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February 2017 Archives
Today is Wednesday, February 1st, 2017; Karen's Korner #3493
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Something in my inbox this morning, written and sent by Dr. David Jeremiah:
Me, Myself, & I "For You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother's womb." ~ Psalm 139:13 "If only I were less like this or more like this..... The effect of such thinking is more than just low self-esteem. Not only are we placing ourselves at odds with who we are with those thoughts, we are placing ourselves in conflict with God. We forget that we were thought of and chosen. Just as an artist conceives an idea before it is translated into being, God thought of you and desired a (insert your name) in the world before you existed. He gave your soul its shape. "If you're feeling stuck with a poor self-image, begin with asking God, 'How do You see me?' He had a specific plan in mind when He created you. As you come to realize how much God loves and delights in you, your own ability to love and receive love will grow. Each day we should pray that our eyes are opened to the great gifts God has bestowed on all of us. We are desired, loved, and invited to connect with God on a daily basis."
"I would rather be what God chose to make me than the most glorious creature that I could think of; for to have been thought about, born in God's thought, and then made by God, is the dearest, grandest and most precious thing in all thinking." ~ George MacDonald ***
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Today is Thursday, February 2nd, 2017; Karen's Korner #3494
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Around the world Christians are sometimes being beaten, jailed, persecuted and sometimes killed for their faith or for telling others about what makes them tick. Maybe Who they believe in and worship. Voice of the Martyrs publishes a monthly magazine making readers aware of some things happening across countries and nations. The VOM president welcomed readers with the note, he had just received from someone who is in prison for his faith. Only until recently he had been discouraged about the long sentence he could face. But one day he had the opportunity to witness to several young people in his cell. After their chats, he said he experienced a great joy and grace from the Lord, even seeing a new purpose for his imprisonment. "It is only with thanks that I can explain the amazing joy which the Lord fills me with despite the long time of my imprisonment. The longer I'm in prison, I live a bigger joy and I am experiencing new touches from Jesus' pierced loving hands." The VOM president went on to tell how hard it would be to imagine a person experiencing such joy and purpose while sitting in prison under extremely hard conditions. He then recounted similar words written by the Apostle Paul in Philippians 1:12 - 14, as he too sat in jail: "And I want you to know this, dear brothers: Everything that has happened to me here has been a great boost in getting out the Good News concerning Christ. For everyone around here, including all the soldiers over at the barracks, know that I am in chains simply because I am a Christian. And because of my imprisonment many of the Christians here seem to have lost their fear in chains! Somehow my patience has encouraged them and they have become more and more bold in telling others about Christ." * Chances are pretty good we haven't personally experienced such severe treatment. But it is nice to know that no matter what we face, God is bigger than the problem. He will help to see us through whatever we face. As much as we don't want to think about people being jailed for their faith, we need to be aware and pray for them. Even if we don't know them by name nor where their troubles might be inflicted. We do know that God takes care of all of them..........as He takes care of us! Praise God!
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Today is Friday, February 3rd, 2017; Karen's Korner #3495
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I have an issue with a couple of teeth which requires some special prescription mouthwash. My dental professional told me to use a toothbrush to brush the liquid around each tooth and into the gums. The other day when I was doing what I was told, I thought, "I have no idea if I am doing this right or not!" But I am attempting to follow her instructions. Better than not doing it all, I thought. Same thing about what we are told about our living and lifestyles in the Bible. We read. We listen. We live. But may not be exactly right, but God loves it when we attempt to follow Him and believe what He tells us. How do I know? Take Peter, one of Jesus' chosen twelve. He was asked to follow Jesus........and He did. Did he do everything he was supposed to at all times? No. He saw Jesus walking on water toward his boat. Peter wanted to do the same thing. So he hopped out of the boat and did walk on water. As long as he kept his eyes on Jesus. Then he got distracted. Looked around and started to sink. The good news: Jesus reached down and rescued him. Other good news: Peter was the only one among his friends that bothered to get out of the boat! I think Jesus liked that. And that wasn't the only stupid thing Peter did. There were several of them written in the Bible. But who did Jesus use to 'build His church'? Peter! And like Peter, Jesus uses us. We only have to say, "Yes!" whether we use our prescription mouthwash correctly or not!
