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October 2016 Archives

Printable Issue 3406  Today is Monday, October 3rd, 2016; Karen's Korner #3406

It is October. Among other celebrations, it is Firefighters' Month.

Here is something published in "In God We Still Trust" by Dr. Robert G. Lee:


"A Fireman's Prayer"


"When I am called to duty, God,

Whenever flame may rage,

Give me the strength to save some life,

Whatever be its age.


"Help me embrace a little child

Before it is too late,

Or save an older person from

The horror of that fate.


"Enable me to be alert

And hear the weakest shout,

And quickly and efficiently

To put the fire out.


"I wan to fill my calling and

To give the best in me,

To guard my every neighbor

And protect his property.


"And if according to my fate,

I am to lose my life,

Please bless with Your protecting hand

My children and my wife."

~ Author Unknown

***


Printable Issue 3407  Today is Tuesday, October 4th, 2016; Karen's Korner #3407

"The Lord said to me, 'I knew you before you were formed within your mother's womb, before you were born. I sanctified you and appointed you as my spokesman to the world.'"

~ Jeremiah 1:4,5 LAB

*

Bible Commentary:  "God knew you, as He knew Jeremiah, long before you were born or even conceived. He knew you, thought about you, and planned for you. When you feel discouraged or inadequate, remember that God has always thought of you, as valuable and has had a purpose in mind for you."

**

Printable Issue 3408  Today is Wednesday, October 5th, 2016; Karen's Korner #3408

Sunday's sermon at church was about God's love, grace and mercy. Sometimes there is a 'story' that is an easy part to remember. Here's what our pastor said:


"A woman comes to her pastor and says, 'Hey, my prayer time is really awesome. I think I am hearing God speak to me, but I am not sure. What do you think?'

"The pastor responds, 'Well, let's test it. Ask God what was the worst sin I ever did in seminary.'

"A week later, she comes in to see him all excited about the answer and, of course, he is nervous and trying to think of what the worst thing he had ever done while in seminary.

"When she gets back to his office, the pastor asked her, 'Well, what di the Lord tell you in response to the question about my days in seminary?'

"The woman replied, 'God says ----- He doesn't remember!'"

***

"He has removed our sins as far away from us as the east is from the west."

~ Psalm 103:12 LAB

**

Printable Issue 3409  Today is Thursday, October 6th, 2016; Karen's Korner #3409

Either Sunday's sermon was a good one or I was paying better attention that some other times! Here is another portion of Pastor Warren's message - installment #2:


"We need to remember that the Lord does hear our prayers and desires that we would call out to Him. He responds and answers in ways we don't always understand....His ways and His thoughts are higher than our own. I believe there are a few questions that all of us must grapple with throughout our lifetime:


* Do I believe that God is good?

* Do I trust that God will always do the right thing according to His plans and purposes over my current personal desire?

* When my current place in life seems dark, despairing and bleak, will I trust that God knows better where I am than I do?

* Will I live to the glory of God and bring Him worship and praise, even when my present situation is tempting me to look elsewhere?

* When I come to realize that I may never find an adequate or satisfying answer to the questions I have, can I still trust in goodness and faithfulness of God?"

***





Printable Issue 3410  Today is Friday, October 7th, 2016; Karen's Korner #3410

"Focus on the Family", a Christian outreach ministry based in Colorado, has organized '31 Days of Prayer" for the month of October. Prayers address a number of cares and concerns for our nation and its people; a variety of topics.

I am late sharing these simple prayers with Karen's Korner readers but I can get them all to you prior to the election. But these simple requests cover more than our country, our election, and our leaders.

Here are two, not in any particular 'day' order:

A PRAYER FOR FRIDAY:

DAY #16:  Pray for all those who are homeless.

"Heavenly Father,

I don't always understand the circumstances surrounding people who are homeless....but You do. I pray that You use me and others to reach out to our hurting, homeless neighbors. Give me the compassion and discernment to act. Bless groups working with these individuals. In Jesus' name. Amen."

