|
|
May 2021 Archives
Today is Monday, May 3rd, 2021; Karen's Korner #4441
|
|
Today is my birthday! Don't want to say that I am old (older!) but a friend who is my same age said, "We are now 3/4 of a century old!" Does that sound older? Or younger when said that way?
I tell that I am a 'Bible reader'; not a 'Bible scholar'. I pick a book of the Bible and begin reading. I am embarking on the book of Revelation. It is hard one for me to understand but I am looking to learn more than I knew before I started reading it.
In my Bible, there is a graphic of "The Names of Jesus" found sprinkled throughout Revelation. Here they are:
A to Z; Beginning to End
Lord
All Powerful One
Son of Man
First and Last
The Living One
Son of God
Witness
Creator
Lion of Judah
Root of David
Lamb
Shepherd
Christ
Faithful and True
Word of God
King of Kings
Lord of Lords
Morning Star
It says, "Each one tells something of His character and highlights a particular aspect of His role with God's plan of redemption."
God, You are worthy of our worship and praise!
|
Today is Tuesday, May 4th, 2021; Karen's Korner #4442
|
First of all, thanks to all of you for my many good birthday wishes! They are appreciated and enjoyed!
One of our hymns at worship service on Sunday was "I Surrender All". Why is it so hard for me/us to surrender ourselves and our lives to Jesus? When all He has for us is good and better than we can have or do on our own?
He wants our 'good stuff' and our 'bad stuff'. Our troubles and our blessings.
There are a number of verses. Here are a couple of them:
"All to Jesus I surrender.
All to Him I freely give.
I will ever love and trust Him
In His presence daily live.
"All to Jesus I surrender.
Humbly at His feet I bow.
Worldly pleasures all forsaken
Take me Jesus take me now.
"I surrender all.
I surrender all.
All to Thee my blessed Saviour.
I surrender all."
Father God in Heaven, will you help me to give myself and every part of each day to you? I know that Your plans are better than mine. Lead me. Guide me. I surrender all to You today. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
|
Today is Wednesday, May 5th, 2021; Karen's Korner #4443
|
Galatians 3:26 -28 tells about how we are the same, if we are children of God. Evidently, there was division between Jews and Gentiles.
Not much difference in human nature today. We hear words like 'racism', 'sexism', and all kinds of other 'isms'. We need to keep looking to God to see if the 'name calling' is true. And if it is, what to do about it. Human nature - we always need help with it!
"For now we are all children of God through faith in Jesus Christ, and we who have been baptized into union with Christ are enveloped by him. We are no longer Jews or Greeks or slaves or free men or even merely men or women, but we are all the same -- we are Christians; we are one in Christ Jesus."
Bible Commentary: "Jewish males greeted each new day by praying, 'Lord, I thank you that I am not a Gentile, a slave, or a woman.' This prayer should no longer be said, because faith in Christ transcends these differences and makes all believers one in Christ.
"It's our natural inclination to feel uncomfortable around those who are different from us and to gravitate toward those who resemble us. But when we allow our differences to separate us from our fellow believes, we are disregarding clear biblical teaching. We should make a point of seeking out and appreciating people who are not just like us and our friends. We may find that we and they have a lot in common."
Heavenly Father, forgive us for allowing anything to divide us rather than bring us together. You died to save us from ourselves. Help us not to let words that we hear and read add to our division. Help us to look to You for what we can, and need to be doing or thinking. In Jesus Name. Amen.
|
Today is Thursday, May 6th, 2021; Karen's Korner #4444
|
|
We look at the miracles Jesus performed and wonder what it would be like to see such a miracle.
It is spring so I think we are seeing miracles all around us. Walking this morning, I see corn fields beginning to have corn peeking through the ground.
Yesterday I spent an hour or two putting tiny dry marigold, zinnia, and bush balsam seeds into the ground. They don't look like much until they are put in the moist soil.
I spent part of an hour last week roto tilling the ground.
My part is very small. God's part is to provide the sunshine and rain. And the other elements 24 hours a day; seven days a week throughout the whole spring and summer months.
