Karen's Korner - Daily Inspirational Stories by Karen Weld
Browse my Site
Home
Archives
Karen's Guestbook
Search my Site



Subscribe to Karens Korner on Mail Chimp
Subscribing to Karens Korner will give you a new issue in your Email box almost every day
rss RSS Feed
I'm Karen

February 2019 Archives

Printable Issue 3970  Today is Friday, February 1st, 2019; Karen's Korner #3970

(Jesus said:)

"And note this:

some who are despised now will be greatly honored then,

and some who are highly thought of now will be

least important then."

~ Luke 13:30 LAB

*

Bible Commentary:  "There will be many surprises in God's Kingdom. Some who are despised now will be greatly honored then; some influential people here will be left outside the gates. Many 'great' people on this earth (in God's eyes) are virtually ignored by the rest of the world. What matters to God is not one's earthly popularity, status, wealth, heritage, or power, but one's commitment to Christ. How do our values match what the Bible tells us to value? We need to make sure our values match what the Bible tells us to value. Are we making sure we put God in first place so we will join the people from all over the world who will take their places in the Kingdom of Heaven?"


Heavenly Father, help us to see ourselves and others as you see us and them. We aren't going to do that well on our own. Like everything else in our lives, we need Your help. Thank You for being our kind, caring, and loving Heavenly Father. In Jesus' Name. Amen.


Printable Issue 3971  Today is Monday, February 4th, 2019; Karen's Korner #3971

Everything Will Be New

"Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth,

for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away."

~ Revelation 21:1 NIV


"Plant earth is, at the very least, thousands of years old. Some think it may be millions or billions of years old. And it is showing signs of age. It is getting frayed and worn out. It is being polluted, gouged, stripped, burned, and poisoned, and much of the damage has been willfully and selfishly inflicted by man. But some of the scars are simply due to the wear and tear of age. It was not created to last forever!

"In contrast, our heavenly home is going to be brand-new. Not just restored, but created fresh.

"What scars of sin or stains of guilt do you bear in your life?........In your emotions? In your personality? In your relationships? In your memories? Like planet earth, do you feel abused and gouged and worn out and burned by other people? One day there will be no more scars. Everything--including your heart, mind, emotions, psyche, and memories, past, present, and future-----will be made new."


~ By Anne Graham Lotz

***



Printable Issue 3972  Today is Tuesday, February 5th, 2019; Karen's Korner #3972

Taken from 'Portals of Prayer' and its January - March edition. The February portion was contributed by Rev. Andrew T. Yeager of Garrett, Indiana.

Here was an entry from the first part of February, in part:


"Satan is our accuser, bringing our sin into the heavenly courtroom for a guilty verdict. The good news is that we also have an advocate, a defense attorney in heaven freely appointed for us---the Lord Jesus. He is our great High Priest, who ascended into heaven to sit at God's right hand and plead our case before God.

"When Jesus pleads for us, He doesn't bring our good works as evidence for our acquittal. Even our best works are filthy rags. When Jesus pleads our case before God, He pleads His own precious blood, the blood that paid for our sins and reconciled us to the Father. Through faith in Jesus saving blood, God's heavenly verdict over us is 'not guilty'. God declares us righteous and justified, and Satan has nothing left with which to accuse us."


"Jesus, thank You for being my advocate before the Father. Amen."

***

Printable Issue 3973  Today is Wednesday, February 6th, 2019; Karen's Korner #3973

"But He knows every detail of what is happening to me,

and when He has examined me,

He will pronounce me completely innocent---

as pure as solid gold!"

~ Job 23:10 LAB

*

Bible Commentary:  (Job was responding to Elphaz who was saying Job's troubles were of his own causing) "We are always likely to have hidden sin in our lives; sin we don't even know about especially when God's standards are so high and our performance so imperfect. If we are true believers, all of our sins are forgiven because of what Christ did on the cross in our behalf. The Bible also teaches that even if our mind should condemn us, God is greater than our mind. His forgiveness and cleansing are sufficient; they overrule our mind's nagging doubts. The Holy Spirit in us is our proof that we are innocent in God's eyes even though we may FEEL guilty. If we, like Job, are truly seeking God, we can stand up to the accusations of others as well as our own nagging doubts. If God has forgiven and accepted us, we are forgiven indeed."