*

A PRAYER FOR SATURDAY:

Day #13:  Pray for people in crisis.

"Heavenly Father,

America is full of hurting people---couples heading for divorce, those battling depression, families in financial trouble, individuals seeking work, victims of tragedy, and natural disasters. Today I pray for comfort, peace, and blessings in the lives of those who face insurmountable odds. Give them hope in You. In Jesus' name. Amen."

***


Printable Issue 3411  Today is Monday, October 10th, 2016; Karen's Korner #3411

Two more entries from "31 Days of Prayer"; prepared by Focus on the Family":


A PRAYER FOR SUNDAY:

Day #9:  Pray for church workers and volunteers.

"Heavenly Father,

Our churches need strong leaders, full of wisdom and faith in these trying times. Give courage and patience to pastors, and other church workers. Bless and energize volunteers like Sunday School teachers who influence children and entire families weekly. In Jesus' name. Amen."

*

A PRYER FOR MONDAY:

Day #21:  Pray for America's leaders.

"Heavenly Father,

I ask You to grant wisdom to America's governing leaders, including our president and his advisers, senators, representatives, judges, and even state and local leaders. Make clear Your perfect will for America and give them the courage to stand up for what is right. In Jesus' name. Amen."

*

"Pray then like this:  'Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.'"

~ Matthew 6:9 - 10 ESV

***



Printable Issue 3412  Today is Tuesday, October 11th, 2016; Karen's Korner #3412

A couple of Bible verses talking, in part, to 'growing fields' as we are in the midst of harvest in our area:


"Let the heavens be glad, the earth rejoice; let the vastness of the roaring seas demonstrate His glory. Praise Him for the growing fields, for they display His greatness. Let the trees of the forest rustle with praise. For the Lord is coming to judge the earth, He will judge the nations fairly and with truth!

~ Psalm 96:11 - 13 LAB

*

And an installment from '31 Days of Prayer" from Focus on the Family:


A PRAYER FOR TUESDAY:

Day #19:  Pray for God's people to be a light.

"Heavenly Father,

I pray that Christians--myself included--will live out the principles of the Bible daily and be light in the darkness. Give me the courage and strength to stand up for Scriptural principles and morality. Allow opportunities for me and other to impact people in my own sphere of influence. I want to be your representative. Amen."

Printable Issue 3413  Today is Wednesday, October 12th, 2016; Karen's Korner #3413

Some days I read Sarah Young's "Jesus Calling:  Enjoying Peace in His Presence"; sometimes I don't. Some of her posts I like more than others; every day is good. Writings are taken from Bible verses and written as Jesus is talking directly to us. Here is yesterday's:


"I am the culmination of all your hopes and desires. 'I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last; who is and was and is to come.' Before you knew Me, you expressed your longing for Me in hurtful ways. You were ever so vulnerable to the evil around you in the world. But now My Presence safely shields you, enfolding you in My loving arms. I have lifted you out of the darkness into My marvelous Light.

"Though I have brought many pleasures into your life, not one of them is essential. Receive My blessings with open hands. Enjoy My good gifts, but do not cling to them. Turn your attention to 'the Giver of all good things', and rest in the knowledge that you are complete in Me. The one thing you absolutely need is the one thing you can never lose:  My Presence with you."

~ Taken from Psalm 62:5 - 8; Revelation 1:8; I Peter 2:9 (NKJV); James 1:17

**


Prayer for Wednesday;

Taken from '31 Days of Prayer', written by Focus on the Family:

Day 23::  Pray for civil servants.

"Heavenly Father,

Our police officers and firefighters are American heroes. I pray that you grant discernment and safety to all those who put their own lives on the line to keep our communities safe. Protect these life-saving civil servants and their families. Amen."

*****


Printable Issue 3414  Today is Thursday, October 13th, 2016; Karen's Korner #3414

Something written by Max Lucado:

Unpack Your Bags

"Do you question your place in God's family? Do you fear his impending rejection? Do you wrestle with doubt-laced questions, such as...'Am I really in God's family? What if God changes his mind?'

