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Today is Friday, December 8th, 2023; Karen's Korner #5015
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Something written and sent to my email inbox by Anne Graham Lotz today:
KING OFHEARTS
"The kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit."
~ Romans 14:17 NKJV
"The Jews had many preconceived ideas about the Messiah based on their interpretation of Scripture and what they wanted. When Jesus of Nazareth came on the scene with His public ministry, He was neither the Messiah they had been expecting nor the Messiah they wanted. The Jew wanted someone Who would:
raise their standard of living,
grant them privileges without responsibility,
And restore them in the world power they had known under King David and King Solomon.
"They wanted someone who would meet their physical and material and emotional need.
"They expected a glorious, victorious King Who would rid them of the Romans and establish them in national peace and prosperity and prominence. But the first time He came, He came to establish the kingdom of God, not in the world, but in the hearts of men. He was born to die. And so He was rejected as the King of Hearts. Then. But what about now? Would you crown Him King of your heart today?"
****
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Today is Thursday, December 7th, 2023; Karen's Korner #5014
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On Monday, our high school chorus sang the "Hallelujah Chorus" from Handel's Messiah. It is said to be one of the most sung and most familiar works for the past nearly 300 years.
It is taken from a Bible verse in Isaiah when the prophet predicted the coming of the Messiah. He did come. But 700 years later!
"For unto us a Child is born; unto us a Son is given; and the government shall be upon His shoulder. These will be His royal titles: 'Wonderful', 'Counselor'. 'The Mighty God,' "The Everlasting Father,' 'The Prince of Peace.' His ever-expanding, peaceful government will never end. He will rule with perfect fairness and justice from the throne of His father David."
~ Isaiah 9:6 & 7 LAB
Bible Commentary: "In a time of great darkness, God promised to send a Light who would shine on everyone living in the shadow of death. He is both 'Mighty God' (all-powerful) and 'Counselor' (all-loving). This message of hope was fulfilled in the birth of Christ and the establishment of his eternal kingdom. He cam to deliver all people from their slavery to sin."
****
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Today is Wednesday, December 6th, 2023; Karen's Korner #5013
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Something published in the current edition of Iowa Electric Cooperative and written by Darcy Dougherty Moulsby of Lake City:
8 Gifts That Don't Cost A Cent
The Gift of a Favor: Every day , go out of your way to do something kind.
The Gift of Listening: But you must really listen. No interrupting, no day dreaming, no planning your response. Just listening..
The Gift of Affection: Be generous with appropriate hugs, kisses, pats on the back and handholds. Let these small actions demonstrate the love you have for family and friends.
The Gift of Laughter: Clip cartoons. Share antics and funny stories. Your gift will say, 'I love to laugh with you.'
The Gift of a Written Note: It can be a simple 'thanks for the help' note or a full sonnet. A brief, handwritten note may be remembered for a life time and may even change a life.
The Gift of Solitude: There ae times when we want nothing better than to be left alone. Be sensitive to those times and give the gift of solitude to others.
The Gift of a Compliment: A simple and sincere, 'You look great in red.' 'You did a super job' or 'That was a wonderful meal' can make someone's day.
The Gift of a Cheerful Disposition: The easiest way to feel good is to make others feel good."
* Nice list, God, but I am going to need your help to be more aware, to see things as You see them. One more thing I am going to need Your help doing! You put so many people in my path. Help me to see them as You do! In Jesus' Name. Amen.
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Today is Tuesday, December 5th, 2023; Karen's Korner #5012
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"I waited patiently for God to help me; then He listened and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the pit of despair; out from the bog and the mire; and set my feet on a hard, firm path and steadied me as I walked along. He has given me a new song to sing, of praises to our God. Now many will hear of the glorious things He did for me, and stand in awe before the Lord, and put their trust in Him. Many blessings are given to those who trust the Lord."
~ Psalm 40: 1-4B LAB
* Bible Commentary: "Waiting for God to help us is not easy, but David (writer) received four benefits from waiting on God: 1) God lifted him out of his despair; 2) God set his feet on firm ground; 3) God steadied his walk, and 4) God gave him a new purpose. Often blessings cannot be received unless we go through the trial of waiting."
****
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Today is Monday, December 4th, 2023; Karen's Korner #5011
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Today's Max Lucado in my email inbox:
THE WAY JESUS CAME
"It all happened in a moment, a most remarkable moment. God became a man. Heaven opened herself and placed her most precious one in a human womb.
"Jesus came, not as a flash of light or as an unapproachable conqueror, but as one whose first cries were heard by a peasant girl and a sleepy carpenter. The hands that first held him were un-manicured, calloused, and dirty. For thirty-three years he would feel everything you and I have ever felt. Weak and weary and afraid of failure. His feelings got hurt.
"To think of Jesus in such a light seems almost irreverent. There’s something about keeping him divine that keeps him distant, predictable. But don’t do it. For heaven’s sake, don’t! Let him be as human as he intended to be. For only if we let him in can he pull us out."