*****


Printable Issue 3974  Today is Thursday, February 7th, 2019; Karen's Korner #3974

Anyone but me think things are sometimes crazy? If everything is good in our own worlds, we know others who their world isn't what they'd like. Or something in  our nation or some other country is askew!

As Karen's Korner readers know, our Marys & Marthas (M & Ms), an ecumenical group locally, sends cards of encouragement and thanks to police departments across the U.S. who have had an officer shot or killed in the line of duty.

We had a mid-month meeting in January and do not have another one until Tuesday, February 19. So far I have the names of five police departments and one sheriff's department who have lost a fellow officer!

Crazy!


Here is Sarah Young's "Jesus Calling:  Enjoying Peace in His Presence" from yesterday:


"Come to Me and rest. I am all about you, to bless and restore. Breathe Me in with each breath. The way just ahead of you is very steep. Slow down and cling tightly to My hand. I am teaching you a difficult lesson, learned only by hardship.

"Lift up empty hands of faith to receive My precious Presence. Light, Life, Joy, and Peace flow freely through this gift. When your focus turns away from Me, you grasp for other things. You drop the glowing gift of My Presence as you reach for lifeless ashes. Return to Me; regain My Presence."

~ Taken from Matthew 1:28 - 29; 1 Timothy 2:8

**

Printable Issue 3975  Today is Friday, February 8th, 2019; Karen's Korner #3975

(This is the last Karen's Korner for a week as I will be away from my computer.)


Our community is saddened at the loss of life of Bailey Devries, 22, who was killed on Tuesday afternoon in a car accident.

To know Bailey, was to love her. She came from a less-than-the best background. But something special happened to her in her middle years. She became part of CHICKS, a Christian support group of local gals in their teens. Her leaders helped her to hear about the love of Jesus for her and her friends. She latched on to Jesus and His Love and Saving Grace.

It was more than a passing fad. She lived it in every part of her life. College looked like an impossibility financially for her. So at the end of her junior year of high school, she joined the Iowa National Guard; spent six months in training, with a break between, before she was deployed to Afghanistan - serving there for a year!

Her military service help to sponsor her college quest at Emmaus Bible College in Dubuque. Any spare time, she invested in others:  Bible studies, support of younger gals in their youth groups, volunteering or working at summer church camps, and just talking to others about her excitement in being one of His Kids!

When her college posted on Wednesday that she had been killed, they also posted her words of what Jesus meant to her. Plus they posted a Bible verse that tells what Bailey and all of us are possessors of what it means to have Him in our lives:


"And now, dear brothers (and sisters!), I want you to know what happens to a Christian

when he (she) dies so that when it happens,

you will not be full of sorrow,

as those are who have no hope.

For since we believe that Jesus died and then came back to life again,

we can also believe that when Jesus returns,

God will bring back with Him all the Christians who have died."

~ 1 Thessalonians 4:13: 14 LAB

**

Printable Issue 3976  Today is Monday, February 18th, 2019; Karen's Korner #3976

Because I was gone last week, I didn't have the opportunity to attend any of Bailey's services. (Young gal killed in a traffic accident and shared with Karen's Korner readers on Friday before I left.) Her visitation was on Monday; funeral on Tuesday; and burial at the Iowa Veteran's Cemetery near noon on Friday.

This is quote from Bailey's facebook page and reprinted on the back of her funeral brochure:


"The devil whispered in my ear,

'You're not strong enough to withstand the storm.'

Today I whispered in the devil's ear,

'I am a child of God,

a woman of faith,

a warrior for Christ.

I am the storm."


How did Bailey know who she was? She read who she is in the Bible; then she believed it. And by belief, she experienced it.

The Bible says, "For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a strong mind." (2 Timothy 1:7 Good News).