"Lord knows, he has reason to do so. We wonder, 'Will God turn me out?' Employers do. Coaches kick players off the team. Teachers expel students from school. Parents give birth to children and abandon them at a bus station. How do we know God won't do the same? After all, he is holy and pure, and we are anything but is it safe to trust our place in God's family?

"God answered this question at the cross. When Jesus died, the heavenly vote was forever cast in your favor. He declared for all to hear, This child is my child! My covenant will never change.

**

Prayer of the Day for Thursday;

taken from '31 Days of Prayer" by Focus on the Family:

Day 25:  Pray for an end to violence.

"Heavenly Father,

Thank You for protecting my family. Today I ask You to extend Your hand of protection and peace across our nation in area torn apart by violence. Minister to victims of violence and work to transform those who act in violence. Send Your angels to guard over the innocent. Thank you.

In Jesus name. Amen."

***

Printable Issue 3415  Today is Friday, October 14th, 2016; Karen's Korner #3415

(I apologize for the posting error:  it wasn't October 14, but October 17 that Jim died. All of the information below remains the same.)

It was two years ago today that my husband, Jim, passed away. I was fortunate to have him be part of my life for more than 45 years. He was a loving, kind, and caring; with many more attributes than I'd probably like to list here.

Among other things was how much of his life he spent thinking of his family and others. To that end, he was an organ donor. "Just as well let someone else use whatever is leftover," he'd say, "I'm not going to need it!"

On October 14, 2014, the 'donation process' began. Many questions were asked of me. One of them, "Would I ever want to know the results of Jim's gift?"

Yes, my family and I would like to know. Because of his lengthy illness would there be anything of value for others? I was assured there would be.

Almost immediately, we learned that Jim's eyes could be of value to another person or two.

Several weeks ago I received this letter from the donor network:

"37 grafts have been created from James' gift of bone and connective tissue. Potential recipients of bone include children suffering from congenital deformities, patients with bone cancer and victims of spinal injuries. Grafts also can be used for reconstructive surgery, spinal fusions and oral surgery. These recipients will experience freedom from pain, greater mobility, and the opportunity to live more active lives.

"These grafts have been sent to (they listed ten states and Great Britain)."

"We have been informed that 30 grafts have been distributed for transplant from James' gift of skin and were all used in breast reconstruction post mastectomy....."


Dear Father in Heaven, I just have to say thank You......for allowing me to have Jim in my life. And that you have Him, and all of us, as part of Your forever family. In Your Son's Name who makes everything possible. Amen.

**

Prayer for Friday; taken from Focus on the Family "31 Days of Prayer for our Nation"

Day 6: Pray for blessings on our children:

"Heavenly Father,

America's children are our most precious treasures. Please protect those who are in crisis. Bless those who have been orphaned with forever families. Instill truth and morality in the next generation....even in these turbulent times. Most of all give each child the opportunity to know You. In Jesus' name. Amen."

*

Prayer for Saturday: also taken from the Focus on the Family list

Day 24: Pray for racial tensions in America:

"Heavenly Father,

Some wounds only You can salve. I ask You to calm the racial tensions in America. Bring peace and understanding to our communities. Saturate our nation with love only possible through You. Give leaders wisdom and spark believers across the country to lead the way to harmony by example. In Jesus' name. Amen."

***

Printable Issue 3416  Today is Monday, October 17th, 2016; Karen's Korner #3416

(First a clarification. I don't how I thought wrong but it wasn't October 14, 2014 that Jim passed away, as I had posted on Friday; the date is October 17; today. What I wrote is just as true for today. )


"Lord, when doubts fill my mind, when my heart is in turmoil, quiet me and give me renewed hope and cheer."

~ Psalm 94:19 LAB

*

Bible Commentary:  "We have all experienced times when doubts fill our minds. The psalm writer saw evil people prospering and oppressing others, corrupt governments, condemnation of the innocent--much like we see in our world today. But because we know that God will not allow evil to continue forever, we must trust His timing and be responsible for our own obedience."

