things aren't always what they appear to be!
 
    A young couple moves into a new neighborhood. The next morning, while they are eating breakfast, the young woman sees the neighbor hanging up the wash outside. "That laundy is not very clean," she said, "She doesn't know how to wash correctly. Perhaps she needs a different laundry soap."
 
    The husband looked on, but remained silent.
 
    Every time her neighbor would hang out the wash, the young woman would make the same commet.
 
    About one month later, the woman was surprised to see a nice clean wash on the line and said to her husband, "Look! She has finally learned how to wash clothes correctly. I wonder who taught her this?"
 
    Her husband said, "No one. I just got up early this morning and washing our windows!"
 
And so it is with life:  What we see while watching others, depends on the purity of the window through which we look.