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Today is Monday, February 6th, 2017; Karen's Korner #3496
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One of the questions our minister asked the congregation at the beginning of yesterday's sermon was, "What is the difference between a branch and a stick?" Several congregation members popped up with the right answer, "A branch is still connected to the tree. A stick isn't."
"Yes, I am the Vine; you are the branches. Whoever lives in me and I in him shall produce a large crop of fruit. For apart from me you can't do a thing. If anyone separates from me, he is thrown away like a useless branch, withers, and is gathered into a pile with all the others and burned." ~ John 15:5 - 6 LAB * Bible Commentary: "Many people try to do good, be honest, and do what is right. But Jesus says the only way to live a truly good life is to stay close to Him, like a branch attached to the vine. Apart from Him our efforts are unfruitful. Are we receiving the nourishment and life offered by Christ? If not, we may be missing the special gift He has for us." ***
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Today is Tuesday, February 7th, 2017; Karen's Korner #3497
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Today's email thoughts written by Max Lucado, talking about 'welcoming a stranger'. Maybe it would be at our homes, but it could be at a restaurant. It could be for dinner, but it could be a cup of coffee.
Who's Coming to Dinner? "The Greek word for hospitality compounds two terms: love and stranger. All of us can welcome a guest we know and love. But can we welcome a stranger? "In one of Jesus' resurrection appearances, He accompanied two disciples as they walked from Jerusalem to their village of Emmaus. It had been a long day. They had much on their minds. But their fellow traveler stirred a fire in their hearts. So they welcomed him in. They pulled out an extra chair, poured some water in the soup, and offered bread. Jesus blessed the bread, and when he did, 'their eyes were opened and they recognized him' (Luke 24:31 NIV). "We still encounter people on the road. And sometimes we detect an urge to open our doors to them. In these moments, let's heed the inner voice. We never know whom we may be hosting for dinner." ***
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Today is Wednesday, February 8th, 2017; Karen's Korner #3498
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Easing Your Burden "Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God." ~ I John 4:7 NKJV "Most of us increase our pain by dwelling on it or by analyzing it. We throw a pity party and expect others to join us. We spiral downward into depression, withdrawing into self-preoccupation. But the way to overcome is not to focus on ourselves or on the pain, but to focus on the needs of others. "Would you get your eyes off yourself and your problems and your pressures and your pain and look around? Who do you know who is suffering or struggling in some way? What can you do for them? Ask God to bring to your attention those you can care for. Because as you do, you will find joy in easing their burden, and in the process, you will ease your own." ~ By Anne Graham Lotz ***
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Today is Thursday, February 9th, 2017; Karen's Korner #3499
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Yesterday's daily entry by Sarah Young in her "Jesus Calling: Enjoying Peace in His Presence" was a good one. Here it is from February 8:
"I am above all things: your problems, your pain, and the swirling events in this ever-changing world. When you behold My Face, you rise above circumstances and rest with Me in heavenly realms. This is the way of Peace, living in the Light of My Presence. I guarantee that you will always have problems in this life, but they must not become your focus. When you feel yourself sinking in the sea of circumstances, say, 'HELP ME JESUS!' and I will draw you back to Me. If you have to say that a thousands times daily, don't be discouraged! I know your weaknesses, and I will meet you in that very place." ~ Taken from Ephesians 2:6; Matthew 14:28 - 32 ***
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Today is Friday, February 10th, 2017; Karen's Korner #3500
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This is today's short thought by Dr. David Jeremiah featuring nationally known athlete Tim Tebow. Timing is right, following last weekends Super Bowl game.