I feel small in comparison but happy to be part of the process. As I stand back in wonder! Again for another year.
"A farmer sowed his field, and went away, and as the days went by, the seeds grew and grew without his help. For the soil made the seeds grow."
~ Mark 4:26 - 28 LAB
***
|
Today is Friday, May 7th, 2021; Karen's Korner #4445
|
I am including something written and sent by Anne Graham Lotz this week. She is sharing about her mother's praying and Bible reading routine. What a mother! And we can see the 'side effects' of her prayers and study in their families' lives!
I didn't have a mother like that. Nor am I a mother like Ruth Graham!
One thing I know about God: He doesn't like us comparing ourselves one to another. "I'm better than......". "I'm not as good as......" She has a better.......or worse........"
It's Mothers' Day! Time to celebrate! Ruth Graham; Anne Graham Lotz; my mother; your mother; us! God loves and wants to take care of each of us! Happy Mothers' Day!
My Mother’s Abiding Joy
"In Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore."
~ Psalm 16:11, NKJV
As a teenager growing up, my room in our house was directly over Mother’s. At night I could see the lights from her room reflected on the trees outside my window. When I slipped downstairs hoping to talk to her a few minutes, I would find her shapely form bent beside her bed in prayer. It was useless to wait for her to rise because she would be there for hours on end, so I would trudge back up to my room.
And no matter how early I awoke in the morning, I would see those lights from her window once again reflected on the trees outside. When I tumbled down the stairs, I would find her seated at her big, flat-top desk, earnestly studying one of the fourteen different translations of the Bible spread out around her. My mother chose to make abiding in Christ one of the priorities of her life.
Mother’s abiding was rooted in a love relationship with Jesus that was the secret of her life. As a result of her abiding, and the obedience that was integrated into it, the hallmark of Mother’s life was joy. Her face radiated it! Her eyes sparkled with it! And I’m left to wonder . . . what outward evidence of my inner relationship with Jesus do my children see?
*** |
|
Today is Monday, May 10th, 2021; Karen's Korner #4446
|
|
Thursday, May 6 was National Day of Prayer, celebrated across our country as it has been for the past 70 years.
This year's theme was "Lord, pour out your LOVE, LIFE, and LIBERTY.
With the Bible verse, 2 Corinthians 3:17 ' "Now the Lord is the Spirit and where the Spirit of the Lord is there is liberty."
The 2021 National Prayer:
"Lord, we look up and see the billions of stars You created, and we praise You. We look around and see the billions of people You created in Your image, uniquely, fearfully, wonderfully, and we thank You. Wrap us in Your Spirit and unite us in Your family, Lord.
"Thank You for loving us first. In Your love for the whole world, You sent Your Son to save us.
"Jesus, in You alone we have abundant and everlasting life. Thank You for teaching and leading us to love and live, fruitful and faithful .In Your life, death, resurrection, and ascension You are our Lord, our love, our life, and our liberty. You came to 'bind up the broken hearted. To proclaim liberty to the captives and freedom to prisoners.' You have freed us from the penalty and shame of our sin, free to live life as You designed and Your destiny for our Nation.
"Spirit, search us, convict us, as we repent for our sin and the sins of America. Please cleanse, fill and send us. We rejoice knowing that Your forgiveness makes us acceptable and effective vessels for Your love, life and liberty in our family, church, education, workplace, military, government, art, entertainment, and media.
"We pray that America will be united in love to serve You with all our hears, all our ways and all our days. Unite us to pray, love, to live and walk by the Spirit. Conform and transform us as we pray and proclaim, 'Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.'
"We pray this in the name of Jesus. Amen."
*****
|
Today is Tuesday, May 11th, 2021; Karen's Korner #4447
|
|
Yesterday's Max Lucado inspirational thought:
"Jesus wants to bring joy to the people of this generation, and he has enlisted some special agents of happiness to do the job: you and me.
"Not an easy task. The people in our world can be moody, fickle, and stubborn. And that just describes my wife’s husband. Nah, if we are going to find the joy that comes through giving joy away, we need instruction. No wonder the Bible has so much to say about finding joy in the act of sharing it. The New Testament contains more than fifty 'one another' statements.