Like Bailey, we can be free from fear; and experience His power and love. "Paul (writer of Timothy) mentions these three characteristics which are available to us because the Holy Spirit lives in us." (Bible Commentary)

Thank You, Jesus, for Bailey and her short life. And what she taught us. Thank You that we too can walk in Your Power, Love, and with Freedom from fear. In Your Name, we pray. Amen.


Printable Issue 3977  Today is Tuesday, February 19th, 2019; Karen's Korner #3977

Something written by Max Lucado. Always more we can learn and do.


Learn to Listen to God

"I believe we can learn to listen to God if we are equipped with the right tools. The first tool is a regular time and place. Select a slot on your schedule and a corner of your world, and claim it for God. Take enough time to say what you want and for God to say what He wants.

"The second tool is an open Bible. Pray first, asking God to help you understand it. Study the Bible a little at a time. Read until a verse 'hits' you. Then meditate on it and write it down.

"The third tool is a listening heart. We know we're listening when what we read in the Bible is what others see in our lives. If you want to be just like Jesus, spend time listening for Him until you receive your lesson for the day-------and then apply it."

***

Printable Issue 3978  Today is Wednesday, February 20th, 2019; Karen's Korner #3978

Yesterday's "Jesus Calling:  Enjoying Peace in His Presence":


"You are feeling weighed down by a plethora of problems,

both big and small.

They seem to require more and more of your attention,

but you must not give in to those demands.

When the difficulties in your life feel as if they're closing in on you,

break free by spending quality time with Me.

You need to remember who I AM in all My Power and Glory.

Then, humbly bring Me your prayers and petitions.

Your problems will pale when you view them in the Light of My Presence.

You can learn to be joyful in Me, your Savior,

even in the midst of adverse circumstances.

Rely on Me, your Strength,

I make your feet like the feet of deer,

enabling you to go on the heights."


~ Exodus 3:14; Habakkuk 3:17 - 19

***

Printable Issue 3979  Today is Thursday, February 21st, 2019; Karen's Korner #3979

As a Bible reader, I pick a book and read it. Do I pick it or does God help me select what I read? I don't know. But no matter. They are loaded with things that help me/us be better people than we would be without His help!

Right now I am charging through Proverbs. I read the first part of chapter 15. Lots of good 'wise sayings' written by Solomon. I am sharing two today. (And they are so good ones, might share one or two tomorrow, too!)


"A gentle answer turns away wrath, but harsh words cause quarrels." (verse 1)

*

Bible Commentary:  "Have you ever tried to argue in a whisper? It is equally hard to argue with someone who insists on answering softly. On the other hand, a rising voice almost always triggers an angry response. If the most important goal is to win the argument, then you had better warm up your vocal cords. But if your goal is to seek peace, then a consistently quiet response is your best choice."

*

"When a man (woman) is gloomy, everything seems to go wrong;

when he (she) is cheerful, everything seems right!"  (verse 15)

*

Bible Commentary: "Our attitudes color our whole personality. We cannot always choose what happens to us, but we can choose our attitude toward each situation. The secret to a good attitude is filling our minds with good things-----thoughts that are true, pure, and lovely; thoughts that dwell on the good things in life (Philippians 4:8). This was Paul's secret, as he faced imprisonment, and it can be ours as we face the struggles of daily living. Look at your attitudes, and then examine what you allow to enter your mind and what you choose to dwell on. You may need to make some changes."


***



Printable Issue 3980  Today is Friday, February 22nd, 2019; Karen's Korner #3980

"Better a little with reverence for God,

than great treasure and trouble with it." (Proverbs 15:16)

*

"Humility and reverence for the Lord

will make you both wise and honored." (Proverbs 15:33)

*

"We can make our plans,

but the final outcome is in God's hands." (Proverbs 16:1)

*

"Commit your work to the Lord,

then it will succeed." (Proverbs 16:3)

**

Printable Issue 3981  Today is Monday, February 25th, 2019; Karen's Korner #3981

Most Karen's Korner readers live in Iowa. We all got snow yesterday! Depending on where we live in Iowa, some got more than others. Here in north central Iowa we got a lot (I was told 14")! Plus blowing and drifting. I am still blocked in. Hard to tell when I will get out.