3:16 Eye Blacks "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." ~ John 3:16 * "When he was playing football for the Florida Gators, Tim Tebow decided to write Bible verses on his eye blacks, and one Saturday he chose John 3:16. It was a televised game, and Tebow later learned 94 million people googled 'John 3:16; during the game. How do 94 million people not know John 3:16? * According to John 3:16, God's love is EXTENSIVE. For God so loved the (whole) world. HIs love extends to every tribe and nation, to every believer and non-believer. * His love is EXPENSIVE. God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son... The Lord loved us enough to sacrifice His own Son for us. * "His loves is EXPANSIVE. God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him....'Whoever' is a wonderfully inclusive word that reaches all who respond. * God's love is ETERNAL...that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. Because of Christ we have an endless life of blessing. What a message to share with the millions who need John 3:16!" * "What a big God that we serve. I'm out playing a silly game, and I put these things under my eyes. It's amazing what God can do." ~ Tim Tebow ***
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Today is Monday, February 13th, 2017; Karen's Korner #3501
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"When I think of the wisdom and scope of His plan I fall down on my knees and pray to the Father of all the great family of God---some of them already in heaven and some down here on earth----that out of HIs glorious, unlimited resources He will give you the mighty inner strengthening of His Holy Spirit. And I pray that Christ will be more and more at home in your hearts, living within you as you trust in Him. May your roots go down deep into the soil of God's marvelous love; and may you be able to feel and understand, as all God's children should, how long, how wide, how deep, and how high His love really is; and to experience this love for yourselves, though it is so great that you will never see the end of it or fully know or understand it. And so at last you will be filled with God himself. ~ Ephesians 3:14 - 19 LAB * *Bible Commentary: "The great family of God includes all who have believed in Him in the past, all who believe in the present, and all who will believe in the future. We are all a family because we have the same Father. He is the source of all creation, the rightful owner of everything. God promises His love and power to His family, the church, if we want to receive His blessings, it is important that we stay in living contact with are cutting themselves off from God's power. "God's love is total, says Paul. It reaches every corner of our experience. It is long--it continues the length of our lives. It is deep--it reaches to the depths of discouragement, despair, and even death. It is wide---it covers the breadth of our own experience; and it reaches out to the whole world. It is high---it irises to the heights of our celebration and elation. When you feel shut out or isolated, remember that you can never be lost to God's love." ***
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Today is Tuesday, February 14th, 2017; Karen's Korner #3502
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Gratitude "Gratitude gets us through the hard stuff. To reflect on your blessings it to rehearse God's accomplishments. To rehearse God's accomplishments is to discover his heart! To discover his heart is to discover not just good gifts but he Good Giver. Gratitude always leaves us looking at God and away from dread. The apostle Paul said, 'Give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ' (Ephesians 5:20 NLT). "The surest path out of a slump is marked by the road sign, 'Thank you.' But what of the disastrous days? Grateful then? Jesus was 'On the night when he was betrayed,' Scriptures say, 'the Lord Jesus took a loaf of bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it' (I Corinthians 11:23 - 24 NLT). How often do you see the words betrayed and thanks in the same sentence---much less in the same heart? Give thanks.....and see what happens. ~ By Max Lucado ***
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Today is Wednesday, February 15th, 2017; Karen's Korner #3503
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"Thank you, Lord! How good you are! Your love for us continues on forever. Who can ever list the glorious miracles of God? Who can ever praise him enough?" ~ Psalm 106:1 & 2 LAB * Bible Commentary: "If we ever stopped to list all the miracles in the Bible, we would be astounded. They cover every aspect of life. The more we think about what God has done, the more we can appreciate the miracles He has done in our lives---birth, personality development, loving friends and family, specific guidance, healing, salvation---the list goes on and on. If we think we have never seen a miracle, look closer------we will see God's power and loving intervention on our behalf. God still performs great miracles! ***
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Today is Thursday, February 16th, 2017; Karen's Korner #3504
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(Note from Karen: This will be the final Karen's Korner until Sunday, February 26; as I will be away from my computer!)