"You and I indwell a lonely planet. We cannot solve every problem in society, but we can bring smiles to a few faces. And who knows? If you brighten your corner of the world and I do the same in mine, a quiet revolution of joy might break out. It can be how happiness happens."
*******
|
Today is Wednesday, May 12th, 2021; Karen's Korner #4448
|
|
"For even before I was born
God had chosen me to be His,
and called me ---
what kindness and grace -- "
~ Galatians 1:15 LAB
*
Bible Commentary: "Because God was guiding his ministry, Paul (writer of this verse) wasn't doing anything God hadn't already planned and given him power to do. God know us intimately as well, and He chose us to be His even before we were born. He wants us to draw close to Him, and fulfill the job He has given us to do."
|
Today is Thursday, May 13th, 2021; Karen's Korner #4449
|
|
Something a friend shared with me yesterday:
A to Z IDENTITY LIST
God's Word Says I am .....
ACCEPTED. "Accept one another; then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God."
~ Romans 15:7
*
BEAUTIFUL. "You are altogether beautiful, my darling; there is no flaw in you." ~ Song of Songs 4:7
*
CHOSEN. "You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit - fruit that will last." ~ John 15:16
*
DELIGHTED. "He brought me out into a spacious place; he rescued me because he delighted in me." ~ Psalm 18:19
*
ENOUGH. "His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness." ~ 2 Peter 1:9
*
FREE. "It is for freedom that Christ has set us free." ~ Galatians 5:1
(First installment of four!)
****
|
Today is Friday, May 14th, 2021; Karen's Korner #4450
|
|
Today's entry from Sarah Young and "Jesus Calling: Enjoying Peace in His Presence". She talks about our 'weaknesses'. Isn't amazing that God uses those of us who know we are weak to carry out His mission to others? And the best part is that He makes us look strong. And we are 'in Him'!
"I am a Mighty God. Nothing is too difficult for Me. I have chosen to use weak ones like you to accomplish My purposes. Your weakness is designed to open you up to My Power. Therefore, do not fear your limitations or measure the day's demands against your strength. What I require of you is to stay connected to Me, living in trusting dependence on My limitless resources. When you face unexpected demands, there is no need to panic. Remember that I am with you. Talk with Me, and listen while I talk you through each challenging situation.
"I am not a careless God. When I allow difficulties to come into your life, I equip you fully to handle them. Relax in My Presence, trusting in My Strength."
~ Taken from Luke 1:37; 2 Corinthians 12:9
***
|
Today is Monday, May 17th, 2021; Karen's Korner #4451
|
Here in north central Iowa the spring has been chillier than many times. Where I live April showers have been lacking.
Several weeks ago I planted many flowers seeds and a short row of lettuce. And I have waited.
The lettuce has poked its head through the ground. But I have yet to see much evidence of the marigolds. One of three things have happened: it has been too cold, too dry, or I am too impatient!
I can do the tilling and planting but it is God who is charge of the 'increase'. So I wait!
Dear Lord, thank You that I have the opportunity to participate in the growing of flowers and vegetables. I thank You for the soil, seeds, sun, and rain which you provide. Help me to be patient as I anticipate the growing season. You are a good God. Help me to stop, look and listen to the world around me. I celebrate today and the plans You have for tomorrow. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
|
Today is Tuesday, May 18th, 2021; Karen's Korner #4452
|
|
At this year's National Day of Prayer (Thursday, May 5, the theme was "Lord, Pour Out Your LOVE, LIFE, AND LIBERTY". With the Bible verse, "Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is there is liberty." (2 Corinthians 3:17)
There were seven specific areas for us to pray; one was GOVERNMENT:
PRAY THAT THE SPIRIT WOULD GUIDE AND GUARD LOCAL, STATE, AND FEDERAL GOVERNMENT SO THAT:
* Isaiah 11:1 - 5...."all elected and appointed leaders would be filled with the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding, the Spirit of counsel and of might, the Spirit of knowledge and fear of the Lord and will judge with righteousness, by His Spirit, they will make laws and give decisions."