**
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Today is Friday, December 1st, 2023; Karen's Korner #5010
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Today's entry from "365 Days of Prayer for Women" by Stephanie Sample: MAKE ME WISE
"How blessed is the man (woman) who finds wisdom. And the man (woman) who gains understanding."
~ Proverbs 3:13 NASB
"Father, you say wisdom matters most. I need help understanding how a clear and level head is more valuable than wealth, health, or meaningful work. I don't want to be like a child who wants to live on birthday cake and candy. Help me seethe value of something so intangible and hard to obtain. I want to be mature in the things of heaven. Make me wise enough to understand, God. Then I'll be able to order my priorities as you would. Make me wise enough to choose love over success, spiritual health over physical wellness, and treasure in heaven over possessions on earth. Make me wise enough to seek wisdom first."
"Are we seeking wisdom from God first?"
****
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Today is Thursday, November 30th, 2023; Karen's Korner #5009
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As we begin our trek toward Christmas:
"Entering the house where the bay and Mary His mother were, they (astrologers or wise men) threw themselves down before Him, worshiping. Then they opened their presents and gave Him gold, frankincense and myrrh."
~ Matthew 2:11 LAB
*
Bible Commentary: "Jesus was probably one or two years old when the astrologers found Him By this time, Mary and Joseph were married, living in a house and intending to stay in Bethlehem for awhile.
"The astrologers gave these expensive gifts because they were worthy presents for a Future King. Bible students have seen in the gifts symbols of Christ's identity and what He would accomplish. Gold was a gift for a king; frankincense, a gift for deity; myrrh, a spice for a mortal man who was going to die. These gifts may have provided the financial resources for the family's trip to Egypt and back.
"The astrologers brought gifts and worshiped Jesus for who He was. This is the essence of true worship---honoring Christ for who He is and being willing to give Him what is valuable to you. We are to worship God because He is the perfect, just and almighty Creator of the universe, worthy of the best we have to give."
****
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Today is Wednesday, November 29th, 2023; Karen's Korner #5008
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This is yesterday's (November 28) by Sarah Young and her "Jesus Calling: Enjoying Peace in His Presence":
"Rest in the deep assurance of My unfailing Love. Let your body, mind, and spirit relax in My Presence. Release into My care anything that is troubling you, so that you can focus your full attention on Me. Be awed by the vast dimensions of My Love for you: wider, longer, higher, and deeper than anything you know. Rejoice that this marvelous Love is yours forever!
"The best response to this glorious gift is a life steeped in thankfulness. Every time you thank Me, you acknowledge that I am your Lord and Provider. This is the proper stance for a child of God: receiving with thanksgiving. Bring Me the sacrifice of gratitude, and watch to see how much I bless you."
~ Taken from 1 Peter 5:7; Ephesians 3:16-19; Psalm 107: 21-22
**
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Today is Tuesday, November 28th, 2023; Karen's Korner #5007
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"Stop your anger! Turn off your wrath. Don't fret and worry--- it only leads to harm. For the wicked shall be destroyed, but those who trust the Lord shall be given every blessing."
~ Psalm 38:8 & 9 LAB
* Bible Commentary: "Ander and worry are two of the most destructive emotions. They reveal a lack of faith that God is in control. We should not fret and worry. Instead, we should trust in the Lord. Wehn we dwell on our problems, we will become anxious and angry. But if we concentrate on God ahd His goodness, we will find peace. Where do we focus our attention?:"
** Father in Heaven, we know what You tell us, but we can't do it on our own. We need Your help! Help us to not be anxious or angry! Thank You so much for Your continued help in every area of our lives. In Jesus name. Amen.
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Today is Monday, November 27th, 2023; Karen's Korner #5006
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Many
years ago, when my daughter was young, we went to see a counselor who helped
people with parenting issues. Our daughter was a very head-strong kid,
even from the age of two and it seemed to get stronger every year as she grew.
The
counselor asked my husband and I what we thought the job of parents was.
I answered to love them. My husband agreed, but added he though to
discipline them so they grew up with responsibility and respect. The
counselor told us - - all good answers. But think about this one.
Your job as parents to is to teach your kids resiliency and independence.
Life is full of disappointments, and in order to cope and grow, kids need to be
taught how to bounce back, taking failures as learning opportunities. And
independence because at some point, they will need to take responsibility for
themselves. We hadn’t thought much about either of these prior to the
visit.
A
few years later, my daughter as a sixth grader, was caught shop-lifting at a
local amusement park with a bunch of girls. Her punishment from the park
was a ban for a year, a big thing at that age. The ride home was pretty
quiet, except when I heard a small voice ask me if we had to tell dad.
Yes, I said, we do. Then the crying started. He will be mad, she
said. When we got home, we just sat in silence until he arrived.
The major crying started now. He told her to come and sit by him, which
she did. He asked her what she had learned from this. She said she
had learned not to steal and not to give in to peer pressure. Her story
was the other girls had stolen stuff several minutes before and were pressuring
her to steal too. My husband just looked at me and told her, ok, you are
banned from the park for a year and you are grounded for two weeks. That
was the end of the discussion. A sullen sixth grader headed off to her
room.
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