**

PRAYING FOR "31 Days" prior to the election

Prayer for Sunday:

DAY 8: Pray for America's churches to impact families.

"Heavenly Father,

I pray that You will use our churches to be Your tools to support families. Strengthen marriages and families within the church so that others can see them as examples of God's grace. Break the hearts of believers so they may see the world around them with compassion and love. In Jesus' name. Amen."

*

Prayer for Monday:

DAY 26:  Pray for America's future.

"Heavenly Father,

Thank You for America! I'm grateful for a nation of opportunity, personal freedoms and religious liberty. I pray today that You will continue to keep Your hand of blessing on our nation.......for our children and grandchildren. Raise up a new generation of leaders who know that our hope lies in You. In Jesus' name. Amen."


***




Printable Issue 3417  Today is Tuesday, October 18th, 2016; Karen's Korner #3417

Something today written by Anne Graham Lotz:


Never Alone Again

"In all their distress, he too was distressed;....he lifted them up and carried them."

~ Isaiah 63:9 NIV

*

"The solution to loneliness is not to give in or give up - or do what everyone else does - or go where everyone else goes  - or look like and speak like and think like and act like the world around you so you won't stand to so sharply from the crowd. The solution is not to withdraw into an uninvolved, inactive life. The solution is found when you discover meaning in the midst of loneliness as God Himself shares your loneliness while you walk with Him and work for Him.

"Two thousand years ago another solitary figure stood out in history. He stood alone against all the visible and invisible forces of evil in the universe. The sin of all mankind was placed upon Him as He walked to the place of sacrifice, carrying His own means of execution. He was betrayed by one of His best friends and denied by another. Not one person stood with Him - not the blind man to whom He had given sight, not the deaf man to whom He had given hearing, not the lame man to whom He had given strength. He was crucified on a Roman cross alone....that you need never be alone---ever again."

****

PRAY FOR TUESDAY.

Day 27:  Pray for our justice system.

"Heavenly Father,

Today, I pray for justice in America. I pray that You grant wisdom to both judges and jurors. I also pray that you guide and direct the members of our U.S. Supreme Court. Turn their hearts toward You and open their eyes to the importance of our religious freedoms and the value of life........every life. Anoint our future president to see the importance of nominating justices who believe in these principles. In Jesus' name. Amen."

****




Printable Issue 3418  Today is Wednesday, October 19th, 2016; Karen's Korner #3418

Something written by Max Lucado:

Prayer in its Purest Form

"Prayer doesn't have to be a matter of a month-long retreat or even an hour of meditation. Prayer is a conversation with God while driving to work or awaiting an appointment or before interacting with a client. Don't think for a minute that he is glaring at you from a distance with crossed arms and a scowl, waiting for you to get your prayer life together.....just the opposite.

"Jesus said, 'Here I am! I stand at the door and know, If you hear my voice and open the door, I will com in and eat with you, and you will eat with me' (Revelation 3:20 NCV). Jesus waits on the porch for you to open the door. And the happy welcome to Jesus is, Come in, O King. Come in. We speak and He listens. He speaks and we listen. It's prayer in its purest form. And God changes his people through such moments. Let him change you."

**

Prayer for Wednesday;

taken from "31 Days of Prayer" before the election.

Written by Focus on the Family.

DAY 1:  Pray for thriving families.

"Heavenly Father,

Thank You for the gift of family. I ask You to send healing, restoration, and strength to America's families. Build up a new generation of families equipped to live as a witness to the nation of Your power, love and grace. In Jesus' Name. Amen."

***




Printable Issue 3419  Today is Thursday, October 20th, 2016; Karen's Korner #3419

Our uncle Dick passed away several days ago. He and his wife Ruth lived their last number of years in a senior housing apartment; he moved about a month ago to a care facility. He was 95; she is 94. They were married for 73 years!

He needed a new body and a new life. And he has gotten it.

As we grow older, we need to be reminded of what God has in store for all of us as believers!