Sarah Young's "Jesus Calling: Enjoying Peace in His Presence" is always good. Yesterday's I really enjoyed: "Come to Me with all your weaknesses: physical, emotional, and spiritual. Rest in the comfort of My Presence, remembering that nothing is impossible with Me. "Pry your mind away from your problems, so you can focus your attention on Me. Recall that I am able to do more than all you ask or imagine. Instead of trying to direct Me to do this and that, seek to attune yourself to what I am already doing. "When anxiety attempts to wedge its way into your thoughts, remind yourself that I am your Shepherd. The bottom line is that I am taking care of you, therefore, you needn't be afraid of anything. Rather than trying to maintain control over your life, abandon yourself to My will. Though this may feel frightening---even dangerous, the safest place to be is in My Will!" ~ Taken from Luke 1:17; Ephesians 3:20 - 21; Psalm 23:1 - 4 ****
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Today is Sunday, February 26th, 2017; Karen's Korner #3505
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As I promised, a Karen's Korner on Sunday, February 26, after being away from my computer for one week plus. I was part of 40-plus people from the Midwest who traveled to Guatemala as part of a short-term mission team, arriving home late last night. The work was mostly with an orphanage/school for 100-plus students. It was outstanding to be part of such a passionate group of committed volunteers from the U.S. It was a blessing. Lots of takeaways which I'd like to share in the coming days. Blessing is a word which popped into my head a lot: God is a blessing to all of us; the team was a blessing to those who they came to serve (including me!). And I felt an overwhelming blessing to each of you as readers of Karen's Korner. Share God's blessing......by keeping those blessings going!
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Today is Monday, February 27th, 2017; Karen's Korner #3506
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Where to start sharing our Guatemala experiences? There are lots of them. I don't intend to share them every day in Karen's Korner, just now and then. On a number of t-shirts, travel team members had printed: "......the one who takes care of orphans and widows.." ~ James 1:27 Not only did the team work with orphans, they were asked, and have been asked in the past, to help build homes for widows. There are currently 28 homes under the umbrella of Casa Angelina (where we worked). A portion of our team members worked on readying a home for a new young widow with five small children. She and her children also helped with the construction work. If you are thinking of homes like all of us are living in, you have the wrong picture. Homes are small, made of blocks. But much nicer than those of corrugated tin or made of sticks. One of the team members recounted a story of the first home which they had constructed for an elderly lady. Many of the Guatemalan people who we encountered had little. But their faith in God is amazing! After her home was constructed, she wanted to pray for those who paid and constructed her new home. Among other things, she asked God to bless 'these people as there was no way that she could repay them for their kindness'. So the team members started looking for God's blessings, as per her prayer request. When they returned to the motel in which they were staying, they encountered a meal like they had never before experienced on any mission trip.....complete with table linens and fine china. Then came the mariachi entertainers. They shook their heads in disbelief, how God was answering the little lady's requests. The next morning as they were packing up and loading the bus with their belongings, one of the team members exclaimed about how blessed they all were. He said, "What next is God going todo? Blow the top off the volcano?", which within their view. Our storyteller recalled, "In about fifteen minutes, the volcano erupted!"
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Today is Tuesday, February 28th, 2017; Karen's Korner #3507
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"The Lord is close to those whose hearts are breaking; He rescues those who are humbly sorry for their sins. The good man does not escape all troubles---he has them too. But the Lord helps him in each and every one." ~ Psalm 34:18 - 19 LAB * Bible Commentary: "We often wish that we could escape troubles---the pain of grief, sorrow, failure, or even the small daily frustrations that constantly wear us down. God promises to be our source of power, courage, and wisdom to help us through our problems. Sometimes He chooses to deliver us from those problems. When trouble strikes, don't get frustrated with God. Instead, thank Him for being by your side." *****
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