* Psalm 33:12: "America would be known and blessed as a nation whose God is the Lord, and a faithful people whom He has chosen for His own inheritance."
* Psalms 89:14 - "American's foundations would align with the righteousness and justice in the foundation of God's throne; lovingkindness and truth will surround us as Christ's love, life, and liberty are found in us."
****
|
Today is Wednesday, May 19th, 2021; Karen's Korner #4453
|
|
What's not to like about the book of Psalms? One hundred and fifty chapters all with different themes? They provide 'expressions of praise, worship, and confessions to God'.
In my Life Application Bible, each chapter begins with a theme. Chapter 144 says: "Rejoicing in God's care. Whether in times of prosperity or adversity, happy are those whose God is the Lord."
"Bless the Lord who is
my immovable Rock.
He gives me strength and skill in battle.
He is always kind and loving to me;
He is my fortress,
my tower of strength and safety,
my deliverer.
He stands before me as a shield."
~ Psalm 144:1 - 2a
****
|
Today is Thursday, May 20th, 2021; Karen's Korner #4454
|
|
A to Z Identity List
(2nd installment of 4)
God's Word Says I Am.......
Gifted. "Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others. ~ I Peter 4:10
*
Heaven-bound. "But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ." ~ Philippians 3:20
*
Important. "And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows." ~ Matthew 10:30 - 31
*
Jewel. "They will sparkle in His hand like jewels in a crown." ~ Zechariah 9:16
* Known. "You have searched me, Lord, and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. ~ Psalm 139:1-2
*
Loved. "See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! ~ I John 3:1
*
Masterpiece. "For we are God's masterpiece." ~ Ephesians 2:10 (NLT)
*****
|
Today is Friday, May 21st, 2021; Karen's Korner #4455
|
For my birthday, a friend gave me a book titled "What if God Wrote Your To-Do List?" by Jay Payleitner. It included 52 ways to make the most of every day. Not tough stuff to add on. Just common sense little thoughts.
One chapters was titled "Eat the Frog", encouraging us as readers to do the 'big' thing first. Not leaving it until later in the day - week - or even after.
"Reset the Car Radio". "Wait 24 Hours" "Quit One Thing". "Speak the Gospel".
One chapter reminds us to "Laugh". What laughter does for us. Plus how much more often children laugh than adults. "A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones." (Proverbs 17:22 ESV).
Then the writer added several jokes:
"A woman frantically calls the fire department to report a fire in her neighborhood. The dispatcher asks, 'Well, lady, how do we get there?' Confused, she replies, 'Don't you still have those big red trucks?''
"A mom sends a text to her son, 'Hi, Son. What do IDK, ILY, GTG, and TTYL mean?' " He texts back, 'I don't know. I love you. Got to go. Talk to you later.' The mom responds, 'It's okay. I thought you'd know. I'll ask your sister.'"
Have a good weekend!
|
Today is Monday, May 24th, 2021; Karen's Korner #4456
|
|
"Mark this well
The Lord has set apart
the redeemed for Himself.
Therefore He will listen to me a
nd answer when I call him."
~ Psalm 4:3 LAB
*
Bible Commentary: "David knew that God heard his prayers and would answer him. We too can know that God listens and answers when we call on Him. Sometimes we think God will not hear us because we have fallen short of His high standards for holy living. But God listens to us because we have been forgiven. When we feel that our prayers are 'bouncing off the ceiling', we need to remember that as believers we have been set apart by God and that He loves us. He hears and answers (although His answers may not be what we expect). We need to look at our problems in the light of God's power instead of looking at God in the light of our problems."
***
|
Today is Tuesday, May 25th, 2021; Karen's Korner #4457
|
|
Taken from National Day of Prayer (Thursday, May 5, the theme was "Lord, Pour Out Your LOVE, LIFE, AND LIBERTY". With the Bible verse, "Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is there is liberty." (2 Corinthians 3:17).