Dr. David Jeremiah stated in his book "Discover Paradise:  A Guidebook to Heaven, Your True Home::

Our New Bodies Will be Indestructible

"Paul describes four different qualities of the resurrection body, and he contrasts it with this present body. So our new bodies will be indestructible. 'So also is the resurrection of the dead. The body is sown'---and when you see the word 'sown; here it means 'buried'---'The body is (buried) in corruption it is raised in incorruption' (I Corinthians 15:42).

"Our new bodies are not like our bodies. Our current bodies wear out. We get old; we begin to notice that our parts don't work as they once did. We discover that no matter what we try and no matter what the infomercials promise, we can't stop the aging process.

"You can listen to people pitch all of these products, call their toll-free numbers, and buy everything they offer. And you know what? It won't work! Because you cannot stop the body from aging. You can slow it down or camouflage it, but you can't stop it!

"Our present bodies are buried in corruption, but our resurrection bodies are incorruptible. They are not capable of deterioration or decay. When we get our new bodies, they're bodies for life! They're bodies for eternity! These new bodies will never get old. They will never get tired. What shall be then shall be forever! We will be what we will be forever and ever. Our resurrection bodies will not be subject to accident or disease or age. We will be free from pain and decay and death. Our bodies will never wear out and will never die. Our new bodies will outlive the stars.

Are you ready for a body like that? WOW!

"If your knees won't take the pounding you used to give them while running or your back can't take it when you ride a bike, you won't have to worry about those aches and pains EVER AGAIN! When you get to Heaven, you will be able to run with ease because you will have a perfect, indestructible, non-wear-out-able body. Your extreme makeover makes you indestructible!

**

Praying for '31 Days' prior to the election from Focus on the Family.

DAY 6:  Pray for God's wisdom and understanding parents.

"Heavenly Father,

Thank You for the blessing of children! Grant parents across the country the understanding, strength, and biblical wisdom to raise godly kids. Surround couples and single parents with a caring support system of family, church, and friends. In Jesus' Name. Amen."

****


Printable Issue 3420  Today is Friday, October 21st, 2016; Karen's Korner #3420

Today's Karen's Korner is all taken from Focus on the Family's '31 Days of Prayer' for our nation prior to our election. There are lots of bits and pieces:  Bible verses; prayers by Christian leaders you may or may not know plus the 31 individual daily prayers.

Here are a couple of parts:


"If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land."

~ 2 Chronicles 7:14 ESV

*

Written by Dr. R. Albert Mohler, Jr.

President, Southern Baptist Theological Seminary

"Almighty Father,

You have place us in a time and in a season where we are allowed the privilege of participating in our government. Lord, we pray that we would steward the responsibilities of our democracy well. We pray we would discharge our responsibilities as citizens in a way that honors You and magnifies Your sovereignty and kingship over all. Father, we pray that You will give us leaders, congress people, senators, justices, and presidents who will uphold righteousness and do justice. We pray for leaders who value the dignity of every human life.

In Christ's name we pray. Amen."

*

PRAYER FOR FRIDAY:

Day 20:  Pray for healing in our nation.

"Heavenly Father,

America stands divided for so many reasons---violence, racial tensions, immorality, and more. I pray that You will bring healing and peace to our nation. We cannot achieve true unity without Your hand of grace and mercy. From leaders in our government, to my family members, I ask You to soften hearts and foster unity. In Jesus' name. Amen."

*

PRAYER FOR SATURDAY:

Day 22:  Pray for our military.

"Heavenly Father,

I'm thankful for a military to guard and protect America's freedom here and around the world. I pray that You will cover our military service members and their families with a far-reaching shield of protection. Ensure our nation continues to support these brave men and women of our military as deserving heroes. In Jesus' name. Amen."

****



Printable Issue 3421  Today is Monday, October 24th, 2016; Karen's Korner #3421

Some short thoughts from people, places, and things over the past few days:

From Father Jerry, local priest:

"God is a god of 'order'. The opposite of order is 'chaos'."

We need to embrace in our culture and our world, God's order, to work toward eliminating the chaos we see around us. We can make a difference.