But today is a beautiful day when compared to yesterday!

Have you ever noticed when we enjoy things the most and are the most grateful? It's the day after! The day after the snowstorm! The day following the positive doctor's report! The day following the dreaded confrontation with the boss or a loved!

Several times I recall after a bad cold, "Once I can breathe decent, I will always be grateful for a nose which works!" The thought doesn't last but a few days. Then I am off to thinking about something else.

Today:  I am thankful for a nicer day!

Philippians 4:4 tells us to "always be full of joy in the Lord; I say it again, rejoice!" We have an advantage as Christians, we have His Holy Spirit residing within us. We have joy packed in but do we access that joy with His help? The Bible Commentary on this verse says, "Ultimate joy comes from Christ dwelling within us. At Christ's Second Coming, we will fully realize this ultimate joy, because He who dwells within us will fulfill His final purpose for us."

So just for today, let's celebrate His joy whether we feel like it, act like it, or not!


Printable Issue 3982  Today is Tuesday, February 26th, 2019; Karen's Korner #3982

Yesterday's Sarah Young "Jesus Calling: Enjoying Peace in His Presence" was a good one!


"Rest in My Presence, allowing Me to take charge of this day. Do not bolt into the day like a racehorse suddenly released. Instead, walk purposefully with Me, letting Me direct your course one step at a time. Thank Me for each blessing along the way; this brings Joy to both you and Me. A grateful heart protects you from negative thinking. Thankfulness enables you to see the abundance I shower upon you daily. Your prayers and petitions are winged into heaven's throne room when they are permeated with thanksgiving. In everything give thanks for this is My will for you."


~ Colossians 4:2; I Thessalonians 5:18 (NASB)

***

Printable Issue 3983  Today is Wednesday, February 27th, 2019; Karen's Korner #3983

I like it when someone shares something they enjoy..

Here is something forwarded to me by Jane Wallestad:


Celtic Morning Prayer

Christ we rise today

Knowing that you alone

Know our hearts

You alone can change

Our sadness into joy

Forgive us our shortcomings

Teach us patience

Teach us to forgive

Those who have injured us

And keep us from injuring others

Keep our way lighted

With your steadfast love

Amen


***



Printable Issue 3984  Today is Thursday, February 28th, 2019; Karen's Korner #3984

I receive a quarterly newsletter from Anne Graham Lotz, one of Billy Graham's children. Taken from her winter edition.

She talked about the story of Mary and Martha and their concerns about their brother Lazarus. He was sick. They believed if Jesus would come, he would be healed. Instead Jesus didn't get there in time. Their brother died. They greeted Him with, "if you would have been here..."

Jesus response, "This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God's glory so that God's Son may be glorified through it." (John 11:4).

From her writings:  "On August 17, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. Almost immediately, God seemed to give me a promise from James 5:17, 'Pray for one another that you may be healed.' I believed God was promising to heal me in answer to your prayers, even though I didn't know it if would be before surgery, through surgery, using chemotherapy and/or radiation. So my journey of faith began, undergirded by the prayers of many people.

"Rather than be healed before the surgery, I went through surgery. Rather than the cancer being contained, it was found in a lymph node. Rather than experiencing minimum side-effects to chemotherapy, I experienced a severe side effect to my second treatment. Rather than stay on schedule, my treatment was delayed for a week, and another chemotherapy infusion added.

"So.......when things get worse, how should you and I respond? With complaints? Self-pity? Fear? Doubt? Or trust.....

.........that God has a greater promise than our immediate comfort.

.........that getting what we want, when we want it, is not always for our good or His glory.

.........that our faith is of more value than our physical health.

.........that His strength will be sufficient for each moment of each day.

.........that His blessings will outweigh any trial.

"In this New Year----when things get worse---let's choose to lay our expectations down and trust God alone. Period."