Seven specific areas, today's is #2:
FAMILY
Spirit of the Lord we pray You:
...... prompt every family to bow before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name; granting them according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with power, through His Spirit, rooted and grounded in love, and be filled up to all the fullness of God. (Ephesians 3:19 - 25).
.......fill our family, drawing us closer to You and to one another. Make our families Your instruments of love, life, and liberty in the communities where You have stablished us. (Acts 17:24 - 28).
.......rest on families and all children would hear affirmation and affection from their parents, as the Lord spoke over His Son, 'You are My beloved Son, in You I am well-pleased.' (Luke 3:21).
****
|
Today is Wednesday, May 26th, 2021; Karen's Korner #4458
|
|
The Switch that Turns on the Light
"I will sing to the Lord, for He has been good to me."
~ Psalm 13:6 NIV
"King David knew that the secret of victory over adversity was a conscious choice to praise God. Again, and again, as he cries out to God in prayer, we hear his choice to praise, 'How long must I wrestle with my thoughts and every day have sorrow in my heart?
"Look on me and answer, O Lord, my God....But I will trust in Your unfailing love, my heart rejoices in Your salvation. I will sing to the Lord for He has been good to me' (Psalm 13: 2 - 6 NIV). David, hounded by Saul and living as a fugitive for years in a nation where he was the national hero as well as the anointed king, exercises his will to praise God even when he just didn't feel like it.
"Praise is the switch that turns on the light of joy in our lives even when it's 'dark' outside. And the resulting 'light' causes others to see the glory of God in our lives."
~ By Anne Graham Lotz
****
|
Today is Thursday, May 27th, 2021; Karen's Korner #4459
|
|
A to Z Identity List
(3rd Installment of 4)
God's Word Says I Am....
New Creation. "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! (2 Corinthians 5:17)"
* Overcomer. "You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world. (I John 4:4)"
* Protected. "But the Lord is faithful, and He will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one. (2 Thessalonians 3:3)"
*
Qualified. "And giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of His holy people in the kingdom of light. (Colossians 1:12)."
* Rescued. "For He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son He loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. (Colossians 1:13-14)."
* Strong. "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. (Joshua 1:9)."
****
|
Today is Friday, May 28th, 2021; Karen's Korner #4460
|
|
Have a good Memorial Day weekend!
Something written and sent earlier this week from Max Lucado. He 'assigns' us something to do in the next twenty-four hours. Even though we might be busy, we might be interacting with other people and have 'time' to think about or do what he suggests:
Rejoice in the Success of Others
"We are not God's gift to humanity. God can use each of us, but He doesn't need any of us. We're valuable, but not indispensable. You love, but who loved you first? You serve, but who served the most? What are you doing for God that God couldn't do alone? How wise of us to remember Paul's antidote for the joy sucking self-promotions. 'With humility of mind let each of you regard one another as more important than himself' (Philippians 2:3).
"Here's a helpful exercise that can turn your focus off yourself and on to others. During the next twenty-four hours make it your aim to celebrate everything good that happens to someone else. Keep a list. And you'll move from joy to joy as you regard other people's success as more important than your own. This is how happiness happens."
***
|
Today is Monday, May 31st, 2021; Karen's Korner #4461
|
|
Today is Memorial Day. A time to reflect.
"Memorial Day is an annual reminder of the heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice while defending the United States of America."
*. Taken from National Day of Prayer (Thursday, May 5, the theme was "Lord, Pour Out Your LOVE, LIFE, AND LIBERTY". With the Bible verse, "Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is there is liberty." (2 Corinthians 3:17).
Seven specific areas, today's is #3: appropriately for our Military, those serving today:
MILITARY
Pray America's Military would:
......be strong and mighty, fighting for the Lord to trample the enemy and defend the afflicted (Zechariah 10:5)."
...... be filled with Your power; to be Your witnesses, worshippers, and warriors; bringing love, life and liberty as they defend freedom (Acts 1:8)."
..... be protected from being entangled and distracted by everyday, earthly affairs; always focused in mind and body on their Lord, mission, and leaders. (2 Timothy 2:3-4)."
*****
|
|