*

From our minister Pastor Warren:

"I have chosen to be the Servant of the Most High God."

Regardless of any elections, we can vote to be the 'servant of the most high God'.

*

From Dr. Mike Smalley, words which Satan hates us saying:

1) Jesus! 2) Forgive! 3) Help! 4) Others! 5) Trust! 6) YES!; 7) Seed (sow, water, reap)!

Relook at that list of words, saying one of those words. What do they mean to you? Each word can be a 'prayer'.

**

Taken from Focus on the Family's "31 Days of Prayer".

PRAYER FOR SUNDAY:

DAY 18:  Pray for local churches to reach the hurting.

"Heavenly Father,

I ask You to equip churches to be Christ's hands and feet of compassion to hurting people in their communities. Unite believers with the understanding and resources to make a difference for hurting people in Your name. In Jesus' Name."

*

PRAYER FOR MONDAY:

DAY 15:  Pray for the hungry in America.

"Heavenly Father,

I pray for the hungry in our country. I pray for children born into poverty, single parents who struggle to put food on the table, and families in crisis. Connect them with organizations that can help. Empower groups dedicated to feeding the hungry to reach even farther. Let me know what I can do to help the hungry in my own community. In Jesus' name. Amen."

***



Printable Issue 3422  Today is Tuesday, October 25th, 2016; Karen's Korner #3422

From Max Lucado:

Do-Be-Do-Be-Do!

"Do. Be. Do. Be. Do. Do-be-do-be-do. Are you familiar with the old Frank Sinatra tune? Most people embrace as do-be theology. The assumption that God saves people who do the right thing or who behave in the right way. So, do good! Be moral. Be honest. Be decent. Keep your promises. Pay taxes. Earn merit badges.

"Yet for all the talk about being good, still no one can answer the fundamental question. What level of good is good enough? At stake is our eternal destination, yet we're more confident about lasagna recipes than requirements for heaven. Bizarre!

"God has a better idea. 'For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God' (Ephesians 2:8). We contribute nothing. Zilch. Our merits...merit nothing. God's work merits everything!"

**

Praying for our election with '31 Days of Prayer' from Focus on the Family.

DAY 28:  Pray for courage and wisdom for voters.

"Heavenly Father,

Thank Your for our system of government that gives us an opportunity to vote and be a voice in our nation. I pray that as Americans go to the polls next month, You grant them wisdom and courage to vote for leaders who will support families, religious freedom and life. In Jesus' name. Amen."

***

Printable Issue 3423  Today is Wednesday, October 26th, 2016; Karen's Korner #3423

"Trust the Lord completely; don't ever trust yourself. In everything you do; put God first, and He will direct you and crown your efforts with success."'

~ Proverbs 3:5, 6 LAB

*

Bible Commentary: "When we have an important decision to make, we sometimes feel that we can't trust anyone---not even God. But God knows what is best for us. He is a better judge of what we want than even we are! We must trust Him completely in every choice we make. This does not mean we cannot study the options and make intelligent decisions, or that we should have no confidence in our ability. It means, however, that we must not be wise in our own eyes. We should always be willing to listen to and be connected by others. Bring your decision to God in prayer; use the Bible as your guide; and then do what is right."

**

Praying using Focus on the Family's '31 Days of Prayer'.

Prayer for Wednesday.

DAY 19: Pray for God's People to be light:

"Heavenly Father,

I pray that Christians---myself included---will live out the principles of the Bible daily and be light in the darkness. Give me the courage and strength to stand up for Scriptural principles and morality. Allow opportunities for me and other believers to impact people in our community. I want to be Your representative. In Jesus' Name. Amen."

***



Printable Issue 3424  Today is Thursday, October 27th, 2016; Karen's Korner #3424

A writing by Anne Graham Lotz:

Faith that Works

"If you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move."

~ Matthew 17:20 NKJV

*

"Are you discouraged because you have not received 'anything from the Lord' as it relates to your prayer life? When Jesus' disciples were discouraged by their inability to get answers to prayer and so were ineffective in helping others. He encouraged them by pointing out that even faith the size of a mustard seed could move mountains. The key to faith that works is the foundation on which it is placed.

"Base your faith in prayer on God's Word. Ask Him to give you a promise that applies specifically to your situation. Then claim in persistently in prayer until God keeps His Word."

**

Praying for '31 Days' from Focus on the Family.

PRAYER FOR THURSDAY:

DAY 11:  Pray for pre-born babies.

"Heavenly Father,

I ask You to intervene on behalf of one million pre-born babies at risk of abortion this year. Reveal Your truth to abortion-vulnerable moms and save the lives of these children. Work through legislators to create laws and regulations that protect life. Work in the hearts of judges and government leaders to understand that these lives are precious. In Jesus' name. Amen."

****




Printable Issue 3425  Today is Friday, October 28th, 2016; Karen's Korner #3425

A daily entry written by Sarah Young's "Jesus Calling:  Enjoying Peace in His Presence", as if Jesus is speak to each reader, from several days ago:


"Lie down in green pastures of Peace. Learn to unmind whenever possible, resting in the Presence of your Shepherd. This electronic age keeps My children 'wired' much of the time, too tense to find Me in the midst of their moments. I built into your very being the need for rest. How twisted the world has become when people feel guilty about meeting this basic need! How much time and energy they waste by being always on the go, rather than taking time to seek My direction for their lives.

"I have called you to walk with Me down paths of Peace. I want you to blaze a trail for others who desire to live in My peaceful Presence. I have chosen you less for your strengths than for your weaknesses, with amplify your need for Me. Depend on Me more and more, and I will shower Peace on all your paths."

~ Taken from Psalm 23:1 - 3; Genesis 2:2 - 3; Luke 1:79

*

Praying prayers '31 Days' written by Focus on the Family.

Prayer for Friday:

DAY 24:  Pray for racial tensions in America.

"Heavenly Father,

Some wounds only You can salve. I ask You to calm the racial tensions in America. Bring peace and understanding to our communities. Saturate our nation with love only possible through You. Give leaders wisdom and spark believers across the country to lead the way to harmony by example. In Jesus' name. Amen."

*

Prayer for Saturday:

Day 7:  Pray for our nation's schools and educational system.

"Heavenly Father,

Thank you for the blessing of an education for our nation's children. Please fill our classrooms with godly teachers. Give wisdom to administrators. Protect and guide today's students who will be tomorrow's leaders. Give them a love of our American heritage and religious liberties. Encourage parents to be involved in our schools and guide parents teaching at home. In Jesus' name. Amen.

***


Printable Issue 3426  Today is Monday, October 31st, 2016; Karen's Korner #3426

"Listen closely to my prayer, O God. Hear my urgent cry.

I will call to you whenever trouble strikes, and you will help me."

~ Psalm 86:6,7 LAB

*

Bible Commentary:  "The psalm writer was asking God to revive his people. God is capable of reviving both churches and individuals. He can pour out His love on us, bringing us back to loving Him. If we need renewal in our churches, families, or our personal spiritual lives, we need to ask God to give us a fresh touch of His love and kindness."

**

"31 Days of Prayer" before our elections, written by Focus on the Family:

PRAYER FOR SUNDAY:

Day 3:  Pray for men as husbands and fathers.

"Heavenly Father,

You created men to be spiritual leaders in their families. I pray that You give guidance and strength to husbands and fathers in America. Empower them to grow their families in faith even against the tide of culture. Raise up men with strong values who will ensure their children have a loving father in their lives. In Jesus' name. Amen.'

*

PRAYER FOR MONDAY"

Day 4:  Pray for women as wives and mothers.

"Heavenly Father,

You have equipped women uniquely with the gift of nurturing. Empower today's wives and mothers as living examples of Your compassion and grace. Reveal Your heart to wives across America to be prayer warriors and encouragers. Fill them with patience, understanding and gentle strength for the sake of their children and husbands. In Jesus' name. Amen.

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